CN100579790C - Method and apparatus for adjusting an image alignment for an image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for adjusting an image alignment for an image forming apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
CN100579790C
CN100579790C CN200510113211A CN200510113211A CN100579790C CN 100579790 C CN100579790 C CN 100579790C CN 200510113211 A CN200510113211 A CN 200510113211A CN 200510113211 A CN200510113211 A CN 200510113211A CN 100579790 C CN100579790 C CN 100579790C
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
print area
pattern
medium
thermal media
thermal
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Expired - Fee Related
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CN200510113211A
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Chinese (zh)
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CN1749020A (en
Inventor
丁永道
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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Publication of CN1749020A publication Critical patent/CN1749020A/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/36—Blanking or long feeds; Feeding to a particular line, e.g. by rotation of platen or feed roller
    • B41J11/42—Controlling printing material conveyance for accurate alignment of the printing material with the printhead; Print registering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B41J13/0009—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets control of the transport of the copy material
    • B41J13/0027—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets control of the transport of the copy material in the printing section of automatic paper handling systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
    • B41J29/393—Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/60—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing on both faces of the printing material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
    • B41J2202/30—Embodiments of or processes related to thermal heads
    • B41J2202/31—Thermal printer with head or platen movable

Abstract

A method and apparatus for adjusting an image alignment of an image forming apparatus that uses a thermal print head for applying heat to first and second sides of a medium for printing are provided. In the apparatus and method, a first printed area on the first side of the medium is detected by a sensor after printing a first pattern on a first setup print zone of the first side of the medium, a first-to-second printed area on the medium is detected by the sensor after printing a second pattern on a second setup print zone of the second side of the medium, a position deviation between the printed areas of the first and second sides is calculated using the first setup print zone, the second setup print zone, the detected first printed area, and the detected first-to-second printed area, and the setup print zones of the first and second sides of the medium is adjusted using the calculated position deviation.

Description

Be used for the method and apparatus that correcting imaging equipment drawing picture is aimed at
Technical field
The present invention relates to a kind of imaging device that uses thermal printer head.More particularly, the present invention relates to the method and apparatus that a kind of image that is used for correcting imaging equipment is aimed at, this imaging device uses a thermal printer head that first side and second side of medium are applied heat with print image.
Background technology
Thermal printer uses thermal printer head that the black band application of contact medium is heated so that the China ink of China ink band is transferred to medium, perhaps directly applies heat to being coated with the medium that can present the China ink of color when heating.
Fig. 1 is the view of the thermal media of prior art.
Referring to Fig. 1, thermal media comprises substrate 11, the first side 10a, the second side 10b and reflecting layer 13.On the first side 10a and the second side 10b, be formed with the China ink layer of different colours.For example, can on the first side 10a, form yellow and magenta layer successively, and on the second side 10b, form cyan layers.Substrate 11 can be made of transparent material.Reflecting layer 13 reverberation can be observed coloured image from the first side 10a like this.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram, and it shows the structure that uses the imaging device of thermal printer head according to prior art.
Referring to Fig. 2, imaging device comprises medium 200, drive roll 210, driven voller 220, pressure roller 230 and thermal printer head 240.
One motor (not shown) rotates drive roll 210 and places medium 200 between drive roll 210 and the driven voller 220 with conveying.
Medium 200 in 240 pairs of conveyings of thermal printer head applies heat with print yellow, magenta and cyan data.Pressure roller 230 places therebetween facing to thermal printer head 240 and medium 200.Pressure roller 230 rotates when medium is transferred thereupon, is supporting from thermal printer head 240 and is accepting heat to realize the medium 200 of colour print.
For with thermal printer head 240 print yellow, magenta and cyan data, thermal printer head 240 must apply heat to the first and second side 10a, the 10b of medium 200.
As described above, if first and second sides of medium are applied heat with a thermal printer head, can produce mechanical bias or medium transport path difference, actual print area on medium first and second sides can not be aimed at each other like this, and the image that prints thus can not accurately obtain required color.
Therefore, when with a thermal printer head, need aim at so that the image that prints accurately obtains color the two sides of print media.
Summary of the invention
The invention provides the method and apparatus that a kind of image that is used for correcting imaging equipment is aimed at, wherein by the preparation print area of pattern on first and second sides is compared with the actual print area of surveying by sensor, calculate the position skew of actual print area on medium first and second sides, and use the skew of this position that calculates that described preparation print area is proofreaied and correct, thus can be accurately, expediently aiming between the actual print area of first side and second side proofreaied and correct.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a kind of method of image aligning of correcting imaging equipment is provided, first and second sides that this imaging device disposes medium apply the thermal printer head of heat to print, this method comprises: after printing first pattern on the first preparation print area of medium first side, use the first actual print area on sensor probing medium first side; After printing second pattern on the second preparation print area of medium second side, use the first-the second actual print area of sensor probing medium; Utilize the described first preparation print area, second preparation print area, the first actual print area of being surveyed and the first-the second actual print area of being surveyed, calculate the position skew between the actual print area of first and second side; And utilize the position skew that calculates, the print position of the medium first or second side is proofreaied and correct.
The step of each described exploration operation can comprise: receive the view data from the medium of described detector; Determine the variation in this view data; And utilize determined view data to change and survey actual print area.
Variation in the described view data can be the rising edge or the trailing edge of view data.
Described correction to print position can begin medium first side is applied the first heating starting point of heat or proofreaies and correct the second heating starting point that thermal printer head begins medium second side is applied heat and carry out by proofreading and correct thermal printer head.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of method of image aligning of correcting imaging equipment is provided, first and second sides that this imaging device disposes medium apply the thermal printer head of heat to print.This method comprises: after printing first pattern on the first preparation print area of medium first side, use the first actual print area on sensor probing medium first side; After printing second pattern on the second preparation print area of medium second side, use the first-the second actual print area of sensor probing medium, the described first preparation print area on described second preparation print area and medium first side overlaps mutually; Utilize the described first preparation print area, second preparation print area, the first actual print area of being surveyed and the first-the second actual print area of being surveyed, calculate the position skew between the actual print area of first and second side; And utilize the position skew that calculates, the print position of the medium first or second side is proofreaied and correct.
Described thermal printer head can rotate with first side and second side in the face of medium.
Each described pattern can have polygonal shape.
The step of each exploration operation comprises: receive the dielectric image data from described detector; Determine the variation in this view data; And utilize determined view data to change and survey actual print area.Variation in the described view data can be the rising edge or the trailing edge of view data.
The step of described calculating location skew can comprise: the preparation zone difference between the center of print area is prepared at described first center and described second of preparing print area of calculating; Calculate the actual print area difference between first actual print area center of being surveyed and the first-the second actual print area center of being surveyed; Preparation zone difference and actual print area difference that utilization calculates are calculated the skew of described position; Calculate the edge-region distance difference between the first edge-region distance and second edge-region distance, wherein said first edge-region distance is the distance from medium edge to the described first actual print area, described second edge-region distance is the distance from medium edge to described the first-the second actual print area, and described edge and actual print area are detected in above-mentioned exploration operation; And utilize described edge-region distance difference, the capable correction of contraposition offset shift-in.
Described aligning step to print position can begin medium first side is applied the first heating starting point of heat or proofreaies and correct the second heating starting point that thermal printer head begins medium second side is applied heat and carry out by proofreading and correct thermal printer head.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of device of image aligning of correcting imaging equipment is provided, first and second sides that this imaging device disposes medium apply the thermal printer head of heat to print.This device comprises: the pattern printer is used for printing first pattern on the first preparation print area of medium first side, and prints second pattern on the second preparation print area of medium second side; The regionally detecting device is used for the actual print area of probing medium; Drift computer is used for described preparation print area is compared with the actual print area of being surveyed by the regionally detecting device, is offset with the position between the actual print area that calculates medium first and second sides; And means for correcting, it utilizes the position skew that calculates, and the print position of the medium first or second side is proofreaied and correct.
