Printer Carriage Sensor Colour Deviation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Colour accuracy degradation during long printing jobs in colour printing systems, such as latex printing, is difficult to detect in real-time, leading to inefficiencies and the need for manual comparison with reference images, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a printer carriage equipped with sensors and a spectrophotometer to detect colour deviation by calibrating sensors based on a reference image and performing real-time IQ analysis, allowing for quick detection of colour accuracy issues during printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual comparison with reference images is used to detect colour degradation, then colour accuracy can be verified, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolour accuracy detectionVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical comparison process with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors and spectrophotometers automatically capture and analyze color data from printed images, eliminating the need for manual visual comparison while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors and spectrophotometers as intermediary devices between the printed image and the analysis process. These intermediaries automatically measure color properties and transmit data for comparison with reference images, enabling rapid automated detection without direct manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If printed images are scanned to detect defects, then colour degradation can be identified, but productivity may be reduced if scanning is not performed at printing speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidprinting productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic scanning system where sensors and spectrophotometers operate at variable speeds. The system can dynamically adjust scanning speed to match printing speed when resources allow, or operate at reduced speed when needed, maintaining defect detection accuracy while optimizing productivity based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous scanning and analysis during the printing process rather than requiring separate scanning steps. The sensors continuously monitor color accuracy as images are printed, allowing simultaneous printing and quality control to maintain both productivity and detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If colour deviation detection is performed during long printing jobs, then colour accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity of the printing system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolour accuracy consistencyVSAvoidprinting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates sensors and spectrophotometers into the existing printer carriage structure, allowing these components to serve multiple functions. The same optical path and mechanical structure used for printing also support color measurement and analysis, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the printing function and quality control function into a single integrated system. The printer carriage simultaneously performs ink deposition and color measurement, merging two separate processes into one unified operation to reduce system complexity while ensuring consistent color accuracy.

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

Enables rapid detection of colour deviations during printing, ensuring high productivity and accuracy by automating the colour calibration and quality analysis process, even at high printing speeds.

Implementation Method 1

using a spectrophotometer for generating data based on a reference image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectrophotometry: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

the sensor scans and digitizes an image of a final print media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11789667B2Printer colour deviation detection

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Apparatus is described that comprises a printer carriage (100), comprising a printhead (105), at least one sensor (101, 102) for scanning an image deposited on a print media by the printhead (105) and a spectrophotometer (104) connected to the at least one sensor (101, 102) for generating data based on a reference image (120) on a test print media (110). The sensor (101, 102) is calibrated based on the generated data to detect a specific ICC profile, and wherein, in use, the sensor (101, 102) scans and digitizes an image of a final print media as the image is being printed on the final print media; and wherein the sensor (101, 102) is connected to a controller (106) that performs image quality analysis of the digitized image to determine whether colour deviation has occurred.