Printing Precision Measurement via Folded Reference Marks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional both-side printing apparatuses require additional elements for inspection, increasing costs and relying on manual precision, which can be inaccurate and dependent on user skill, especially when inspecting coated paper or varying sheet thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that incorporates positioning reference marks printed orthogonal to the transportation direction, with inspecting windows allowing for easy measurement of printing precision by folding the medium to compare marks directly, eliminating the need for additional apparatus elements and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional elements such as detection signal generating sections and determining sections are added to the printing apparatus, then inspection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus prints its own inspection marks (positioning reference marks and fold marks) using its regular printing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate inspection devices. The printed matter itself serves as the inspection tool by providing visible alignment references that allow users to verify printing precision without additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates optical copies of alignment references by printing transparent or visible marks on the printed matter that can be viewed through the material. These printed marks serve as visual replicas of positioning information, allowing inspection through light transmission without requiring physical measurement tools
2Device complexity
If manual inspection methods using pushpins are used to check printing precision, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision depends on user skill and is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces physical pushpin positioning with printed visual references. The positioning reference marks and fold marks create optical copies of alignment information that can be directly observed, eliminating the need for manual hole-punching and visual estimation. Users can accurately measure printing precision by comparing the relative positions of printed marks through the transparent material
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses visible or transparent printed marks that change the optical properties of the printed matter. These marks are designed to be visible when light passes through the material, creating contrast that enables precise visual alignment measurement without requiring tactile tools like pushpins
3Measurement precision
If light table inspection method is used to view register marks through printing sheet, then measurement capability is improved, but it fails for thick printing sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates localized inspection zones by printing specific marks (fold marks and positioning reference marks) at predetermined locations on the printed matter. These local features serve as dedicated inspection references that work effectively for both thin and thick materials, allowing users to perform precision measurements without requiring the entire sheet to be transparent
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a printed matter for measuring printing precision of a printing apparatus configured to perform printing to both sides of a printing medium. The printed matter includes a plurality of positioning reference marks printed orthogonal to a transportation direction of the printing medium; and an inspecting window bored in a positioning reference mark of the plurality of positioning reference marks, the positioning reference mark corresponding to an object to be inspected. The printing medium is folded so as to make another positioning reference mark on the printing medium visible through the inspecting window, and the positioning reference mark on a side of the inspecting window is compared with the positioning reference mark visible through the inspecting window, whereby printing precision is measured.