Printing Apparatus Ink Pattern Correction via Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining printing accuracy without complicating their structure, leading to increased costs due to the need for complex mechanisms like check rollers, which can result in deteriorated printing quality when errors occur during pattern formation.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that applies ink to a printing plate in a predetermined pattern, uses an image recording section, a plate surface observation unit, and a determination section to ensure the ink is within a predetermined range, allowing for real-time correction and restoration of the ink pattern without the need for complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms like check rollers are used to maintain printing accuracy, then printing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical check rollers with an optical imaging system (imaging means) that captures images of the printing plate surface. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical structures while maintaining printing accuracy through optical detection and image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the printing plate surface using the imaging means. These images are then processed to detect ink application accuracy, replacing the need for physical contact with mechanical check rollers and enabling non-contact measurement of printing quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms are used to detect and correct printing errors, then printing quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical detection systems with more cost-effective optical imaging technology. The imaging means and image processing system provide accurate error detection at lower cost compared to mechanical check rollers and associated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system enables the printing apparatus to self-diagnose and self-correct printing errors by capturing images, analyzing them through image processing, and adjusting ink application in real-time without requiring external mechanical inspection devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time correction of ink patterns is implemented, then printing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the imaging means continuously monitors ink application on the printing plate, the image processing unit analyzes the captured images to detect deviations, and the system automatically adjusts subsequent ink application. This closed-loop control achieves real-time correction without requiring complex mechanical intervention systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus applies ink to a surface of a printing plate in the shape of a predetermined pattern and then transfers the ink to a substrate. The printing apparatus includes: an image recording section that applies the ink to the surface of the printing plate; a plate surface observation unit that acquires information about the surface of the printing plate; a storage section that stores information about a reference shape serving as a reference of the surface of the printing plate; and a determination section that compares the information about the reference shape stored in the storage section with the information about the surface of the printing plate, which is obtained by the plate surface observation unit, and determines whether or not the surface of the printing plate to which the ink has been applied is present in a predetermined range of the reference shape.