Inkjet Printer Nozzle Variability Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face challenges in achieving high image quality due to variability in ink droplet discharging amounts from nozzles, which affects the accuracy and consistency of printed images.
Innovation Solution
A controlling device is implemented that includes an image processing unit and a supplying unit to generate processed image data by using correction data from multiple nozzles, compensating for discharging amount variability by performing specific processes on target pixels, and utilizing characteristic data related to ink droplet discharging amounts to adjust pixel values accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If characteristic data from a single nozzle is used for correction, then the correction process is simple, but the image quality and consistency are insufficient due to nozzle variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges characteristic data from multiple nozzles (target nozzle and specific nozzles) to create composite correction data. This combining approach averages out individual nozzle variations and provides more reliable correction values, improving image quality while maintaining manageable process complexity through systematic data integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the correction parameter from single-nozzle characteristic data to multi-nozzle composite correction data. By calculating average characteristic data across multiple nozzles and using this as the correction basis, the system achieves better image quality through more representative correction values that account for nozzle variability
2Manufacturing precision
If correction data from multiple nozzles is used, then image quality improves, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of composite correction data before the actual printing process. By pre-calculating the average characteristic data from multiple nozzles and storing it as correction data, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during printing, thus improving print consistency without adding operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates and applies correction data without requiring manual intervention. The controlling device autonomously processes characteristic data from multiple nozzles, computes composite correction values, and applies them to image data, reducing calculation complexity from the user's perspective while maintaining high print consistency
3Manufacturing precision
If single nozzle characteristic data is used, then processing speed is fast, but image quality suffers from nozzle variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the multi-nozzle data processing and composite correction data calculation in advance, before actual printing begins. This preliminary processing consolidates the computational workload into an initial setup phase, allowing fast processing during actual printing while still achieving high discharging amount accuracy through multi-nozzle data integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses characteristic data from multiple nozzles as feedback to determine composite correction values. By incorporating measurements from both target and specific nozzles, the system creates a feedback mechanism that accounts for nozzle variability, improving discharging amount accuracy without significantly impacting processing speed due to the pre-calculation approach
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling device may perform an image process on specific image data so as to generate processed image data, supply the processed image data to the print performing unit and perform, in order to compensate variability of discharging amount of ink droplets discharged from the plurality of nozzles, a specific process on a target pixel within target image data using correction data for a target nozzle which forms a dot at a position on a print medium corresponding to the target pixel. The correction data may be data acquired using two or more sets of characteristic data corresponding to two or more nozzles of the plurality of nozzles. The two or more nozzles may include the target nozzle and a specific nozzle. The specific nozzle may be to form a raster near a target raster formed on the print medium by the target nozzle.