Printing Apparatus Reference Mark Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face difficulties in reliably detecting cutting marks between images, especially when patterns resembling cutting marks are included in the images, leading to misdetection, particularly when multiple images of different sizes are printed on a continuous sheet.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves printing a reference mark between images, detecting this mark to accurately determine the cutting position, and cutting the sheet based on the detected reference mark, ensuring reliable detection and cutting of cutting marks between images, regardless of image size variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If patterns are included in images, then image content is enriched, but detector may mistakenly detect patterns as cutting marks leading to misdetection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sheet into distinct regions: image regions and non-image regions. Cutting marks are exclusively placed in non-image regions, separating them from image patterns. This spatial segmentation allows the detector to reliably identify cutting marks without being confused by patterns within images, as the detection is confined to specific non-image areas where only cutting marks appear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images of different sizes are printed on a continuous sheet, then printing flexibility is improved, but it becomes difficult to estimate positions of cutting marks increasing misdetection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary placement of cutting marks in non-image regions before the detection process. By pre-positioning cutting marks in dedicated non-image regions and establishing predetermined relationships between image sizes and non-image region lengths, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time position estimation, thereby maintaining high detection precision even with varying image sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the length of non-image regions based on the size of adjacent images. When image sizes vary, the corresponding non-image region lengths are modified accordingly, maintaining a predetermined relationship. This parameter adjustment ensures that cutting marks remain in optimal detection positions regardless of image size variations, preventing misdetection while preserving printing flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If cutting marks are placed in regions between images, then accurate cutting is achieved, but detection reliability decreases when patterns resemble cutting marks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sheet into image regions and non-image regions, with cutting marks exclusively located in non-image regions. This segmentation creates a clear spatial distinction that allows accurate cutting mark detection without interference from image patterns, even when those patterns resemble cutting marks. The detector focuses only on non-image regions, ensuring both cutting accuracy and detection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A reference mark is formed for cutting a sheet in a region between a first image printed on the sheet being conveyed and a second image, and the sheet is cut based on the detected reference mark. The second image is printed such that the length of the region in a conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed corresponds to the length of the first image in the direction.