Inkjet Controller Droplet Data Correction for Speed Quality Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face a trade-off between productivity and image quality due to the maximum droplet number, which affects conveyance speed and print resolution, leading to decreased productivity when trying to increase sheet conveyance speed.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing apparatus that adjusts the maximum droplet number per pixel by correcting droplet data, allowing for a higher conveyance speed while maintaining image quality by redistributing or replacing droplets, particularly for black ink, to achieve a balance between productivity and image density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the maximum droplet number is increased to improve print image quality and density, then the conveyance speed must be reduced, which decreases productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the maximum droplet number adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts the droplet number based on selected print quality modes, allowing optimization between image quality and productivity for different application requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of maximum droplet number from a fixed value to a variable that can be set to different values (first maximum droplet number for high quality, second maximum droplet number for high speed). This parameter change enables the system to switch between quality-oriented and productivity-oriented operating modes
2Productivity
If the conveyance speed is increased to improve productivity, then the maximum droplet number must be reduced, which decreases print image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum droplet number based on the selected operation mode. When high-speed mode is selected for improved productivity, the system uses a second maximum droplet number that allows faster conveyance while maintaining acceptable print quality for that mode
3Speed
If the maximum droplet number is reduced to increase conveyance speed, then the density of printed images decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by setting different maximum droplet number values corresponding to different operation modes. The second maximum droplet number (for high-speed mode) is optimized to maintain sufficient ink density while enabling faster conveyance speed, representing a controlled parameter change to balance speed and quality
Data Source
AI summary
A controller changes a droplet number larger than a second maximum droplet number among droplet numbers in first droplet data for each ink color to the second maximum droplet number. The controller, for each of certain pixels with a droplet number of black decreased to the second maximum droplet number, performs at least one of a first processing or a second processing. The first processing includes distributing a droplet number subtracted to decrease the droplet number of black to pixels surrounding the certain pixel in the first droplet data for black. The second processing includes adding the subtracted droplet number to a droplet number for the certain pixel in the first droplet data for a color other than black.