Inkjet Nozzle Overlap Dot Allocation for Image Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers with overlapping nozzle columns face issues of uneven ink landing due to misalignment, leading to reduced image quality as dots may overlap or fail to form in intended positions, causing color unevenness and white spots.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-ejecting device with two nozzle columns and a control system that allocates dot formation between them, ensuring overlapping dots in the overlapping region to prevent white spots and maintain image quality, even with misalignment, by adjusting nozzle usage rates and dot sizes based on input image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If dots are allocated to only one head in the overlapping region, then the device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to displacement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dot formation task in the overlapping region by allocating different dots to different heads based on raster line position. Specifically, odd-numbered raster lines are assigned to one head while even-numbered raster lines are assigned to the other head, creating a divided allocation strategy that reduces displacement sensitivity while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different dot allocation strategies for different regions: in the overlapping region, dots are divided between heads based on raster line number, while in non-overlapping regions, traditional allocation methods are used. This localized approach optimizes image quality specifically where displacement occurs without unnecessarily complicating the entire system
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple heads form dots in the overlapping region, then image quality is improved through dot overlap compensation, but the likelihood of white spots increases due to allocation gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-allocating dot formation responsibilities to specific heads based on raster line numbers before printing begins. The control part determines in advance which head will form dots at each position in the overlapping region, ensuring continuous coverage and eliminating allocation gaps that would cause white spots
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by having only the appropriate head form dots at each specific raster line position in the overlapping region, rather than having all heads attempt to form dots simultaneously. This selective approach ensures complete coverage without redundancy, preventing white spots while avoiding unnecessary ink application
3Manufacturing precision
If dots are apportioned between first and second nozzles in the overlapping region, then displacement resistance is improved, but ink usage increases due to overlapping dot formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating dot allocation between the first and second nozzle columns based on the periodicity of raster line numbers. Odd-numbered raster lines use one nozzle column while even-numbered raster lines use the other, creating a regular periodic pattern that ensures displacement resistance while optimizing ink usage through systematic alternation
Data Source
AI summary
To minimize any decrease in image quality, even in an instance in which there is a displacement in a landing position of a fluid in a region in which nozzle rows overlap, (A) a fluid-ejecting device including: a first nozzle column; (B) a second nozzle column, the second nozzle column being arranged so as to form an overlapping region; and (C) a control part for causing the fluid to be ejected so that in each of a plurality of raster lines arranged in a row in the predetermined direction in the overlapping region, dots to be formed are apportioned between the first nozzles and the second nozzles; the control part causing the fluid to be ejected so that there are produced.