Halftone Printing via Pixel-Level Colorant Deposition Order Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems lack control over colorant deposition order at the pixel level, which affects print properties such as color, coalescence, and grain, as existing methods do not provide per-pixel resolution control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of augmented Neugebauer Primary (NP) vectors that include pixel-level masking information, allowing for precise control of colorant deposition order at each pixel, enabling pixel-resolution control of print properties by specifying both colorant combinations and deposition orders within the halftoning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional NP vector systems are used for halftoning, then the printing process is simple, but control over colorant deposition order at pixel level is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the halftoning control into multiple components: standard NP vectors for colorant combinations and additional pixel-level masking layers for deposition order control. Each pixel's final control signal is composed by combining these segmented elements, enabling independent optimization of color mixing and deposition sequencing without requiring complete redesign of the halftoning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the traditional NP vector approach by introducing pixel-level masking that specifies deposition order. This transforms the static colorant combination control into dynamic multi-stage deposition control, adding control over the sequence of colorant application while maintaining the original color mixing capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel-level control of colorant deposition order is implemented, then print properties such as color and grain improve, but data structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores pixel-level masking values in lookup tables during system initialization or pre-processing. These pre-computed masking patterns encode the desired deposition order information, which are then efficiently retrieved and combined with NP vectors during actual printing operations, avoiding complex real-time calculations and reducing data transmission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent represents pixel-level masking information using compact parameter encodings that specify deposition order through efficient data structures. By changing the representation format from detailed sequential instructions to compressed parameter sets, the system maintains full pixel-level control capability while significantly reducing the amount of data that must be stored, transmitted, and processed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple colorant deposition orders are specified per pixel, then access to expanded pixel states is achieved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of colorant combinations (NP vectors) and deposition order (pixel-level masking) into a unified halftoning framework. By combining these previously separate control functions into a single integrated system that processes both aspects simultaneously, the patent enables versatile pixel state control without requiring separate processing pipelines for each control dimension, thereby reducing overall processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods of controlling printing of a halftone image are disclosed as well as apparatuses and computer-readable storage mediums relating thereto. In an example, the method includes receiving input data indicating a first colorant deposition order for a colorant combination and a second colorant deposition order for the colorant combination, wherein the second colorant deposition order is different from the first colorant deposition order. Control data is generated based on the input data. The control data includes first pixel data associating a first pixel in the halftone image with the first colorant deposition order, and second pixel data associating a second pixel in the halftone image with the second colorant deposition order. The control data is used to control a printer to print the halftone.