Substrate Mark Feedback for Printing Registration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems fail to accurately correct image data due to insufficient expansion/contraction information, leading to misalignment of images on substrates that expand and contract during transport and drying.

Innovation Solution

A printing system that includes multiple measurement devices to detect marks on the substrate, calculating correction values based on the substrate's state, and adjusting image data accordingly to ensure accurate printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple measurement devices are added to measure substrate state at different positions, then image data correction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate state measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate measurement is divided into multiple segments along the transport path, with measurement devices positioned at different locations (before and after drying). Each measurement device captures substrate state at a specific stage, enabling comprehensive correction of image data based on cumulative expansion/contraction information from multiple measurement points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If image data is corrected based on substrate expansion/contraction, then printing accuracy is improved, but correction information sufficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinted image accuracyVSAvoidexpansion/contraction information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where measurement devices detect substrate marks at multiple positions, the processor calculates expansion/contraction amounts based on these measurements, and image data is corrected using this feedback information. This closed-loop approach ensures that correction values are derived from actual substrate state changes observed during the printing and drying process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If substrate is transported and dried through multiple stages, then printing reliability is improved, but substrate expansion/contraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting process reliabilityVSAvoidsubstrate dimension stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of substrate marks before the drying process begins, establishing a baseline state. During and after drying, additional measurements are taken to detect dimensional changes. This preliminary action allows the system to calculate correction values that compensate for expansion/contraction occurring during the necessary transport and drying stages.

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

The system enables precise correction of image data, preventing misalignment and ensuring printed images are of the desired size, improving accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the first measurement device and the second measurement device each detect a mark printed on the substrate with the first liquid to measure the state of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Implementation Method 2

a first drying device that dries the liquid ejected onto the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4696510A1Printing system
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4696510A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696510A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4696510A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a printing system that calculates a correction value for correcting image data based on a state of a substrate. In a printing system that prints an image by ejecting a liquid onto a substrate, a transport device transports the substrate in an order of a first ejection device that ejects a first liquid onto the substrate based on first image data, a first measurement device, a first drying device, a second measurement device, and a second ejection device, the first measurement device and the second measurement device each detect a mark printed on the substrate with the first liquid to measure a state of the substrate, and the first ejection device corrects the first image data based on a measurement result of the first measurement device and a measurement result of the second measurement device.