Multi-Level Printing Parameter Optimization for Tone Response Artifacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-level digital printing technologies face challenges such as artifacts at cross-over points, non-linear tonal contributions, and inefficient use of colorant levels, leading to texture issues and reduced output quality.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine multi-level printing parameters by identifying test parameter sets that match an aim curve, using density measurements and error calculations to select optimal parameter sets for each colorant level, ensuring smooth tone response curves and minimizing discontinuities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional multi-level screening is used with equal tonal contribution assumption, then the screening process is simple, but artifacts appear at cross-over points and texture issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the tonal ranges for each colorant level based on their actual density contributions. Instead of assuming equal contributions, the system modifies the screening parameters to reflect the true non-linear tonal responses, thereby eliminating artifacts while maintaining process feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring actual printed densities and using these measurements to adjust the screening parameters. The system iteratively refines the tonal range assignments for each colorant level based on measured outcomes, ensuring accurate tone reproduction without artifacts
2Manufacturing precision
If colorant levels are adjusted to match density contributions, then tone response accuracy improves, but the screening becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the optimal tonal ranges for each colorant level before actual printing. The system performs density measurements and parameter optimization in advance, creating lookup tables that simplify the actual screening process while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tonal range into distinct sub-ranges for each colorant level, with each segment optimized for its specific density contribution. This segmentation allows the complex non-linear response to be managed through multiple simpler, optimized segments rather than a single complex function
3Quantity of substance
If full coverage is used for each colorant level, then colorant utilization is maximized, but drying issues and flaking occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary portion of each colorant level's coverage potential. Instead of maximizing coverage for each level, the system uses刚好 sufficient coverage to achieve the desired tone, avoiding the excessive application that causes drying and flaking problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coverage parameter for each colorant level based on its specific density contribution and media characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts coverage parameters to optimize both colorant utilization and print reliability, preventing issues while maintaining efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining multi-level printing parameters for a printing device includes identifying printing parameters for each of multiple colorant levels; providing at least one density measurement at a known coverage for each colorant level; providing an aim curve relating input tone value to printed density value; and identifying multiple test parameter sets. The method further includes, for each of the test parameter sets at each of multiple input tone values, determining a printed density value based on the parameters of the test parameter set and the density measurements, and determining an error value from differences between the determined printed density values and the aim curve. The method also includes selecting one of the test parameter sets using the determined error values; and communicating the selected one of the plurality of test parameter sets for receipt by the printing device for printing documents. Systems and software can employ the method.