Line Scanner Media Calibration for Printer Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face challenges in accurately determining media types and calibrating for printing on pre-printed media, leading to potential misalignment and incorrect positioning of images due to reliance on light sensors that are sensitive to pre-printed information and abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a line scanner integrated within the printer to scan media, generate image characteristic value graphs, and determine media types such as gap, continuous, or blackmark media by comparing captured images with predefined thresholds, allowing for precise calibration of the printer, including adjusting label stop positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If light sensors are used to detect media type, then the detection process is simple, but the accuracy deteriorates due to sensitivity to pre-printed information and abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a line scanner as an intermediary device between the media and the detection system. The line scanner captures images of the media, which are then processed to determine media type. This intermediary approach filters out the sensitivity issues of direct light sensor detection while maintaining detection capability, thereby improving accuracy without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct light sensor detection mechanism with an image-based detection system using a line scanner. This substitution transforms the detection approach from direct optical sensing to image capture and analysis, eliminating the sensitivity problems of light sensors to pre-printed information while maintaining a relatively simple detection process.
2Device complexity
If conventional light sensors are used for media detection, then the device structure is simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The line scanner serves as an intermediary that captures detailed image information of the media, enabling precise positioning and alignment. The captured images are processed to identify media characteristics and determine accurate positioning, thereby improving manufacturing precision without significantly complicating the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the line scanner to create a digital copy (image) of the media, which is then analyzed for positioning and alignment. This copying approach allows for precise measurement and positioning without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while improving positioning accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a line scanner is integrated in the printer, then media type detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the line scanner functionality with the existing printer system, integrating media detection capabilities into the printer itself. This combining approach improves media type detection accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by utilizing shared resources and integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated line scanner serves multiple functions within the printer system, including media type detection, positioning, and alignment. This multi-functionality approach improves detection accuracy while reducing the need for separate dedicated devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A method of creating a media profile of a media, the method comprising: generating, by a processor, a bitmap image characteristic profile of a scanned media; detecting, by the processor, an indication with regards to a media type associated with the scanned media; and associating, by the processor, the bitmap image characteristic profile and the media type to create a media profile.