Described pattern printer can comprise: the conveying device that is used for pumped (conveying) medium; Be used for medium first and second sides are applied heat to carry out the thermal printer head of printing; Print control unit is used to control described conveying device and thermal printer head to print printing second pattern on first pattern and the second preparation print area in medium second side on the first preparation print area of medium first side.Described pattern printer can also comprise the print head position adjuster, is used to rotate thermal printer head so that this thermal printer head is faced first and second sides of medium.Each described pattern can have polygonal shape.
Described regionally detecting device can comprise: be used for from the medium detection image and export the sensor of respective image data, and be used for determining that the variation of described view data is to survey the range finder of distance between this variation.
Described range finder can determine in the described view data variation and by using encoder to survey distance between the described variation.
Variation in the described view data can be the rising edge or the trailing edge of view data.
Described drift computer can comprise: memory is used to store the preparation print area of the actual print area of being surveyed; Storage control is used to control the first-the second actual print area of described memory to store the described first preparation print area, the second preparation print area, the first actual print area that detects by described regionally detecting device and detect by described regionally detecting device after first pattern is printed on the medium after first and second patterns are printed on the medium; Difference calculator, preparation zone difference between the center that is used to calculate the described first preparation print area and the center of the described second preparation print area, and the actual print area difference between the first actual print area center detected of calculating and the first-the second actual print area center detected; And the skew output unit, be used to utilize the preparation zone difference and the actual print area difference that calculate, calculate the skew of position.
Described drift computer can also comprise: the compensation value calculator that is used to calculate the edge-region distance difference between first edge-region distance and the second edge-zone, wherein said first edge-region distance is the distance from medium edge to the described first actual print area, and described second edge-region distance is the distance from medium edge to described the first-the second actual print area; And offset correction device, it utilizes the edge-region distance difference that calculates, and the position skew that described skew output unit calculates is proofreaied and correct.
Described means for correcting can utilize the position skew that calculates, thermal printer head is begun to apply the first hot heating starting point to medium first side proofread and correct, or thermal printer head is begun to apply the second hot heating starting point to medium second side to be proofreaied and correct.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of method of image aligning of correcting imaging equipment is provided, wherein first side of medium is applied heat when thermal printer head behind one first transfer passage loaded medium, and second side of medium is applied heat when thermal printer head behind one second transfer passage loaded medium.This method comprises: when along the described first transfer passage loaded medium, by sensor survey this medium and with first analog signal storage of this sensor output in recording medium; When along the described second transfer passage loaded medium, by described sensor probing medium and with second analog signal storage of this sensor output in recording medium; Utilization is stored in described first and second analog signals in the recording medium, calculates the position skew between the actual print area of medium first and second sides; And utilize the position skew that is calculated, the print position of the medium first or second side is proofreaied and correct.
Described thermal printer head can rotate with first and second sides in the face of medium.Can assign to export each first and second analog signal by the reservations of probing medium, described predetermined portions comprises the edge of medium.
The step of described calculating location skew can comprise: the output ratio that calculates described first analog signal and second analog signal; And utilize the output ratiometer that calculates to calculate the skew of described position.
The output ratio that passes through to be calculated comes the calculating location skew to comprise: the digital reference value that multiply by described sensor by the output ratio that will calculate calculates imaginary a reference value; Detection has described imaginary a reference value in the first stored analog signal position; And the position of calculating between position of being surveyed and the position that has described digital reference value in the second stored analog signal is offset.
The output ratio that passes through to be calculated comes the calculating location skew to comprise: the digital reference value that multiply by described sensor by the output ratio that will calculate obtains imaginary a reference value; Detection has described imaginary a reference value in the second stored analog signal position; And the position of calculating between position of being surveyed and the position that has described digital reference value in the first stored analog signal is offset.
Described aligning step to print position can begin medium first side is applied the first heating starting point of heat or proofreaies and correct the second heating starting point that thermal printer head begins medium second side is applied heat and carry out by proofreading and correct thermal printer head.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of method of image aligning of correcting imaging equipment is provided, first and second sides that this imaging device disposes medium apply the thermal printer head that heat prints.This method comprises: print first and second patterns respectively on the first and second preparation print areas of medium first side; After printing the 3rd pattern on the 3rd preparation print area of medium second side, survey the actual print area of described first to the 3rd pattern by sensor; Utilize the actual print area surveyed, calculate the skew between the actual print position of first and second sides; And utilize the skew that calculates, the print position of the medium first or second side is proofreaied and correct.
Described first, second can be with the 3rd preparation print area with identical apart from each interval.
The step of the actual print area of described detection can comprise: receive the dielectric image data from described sensor; Detect the variation in the described view data; And the variation of passing through the view data that detected comes the actual print area of probing medium.
Variation in the described view data can be the rising edge or the trailing edge of view data.
The step of described calculating location skew can comprise: the first-second distance value between the center of first and second pattern that calculating is surveyed; Second-Di, three distance values between the center of the second and the 3rd pattern that calculating is surveyed; And calculate centre distance difference between described the first-the second difference and described second-Di three differences.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of computer-readable recording medium is provided, this medium has the computer-readable program of carrying out above-mentioned alignment correction method.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of device of image aligning of correcting imaging equipment is provided, wherein first side of medium is applied heat when thermal printer head behind one first transfer passage loaded medium, and second side of medium is applied heat when thermal printer head behind one second transfer passage loaded medium, print on medium first and second sides, to carry out.This device comprises: the conveying device that is used for pumped (conveying) medium; Analog signal generator is used for surveying this medium to produce corresponding first and second analog signals when medium when described first and second transfer passages are carried; Drift computer, it utilizes described first and second analog signals to come skew between the actual print area of first and second side of calculation medium; And means for correcting, it utilizes the position skew that calculates, and the print position of the medium first or second side is proofreaied and correct.
Described thermal printer head can rotate with first and second sides in the face of medium.Can assign to export each first and second analog signal by the reservations of probing medium, described predetermined portions comprises the edge of medium.
Described analog signal generator can comprise: sensor is used for surveying this medium to produce corresponding first and second analog signals when medium when described first and second transfer passages are carried; Recording medium is used to store described first and second analog signals; And controller, be used for controlling of the storage of described first and second analog signals at recording medium.
Described drift computer can comprise: proportion calculator is used to calculate the output ratio of described first analog signal and second analog signal; And distance calculator, be used for passing through the skew of the output ratio calculating location that calculated.
Described distance calculator can comprise: the benchmark calculator, and it calculates imaginary a reference value by the digital reference value that the output ratio that will calculate multiply by described sensor; Position sensor is used for surveying the position that has described imaginary a reference value in the first stored analog signal; And the position distance calculator, it utilizes position of being surveyed and the position that has described digital reference value in the second stored analog signal, calculates the skew of position.
Described distance calculator can comprise: the benchmark calculator, and it calculates imaginary a reference value by the digital reference value that the output ratio that will calculate multiply by described sensor; Position sensor is used for surveying the position that has described imaginary a reference value in the second stored analog signal; And the position distance calculator, it utilizes position of being surveyed and the position that has described digital reference value in the first stored analog signal, calculates the skew of position.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of device of image aligning of correcting imaging equipment is provided, first and second sides that this imaging device disposes medium apply the thermal printer head of heat to print.This device comprises: printing first and second patterns on medium first side and print the pattern printer of the 3rd pattern on medium second side; The regionally detecting device that is used for the actual print area of probing medium; Drift computer is used for actual print area that more described regionally detecting device surveyed with the skew between the actual print position that calculates medium first and second sides; And means for correcting, it utilizes the skew that is calculated, and the print position of the medium first or second side is proofreaied and correct.
