JPH04500748A - A method for varying the response of a printing element to an input signal, and a system and printing device to which this method is applied. - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] A method for varying the response of a printing element to an input signal and how this method is applied. The present invention is based on the preamble of claim 1 of this document. In addition, the system according to the preamble of claim 9 in which this method is used related to the program.

A method and system of the above type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,196. In this specification, an inkjet device is taken as an example of a printing element. This inkjet device uses digital control signals that are converted into time intervals. As a function of the level of the control signal, multiple droplets corresponding to the level of that control signal In order to obtain optical density corresponding to the level, the substrate surface is divided into pixels. It can be selectively deposited over the pixels.

A disadvantage of this known method is that the density imparted by the printing element in response to a control signal is is influenced by the physical actuation of the printing element. printing element is formed when the pressure of the ink delivered to the nozzle is increased or decreased. The size of the droplet increases or decreases depending on the increase or decrease of its pressure, but the size of the droplet increases or decreases per unit time. Since the number of droplets remains essentially constant, the result is an increase or decrease in the number of droplets. Based on the level of the fgIII signal, each of the inks that have been exposed to in response to higher or lower densities than required or expected. Deposited onto a substrate. In a practical example, the inkjet device has one nozzle. 0 μm diameter, and in order to obtain sufficiently good results from the operation of the device, the above-mentioned The diameter tolerance is 0.1μ■. This puts us at the limits of accuracy that is practically achievable. Requires certain measurement and manufacturing accuracy and, as a result, the manufacturing of such printing elements. The cost is relatively high.

The human eye is very sensitive to perceptible differences in density, especially between individual prints. Groups of adjacent pixels caused by the same control signal level sent to the elements The printing system or printing The more the device has a large number of single-color or multi-color printing elements (the more the above-mentioned The points become important. Based on practical procedures, separate It is known to use an ink pump for each printing element. However, that Such pumps are very expensive.

The aim of the invention is to obviate the drawbacks of these known methods.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method for generating control signals for printing elements. The purpose of this method is to provide a method that is selected regardless of the actuation of the simulating printing processes such as offset printing. and make it possible.

These objectives can be achieved by using the means specified in the characteristic part of claim 1 of the present patent. This is accomplished in the manner specified in the preamble of patent claim 1. This relationship is mutual. can be fully or partially represented by a function or table of signal levels corresponding to is possible. When using a properly selected above relationship, the printed element The result given on the substrate surface is therefore determined by the standardized printing elements. The printing result would be identical to that given to the substrate surface without the involvement of

When manufacturing printing elements, such relationships are determined for each printing element. , and preferably stored and provided in non-volatile memory (ROMI). is possible.

This relationship fosters two sub-relationships, the first of which is such that the second sub-relationship is When linear, the results obtained using that printing element are standardized by the printed element, which is the same result as would be obtained using the element without the involvement of the first sub-relation. Selected to yield results. In certain embodiments, the printing process may be simulated. The second sub-relationship for the simulation may be non-linear. Advantageously, this If the first sub-relationship is the non-volatile memory FROM associated with the printing element ) may be stored in the printing process to be simulated. Accordingly, a second sub-relationship includes volatile memory (RAMI) from the data processing system. It is possible to store it in .

Transitions between adjacent pixel groups with different densities that are difficult to perceive with the naked eye and as a result of quantization defects that are easily perceived by the naked eye. In order to prevent undesirable patterns of is preferably used.

For determining and applying said relationship, a method according to claim 8 is used. It is preferable that

The present invention further relates to the claims 9 to 16 in which the method according to the invention is used. It also relates to the printing system described in any one of the above.

The present invention also relates to a printing device to which the above-described printing system is attached, and The equipment removes the load from the data processing system and/or data transmission system. However, such a system generates and generates input signals independently of the operation of the printing device. Just send it.

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are as follows.

FIG. 1 shows a first implementation of a printing system according to the invention in which the method according to the invention is used. An example block diagram is shown.

FIG. 2 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the system of FIG.

3, 4 and 5 show a printing system according to the invention in which the method according to the invention is used 1 shows block diagrams of second, third, and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

The printing system shown in FIG. 1 has one printing element 1 and one conversion circuit 2. Ru. The conversion circuit 2 receives input from a data processing system and/or a data transmission system 3. In response to receiving signal 1, the receiver receives a signal corresponding to the level of input signal i. A control signal C having a certain level is sent out.

