Roll to Roll Printing Trailing End Image Representation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll-to-roll printing methods do not effectively facilitate post-processing operations such as cutting, sorting, and distribution of printed images without digital displays, especially when printing and post-processing are performed by different operators or at different locations.
Innovation Solution
A representation of printed images is printed on the trailing end of the web, visible at the outer periphery of the second roll, using a banner with place holders indicating image positions and features like colors, patterns, or codes for classification, allowing operators to infer image content without digital displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a composed digital image is constructed to represent the roll and comprises multiple representations of individual digital images, then the planning of print jobs is facilitated, but post-processing operations become difficult without digital displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy of the digital image representation by printing it on the trailing end of the web. This printed representation serves as a tangible reference that operators can view without needing digital displays, thereby maintaining information accessibility while enabling post-processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the image representation from a digital two-dimensional display to a physical three-dimensional object (the printed web). By printing the representation on the trailing end of the web, the information is transferred to a new dimension (physical space) that can be viewed and used for post-processing without requiring digital equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If printing and post-processing operations are carried out by different operators at different locations, then workflow specialization is improved, but coordination and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The printed representation on the trailing end of the web serves as an intermediary carrier of image information. It allows operators at different locations to access the same visual information without needing to share digital displays or communicate complex details, thereby maintaining workflow specialization while ensuring coordination accuracy.
3Loss of information
If the entire web is printed with scaled images to show all printed content, then complete information is provided, but the web length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the web into two functional parts: the main printing area for the actual images and the trailing end for the representation. This segmentation allows the representation to be printed only where needed (on the trailing end) rather than throughout the entire web, reducing overall complexity while maintaining complete information about the printed content.
Data Source
AI summary
A roll to roll printing method in which a web of a recording medium is withdrawn from a first roll, a number of images are printed on the web and the printed web is wound on a second roll, wherein a representation of the printed images is printed on a part of the web which is to form a trailing end of the web on the second roll.