Raster Image Processor Substrate-Adaptive Halftoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing raster image processors (RIPs) struggle to automatically select an appropriate threshold tile for halftoning continuous-tone images on diverse substrates, leading to suboptimal print quality and ink usage.
Innovation Solution
A raster image processor equipped with an input field for substrate information, a memory storing multiple threshold tiles, and a threshold selector that automatically chooses the most suitable threshold tile based on substrate characteristics and predicted ink usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple threshold tiles are stored in memory for different substrates, then print quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the halftoning function by storing multiple threshold tiles in memory, each optimized for specific substrate types. The threshold selector divides the selection task by evaluating substrate characteristics and matching them with appropriate threshold tiles, thereby improving print quality without requiring complete redesign of the halftoning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing multiple threshold tiles in memory before the actual printing process. Each threshold tile is pre-optimized for specific substrate characteristics, allowing the threshold selector to quickly match the current substrate with the most appropriate tile without real-time complex calculations.
2Ease of operation
If automatic threshold tile selection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold selector enables self-service by automatically selecting the appropriate threshold tile based on substrate information from the input field. The system serves itself by evaluating substrate characteristics and autonomously choosing the optimal threshold tile without requiring operator intervention or expertise in halftoning techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The threshold selector acts as an intermediary between the substrate information input and the threshold tiles in memory. It mediates the selection process by matching substrate characteristics with appropriate threshold tiles, thereby simplifying the operator's task while managing the complexity of having multiple threshold tiles available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If threshold tile selection is based on substrate information, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by storing different threshold tiles optimized for specific local substrate characteristics. Each threshold tile is tailored to particular substrate types (e.g., glossy, matte, textured), allowing the system to adapt to different substrates by selecting the threshold tile that best matches the local requirements of that substrate type.
Data Source
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AI summary
A raster image processor (RIP) for digital binary halftoning a continuous tone image (CT) by a threshold tile (TT) into a halftone raster image (RT) for a printing device capable of printing on a plurality of substrates(S1, S2,…, SM); wherein said processor comprises an input field in which information regarding a substrate is to be used; a memory having stored thereon a plurality of threshold tiles (TT1, TT2,…, TTN) for generating regularly tiled halftone dots; and a threshold selector which is capable to select said threshold tile (TT) of said plurality of threshold tiles (TT1, TT2,…, TTN) based on information supplied to the input field.