Image Processor Output Density Correction for Inkjet Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing systems experience unevenness at boundaries between different dotted patterns during screening processing, leading to suboptimal print quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processor that performs output density correction on dotted pattern data using a nozzle shading coefficient, generating dotted image data with corrected densities to ensure uniform ink discharge characteristics across various patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If screening processing is performed using multiple types of dotted patterns with different density levels, then the ability to represent continuous tone images is improved, but unevenness occurs at boundaries between different dotted patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing output density correction specifically on dotted pattern data at boundary regions where different dotted patterns meet. The correction is not applied uniformly across all patterns but targeted at the problematic boundary areas, adjusting the output density of dotted patterns locally to prevent unevenness while maintaining the overall screening processing capability for continuous tone images.
2Manufacturing precision
If output density correction is applied to dotted pattern data, then uniformity of discharge characteristics is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing output density correction on dotted pattern data before the actual screening processing and image rendering. The correction is applied in advance to the dotted pattern data structures, adjusting density values proactively so that when the screening processing occurs, the uniformity is already established, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments during image rendering.
Data Source
AI summary
A screening output density corrector of an image processor corrects output densities of a plurality of types of dotted pattern data stored in a screening data storage upon printing. A dotted image data generator uses a plurality of types of the dotted pattern data subjected to the output density correction for performing screening processing to each of images, the images being represented by the continuous tone image data. Consequently, the dotted image data generator generates dotted image data of the images with the corrected output density. Accordingly, output density correction is made not to the continuous tone image data but to the dotted pattern data. Consequently, uniformity of the discharge characteristic (the number of ink droplets) is obtainable upon printing with different types of dotted pattern data. This allows prevention of unevenness in printing through the screening processing based on a plurality of types of dotted pattern data.