In the printing element 1, the change in the density d of each pixel on the substrate surface divided into pixels is obtained as a function of the control signal C, with selection of at least two density levels. Any type of printing element may be used as long as it allows this. for example , the printing element may be a light emitting element such as a laser or a light emitting diode; exposes the photosensitive layer of the substrate depending on the level of the control signal sent to that element. mounted between the light source and the substrate, which can change the optical density of the light source and the substrate. It may also be a light blocking element such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). Furthermore, printing The element is an inkjet for selectively spraying ink droplets onto a substrate surface. or may be attached to a support between the printing element and the substrate. to selectively heat the heat-sensitive dye deposited on the substrate or the heat-sensitive dye deposited on the substrate. It may also be a second heating element.

Such densities can be achieved by, for example, optical It may be density or charge density. With a charged substrate at the starting point , it is possible to obtain the corresponding print.

Figure 2 has the origin G in the center and has three functions d(il , d(c), c(1), where 1 is the input corresponds to the level of the signal and d corresponds to the optical density imparted on the substrate by the printing element 1. C corresponds to the level of the control signal. Therefore, the function d (c) is by printing element 1 on a particular substrate when element 1 is controlled by control signal C. Indicates the given density d. The function d(i) is received by the conversion circuit 2 input signal! Give the desired density d in response to .

In order to obtain the desired density d, the input signal received by the conversion circuit 2 must be 1 must be transformed into the control signal C according to the function c(i). for example , to obtain an input signal 1 having a level +1, the corresponding level dt A desired density d having a level c1 is obtained by a control signal C having a level c1, which This leads to point f1 of function c(1). Similarly, input signal 12 with level i is In order to obtain the corresponding desired density d with level d2, the level c2, which leads to point 12 of function c(i) Ku. The same applies to other levels of the input signal i and the control signal C.

The resulting relationship between the level of input signal 1 and the level of control signal C is , in the case of the relationship shown as an example in FIG. It can be fully or partially represented by a number (formula), c (il =k i -k2tin(k3i) In the above equation, k and k are constants.

However, this relationship is shown in the table of levels of input signal 1 and control signal 1 corresponding to each other. Therefore, it is also possible to represent it completely or partially, in which case the conversion circuit 2 is possible to have a single memory in which the table is stored.

If printing systems 1 and 2 must always operate in the same way, Advantageously, the table can be stored in one non-volatile memory (ROM). It is. In that case, the printing system 1.2 obtained using the printing element 1 is The result is the same as that given as a normalized printing element without the involvement of the above relationships. The printing elements 1 are manufactured in such a way that for each such printing element The relationship can then be determined and stored. In that case, the conversion circuit 2 forms a specific conversion circuit 2 associated with the non-standardized printing element 1 do.

If it is desired to emulate the printing process to be selected, Preferably, the conversion circuit 2 is divided into two parts 2' and 2', as shown in FIG. Yes. In this case, it is preferable that part 2' functions as the above-mentioned specific conversion circuit. Precisely, this circuit, together with the printing element l, has the same It should be seen as a printing system that delivers results.

Part 2' is the printing process to be simulated (such as offset). It can be used to store any relationship based on a process, and The writing relationship may be determined by the data system 3 independently of the actuation of the printing elements. and in any similar printing system 1.2', 2' It can be used without modification.

4 and 5 show an embodiment of the type shown in FIG. memory 4, one buffer 7 register 5 at the input of said memory 4, and a data system. a plurality of adders 6 to 8 between the stem 3 and the buffer register 5; Each of the adders 6 to 8 receives a different value from the memory 4, and the adder 7.8 receives a different value from the memory 4. The values directed to the buffer registers 5 are each is delayed by one or two transfer cycles.

The number of levels selected for input signal 1 indicates that control signal C effectively controls printing element 1. 4 and 5, the embodiment according to FIG. is used. In this case, the number of locations in memory 4 is determined by the selection of input signal 1. At this time, the maximum and minimum values of input signal 1 and the control signal The maximum value and minimum value of number C correspond to each other. The location of memory 4 is compared. In this case, the level of the control signal C closest to that address and the adder 6 to 8 and the difference value sent back.

When the difference value is zero, such as when the system is switched on, , the next address at the output of buffer register 5 is sent to data system 3. Therefore, it corresponds to the level of input signal 1 sent. In response, the memory 4 Send out the corresponding control signal C with the closest level, and adjust it to the level of the input signal l. The corresponding address of memory 4 and the address value corresponding to the control signal with no difference value. Sends a difference value equal to the difference between. For example, when the system is switched on After the input signal 1 has a level of 256, 0.1.2,...,255 and the control signal has the level of the input signal l, 0, Is, 31, ..., 2 16 levels corresponding to 55, 0. l, 2, ..., 15, and For example, for input signal 1, it has a difference value 3l-24=7 corresponding to input signal 1. The value of this difference is sent to the input signal C by the adder 6. It is added to the next level of number 1.

