Image Forming Device Cutting Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in maintaining consistent cutting position accuracy across a batch of printing sheets, leading to variations and potential quality decreases due to deviations in trim marks and printer's marks, which are not effectively adjusted by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device that includes an image reader and a controller to calculate a representative cutting position based on data from multiple sheets, using average, median, or modal values, and adjusts the cutting position dynamically, designating deviated sheets as waste and adjusting the cutting batch accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a trim mark is printed on the sheet and used for cutting position reference, then cutting position can be determined, but print position variations cause cutting position deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system reads the actual position of trim marks or printer's marks on each sheet using an image reader, compares the measured positions with expected positions, and calculates deviation amounts. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of cutting positions to compensate for print position variations, resolving the contradiction between being able to determine cutting position and maintaining cutting position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the cutting position parameters dynamically based on measured deviations. By calculating representative values (average, median, or mode) of deviations across multiple sheets and adjusting cutting positions accordingly, the system adapts to print position variations and maintains consistent cutting accuracy throughout the batch.
2Manufacturing precision
If cutting position is adjusted for each sheet based on individual measurements, then cutting accuracy is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements on multiple sheets before cutting, calculating representative deviation values in advance. By determining the average, median, or mode of deviations across the batch beforehand, the system establishes a unified cutting position adjustment that applies to all sheets, avoiding the need for individual sheet adjustments and maintaining processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges individual sheet measurements into a single representative deviation value for the entire batch. By combining measurement data from multiple sheets and calculating a common adjustment value, the system achieves batch-level cutting position optimization without the complexity of individual sheet processing.
3Manufacturing precision
If the allowable range of positional deviation is narrowed to suppress quality decrease, then cutting quality is improved, but more waste sheets are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the cutting position parameters dynamically based on measured deviations from actual trim mark or printer's mark positions. By adjusting cutting positions to match actual print positions, the system maintains cutting quality within acceptable ranges without needing to narrow the allowable deviation range, thereby reducing waste sheet generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system identifies and designates only those sheets with deviations exceeding the allowable range as waste sheets, while recovering and utilizing sheets within the acceptable range. This selective approach minimizes waste by preserving usable sheets that would otherwise be discarded under stricter quality control.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes: an image former that forms an image for determining a cutting position, on a printing sheet; an image reader that reads the image formed on the printing sheet to acquire image data; and a controller that outputs data for determining a cutting position for a cutting batch which is a stack of at least two printing sheets. The controller obtains a position of the image according to the image data, calculates a representative value from the positions obtained respectively from a plurality of printing sheets in the cutting batch, and outputs data for determining the cutting position for the cutting batch according to the representative value.