Printer Metal Ink Gloss Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing retransfer printer technology using metal ink for glossy images faces issues with angle-dependent gloss variation, resulting in poor image quality, especially in high lightness regions where metal ink dots are scattered, affecting the visual appearance of the image.
Innovation Solution
A printer system that includes an input unit for receiving image data, a density acquisition unit to determine pixel density, a glossy image density decision unit to set optimal gloss density values, and a dithering processor to create second image data for metal ink, ensuring that metal ink is transferred only where necessary to maintain image quality by controlling gloss density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If metal ink is transferred to the transfer body to create a glossy appearance, then the glossy appearance is achieved, but angle-dependent gloss variation occurs resulting in poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different ink transfer strategies to different regions of the image based on local density requirements. In high lightness regions (low density areas), metal ink transfer is suppressed or minimized to prevent scattered dot patterns. In mid to dark regions, metal ink transfer is enabled to provide the desired glossy appearance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing gloss appearance only where it does not compromise image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the metal ink transfer parameters based on the local image density. By changing the transfer threshold or density cutoff value, the system controls where metal ink is applied - preventing transfer in lightness regions where it would create scattered dots, while allowing transfer in darker regions where it enhances gloss without degrading image quality.
2Illumination intensity
If dithering is performed on raw image data to create glossy image data, then glossy appearance is obtained, but metal ink dots are scattered in high lightness regions affecting visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the dithering process by applying region-specific rules. In high lightness regions, dithering is suppressed or metal ink transfer is disabled to prevent scattered dot patterns. In other regions, normal dithering is applied to achieve the desired glossy effect. This local quality approach ensures that the automated dithering process does not degrade visual appearance in critical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying dithering uniformly across the entire image, the patent applies partial dithering - only in regions where it benefits the glossy appearance without harming image quality. By restricting metal ink transfer to specific density ranges, the system performs partial action that avoids the harmful scattered dot effect while maintaining gloss where appropriate.
3Illumination intensity
If metal ink density is increased to enhance gloss, then glossy appearance is improved, but angle-dependent variation increases resulting in inconsistent appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the metal ink density parameter by establishing density thresholds. Rather than uniformly increasing metal ink density across the image, the system adjusts density locally based on the base image characteristics. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient gloss density in appropriate regions while avoiding excessive density that would cause angle-dependent variation and inconsistent appearance.
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
The system effectively reduces angle-dependent gloss variation and improves image quality by strategically applying metal ink, ensuring a consistent and visually appealing glossy finish across the image.
Implementation Method 1
a retransfer device is widely used which sublimates or fuses ink of an ink ribbon with a thermal head
Implementation Method 2
sublimates or fuses ink of an ink ribbon with a thermal head
Implementation Method 3
The glossy appearance in the formed image is obtained by metal ink of the formed image that (approximately) specularly reflects light from a light source with a high directivity
Implementation Method 4
Y, M, and C color inks (hereinafter referred to as color inks) of the ink ribbon are sublimation inks that transmits light
Implementation Method 5
Y, M, and C color inks (hereinafter referred to as color inks) of the ink ribbon are sublimation inks that transmits light
Data Source
AI summary
An input unit receives first image data corresponding to a first print image of a first ink. A density acquisition unit acquires a density value of each pixel included in the first image data. A glossy image density decision unit sets a gloss density value to the minimum possible value of the gloss density value when the density value of the pixel is less than a predetermined value, and sets the gloss density value to a value larger than the minimum possible value when the density value of the pixel is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. A dithering processor performs dithering based on the set gloss density value to create second image data corresponding to a second print image of a second glossy ink. A transfer device transfers the first and second print images on a print body to form a glossy image on the print body.