Inkjet Printer Multi-Layer Special Color Ink Light Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet printers face challenges in achieving high-quality images through overprinting due to insufficient light shielding effects and degradation of image clearness caused by the ink dot density limitations and mixed states of special color inks and process color inks on the recording medium.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an inkjet printer with multiple ink heads and a controller that allows for multi-layer printing modes, where both special color ink layers and process color ink layers can be printed in multiple layers, optimizing the print mode to enhance light shielding effects and reduce adverse impacts on image clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a single layer of special color ink is printed to provide light shielding effect, then the light shielding function is achieved, but the ink dot density is insufficient and the light shielding effect is not sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight shielding effectVSAvoidink dot density

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single special color ink layer into multiple sub-layers (first special color ink layer and second special color ink layer), each printed with controlled dot density. This segmentation allows cumulative light shielding effect while maintaining manageable dot density in each individual layer, resolving the contradiction between sufficient light shielding and ink dot density limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If special color ink and process color ink are printed in mixed state, then both inks are applied to the recording medium, but the clearness of the image degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverprinting capabilityVSAvoidimage clearness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the printing process into distinct layers: special color ink layers are printed separately from process color ink layers, with clear separation between them. This prevents the mixed state that causes image degradation while still enabling both types of ink to be applied to the same recording medium, thus maintaining overprinting capability without sacrificing image clearness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the mixing issue by transitioning from a planar mixed-state printing approach to a multi-layered vertical stacking approach. Special color ink layers and process color ink layers are separated in the vertical dimension (different layers), eliminating the harmful mixing that occurs in the horizontal plane while preserving the ability to print both ink types on the same medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Illumination intensity

If multiple layers of special color ink are printed to enhance light shielding effect, then the visual effect is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight shielding effectVSAvoidprint layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single ink head capable of ejecting special color ink for multiple printing passes to create different special color ink layers. This multi-functional use of the same ink head for different layers reduces device complexity compared to having separate dedicated ink heads for each layer, while still achieving enhanced light shielding through multiple layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach results in improved visual effects, such as enhanced light shielding and clearer images, by allowing for the effective layering of special color inks like white ink on transparent sheets and reducing the adverse effects of special color inks on the printed image quality.

Implementation Method 1

an undercoat layer is formed on the recording medium by a special color ink, such as white ink, so that the printed image appears clearly because of the light shielding effect of the undercoat layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight shielding effect: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a process color ink layer is formed of ink dots including ink dots of the process color ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect:

Data Source

PatentUS10609258B2Inkjet printer

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 ROLAND DG CORP

AI summary

An inkjet printer includes a print controller and a print mode setter. The print controller causes one or a plurality of print layers to be printed on a recording medium. The one or the plurality of print layers may include one or both of a special color ink layer and a process color ink layer. The special color ink layer includes ink dots of a special color ink, and the process color ink layer includes ink dots of the process color ink. The print mode setter is programmed and/or configured to be able to set a multi-layer print mode in which three or more layers including both of the special color ink layer and the process color ink layer are printed.