Inkjet Recording Control System for Banding Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording devices require a longer process time to calculate characteristic values for image regions, leading to inefficiencies in preventing color banding caused by ink color superposition during bi-directional recording.
Innovation Solution
A recording control system that uses a setting unit to define detection regions with representative pixels, a selecting unit to choose representative pixels, and a control unit to adjust the recording head's scanning direction based on pixel values within these regions, reducing the number of pixels to be processed and minimizing erroneous judgments by arranging representative pixels in diagonal or continuous patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the conventional method calculates ink quantity for all pixels in detection areas to determine color banding, then the accuracy of detecting banding-prone regions is improved, but the process time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple scanning regions and further divides each scanning region into multiple detection areas. This segmentation allows the system to process and analyze smaller regions independently, reducing the computational burden on each processing step while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the entire image for accurate banding detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent calculates ink quantity characteristics for only a selected portion of pixels within detection areas rather than all pixels. By strategically selecting representative pixels or using sampling methods, the system achieves sufficient detection accuracy while significantly reducing the total number of calculations required, thus decreasing process time.
2Productivity
If bi-directional recording is performed to improve recording speed, then productivity increases, but color banding occurs due to different ink superposition sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system first analyzes the image data to detect regions prone to color banding by calculating ink quantities in detection areas. Based on this analysis, the control unit provides feedback to adjust the recording strategy, switching from bi-directional to single-direction recording in identified problem areas, thus preventing color banding while maintaining overall recording efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the recording direction for different scanning regions based on real-time analysis of image characteristics. Rather than using a fixed recording mode throughout, the system flexibly switches between bi-directional and single-direction recording modes for different regions, optimizing both speed and color uniformity according to the specific requirements of each area.
Data Source
AI summary
In a recording control system, representative pixels are set as a part of the pixels in the detection region. The determining unit determines whether a pixel value of the selected at least one representative pixel falls within a first pixel value range. The recording head ejects ink based on pixel data in the first region while scanning in the first direction. The recording head ejects ink based on pixel data in the second region adjacent to the first region while scanning in the first direction when the pixel value of the selected at least one representative pixel falls within the first pixel value range. The recording head ejects ink based on pixel data in the second region while scanning in the second direction when the pixel value of at least one of the selected at least one representative pixel does not falls within the first pixel value range.