Inkjet Printer Gloss Control via Scan Count Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers using pigment ink face challenges in achieving uniform glossiness due to differences in refractive indices and surface unevenness of ink layers, making it difficult to control glossiness effectively with a single type of colorless ink.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an image printing apparatus and method where a printing head with multiple discharge ports controls the number of scans for each ink based on its glossiness characteristics, adjusting the number of ink discharges to adjacent dots to achieve uniform glossiness and expand color reproduction in dark areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a single type of colorless ink is used to control glossiness, then the surface smoothness is improved, but the uniformity of glossiness across different inks cannot be achieved due to varying refractive indices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different numbers of scans to different ink types based on their specific glossiness characteristics. Each ink (C, M, Y, K, Lc, Lm) receives a customized scan count tailored to its refractive index and surface properties, allowing uniform glossiness control across the entire printed image while maintaining the benefits of colorless ink application.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of scans is increased for all inks, then the glossiness uniformity is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to repeated ink discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the number of scans for each ink type based on its glossiness characteristics. Inks with higher refractive indices (C, M) receive fewer scans while inks with lower refractive indices (Y, K, Lc, Lm) receive more scans, optimizing both glossiness uniformity and printing efficiency without requiring a fixed high scan count for all inks.
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 allows for uniform glossiness control by managing the number of scans for each ink, enhancing the smoothness and refractive index uniformity of the printed surface, thereby improving the overall appearance and color reproduction range.
Implementation Method 1
A method of using piezoelectric elements that generate mechanical strain through applying a voltage
Implementation Method 2
a method of rapidly heating and vaporizing ink and then using high-pressure air bubbles that are generated
Implementation Method 3
The intensity of the glossiness changes due to the refractive index of the material and the surface shape, such that the higher the refractive index is the more intense the glossiness becomes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention improves uniform glossiness of a printed surface. Glossiness of each of inks installed in a printer is obtained. The inks are sorted in order of glossiness. The number of scans when forming an image by scanning each head is set for each of the inks sorted. Mask data for controlling the number of operations is created.