Automatic image registration using a printer system

Abstract

A printer system (100) comprising a positioning sensor (201), a motor and driver assembly (101) configured to adjust a print position of a subsequent image on a substrate (204), the substrate having a first side and a second side and at least one wireless communication device, and an optical sensor (202). The adjustment of the print position is based on detecting the wireless communication device using the positioning sensor (201) and subsequently determining whether a corresponding printed image (205) is properly aligned with the wireless communication device using the optical sensor (202). A corresponding method is also claimed.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 045,494, filed June 29, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to printed images on substrates or finished goods. More specifically, the present subject matter relates to improved image placement and registration. BACKGROUND

[0004] In various industries, images can be printed on various substrates for use in the fashion market. These images can include certain indicia, such as words, logos, trademarks, designs, patterns, graphics, artwork, and combinations thereof. However, standard printing equipment for fabric materials can not properly align images on stretched and deformed materials, even during the manufacturing process. Alignment becomes particularly difficult when the target is based on additional objects or indicia embedded or attached to the material. Accordingly, conventional systems can require the assistance of personnel who can manually check for errors and make adjustments to the manufacturing process due to variations in the material and / or manufacturing process.

[0005] In view of these conventional techniques, there remains a need for improved printing processes with more accurate placement or registration. There is also a long-felt need in the art for image printing that can be easily or effectively adjusted. SUMMARY

[0006] The embodiments of the invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.

[0007] In some embodiments, a printer system can include a positioning sensor, a motor and driver assembly configured for adjusting a print position of a subsequent image on a substrate having a first side and a second side and at least one wireless communication device, and an optical sensor. The adjustment of the print position can be based on detecting the wireless communication device using the positioning sensor and subsequently determining whether a corresponding printed image can be properly aligned with the wireless communication device using the optical sensor.

[0008] In some embodiments, the printed image can include a marking, which can include at least one word, logo, trademark, design, pattern, graphic, artwork, or combination thereof. The substrate can include a fabric material. The substrate can include fabric, paper, paperboard, laminate, polypropylene, polyester, aluminum, plastic bag, wood, or combination thereof. The first side of the substrate can be opposite the second side of the substrate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The sensor can include a photocell sensor. The sensor can include an optical sensor. The sensor can include a software-based sensor. The wireless communication device can include an RFID (radio frequency identification) device, a near field communication (NFC) device, a Bluetooth device, or combination thereof. The RFID device can include one or more antennas, which include booster antennas woven into the substrate. At least one of the one or more antennas can be coupled to an RFID chip. The wireless communication device can be at least partially attached to the back side of the substrate by an adhesive.

[0010] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can be integrated into the substrate. The sensor, the motor and driver assembly, and the optical sensor are mounted on a printer of the printer system. The optical sensor can be configured with a predetermined specification of an image to be printed.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical sensor can compare a previous alignment of the printed image to the predetermined specification of the image to identify that the image is aligned or misaligned with respect to the wireless communication device. The motor and driver assembly can align the image with the wireless communication device within a print register based on identifying that the image is off-center with respect to the wireless communication device.

[0012] In some embodiments, a method of adjusting a position of an image to be printed with respect to a position of a wireless communication device on a substrate, the method can include providing a printer system, which can include a positioning sensor, a motor and driver assembly, and an optical sensor. The method can include feeding a substrate integrated with at least a portion of a wireless communication device including one or more antennas into a printer of the printer system; and printing an image on a first side of the substrate, which is opposite a second side of the substrate, the antennas being at least partially attached to the second side.

[0013] The method can include determining a position of the wireless communication device on the substrate using the positioning sensor. The method can include determining an alignment of the printed image relative to the wireless communication device on the substrate using the optical sensor.

