Printing Apparatus Density Correction via Pre-Correction Gain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face challenges in achieving uniform printing density, leading to grainy results due to variations in dot size and position among printing elements, which affect the appearance and quality of printed images.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that acquires pre-correction printing density data from test patterns, calculates a target density by averaging and offsetting the pre-correction density, and adjusts the correction gain for each printing element to ensure uniform output, thereby controlling the printer to produce images with reduced graininess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If printing elements print dots without correction, then printing speed is maintained, but printing density becomes non-uniform causing graininess
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of printing characteristics using test patterns before actual printing. The controller measures dot size and position variations of each printing element and pre-calculates correction values, which are then applied during normal printing operations to achieve uniform density without real-time complex adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts printing parameters (dot size, position, or density) based on measured variations in printing element characteristics. By changing these parameters according to pre-calculated correction values, the system compensates for manufacturing variations and achieves uniform printing density across all printing elements
2Manufacturing precision
If correction is applied to each printing element, then printing density uniformity improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all correction calculations and parameter determinations in advance using test patterns, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time measurements and adjustments during actual printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus automatically measures its own printing characteristics using built-in test patterns and self-corrects without requiring external intervention or manual calibration, reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision
3Productivity
If dot size varies among printing elements, then printing speed is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to graininess
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies individual correction values to each printing element based on its specific characteristics measured from test patterns. Each printing element receives customized adjustment to compensate for its unique dot size and position variations, ensuring uniform image quality while maintaining overall printing speed
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printer with printing elements that print dots and a controller that controls the printer on the basis of input image data. The controller acquires a pre-correction printing density that is based on test pattern data, which includes a uniform array of pixels, and printing characteristics of a dot size of the printing elements. The controller calculates a target density by averaging the pre-correction printing density and offsets the target density so that the target density is equal to or greater than the pre-correction printing density. The controller calculates a correction gain of the printing elements on the basis of the ratio of the target density to the pre-correction printing density and controls the printer on the basis of the correction gain and the input image data.