Inkjet Printer Color Chart Gamut Expansion via Consumption-Based Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers face limitations in color gamut due to restricted Total Area Coverage (TAC) values, leading to reduced color reproduction range and unintended color outputs, primarily caused by insufficient ink drying and ink transfer issues.
Innovation Solution
A method to create a color chart with an enlarged color gamut by setting an upper limit on ink amount per unit area based on actual ink consumption and drying performance, rather than conventional TAC values, allowing for precise ink application and minimizing ink transfer to rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the limiting TAC value is set low to prevent ink transfer to rollers, then ink transfer is prevented, but the color gamut is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used to limit ink amount from a fixed TAC value to a dynamically determined upper limit based on actual ink consumption measurements. By measuring real ink consumption during printing operations and setting the upper limit accordingly, the system adapts the ink amount parameter to prevent transfer while maximizing color gamut within safe boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring actual ink consumption during printing operations and using this information to adjust the upper limit of ink amount. The colorimetric measurements of printed patches provide feedback on actual ink behavior, which is then used to refine the upper limit setting, creating a closed-loop control system that balances transfer prevention with color reproduction.
2Quantity of substance
If the TAC value is increased to expand color gamut, then color reproduction range is improved, but ink transfer to rollers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by setting the ink amount upper limit based on measured consumption patterns rather than using a fixed conservative TAC value. This allows using a portion of the maximum possible ink capacity (exceeding conventional TAC limits) while staying within the safety margin established by actual consumption measurements, thus expanding color gamut without causing transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of ink consumption during test printing operations before establishing the final upper limit. This preliminary action allows the system to characterize ink behavior in advance and set appropriate limits that prevent transfer while maximizing color gamut, rather than relying on conservative default values.
3Reliability
If conventional TAC-based ink limiting is used, then ink transfer is prevented, but color reproduction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by measuring its own ink consumption patterns during actual printing operations. Instead of relying on manufacturer specifications or conservative estimates, the system serves itself by gathering empirical data on its ink usage and using this information to optimize color reproduction accuracy while preventing transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the ink amount control parameter from a fixed TAC-based limit to a measured upper limit derived from actual consumption data. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both transfer prevention and color accuracy by basing decisions on empirical measurements rather than theoretical or conservative estimates.
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
This approach enables the creation of a color chart with a larger color gamut, resulting in more accurate color reproduction and preventing ink-related printing issues like tinting and color deviations.
Implementation Method 1
an inkjet head for the respective colors, each head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink
Implementation Method 2
insufficient drying of the ink
Data Source
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AI summary
In printing image data for printing a color chart with a printing machine, instead of using a TAC value which is a total of CMYK values given to one pixel as a limit of ink amount supplied to a printing medium as done conventionally, creation of a color chart having a large color gamut is realized by considering and adjusting the amount of inks per unit area actually consumed at the time of printing and drying performance of each ink.