[0014] The method can include adjusting an alignment of a subsequent image to be printed on the substrate using the motor and driver assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the printed image includes a marking that can include at least one word, logo, trademark, design, pattern, graphic, artwork, or combination thereof. The substrate can include a fabric material. The substrate can include fabric, paper, cardboard, laminate, polypropylene, polyester, aluminum, plastic bag, wood, or combination thereof. The sensor can include an optical sensor. The sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The sensor can include a photocell sensor. The sensor can include a software-based sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can include an RFID (radio frequency identification) device, near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or combination thereof. The RFID device can include one or more antennas that include booster antennas woven into the substrate.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more antennas can be coupled to an RFID chip. The wireless communication device can be at least partially attached to a back side of the substrate by an adhesive. The wireless communication device can be integrated into the substrate. The printed image can be analyzed on a printer. The printer can be operating when the printed image can be analyzed.

[0018] In some embodiments, the adjustment of the alignment of the subsequent image to be printed can be made when the wireless communication device and the printed image can be off center by less than 5 mm. The adjustment of the alignment of the subsequent image to be printed can be made when the wireless communication device and the printed image can be off center by less than 3 mm. The adjustment of the alignment of the subsequent image to be printed can be made when the wireless communication device and the printed image can be off center by less than 2 mm. The adjustment of the alignment of the subsequent image to be printed can be made when the wireless communication device and the printed image can be off center by more than 5 mm. The adjustment of the alignment of the subsequent image to be printed can be made when the wireless communication device and the printed image can be off center by more than 3 mm. The adjustment of the alignment of the subsequent image to be printed can be made when the wireless communication device and the printed image can be off center by more than 2 mm.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present application will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the application. It will be appreciated, however, that the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Numerous changes and modifications within the scope of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The advantages of embodiments of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the drawings in which like elements are indicated by like reference numerals. The following detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the inventive principles. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the application can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the application.

[0021] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a partial perspective view of a printer system configured to analyze a printed image on a substrate according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a partial perspective view of a printer system according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a bottom view of a web substrate according to some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 4A is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a printed image on a web substrate and corresponding roller adjustment when a print position has advanced according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 4Bis an exemplary drawing showing a top view of a printed image on a substrate web and corresponding roller adjustments when the print position has been backed off, according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 4C is an exemplary drawing showing a top view of a printed image on a substrate web and corresponding roller adjustments when the print position is sufficiently aligned, according to some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 5A shows a top view of a portion of a substrate 204 having an image 205 printed thereon, according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 5B shows a top view of a folded portion of a substrate 204 having an image printed thereon, according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a diagram of a printing system, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Aspects of the present application are disclosed in the following description and related drawings. Alternate embodiments of the present application can be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present application. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the present application will not be described in detail or will be omitted inasmuch as such detail is deemed to be unnecessary persons skilled in the art. Further, for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the descriptions, several terms are discussed below.

[0031] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary, and it is contemplated that other embodiments can be derived from the description without departing from the scope of the application. Further, the terms "embodiment of the application," "embodiment," or "application" do not require that all embodiments of the application include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation. Additionally, any feature of an embodiment discussed below can be used in combination with any one or more of the other features discussed below.

[0032] Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 3 Some embodiments of the printer system 100 are shown in operation. As Figure 1As shown, the printer system 100 for analyzing a printed image and adjusting a continuous image to be printed onto a substrate can include a motor and driver assembly 101, a position sensor 201, and an optical sensor 202 (e.g., a camera, an optical recognition device, a video camera). In various embodiments, the position sensor 201 can be configured to detect an object or image (e.g., an RFID device) by using an optical sensor or image recognition system, such as by capacitance, RFID transmission, magnetism. In some embodiments, the printer system 100 can be configured to trigger operation of the vision sensor 202 based on successful detection of an object or image. In various embodiments, operation of the printer system 100 is controlled using one or a combination of the following: one or more processors, programmable logic devices, programmable logic controllers, ASICs, integrated circuits, computers, servers, mobile devices, and software applications.

[0033] In various embodiments, the motor and driver assembly 101, the position sensor 201, and the vision sensor 202 can be mounted on a printer 105 of the printer system 100. The printer system 100, including the printer 105, the motor and driver assembly 101, the position sensor 201, and the vision sensor 202, can be connected to a power source. Power requirements can vary depending on the power drawn by the various components of the system. In some embodiments, the printer 105 is or includes a flexographic printer or a rotary printer.

