3D Printer Color Uniformity via Variable Dot Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid object shaping apparatuses, such as 3D printers, face challenges in achieving uniform color reproduction due to differences in dot and voxel shapes, leading to nonuniform color distribution and color unevenness when forming blocks with varying densities.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a head unit to eject multiple types of liquids, including a first liquid for representing a designated color and a second liquid with a different color, allowing for the formation of distinct color blocks without using the first liquid, ensuring accurate color reproduction by controlling the density of color blocks in different regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blocks including dots having a color for coloring a solid object are disposed in a uniform density, then the solid object can be shaped efficiently, but a dot distribution density becomes nonuniform causing color nonuniformity and shade variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating dot arrangement strategies between surface blocks and internal blocks. Surface blocks (first color blocks) have their dots arranged to account for viewing angle effects, while internal blocks (second color blocks) use different arrangement principles. This localized differentiation ensures color uniformity on visible surfaces without compromising overall shaping efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of dot distribution density based on block position. Surface blocks use a different dot distribution density compared to internal blocks. This parameter change compensates for the shape difference between voxels and dots, ensuring uniform color appearance on surfaces while maintaining efficient shaping processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If the shape of the voxel is different from the shape of the dot, then the solid object can be formed using standard voxel-based methods, but color unevenness and deterioration in color reproducibility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dot distribution density parameter specifically for surface blocks to compensate for the shape discrepancy between rectangular voxels and circular/elliptical dots. By adjusting this parameter, the patent maintains standard voxel-based manufacturing while achieving accurate color reproduction on surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different dot arrangement qualities to surface blocks versus internal blocks. Surface blocks receive specialized dot arrangement treatment to ensure color accuracy, while internal blocks use standard arrangements. This local quality differentiation resolves the color reproduction issue without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple types of liquids are ejected to form different color blocks, then accurate color reproduction can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple liquid types strategically only where needed - specifically for surface blocks requiring accurate color reproduction. Internal blocks can use simpler single-liquid approaches. This localized application of multi-liquid ejection reduces overall device complexity while maintaining color accuracy where it matters most.
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 minimizes color nonuniformity between regions by adjusting the ratio of first and second dots, allowing for accurate and uniform color reproduction in solid objects.
Implementation Method 1
a curing unit that cures the first liquid ejected from the head unit so as to form a first dot, and cures the second liquid ejected from the head unit so as to form a second dot
Data Source
AI summary
A solid object shaping apparatus can shape a solid object having a designated color, and includes a head unit that can eject a plurality of types of liquids including a first liquid used to represent the designated color and a curing unit that cures the plurality of liquids so as to form a plurality of blocks including a first block. The blocks include a first surface block whose upper face or lower face corresponds to a surface of the solid object and a second surface block whose side face corresponds to the surface of the solid object. When the solid object is shaped, the number of the first blocks used in a predetermined area formed by an upper face of the first surface block is different from the number of the first blocks used in a predetermined area formed by a side face of the second surface block.