Machine-Readable Indicia Print Quality Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face challenges in maintaining print quality for machine-readable indicia, particularly barcodes, due to issues like modulation problems and defects, which affect their readability and compliance with quality standards.
Innovation Solution
A printer-verifier system that includes a printing mechanism, verifier device, and print quality monitoring device to analyze and correct print quality issues by printing diagnostic information and implementing corrective actions such as printhead adjustments or media changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing printers are used to print machine-readable indicia, then printing operation is simple, but print quality problems occur such as modulation problems and defects that affect readability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a verifier device scans printed barcodes and sends quality information back to the printer controller. The controller analyzes modulation grades and defect grades, then automatically adjusts printing parameters (temperature, speed, pressure) to correct quality issues, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously improves print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically detecting print quality problems through the verifier device and adjusting its own printing parameters without external intervention. The system prints diagnostic information, identifies the root cause of quality issues, and implements corrective actions autonomously.
2Reliability
If print quality monitoring and correction is implemented, then print quality and readability improve, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing function and verification function into an integrated system where the printer and verifier work together as a unified device. The controller coordinates both functions, allowing quality monitoring and correction to be performed within the same device footprint, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer controller serves multiple functions: it controls the printing mechanism, receives quality data from the verifier, analyzes print quality metrics, determines corrective actions, and adjusts printing parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Productivity
If automatic print quality correction is implemented, then productivity is maintained while quality improves, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quality verification immediately after printing each barcode before the printed material moves to the next processing stage. This real-time verification allows for immediate correction of quality issues, preventing defective barcodes from proceeding further and reducing waste rework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual quality inspection and adjustment processes with automated optical verification and electronic control systems. The verifier device uses optical scanning to detect print quality, and the controller uses electronic algorithms to analyze data and automatically adjust printing parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a print quality of a machine-readable indicium from a printer, the method comprising; capturing an image of the machine-readable indicium; evaluating the print quality of the machine-readable indicium from the captured image; identifying a print quality problem as a result of the evaluating step; determining a prescribed corrective action to resolve the print quality problem by retrieving association data that associates different print quality problems with a respective prescribed corrective action; causing implementation of the prescribed corrective action such that a next machine-readable indicium does not have the print quality problem; generating data from controlling the print quality of the machine-readable indicium; and at least one of: updating the association data with the data, and collecting and storing the data for use in printing process control.