Shuttle-Based Printer Image Sampling for Wide-Format Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide-format printers require high-quality and high-resolution print inspection systems that are cost-prohibitive due to the impracticality of implementing large cameras, limiting the ability to ensure acceptable print quality.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle-based printer system that uses a smaller imager to capture sample images of printed sections, reconstructing a final image from multiple passes, allowing for cost-effective high-quality inspection by structurally coupling or decoupling the imager to the printer carriage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large camera is used to capture high-resolution images of wide-format printed sections, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide-format printed section into multiple smaller regions and captures them using a smaller imager that moves across the section. Instead of using one large camera to capture the entire wide-format print at once, the system segments the inspection task into multiple smaller image captures, which are then stitched together to form a complete inspection image. This approach maintains high measurement precision while avoiding the need for expensive, complex wide-format cameras.
2Measurement precision
If a stationary two-dimensional still camera is used to capture printed images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase for wide-format applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a stationary camera system to a dynamic imager system that moves across the printed section. The imager is coupled to the printer carriage and moves along with it during the printing process, capturing multiple images of different portions of the printed section. This dynamic approach allows the use of a smaller, less expensive imager while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage through motion and image stitching.
3Manufacturing precision
If wide-format cameras are used to inspect entire printed sections, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wide-format printed section into multiple smaller regions captured by a moving imager. Each captured image represents a portion of the overall printed section, and these segmented images are subsequently stitched together to create a complete inspection view. This segmentation strategy enables high manufacturing precision inspection without requiring a single complex wide-format camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image stitching as an intermediary process that combines multiple smaller captured images into a single comprehensive inspection image. This intermediary step allows the system to achieve wide-format inspection capability through multiple small images rather than requiring a single large camera, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining inspection quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a method performed by a system operative to determine a condition related to a printed section printed by a shuttle-based printer. The method includes printing a portion of an image on a section of a medium, thereby providing a printed section. The section of the medium can have a size defined by at least a step size taken by the shuttle-based printer to advance the medium in a downstream direction. The method also includes scanning at least the printed section to capture a sample image of the printed section. The sample image can be captured by using an imager moving in a direction perpendicular to the downstream direction. The method also includes inspecting at least the sample image to determine a value indicative of a condition related to the printed section.