Print Control Mark Correction for Scattered Light Errors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small print control marks used in printing processes are prone to measurement inaccuracies due to scattered light influences, making it difficult to achieve reliable control of printing processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating relatively large print control marks in the same ink zone as small print control marks, allowing for dynamic correction of actual values using the same sensor, which reduces measurement errors and improves control quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If small print control marks are used to reduce their perceived annoyance, then the aesthetic quality improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to scattered light influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the print control mark into two distinct size categories: small print control marks (for aesthetic purposes) and large print control marks (for measurement purposes). This segmentation allows each type to fulfill its specific function optimally - small marks maintain aesthetic quality while large marks provide reliable measurement data for scattered light correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The large print control mark serves as an intermediary reference that indirectly benefits the measurement of small print control marks. By measuring the large mark (which is less affected by scattered light) and using its values to correct the measurements of small marks, the system achieves accurate measurement without requiring the small marks themselves to be perfectly measurable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If small print control marks are used to minimize their area, then the printing space efficiency improves, but reliability deteriorates due to measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea of print control markVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the print control mark system into small marks (for space efficiency) and large marks (for reliability). The small marks are placed throughout the printing zones for compactness, while large marks are strategically positioned to provide reliable measurement reference data that compensates for the inherent measurement issues of small marks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by measuring both small and large print control marks, comparing their values, and using the deviation information to dynamically correct measurement inaccuracies. This feedback loop ensures that even though small marks have measurement issues, the final control values remain reliable through automated correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If dynamic correction using both small and large print control marks is implemented, then control quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by enabling it to detect both small and large print control marks using the same sensor. This universal approach allows a single sensor to perform multiple measurement tasks, gathering data from both mark types to enable dynamic correction without requiring separate specialized sensors for each mark size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the measurement function for both small and large print control marks into a unified detection and correction system. By combining the measurement data from both mark types and processing them together through deviation calculation and correction algorithms, the system achieves high control quality while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate measurement systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 stable and resilient actual values for printing parameters, enhancing control quality by compensating for measurement errors caused by scattered light, particularly in color density and color register control.

Implementation Method 1

The print control marks are measured using a sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and absorption: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2860033B1Method for printing a print substrate
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 MANROLAND GOSS WEB SYST GMBH
  • EP2860033B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Method for printing on a substrate (10), wherein at least one print image and at least one print control mark (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) are printed on the substrate (10), wherein the print control marks are detected by means of a sensor in order to detect actual values ​​of printing parameters, wherein the actual values ​​are compared with target values, and wherein, depending on deviations between the actual values ​​and the target values, the printing is controlled such that the deviations between the actual values ​​and the target values ​​are smaller than limit values.According to the invention, at least one relatively small print control mark (15, 16, 17, 18) is printed in each printing zone of the substrate (10), wherein at least one relatively large print control mark (19, 20) is additionally printed in at least one printing zone of the substrate, wherein the or each relatively small print control mark (15, 16, 17, 18) and the or each relatively large print control mark (19, 20) are detected by means of a sensor, and wherein the actual values ​​of printing parameters detected by measuring the relatively small print control marks (15, 16, 17, 18) are corrected with the help of the measured value of the or each relatively large print control mark (19, 20).