Automatic Registration Mark Correction in Coating Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems require manual input of theoretical registration mark positions, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically generates theoretical position data of registration marks through image processing and compares it with reading position data to correct misregistration in coating printing, eliminating the need for manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input of theoretical position data is used, then accuracy of registration mark position can be ensured, but operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition data accuracyVSAvoidmanual input operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically extracts theoretical position data of registration marks from image data through image processing, enabling the system to generate its own position data without requiring manual user input. This self-service approach eliminates the cumbersome manual input process while maintaining data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical input process with an automated image processing system. By using image processing techniques to extract position information from registration mark images, the system substitutes human operation with automated computational methods, thereby improving both efficiency and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automatic image processing is used to generate theoretical position data, then operation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition data generation efficiencyVSAvoidimage processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing system serves multiple functions: it not only extracts theoretical position data of registration marks but also processes various types of image data formats and adapts to different registration mark designs. This multi-functionality justifies the system complexity by providing versatile capabilities within a single integrated framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If misregistration correction is implemented, then coating printing precision improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating printing position accuracyVSAvoidcorrection processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary extraction of theoretical position data from image data before the actual coating printing process. By pre-processing and storing the theoretical position information, the system minimizes the time required during the actual printing operation, as the correction data is already prepared and ready for application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10800182B2Printing system, information processing apparatus, inkjet printing apparatus, printing control method, and printing control program

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 DUPLO CORP

AI summary

The theoretical position of a registration mark is automatically obtained by image processing on predetermined image data. A printing system including a printing apparatus capable of further performing coating printing on a substrate having undergone printing includes a generator that generates theoretical position data of a registration mark by performing image processing on registration image data assumed to contain a registration mark, an acquirer that acquires reading position data by reading the position of a registration mark printed in advance on conveyed paper, and a printing controller that compares the theoretical position data with the reading position data and corrects a position of coating printing based on the misregistration.