Inkjet Print Data Rearrangement for Dot Overlap Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face inefficiencies in data storage and processing due to the need to compare and adjust for overlapping dot rows, leading to increased data requirements and delayed printing start times.
Innovation Solution
A printing method that rearranges pixel data, alternates between dot-forming and carrying processes, and uses tables to store and compare nozzle positions to prevent overlaps, reducing data storage and enabling quicker print data creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If print data is created by comparing all rows of dots for overlapping positions, then dot placement accuracy is improved, but data storage requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing process into multiple passes, where in each pass only a subset of rows of dots is processed. Instead of comparing all rows simultaneously, the system processes rows in segments (first pass: odd-numbered rows, second pass: even-numbered rows), significantly reducing the data comparison burden while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing the positions of rows of dots that will be formed in subsequent passes. The control apparatus stores position information in advance, allowing efficient comparison and avoiding redundant calculations during the actual printing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If all rows of dots are compared to prevent overlapping, then printing quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dot row comparison process into multiple passes. In the first pass, only odd-numbered rows are processed and stored; in the second pass, only even-numbered rows are processed and compared against the stored positions. This segmentation reduces the processing time required for each pass while maintaining overall printing quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lower-end printing is performed after normal printing, then complete coverage is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into distinct phases: normal printing (first pass through last pass) and lower-end printing (additional passes). Each phase processes specific subsets of rows, and the control apparatus manages the transition between phases by storing position information from completed passes for use in subsequent lower-end printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by storing the positions of rows of dots formed during normal printing passes before initiating lower-end printing. This pre-stored position information enables the control apparatus to efficiently determine which additional rows need to be processed in the lower-end printing phase, reducing overall data processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method includes: (A) creating print data by rearranging an order in which a plurality of pieces of pixel data which make up image data are arranged; and (B) based on the print data, alternately repeating a dot-forming process for forming, on a medium, a row of dots along a movement direction by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles which move in the movement direction and a carrying process for carrying the medium in a carrying direction with respect to the nozzles, to form, on the medium, a plurality of the rows of dots arranged in the carrying direction. In a case where lower-end printing for forming the rows of dots in a lower-end portion of the medium is to be performed after normal printing for forming the rows of dots in a central portion of the medium, positions, on the medium, of the rows of dots to be formed by the nozzles during each dot-forming process when the normal printing is continued without performing the lower-end printing are stored in a first table, positions, on the medium, of the rows of dots to be formed by the nozzles during a certain dot-forming process performing the lower-end printing are compared with the positions stored in the first table, and if there is any matching position as a result of the comparison, that position is stored in a second table, and the pixel data corresponding to the positions stored in the second table are extracted from the image data, to create the print data for performing the certain dot-forming process.