In-Line Scanner Reverse Transport for Printed Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for image quality control in printers require manual handling of printed substrates for scanning, leading to inefficiencies and potential operator errors, especially when dealing with large or unwieldy materials, and adding additional scanners increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method that reverses the transport direction of the substrate after printing to allow for automated scanning by the in-line scanner in the same direction as printing, minimizing operator intervention and reducing the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the in-line scanner is located at the end of the media transport path, then the substrate can be scanned after printing, but the reaction time for nozzle failure detection is longer resulting in more waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the conventional scanning approach by transporting the substrate backward from the end station to the entry station, allowing the in-line scanner positioned near the print head to scan the printed substrate. This inversion enables immediate scanning of the freshly printed area, reducing detection time while maintaining image quality control.
2Measurement precision
If a second camera system is added at the end of the media transport path, then image quality scanning is enabled, but the cost of the camera system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing in-line scanner multi-functional by using it for both immediate nozzle failure detection and image quality control. By reversing the transport direction, the same scanner serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for a second camera system and reducing overall system cost and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of printed substrates is used for scanning, then the process is flexible, but operator errors increase and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically reversing the transport direction and guiding the substrate through the scanner without operator intervention. The automated reverse transport eliminates manual handling steps, preventing operator errors while maintaining process flexibility through programmable control.
4Loss of time
If the transport system is used in reverse direction, then the in-line scanner can scan the printed substrate immediately, but the transport system must support bidirectional movement
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is made dynamic by enabling bidirectional movement. The system can switch between forward transport for printing and backward transport for scanning, adapting its direction of motion to the current process requirement. This dynamic capability allows immediate scanning without adding fixed infrastructure.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control system of a printer receives an instruction to print a print job for a media calibration of a substrate. A printhead provides marking material to the substrate, when a transport system of the printer moves the substrate along the printhead in the forward direction A. The control system instructs the motor system of the printer to revert the moving direction of the transport system from the forward direction A to a backward direction B opposite to the forward direction A. An in-line scanner scans the printed substrate in order to create at least one scanned image for image quality control, when the printed substrate passes the in-line scanner in the backward direction B.