Variable Smoothing Masks for Printing Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers using columnar arrays of nozzles face inefficiencies in throughput due to techniques like interlacing and interleaving, which reduce printing speed while attempting to minimize printing artifacts, and existing methods cannot dynamically adjust smoothing levels based on image content, leading to prolonged printing times for high-quality modes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses multiple smoothing masks with adjustable attributes, such as shift and nozzle count, to dynamically change printing modes and masks based on image sections, allowing for variable printing quality and optimized throughput by adding or removing masks as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If interlacing and interleaving techniques are used to minimize printing artifacts, then printing quality is improved, but printing throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the smoothing mask adjustable and changeable during the printing process. The control device can modify the smoothing mask parameters (such as mask pattern, shift amount, and application area) dynamically based on the current printing section and detected artifacts, rather than using a fixed mask throughout the entire printing process. This allows the system to adaptively balance quality improvement and throughput maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying smoothing masks selectively to specific regions of the printed output rather than uniformly across the entire image. The control device can identify areas with printing artifacts or banding and apply smoothing operations only to those localized regions, leaving other areas unaffected. This regional approach maintains quality where needed while preserving throughput in areas where smoothing is not required.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-quality printing mode is used to maintain desired printing quality, then printing quality is improved, but printing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing smoothing masks at selective stages or regions of the printing process rather than applying maximum smoothing throughout. The control device can apply mild smoothing to areas with minor artifacts and reserve stronger smoothing for areas with significant banding or defects. This graduated approach achieves acceptable quality without the full time penalty of applying high-level smoothing universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the intensity and application of smoothing masks based on real-time analysis of the printed output. When printing quality is satisfactory, the system reduces or skips smoothing operations to maintain speed. When artifacts or banding are detected, the system activates appropriate smoothing levels. This dynamic response allows the printer to operate at high speed most of the time while intervening with quality enhancement only when necessary.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing smoothing methods are used, then printing quality is improved, but the system cannot dynamically adjust to different image sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the control device to modify smoothing mask parameters in real-time based on the specific characteristics of different image sections. The system can detect variations in image content, artifact patterns, and printing conditions across different regions, and accordingly adjust the mask pattern, shift amount, and application timing. This makes the smoothing process adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by tailoring the smoothing mask parameters to the specific needs of each image section. Different regions of the image can receive different mask patterns (e.g., horizontal vs. vertical lines), different shift amounts, and different application intensities based on the local characteristics such as image detail density, color variations, and detected artifact types. This localized approach enhances adaptability to diverse image content.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for printing an image using an array of nozzles are described. In one example aspect, a printer system includes an array of nozzles and a control device coupled to the array of nozzles. The control device is configured to determine a step size for printing a current section of an image based on a set of masks. The set of masks includes one or more masks used for printing previous sections of the image. The control device is also configured to adjust the set of masks based on a printing mode to be used for the current section of the image. The array of nozzles is configured to print the current section of the image using a combination of the adjusted set of masks.