Described first, second can be with the 3rd pattern with identical apart from each interval.Described pattern printer can comprise: the conveying device that is used for pumped (conveying) medium; Medium first and second sides are applied heat to carry out the thermal printer head of printing; And print control unit, be used to control described conveying device and thermal printer head, with described first and second patterns of printing on the first and second preparation print areas of medium first side, and on the 3rd preparation print area of medium second side, print described the 3rd pattern.
Described register correction means can also comprise the print head position adjuster, is used to rotate described thermal printer head so that this thermal printer head is faced first and second sides of medium.
Described regionally detecting device can comprise: be used for from the medium detection image and export the sensor of respective image data; And be used for determining that the variation of described view data is to survey the range finder of distance between this variation.Variation in the described view data can be the rising edge or the trailing edge of view data.
Described drift computer can comprise: memory is used to store the actual print area of being surveyed; Controller is used for after described first, second is printed on medium with the 3rd pattern, and the actual print area that described regionally detecting device is surveyed is stored in the described recording medium; Difference calculator, be used to calculate the first-second distance value between the center of first and second pattern of being surveyed and the center of the second and the 3rd pattern surveyed between second-Di, three distance values; And the skew output unit, be used to export the difference between described first-second distance value and second-Di, three distance values.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of computer-readable recording medium is provided, this medium has the computer-readable program of carrying out above-mentioned alignment correction method.
Description of drawings
By the specific descriptions of reference accompanying drawing to its exemplary embodiment, above-mentioned and other feature of the present invention, advantage will become more obvious, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the view of the thermal media of prior art;
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram, shows the structure that uses the imaging device of traditional hot printhead according to prior art;
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram, shows the structure that uses the imaging device of thermal printer head according to one embodiment of the present of invention;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram, shows the structure according to the register correction means of one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5 is concrete block diagram, shows the embodiment of pattern printer shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is the block diagram that shows the embodiment of regionally detecting device shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 7 A, 7B and 7C are on first side print of display medium behind the pattern, the view of the embodiment by using the method that sensor surveys actual print area;
Fig. 8 A, 8B and 8C are after first, second side of display medium is printed first, second pattern respectively, the view of the embodiment of the method for actual print area being surveyed by sensor;
Fig. 9 is concrete block diagram, shows the embodiment of drift computer shown in Fig. 4;
Figure 10 is the view that shows the embodiment of the method for position skew between the actual print area of calculation medium first and second sides;
Figure 11 is a flow chart, shows the method for aiming at according to the correcting image of one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 is a flow chart, shows the embodiment of the pattern printing shown in Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a flow chart, shows the embodiment of the exploration operation of actual print area shown in Figure 11;
Figure 14 is concrete flow chart, shows the embodiment of the operation of position calculations of offset shown in Figure 11;
Figure 15 is a block diagram, shows the structure according to the register correction means of another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 is concrete block diagram, shows according to embodiment another embodiment of the present invention, pattern printer shown in Figure 15;
Figure 17 is concrete block diagram, shows the embodiment of the regionally detecting device shown in Figure 15;
Figure 18 A and 18B are the views that is presented at the embodiment of the method for print pattern on medium first side;
Figure 19 A and 19B are the views that is presented at the embodiment of the method for print pattern on medium second side;
Figure 20 is concrete block diagram, shows the embodiment of drift computer shown in Figure 15;
Figure 21 A to 21D is the view that shows the embodiment of the method for position skew between the actual print area of calculation medium first and second sides;
Figure 22 is a flow chart, shows the method for aiming at according to the correcting image of another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 23 is concrete flow chart, shows the embodiment of pattern printing shown in Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a flow chart, shows the embodiment of the exploration operation of actual print area shown in Figure 22;
Figure 25 is a flow chart, shows the embodiment of the calculating operation of the skew of position shown in Figure 22;
Figure 26 is a block diagram, shows the structure according to the register correction means of another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 27 is a block diagram, shows the embodiment of the analog signal generator shown in Figure 26;
Figure 28 A to 28D be show when medium when first transfer passage is carried, the view of the embodiment of the method for use sensor probing medium;
Figure 29 A to 29D be show when medium when second transfer passage is carried, the view of the embodiment of the method for use sensor probing medium;
Figure 30 is a block diagram, shows the embodiment of the drift computer shown in Figure 26;
Figure 31 is a curve map, show according to one embodiment of the present of invention, when medium edge is detected signal of sensor;
Figure 32 is a block diagram, shows the embodiment of the distance calculator shown in Figure 30;
Figure 33 is a curve map, shows according to one embodiment of the present of invention, utilizes the analog signal of sensor to come the method for calculating location skew;
Figure 34 is a flow chart, shows the method for aiming at according to the correcting image of another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 35 is a flow chart, shows the embodiment of the calculating operation of the skew of position shown in Figure 34; And
Figure 36 is a flow chart, shows the embodiment of the calculating operation of the skew of position shown in Figure 34, and this position calculations of offset has been manipulated the output ratio.
In the accompanying drawings, identical Reference numeral is represented same or analogous element, feature and structure all the time.
The specific embodiment
Now with reference to accompanying drawing the present invention is described in more detail.
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram, shows the structure that uses the imaging device of thermal printer head according to one embodiment of the present of invention.
Referring to Fig. 3, imaging device comprises pressure roller 305, thermal printer head 310, drive roll 335, driven voller 340, edge detecting sensor 345, medium guider 350, output driven voller 365, outlet roller 370, pick-up roller 380, and cartridge 390.
The imaging device of a thermal printer head 310 of this use comprises at least three transfer passages: first, second and the 3rd transfer passage that are used for pumped (conveying) medium 320.Pick-up roller 380 picks up medium 320 and medium 320 is offered first transfer passage from cartridge 390.
Along second transfer passage, medium 320 is carried printing by backward or oppositely (direction B), and is fed forward along Print direction (direction F).When medium 320 when Print direction (direction F) is carried, 310 pairs of media 320 of thermal printer head apply heat and print.
Along the 3rd transfer passage, medium 320 is transferred along backward directions (direction B) and is back to second transfer passage, so that after first side print of utilizing 310 pairs of media of thermal printer head its second side is printed.In addition, along the 3rd transfer passage, medium 320 is exported along the direction identical with Print direction (direction F) after the printing of finishing first and second sides.
Medium guider 350 can be provided between first and second transfer passage, will guide to second transfer passage, and the medium from second transfer passage is guided to the 3rd transfer passage from the medium 320 of first transfer passage.
At second transfer passage, print unit 300 is print image on medium 320.Though this in the present embodiment each side print image printing once at medium 320 carries out twice, this image printing also can be carried out more than twice.
Before image being printed on first or second side of medium 320, must determine the position of thermal printer head 310 earlier.For example, when the first side print pattern at medium 320, thermal printer head 310 is in position D, and when another pattern of second side print at medium 320, thermal printer head 310 is in position C.Thermal printer head 310 and pressure roller 305 may rotate around the pivot of pressure roller 305 and the position of thermal printer head 310 is offset.During the skew of the position of thermal printer head 310, should not contact between thermal printer head 310 and the medium 320.For example, before medium 320 is transferred from first transfer passage, or before medium 320 is back to second transfer passage from the 3rd transfer passage, above-mentioned position skew may take place.
When the medium 320 of the printing of finishing its first side along backward directions (direction B) when the 3rd transfer passage is transported to second transfer passage, the thermal printer head 310 that the position has been offset is printed on image on second side of medium 320.During this image printing, conveying device 330 is progressively carried medium 320 along Print direction (direction F), after the image printing of finishing medium 320 second sides medium 320 is delivered to discharge section 360 then.
