Variable Background Print Agent Application for Inkjet Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face challenges in optimizing the amount of background print agent application, leading to either excessive application in image portions, increasing curing time and temperature, or insufficient application in void portions, resulting in sub-optimal color density and quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines and applies a greater amount of background print agent to void portions than to image portions, allowing for tailored application to ensure sufficient agent in void areas without excessive application under image areas, thereby optimizing color parameters and reducing curing time and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a uniform amount of background print agent is applied across the entire substrate, then the background regions achieve sufficient color density, but the image portions receive excessive application increasing curing time and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different amounts of background print agent to different regions of the substrate: void portions receive a first amount sufficient for optimal color density, while image portions receive a second amount less than the first. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient background coverage where needed while avoiding excessive application in image areas, thereby reducing overall curing time without compromising background quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If a uniform amount of background print agent is applied across the entire substrate, then the background regions achieve sufficient color density, but the total amount of print agent used increases print costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements spatially variable background print agent application where void portions receive a first amount and image portions receive a second amount less than the first. This local differentiation reduces the total quantity of print agent consumed while maintaining sufficient color density in background regions, directly addressing the contradiction between manufacturing precision and substance loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If a uniform amount of background print agent is applied across the entire substrate, then the background regions achieve sufficient color density, but the curing temperature must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a first amount of background print agent to void portions and a second amount less than the first to image portions. This local differentiation reduces the overall print agent load requiring curing, thereby allowing reduction of curing temperature while maintaining sufficient color density in background regions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and temperature requirements.
4Manufacturing precision
If a uniform amount of background print agent is applied across the entire substrate, then the background regions achieve sufficient color density, but the print speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements region-specific background print agent application where void portions receive a first amount and image portions receive a second amount less than the first. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between background quality and print speed by providing sufficient coverage in background areas while reducing material handling and curing load overall, thereby improving print speed without sacrificing background color density.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, a method includes receiving print data indicative of an image to be printed on a substrate. The print data may indicate an image portion in which an image is present and a void portion in which the image is absent. An amount of background print agent to be applied to a region of the substrate corresponding to the locations of the image portion and the void portion on the substrate when the image is printed may be determined. In examples, the amount of background print agent determined to be applied to a region of the substrate corresponding to the location of the void portion on the substrate when the image is printed is greater than the amount of a background print agent to be applied to the region of the substrate corresponding to the location of the image portion on the substrate when the image is printed.