Inkjet Print Image Segmentation for Faster Substrate Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet printing processes for display panel manufacturing are inefficient due to the time-consuming generation of print images, which hinders productivity and increases the overall process time, especially in mass production scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A printing method and apparatus that divides the print image into multiple cycles, allowing for partial generation and use of print images in previous cycles, enabling parallel execution of test operations and print operations, thereby reducing the overall time required for each cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the print image is generated completely before printing starts, then the printing quality is ensured, but the overall process time is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the print image into multiple divided images corresponding to different regions of the substrate. Each divided image can be generated and stored independently, allowing the printing process to start with already-generated divided images while the remaining divided images are still being generated. This segmentation enables parallel processing of image generation and printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates and stores divided images in advance before the printing process begins. By preparing multiple divided images ahead of time, the system eliminates the need to wait for complete print image generation before starting printing. The printing process can proceed using pre-generated divided images, significantly reducing the overall process time.
2Area of stationary object
If the substrate size is increased, then the display panel area is enlarged, but the time required to generate the print image is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large substrate into multiple regions, with each region corresponding to a divided image. This segmentation allows the print image generation to be performed in parallel for different regions, rather than sequentially processing the entire large substrate. The divided images can be generated simultaneously or in overlapping timeframes with the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates divided images for different substrate regions in advance and stores them for later use. By preparing these divided images beforehand, the system eliminates the bottleneck of waiting for complete print image generation, allowing the printing process to proceed without delay even for large substrates.
3Productivity
If the number of nozzles is increased, then the printing coverage is improved, but the time required to test and generate the print image is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing process into multiple regions, with each region handled by specific nozzles. The nozzle testing and print image generation are performed separately for each region, allowing parallel processing. This segmentation reduces the total time required to test all nozzles and generate the complete print image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs nozzle testing and generates divided images in advance before the actual printing process. By completing these preparatory operations beforehand and storing the results, the system eliminates the need to wait for complete nozzle testing and image generation during production, significantly improving productivity.
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 enhances printing efficiency by minimizing the decrease in substrates processed per unit time while maintaining printing quality, even when generating a print image takes longer.
Implementation Method 1
The inkjet device converts ink into fine droplets and precisely sprays the converted ink to a designated position on a glass substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a printing method including: performing a plurality of processing cycles, in which a print image is printed on a substrate in each of the processing cycles, in which the print image used in each of the processing cycles is formed of a plurality of divided images, the plurality of divided images includes a first divided image printed at a first position of the substrate and a second divided image printed at a second position of the substrate, and the first divided image and the second divided image are generated in different processing cycles.