Printing Apparatus Image Data Division for Distorted Mediums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face challenges in maintaining image quality when printing on mediums with distorted shapes, as they struggle to correct and align image data accurately, leading to inconsistencies and defects in the printed output.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a control unit that performs specific image processing, including dividing and combining image data by horizontal lines to generate combined image data with horizontal upper and lower sides, ensuring accurate alignment and correction of distorted patterns on the printing medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image data is corrected for distortion, then image alignment accuracy is improved, but image shape consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image data is divided into multiple tile-shaped regions, with dividing lines added between them. This segmentation allows each region to be independently adjusted for alignment while maintaining the overall image structure, resolving the conflict between alignment accuracy and shape consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a new dimension (the dividing lines) to the image data structure. By adding these reference lines, the system can detect and correct distortion in one dimension while preserving the overall shape consistency across all dimensions through the coordinated adjustment of multiple tiles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If printing is performed on distorted mediums, then printing versatility is improved, but printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary correction of the image data by adding dividing lines and adjusting tile positions before printing. This preliminary action prepares the image data to accommodate distorted printing mediums while maintaining image quality, allowing the system to print on various mediums without sacrificing precision.
3Measurement precision
If image data is divided and corrected, then image alignment is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the dividing lines added to the image data as self-referential markers for detection and correction. The same dividing lines that segment the image also serve as the reference for measuring distortion and guiding correction, eliminating the need for separate reference systems and reducing processing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a control unit configured to execute image processing including a division and a combination of image data, and a printing unit configured to perform printing on a printing medium based on image data after the image processing, wherein the control unit acquires image data as a target of the n-th image processing, generates an upper image whose lower side is horizontal, and a lower image whose upper side is horizontal by dividing the image data by a horizontal line, generates combined image data whose upper side and lower side are horizontal by combining a lower image whose upper side is horizontal and that is generated by the division in the image processing at the (n-1)-th time, on the upper side of the upper image, and causes the printing unit to execute printing based on the combined image data.