Printing Apparatus With Imaging-Based Expansion/Contraction Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face issues with human error in measuring expansion/contraction ratios, leading to inaccuracies in matching the size of the printed image with the original print data, which affects productivity due to the need for manual measurement and stopping the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with an automatic expansion/contraction correction function, utilizing a control section with first transmission, imaging, measurement, calculation, and correction means to calculate and adjust print data based on marked distances, ensuring errors within ±1.0 mm in both conveyance and width directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of expansion/contraction ratio is performed, then measurement can be conducted, but human error occurs and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement system with an automated imaging and calculation system. The control section captures images of the printed marks using an imaging device and automatically calculates expansion/contraction ratios through coordinate analysis, eliminating human measurement errors entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing images of the printed marks and calculating expansion/contraction ratios without human intervention. The control section independently completes the entire measurement and correction process, improving both accuracy and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement process is implemented, then expansion/contraction ratio can be obtained, but productivity deteriorates due to stopping printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous printing operations by automating the measurement process. The control section performs image capture and calculation operations without requiring operators to stop the printing process, maintaining continuous productive action while obtaining accurate expansion/contraction ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated imaging and calculation system replaces manual measurement operations, allowing the printing process to continue uninterrupted while the control section independently performs measurement and correction calculations.
3Manufacturing precision
If print data is corrected based on manual measurement, then size matching can be attempted, but accuracy is insufficient due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement with automated image-based coordinate analysis. The control section calculates precise expansion/contraction ratios by analyzing the positions of printed marks in captured images, eliminating human measurement errors and achieving accurate print image size matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the printed marks through imaging and uses coordinate analysis of this copy to calculate expansion/contraction ratios. This digital copying and analysis process provides more accurate measurements than manual physical measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a printing apparatus capable of automatically calculating an expansion/contraction ratio and making the size of a print image at the time of recovery substantially match the size of original print data. The present invention provides a printing apparatus 100 including a supply section 1, a printing-related section 3, a recovery section 4, an imaging section 5, and a control section 6, in which print data is first print data DT1 or second print data DT2, the control section 6 includes first transmission means 61 for transmitting printing start commands, respectively, to printing sections 30a and 30b, imaging means 62 for causing the imaging section 5 to image a print medium X1 to acquire imaging data DT3, measurement means 63 for acquiring an imaging measurement value from the imaging data DT3, calculation means 64 for calculating an expansion/contraction ratio from a reference measurement value and the imaging measurement value, correction means 65 for expanding and contracting a print image on the basis of the expansion/contraction ratio to generate the second print data DT2, and second transmission means 66 for transmitting printing start commands, respectively, to the printing sections 30a and 30b on the basis of the second print data DT2, and both respective error ranges of a distance in the conveyance direction and a distance in the width direction between a print image 7 in the first print data DT1 and a print image 9 printed on the basis of the second print data DT2 are within ± 1.0 mm.