Inkjet Printer Obstacle Detection via Scanning Area Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses require unnecessary scanning of areas outside the print objective, leading to increased scanning time and potential detection of unintended obstacles, which can interrupt the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus exclusively scans the record objective area along the feeding direction of the platen, preventing unnecessary scanning and avoiding detection of obstacles outside this area, allowing for uninterrupted printing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detecting system scans the entire platen, then obstacles can be detected comprehensively, but scanning time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The platen scanning area is segmented into the record objective area (where printing will occur) and non-printing areas. The detecting system is configured to scan only the record objective area, dividing the detection task to focus resources where they are needed, thus reducing overall scanning time while maintaining detection reliability for the printing region.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system applies local quality control by concentrating scanning efforts on the record objective area where obstacle detection is critical for printing quality. Areas outside the record objective area are excluded from scanning, as obstacles there would not affect printing quality. This localized approach optimizes the balance between detection thoroughness and scanning efficiency.
2Reliability
If the detecting system scans the entire platen, then all obstacles are detected, but printing operations are interrupted by false positives from raised parts outside the print area
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is segmented to exclude non-printing regions from scanning. By configuring the detecting system to scan only the record objective area, raised parts such as collars and pockets that lie outside this area are automatically excluded from detection, preventing false positives that would otherwise interrupt printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality control by restricting detection to the record objective area where printing will occur. Obstacles in non-printing areas are intentionally not detected, as they do not affect printing quality. This approach maintains detection accuracy for the printing region while avoiding false alarms from external features, ensuring smooth printing operation continuity.
3Measurement precision
If the platen is fed beyond the record objective area for scanning, then complete detection is achieved, but unnecessary scanning time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning operation extracts and focuses exclusively on the record objective area, removing non-essential scanning of areas outside the print region. By taking out the unnecessary scanning portions and concentrating detection resources on the record objective area, the system achieves precise obstacle detection while minimizing scanning time and eliminating wasted movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus, comprising a recording system with a nozzle surface, a platen installed in a position to face the nozzle surface to hold the recording medium with a clearance provided between the nozzle surface and a surface of the recording medium held by the platen, a feeding system to carry the platen to a recording position, a detecting system which scans the surface of a recording medium to detect an object that may otherwise interfere the nozzle surface on the recording medium by scanning the surface of the recording medium, a scan objective area determining system to determine a scan objective area, which is an area to be scanned by the detecting system, and a scan controlling system which controls the detecting system to scan the scan objective area determined by the scan objective area determining system to detect the object on the recording medium, is provided.