Printing Apparatus Timing Mark Detection Failure Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital printing systems face challenges in determining the start timing of post-stage processing, such as printing and modification, when the timing mark cannot be detected.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus equipped with a detection unit to identify marks on the printing medium, a determination unit to assess detection success, and a control unit to adjust the start timing of printing or post-printing based on detection results, either using successful detection data or estimated intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the start timing of post-stage processing is determined based on detection of timing mark and pulse signal, then the printing position can be accurately controlled, but the processing cannot be performed when the timing mark cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting timing marks and accumulating pulse signal data in advance. When a timing mark is detected, the system records the pulse count and uses this information to determine start timing for subsequent processing, even if the actual timing mark detection fails later in the sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse signal acts as an intermediary between the timing mark detection and the post-stage processing control. Instead of directly using timing mark detection results, the system uses the pulse signal count as an intermediate parameter to calculate and determine the start timing, allowing processing to continue even when timing mark detection fails.
2Manufacturing precision
If the system waits for timing mark detection to determine start timing, then processing accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases when timing mark detection fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors timing mark detection results and provides feedback to the control unit. When timing mark detection succeeds, the system uses the detected information to adjust and optimize start timing. When detection fails, the system uses alternative feedback from pulse signal accumulation to maintain processing continuity without significant loss of timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for timing determination based on detection success or failure. When timing mark detection is successful, the system uses timing mark-based parameter determination. When detection fails, the system switches to using pulse signal count-based parameter determination, allowing continuous operation with maintained productivity.
3Reliability
If the detection unit continuously monitors timing marks, then processing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit performs multiple functions: it detects timing marks for position determination, accumulates pulse signals for timing calculation, and provides feedback for control decisions. By making the detection unit multi-functional, the system improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware components serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the timing mark detection function with the pulse signal processing function into a unified detection and control mechanism. Instead of separate independent systems, the timing mark detection, pulse counting, and start timing determination are combined into an integrated process, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The printing apparatus performing printing while conveying a printing medium has: a detection unit configured to detect a mark on the printing medium for determining start timing to perform the printing or start timing to perform post printing of the printing; a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the detection unit has succeeded in detecting the mark; and a control unit configured to control start timing of the printing or the post printing thereof. Then, the control unit: determines, in a case where the detection has succeeded, the above-described start timing based on results of the detection; and determines, in a case where the detection has failed, the above-described start timing in accordance with a mark detected before the failure.