Variable Gradation Printing Method for Data Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges in efficiently managing the number of gradations for each color, leading to increased data requirements and potential image quality issues when attempting to print high-quality images with varying tones, as current methods do not allow for variable gradation settings based on printing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A printing method that controls drive elements to form dots with different numbers of gradations for each pixel, allowing for variable gradation settings by alternating between higher and lower gradation settings for different colors based on printing conditions, using a system with shared signal lines and switching circuits to reduce data transmission and maintain image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all colors are printed with a high number of gradations to achieve high image quality, then image quality is improved, but data amount becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different gradation levels to different color channels based on their specific requirements. Cyan and magenta channels use high gradations (e.g., 4-bit data) when blue tones are prominent, while yellow and magenta channels use high gradations (e.g., 4-bit data) when red tones are prominent. This selective approach ensures high image quality only where necessary, reducing overall data amount while maintaining printing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the gradation level variable rather than fixed. The head controller dynamically adjusts the number of gradations for each color channel based on the image content being printed. When blue tones dominate, cyan and magenta use higher gradations; when red tones dominate, yellow and magenta use higher gradations. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between image quality and data transmission requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If variable gradation settings are implemented for different colors, then data amount is reduced, but printing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single head controller that can handle multiple gradation levels for different color channels. The head controller is equipped with separate data input sections that can receive and process variable-bit data for each color channel (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). This multi-functional design allows the same controller to manage both high-gradation and low-gradation channels, reducing the need for separate control systems and minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the data input and processing into separate sections for each color channel. Each color channel (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) has its own data input section that can independently receive data with appropriate gradation levels. This segmented approach allows flexible data management where each channel can be optimized independently, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling variable gradation settings.
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
This method allows for high-quality printing with reduced data requirements by dynamically adjusting gradations based on image content, improving image quality while minimizing data transmission and maintaining efficient signal handling.
Implementation Method 1
a drive element such as a piezo element or a heater is provided for each nozzle in order to effect the ejection of an ink droplet from the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method includes: at a certain timing, controlling a first drive element so that a dot can be formed for each pixel with a first number of gradations, and controlling a second drive element so that a dot can be formed for each pixel with a second number of gradations that is lower than the first number of gradations, the first drive element being driven to form a dot by ejecting an ink of a first color from a nozzle, and the second drive element being driven to form a dot by ejecting an ink of a second color that is different from the first color from a different nozzle; and at a different timing, controlling the first drive element so that a dot can be formed for each pixel with the second number of gradations.