Could you tell us your target users of and your aim with the MP980?
Kawaguchi: With the MP980 as the flagship model of our multi function inkjet printers, we target customers who particularly value image quality. We have put every function we currently have into the MP980, so that we are confident that even quality-conscious customers we target are satisfied with it. This year we aimed for high image quality and high printing speed together with significant downsizing.
Edamura: There are many different aspects to determine image quality. From a perspective of graininess, we already reduced graininess substantially with minimum 1pl droplet at maximum 9600 dpi resolution four years ago. With this in mind, we mulled over what else we could deliver to quality-conscious customers, and we came up with an idea: “Why don’t we focus on grayscale printing?” Since we already had know-how about grayscale printing acquired from our experience with professional printers, we decided to have more customers enjoy printing in black and white.
What is different between grayscale mode and color mode in image processing?
Edamura: In color mode moderate color shifts are hardly discernible to the eye. In grayscale mode, however, even a slight color shift stands out. So, we have adopted the gray ink as a solution. With a combination of the gray ink and photo black ink, we can essentially prevent color shifts now. Compared to the MP970, the previous model, which also features grayscale mode, the MP980 has drastically reduced graininess in grayscale mode. The new gray ink, like other colors, comes in three different droplet sizes, 1pl, 2pl and 5pl. Adopting 1pl droplets makes an irresistible difference in graininess. If you take a look at the samples here and compare the texture of the cars, you will see it clearly. And, this gray ink benefits not only grayscale printing but also color printing because it is a crucial element for color photos, too.
How has software advanced along with enhanced grayscale printing?
Edamura: The printer driver and bundled software called “Easy-PhotoPrint EX” are compatible with grayscale mode. “Easy-PhotoPrint Pro”, which used to come with PIXMA Pro series, is also available in the MP980 now. “Easy-PhotoPrint Pro” is plug-in software for “Digital Photo Professional” and Photoshop CS series, so that SLR camera users can easily use it in combination with these mainstream image-editing software applications. With the printer driver, “Easy-PhotoPrint EX” or “Easy-PhotoPrint Pro”, the tone of grayscale can be adjusted into Cool Tone and Warm Tone, when Canon’s genuine photo paper (PT-101*/PR-201/FA-PR1) is used.
* Supported on the latest MP980 driver available from Canon web site.
What was the most difficult part you had to deal with in image processing?
Edamura: We found it very hard to achieve optimal placement of gray ink droplets in grayscale mode. Any misalignment would sacrifice quality. How many droplets and in which position should we place so as to minimize quality degradation which might be caused by any misalignment? We really had difficulty in finding the answer to this. In color mode, the added gray ink has improved the quality, too. Since color ink and gray ink are completely different in a way they come out, we struggled to formulate the right proportion of gray to color by fine-tuning it with a view of stabilizing color.
