Auto Image Registration for Substrates with Wireless Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing systems for fabric materials struggle with precise image placement and registration due to the material's tendency to stretch and deform, requiring manual adjustments and lacking automated alignment capabilities, especially when printing over embedded wireless communication devices.

Innovation Solution

A printer system equipped with a location sensor, motor and driver assembly, and optical sensor that detects the position of a wireless communication device on the substrate and adjusts the print position of subsequent images to ensure accurate alignment, using sensors like capacitive or optical sensors and wireless communication devices such as RFID or NFC for precise registration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual checking and adjustment is used for image alignment, then alignment accuracy can be maintained, but productivity decreases and labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage alignment accuracyVSAvoidprinting productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automatic detection and adjustment mechanisms where the printing system itself performs alignment corrections without manual intervention. Sensors detect substrate position and the system automatically adjusts print head positioning to maintain accurate image registration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment is replaced with automated sensor-based detection and motorized positioning systems. Optical sensors and capacitive sensors replace human eyes and hands, while motorized print head positioning replaces manual mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual checking and adjustment is used for image alignment, then alignment accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage alignment accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements closed-loop feedback where sensors continuously monitor substrate position and print head alignment, and the control system automatically adjusts positioning based on this feedback to maintain accurate registration without over-complicating the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multi-functional sensors that can detect both substrate position and image alignment, and a control system that manages both detection and adjustment functions, reducing the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional printing equipment is used on stretching material, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting operation easeVSAvoidimage placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts print head positioning in real-time based on detected substrate position and tension conditions. The system adapts to material stretching and deformation by continuously monitoring and adjusting alignment parameters during the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables automatic and precise alignment of images on substrates, reducing manual intervention and maintaining accurate image placement even when the substrate is under tension, ensuring consistent printing quality across various materials like fabric, paper, and plastics.

Implementation Method 1

Adjustment of the print position may be based on detection of the wireless communication device using the location sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a subsequent determination of whether the corresponding printed image may be properly aligned with the wireless communication device using the optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230241879A1Auto image registration using a printer system configured for printing on substrate having at least one wireless communication device

Publication Date: 2023.08.03 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, a printer system may include a location 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. Adjustment of the print position may be based on detection of the wireless communication device using the location sensor and a subsequent determination of whether the corresponding printed image is properly aligned with the wireless communication device using the optical sensor.