The embodiment according to FIG. Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 4, in that it consists of three parts sent separately to It is very advanced.

Of course, this type of weighting of difference values requires more adders and more delays. It can be extended by using extension circuits.

If the contents of the memory 4 location include circuits 4-6 or circuits 4-IO separately can be selected to have the same response as part 2' of FIG. In addition, an additional conversion circuit such as part 2' of FIG. It should be noted that it is possible to provide between each of the calculators 6 or 8. It is.

A conversion circuit such as 2 is connected to a printing device (not shown) having a printing element 1. Can be arranged totally separated or partially separated (e.g. 2′) . However, it is preferred that such conversion circuitry be located entirely within the printing device. As a result, it is common for computers to be intended for general-purpose use. The load is removed from the data system 3, which is the target, and its transmission path from the printing device. regardless of the operation of data system 3 and the data file, can be used at any time and in any location, thereby , gives the same result as for a printing device with the same number of standardized printing elements. It is possible to

The relationship c(1) can be applied to the conversion circuit 2 by serial transmission or parallel transmission in any known manner. For clarity of the drawing, the above-mentioned relationships are All conductors necessary for the transmission of input signal l and control signal C are omitted from the drawing. It should be noted that some things have been omitted.

At the same time, said relationship can be supplied to the printing element, and this relationship can be It should be noted that compensating for mutual differences between individual printing elements be. At the same time, said relationship is provided in the form of a chip integrated into the printing element. After the printing elements have been plugged, the printing system This relationship can be read out by the computer controlling the system. . Instead of this chip, at the same time, the relationships are recorded, for example on a floppy. The printing element can be supplied in stored form to the printing element, in which case the printing element This proppy data must also be read when the is plugged in. .

Submission of a copy of the written amendment (Article 184-8 of the Patent Law) 1. Display of patent application P CT/NL 891000692, title of invention One that provides standardized characteristics A printing device 3 having at least one printing element coupled to a conversion circuit of applicant Address: 583 Door N Boxmeer, Lime de K, Netherlands Luherstraat, 43.A. Name: Storck-kai Itsukusucel B.B.-4, Manager: Shin, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Yado 1-1-14 Yamada Building 5, Amendment submission date: July 6, 1990 detailed book at least one printing element coupled to one conversion circuit providing standardized characteristics; printing device with The present invention is a printing device having one printing element and one conversion circuit, A printing device receives an input signal from a data source, and the receiver receives the received input signal. converting into a control signal according to a preselected relationship and supplying said control signal to a conversion element; and in response to the control signal, the conversion element configures one print on one substrate. and this print corresponds to the print assigned to the preselected value of said input signal. It concerns a printing device that is fed relative to said printing element in order to obtain density.

This type of printing device is -P+oc2sdiigs of lhe 11st ionslElect+oeic+ Coalrteocs”, Volume 23.1 October 23-25, 967, 01kBrook, l1linois (US ), I, R, 5hoan*+d, pp. 647-6511 'FiBe+pr iel T+sn+mis+ioa b78) Iigb Rs+olution FzCtimile 57Nes [ItiB PhotoB+*phic RC cordiB". In the case of this prior art printing device, the modification The switching circuit performs transmission effects on the input signal transmitted by radio from the data source. Designed to compensate for noise. This conversion circuit converts the input signal and the printing element into providing three slopes of said preselected relationship between the control signal to be supplied; It has three selected diodes for. During the first alignment , adjustment by trial and error is required.

In the case of this prior art printing device, the conversion circuit is designed only once, i.e. The relationship between the signal and the output control signal is fixed. Therefore, after manufacturing the printing device When replacing the printing element at any point in time, the overall response characteristics, i.e. The relationship between the above density and the input signal depends on the response of the newly installed printing element. Ru. This is desirable because there can be large differences in the performance of printing elements in practice. The overall response characteristics would be lost. The conversion circuit using the diode is extremely difficult, time-consuming, and almost impossible to create. Therefore, these conversion circuits need only be designed once to reduce cost. Probably. Therefore, the new printing device after replacing the printing element will have a different overall response. It may have certain characteristics.

The purpose of the invention is to eliminate the deficiencies of prior art printing devices.