When conveying device 330 pumped (conveying) mediums 320, the edge of edge detecting sensor 345 probing mediums 320.Edge detecting sensor 345 can be an optical pickocff.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram, show the structure according to the register correction means of one embodiment of the invention, and Figure 11 is the flow chart of an embodiment of display image alignment correction method.
Referring to Fig. 4 and Figure 11, register correction means comprises pattern printer 400, medium 410, regionally detecting device 420, drift computer 430 and means for correcting 440.The operation of this register correction means is described now with reference to Figure 11.
In operation 1100, pattern printer 400 is printed first pattern on the first preparation print area of medium 410 first sides.In operation 1110, regionally detecting device 420 is by the actual print area (the first actual print area) of sensor probing medium first pattern.
In operation 1120, pattern printer 400 is printed second pattern on the second preparation print area of medium 410 second sides.At operation 1130, the actual print area of first and second patterns (first to the second actual print area) on regionally detecting device 420 probing mediums 410.Above-mentioned first and second the preparation print areas can be rectangle and have the part of being superimposed with each other so that with the naked eye check the skew of position.
Compare with the preparation print area by operating the actual print area of being surveyed in 1110 and 1130, drift computer 430 calculates the position skew of first and second patterns.
In operation 1150, the position skew that means for correcting 440 goes out according to aforementioned calculation is proofreaied and correct the first and second preparation print areas of medium 410 first and second sides.For example, if actual first pattern of printing exceeds the second pattern 0.1mm of actual printing, then with the printing starting point on medium 410 first sides to post-equalization 0.1mm, or the printing starting point on medium 410 second sides proofreaied and correct 0.1mm forward.
Fig. 5 is concrete block diagram, shows an embodiment of pattern printer shown in Fig. 4; Figure 12 is the flow chart of demonstration according to an embodiment of the method for one embodiment of the invention print pattern on medium.
Referring to Fig. 5 and Figure 12, pattern printer 400 comprises print control unit 500, conveying device 510 and thermal printer head 520.The operation of this pattern printer 400 is described now with reference to Figure 12.
In operation 1200, print control unit 500 control conveying devices 510 arrive at predefined printing starting point with the backward directions pumped (conveying) medium 410 along Print direction until medium 410.In order to utilize conveying device 510 that medium 410 is delivered to starting point, when arriving at this starting point, can use in medium 410 sensor to come the edge of probing medium 410.
In operation 1210, print control unit 500 control conveying devices 510 are to carry predetermined length L with medium 410 from printing starting point on above-mentioned Print direction.When medium 410 was transferred length L, thermal printer head 520 began the medium 410 in carrying is applied heat with print pattern (operation 1220) thereon.
Fig. 6 is the block diagram that shows an embodiment of regionally detecting device shown in Fig. 4, and Figure 13 is the flow chart that shows the exploration operation embodiment of actual print area shown in Figure 11.
Referring to Fig. 6 and Figure 13, regionally detecting device 420 comprises sensor 600 and range finder 610.The operation of regionally detecting device 420 is described now with reference to Figure 13.
In operation 1300, when medium 410 was transferred device 510 and is delivered to sensor 600, the actual print pattern on sensor 600 probing mediums 410 also converted thereof into view data.
In operation 1310, range finder 610 receives from the view data of sensor 600 and detects the variation of this view data.Range finder 610 can inspection image data rising edge and trailing edge.
In operation 1320, range finder 610 comes the position of actual print area on the probing medium 410 by the distance between the variation of computed image data.On drive roll 335, driven voller 340 or pressure roller 305, the encoder (not shown) can be installed, produce the signal of telecommunication with rotation, and range finder 610 can utilize this signal of telecommunication to calculate the displacement of the medium 410 between the variation of view data in response to roller.
Fig. 7 A, 7B and 7C are depicted as on first side of medium behind the print pattern, the view of the embodiment by using the method that sensor surveys actual print area.Fig. 7 A is the explanatory view of printer configuration, and Fig. 7 B is the view of the embodiment of the first actual print area on medium first side, and the view of the view data that Fig. 7 C obtains for the pattern that is printed on by detection on the medium first actual print area.
Referring to Fig. 7 A, conveying device 510 comprises pressure roller 305, drive roll 335, driven voller 340, output driven voller 365, outlet roller 370 and pick-up roller 380.Conveying device 510 is delivered to medium 410 and prints starting point 720 detects medium 410 until edge detecting sensor 700 edge, then, from printing starting point 720 in Print direction pumped (conveying) medium 410, first pattern is printed on the medium 410 in conveying device 510.After first side of medium 410 was printed, sensor 600 was surveyed the first actual print area of first pattern.
Referring to Fig. 7 B, length a1 represents the distance between above-mentioned printing starting point 720 and medium 410 edges, and length a2 represents the first edge-region distance between the described edge and the first preparation print area, and length a3 represents the length of the first preparation print area.The first preparation zone is rectangular.
Referring to Fig. 7 C, range finder 610 receives from the view data of sensor 600 and detects the rising edge and the trailing edge of this view data, so that calculate the first edge-region distance b2 between the first actual print area of length b1, described edge and first pattern between the edge of printing starting point 720 and medium 410 and the length b3 of the first actual print area.Also can use the output signal of the encoder 710 that is installed on the driven voller 335 to calculate above-mentioned length b1, b2 and b3.
Here, length a1, a2 and a3 are used for representing the preparation print area, and b1, b2 and b3 are used for representing actual print area.
After Fig. 8 A, 8B and 8C are depicted as and print first, second pattern respectively on first, second side of medium, the view of the embodiment of the method for actual print area being surveyed by sensor.Fig. 8 A is the explanatory view that shows printer configuration, Fig. 8 B is depicted as the embodiment view of the first-the second actual print area of first, second pattern, and Fig. 8 C is depicted as the view that is printed on the view data that first, second pattern on the first-the second actual print area obtains by detection.
Referring to Fig. 8 A, conveying device 510 comprises pressure roller 305, drive roll 335, driven voller 340, output driven voller 365, outlet roller 370 and pick-up roller 380.After printing first pattern on first side of medium, conveying device 510 is delivered to medium 410 once more prints starting point 720.From this starting point 720, conveying device 510 is once more along Print direction pumped (conveying) medium 410, so that print second pattern on medium 410 second sides.After printing second pattern on second side of medium 410, sensor 600 is surveyed the first-the second actual print area of first pattern and second pattern.
Referring to Fig. 8 B, the first-the second actual print area of first and second patterns has length c3 and its edge with edge-zone length c2 and medium 410 is separated by.
Referring to Fig. 8 C, range finder 610 receives from the view data of sensor 600 and detects the rising edge and the trailing edge of this view data, so that calculate the edge-region distance d2 between length d 1, described edge and the first-the second actual print area of printing between starting point 720 and medium 410 edges and the length d 3 of the first-the second actual print area.
Here, c1, c2 and c3 are used for representing the preparation print area, and d1, d2 and d3 are used for representing actual print area.
Fig. 9 is concrete block diagram, shows the embodiment of the drift computer shown in Fig. 4; Figure 14 is concrete flow chart, shows the embodiment of the position calculations of offset operation shown in Figure 11.
Referring to Fig. 9 and Figure 14, drift computer 430 comprises storage control 900, memory 910, difference calculator 920, skew output unit 930, compensation value calculator 940 and offset correction device 950.The operation of drift computer 430 is described now with reference to Figure 14.
Storage control 900 control storages 910 are to store first, second preparation print area that will print first, second pattern on it respectively.In addition, after printing first pattern on the medium 410, the first actual print area that storage control 900 control storages 910 are surveyed with storage area detector 420.Equally, after printing first and second patterns on the medium 410, the first-the second actual print area that storage control 900 control storages 910 are surveyed with storage area detector 420.
