Printing Control Apparatus Ink Discharge Correction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing technologies face limitations in correcting density unevenness across different printing modes, requiring dedicated patterns and measurements for each mode, which is inefficient and impractical for new modes or variations in nozzle discharge characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A printing control apparatus that acquires discharge characteristic information for each nozzle, calculates correction amounts based on this information for varying sub-scanning movement modes, and generates printing data to correct ink discharge for each printing mode, eliminating the need for dedicated measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated patterns are printed and measured for each printing mode to acquire correction amounts, then correction accuracy for density unevenness is improved, but the complexity of the process increases and additional measurements are required for new printing modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single BRS correction table that can be universally applied across multiple printing modes with different sub-scanning movement amounts. Instead of creating separate correction tables for each printing mode, the system uses one correction table derived from a dedicated pattern printed in a reference mode, and applies it to correct density unevenness in all printing modes by calculating appropriate correction amounts based on the relationship between printing modes and the reference mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary correction amount calculation by establishing the relationship between different printing modes and a reference printing mode in advance. The system calculates correction amounts for each printing mode based on the sub-scanning movement amounts and stores these correction amounts in a BRS correction table before actual printing operations, eliminating the need for repeated measurements for each printing mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If correction amounts are acquired for each printing mode through dedicated measurements, then the effectiveness of correction is improved for each mode, but the time and resources required for measurement and correction table creation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection effectivenessVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single BRS correction table that can be universally applied across multiple printing modes with different sub-scanning movement amounts. Instead of creating separate correction tables for each printing mode, the system uses one correction table derived from a dedicated pattern printed in a reference mode, and applies it to correct density unevenness in all printing modes by calculating appropriate correction amounts based on the relationship between printing modes and the reference mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent copies the correction approach from a reference printing mode to other printing modes. By establishing the correction amounts in a reference mode through dedicated pattern measurement, the system then calculates and applies corresponding correction amounts for other printing modes based on their sub-scanning movement relationships, avoiding the need to physically measure and print dedicated patterns for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple BRS correction tables are created for different printing modes, then correction accuracy for each mode is improved, but the storage requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode-specific correction accuracyVSAvoidstorage memory

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single BRS correction table that can be universally applied across multiple printing modes with different sub-scanning movement amounts. Instead of creating separate correction tables for each printing mode, the system uses one correction table derived from a dedicated pattern printed in a reference mode, and applies it to correct density unevenness in all printing modes by calculating appropriate correction amounts based on the relationship between printing modes and the reference mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the correction data for multiple printing modes into a single BRS correction table. Instead of maintaining separate correction tables for each printing mode, the system combines all correction information into one table that contains correction amounts applicable to all printing modes, reducing storage requirements and simplifying the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10632759B2Printing control apparatus, printing control system, and printing control method

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing control apparatus configured to control a printing apparatus including an acquisition unit configured to acquire discharge characteristic information including a characteristic of discharging ink for each of nozzles, a correction amount calculation unit configured to calculate a correction amount for correcting an amount of the ink discharged onto a printing medium based on the discharge characteristic information for each of printing modes having mutually different relative movement amounts of the sub scanning movements, and a printing data generation unit configured to generate printing data for executing printing in accordance with the printing mode based on the correction amount.