[0034] In many embodiments, the printer 105 is configured to print on a substrate provided with a wireless communication device, such as an RFID (radio frequency identification) device or a near field communication (NFC) device, a Bluetooth device, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device is an RFID device. The printer 105 can be fed from a roll of substrate 204 containing one or more wireless communication devices 301, which can be embedded into a label, cloth, clothing, or other material or object. In various embodiments, the substrate 204 can be formed from one or a combination of two or more of the following: chiffon, cotton, crepe, nylon, polyester, crepe, denim, lace, leather, linen, satin, rubber, silk, spandex, lycra, elastane, polyurethane, velvet, wool, or other materials used in clothing, garments, hats, shoes, pants, jackets, shirts, signs, or labels.

[0035] In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 1, the printer system 100 can include a motor and driver assembly 101, a position sensor 201, and a vision sensor 202. In various embodiments, the printer system 100 can include a power source 102, a controller 103, and a wireless communication device 301. In some embodiments, the printer system 100 can include a roll of substrate 204, a substrate sensor 205, and a substrate sensor 206. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the substrate 204 can be a fabric material. Fabric materials are thus difficult to print on due to their flexible nature, which can stretch, compress, twist, expand, or otherwise shift or move depending on the force applied and the construction of the fabric material. Moreover, if printing is to be performed on or near a wireless communication device 301 that is disposed in and / or on the fabric material, the printing can need to overcome the additional challenge of accurately printing on or near the wireless communication device 301 such that no components are damaged during the process and such that the relative positions are correct.

[0036] In various embodiments, pulling the substrate 204 can cause the substrate 204 to lengthen in the direction of the pull and to shorten in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the pull. Pulling the substrate 204 can also cause the material to become thinner. The deformation of the substrate can be elastic or plastic. Printing on the substrate 204 while the substrate is under tension can cause the printed image to shrink when the tension is released or reduced.

[0037] In various embodiments, pulling the substrate 204 while the substrate is held within the printer system 100 can produce the thinning, stretching, and / or perpendicular shortening effects described above. In some embodiments, this effect can be maintained until additional material is pulled from a source (e.g., a roll) that supplies the substrate 204.

[0038] In some embodiments, the printer 105 can be fed with a substrate 204 that can be made of a fabric material. The wireless communication device 301 can be at least partially attached to the substrate 204, which can include an RFID device that includes an antenna 301a and / or a booster antenna 301b. For example, the antenna 301a and / or the booster antenna 301b can be woven into the fabric substrate and / or can be disposed on a second side (e.g., a back side, a bottom side, an opposite side, or an inside side) of the substrate 204. For example, the wireless communication device 301 can be embedded between two layers of cloth that form the substrate 204, and stitching can be used to hold the wireless communication device 301 in a pocket. In some embodiments, a thread, stitching, or piece of fabric can be used to cover portions of the wireless communication device 301 that can be tied to the substrate 204 through the thread, stitching, or piece of fabric. In some embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the methods described above, an adhesive can be used to attach the wireless communication device 301 to the substrate. In many embodiments, the adhesive can include at least one of the following: (a) a hot melt adhesive; (b) a water-based adhesive; (c) a solvent-based adhesive; (d) an acrylic adhesive; (e) an epoxy adhesive; (f) a rubber adhesive; (g) a silicone adhesive; and (h) a polyurethane adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive can include a pressure sensitive adhesive.

[0039] In some embodiments, the antenna 301a and booster antenna 301b can be disposed in or on other substrates that are attached or otherwise combined with the substrate 204 to produce or form the wireless communication device 301. The other substrates can be formed of materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, cloth, metal, wood, laminate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the other substrates can be selected from one of different plastic materials or a combination of different plastic materials.