In operation 1400, difference calculator 920 calculates first center according to being stored in the preparation of first in the memory 910 print area, calculate second center according to being stored in the preparation of first and second in the memory 910 print area, and calculate the preparation zone difference between first center and second center.
In operation 1410, difference calculator 920 calculates first center according to the first actual print area of being surveyed that is stored in the memory 910, calculate second center according to the first-the second actual print area of being surveyed, and calculate the actual print area difference between first center and second center.Here, the above-mentioned first actual print area of surveying is the actual print area of first pattern, and above-mentioned the first-the second actual print area of surveying is the actual print area of first and second patterns.
In operation 1420, skew output unit 930 is compared the actual print area difference that is calculated in the preparation zone difference that is calculated in the operation 1400 and the operation 1410, so that the position that calculates between the actual print area of medium 410 first and second sides is offset.Use the center of preparation print area and actual print area, can reduce the error of edge detection position, this error is owing to the performance issue of sensor 600 can occur between the rising edge and trailing edge of view data.
In operation 1430, edge-region distance that compensation value calculator 940 calculates between first edge-region distance and the second edge-region distance is poor.Here, first edge-region distance represent medium 410 edges and the first actual print area surveyed between distance, and second edge-region distance is represented medium 410 edges and the first-the second actual print area surveyed between distance.In operation 1440, offset correction device 950 utilizes the edge-region distance difference that is calculated in the operation 1430 to come the position skew that is calculated in the correct operation 1420.By operating 1440, can compensate because the error that the surface gap between sensor 600 and the medium 410 causes.
Figure 10 shows that the embodiment of the method for the position skew between first and second actual print area of calculation medium.The view on top has shown the embodiment of the preparation print area of first and second patterns, and the view of bottom has shown by detection and is printed on the view data that first and second patterns on the medium are obtained.
Referring to Figure 10, the first and second preparation print areas have identical length a3 and they are superimposed each other with its half length.The regional difference of preparation between the center line 1000 that length e1 represents the first preparation print area and the center line 1010 of the first and second preparation print areas.Length e2 represents the actual print area difference between the center line 1030 of the center line 1020 of the first actual print area and the first-the second actual print area.(e2-e1) difference expression preparation area difference and the position skew between the actual print area difference.
Length b2 represents edge from medium 410 to the first edge-region distance the first actual print area of being surveyed, and length d 2 expressions from the edge of medium 410 to the second edge-region distance the first-the second actual print area of being surveyed.For the error that compensation in print media 410 first and second sides causes owing to the surface gap between sensor 600 and the medium 410, can come correction position skew (e2-e1) by the method that increases edge-region distance difference (d2-b2).
Figure 15 is the block diagram according to the structure of the register correction means of another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 22 is the flow chart according to the correcting image alignment methods of another embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 15 and Figure 22, register correction means comprises pattern printer 1500, regionally detecting device 1520, drift computer 1530 and means for correcting 1540.The operation of this register correction means is described now with reference to Figure 22.
In operation 2200, pattern printer 1500 is printed first and second patterns on first side of medium 1510.In operation 2210, pattern printer 1500 is printed the 3rd pattern on second side of medium 1510.In operation 2220, regionally detecting device 1520 is by the actual print area of first, second and the 3rd pattern on the sensor probing medium 1510.
In one embodiment of the invention, first, second can have the rectangle that is easy to survey with the 3rd pattern.In addition, can be with first, second and the 3rd pattern setting for printing at interval with fixed range each other, the actual print area that is easy to like this to calculate between the actual print area of medium 1,510 first and second sides is offset (position skew).
In operation 2230, by the actual print area of being surveyed in the compare operation 2220, drift computer 1530 calculates the position skew between the actual print area of medium 1,510 first and second sides.
In operation 2240, means for correcting 1540 is proofreaied and correct the preparation print area of medium 1,510 first and second sides based on the position skew that aforementioned calculation goes out.For example, if the actual print area of medium 1,510 first sides exceeds the actual print area 0.1mm of medium 1,510 second sides, then with the printing starting point of medium 1,510 first sides to post-equalization 0.1mm, or the printing starting point of medium 1,510 second sides proofreaied and correct 0.1mm forward.
Figure 16 is a block diagram, shows the embodiment of the pattern printer shown in Figure 15; Figure 23 is concrete flow chart, shows the operation embodiment of pattern printer shown in Figure 22.
Referring to Figure 16 and Figure 23, pattern printer 1500 comprises print control unit 1600, conveying device 1610 and thermal printer head 1620.The operation of this pattern printer 1500 is described now with reference to Figure 23.
In operation 2300, print control unit 1600 control conveying devices 1610 arrive at predefined printing starting point with the backward directions pumped (conveying) medium 1510 along Print direction until medium 1510.For medium 1510 being delivered to starting point, when arriving at this starting point, can use in medium 1510 sensor to come the edge of probing medium 1510 by conveying device 1610.
In operation 2310, print control unit 1600 control conveying devices 1610 are to carry predetermined length L 1 with medium 1510 from printing starting point on Print direction.Then, first side of the medium 1510 in 1620 pairs of conveyings of thermal printer head applies heat to print first pattern on first side in operation 2320.After printing first pattern, in operation 2330, conveying device 1610 is further carried predetermined length L2 along Print direction with medium 1510 under the control of print control unit 1600.Then, first side of the medium 1510 in 1620 pairs of conveyings of thermal printer head applies heat to print second pattern on first side in operation 2340.
After the printing of first and second patterns on finishing medium 1,510 first sides, thermal printer head 1620 is rotated with second side in the face of medium 1510 in operation 2350.In operation 2360, print control unit 1600 control conveying devices 1610 with along the backward directions of Print direction with pumped (conveying) medium 1510 to printing starting point.
In operation 2370, print control unit 1600 control conveying devices 1610 are to carry predetermined length L 3 with medium 1510 from printing starting point on Print direction.Then, second side of the medium 1510 in 1620 pairs of conveyings of thermal printer head applies heat to print the 3rd pattern on second side in operation 2380.
Figure 17 is the block diagram that shows the embodiment of regionally detecting device shown in Figure 15, and Figure 24 shows the flow chart of surveying the operation embodiment of actual print area shown in Figure 22.
Referring to Figure 17 and Figure 24, regionally detecting device 1520 comprises sensor 1700 and range finder 1710.The operation of this regionally detecting device 1520 is described now with reference to Figure 24.
In operation 2400, when being transferred device 1610, medium 1510 is delivered to sensor 1700, and the pattern of printing on sensor 1700 probing mediums 1510 also converts thereof into view data.
In operation 2410, range finder 1710 receives from the view data of sensor 1700 and detects the variation of this view data.Range finder 1710 can inspection image data rising edge and trailing edge.
In operation 2420, range finder 1710 comes the position of actual print area on the probing medium 1510 by the distance between the variation of calculating above-mentioned view data.On drive roll 335, driven voller 340 or pressure roller 305, the encoder (not shown) can be installed, producing the signal of telecommunication in response to the rotation of this roller, and the range finder 1710 above-mentioned view data that can utilize this signal of telecommunication to calculate to be surveyed change between the displacement of medium 1510.
It shown in Figure 18 A and the 18B view of on medium first side, printing the embodiment of first and second method of patterning.Figure 18 A is the explanatory view that shows printer configuration, and is the view of embodiment that is printed on first and second patterns of medium first side shown in Figure 18 B.
Referring to Figure 18 A, conveying device 1610 comprises pressure roller 305, drive roll 335, driven voller 340, output driven voller 365, outlet roller 370 and pick-up roller 380.Conveying device 1610 is delivered to medium 1510 and prints starting point 1820 detects medium 1510 until edge detecting sensor 1800 edge, then, conveying device 1610 along Print direction when printing starting point 1820 pumped (conveying) mediums 1510, first and second patterns are printed on first side of medium 1510.
