Security Document Printing via Sheet Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for printing security documents, such as passports, are time-consuming and space-intensive due to the need to handle and align large sheets, which are then printed on both sides before being cut into individual pages, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that involve cutting the sheet substrate into individual panels, printing only the necessary pages, and using two printing units to print both sides of each panel individually, with precise alignment and handling to reduce space requirements and processing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the complete visa sheet is fed to a printing device for printing on both sides, then both sides can be printed, but the process is time-consuming and requires large space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting speedVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The visa sheet is divided into individual passport book pages before printing. Each page is processed separately through the printing device, allowing for reduced space requirements and faster processing compared to handling the complete sheet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the complete visa sheet is fed to a printing device, then printing can be performed, but alignment is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By cutting the visa sheet into individual pages before printing, each page can be precisely aligned and positioned independently in the printing device, achieving accurate alignment without the complexity of aligning large sheets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If individual pages are printed separately, then space and time are reduced, but the process requires cutting and separating steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visa sheet is cut into individual pages before the printing process begins. This preliminary cutting action simplifies subsequent printing operations by allowing direct processing of individual pages without requiring complex in-line separation mechanisms during printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3527388B1Method and device for printing one or more uses of a sheet-like substrate to be processed
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3527388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3527388B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for printing one or more printable panels (201) of a sheet-shaped substrate (200) to be processed, comprising the following steps: feeding the sheet-shaped substrate (200) to be processed to a cutting device (204); cutting the sheet-shaped substrate (200) into individual panels (201, 202); separating or separating the printable panel (201) from one or more panels (202) not to be printed; feeding the printable panel (201) to a printing device (211); printing the printable panel (201) on a first panel side (300); and joining the printed printable panel (201) with the one or more panels (202) not to be printed. It further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.