Jig-Aware Printing Control for Accurate Print Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems face challenges in accurately selecting and using jigs with different arrangements and numbers of openings, leading to potential errors in printing due to mistaking one jig for another, which affects the precision and efficiency of the printing process.

Innovation Solution

A printing system that includes a print control device capable of acquiring jig information using identifiers attached to each jig, generating print data based on this information, and correcting for shifts in jig shape over time, thereby ensuring high positional accuracy and reducing preparation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple jigs with different arrangements and numbers of openings are used for printing on the same target object, then the printing system can handle various printing scales, but the risk of mistaking one jig for another increases, leading to printing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting scale adaptabilityVSAvoidjig selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent attaches a photograph (image copy) of each jig to its corresponding holding frame. This visual copy serves as a unique identifier that allows operators to easily distinguish between different jigs without confusion, thereby preventing printing errors while maintaining the ability to handle various printing scales

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces photographs as an intermediary visual element between the physical jig and the operator's identification process. These photographs act as mediators that provide clear visual differentiation, eliminating the risk of mistaking one jig for another while preserving the system's versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual measurement of jig shape is performed to acquire printing information, then accurate print data can be generated, but the preparation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint data accuracyVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses photographs as visual copies that capture the essential shape and arrangement information of each jig. These photographic copies replace the need for manual measurement while preserving the accuracy needed for generating correct print data, thereby reducing preparation time and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual measurement with a visual information system based on photographs. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual measurement process while maintaining the accuracy required for print data generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250328744A1Printing system

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO LTD

AI summary

A jig to be used is appropriately selected, and information necessary for printing is acquired. A printing system includes a print control device that outputs print data; a printing device that executes printing based on the print data; and a jig that is placed on a table of the printing device. Multiple jigs are prepared. A jig ID for identifying the jig is attached to each of the jigs. The print control device includes a jig information acquisition unit that acquires jig information of the jig placed on the table based on the jig ID of the jig placed on the table, and a print data generation unit that generates print data based on the image data and the jig information.