The purpose is to ensure that the print element has a standardized printout with respect to input signals of a particular value. the element provides to the substrate with respect to the particular input signal value without regard to the relationship; such that said relationship is related to the actuation of said printing element so as to give a density value that is the same as a density value. By using the printing device according to the invention, the printing device according to the invention can be achieved by light.

Therefore, standardized overall response characteristics are provided for every printing element used in practice. It is possible to obtain with respect to

Any control for providing input signals and controlling the relative movement of the printing element and the substrate. Because the control circuitry and drive mechanism are relevant to the present invention, the present invention does not apply to printing devices. Therefore, it is also considered to concern printing elements incorporating conversion circuits.

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first part of a printing device according to the invention, in which the method according to the invention is used. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the system of FIG. 1.

3, 4 and 5 show signs according to the invention, in which the method according to the invention is used. FIG. 3 shows block diagrams of second, third and fourth embodiments of the printing device.

The printing device shown in FIG. 1 has one printing element 1 and one conversion circuit 2. The printing device shown in FIG.

The conversion circuit 2 receives input from a data processing system and/or a data transmission system 3. (from the first line on page 4 to the second line on page 8 of the original specification) This is followed by lines up to line 0. ) The scope of the claims 1. Printing with one printing element (1) and one conversion circuit (2; 2', 2') A device, wherein the printing device receives an input signal (i) from a data source (3). and said receiver processes the received input signal (1) according to a preselected relationship (e(i)). to convert the control signal (C1 into the control signal (c) into the conversion element (2; 2', 2 ’) and in response to said control signal (e) said converting element Set up one print, said print is for a preselected value of said input signal (i) relative to said printing element (1) so as to obtain an assigned printing density (1). furthermore, said printing element (1) is transmitted with respect to an input signal (1) of a particular value. , standardized printing element + 1) in relation to the particular input signal (1) value. The value of density (1) is the same as the value of density given to the substrate without the involvement of (c(i)) Let said relationship (c(il) be a function of the actuation of said printing element (1) so that A printing device characterized in that the printing device is selected according to the following.

2. The conversion circuit (2; 2', 2') stores a correlation table of the values of the control signal (cl). one memory, said memory being addressed by the value of the input signal; in response to said memory being assigned an address value of said input signal (1). The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it provides a control signal (e) having a value. .

3. The memory according to claim 2, wherein the memory is one non-volatile memory. printing device.

4. The conversion circuit (2; 2', 2') is incorporated into the printing element (1). The printing device according to claim 3, characterized in that:

5. One integrated conversion circuit (2; 2', 2') as claimed in claim 4 ) printing element + 11゜ international inspection approval ,,,,,,,,^,--,--torture pc=/2:=! 9100069 international tone inspection report

