Printer Control Device for Nozzle Variability Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques using the error diffusion method struggle to adequately compensate for variability in the output of multiple image forming elements in printers, leading to inconsistencies in print quality.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that includes a processor and memory to generate processed image data, using a compensating unit to adjust pixel values based on characteristic data of both the target and neighboring image forming elements, ensuring consistent output across multiple nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If error diffusion method is used for image processing, then image quality is improved, but variability in output of multiple image forming elements cannot be adequately compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and storing characteristic data for each image forming element before the actual printing process. The correction values are pre-computed based on the difference between target values and actual measured values from neighboring elements, allowing the system to compensate for variability before it affects print output consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different correction values to different image forming elements based on their individual characteristics. Each element receives a customized correction based on its specific deviation from the target output, rather than applying a uniform correction across all elements
2Device complexity
If compensation process uses only target element characteristic data, then processing is simple, but compensation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses neighboring image forming elements as intermediaries to improve compensation accuracy. By calculating characteristic data from neighboring elements and using their output values to determine correction values for the target element, the system achieves more accurate compensation without directly measuring the target element's variability
Data Source
AI summary
A control device may generate processed image data, supply the processed image data to a print performing unit and execute a compensation process on a target pixel by using correcting data for a target image forming element which is to form an image at a position corresponding to a target pixel. The correcting data may be data acquired by using a difference between a target value and a value being acquired by using characteristic data corresponding to a first image forming element within a plurality of image forming elements. The target value may be acquired by using characteristic data corresponding to the target image forming element. The first image forming element may be an image forming element which is to form a first neighbor raster neighboring a target raster formed on the print medium by the target image forming element.