Print System Gradation Patch Segmentation Across Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
In known print systems, the limited margin area of output products often prevents the printing of adjustment patches, leading to reduced image quality and positioning accuracy, especially when trying to print both image forming position and quality adjustment patches on the same sheet of paper.
Innovation Solution
The system divides mark information for gradation adjustment across two sheets of paper on a two colors-by-two colors basis, combining the remaining patches with the print image based on the paper size, ensuring that all necessary patches can be printed without overlapping, even if the paper size is insufficient for all patches on one sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all gradation adjustment patches are printed on one sheet of paper, then complete image quality adjustment is achieved, but the limited margin area causes patches to overlap with position adjustment patches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the four color patches (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) into two separate sheets of paper. The first sheet contains patches for two colors, and the second sheet contains patches for the remaining two colors. This segmentation allows each sheet to have sufficient margin area for both position and quality adjustment patches without overlap, resolving the contradiction between complete adjustment and arrangement complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the paper size is reduced to fit more patches, then margin area is sufficient, but the number of patches that can be printed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the patches across two sheets, each sheet can maintain a larger margin area while still accommodating the necessary patches. The first sheet handles two colors and the second sheet handles the other two colors, ensuring that each sheet has adequate space for both gradation and position adjustment patches without reducing the overall number of patches that can be printed.
3Reliability
If patches are printed on multiple sheets, then overlapping is prevented, but the adjustment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments patches into two groups printed on separate sheets, which prevents overlapping and ensures reliable printing. The system manages this segmentation by tracking which colors have been adjusted and automatically requesting additional sheets when needed, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-line sensor provides real-time feedback on the printed patches, allowing the system to automatically determine whether additional sheets are needed for complete color adjustment. This feedback mechanism streamlines the multi-sheet process, reducing complexity by automating the decision-making process for when to request additional sheets.
4Reliability
If the system waits for chart insertion job request, then paper type matching is ensured, but the response time for gradation adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively requesting additional sheets for gradation adjustment before the chart insertion job is explicitly requested. By anticipating the need for complete color adjustment and preparing additional sheets in advance, the system ensures paper type matching while minimizing the time delay when the adjustment process is initiated.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a combination unit configured to, in a case where print is print on a second sheet of paper out of two sheets of paper into which mark information for gradation adjustment is divided on a two colors-by-two colors basis, and a type of paper of the second sheet of paper is the same as a type of paper of a first sheet of paper, and in a case where a chart insertion job is not requested or the print is based on the chart insertion job, combine the mark information for gradation adjustment for remaining two colors or four colors with a print image in accordance with a size of the second sheet of paper.