Image Recording Apparatus Pixel Spacing for Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image quality is affected by temperature distribution on the recording medium during ink application, leading to density unevenness and a grainy effect due to uneven ink evaporation and beading.
Innovation Solution
An image recording method and apparatus that adjusts the distance between recording permitting pixels based on temperature variations on the recording medium, with longer distances between pixels in cooler regions to prevent beading and ensure uniform ink fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the recording medium is heated to fix ink quickly, then ink fixation speed is improved, but temperature distribution becomes uneven causing density unevenness and grainy effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pixel distances in different regions of the mask pattern corresponding to different temperature zones. In high-temperature regions, pixels are arranged with standard distance, while in low-temperature regions, pixels are arranged with longer distance to compensate for slower evaporation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by maintaining uniform image quality across the entire recording medium despite temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pixel distance in the mask pattern based on temperature distribution. By adjusting the spatial parameter (pixel distance) according to the thermal parameter (temperature), the system compensates for temperature-induced variations in ink evaporation speed, thereby maintaining consistent image quality while preserving the benefits of heated recording.
2Quantity of substance
If pixels are arranged closely to improve image density, then ink coverage is improved, but beading occurs in cooler regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-dependent pixel spacing where the distance between recording-permitting pixels varies according to the temperature characteristics of different regions. In cooler regions where beading is problematic, pixels are spaced farther apart, while in warmer regions pixels can be closer together. This resolves the contradiction by locally optimizing pixel density to match local thermal conditions.
3Device complexity
If a fixed mask pattern is used for all regions, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality varies across different temperature zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recording medium into multiple temperature zones and assigns different mask patterns to each zone. This segmentation approach maintains relative simplicity within each local pattern while achieving global uniformity. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by dividing the system into manageable regions, each with optimized characteristics.
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
Prevents density unevenness and grainy effects by optimizing ink droplet placement and evaporation, resulting in high-quality images with improved uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
this method promotes fixation of the color material by promptly evaporating moisture contained in the ink
Implementation Method 2
applying heat to the ink with use of a heating unit when the ink is applied onto the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
In a mask pattern that determines whether ink is to be discharged and recorded for each pixel, a distance between recording permitting pixels at a portion employed for recording nozzles corresponding to a region where the temperature of a recording medium is relatively low after ink droplets are applied is set to be longer than a distance between recording permitting pixels at a portion employed for a recording region corresponding to a region on the recording medium other than the above-described region.