Grayscale Printing Control Method for Thermal Print Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing grayscale printing control methods for thermal print heads suffer from reduced printing speed due to long data transmission times, especially when handling high grayscale levels, as they require numerous pulses and heat dissipation intervals, leading to heat accumulation and distortion.
Innovation Solution
A method that converts grayscale image data into multi-bit binary data, forming data sets corresponding to predetermined strobe times, allowing the print head heater to heat only during specific strobe periods, thereby reducing the number of printing strobes and data transmission times while maintaining high-quality grayscale printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple pulses are continuously transmitted to achieve high grayscale levels, then the printing density is improved, but the printing speed deteriorates due to long data transmission time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the print head before actual printing. The control system sends a preheat signal to raise the print head temperature in advance, so that during the subsequent printing process, the print head can immediately respond to heating instructions without waiting for gradual warmth-up, thereby reducing overall printing time while maintaining high grayscale quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the print head heater to operate in discrete strobe periods rather than continuously. The system divides the printing process into specific time intervals (strobe periods) where the heater is activated only when needed based on the grayscale requirements, allowing for efficient heat management and faster data transmission cycles
2Manufacturing precision
If heating time is extended to achieve higher grayscale levels, then printing density is improved, but heat accumulation occurs causing grayscale distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing controlled strobe periods with specific duty cycles. The heater is activated in periodic pulses rather than continuously, allowing heat to be applied in measured intervals. This periodic heating pattern prevents heat accumulation while maintaining sufficient temperature for high grayscale levels, thereby avoiding grayscale distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the heater control parameters based on the required grayscale level. The system modifies the duty cycle and duration of heating pulses according to the specific grayscale requirements of different image regions, ensuring optimal heating without excessive heat accumulation that would cause distortion
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
This approach significantly improves printing speed by reducing the number of strobes and data transmissions required for high grayscale levels, ensuring efficient and accurate grayscale printing without compromising quality.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal printer generates heat using a print head heater, so as to cause chemical changes of a thermo-sensitive layer on the surface of a printing paper
Implementation Method 2
generates heat using a print head heater to heat the dye on an ink ribbon which is then melted on the surface of a printing paper
Data Source
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AI summary
A grayscale printing control method, a device thereof and a storage medium are provided. The method comprises: determining the grayscale level of image data of each point in each point line and converting the same into multi-bit binary data; forming a data set using the binary data of the same bit of all the points in a point line, thereby forming multiple data sets; each data set corresponding to a predetermined strobe time, and the print head heater corresponding to each point heating upon receiving predetermined data during the strobe time. The present invention can reduce the number of printing strobes and the times of data transmission while ensuring printing quality, thereby greatly improving printing speed.