Inkjet Printer 3D Shape Formation via Foaming Ink Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers face inconvenience when trying to form three-dimensional shapes on recording media, as they require different printing parameters and operations compared to two-dimensional image printing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a processor and memory that acquires information about the recording medium and a predetermined standard for three-dimensional shapes, and generates print data to form these shapes using foaming promotion ink, allowing for controlled formation of convex portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If UV ink is used to form convex portions on recording medium, then three-dimensional shapes can be formed, but different printing parameters and operations are required compared to conventional two-dimensional image printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inkjet printer perform both two-dimensional image printing and three-dimensional shape printing using the same printing parameters and operations. By controlling the ejection amount of ink to form convex portions, the printer achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate printing processes, thus resolving the contradiction between forming 3D shapes and ease of operation.
2Shape
If different printing parameters are used for three-dimensional shape printing, then convex portions can be formed, but the printing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the process of forming convex portions with the conventional two-dimensional image printing process. By using the same printing parameters and operations for both purposes, the complex separate processes are combined into a unified printing system, reducing overall process complexity while achieving 3D shape formation.
3Shape
If ink is ejected to form convex portions, then three-dimensional shapes are created, but image quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different ejection amounts of ink to different regions of the recording medium. By locally controlling the ink ejection volume, convex portions are formed in specific areas while maintaining high image quality in other areas, thus resolving the contradiction between shape formation and manufacturing precision.
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
Enables the convenient formation of three-dimensional shapes on recording media with high image quality, by controlling the height of convex portions based on the type of recording medium and predetermined standards.
Implementation Method 1
An inkjet printer using liquid ink ejects ink to record an image
Implementation Method 2
curing the UV ink through irradiation with ultraviolet rays to form convex portions
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory that is in communication with the at least one processor. The at least one memory stores instructions for causing the at least one processor and the at least one memory to acquire first information indicating a type of a recording medium, and second information indicating a predetermined standard relating to a three-dimensional shape to be formed on the recording medium, and to generate print data for forming the three-dimensional shape based on the first information and the second information.