Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of digital print quality
US6435642B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/04586
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Predetermined print control signals are provided to a digital printing mechanism that responds to the print control signals to print an image on a substrate. A reference signal is derived from said print control signals. The image is scanned to generate a post-print signal. The reference signal is compared with said post-print signal. If the reference signal and the post-print signal do not compare within predetermined standards, an output signal indicative of poor print quality is generated. The print mechanism can be incorporated into a postage metering system and the image can be a postal indicia. The postage meter is responsive to a signal generated as a function of the output signal to inhibit further printing of postal indicia. Prior to printing the image, a substrate upon which the image is to be printed is scanned to generate a reflectance signal, the reflectance signal being used to correct the post-print signal. The post-print signal can represent integration of reflectance over segments of the image, or can represent summation of scanned pixels over segments of the image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.