Inkjet Image Processing With Adaptive Nozzle Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems in ink-jet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent ink discharge across nozzles, leading to density-unevenness in recorded images due to variations in nozzle characteristics, which are influenced by factors like ink adhesion, piezoelectric element aging, and temperature/humidity changes, and current correction methods reduce productivity and image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that performs selective correction processes, including dynamic and static corrections, to address nozzle variations without stopping the recording process, using a combination of nozzle characteristic analysis and adaptive image data conversion to maintain image quality and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform correction processing is performed for all tones/nozzles using determination chart, then density-unevenness correction is achieved, but productivity lowers due to time-consuming processing
Solution Approach 1:
The correction processing is segmented into multiple types (first correction processing and second correction processing) based on the causes and areas of density-unevenness. Instead of applying uniform correction to all nozzles and tones, the system divides the correction approach according to specific nozzle characteristics and error patterns, allowing selective application of appropriate correction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial correction by identifying specific nozzles or tone ranges that require correction based on determination chart analysis. Rather than correcting all nozzles uniformly, it applies correction only to the necessary portions, reducing overall processing time while maintaining correction effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If determination chart is used to judge necessity of density-unevenness correction, then correction accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination chart is used in advance to analyze and identify nozzles requiring correction before actual correction processing begins. This preliminary analysis allows the system to pre-categorize nozzles by their specific issues, enabling subsequent correction to be applied efficiently without re-evaluation during the correction phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the determination chart results as feedback to guide the correction process. By analyzing the determination chart data, the system determines which nozzles need correction and applies appropriate correction methods, creating a feedback loop that optimizes both accuracy and efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If correction processing is performed after recording stops, then image quality is improved, but productivity decreases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables correction processing to be performed without stopping the recording operation. By implementing real-time or near-real-time correction capabilities, the useful action of recording continues uninterrupted while correction processing occurs concurrently or in between recording tasks, maintaining both image quality and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction processing is made dynamic by allowing it to occur at different stages (during or after recording) based on system state and requirements. The system can switch between first correction processing (after recording stops) and second correction processing (without stopping recording), adapting the correction timing to maintain both quality and continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus for generating image data for recording in a recording apparatus including a recording unit having a plurality of nozzles discharging ink, includes a converting unit which converts, based on characteristic information according to a characteristic of each nozzle included in the recording unit, image data corresponding to an input print job into image data to be used for recording by the recording unit and a control unit which executes one of a plurality of correction processes based on image data obtained by reading an image recorded by the recording unit. The plurality of correction processes include first correction processing that is performed after the recording of the image according to the print job is stopped, and second correction processing that is performed without stopping the recording of the image according to the print job.