[0040] In some embodiments, the substrate 204 can be caused to extend by a backstop pin 203 extending from a front side or other surface of the printer 105. The presence of the backstop pin 203 can help cause the substrate 204 to extend in a plane facing the position sensor 201. In many embodiments, the position sensor 201 includes a capacitive sensor. In some embodiments, the position sensor 201 can include a photocell sensor or an optical sensor. In other embodiments, other types of sensors can be included, such as magnetic, pressure, temperature, or RFID sensing devices. For example, a sensor including an RFID reader can be able to communicate with an RFID device if the RFID device is close enough to the sensor.

[0041] In some embodiments, the position sensor 201 can be supported on a front surface of the printer 105 by a support member 206 attached to a front or side surface of the printer 105. The position sensor 201 can be permanently or temporarily attached to the printer 105. The position sensor 201 can include a software-based sensor and can be configured to detect the position of the antenna 301a and booster antenna 301b as the substrate 204 passes through the detection position. For example, the substrate 204 can pass through a limited area within a range of the position sensor 201. In some embodiments, the position sensor 201 can include a capacitive sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance when the antenna component 301a is within a range of the position sensor 201 (e.g., when the wireless communication device 301 is within a threshold distance from the position sensor 201), to detect the position of each antenna component 301a present across the length of the roll as the roll passes through the backstop pin 203.

[0042] In various embodiments, the substrate 204 can include one or more wireless communication devices 301, such as a wireless communication device attached to the back or second side of the substrate 204. In various embodiments, the first or front side of the substrate 204 or a material mounted to or over the first or front side of the substrate 204 can be printed with an image or indicia 205. In some embodiments, the image 205 can be visible from the side of the substrate 204 opposite the side from which the wireless communication device 301 can be seen. In some embodiments, the image 205 and the wireless communication device 301 can be visible from the same side of the substrate 204. In some embodiments, one or both of the wireless communication device 301 and the image 205 can not be visible from either side of the substrate 204, such as when one or both of the wireless communication device 301 and the image 205 are covered by other materials, layers, have different colors or inks, etc. For example, the image 205 can be visible using ultraviolet light or can react to other environmental conditions.

[0043] In various embodiments, the accurate print position of the image 205 can be maintained throughout the entire process of printing multiple images 205 along the length of the substrate 204. The image 205 can be aligned in such a way that it is printed adjacent to and / or over at least a portion of the wireless communication device 301. To accomplish this, it is necessary to continuously monitor the position of the wireless communication device 301 and the print position of the image 205 as the substrate 204 passes through the printer 105 and is under tension. Dynamic adjustment of the alignment of the image 205 with the wireless communication device 301 must be made by monitoring how the image was previously printed, whether the image is in line or off-center with respect to the wireless communication device 301. Also, the print position of the image 205 with respect to the register 401 (shown in Figure 4A must be verified.

[0044] The vision sensor 202 disposed in the printer system 100 detects the position of the image previously printed on the substrate 204. Figure 2 A vision sensor 202 as supported on the printer 105 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. A rigid support member 207 mounted on the top surface of the printer 105 receives a bracket member 208. The bracket member 208 in turn holds the vision sensor 202 at a height to enable monitoring of the image 205 printed on the substrate 204 as the printed substrate exits the printer 105. The vision sensor 202, linked to software, detects an early or late phase shift of the position of the printed image with respect to the wireless communication device 301. For example, Figure 4A An early phase shift of the image 205 is represented, where a portion of the image is printed well beyond the second field 401b of the register 401. An early phase shift typically occurs when the selected print position on the position indicator 106 of the printer 105 is "ADVANCE." Figure 4BThis indicates a delayed phase shift in image 205, where a portion of the image is printed far beyond the first field 401a of the mounting plate 401. This delayed phase shift typically occurs when the selected print position on the position indicator 106 of printer 105 is "SLOW". Therefore, since vision sensor 202 detects the position of the image previously printed on substrate 204, feedback provided by vision sensor 202 to a computer (not shown) of printer system 100 can be used to adjust the print position of subsequent images. Vision sensor 202 is configured with predetermined specifications for the image to be printed. Based on a comparison with these predetermined specifications, vision sensor 202 can be used to identify whether the printed image is aligned or off-center relative to the antenna 301a of wireless communication device 301 and / or relative to mounting plate 401.

