Multi-ink Droplet Discharge Nozzle Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques face challenges in forming appropriate dot patterns when using different numbers of nozzles for various inks, leading to difficulties in achieving suitable pixel patterns and potentially resulting in image quality issues like white streaks and density unevenness.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet discharge apparatus with a head unit having first-kind and second-kind nozzles, where the controller generates specific data to manage overlapping areas for dot formation, ensuring appropriate discharge of liquid droplets from both types of nozzles to prevent image quality issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different numbers of nozzles are used for different inks, then the printing capability for multiple inks is improved, but it becomes difficult to form appropriate dot patterns and maintain image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nozzle system into first-kind nozzles and second-kind nozzles, where first-kind nozzles are dedicated to first liquid and second-kind nozzles are dedicated to second liquid. This segmentation allows each nozzle type to have optimized dot patterns independent of the other, resolving the conflict between multi-ink capability and dot pattern quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different dot patterns (first pixel pattern for first liquid, second pixel pattern for second liquid) to different nozzle types based on their specific characteristics. Each nozzle type uses a locally optimized pixel pattern suited to its liquid type, maintaining high image quality despite having different nozzle counts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of nozzles for first liquid differs from the number of nozzles for second liquid, then multi-ink printing flexibility is improved, but uniformity of dot patterns across different inks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different pixel patterns are assigned to different nozzle types based on their specific requirements. The first pixel pattern is optimized for first liquid nozzles, while the second pixel pattern is optimized for second liquid nozzles, allowing each to maintain uniform and stable dot patterns despite having different nozzle counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves a form of universality by having multiple nozzle types work together harmoniously through coordinated control. Each nozzle type maintains its specialized function with dedicated pixel patterns, yet both contribute to the overall unified image output, achieving compatibility across different ink types.
3Manufacturing precision
If complementary pixel patterns are used at band boundaries, then image quality at boundaries is improved, but the complexity of data generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-generates first data and second data that specify the first pixel pattern and second pixel pattern for each nozzle type before actual printing. This preliminary data generation includes pre-determining the complementary patterns at band boundaries, simplifying the real-time control process while ensuring high image quality at boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid droplet discharge apparatus includes: a conveyor which conveys a recording medium in a sub-scanning direction; a head unit including first-kind nozzles and at least one second-kind nozzle; a moving device configured to move the head unit in a main scanning direction intersecting with the sub-scanning direction; and a controller. The controller executes: a first data generation process for generating a first data being used for forming a first image; a second data generation process for generating a second data being used for forming a second image; and a forming process for forming dots by controlling the head unit, the moving device, and the conveyor based on the first data and the second data to discharge liquid droplets on the recording medium.