Image Forming Apparatus Region Discrimination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal transfer recording methods, such as sublimation and fusion types, face challenges in maintaining image quality and durability, especially when dealing with binary or geometric patterns and multi-gradation images, due to pixel information loss and inconsistent printing states across different regions on a recording medium.
Innovation Solution
An image forming method and apparatus that discriminates between regions with and without superimposed image data, using distinct control patterns to manage the printing mechanism, ensuring optimal image formation and preservation of pixel information across different regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the alternate driving method is used to reduce thermal interference and control dot size, then multi-gradation recording quality is improved, but pixel information is lost in regions where dots are not transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The recording region is segmented into multiple types based on the superimposition relationship between first image data (printed by alternate driving method) and second image data. Different segmentation strategies are applied to different regions: in regions where second image data is superimposed, all pixels are printed to preserve information; in regions where second image data is not superimposed, alternate driving method is used for multi-gradation quality. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by applying different printing strategies to different spatial regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different printing qualities and methods are applied to different local regions of the recording medium. The control section identifies regions with and without superimposed image data, and applies appropriate printing patterns (all pixels vs. alternate driving) to each region. This local quality approach ensures that pixel information is preserved where needed while maintaining multi-gradation quality where applicable.
2Device complexity
If uniform printing control is applied across the entire recording medium, then the printing process is simple, but printing state consistency deteriorates in regions with different image data superimposition
Solution Approach 1:
The printing control is made dynamic and adaptive rather than static and uniform. The control section dynamically adjusts the printing pattern based on the local characteristics of each region (whether second image data is superimposed or not). This dynamic control approach maintains printing state consistency across different regions while avoiding excessive complexity through automated region identification and pattern selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control section monitors the image data superimposition state in different regions and adjusts the printing pattern accordingly. By detecting whether second image data is superimposed on first image data, the system provides feedback to select the appropriate printing method, ensuring consistent printing states across different regions without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Loss of information
If all pixels are printed to preserve pixel information, then image completeness is improved, but thermal interference increases and dot size control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The recording medium is segmented into regions where all pixels are printed and regions where alternate driving method is used. This segmentation allows the system to preserve pixel information in necessary regions while avoiding thermal interference in regions where multi-gradation quality is prioritized. The control section automatically determines which segmentation strategy to apply based on image data superimposition characteristics.
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 enables the creation of high-quality images with maintained pixel information and uniform printing states, effectively addressing the issues of pixel loss and inconsistent image appearance in multi-gradation and binary images on various recording mediums.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal transfer ribbon obtained by coating a film-like support with a dye having sublimation properties (or heat transient properties) is superimposed on a recording target medium having an accepting layer that accepts the sublimation dye, the thermal transfer ribbon is selectively heated by, e.g., a thermal head based on original image data to be recorded
Implementation Method 2
a dye having sublimation properties (or heat transient properties) is superimposed on a recording target medium having an accepting layer that accepts the sublimation dye
Implementation Method 3
a fluorescent image formed by using a transparent and colorless ink including a fluorescent pigment excited by ultraviolet light or the like
Data Source
AI summary
In relation to a superimposed image obtained by superimposing second image data on first image data in which respective pixels are arranged in a staggered pattern, an image forming apparatus discriminates a region where the second image data is superimposed from a region where the second image data is not superimposed. When forming an image in a region determined as the region where the second image data is not superimposed in the superimposed image, the printing mechanism is controlled based on a first control pattern. When forming an image in a region determined as the region where the second image data is superimposed in the superimposed image, the printing mechanism is controlled based on a second control pattern different from the first control pattern.