MFD Enhancement Printhead for Pixel-Level Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improving print quality by increasing contrast ratios in printed images is difficult without significant redesign or increased cost, as real-life contrast ratios exceed what current printing technologies can reproduce.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function device (MFD) with a printhead and an enhancement printhead that analyzes each pixel of an image to determine which pixels receive an enhancement printing fluid, such as a clear or matte coat, to automatically enhance the contrast and quality of printed documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If contrast ratio is increased to improve image quality, then image vibrancy and realism are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into two functional components: a standard printhead for base image printing and an enhancement printhead for contrast enhancement. This segmentation allows the contrast enhancement function to be added without redesigning the entire printing system, thereby improving print quality while limiting device complexity increase to only the necessary enhancement component.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhancement printhead applies printing fluid selectively to specific pixels that require contrast enhancement, rather than treating the entire image uniformly. This local quality approach improves overall image quality by targeting only the pixels that benefit from enhancement, while using standard substrates and processes for the rest of the system.
2Manufacturing precision
If contrast ratio is increased to improve image quality, then image vibrancy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the printing function into base printing and enhancement printing, the system achieves higher contrast ratios without requiring a complete redesign of the manufacturing process. The enhancement printhead uses standard printing fluid and substrate materials, keeping manufacturing costs limited to the addition of the enhancement component rather than increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhancement printing fluid is applied as a consumable layer that can be deposited using standard printing processes. This approach allows contrast enhancement without requiring expensive permanent modifications to the printing system or substrate, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving contrast ratio.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated enhancement feature is added to MFD, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MFD is segmented into a standard printhead and an enhancement printhead, each with distinct functions. This segmentation allows the automated enhancement feature to be implemented as an add-on capability rather than requiring complete system redesign, thereby improving image quality while limiting the increase in device complexity to the necessary enhancement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhancement printhead is designed to work with standard printing processes and materials, allowing it to be integrated into existing MFD architectures. This multi-functionality approach enables contrast enhancement without requiring entirely separate systems, balancing improved image quality with manageable device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An MFD is disclosed. For example, the MFD includes a printhead to dispense print material, an enhancement printhead to dispense an enhancement printing fluid, a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions. The instructions when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform operations that include determining that an automated enhancement feature was selected, analyzing each pixel of an image to be printed to determine one or more pixels that are to receive the enhancement printing fluid, controlling the printhead to print the image, and controlling the enhancement printhead to dispense the enhancement printing fluid on the one or more pixels that are to receive the enhancement printing fluid.