Recording Apparatus Calibration via Media Orientation and Distortion Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording apparatus calibration methods are cumbersome and require specialized, costly equipment, leading to increased time and risk of imaging errors due to the need for factory-based calibration systems, which complicate field calibration and are inefficient for correcting geometric distortions in images formed on recording media.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that involve positioning recording media with different orientations to detect and adjust for distortions using a sensor and controller, allowing for on-site recalibration of the recording apparatus by forming image features and adjusting movement parameters, such as speed, to correct geometric distortions without the need for dedicated calibration equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If factory-based calibration systems are used to ensure geometric accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recording apparatus performs self-calibration by using its own recording head to create test patterns and its own sensors to detect distortions. The system automatically adjusts carriage movement parameters based on detected distortions without requiring external specialized equipment, making the calibration process self-contained and eliminating the need for complex factory-based calibration systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration function is extracted from the main recording operation and performed as a separate, dedicated process using the apparatus's own resources. Test patterns are recorded on separate media that is specifically positioned and measured for calibration purposes, separating the calibration function from normal production operations while avoiding the need for specialized calibration equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If specialized calibration equipment is used to detect distortions, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to shipping and dedicated analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistortion detection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is merged with the recording apparatus itself. The same apparatus that records images also detects distortions using integrated sensors that read the test patterns directly from the recording media. This eliminates the need to ship media to separate facilities and performs both recording and calibration functions in one location, significantly reducing calibration time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Test patterns serve as intermediaries between the recording process and the calibration measurement. These patterns are specifically designed to amplify and reveal distortion characteristics, allowing the system to accurately measure geometric errors through the pattern distortions without requiring complex measurement equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple scans are performed to form images, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to positioning accuracy variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging throughputVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from distortion measurements to adjust carriage movement parameters. Test patterns are analyzed to detect positioning errors that occur during scanning, and this information is used to modify the carriage speed and positioning in subsequent scans. This closed-loop feedback ensures consistent positioning accuracy across multiple scans while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Distortion characteristics are measured and characterized in advance during the calibration process using test patterns. This preliminary measurement allows the system to pre-calculate correction factors and adjust carriage movement parameters before actual production imaging begins, ensuring positioning accuracy is maintained throughout the imaging process without compromising productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8132886B2Adjusting the calibration of a recording apparatus with recording head movement changes

Publication Date: 2012.03.13 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for changing a calibration of a recording apparatus (10) to adjust for geometric distortion, comprising: providing a media support (12) for receiving recording media (17); providing a carriage (18) adapted for moving along a path; providing a recording head (16) on the carriage; operating the recording head to form a pattern of image features on the recording media while the recording media is positioned with a first orientation (50A) on the media support; positioning the recording media with a second orientation (50B) on the media support, wherein the second orientation is different from the first orientation; detecting distortion in the pattern of image features while the recording media is positioned with the second orientation on the media support; and adjusting movement of the carriage in accordance with the detected distortion.