Inkjet Mask Width Asymmetry for Halftone Pattern Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large inkjet printers, the existing techniques for halftone processing in multi-scan printing result in repeated dot patterns during solid image printing due to identical widths of dot data generation and segmentation masks, leading to unintended patterns and image quality deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus and method that generate color component divided data, apply a dot data generation mask, and then a segmentation mask with a different width in the main scanning direction to produce scan data, preventing periodic dot patterns by varying the relative positions of the masks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If identical width masks are used for dot data generation and segmentation, then processing simplicity is maintained, but repeated dot patterns occur leading to image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by setting different widths for the dot data generation mask and segmentation mask in the main scanning direction. Specifically, the segmentation mask width is made larger than the dot data generation mask width, creating an asymmetric mask configuration that prevents repeated dot patterns while maintaining processing efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If mask widths are made different to prevent repeated patterns, then image quality improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the width parameter of the segmentation mask to be larger than the dot data generation mask width. This parameter modification prevents repeated dot patterns in solid image printing while keeping the mask processing methodology straightforward, thus improving image quality without significantly increasing processing complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional halftone processing is used in multi-scan printing, then processing speed is maintained, but unintended periodic patterns appear in solid images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates periodic dot patterns by making the segmentation mask width asymmetrically larger than the dot data generation mask width. This asymmetry disrupts the periodicity that causes repeated patterns in solid image printing, while maintaining the efficient multi-scan processing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the width parameter of the segmentation mask to prevent periodic pattern formation. By setting the segmentation mask width larger than the dot data generation mask width, the patent eliminates the harmful periodic effects while preserving fast halftone processing capabilities in multi-scan printing.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a color component divided data generation unit, a dot data generation processing unit, and a dot data segmentation processing unit. The color component divided data generation unit generates color component divided data from image data. The dot data generation processing unit applies a dot data generation mask to the color component divided data to generate dot data. The dot data segmentation processing unit applies a segmentation mask to the dot data to generate scan data. A width of the segmentation mask in a main scanning direction is different from a width of the dot data generation mask in the main scanning direction.