Image Region Database for Electrophotographic Printer Registration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial inkjet printing systems face challenges in maintaining accurate color registration due to variables like physical properties of the print medium, conveyance, ink application, and drying, which restrict the range of suitable applications and increase registration errors, especially with reduced paper weight or variable ink coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a digital printing system that uses an image region database to select reference image regions with associated system control parameters for correcting color registration errors, allowing for improved registration without initial measurement of registration errors, by comparing the image to be printed with stored reference regions and applying appropriate corrections during printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color registration errors are managed by controlling variables (physical properties of print medium, conveyance, ink application, drying), then registration errors can be reduced, but the range of suitable print applications is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using an image region database that stores control parameters for different image regions. The system identifies the current image region, retrieves pre-determined control parameters from the database, and applies them to adjust printing conditions dynamically. This allows the system to adapt to various print applications (different paper weights, ink coverages) without restricting the range of suitable applications, while maintaining color registration accuracy through data-driven parameter adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to manage color registration, then some registration errors can be corrected, but initial measurement of registration errors is required before correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-determining and storing control parameters for various image regions in the image region database before actual printing. Instead of measuring registration errors during the printing process, the system has already performed the necessary measurements and calculations offline, storing the results as reference data. This eliminates the need for time-consuming initial error measurement during production, as the control parameters are readily available from the database.
3Adaptability or versatility
If paper weight is reduced or ink coverage is increased, then more print applications become possible, but color registration errors become larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the print medium into different image regions based on ink coverage characteristics (e.g., low ink coverage, mid ink coverage, high ink coverage regions). Each image region has its own specific control parameters stored in the database, tailored to the local conditions. This allows the system to optimize registration control for each specific region and print application scenario, maintaining high registration accuracy even when paper weight is reduced or ink coverage is increased.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an electrophotographic printing system to print digital image data for an image region. An image region database stores data characterizing a plurality of reference image regions, each reference image region having one or more associated system control parameters that are appropriate for use in printing the reference image region. The system control parameters can include parameters related to correcting color registration errors. The image region to be printed is compared with the reference image regions in the image region database, and a similar reference image region is selected. The image region is printed using the system control parameters associated with the selected similar reference image region.