Selective-Discharge Masks for Uniform Multi-Pass Inkjet Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses, such as serial inkjet printers, face challenges in maintaining image quality during multi-pass printing processes, particularly in regions with gradients, due to uneven ink discharge and gloss variations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a selective-discharge mask and circuitry that alternates main and sub-scanning movements, converts input data to dot data with multiple types of dots, and adjusts the selective-discharge mask based on dot types to optimize ink discharge, using a multi-pass printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-pass printing process is used to increase productivity, then printing speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to uneven ink discharge and gloss variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dot data into multiple types (first type, second type, third type) based on gradation levels, and applies different selective-discharge masks to each type. This segmentation allows optimized ink discharge control for different image regions, maintaining image quality while enabling multi-pass printing for improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different selective-discharge masks (first mask, second mask, third mask) to different types of dots based on their gradation characteristics. Each mask is specifically designed for its corresponding dot type, enabling localized optimization of ink discharge to prevent gloss variations and maintain uniform image quality across different regions.
2Manufacturing precision
If selective-discharge mask is changed according to dot types to improve image quality, then gloss unevenness is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of dot data into multiple types based on gradation levels before the printing process. This preliminary action organizes the data structure in advance, allowing the selective-discharge masks to be applied systematically during multi-pass printing, thereby reducing processing complexity during actual execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the selective-discharge masks (first mask, second mask, third mask) according to different dot types and gradation levels. By adjusting mask parameters to match specific dot types, the system optimizes ink discharge control for each region, improving image quality while managing complexity through parameterized control.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple types of dots are used to optimize ink discharge, then image density uniformity is improved, but loss of information increases due to complex data conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the selective-discharge masks based on the types of dots and gradation levels during the multi-pass printing process. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize ink discharge for each specific situation, improving image density uniformity while preserving essential image information through context-aware processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a recording head and circuitry including a selective-discharge mask having two or more bits. The circuitry moves the recording head relative to a recording medium while causing the recording head to discharge a liquid onto the recording medium, moves the recording head and the recording medium relative to each other while causing the recording head not to discharge the liquid, alternately repeats a main scanning movement operation and a sub-scanning movement operation, converts input data to dot data including two or more types of dots, changes the selective-discharge mask in accordance with the types of the dots, converts the dot data to scan data for each of the main scanning movement operation using the dot data and the selective-discharge mask, and transfers the scan data to the recording head to cause the recording head to discharge the liquid according to the scan data.