Halftone Processing Rule Generation for Inkjet Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems face challenges in generating halftone processing rules that are appropriate for specific printing modes, as they often do not adequately reflect the characteristics of the printing system, leading to suboptimal image quality due to system errors such as head vibration, non-jetting, and landing interference.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a printing system generates a halftone processing rule by acquiring characteristic parameters through a characteristic parameter acquisition chart, which includes simulation images considering system errors, to optimize the halftone process for each printing mode, thereby improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a halftone process is performed using conventional methods without considering specific printing system characteristics, then the processing is simple and fast, but the image quality deteriorates due to system errors such as head vibration, non-jetting, and landing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating halftone processing rules in advance that incorporate simulation images reflecting expected system errors. The simulation images are created beforehand to include characteristics like head vibration, non-jetting, and landing interference, allowing the halftone processing rules to be optimized before actual printing occurs. This enables the system to compensate for known errors without adding real-time complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating simulation images that replicate the expected characteristics of actual printed images under various system errors. These simulation images serve as models or copies of what the printing system will produce, allowing the halftone processing rules to be developed and optimized based on these representations rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If halftone processing rules are generated based on simulation images reflecting system characteristics, then image quality improves and system errors are addressed, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the computationally intensive simulation and rule generation in advance, before actual printing operations. By creating simulation images and generating halftone processing rules beforehand, the system avoids time-consuming calculations during production printing, thus reducing the perceived processing time loss during operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting halftone processing parameters based on the simulation results. Once the optimal parameters are determined through simulation, they are fixed and reused for actual printing, avoiding repeated computational optimization and reducing time loss in production.
3Manufacturing precision
If the operator manually selects printing modes and halftone processing conditions, then the halftone processing can be optimized for different materials, but the operational complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the printing system to automatically select appropriate halftone processing rules based on the printing mode and material characteristics. The system autonomously matches the simulated characteristics with the actual printing conditions and applies the optimal processing rules without requiring manual operator intervention, thus maintaining optimization while reducing operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to automatically adjust halftone processing parameters according to different printing modes and materials. The system pre-defines multiple sets of processing parameters corresponding to different conditions and automatically selects the appropriate set, eliminating the need for operators to manually optimize parameters while maintaining high image quality.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional halftone processing is used without considering landing interference, then the processing is simpler, but image deterioration occurs due to dot merging and loss of detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating landing interference characteristics into simulation images before generating halftone processing rules. The simulation process beforehand accounts for how ink droplets will merge and spread on the substrate, allowing the processing rules to be pre-adjusted to prevent excessive merging and preserve dot detail, without adding complexity to the actual printing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided a printing system, a method of generating a halftone processing rule, a method of acquiring a characteristic parameter, image processing device and method, a halftone processing rule, a halftone image, a method of manufacturing a printed material, an ink jet printing system, and a program which are capable of reducing an operation load of a user and acquiring a halftone processing rule appropriate for the printing system. A characteristic parameter acquisition chart (100) including a pattern for acquiring characteristic parameters related to characteristics of the printing system is output, and the output characteristic parameter acquisition chart (100) is read by image reading means. The characteristic parameters are acquired by analyzing the read image of the characteristic parameter acquisition chart (100), and halftone processing rules that define the processing contents of halftone processes used in the printing system are generated based on the acquired characteristic parameters.