Referring to Figure 18 B, first and second patterns can be identical rectangles.
Figure 19 A and 19B are the views of printing the embodiment of the 3rd method of patterning on medium second side.Figure 19 A is the explanatory view of printer configuration, and Figure 19 B is the view of embodiment that is printed on the 3rd pattern of medium second side.
Referring to Figure 19 A, conveying device 1610 comprises pressure roller 305, drive roll 335, driven voller 340, output driven voller 365, outlet roller 370 and pick-up roller 380.After printing first and second patterns on first side of medium 1510, conveying device 1610 is delivered to medium 1510 once more prints starting point 1820.From starting point 1820, conveying device 1610 once more along Print direction pumped (conveying) medium 1510 so that on medium 1,510 second sides, print the 3rd pattern.
Referring to Figure 19 B, the 3rd pattern can equally with first and second patterns have exemplary rectangle.In addition, first, second and the 3rd pattern are printed in the following manner: the distance between first and second pattern can equal the distance between the second and the 3rd pattern.
Figure 20 is the block diagram of the embodiment of drift computer shown in Figure 15, and Figure 25 is the flow chart of the calculating operation embodiment of the position skew shown in Figure 22.
Referring to Figure 20 and Figure 25, drift computer 1530 comprises controller 2000, recording medium 2010, difference calculator 2020 and skew output unit 2030.The operation of drift computer 1530 is described now with reference to Figure 25.
Controller 2000 control recording mediums 2010 are to store the actual print area of first, second and the 3rd pattern surveyed by regionally detecting device 1520.
In operation 2500, difference calculator 2020 is read the actual print area of first, second and the 3rd pattern from recording medium 2010, and calculates the center of these actual print areas.In operation 2510, difference calculator 2020 calculates the first-second distance value between the center of the center of the actual print area of first pattern and the actual print area of second pattern.In operation 2520, difference calculator 2020 calculates second-Di, three distance values between the center of second pattern and the actual print area of the 3rd pattern.
In operation 2530, skew output unit 2030 calculates the difference (centre distance difference) between first-second distance value and second-Di, three distance values, with the skew of the position between the actual print area that obtains medium 1,510 first and second sides, then be offset this position skew of output unit 2030 outputs.Owing to utilize above-mentioned first-second distance value and second-Di, three distance values to obtain the skew of position, can reduce the sensor error of view data between rising edge and trailing edge of sensor 1700 outputs.
Figure 21 A to 21D is the view of the embodiment of the method for position skew between the actual print area of calculation medium first and second sides.Figure 21 A is the explanatory view of printer, and wherein pattern is printed on the medium 1510 and surveys the actual print area of this pattern by sensor 1700.Conveying device 1610 comprises pressure roller 305, drive roll 335, driven voller 340, output driven voller 365, outlet roller 370 and pick-up roller 380.Figure 21 B is the view that is printed on the embodiment of first, second and the 3rd pattern on medium 1,510 first and second sides.Referring to Figure 21 B, first, second and the 3rd pattern are the rectangles of same size.In addition, the distance between first pattern and second pattern equals the distance between second pattern and the 3rd pattern.
Figure 21 C is depicted as sensor 1700 in response to the analog output signal that is printed on first, second and the 3rd pattern on the medium 1510.Figure 21 D is depicted as the digital output signal corresponding to analog output signal shown in Figure 21 C of sensor 1700.Whenever analog output signal equals digital reference value " Vrref1 ", occur in the digital output signal rising or trailing edge.
Referring to Figure 21 A to 21D, length a represents the distance between the center line (position) 1000 of the edge of medium 1510 and the actual print area of first pattern, length b represents the distance between the center line (position) 1010 of the edge of medium 1510 and the actual print area of second pattern, and length c represents the distance between the center line (position) 1020 of the edge of medium 1510 and the actual print area of the 3rd pattern.By deducting length a, can obtain first-second distance value A from length b; And, can obtain second-Di, three distance value B by deduct length b from length c.
Because above-mentioned first, second and the 3rd pattern are set to same distance side by side at interval, two distance value A equate with B to represent between the actual print area of medium 1,510 first and second sides that the location is not offset.Therefore, by calculating the difference (centre distance difference) between first-second distance value and second-Di, three distance values, can obtain the position skew.
Figure 26 is the block diagram according to the register correction means structure of further embodiment of this invention, and Figure 34 is the flow chart according to the image alignment correction method of further embodiment of this invention.
Referring to Figure 26 and Figure 34, register correction means comprises conveying device 2600, analog signal generator 2620, drift computer 2630 and offset correction device 2640.The operation of this register correction means is described now with reference to Figure 34.
In operation 3400, conveying device 2600 loads medium 2610 along first transfer passage, and the loading of 2620 pairs of media 2610 of analog signal generator is surveyed.In operation 3410, above-mentioned analog signal generator stores first analog signal that produces in response to the loading of medium 2610 by sensor.
In operation 3420, conveying device 2600 loads medium 2610 along second transfer passage, and the loading of 2620 pairs of media 2610 of analog signal generator is surveyed.In operation 3430, analog signal generator 2620 stores second analog signal that produces in response to the loading of medium 2610 by sensor.
In operation 3440, drift computer 2630 utilizes first and second analog signals, calculates the position skew between the actual print area of medium 2,610 first and second sides.Because medium 2610 changes according to the loading passage (first and second transfer passages) of medium 2610 with the distance that is used for medium 2610 is placed between the sensor of printing starting point, the printing starting point of medium 2,610 first and second sides and inconsistent causes occurrence positions skew between the actual print area of medium 2,610 first and second sides thus.
In operation 3450, the preparation print area of 2640 pairs of media of means for correcting, 2,610 first and second sides is proofreaied and correct.For example, if first pattern of printing on medium 2,610 first sides exceeds the second pattern 0.1mm that prints on medium 2,610 second sides, then with the printing starting point of medium 2,610 first sides to post-equalization 0.1mm, or the printing starting point of medium 2,610 second sides proofreaied and correct 0.1mm forward.
Figure 27 is the block diagram that shows the embodiment of analog signal generator shown in Figure 26.Referring to Figure 27, analog signal generator 2620 comprises sensor 2700, controller 2710 and recording medium 2720.
When medium 2610 when first transfer passage loads, sensor 2700 probing mediums 2610 are also exported corresponding first analog signal.Controller 2710 is stored in above-mentioned first analog signal in the recording medium 2720.Recording medium 2720 can comprise circle queue buffer (RQB, ring queuebuffer), and it stores with the analog signal edge is the analog signal predetermined portions at center.
Figure 28 A to 28D be depicted as when medium when first transfer passage loads, use the view of embodiment of the method for sensor probing medium.Figure 28 A is the explanatory view of printer, wherein responds sub-medium by sensor and produces first analog signal along the loading of first transfer passage.In Figure 28 A, conveying device 1610 comprises pressure roller 305, drive roll 335, driven voller 340, output driven voller 365, outlet roller 370 and pick-up roller 380.Figure 28 B has shown the medium that detects by edge detecting sensor.Medium 2610 is loaded on first transfer passage by driven voller 340 and drive roll 335, and edge detecting sensor 1800 in response to the loading of medium 2610 output signal.
The output signal of edge detecting sensor 1800 comprises analog signal and data signal.Figure 28 C shown first analog signal that edge detecting sensor 1800 obtains in response to the loading of medium 2610, and Figure 28 D has shown first data signal that edge detecting sensor 1800 obtains in response to the loading of medium 2610.Medium 2610 is further carried predetermined length from the position that occurs the edge first data signal, prints starting point 1820 so that this medium arrives at.
