Color Printer Media Temperature Sensor Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color printers face challenges in maintaining consistent image quality due to temperature fluctuations of print media, which affect ink dot spread and perceived color, especially in duplex printing where sheets undergo heat treatments, leading to deviations in temperature between first and recirculated media.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor is strategically placed upstream of the print engine along the media transport path to detect the temperature of media as they approach, allowing for individual color corrections to be applied, with optional secondary sensors for early detection and rough estimates, enabling precise adjustments before image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a temperature sensor is placed in the environment of the printer to detect ambient temperature, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of media temperature is insufficient leading to inaccurate color correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary temperature sensor that directly contacts the media sheet at the transport path to measure the actual media temperature. This intermediary measurement device bridges the gap between ambient temperature detection and actual media temperature, providing accurate temperature data for color correction without requiring complex embedded sensors throughout the printing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the indirect thermal conduction method (relying on ambient temperature to infer media temperature) with direct thermal contact measurement. By placing the temperature sensor in direct contact with the media at the transport path, the system obtains accurate media temperature readings without complex thermal modeling or multiple sensing elements.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed at the media transport path upstream of the print engine, then the measurement precision of media temperature is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor acts as an intermediary measurement device placed at the transport path where media naturally passes by. This location provides direct access to media temperature without requiring modification of the print engine structure or insertion of sensors into the printing mechanism, thus improving measurement precision with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The media sheet itself serves as the carrier for temperature measurement. As the media passes through the transport path, it naturally brings its temperature information to the sensor location. The system leverages the media's own movement and thermal properties to provide measurement data without requiring active heating, cooling, or special preparation of the media.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used for early detection and calibration, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into two segments: a primary temperature sensor for continuous monitoring at the transport path, and a secondary temperature sensor for early detection and calibration purposes. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision and reliability through coordinated operation of multiple sensors while keeping each sensor's design simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second temperature sensor provides early temperature data that feeds into the color correction process, allowing preliminary adjustments to be made. The first temperature sensor then provides verification and fine-tuning feedback, creating a closed-loop system that improves overall measurement reliability without requiring continuous high-precision measurement from a single complex sensor.
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
This solution ensures improved color image quality by accounting for temperature variations in real-time, particularly in duplex printing, where sheets may have different temperatures due to heat treatments, ensuring accurate color correction and maintaining consistent output.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor arranged at the media transport path upstream of the print engine for detecting the temperature of the media as they reach the print engine
Data Source
AI summary
A color printer includes a media transport system arranged to feed print media along a media transport path; a print engine disposed at the media transport path; a controller arranged to calculate an amount of coverage for each pixel and for each process color of an image to be printed on the media, and to control the print engine on the basis of the calculated amount of coverage; a temperature sensor; and a color correction module arranged to determine a correction of the amount of coverage on the basis of a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is arranged at the media transport path upstream of the print engine for detecting the temperature of the media as they reach the print engine.