Droplet Ejection Device Treating Agent Application Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing droplet ejection devices face challenges in maintaining image quality when the remaining amount of treating agent is low, leading to inevitable degradation due to ink blur or seep through, without sufficient measures to secure a certain level of image quality.
Innovation Solution
A droplet ejection device and control system that includes a storing unit for image data, a head for ejecting droplets, a treating-agent application member, an extract unit for specific image portions, a detection unit for the treating agent's remaining amount, and a control unit that adjusts the treating-agent application based on the remaining amount, applying it differently to specific and non-specific image portions to ensure image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the ejection amount of ink droplets is reduced to suppress ink blur, then ink blur is suppressed, but image quality degradation occurs and certain level of image quality cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different amounts of treating agent to different sections of the recording medium based on the image content. The first section (containing specific image portions) receives normal treating agent application to maintain image quality, while the second section (containing non-specific portions) receives reduced treating agent application to conserve resources. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring adequate treating agent application where needed for image quality while reducing application elsewhere to manage treating agent consumption.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the amount of treating agent applied is reduced to delay depletion, then treating agent longevity is improved, but image quality degradation occurs due to ink seep through
Solution Approach 1:
The system differentiates treating agent application based on image section importance. The first section with specific image portions receives full treating agent application to prevent ink seep through and maintain image quality, while the second section with non-specific portions receives reduced application to extend treating agent longevity. This localized approach allows the system to maintain image quality where critical while conserving treating agent for extended operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If treating agent is applied uniformly to all sections, then image quality is maintained, but treating agent depletes quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform treating agent application by dividing the recording medium into first and second sections. The first section (with specific image portions requiring quality maintenance) receives normal treating agent application, while the second section (with non-specific portions) receives reduced application. This local quality differentiation maintains image quality where necessary while significantly reducing overall treating agent consumption to extend cartridge life.
Data Source
AI summary
A droplet ejection device includes a head that ejects droplets onto a recording medium so as to form an image, an extract unit that extracts a part of the image as a specific image portion, and a control unit that controls a treating-agent application member to apply treating agent to a first section and a second section of the recording medium. The specific image portion is formed in the first section, and at least a part of a non-specific image portion of the image is formed in the second section. When a remaining amount of the treating agent is less than a first amount, the treating-agent application member applies the treating agent to the second section by an amount less than an amount of the treating agent that is applied to the second section when the remaining amount is not less than the first amount.