Figure 29 A to 29D be show when medium when second transfer passage loads, the view of the embodiment of the method for use sensor probing medium.Figure 29 A is the explanatory view of printer, wherein produces second analog signal in response to medium along the loading of second transfer passage by sensor.In Figure 29 A, conveying device 1610 comprises pressure roller 305, drive roll 335, driven voller 340, output driven voller 365, outlet roller 370 and pick-up roller 380.Figure 29 B has shown the medium that detects by edge detecting sensor.Medium 2610 is loaded on second transfer passage by driven voller 340 and drive roll 335, and edge detecting sensor 1800 in response to the loading of medium 2610 output signal.
Figure 29 C shown second analog signal that edge detecting sensor 1800 obtains in response to the loading of medium 2610, and Figure 29 D has shown second data signal that edge detecting sensor 1800 obtains in response to the loading of medium 2610.
Referring to Figure 28 A and Figure 29 A, distance between medium 2610 and the edge detecting sensor 1800 changes according to the loading passage (first transfer passage and second transfer passage) of medium 2610, and this has caused first analog signal of edge detecting sensor 1800 and the difference between second analog signal.Therefore, the marginal position of first analog signal is not equal to the marginal position of second analog signal among Figure 29 D among Figure 28 D, and the position of printing starting point 1820 like this changes along with the change of medium 2610 sides.
Figure 30 is the block diagram that shows the embodiment of drift computer shown in Figure 26, and Figure 35 is the flow chart that shows the embodiment of the operation of position calculations of offset shown in Figure 34.
Referring to Figure 30 and Figure 35, drift computer 2630 comprises proportion calculator 3000 and distance calculator 3010.The operation of drift computer 2630 is described now with reference to Figure 35.
In operation 3500, proportion calculator 3000 receives first and second analog signals that produced by analog signal generator 2620 and calculates the output ratio of first analog signal with respect to second analog signal.Figure 31 has shown that sensor loads the exemplary analog signals that obtains in response to medium.Referring to Figure 31, the shape shown of the analog signal of sensor is not subjected to the influence of the distance between medium and the sensor.Thus, first signal can not change along with the variation of distance between medium and the sensor with respect to the output ratio of secondary signal.The peak of first and second analog signals can be used for obtaining the output ratio.In addition, the point apart from the edge preset distance of data signal can be defined as the peak of analog signal.
In operation 3510, distance calculator 3010 utilizes the output ratio of first analog signal and second analog signal, calculates the distance between the edge of first and second data signals.Here, the position of operating between the actual print area that the distance that is calculated in 3510 promptly is medium first and second sides is offset.
Figure 32 is the block diagram that shows the embodiment of distance calculator shown in Figure 30; Figure 33 is a curve map, shows according to the present invention to utilize the analog signal of sensor to come the method for calculating location skew; Figure 36 is concrete flow chart, shows the embodiment of the calculating operation of the skew of position shown in Figure 34.
Referring to Figure 32,33 and 36, distance calculator 3010 comprises benchmark calculator 3200, position extractor 3210 and position distance calculator 3220.The operation of this distance calculator is described now with reference to Figure 33 and Figure 36.
In operation 3600, benchmark calculator 3200 from proportion calculator 3000 receive first analog signals and second analog signal the output ratio (M1: M2) so that calculate imaginary a reference value Vref2 with following formula 1:
Formula 1
Vref1∶Vref2＝M1∶M2
Wherein Vref1 is a digital reference value, and it is illustrated in the point of analog signal when the edge occurring in the data signal.This digital reference value Vref1 sets in advance in sensor.
In operation 3610, position extractor 3210 is extracted from first analog signal and is had the primary importance of above-mentioned imaginary a reference value Vref2.
In operation 3620, position distance calculator 3220 utilizes primary importance and the position distance that has between the second place of hypothetical reference value Vref2 in second analog signal, and the position that calculates between the actual print area of medium first and second sides is offset.
More particularly (referring to Figure 33), position distance calculator 3220 calculate the position distance A between the primary importance and the second place, and this first and second position has identical imaginary a reference value Vref1 in first and second analog signals.Be equivalent to distance between the edge of first and second data signals owing in first and second analog signals, have length β between the point identical with the value of digital reference value Vref1, so position distance calculator 3220 with the position distance A that calculated as the approximation of length β or use following formula 2 to calculate length β, thereby obtain position skew between the actual print area of medium first and second sides.
Formula 2
Vref2∶Vref1＝A∶β
As above, by the preparation print area of pattern on first and second sides is compared with the actual print area that sensor is surveyed, can calculate the position skew of actual print area on medium first and second sides.Utilize this position offset correction preparation print area that calculates, can accurately and expediently proofread and correct thus the aligning between the actual print area in first and second sides.In addition, the center of preparing print area and actual print area is used for the calculating location skew, can compensates thus owing to the gap on surface between sensor and the medium and the error that the sensor performance problem causes.
The present invention also can be implemented as the computer-readable code in the computer-readable recording medium.The computer-readable recording medium can be any data storage device that can store thereafter the data that can be read by computer system.The example of this computer-readable recording medium comprises read-only storage (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disc read-only memory, tape, floppy disk, optical data memories and carrier wave (for example transmitting data by the internet).The computer-readable recording medium also can be distributed in the computer system that network connects so that store and computer readable code executed with the distribution form.In addition, be used to realize functional program of the present invention, code and code segment can be easily the present invention is fit to for the programming technique personnel of this area derive into.
Though the present invention has been carried out concrete displaying and description, be to be understood that those skilled in the art can make the various changes on form and the details, only otherwise depart from the present invention by aim and scope that its appended claims limited with reference to its exemplary embodiment.Above-mentioned exemplary embodiment should be with laying down a definition but not is limited.Therefore, scope of the present invention by its appended claims but not the specific descriptions of invention limited, and drop on the interior all differences of this scope and all should comprise in the present invention.
The application requires to enjoy the priority of 10-2004-0060112 number of submitting to Korea S Department of Intellectual Property respectively on July 30th, 2004, on September 4th, 2004,10-2004-0070618 korean patent application, and its whole content is hereby incorporated by.

Claims (28)

1, the method for a kind of image of correcting imaging equipment aligning, this imaging device disposes thermal printer head, described thermal printer head is printed and is comprised that first and second sides of the thermal media of buffy layer, magenta layer and cyan layers apply heat being used to, thereby can observe coloured image from a side of described thermal media, described thermal printer head is removable, and this method comprises:
After printing first pattern on the first preparation print area of thermal media first side, use the first actual print area on sensor detection thermal media first side;
After printing second pattern on the second preparation print area of thermal media second side, use sensor to survey the first-the second actual print area of thermal media;
Utilize the described first preparation print area, second preparation print area, the first actual print pattern of being surveyed and the first-the second actual print pattern of being surveyed, calculate the position skew between the actual print pattern of first and second side; And
Utilize the described position skew that calculates, the print position of the thermal media first or second side proofreaied and correct,
The step of wherein said calculating location skew comprises:
The preparation zone difference between the center of print area is prepared at described first center and described second of preparing print area of calculating;
Calculate the actual print area difference between first actual print area center of being surveyed and the first-the second actual print area center of being surveyed;
Preparation zone difference and actual print area difference that utilization calculates are calculated the skew of described position.
2, the method for claim 1, the step of wherein surveying the first actual print area and detection the first-the second actual print area comprises respectively:
Reception is from the view data of the thermal media of described sensor;
Determine the variation in this view data; And
Utilize the variation of determined view data to survey actual print area.
3, method as claimed in claim 2, wherein
Variation in the described view data is the rising edge or the trailing edge of view data.
4, the method for claim 1, wherein
Described aligning step to print position is to begin thermal media first side is applied the first heating starting point of heat or proofreaies and correct the second heating starting point that thermal printer head begins thermal media second side is applied heat and carry out by proofreading and correct thermal printer head.