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. The density of each pixel on the substrate surface divided into pixels is determined by the level of the control signal (c). control signal (c) for the printing element (l) suitable for varying as a function of A method for generating a density (d), the method comprising: It is possible to select said control signal (c) from among two or more values; , said control signal (c) is preselectable with respect to the level of said control signal (c). generated based on one input signal (i) having the relationship (c(i)), said relationship (c(i)) means that the level of the density (d) to be predetermined is the input signal ( A method characterized in that the relationship obtained with respect to the level of i). 2. The printing elements (l) are standardized with respect to the level of a particular input signal (i) The printing element has the relationship (c(i)) with respect to the level of the particular input signal (i). Gives the same value of density (d) as that given to the substrate without involvement , the relationship (c(i)) is selected as a function of the actuation of the printing element (l). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. Said relation (c(i)) has two sub-relationships, and the x-axis value of the first sub-relationship is corresponds to the level of the input signal (i), and the y-axis value of the first sub-relationship corresponds to the level of the input signal (i). corresponds to the x-axis value of the relation, and the y-axis value of the second sub-relationship corresponds to the level of the control signal (c). Correspondingly, if the other sub-relationship is a linear sub-relationship, then the printing element ( l) that for a particular input signal (i) level, the standardized printing element for a given input signal (i) level without the involvement of the above relationship (c(i)). the first density (d) to give the same density (d) value as characterized in that the sub-relationship is selected as a function of the actuation of said printing element (1). 2. The method according to claim 1. 4. the relationship (c(i)) is at least partially represented by one function; The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: 5. The relationship (c(i)) is the control signal corresponding to each level of the input signal (i). claim characterized in that it is at least partially represented by a table at the level of subparagraph (c); The method described in claim 1. 6. at least one section of said relationship (c(i)) is iteratively modified 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The pixels are scanned according to a predetermined path, and a selected number of inputs are scanned. The number of levels of the input signal (i) is greater than the number of levels of the control signal (c), and the input signal ( The maximum value and minimum value of i) and the maximum value and minimum value of control signal (c) correspond to each other. and the relationship (c(i)) corresponding to the level of the received input signal (i). Therefore, the level of the control signal (c) closest to the given control signal value is selected. selected, the level of the received input signal (i) and the selected control signal. The difference between the level of input signal (i) corresponding to the level of (c) is determined by the subsequent control A predetermined distribution and distribution algorithm is used before selecting the level of signal (c). is added to the level of the next input signal (i) to be received according to the 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that. 8. For each level number of the input signal (i), how many values have the corresponding density (d)? The small areas are formed on the substrate and the density of each of the small areas is measured. and that the relationship (c(i)) is for the level of the input signal (i) used according to the density measurements to obtain the desired density. 2. The method according to claim 1. 9. The density of each pixel on the substrate surface divided into pixels is determined by the printing request (l). a printing element suitable for varying as a function of the level of a control signal (c) for (l), wherein the control signal (c) is: It is possible to have more than one value corresponding to a particular value of density (d), and , the conversion means (2; 2', 2'') are based on the level of one input signal (i). The corresponding level of the control signal (c) is expressed as the level of the input signal (i) and the control signal (c). according to a predetermined relationship (c(i)) between the levels of c(i)) is stored in the converting means, and the relationship between the levels of the signals (i, c) is When the level of the density (d) with which the relation (c(i)) is predetermined is the level of the input signal (i), A printing system characterized by a relationship such as that obtained with respect to Bell. 10. The printing element (l) is standardized with respect to a particular input signal (i) level. The printed printing element is determined by the relation (c(i)) with respect to the particular input signal (i) level. gives the same value of density (d) as the value of density (d) given to the substrate without the involvement of As can be seen, said relationship (c(i)) as a function of the actuation of said printing element (l) 10. The system of claim 9, wherein: 11. said joint (c(i)) has two sub-relationships, the x-axis value of the first sub-relationship; corresponds to the level of the input signal (i), and the y-axis value of the first sub-relationship corresponds to the level of the second sub-relationship. Corresponding to the x-axis value of the relationship, the y-axis value of said second sub-relationship is the level of the control signal (c). and further, if the other sub-relationship is a linear sub-relationship, then the printing element (l) indicates that, for a particular input signal (i) level, the standardized printing element is with respect to the substrate without involvement of said relationship (c(i)) with respect to the input signal (i) level. the first lower order so as to give the same value of density (d) as the given value of density (d); Claim characterized in that the relationship is selected as a function of the actuation of said printing element (l). The system according to claim 9. 12. Said conversion means (2; 2', 2'') at least partially convert said relationship (c (i)) having one memory suitable for storing one function representing 10. The system of claim 9, wherein: 13. Said conversion means (2; 2', 2'') at least partially convert said relationship (c (i)) has a memory suitable for storing one table representing , corresponding to the respective levels of the input signal (i) corresponding to the addresses of said memory, The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the relationship is a level relationship of the control signal (c). Mu. 14. The conversion means (2; 2', 2'') is configured to satisfy at least the relationship (c(i)). characterized by having one non-volatile memory for storing the memory section The system according to claim 9. 15. The pixels are scanned according to a predetermined path, and the input signal (i) is The number of levels is greater than the number of levels of the control signal (c), and the maximum value and the maximum value of the input signal (c) are The small value and the maximum value and minimum value of the control signal (c) correspond to each other, and the conversion method The stage (2; 2', 2'') is The closest control signal to the value of the control signal given according to the relationship (c(i)) Selecting the level of item (c) and the conversion means (4 to 6; 4 to 10) It has a determining means, an adding means (6; 6 to 8), and an extending means (5; 5, 9, 10), Said converting means converts the level of the received input signal (i) and the selected control signal. The difference between the level of the input signal (i) corresponding to the level of (c) is determined by the subsequent control A predetermined distribution and distribution algorithm is used before selecting the level of signal (c). the level of the next input signal (i) to be received according to the system; and , adding the delayed portion of the difference to the level of the next input signal (i). 10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that it is particularly suitable for. 16. A plurality of substrates colored with appropriately selected levels of control signals (c) one densitometer suitable for measuring the density (d) of each small area of and the densitometer is coupled to the conversion means (2; 2', 2''); The conversion means preassigns the measured density level and the level of the input signal (i). Applying the above relationship (c(i)) as a function of the level of density (d) obtained 10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that it is particularly suitable for. 17. A printing device comprising a system according to any one of claims 9 to 16.