Print Scaling Correction Mechanism for Paper Shrinkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed production printers face challenges with paper shrinkage, leading to differences in printed image sizes on the front and back sides of paper, which conventional methods address inadequately through manual inspection and scaling correction.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes physical memory devices to store scaling correction logic and processors to execute this logic, which generates scaling factors based on measured print image data from test marks on both sides of a page, and applies these scaling factors to correct for paper shrinkage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual inspection and scaling correction methods are used, then some degree of print quality control is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated image capture devices and processors to detect test marks, calculate scaling factors, and generate correction data without human intervention. The print medium itself carries the test marks that enable self-measurement, allowing the system to automatically determine scaling corrections for paper shrinkage
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual inspection and physical measurement methods are replaced with an automated optical system using image capture devices, processors, and algorithms. The mechanical/manual process of measuring and calculating scaling factors is substituted with electronic image processing and automatic data generation
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional scaling correction methods are used, then some compensation for paper shrinkage is achieved, but the correction accuracy is insufficient due to varying paper characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system places test marks at specific locations on the print medium that correspond to different regions of the paper. By measuring the positions of these localized test marks, the system can determine region-specific scaling factors that account for non-uniform paper shrinkage across different areas and paper types
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts scaling correction parameters based on actual measurements from test marks. Instead of using fixed correction values, the processor calculates scaling factors by comparing expected test mark positions with actual measured positions, adapting the correction parameters to match the specific characteristics of each paper type
3Measurement precision
If multiple test marks are measured on both sides of the print medium, then more accurate scaling factors can be generated, but the measurement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is divided into distinct segments: image capture of test marks, processing of measured positions, calculation of scaling factors for each side, and generation of correction data. This segmentation allows each function to be performed by specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through multiple test mark measurements
Data Source
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AI summary
A disclosed system includes at least one physical memory device to store scaling correction logic and one or more processors coupled with the at least one physical memory device to execute the scaling correction logic to receive first measured print image data associated with printed test marks on a first print medium from a first side of a first page image of a print job and second measured print image data associated with printed test marks on the first print medium from a second side of the first page image, generate a first side scaling factor based on the first measured print image data and a second side scaling factor based on the second measured print image data, generate a first page scaling factor including the first side scaling factor and the second side scaling factor and generate a scaling factor correction based on the page scaling factor.