Flatbed Printer Medium Positioning via Printed Reference Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flatbed printers require manual positioning of mediums based on visual scale markings, which is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the reliance on visual alignment.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating a second image as a reference to mount the first medium on a flatbed printer's mounting table, which is printed on a second medium, allowing precise alignment of the first medium for accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual positioning based on visual scale markings is used, then the operation is simple, but the positioning precision and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning operation simplicityVSAvoidmedium positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (image data) of the scale markings and positioning references, replacing the physical visual scale on the mounting table. This digital image is processed by the image processing apparatus to automatically determine medium positions, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving positioning accuracy through automated image analysis rather than manual visual alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system (visual alignment with scale markings) with an automated optical-digital system. The imaging device captures images of the mounting table, the image processing apparatus processes these images to detect scale markings and medium positions, substituting human visual-mechanical alignment with automated computer vision technology, thus improving precision without complicating operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual positioning based on visual scale markings is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidprinting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous automated positioning by capturing images of the mounting table and automatically processing them to determine medium positions. This eliminates the need for operators to manually align each medium, allowing the printing process to proceed continuously without interruption for positioning adjustments, thereby improving productivity while keeping the added system complexity manageable through automated workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting scale markings and medium positions through image capture and processing. The image processing apparatus autonomously calculates positioning information without human intervention, allowing the printing system to self-regulate and maintain high productivity without requiring complex manual positioning procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual positioning based on visual scale markings is used, then the system is simple, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system simplicityVSAvoidpositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning scale markings and positioning references on the mounting table before medium placement. The imaging device captures images of these pre-positioned references, and the image processing apparatus uses them to automatically determine medium positions, eliminating the time-consuming manual alignment process while maintaining system simplicity through pre-prepared reference markers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual visual-mechanical positioning with rapid automated optical-digital positioning. The imaging device quickly captures images, and the image processing apparatus rapidly processes them to determine medium positions, reducing positioning time from manual alignment operations to automated image analysis, thereby decreasing time loss without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11785157B2Information processing method, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an information processing program for printing image on three-dimensional medium

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An information processing method is configured for printing a first image by using a flatbed printer including a mounting table for mounting a first medium and a printing device for printing the first image on the first medium. The information processing method includes generating a second image indicating a position as a reference to mount the first medium on the mounting table, causing the printing device to print the second image on a second medium mounted on the mounting table, and causing the printing device to print the first image on the first medium mounted on the second medium having the printed second image.