Moiré Fringe Analysis for Substrate Media Distortion Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing technologies face challenges in accurately characterizing and compensating for substrate media distortions, such as shrinkage and stretching, which can vary significantly due to environmental and printing process conditions, affecting print alignment and quality, especially in high-quality production printers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a reference image and a print image with periodic patterns to generate a composite image with moiré fringes, which detects and measures substrate media distortions by analyzing the shift of moiré fringes, allowing for calibration of printing devices to compensate for these distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional distortion characterization methods are used, then distortion values can be obtained for common papers, but the measurement precision and adaptability to different paper types and environmental conditions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference image with a known periodic pattern as an intermediary standard. This reference image serves as a mediator between the printing device and the paper distortion, enabling precise measurement by comparing the distorted print image against the unchanged reference pattern. The reference image acts as a stable benchmark that transforms the complex distortion measurement problem into a pattern alignment and comparison task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic patterns (which can be interpreted as spatial frequency variations) in the reference and print images to generate moiré fringes. The interaction of these patterns creates visible interference patterns that amplify and make measurable the subtle distortions. This transforms invisible or hard-to-detect paper deformation into visible moiré fringe patterns that can be easily analyzed.
2Measurement precision
If distortion characterization is performed for all papers and conditions, then measurement precision improves, but the time and resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs distortion characterization in advance by printing test patterns on actual paper before production printing. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine distortion values for different paper types and environmental conditions. The pre-characterized distortion data can then be stored and applied during production, eliminating the need for real-time distortion measurement and significantly reducing production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model or lookup table of distortion characteristics by copying the distortion behavior observed during characterization tests. Once the distortion pattern for a particular paper type and condition is measured, it is stored as a reference profile that can be automatically applied to future printing jobs using the same paper, eliminating repeated measurement needs.
3Manufacturing precision
If higher quality production printers are used, then print quality improves, but the requirement for distortion compensation increases due to tighter registration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the measured distortion from the moiré pattern analysis is fed back into the printing system. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust printing parameters or apply digital pre-distortion to compensate for the measured paper deformation. The system continuously monitors and adjusts based on actual distortion measurements, maintaining high print quality despite paper variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pre-distortion to the digital images before printing based on anticipated or previously measured distortion characteristics. By pre-compensating for expected paper shrinkage or expansion, the system counteracts the distortion before it occurs during the printing process. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the final printed image maintains correct dimensions and alignment even after paper deformation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise detection and measurement of substrate media distortions, facilitating quick visual checks and ensuring reasonable distortion assumptions, particularly useful for new paper reams or changing environmental conditions, thereby improving print alignment and quality.
Implementation Method 1
generating a composite image from the reference image and the print image disposed on the test substrate media. The composite image includes a moiré pattern having moiré fringes resulting from interference between the first periodic pattern associated with the reference image and the second periodic pattern associated with the print image
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein are directed to detecting and/or measuring distortions of substrate media that can occur during a printing process. The distortion can be detected and/or measured using a composite image generated from a reference image having a first periodic pattern and print image, disposed on a test substrate media, having a second periodic pattern. The first and second periodic patterns are specified so that the composite image includes a moiré pattern having moiré fringes resulting from interference between the first periodic pattern associated with the reference image and the second periodic pattern associated with the print image. The moiré fringes can be used to detect and calculate an amount of distortion of the test substrate media.