CMYK to drop size

[Inkjetdoug]

We are building a printer for the fun of it. When I convert an image to CMYK, I get intensity values of 0-255. My print head only has 0, 1, 2, 3 drop sizes. How does one convert down properly to drop sizes? Is there any open source software that does this?

 

[stratman]

Welcome to the forum, Inkjetdoug. What an exciting project! Hopefully someone will be able to help.

Please keep us informed on your adventure. Pictures of the build and finished project are most welcome.

 

[nertog]

We are building a printer for the fun of it. When I convert an image to CMYK, I get intensity values of 0-255. My print head only has 0, 1, 2, 3 drop sizes. How does one convert down properly to drop sizes? Is there any open source software that does this?

The keywords here are "dithering" and "halftoning". Good luck with your project and keep us updated!

 

[Inkjetdoug]

Thank you nertog. I saw where this was done months ago but those two keywords had slipped my mind when I posted. I am now working on some algorithms to generate dithering.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

These links to the Floyd Steinberg dithering method may help you for your programming

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd–Steinberg_dithering
https://medium.com/100-days-of-algorithms/day-96-floyd-steinberg-7c5b25ee0a65
https://www.visgraf.impa.br/Courses/ip00/proj/Dithering1/floyd_steinberg_dithering.html

Since this is such a classic there are many more links to this algorithm

 

[user5800]

Fun what technology are you using for it?