Printing Device Synchronization via Optical Sensor Signal Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing multiple printing devices reduce the usable width of a recording medium and increase toner consumption by using position markings, which are not efficient for precise registration and synchronization of print images across different printing devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an optical sensor to detect the brightness of a print image and generate a position signal based on a comparison between actual and virtual sensor signals, allowing for precise synchronization of print images across multiple printing devices without the need for additional markings, thereby utilizing the full printable width of the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If position markings are used for synchronizing printing devices, then the synchronization accuracy is improved, but the usable width of the recording medium is reduced and toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from separate position markings and integrates it into the print images themselves. The optical sensor detects properties of the actual print images to generate position signals, eliminating the need for dedicated markings and freeing up the edge regions of the recording medium for productive use.
Solution Approach 2:
The print images serve dual functions: they are both the productive output and the synchronization reference. By using the same print image regions for both information carrying and positioning, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring additional markings, thus maximizing the usable area of the recording medium.
2Manufacturing precision
If position markings are used for synchronizing printing devices, then the synchronization accuracy is improved, but toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization function is extracted from separate markings and embedded within the existing print images. The optical sensor detects properties of the print images themselves to generate position signals, eliminating the need for additional toner-consuming markings while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The print images serve their primary purpose of conveying information while simultaneously providing the reference signals needed for synchronization. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate synchronization markings, thereby reducing toner consumption without compromising positioning accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If edge regions of recording medium are reserved for markings, then synchronization is enabled, but the printable area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using spatial dimension (edge markings) to using optical property dimension (brightness, contrast, or other detectable properties of the print images themselves). This dimensional shift allows synchronization information to be embedded within the printable area rather than requiring dedicated edge regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using spatial position (edge markings), the system uses optical parameters (brightness, contrast, or other detectable properties) of the print images to encode position information. This parameter change allows the entire surface of the recording medium to be used productively while maintaining synchronization capability.
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
Ensures high print quality and minimizes position deviations by synchronizing the printing processes of multiple devices using the detected properties of the print images, maintaining the full width of the recording medium for printing and reducing toner consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a property of the print image, in particular the brightness of the print image, is detected in a detection region of the sensor with the aid of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and a device for synchronizing a first printing device with a second component (e.g. second printing device), based on a property of a print image printed by the first printing device, which the property is detected by an optical sensor, a first print image is printed and at least one part of the first print image is detected using the optical sensor to generate a corresponding sensor signal. A virtual sensor signal is determined based on first print data and a known position of the optical sensor. The virtual sensor signal is compared with a curve of the sensor signal and a position signal is generated based on the result of the comparison. A second component is started depending on the position signal.