Print Image Inspection and Sorting for Web Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems face challenges in efficiently assembling and sorting print substrates, particularly in ensuring the quality of printed images and effectively diverting defective copies during the continuous printing process.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that incorporate a print image checking device for comparing recorded images with comparison data, using an image recording device to determine correct or incorrect print images, and a document switch to direct sheets onto separate transport paths for further processing or rejection, ensuring accurate sorting and quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous material is used for printing, then productivity is improved, but quality control and defect detection become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing image capture and comparison operations before the cutting step. The inspection device captures images of printed sheets and compares them with reference images to identify defects, then controls the cutting device to separate only defective sheets. This allows quality control to be performed in advance on continuous material, maintaining high productivity while ensuring accurate defect detection.
2Reliability
If automated inspection and sorting is implemented, then quality control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control device that performs multiple functions: it receives images from the inspection device, compares them with reference images, determines defects, and controls the cutting device. This multi-functional approach integrates quality control and sorting operations into a single automated system, improving reliability while managing device complexity through functional integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If defective sheets are separated during printing, then product quality is improved, but loss of time occurs due to stopping the printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by enabling the printing process to continue operating while defective sheets are automatically identified and separated in real-time. The inspection device continuously monitors printed material, and the cutting device automatically separates defective sheets without requiring the printing process to stop, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while eliminating time losses from process interruptions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for preparing and sorting a printing substrate (1), wherein the printing substrate (1) is a web material that can be moved along a web path. A print image inspection device (20) is provided, which is arranged on one side of a printing substrate (1) printed with a print image. The print image inspection device (20) uses an image acquisition device (21) to capture an image of the print image on the printing substrate (1) in order to compare the print image on the printing substrate (1) with reference data. The print image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the printing substrate (1) is determined to be a correct print image if a match between the print image on the printing substrate (1) and the reference data is found.The printed image for a sheet (29, 30) to be separated from the printing substrate (1) is determined to be incorrect if, by comparing the printed image on the printing substrate (1) with the reference data, no match is found between the printed image and the reference data. A printing sheet (29, 30) is separated by means of a converting device (23), whereby the separated printed sheet is directed by means of a document diverter (25) to a first transport path (26a) if the printed image on the printing sheet (29) is determined to be correct, and to a second transport path (26b) if the printed image on the printing sheet (30) is determined to be incorrect.