Print Medium Profiling via Automated Test Job Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining optimal printing system parameters for print media require significant time and resources, and users often rely on pre-tested media from suppliers, limiting their ability to use their own media without risking damage to the printing engine.
Innovation Solution
A method that digitally receives test jobs to determine unique combinations of print speed and ink coverage, processing these jobs to create a two-dimensional media print mode table, which registers test results and selects optimal media print modes based on key performance indicators like quality, productivity, and cost, allowing users to select the best mode for their applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of test prints are made to determine optimal printing parameters, then the reliability of parameter determination is improved, but the loss of time and printing media increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated testing of printing parameters before actual production printing. The print controller automatically executes test jobs with varying parameters (ink coverage, print speed, temperature) to determine optimal settings in advance, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error testing by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system performs self-testing and self-profiling capabilities. The print controller automatically conducts test prints, analyzes results, and generates optimized printing parameters without external intervention. The system uses its own resources (print engine, sensors) to profile new print media automatically.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual trial-and-error testing is performed by users, then specialized hardware is avoided, but the manufacturing precision of print quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical testing with automated electronic control. The print controller electronically manages test parameters, automatically adjusts printing conditions, and systematically evaluates results. Sensors detect print quality metrics objectively, replacing subjective human judgment with precise electronic measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system systematically varies printing parameters (ink coverage percentage, print speed, temperature) during automated testing to identify optimal settings. The print controller methodically changes these parameters across multiple test jobs to map the performance characteristics of new print media and determine safe operating ranges.
3Productivity
If high ink coverage is used to maximize productivity, then the printing speed increases, but the harmful factors to the print engine increase due to marking material deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors that detect marking material deposition on the print engine components. When sensors detect pollution or smearing indicators, the print controller adjusts printing parameters to reduce ink coverage or increase spacing between prints, preventing damage while maintaining maximum safe productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines the maximum safe ink coverage threshold through automated testing and operates at or below this threshold. Rather than using excessive ink coverage that would cause damage, the system identifies and maintains the optimal partial coverage level that achieves high productivity without exceeding the print engine's tolerance for marking material deposition.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for profiling a print medium for use in a printing system. The print medium is received in an input holder and a plurality of test jobs is received in a test job receiver. For each test job a uniquely determined combination of at least a first printing system parameter of print speed of the printing system and a second printing system parameter of coverage of the marking material is intended to be prepared by a print controller. The printing system registers a test result of each test job. The print controller creates a two-dimensional media print mode table of media print modes for the print medium to be profiled based on the test results of the test jobs for the print medium. When a print job arrives intended to be printed on the profiled medium, a media print mode is selected from the two- dimensional media print mode table.