Flatbed Printer Image Positioning Relative to Media Pieces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flatbed printers require manual and error-prone mental calculations for accurately positioning images on media pieces, especially for double-sided jobs or when printing multiple boards side-by-side, without considering media size and position relative to the flatbed surface.
Innovation Solution
A flatbed printer with a user interface that allows operators to input position information via a parameter window, displaying media and image positions in a preview window, and automatically adjusts image placement relative to media size and position, preserving the relative position during editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning calculations are used for image placement on media pieces, then the printer can handle complex positioning scenarios (double-sided jobs, multiple boards side-by-side), but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning calculations with an automated computer-based system. The control unit automatically calculates image positions on the flatbed surface based on media piece positions and dimensions, substituting the operator's manual calculations with automated computational processing. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining versatility in handling complex scenarios while eliminating time loss through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning where the printer automatically determines and adjusts image placement without requiring operator intervention for calculations. The control unit autonomously processes media positions, dimensions, and image parameters to compute optimal placement, allowing the system to serve itself in the positioning task while maintaining adaptability to various printing scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually calculate image positions for double-sided jobs or multiple boards, then flexibility in positioning is maintained, but accuracy decreases due to mental calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual measurement and calculation processes with automated computational processing. The control unit precisely calculates image coordinates based on digital representations of media pieces and flatbed surface, eliminating human error in mental calculations while maintaining the flexibility to handle various positioning scenarios through programmable algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors and adjusts image positioning based on actual media piece positions and dimensions. This closed-loop approach ensures high positioning accuracy by verifying calculations against actual measurements and making real-time adjustments, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and precision.
3Measurement precision
If the user interface provides detailed parameter inputs for media size and position, then positioning accuracy improves, but the complexity of the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning task into distinct input components: media piece position parameters, media piece dimension parameters, and image position parameters. This segmentation allows the interface to present information in organized, manageable sections rather than a single complex form, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive data collection for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically populating interface fields with default values based on previously entered media dimensions or standard sizes. This preliminary preparation reduces the number of fields operators must manually fill, simplifying the interface while still enabling precise positioning when operators need to adjust parameters for specific requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to flatbed printer and a method for a flatbed printer. The flatbed printer comprises a print controller which is configured to receive a digital image intended to be printed by the flatbed printer, to receive position information entered by means of a parameter window of the user interface of the position of the image on the flatbed area, to receive an indication entered by means of the parameter window of the user interface that the image has to be positioned on the media piece, to open the parameter window for entry of a set of parameters allowing to define a size of the media piece and a position of the media piece on the flatbed surface, and the image position relative to the media piece, to receive the entered set of parameters, to show the media piece and the image on the flatbed area in the preview window, and, when moving the media piece or the image over the flatbed area in the preview window, the relative position of the image with respect to the media piece is preserved.