Roll-Sheet Eye Mark Sensor Positioning Using Scanner Imaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses require manual and time-consuming alignment of the eye mark sensor with eye marks on a roll sheet, which is cumbersome, especially with heavy sheets, to determine the initial position in the sheet width direction.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that automatically determines the position of the eye mark sensor using a scanner to read a printed mark, calculates the necessary adjustment based on the detected mark, and outputs position information for manual alignment, optionally with a motor-driven mechanism for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment of the eye mark sensor with eye marks is performed by feeding the roll sheet, then the initial position of the sensor can be determined, but the process requires significant time and user effort especially with heavy sheets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor position alignment accuracyVSAvoidtime required for sensor positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated image processing system. The scanner captures images of eye marks, and the control unit automatically calculates the required sensor position based on image analysis, eliminating the need for manual sheet feeding and visual alignment by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting eye mark positions through imaging and computing the appropriate sensor initial position. The apparatus determines its own configuration parameters without requiring user intervention in the alignment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual alignment of the eye mark sensor with eye marks is performed by feeding the roll sheet, then the initial position of the sensor can be determined, but the operation becomes cumbersome especially with heavy sheets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor position alignment accuracyVSAvoidease of sensor positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated image processing system. The scanner captures images of eye marks, and the control unit automatically calculates the required sensor position based on image analysis, eliminating the need for manual sheet feeding and visual alignment by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the eye mark position through scanning and image processing. Instead of physically aligning the sensor with the actual eye marks on the sheet, the system uses an optical copy (image) to determine the correct sensor position, making the operation much easier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If the user performs positioning operations by eye to align the eye mark sensor with eye marks, then the initial position can be determined, but quick and accurate sheet feed is difficult and requires significant user effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsetup speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated image processing system. The scanner captures images of eye marks, and the control unit automatically calculates the required sensor position based on image analysis, eliminating the need for manual sheet feeding and visual alignment by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary scanning and image processing to determine the eye mark positions before final sensor positioning is required. This advance preparation of position information enables rapid setup without compromising alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Simplifies the sensor positioning process, reducing user effort and improving operational efficiency by enabling accurate alignment without manual sheet conveyance adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

an obtaining unit that obtains a read image obtained by reading a print medium on which is printed a mark indicating a print position with a reading unit included in a printing apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reading: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS20250303753A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, printing apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 CANON KK

AI summary

A conveyance control unit starts splice detection with a splice detection unit and feed of a roll sheet. In a case where the splice detection unit detects splice tape, the conveyance control unit feeds the sheet to a scanner while measuring the amount of the sheet feed. A scanner control unit reads the roll sheet over a predetermined distance with the scanner to obtain a read image for the predetermined distance. The scanner control unit performs an image analysis for detecting an eye mark on the read image obtained by the reading with the scanner, and determines whether an eye mark is detected from the read image. In a case where an eye mark is detected, the scanner control unit calculates a distance on a scale indicating the position of an eye mark sensor to be subjected to sensor positioning, and displays the distance on an operation panel.