Closed-Loop IOP Registration Correction for Multi-Pass Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-pass printing is limited by Image on Paper (IOP) registration variation, which causes fuzzy edges on characters and images due to factors like media conditions, environmental shifts, and machine variation, exacerbated by open loop IOP setups.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop image on paper control system using a processor, marking device, and full-width array scanner to detect and correct printing registration variations by measuring actual printed locations relative to item edges, adjusting intended locations, and reprinting with corrected alignments to ensure precise registration across multiple passes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple printing passes are used to improve image quality and color rendition, then image quality is improved, but registration variation causes fuzzy edges and reduces manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the scanning device detects actual printed locations after each printing pass, the processor compares these with intended locations to identify registration variations, and the marking device adjusts its positioning for subsequent passes based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures that registration variations are continuously corrected, maintaining sharp edges and high precision across multiple printing passes.
2Device complexity
If open loop IOP setup is used to simplify system complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but registration control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from an open-loop to a closed-loop IOP control system by introducing a scanning device that detects actual printed locations and a processor that uses this information to calculate registration variations and adjust marking device positioning. This feedback mechanism significantly improves IOP registration control accuracy, reducing fuzzy edges and enhancing overall printing precision despite increased system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices print markings on an item in a first printing pass, using intended locations for the markings, to produce initial printed marks. Such methods and devices further scan the item after the first printing pass to detect actual printed locations of the initial printed marks. These methods and devices also compare the actual printed locations to the intended locations to identify the printing registration variation. Thus, such methods and devices change the intended locations for the markings based on the printing registration variation to generate corrected locations for the markings; and then reprint the markings directly on the initial printed marks a second time on the item in a second printing pass using the corrected locations for the markings, using the marking device.