[0045] In various embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the motor and driver assembly 101 of the printer system 100 can be configured to adjust the position of the image 205 to be printed. In many embodiments, the motor and driver assembly 101 includes a motor 102 connected to a driver 103 via a pulley 104. The driver 103 can then be connected to a PLC (not shown) and / or a computer (not shown). The computer can then be connected to a position sensor 201 (shown in...). Figure 2 (middle) and / or vision sensor 202. Based on feedback from position sensor 201 and vision sensor 202, motor and drive assembly 101 can be configured to automatically adjust the position of the image to be printed 205.

[0046] For example, in various embodiments, registration can be detected by allowing the printed material to intrude into one or both of a first field 401a and a second field 401b, which may constitute a registration 401. The determination of whether the image is acceptablely positioned, too far forward, or too far back can be made by evaluating how far the image extends into one of the first field 401a or the second field 401b. The intrusion threshold into one or both of the first field 401a or the second field 401b can be less than 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, or 7.5mm. In some embodiments, the intrusion threshold may be less than 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 65% of the first field 401a or the second field 401b.

[0047] In some embodiments, if the threshold has been exceeded into the first field 401a and the image is too far forward, the printer system 100 can automatically rotate the motor 102 to slow the movement of the substrate 204 or drag the substrate 204 backwards from the direction in which the substrate is advancing. In some embodiments, if the threshold has been exceeded into the second field 401b, the printer system 100 can automatically rotate the motor 102 to speed the movement of the substrate through the printer system 100 or drag the substrate 204 forwards in the direction in which the substrate is moving through the printer system 100.

[0048] For example, in some embodiments, the rotation of the motor 102 can slow or speed up drive rollers of the printer system 100 that are used to move the substrate 204. In some embodiments, the rotation of the motor 102 can drive the rotation of additional rollers that pull and / or slide the substrate forwards or backwards relative to the drive rollers of the printer system 100. In some embodiments, the rotation of the motor 102 can drive the rotation of printer rollers of a flexographic printer to adjust the print registration relative to the substrate 204. In various embodiments, the adjustment of the substrate 204 and / or the print rollers can affect the subsequently printed image, rather than cause a correction or change relative to the evaluated image.

[0049] In many embodiments, the printed image 205 is a marking that includes at least one word, logo, trademark, design, pattern, figure, artwork, or combination thereof. The image can be applied using digital or inkjet ink, thermal ink, ultraviolet fluorescent ink, or combination thereof. In many embodiments, the image can be applied using water-based ink or solvent-based ink.

[0050] Figure 5A A top view of a portion of the substrate 204 with the image 205 printed thereon is shown. As can be seen, the image 205 is printed on a first side of the substrate and over the booster antenna 301b woven into a second side of the substrate. The image 205 is also printed within the registration 401 (shown in Figure 4A ). Thus, the substrate roll portion (shown in Figure 4A ) can be folded or cut without folding or cutting the antenna 301a portion (shown in Figure 4A ) or the booster antenna 301b portion (shown in Figure 5B ) and prevent damage to the wireless communication device.

[0051] In many embodiments, methods of analyzing and adjusting the position of an image to be printed onto a substrate using a printer system are described herein. In many embodiments, the method of analyzing a printed image on a substrate comprises: (a) providing a printer system 100 comprising a position sensor 201, a motor and driver assembly 101, and an optical sensor 202; (b) feeding a substrate 204 integrated with at least a portion of a wireless communication device 301 comprising an antenna 301a into a printer 105 of the printer system 100; (c) printing an image on a first side of the substrate 204 and / or over the antenna 301a, the first side being opposite a second side of the substrate containing the antenna 301a; (d) detecting the position of the wireless communication device 301 on the substrate using the position sensor 201, such as a capacitive sensor, or the optical sensor 202; (e) detecting the previously aligned printed image relative to the wireless communication device on the substrate using the optical sensor 202 or the position sensor 201; and (f) adjusting the alignment of a subsequent image to be printed on the substrate by adjusting the position and / or speed of movement of the substrate as it passes through the printer system 100, thereby adjusting the printed position of the subsequent image to be printed relative to its corresponding wireless communication device 301, based on the extent to which the printed image is too far forward or too far back relative to the position of the corresponding wireless communication device 301, the adjustment being made using the motor and driver assembly.

