Adaptive Print Position Detection for Mixed Media Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies fail to accurately determine print positions for different types of print media, leading to insufficient accuracy for some media and unnecessary precision for others, which affects throughput and positional error in printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that includes a holding unit, a print unit, a detecting unit, a movement unit, a determining unit, an obtaining unit, and a setting unit, which allow for the detection and positioning of print media based on their specific type, enabling accurate determination of print positions tailored to each medium's requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the position of each print medium is obtained by the same method regardless of type, then the measurement process is simplified, but the manufacturing precision is insufficient for media requiring different accuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different detection methods for different types of print media. The system identifies the media type and selects appropriate detection procedures, allowing high-precision methods for media requiring accuracy and simplified methods for media with relaxed tolerances, thus optimizing both precision and complexity locally for each media type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters based on media type. By adjusting detection sensitivity, measurement resolution, and detection methodology according to the specific requirements of each print medium type, the system achieves optimal precision for each media category while avoiding unnecessary complexity for others
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision detection is applied to all print media, then the print position accuracy is improved, but the productivity decreases due to unnecessary processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies detection precision locally matched to each media type's requirements. High-precision detection is applied only where necessary, while standard detection suffices for other media, thereby maintaining overall print position accuracy while avoiding unnecessary processing time for media that do not require high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying high-precision detection only to the extent necessary for each media type. Rather than universally applying maximum precision to all media, the system applies detection effort proportionally to the actual requirements, eliminating excessive processing for media with relaxed tolerances and thus improving throughput
3Ease of operation
If the position detection method is unified for all media types, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of print position determination is insufficient for diverse media requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic detection by automatically adapting the detection method and precision level based on the identified print medium type. The system dynamically selects from multiple detection modes, ensuring reliable position determination for each media type while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from media type identification to select appropriate detection methods. By continuously monitoring the media type and adjusting the detection approach accordingly, the system ensures reliable print position determination for diverse media while keeping the operator interface simple and automated
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables precise determination of print positions for various types of print media, improving accuracy and reducing throughput issues by adjusting the positional information and print settings according to the specific needs of each medium, thereby enhancing printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a detecting unit capable of detecting the print medium and the holding unit by moving relative to the print medium and the holding unit in a first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a print unit configured to perform printing on the print medium held by a holding unit, the holding unit being capable of holding multiple types of print medium, a detecting unit capable of detecting the print medium and the holding unit, and a movement unit capable of relatively moving the detecting unit and the holding unit in a first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In addition, a control unit controls the detecting unit and the movement unit in a case where a first print medium is held by the holding unit, to obtain position information of the first print medium before the print unit performs printing and, in a case where a second print medium different from the first print medium is held by the holding unit, not to obtain position information of the second print medium.