Printer Medium Detection Using Colorimetric Patch Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices require a dedicated medium sensor to detect paper type, increasing costs and complexity, while existing colorimetric methods for color calibration are not efficient in determining the type of printing medium without additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that uses a colorimetric unit to perform colorimetry on printed color patches to determine the type of printing medium, eliminating the need for a dedicated medium sensor by employing patch data stored in a database to calculate color differences and select optimal color patches for medium identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated medium sensor is provided to detect paper type, then medium detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The colorimetric unit originally designed for color calibration is made to serve dual purposes: it performs both colorimetry for color calibration and medium type detection. By measuring the color characteristics of printed patches and comparing them against reference values stored in the storage unit, the system determines medium type without requiring a dedicated sensor, thus achieving multi-functionality and reducing device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own printing capability to create test patches on the medium, then uses the colorimetric unit to analyze those patches for medium identification. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external or dedicated detection devices, as the printing apparatus itself provides both the test stimulus (printed patch) and the measurement capability (colorimetric unit).
2Measurement precision
If multiple color patches are used for medium determination, then determination accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reference colorimetric values for multiple medium types are pre-calculated and stored in the storage unit during system setup or calibration phase. When medium determination is needed, the system only needs to print one test patch and compare its colorimetric value against the pre-stored reference values, rather than performing multiple measurements or calculations in real-time. This preliminary preparation of reference data significantly reduces processing time during actual operation.
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 cost-effective determination of the printing medium type without a dedicated sensor, allowing for accurate medium identification and color calibration, reducing waste and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a colorimetric unit configured to perform colorimetry
Data Source
AI summary
A printing unit configured to apply a color material to a printing medium to perform printing, a colorimetric unit configured to perform colorimetry, a storage unit configured to store patch data defining a color of a color patch for a plurality of the color patches, and a control unit are included, wherein the control unit uses patch data for one color patch of the plurality of color patches stored in the storage unit, to cause the printing unit to print the color patch on the printing medium, and determines whether a type of the printing medium on which the printing unit printed the color patch is a predetermined type, based on a colorimetric value obtained by the colorimetry performed by the colorimetric unit on the color patch printed by the printing unit.