Print Data Generation for Uniform Ink Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-pass print modes, non-uniform pen-to-paper distances due to the malleable yet rigid nature of coated and heavy print media can cause artifacts such as vertical banding, where printing fluid drops are deposited inaccurately, leading to changes in color and grain patterns.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves generating print data such that the printing fluid is deposited approximately equally during forward and reverse passes, using a particular distribution to mitigate artifacts. This is achieved by distributing the average number of drops per pixel into two independent planes, one for even passes and one for odd passes, ensuring consistent deposition patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-pass print mode is used to print on heavy coated media, then productivity is improved by enabling printing on large scale items, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to non-uniform pen-to-paper distances causing vertical banding and color changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into multiple passes (forward and reverse passes), distributing the deposition of printing fluid across different passes. By dividing the total number of drops to be deposited at each pixel location into separate deposits during forward passes and reverse passes, the system mitigates the impact of non-uniform pen-to-paper distances that occur during multi-pass printing on heavy coated media.
2Productivity
If printing fluid is deposited during both forward and reverse passes, then productivity is improved by completing print jobs faster, but manufacturing precision worsens due to artifacts from non-uniform deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting the deposition characteristics at different locations and passes. Specifically, it modifies the distribution of printing fluid deposits between forward and reverse passes based on the local conditions of each pixel location, ensuring that the cumulative effect produces uniform appearance despite variations in pen-to-paper distance during different passes.
3Device complexity
If print data is generated without considering pass distribution, then device complexity is reduced by simplifying the print data generation process, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to artifact appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and distributing the printing fluid deposits between forward and reverse passes during the print data generation phase. The system determines in advance how many drops should be deposited during each pass type at each pixel location, thereby preventing artifacts before they occur rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments during printing.
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
This approach reduces the appearance of artifacts by ensuring consistent and balanced deposition of printing fluid during both forward and reverse passes, resulting in improved print quality and reduced vertical banding.
Implementation Method 1
A printing device, such as, an ink-jet printer, may comprise multiple printheads to deposit a printing fluid onto a print medium to generate a printed image
Data Source
AI summary
Image data may indicate an average number of drops of printer fluid per pixel. Print data may be generated such that a total number of drops of printing fluid are deposited to a print medium during a pass in a forward direction and a pass in the reverse direction according to a distribution.