Printer Register Control System for Color Registration Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrostatographic single-pass multiple station printers face challenges in maintaining precise synchronization of printing stations, leading to color image displacement due to low-frequency vibrations and toner coverage effects, which existing technologies struggle to compensate for automatically without operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a register control system that includes a main encoder for measuring printing medium displacement and a printing medium advancement measurement means to adjust signals in real-time, allowing for automatic compensation of low-frequency vibrations and accurate registration of color images, using optical or mechanical measurement methods to provide precise signals for timely operation of subsequent printing stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an intermediate printing station is used for the encoder means to minimize web path and reduce high-frequency vibrations, then color registration accuracy is improved, but the system cannot automatically compensate for low-frequency vibrations caused by toner coverage effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the actual web displacement is measured and fed back to the register control means. The register control means compares this actual displacement with the expected displacement and automatically adjusts the timing signals to subsequent printing stations to compensate for low-frequency vibrations and toner coverage effects, enabling automatic compensation without operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical timing synchronization with an electronic control system that uses encoder signals and register control means. This electronic system processes displacement data and generates corrected timing signals, substituting mechanical precision requirements with electronic measurement and control capabilities to handle both high-frequency and low-frequency vibrations.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment means are used to compensate for web displacement deviations, then color registration accuracy is improved, but operator intervention is required and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The register control means is designed to automatically perform the compensation function that previously required manual operator intervention. The system self-adjusts timing signals based on encoder feedback, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure and correct web displacement deviations, thereby maintaining high precision while preserving full printing productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the encoder means is coupled to a printing station with significant web path, then the system is simpler to configure, but inaccuracies from web stretching and drum eccentricity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling of the encoder to the drum with an electronic measurement and control system. The register control means electronically processes encoder signals and compensates for mechanical inaccuracies caused by web stretching and drum eccentricity, allowing flexible configuration while maintaining measurement precision through electronic rather than purely mechanical means.
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 accurate registration of color images by minimizing systematic inaccuracies caused by toner coverage and low-frequency vibrations, providing reliable signals for finishing processes like sheet cutting and folding, and maintaining image quality across the printing medium.
Implementation Method 1
a main encoder means for producing a first signal indicative of printing medium displacement
Implementation Method 2
using optical or mechanical measurement methods to provide precise signals
Implementation Method 3
using optical or mechanical measurement methods to provide precise signals
Implementation Method 4
automatic adjustment of said first signal using said second signal
Implementation Method 5
delay means for initiating the operation of subsequent image-printing stations after a predetermined printing medium displacement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides improved electrostatographic single-pass multiple station printers as well as methods of operating the same being able to avoid displacement of different color images by effects of the toner coverage of the printed pages. To obtain this, a main encoder means (50) and a printing medium advancement measurement means (60a) are provided, the main encoder means (50) for producing a first signal (501) indicative of printing medium displacement and the printing medium advancement measurement means (60a) for providing a second signal (601) representative of printing medium advancement. The printing medium advancement measurement means (60a) is adapted to co-operate with the main encoder means (50) for automatic adjustment of said first signal (501) using said second signal (601).