Printer Positioning Mark Sensor for Color Ribbon Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In thermal transfer printers, there is an inconsistency in the starting position of pages when printing with different colored ribbons, leading to inaccurate image overprinting due to detection errors by the photoelectric sensor.

Innovation Solution

A control method and printer configuration that includes printing a first positioning mark and content using a reference color, detecting the mark, and applying a printing position deviation compensation value to accurately position the page for subsequent color printing, using a mark sensor to adjust the paper's movement and ensure precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the photoelectric sensor detects the positioning mark to determine the starting position of each page, then the printer can automatically position and print color pages, but there is a detection error causing inconsistency in starting positions when using different colored ribbons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic positioningVSAvoidstarting position detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the photoelectric sensor detection system with a mark sensor detection system. The mark sensor directly detects the positioning mark on the printing paper without relying on electrical signals and threshold comparisons, thereby eliminating detection errors and achieving precise positioning consistency across different colored ribbons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mark sensor detects the positioning mark, and the controller adjusts the paper feed based on the detection results. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the starting position is accurately determined and compensated, resolving the inconsistency issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the printer uses ribbons of multiple colors to overprint images, then color pages can be printed, but position deviations occur between different color layers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor printing capabilityVSAvoidimage overprinting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary positioning by printing a positioning mark on the printing paper before actual image printing. The mark sensor detects this pre-printed mark to establish an accurate reference position, ensuring that subsequent color layers are printed at the correct positions without deviation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mark serves as an intermediary element between the detection system and the printing process. This physical mark on the paper provides a reliable reference that the mark sensor can detect, mediating the positioning information needed for accurate multi-color overprinting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method enhances the accuracy of image overprinting by compensating for position deviations, ensuring consistent starting positions across different colored prints and improving overall printing precision.

Implementation Method 1

a mark sensor configured to detect a positioning mark including a first positioning mark on the printing paper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the printing head transfers dye on the ink layer of the ribbon to the printing paper to form an image by heating the ribbon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal transfer: Thermal Energy Storage

Data Source

PatentUS10166787B2Printer and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 SHANDONG NEW BEIYANG INFORMATION TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are a printer and a control method thereof. The control method of the printer includes: a first positioning mark and a first printing content are printed on printing paper when printing is executed using a ribbon of a reference color; and a starting position of the first page is transmitted to a printing position of a printing head according to the first positioning mark and a printing position deviation compensation value to print the printing content of the first page in an ith printing content when printing is executed using a ribbon of an ith color. The method solves a problem of inaccurate positioning in a printer when one page on printing paper is positioned repeatedly.