Inkjet Printer Control System for Thick Layer Shape Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet printer systems require complex operator operations to convert image data into printing data for thick printing, increasing the burden on operators, especially when forming images with multiple ink layers, which can result in protrusions at the end surface of thick portions.
Innovation Solution
A printer control system that includes an image data creating/editing portion and a printer control portion, which automatically converts image data into printing data by incorporating thickness and shape information, reducing the operator's burden and preventing protrusions by stacking ink layers in a specific order to form desired shapes, such as a dome or inclined end surface with an R shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually converts image data into printing data for thick printing using software RIP, then the printing data can be created, but the operator burden increases due to complex operations of superposing and synthesizing image data multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining thick portions in the image data with associated thickness information before the printing data conversion process. This allows the printer control portion to automatically handle the stacking of ink layers without requiring manual intervention during the conversion process, thereby reducing operator burden while maintaining the necessary complexity for thick printing effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the printer control portion to automatically convert image data into printing data using the thickness information embedded in the image data. The system performs the superposing and synthesizing operations autonomously without operator intervention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and process complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple ink layers are stacked to form thick portions, then the image thickness is achieved, but protrusions may occur at the end surface of thick portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by defining specific thick portions in the image data with localized thickness information. Each thick portion can have different thickness values and shapes, allowing precise control over where and how ink layers are stacked. This localized approach enables accurate formation of desired shapes (such as domes or inclined surfaces) while preventing protrusions at end surfaces by controlling the stacking pattern in each specific region
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by varying the thickness information parameter across different regions of the image data. By assigning different thickness values to different thick portions, the system can control the number of ink layers stacked at each location, thereby achieving precise thickness control and preventing protrusion formation through optimized parameter distribution
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
The system significantly reduces operator burden by automating the inclusion of thickness and shape information in printing data, preventing protrusions and allowing for the formation of desired shapes in thick portions during the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
an inkjet head that ejects ultraviolet-curable ink droplets, an ultraviolet irradiating device that irradiates the ink ejected to a print medium with ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A printer control system for controlling an inkjet printer that prints an image having a predetermined thickness on a print medium includes: an image data creating/editing portion, configured for creating and editing an image data; and a printer control portion, configured for converting the image data sent from the image data creating/editing portion into a printing data and sending the printing data to the inkjet printer. When a portion for allowing the image to have a thickness in the image printed on the print medium is defined as a thick portion, the image data sent from the image data creating/editing portion to the printer control portion includes at least one of: a thickness information regarding a thickness of the thick portion, and a shape information regarding a shape of an end portion of the thick portion.