Inkjet Controller Adjusts Print Resolution for Code Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing systems often result in reading errors for barcode images due to the ratio of bar and space widths being outside the reference range, caused by differences between the print resolution and the image resolution, leading to partial protrusion of dot rows from the edge of bars, which affects the quality and readability of printed code images.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing apparatus that includes a controller to determine if a code image is present in the image data and updates the print resolution to match or exceed the image resolution in the relevant direction, ensuring the ratio of bar and space widths falls within the reference range by adjusting the print engine's operation to maintain accurate dot spacing and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the print resolution is lower than the image resolution, then the printing speed is improved, but the print quality of code images deteriorates due to partial protrusion of dot rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the print resolution parameter based on the type of image being printed. When a code image is detected, the system increases the print resolution to match or exceed the image resolution, preventing dot row protrusion. For non-code images, the system maintains a lower print resolution to preserve printing speed. This conditional parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between printing speed and code image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the print resolution is increased to match the image resolution, then the print quality of code images is improved, but the printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different print resolutions to different types of images based on their specific requirements. Code images receive high print resolution matching their image resolution to ensure accurate bar and space width ratios, while other images are printed at lower resolutions. This localized quality adjustment ensures code image precision without sacrificing overall printing speed for all images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the print resolution parameter based on image type detection. When a code image is identified, the print resolution is increased to match the image resolution; otherwise, it remains at a lower value. This conditional parameter change resolves the contradiction by applying high resolution only where necessary.
3Manufacturing precision
If the amount of ink ejection is reduced for barcode images, then the bar width is controlled to prevent excessive thickness, but the print quality may be compromised if reduced too much
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the print resolution parameter to match or exceed the image resolution for code images, which inherently controls the amount of ink ejection and dot spacing. By maintaining appropriate resolution rather than arbitrarily reducing ink, the system ensures both precise bar width control and sufficient print quality for reliable code reading.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller extracts an image resolution in a first direction of image data stored in a memory; determines, based on the image data, whether a code image is included in an image to be printed on a recording medium, the code image being formed with a plurality of print regions and a plurality of non-print regions; in response to determining that the code image is included, determines whether a print resolution in the first direction is lower than the extracted image resolution in the first direction; in response to determining that the print resolution is lower than the extracted image resolution, updates the print resolution in the first direction with a value equal to or higher than the extracted image resolution in the first direction; and controls a print engine to perform printing on the recording medium with the updated print resolution in the first direction.