[0052] In many embodiments, the printed image can be at least partially disposed on the substrate. In many embodiments, the substrate is a fabric material. In other embodiments, the substrate can be paper, cardboard, laminate, polypropylene, polyester, aluminum, plastic, wood, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the substrate can be other types of plastic.

[0053] In many embodiments, the sensor is an optical sensor or a photocell sensor. In some embodiments, the vision sensor can be a video sensor. In many embodiments, the sensor can detect the presence and positioning of the wireless communication device. In many embodiments, if the sensor detects that the printed position of the marker is outside of a tolerance, the printer can be stopped for a major adjustment that is more than 5 mm. Otherwise, for cases where only minor adjustments (adjustments of 5 mm or less) are needed, the printer can continue while the minor adjustments are reconciled by automatically adjusting the printed position using the motor and driver system.

[0054] In some embodiments, the sensor further comprises sensor software. In many embodiments, the vision system software can check the position of the printed product by evaluating the early or late phase shift of the printed product.

[0055] In many embodiments, the wireless communication device and the printed position of the printed image can be less than 5 mm from center. In many embodiments, the wireless communication device and the printed position of the printed image can be less than 3 mm from center. In many embodiments, the wireless communication device and the printed position of the printed image can be less than 2 mm from center.

[0056] In many embodiments, the printed image can be analyzed and adjusted on the printer. In many embodiments, the printer can be operating while the image is being analyzed and adjusted. By adjusting the image while the printer is operating, production is not slowed.

[0057] In many embodiments, the method of analyzing an image printed onto a substrate includes: providing a substrate, a printed image, and a wireless communication device, wherein the printed image is at least partially disposed on a first side of the substrate, and wherein the wireless communication device is at least partially disposed on a second side of the substrate; and detecting the printed position of the wireless communication device and the printed image using a sensor further includes the step of adjusting the printed position of the wireless communication device and the printed image. In some embodiments, the printed position is adjusted when the wireless communication device and the printed image are more than 5 mm from center. In some embodiments, the printed position is adjusted when the wireless communication device and the printed image are more than 3 mm from center. In some embodiments, the printed position is adjusted when the wireless communication device and the printed image are more than 2 mm from center.

[0058] In some embodiments, as in Figure 6 the printing system can be configured to print on the substrate 504.

[0059] Figure 6 includes the printing system 500, the wireless communication device 501, the substrate 504 having a first side 508 and a second side 510, the printed image 506, the print roller 514, and the opposing roller 512.

[0060] In various embodiments, the printing system 500 is the same as or different from the printer system 100, and the wireless communication device 501 is the same as or different from the wireless communication device 301.

[0061] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 501 is attached to the first side 508 of the substrate 504. The printed image 506 is disposed on the second side 510 of the substrate 504. In various embodiments, the printed image 506 is positioned based on its corresponding wireless communication device 501.

[0062] In various embodiments, adjustment of the print position of the printed image 506 can be performed by adjusting the position of the substrate 504 and an additional roller (not shown) that pulls the substrate 504 toward or away from the print roller 514. In some embodiments, the print position of the printed image 506 can be adjusted by braking, stopping, shifting, rotating, accelerating, decelerating, speeding up, or slowing down one or more of the following: the print roller 514, the opposing roller 512, a roller (not shown) that contacts the substrate 504 after printing using the print roller 514, and / or a roller that contacts the substrate 504 before printing using the print roller 514.

