Image-Based Print Mode Selection to Reduce Color-Block Banding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print defects, particularly banding, occur in printed images due to factors like print agent deposition order, print head velocity, and print agent formulation, especially in areas with continuous color blocks.
Innovation Solution
A print mode determination mechanism that automatically selects an appropriate print mode based on image analysis, using a processor to identify color blocks exceeding a threshold area, determine print agent proportions, and consult a lookup table to minimize banding by optimizing the number of printing passes and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a print mode with fewer printing passes is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to increased banding
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes print mode parameters (number of printing passes, print head velocity, print agent deposition order) based on the analyzed image characteristics. For images with large color blocks, it selects modes with more passes and optimized deposition sequences to prevent banding, while for images without such features, it uses fewer passes to maintain productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the image data before printing to identify color blocks exceeding threshold area. Based on this pre-analysis, it pre-determines the optimal print mode configuration, allowing the printing process to proceed immediately with optimized parameters without trial printing or post-processing adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual print mode selection through testing is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the manual trial-and-error printing process with an automated image analysis and decision-making system. The processor analyzes image data, identifies color block characteristics, and automatically selects optimal print modes using algorithms, eliminating the need for physical test prints and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation (analysis) of the image characteristics from the image data, examining color distributions and identifying potential banding risks without physically printing test samples. This digital copying and analysis approach allows rapid evaluation and selection of print modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print mode determination method is disclosed. The method comprises receiving image data defining parameters of pixels of an image to be printed using a print apparatus; identifying, based on the image data, a first fill area in the image that exceeds a defined threshold area, wherein the first fill area is to be printed in a first color; determining, based on the image data, a first proportion of print agent of each of a plurality of colors to be used to print the first color; and determining, based on the determined first proportions of print agent, a print mode to be used by the print apparatus to print the image. An apparatus and a machine-readable medium are also disclosed.