Inkjet Printer Image Processing Parameter Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges in achieving uniform image quality across various paper sizes due to the need for recalculating concentration unevenness correction parameters for each paper size, leading to increased user load and potential parameter discontinuities, which affect output quality.
Innovation Solution
An image recording method that applies the latest image processing parameters generated from test charts of specific or wider ranges, allowing for efficient image processing and recording without requiring recalculations for each paper size, and manages parameters based on medium size and print conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If concentration unevenness correction parameters are recalculated for each paper size, then image quality consistency is improved, but user operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of concentration unevenness correction parameters for multiple paper sizes in advance. When a user selects a paper size, the corresponding pre-calculated parameters are automatically selected and applied, eliminating the need for users to manually recalculate parameters for each paper size change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the selected paper size and retrieves the appropriate pre-calculated correction parameters from storage, then applies them to the image processing pipeline without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains image quality consistency while simplifying user operations.
2Measurement precision
If concentration unevenness correction parameters are recalculated for each paper size, then parameter accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Correction parameters for various paper sizes are calculated in advance and stored in the system. When printing begins, the system simply retrieves the appropriate pre-calculated parameters based on the selected paper size, avoiding time-consuming recalculation while maintaining parameter accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and stores copies of correction parameters for different paper sizes during initialization. These copied parameters are then efficiently retrieved and applied during printing operations, eliminating the need for real-time recalculation and significantly reducing processing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If test charts are printed using maximum number of nozzles, then parameter coverage is improved, but recording medium size requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test chart printing process is divided into multiple passes or segments. Instead of requiring all nozzles to print simultaneously on a single large medium, the system segments the test pattern creation across multiple smaller printing operations, allowing comprehensive nozzle testing without requiring excessively large recording media.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from requiring a single large recording medium to using multiple smaller media or multiple printing passes. By adding the time dimension (multiple passes) or using multiple spatial positions (multiple media), the system achieves comprehensive nozzle coverage without requiring a single large medium.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an image recording method and apparatus (10) and a program. In an aspect of the present invention, when recording the image in a condition where an image recording range in a first direction (X) by the image recorder (24) is a specific range (S3), image processing is applied to the image data using a latest image processing parameter (LUT_i) among image processing parameters which are according to positions in the first direction and have been generated on the basis of measurement results of test charts (90) output using the specific range or a wider range than the specific range on the image recorder, and the image recorder is caused to record the image on the recording medium according to the image data after the image processing.