[0063] The foregoing description and drawings serve to illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and operational mode of the present application. However, the present application should not be construed to be limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art (e.g., features associated with certain configurations of the present application can instead be associated with any other configuration of the present application as desired).

Claims

1. A printer system (100) comprising: a motor and driver assembly (101) configured to adjust a print position of a subsequent printed image on a substrate (204), the substrate having a first side and a second side and at least one wireless communication device (301); and a positioning sensor (201) configured to detect the wireless communication device (301); an optical sensor (202) configured to detect a print position of a subsequent printed image on a substrate (204); wherein the adjustment of the print position is based on detecting the wireless communication device (301) using the positioning sensor (201) and subsequently determining whether a corresponding printed image is properly aligned with the wireless communication device (301) using the optical sensor (202). the printed image is a marking, the marking comprising at least one pattern.

2. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the printed image is a marking, the marking comprising at least one word, logo, or combination thereof.

3. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the substrate (204) is a fabric material, or wherein the substrate (204) comprises fabric, paper, paperboard, laminate, polypropylene, polyester, aluminum, wood, or combination thereof.

4. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the first side of the substrate (204) is opposite the second side of the substrate (204).

5. The printer system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the positioning sensor (201) comprises a capacitive sensor, a photocell sensor, or an optical sensor.

6. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the wireless communication device (301) comprises a radio frequency identification device, a near field communication device, a Bluetooth device, or combination thereof.

7. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the radio frequency identification device (301) comprises one or more antennas (301b), the one or more antennas comprising a booster antenna woven into the substrate (204).

8. The printer system (100) of claim 7, wherein, wherein at least one of the one or more antennas is coupled to an RFID chip.

9. The printer system (100) of claim 8, wherein, the wireless communication device (301) is at least partially attached to the second side of the substrate (204) by an adhesive or integrated into the substrate (204).

10. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the positioning sensor (201), the motor and driver assembly (101), and the optical sensor (202) are mounted on a printer (105) of the printer system (100).

11. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the optical sensor (202) is configured with a predetermined specification of an image to be printed, wherein the optical sensor (202) compares an alignment of the printed image to the predetermined specification of the image to identify that the image is aligned or misaligned with respect to the wireless communication device (301).

12. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the motor and driver assembly (101) aligns the image (205) with the wireless communication device (301) within a print registration (401) based on identifying that the image (205) is off-center with respect to the wireless communication device (301).

13. The printer system (100) of claim 1, wherein, 14. A method of adjusting a position of an image (205) to be printed relative to a position of a wireless communication device (301) on a substrate (204), the method comprising: ​ A printer system (100) is provided, the printer system comprising: a positioning sensor (201) configured to detect a wireless communication device (301); a motor and driver assembly (101), and an optical sensor (202) configured to detect a print position of an image (205) on a substrate (204); feeding a substrate (204) integrated with at least a portion of a wireless communication device (301) comprising one or more antennas into a printer (105) of the printer system (100); printing an image (205) on a first side of the substrate (204), the first side being opposite to a second side of the substrate (204), the antennas being at least partially attached to the second side; determining a position of the wireless communication device (301) on the substrate (204) using the positioning sensor (201); determining whether the printed image (205) is aligned with respect to the wireless communication device (301) on the substrate (204) using the optical sensor (202); and adjusting an alignment of a later image (205) to be printed on the substrate (204) using the motor and driver assembly (101).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The printed image (205) is analyzed on a printer (105).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The printer (105) is operating while the printed image (205) is analyzed.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The adjustment of the alignment of the later image (205) to be printed is made when the wireless communication device (301) and the print position of the printed image (205) are off-center by more than 5 mm.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein, The adjustment of the alignment of the later image to be printed is made when the wireless communication device (301) and the printed image (205) are off-center by more than 3 mm.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein, The adjustment of the alignment of the later image to be printed is made when the wireless communication device (301) and the printed image (205) are off-center by more than 2 mm.

Images