Printer Sensor Target Detection Through Opaque Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual alignment of images on dual-sided signage media for 'day and night' signs is prone to errors due to opaque media and misalignment issues when flipping the media for printing the mirrored copy, leading to visual defects like blurred edges.
Innovation Solution
A printer system that includes a sensor capable of locating targets printed on one side of the media through the opaque media using backlighting, allowing precise alignment and printing of a mirrored image on the second side by detecting light intensity variations, thereby eliminating manual measurement errors and ensuring accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual alignment method is used to print images on dual-sided media, then the process is simple, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to opaque media and flipping errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by printing alignment targets on the first side of the media before flipping. These targets serve as reference points that are detected by a sensor on the second side, enabling precise alignment of the mirrored image without manual measurement. The targets are printed in advance and used to automatically determine the correct positioning offset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alignment targets as an intermediary element between the two sides of the opaque media. The targets are printed on the first side and serve as mediators that allow the sensor on the second side to locate and align with the correct position. This intermediary enables communication across the opaque barrier without requiring manual intervention.
2Illumination intensity
If opaque media is used for day and night signs, then the sign visibility during day is improved, but the alignment of printed images deteriorates when flipping the media
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment targets serve as intermediaries that bridge the opaque media barrier. By printing these targets on the first side and detecting them through the opaque media from the second side, the system achieves precise alignment despite the media's opacity. The targets enable the sensor to locate the correct position without requiring the media to be transparent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an optical detection system. Instead of manually measuring and calculating offsets after flipping the opaque media, a sensor detects the alignment targets through the media, and the system automatically calculates and applies the correct positioning offset, eliminating manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If manual measurement and offset input is used for alignment, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting the alignment targets and calculating the positioning offsets without requiring manual measurement and input. The sensor automatically locates the targets, the processor calculates the offsets, and the system applies the corrections automatically. This eliminates human error while keeping the device complexity manageable through automation of the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated optical measurement system. The sensor detects target positions optically, and the processor calculates offsets computationally, replacing the manual measurement and input process. This substitution improves measurement precision by eliminating human error while adding only moderate device complexity through the sensor and processing components.
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
The system ensures precise alignment and printing of dual-sided images, reducing visual defects and improving the quality of combined images viewed at night by automating the alignment process through sensor-assisted targeting.
Implementation Method 1
a media path runs between the sensor and a light source. Because the media is between the light source and the sensor the light source backlights the media allowing the sensor to locate the targets
Data Source
AI summary
A printer is disclosed. The printer uses a target located on one side of media to position an image on the other side of the media. The printer backlights the media and uses a sensor that locates the target through the backlit media.