Inkjet Nozzle Complementary Processing Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for nondischarge complementation in inkjet recording heads result in relatively long processing times due to the sequential processing of nozzles, which leads to issues with crosstalk and consecutive discharges from adjoining nozzles, necessitating a more efficient approach to manage nozzle discharge and complement defective nozzles.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that divides pixel areas into processing groups and complements defective nozzle discharges in a sequential manner across these groups, preventing consecutive discharges by strategically allocating ink discharge data to adjacent pixels, thereby reducing processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential processing of nozzles is performed to prevent crosstalk and consecutive discharges, then discharge quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides pixel areas into N processing groups based on the nozzle arrangement direction, allowing parallel processing of multiple nozzles within each group while maintaining quality control. This segmentation enables simultaneous computation for multiple nozzles without causing crosstalk or consecutive discharges, thus reducing overall processing time while preserving discharge quality.
2Productivity
If multiple nozzles are arranged to discharge in parallel to increase recording speed, then productivity is improved, but crosstalk between nozzles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different local regions (processing groups) based on nozzle positions. By identifying specific pixel areas that would cause crosstalk and excluding them from parallel processing, the system maintains high recording speed while preventing harmful crosstalk effects in critical regions.
3Device complexity
If a single nozzle performs consecutive recording to simplify processing, then device complexity is reduced, but discharge frequency cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of processing by dividing pixel areas into multiple processing groups along the nozzle arrangement direction. This allows the system to parallelize processing across the spatial dimension rather than being limited to sequential single-nozzle processing, thereby increasing effective discharge frequency without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pixel row in an arrangement direction or an orthogonal direction is divided into processing groups including pixels at every predetermined pixel count in the pixel row. Nondischarge complementary processing is sequentially performed on the divided plurality of processing groups.