5, the described first preparation print area on the method for claim 1, wherein described second preparation print area and thermal media first side overlaps mutually.
6, method as claimed in claim 5, wherein
Described thermal printer head rotates with first side and second side in the face of thermal media.
7, method as claimed in claim 5, wherein
Described first and second patterns have polygonal shape.
8, the method for claim 1, wherein further comprise:
Calculate the edge-region distance difference between the first edge-region distance and second edge-region distance, wherein said first edge-region distance is the distance from the thermal media edge to the described first actual print area, described second edge-region distance is the distance from the thermal media edge to described the first-the second actual print area, and described edge and actual print area are to detect in the operation of the described detection described first actual print area and the first-the second actual print area; And
Utilize described edge-region distance difference, the capable correction of contraposition offset shift-in.
9, the device of a kind of image of correcting imaging equipment aligning, this imaging device disposes thermal printer head, described thermal printer head is printed and is comprised that first and second sides of the thermal media of buffy layer, magenta layer and cyan layers apply heat to print being used to, thereby observe coloured image from a side of described thermal media, described thermal printer head is removable, and this device comprises:
The pattern printer is used for printing first pattern on the first preparation print area of thermal media first side, and prints second pattern on the second preparation print area of thermal media second side;
The regionally detecting device is used to survey the actual print area of thermal media;
Drift computer is used for described preparation print area is compared with the actual print pattern of being surveyed by described regionally detecting device, is offset with the position between the actual print pattern that calculates thermal media first and second sides; And
Means for correcting, it utilizes the described position skew that calculates, the print position of the thermal media first or second side is proofreaied and correct,
Wherein said drift computer comprises:
Memory is used to store the preparation print area of the actual print area of being surveyed;
Storage control is used to control the first-the second actual print area of described memory to store the described first preparation print area, the second preparation print area, the first actual print area that detects by described regionally detecting device and detect by described regionally detecting device after first pattern is printed on the thermal media after first and second patterns are printed on the thermal media;
Difference calculator, preparation zone difference between the center that is used to calculate the described first preparation print area and the center of the described second preparation print area, and the actual print area difference between the center of the center of the first actual print area that detected of calculating and the first-the second actual print area that detected; And
The skew output unit is used to utilize described preparation zone difference and the actual print area difference that calculates, and calculates the skew of described position.
10, device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described pattern printer comprises:
Be used to carry the conveying device of thermal media;
Be used for thermal media first and second sides are applied heat to carry out the thermal printer head of printing;
Print control unit is used to control described conveying device and thermal printer head, with printing first pattern on the first preparation print area of thermal media first side, and prints second pattern on the second preparation print area of thermal media second side.
11, device as claimed in claim 10 wherein, further comprises:
The print head position adjuster is used to rotate thermal printer head so that this thermal printer head is faced first and second sides of thermal media.
12, device as claimed in claim 9, wherein
Described first and second patterns have polygonal shape.
13, device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said regionally detecting device comprises:
Be used for from the thermal media detection image and export the sensor of respective image data, and
Thereby the range finder of distance between this variation is surveyed in the variation that is used for definite described view data.
14, device as claimed in claim 13, wherein
Described range finder is determined the variation in the described view data, and by using encoder to survey distance between the described variation.
15, device as claimed in claim 13, wherein
Variation in the described view data is the rising edge or the trailing edge of view data.
16, device as claimed in claim 9 wherein, further comprises:
Be used to calculate the compensation value calculator of the edge-region distance difference between first edge-region distance and the second edge-zone, wherein said first edge-region distance is the distance from the thermal media edge to the described first actual print area, and described second edge-region distance is the distance from the thermal media edge to described the first-the second actual print area; And
Offset correction device, it utilizes the described edge that calculates-region distance difference, and the position skew that described skew output unit calculates is proofreaied and correct.
17, device as claimed in claim 9, wherein
Described means for correcting utilizes the described position skew that calculates, thermal printer head is begun to apply the first hot heating starting point to thermal media first side proofread and correct, or thermal printer head is begun to apply the second hot heating starting point to thermal media second side to be proofreaied and correct.
18, the method for a kind of image of correcting imaging equipment aligning, first and second sides that this imaging device disposes thermal media apply the thermal printer head that heat prints, and described thermal printer head is removable, and this method comprises:
On the first and second preparation print areas of thermal media first side, print first and second patterns respectively;
After printing the 3rd pattern on the 3rd preparation print area of thermal media second side, survey the actual print area of described first to the 3rd pattern by sensor;
Utilize the actual print pattern surveyed, calculate the skew between the actual print position of first and second sides; And
Utilize the described skew that calculates, the print position of the thermal media first or second side proofreaied and correct,
Wherein, the step of described calculating location skew comprises:
First-second distance value between the center of first and second pattern that calculating is surveyed;
Second-Di, three distance values between the center of the second and the 3rd pattern that calculating is surveyed; And
Calculate the centre distance difference between described first-second distance value and described second-Di three distance values.
19, method as claimed in claim 18, wherein
Described thermal printer head rotates with first and second sides in the face of thermal media.
20, method as claimed in claim 18, wherein
Described first, second with the 3rd preparation print area with identical apart from each interval.
21, method as claimed in claim 18, the step of the actual print area of wherein said detection comprises:
Reception is from the view data of the thermal media of described sensor;
Determine the variation in the described view data; And
Survey the actual print area of thermal media by the variation of determined view data.
22, method as claimed in claim 21, wherein
Variation in the described view data is the rising edge or the trailing edge of described view data.
23, first and second sides that the device of a kind of image of correcting imaging equipment aligning, this imaging device dispose thermal media apply the thermal printer head of heat to print, and described thermal printer head is removable, and this device comprises:
Print first and second patterns on thermal media first side and on thermal media second side, printing the pattern printer of the 3rd pattern;
Be used to survey the regionally detecting device of the actual print area of thermal media;
Drift computer is used for the actual print pattern that more described regionally detecting device is surveyed, thereby calculates the skew between the actual print position of thermal media first and second sides; And
Means for correcting, it utilizes the skew that is calculated, the print position of the thermal media first or second side is proofreaied and correct,
Wherein, described drift computer comprises:
Memory is used to store the actual print area of being surveyed;
Controller is used for controlling described recording medium to store the actual print area that described regionally detecting device is surveyed after described first, second is printed on the thermal media with the 3rd pattern;
Difference calculator, be used to calculate the first-second distance value between the center of first and second pattern of being surveyed and the center of the second and the 3rd pattern surveyed between second-Di, three distance values; And
The skew output unit is used to export the difference between described first-second distance value and second-Di, three distance values.
24, device as claimed in claim 23, wherein
Described first, second with the 3rd pattern with identical apart from each interval.
25, device as claimed in claim 23, wherein, described pattern printer comprises:
Be used to carry the conveying device of thermal media;
Thermal media first and second sides are applied heat to carry out the thermal printer head of printing; And
Print control unit, be used to control described conveying device and thermal printer head, with described first and second patterns of printing on the first and second preparation print areas of thermal media first side, and on the 3rd preparation print area of thermal media second side, print described the 3rd pattern.
26, device as claimed in claim 25 wherein, further comprises:
The print head position adjuster is used to rotate described thermal printer head so that this thermal printer head is faced first and second sides of thermal media.
27, device as claimed in claim 23, wherein said regionally detecting device comprises:
Be used for from the thermal media detection image and export the sensor of respective image data; And
Be used for determining that the variation of described view data is to survey the range finder of distance between this variation.
28, device as claimed in claim 27, wherein
Variation in the described view data is the rising edge or the trailing edge of described view data.
CN200510113211A 2004-07-30 2005-08-01 Method and apparatus for adjusting an image alignment for an image forming apparatus Expired - Fee Related CN100579790C (en)

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