Ink Model Generation for Variable Drop Size and Usage Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print systems inaccurately estimate ink usage due to varying ink drop volumes caused by changes in print environment or conditions, requiring time-consuming and specific print job evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that includes drop size logic and processors to generate drop size data based on ink deposition and count data, using a modified Weibull ink model to determine accurate ink drop sizes for various print media and settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If constant volume assumption is used for ink drops, then ink usage estimation is simplified, but accuracy deteriorates due to varying ink drop volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from assuming constant ink drop volume to modeling ink drop volume as a variable parameter that changes over time. The ink drop volume is represented as a function of time with parameters for initial volume, final volume, and rate of change, allowing the system to adapt to varying print conditions while maintaining accurate tracking of actual ink consumption.
2Measurement precision
If accurate ink model parameter determination is performed through printing and measuring, then ink drop size accuracy is improved, but time consumption and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of ink drop volume behavior by determining parameters that describe how ink drop volume changes over time (initial volume, final volume, rate of change). This preliminary modeling allows the system to predict actual ink consumption without performing time-consuming measurements for each printing operation, as the ink model parameters are established in advance and can be applied to multiple print jobs.
3Measurement precision
If ink model parameters are determined for specific print mediums and settings, then measurement accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic ink model where ink drop volume is represented as a time-varying parameter rather than a static value. The model includes parameters for initial volume, final volume, and rate of change, allowing the ink consumption characteristics to adapt to different print conditions, media types, and environmental factors without requiring complete remeasurement for each scenario.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing system is disclosed. The printing system includes at least one physical memory device to store drop size logic and one or more processors coupled with the at least one physical memory device to execute the drop size logic to generate drop size data associated with a printing system based on ink deposition data for a print medium and ink drop count data.