Real-Time Ink Verification via Substrate Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print quality verification methods fail to accurately assess ink jet printing quality due to the influence of pre-existing markings and inherent substrate characteristics, leading to erroneous quality failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that separately identifies and accounts for inherent qualities of the substrate and pre-existing markings, allowing for real-time print quality assessment by comparing input and output image data to determine if the printed data matches expected print data, thereby isolating the impact of substrate characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging systems are used to verify print quality, then print quality can be checked, but pre-existing markings and substrate characteristics cause erroneous quality failures
Solution Approach 1:
The verification process is segmented into distinct phases: first capturing pre-print substrate characteristics, then capturing post-print markings, and finally comparing only the printed portions. This segmentation isolates the verification process from interfering substrate elements, allowing accurate assessment of print quality without false positives from pre-existing markings or substrate defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture and analysis of substrate characteristics before the actual printing occurs. By establishing a baseline image of the substrate's inherent qualities (creases, folds, wrinkles, pre-existing markings) in advance, the system can later distinguish between substrate-related features and actual print defects, thereby improving verification reliability.
2Measurement precision
If verification processes account for substrate characteristics, then accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic verification at strategically chosen points in the printing process rather than continuous monitoring. By capturing substrate characteristics at key moments (before printing, after printing) and performing comparisons at these periodic intervals, the system maintains high accuracy while minimizing the time burden compared to continuous verification.
3Productivity
If real-time verification is implemented, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision decreases due to substrate interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical contact-based verification methods with optical imaging and digital image processing. This substitution enables non-contact, real-time verification that can rapidly capture and analyze print quality without physical interference from substrate characteristics, maintaining both productivity and measurement precision simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a method, apparatus and programmable product for verifying print quality of a document assembled on a document manufacturing device. In particular, a system and related method for performing print quality assessment of the document in real-time during manufacture of the document are provided. The present teachings allow for identification of the inherent qualities or pre-existing print markings of the document as a separate process from that of a process for identification and verification of markings applied onto the document by the print operation. In this way, a determination of print quality may be determined irrespective of the influence of the inherent qualities or pre-existing print markings.