Printer Preview Image Shrinkage Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses fail to effectively display the positional relationship between images to be printed and processing positions on print media, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in printing operations.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus equipped with a display controller that superimposes the image to be printed and processing positions on a preview image, allowing for correction based on the shrinkage ratio of the print medium, and includes a data acquisition section to obtain and correct processing positions, enabling accurate alignment and positioning of images during printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a preview image is displayed showing the image to be printed on the print medium, then the visual representation of printing positions is improved, but the accuracy of processing position alignment deteriorates due to print medium shrinkage not being accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual representation of printing positionsVSAvoidprocessing position alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary correction of processing positions based on predicted shrinkage ratios before displaying the preview image. By calculating and applying shrinkage compensation in advance to the processing position data, the system ensures that the displayed preview image accurately reflects both the visual layout and the corrected processing positions that will be used during actual printing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback by using detection results from the detection device (which measures actual print medium dimensions) to correct and update shrinkage ratio information. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously refine shrinkage predictions and adjust processing positions accordingly, improving alignment accuracy while maintaining clear visual representation in preview images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If processing positions are corrected based on shrinkage ratio, then the manufacturing precision of processing position alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional correction processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing position alignment accuracyVSAvoidcorrection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting print medium dimensions, calculating shrinkage ratios, and correcting processing positions without requiring manual intervention. The detection device and control unit work together to autonomously perform measurements, computations, and corrections, reducing the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by dynamically adjusting parameters (processing positions and shrinkage ratios) based on detected conditions rather than requiring complex structural changes. By modifying numerical parameters through calculation and correction algorithms, the system achieves high precision without adding mechanically complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If shrinkage ratio data is acquired and used for correction, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to additional data acquisition and correction steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing position alignment accuracyVSAvoiddata acquisition and correction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs shrinkage correction in advance during the preview image generation phase rather than during actual printing operations. By calculating and applying shrinkage compensation beforehand, the system minimizes time loss during critical printing operations while maintaining high precision through pre-computed corrected processing positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces time-consuming manual measurement and calculation processes with automated detection devices and computational algorithms. By using electronic detection and digital correction methods instead of manual procedures, the system significantly reduces the time required for data acquisition and correction while maintaining or improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3627813B1Printing apparatus, print control device, and method of controlling printing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3627813B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3627813B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3627813B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printer includes a printing mechanism, a display device, a print controller configured to control the printing mechanism to print an image on a print medium, and a display controller configured to make the display device display a preview image in which the image to be printed on the print medium and a processing position where processing is performed on the print medium after the printing are superimposed with each other.