Modular Printing System Adaptive Parameter Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular web printing systems face challenges in adapting to varying operational factors and interoperability between components, especially in high-speed applications, due to limitations in pre-defined template parameter sets and interactive control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a selectively interconnected modular printing system that communicates configuration information to a system controller to automatically determine operational parameters, allowing for adaptive operation based on the combined capabilities of interconnected modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pre-defined template parameter sets and interactive control loops are used for adapting print apparatus to print jobs, then the system can handle dedicated and smaller-scale print applications, but the system cannot support high-speed modular web media printing systems with complex interoperability requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to print jobsVSAvoidprinting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically determining operational parameters based on configuration information from interconnected modules. The controller autonomously identifies suitable parameters without requiring manual pre-definition or interactive control, enabling the system to adapt to high-speed modular operations while maintaining job-specific adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on configuration information received from modules. Instead of using fixed pre-defined templates, the controller automatically adjusts parameters such as media transport speed, drying time, and colorant density to match the specific capabilities and requirements of interconnected modules, enabling both high speed and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional contact printing systems with fixed configurations are used, then the systems have heavy frame structures and complex alignment procedures, but they provide stable printing for restricted applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting stabilityVSAvoidrange of applications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The printing system is divided into independent modular components that can be selectively interconnected. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing the system to be configured for different applications by connecting appropriate modules. This segmentation provides stability through standardized interfaces while enabling versatility through flexible reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular architecture with standardized interfaces creates a universal system that can perform multiple printing functions. The same basic printing system can be re-configured to handle different media types, ink types, and print formats by changing module connections, eliminating the need for fixed configurations while maintaining reliable operation through consistent interface standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular components with different operational factors are interconnected, then the system can handle various media types and printing conditions, but the number of operational parameter combinations exceeds the capabilities of pre-defined templates and interactive control loops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability of modulesVSAvoidoperational parameter management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs self-configuration by automatically determining operational parameters based on configuration information from interconnected modules. This eliminates the need for manual management of complex parameter combinations or pre-defined templates, as the system autonomously identifies suitable parameters for any module configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration information about module capabilities and requirements is collected and stored in advance. The controller uses this pre-gathered information to automatically determine operational parameters, avoiding the complexity of real-time manual configuration or iterative interactive control loops

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8737862B2Operating a selectively interconnected modular printing system

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

A method for operating a selectively interconnected modular printing system is disclosed. The method includes providing a selectively interconnected modular printing system that is responsive to an operational preference setting and associated configuration information for each module; communicating the associated configuration information for the selectively interconnected modules to a system controller; and using the system controller to automatically determine operational parameters based on the associated configuration information. The method further includes determining a set of operational preferences from the operational parameters; selecting at least one operational preference setting; using the system controller to determine specific operational parameters based on the selected operational preference setting; and storing the specific operational parameters so that the modular printing system is effective for operation.