Direct Printing on Irregular Containers via Pixel Offset Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing on irregular containers result in partially insufficient quality and resolution due to distortions caused by the container's irregular shape, which current technologies fail to fully address.
Innovation Solution
A direct printing method that determines pixel offsets based on the target and actual diameters of the container to generate a corrected printing original, compensating for distortions by adjusting the ejection timing and flight speed of ink droplets, and accounting for ink composition and nozzle arrangement, allowing for high-quality print layers on various irregular container shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional direct printing methods are used on irregular containers, then the printing process can be completed, but the print quality and resolution are insufficient due to distortions caused by the container's irregular shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting pixel offset values based on the container's actual diameter at different positions. The system calculates pixel offsets using the formula Δx = (D_actual - D_target) / D_target * x, where D_actual is the actual diameter, D_target is the target diameter, and x is the original pixel coordinate. This parameter adjustment compensates for distortions caused by irregular container shapes, allowing high-quality printing on containers with varying diameters along their length.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel offset correction is applied to compensate for container shape distortions, then print quality improves, but the complexity of the printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating pixel offset corrections before the actual printing process. The system first determines the container's diameter profile, then computes the necessary pixel offsets for each printing position, and stores these corrections in advance. During printing, the pre-calculated offsets are simply applied to the image data, eliminating the need for real-time calculations and reducing process complexity while maintaining high print quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ejection timing of ink droplets is controlled based on container shape, then distortion is reduced, but the complexity of controlling ink droplet flight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control of ink droplet ejection timing with a digital image processing approach. Instead of physically adjusting the ejection timing of each ink droplet based on container shape, the system substitutes this mechanical control with pixel offset corrections applied to the digital image data. This substitution simplifies the control system by eliminating the need for complex real-time timing adjustments while achieving the same distortion compensation effect.
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 method achieves flexible and high-quality printing on irregular containers without requiring special printing apparatuses, ensuring distortion-free images by compensating for shape-related distortions and improving print resolution.
Implementation Method 1
determining a pixel offset for a pixel of a printing original for a printed image based on a target diameter and an actual diameter of the container to be printed on... determining a first pixel offset term for correcting a time of flight of an ink droplet ejected by a printing nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A direct printing method for printing on an irregular container, wherein a pixel offset is determined for a pixel of a printing original for a printed image based on a target diameter and an actual diameter of the container to be printed on, wherein a corrected printing original is generated based on the determined pixel offset, wherein, based on the corrected printing original, the print image is applied to the irregular container by means of a direct printing apparatus having a plurality of printing nozzles.