Dynamic Pre-processing Liquid Application for Inkjet Image Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet image forming methods face issues with image bleeding and contraction due to inadequate pre-processing and drying processes, which affect image quality and resolution.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus and method that includes a pre-processing unit applying a pre-processing liquid based on image resolution and a dryer using a drying strength determined by the image resolution to improve ink aggregation and drying efficiency, thereby enhancing image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed amount of pre-processing liquid is applied regardless of image resolution, then the pre-processing process is simple, but image bleeding and contraction occur affecting image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpre-processing control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-processing liquid application amount is made dynamic by adjusting it according to image resolution. The pre-processing liquid application unit is configured to vary the application amount based on the resolution parameter, transforming a static process into a dynamic one that adapts to different printing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of pre-processing liquid application amount based on image resolution. By linking the application amount to the resolution parameter, the system optimizes image quality for different resolution requirements while preventing bleeding and contraction issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If strong drying is applied to all images, then drying efficiency is high, but printing medium contraction occurs, but if weak drying is applied, then contraction is reduced, but drying efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting medium dimensional stabilityVSAvoiddrying efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drying strength is made dynamic by adjusting it according to image resolution. The drying unit varies the drying strength parameter based on resolution requirements, ensuring optimal dimensional stability without excessive drying that would cause contraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the drying strength parameter based on image resolution. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve appropriate drying efficiency while maintaining printing medium dimensional stability for different resolution requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If pre-processing liquid application amount is increased, then ink aggregation improves, but printing medium saturation and bleeding occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink aggregation qualityVSAvoidimage bleeding

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the pre-processing liquid application amount parameter based on image resolution. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient ink aggregation for high-quality images while preventing over-saturation that would cause bleeding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces image bleeding and contraction, improving the overall quality of the printed image by optimizing the amount and drying of the pre-processing liquid based on image resolution.

Implementation Method 1

a pretreatment process of forming an ink receiving layer that aggregates colorant on paper of ink by applying the precoating liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

forming an ink receiving layer that aggregates colorant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 3

a drying process of drying the precoating liquid by heating the paper near the ink receiving layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

drying the precoating liquid by heating the paper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8967753B2Image forming apparatus using a pre-processing liquid and drying a printing medium, and image forming method using a pre-processing liquid and drying the printing medium

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD

AI summary

An image forming apparatus including an image forming device that ejects the droplets onto a printing medium, and forms an image on a surface of the printing medium; a pre-processing device that applies a pre-processing liquid to the surface of the printing medium before the image forming device forms the image; and a dryer configured to dry the printing medium on which the pre-processing liquid was applied, wherein the pre-processing device applies on amount of the pre-processing liquid that is determined based on resolution of the image formed on the printing medium, and the dryer dries using a drying strength that is determined based on the resolution of the image formed on the printing medium.