Print Head Split Rendering for Mixed Resolution Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-color printing systems on substrates like plastic cards and retransfer films often print multi-color graphics and single color data at the same resolution, which is inefficient as they do not require the same level of detail, leading to suboptimal print quality and throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where multi-color graphics are printed at a first resolution and single color data are printed at a higher second resolution using the same print head, allowing for separate print resolutions for different color components, such as CMY panels for graphics and a K panel for text, optimizing print quality and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multi-color graphics and single color data are printed at the same resolution, then the printing process is simplified and throughput is maintained, but print quality is suboptimal because different content types require different levels of detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the print job into two separate rendering streams: one for multi-color graphics at a first resolution and another for single-color data at a second resolution. This segmentation allows each type of content to be processed at its optimal resolution, improving overall print quality without requiring physical modification of the print head hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different resolution qualities to different parts of the print output based on content type. Multi-color graphics receive lower resolution processing while single-color text and data receive higher resolution processing, matching the actual visual requirements of each content type and optimizing perceived print quality.
2Productivity
If multi-color graphics and single color data are printed at the same resolution, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to inefficient rendering and data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rendering workload into two parallel processing streams that operate simultaneously. The multi-color graphics rendering and single-color data rendering are handled by separate rendering engines that can process their respective content types at optimal speeds and resolutions, increasing overall throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter dynamically based on content type. By adjusting the output resolution parameter for different content streams (lower for multi-color, higher for single-color), the system optimizes processing efficiency and throughput without requiring hardware changes.
3Loss of time
If all print content is rendered at high resolution, then print quality is maximized, but data bandwidth and rendering time increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the resolution parameter based on content type analysis. Multi-color graphics are rendered at a lower first resolution while single-color data is rendered at a higher second resolution, reducing total rendering time and data bandwidth requirements while maintaining appropriate quality for each content type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of partial action by rendering only the portions of the print job that require high resolution (single-color data) at high resolution, while multi-color graphics are rendered at lower resolution. This avoids the excessive action of rendering all content at maximum resolution, reducing unnecessary processing time and bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods where multi-color graphics on a substrate are printed at a first resolution, and single color data is printed at a second, higher resolution using the same print head. The multi-color graphics can be a printed photograph of a person, a printed logo, or any printed feature that is printed using multiple colors. The single color data can be printed alphanumeric text such as a person's name, address, account number or any other data that is printed using a single color.