Printing defect detection using photoelastic measurement device

摘要

A method for controlling a printing system adapted to print images on a web of media that is photoelastic and at least partially transparent. One or more printing stations are used deposit a pattern of printing material on a web of media travelling along a web transport path, thereby producing a printed image. A pattern of stress in the web of media is measured using one or more photoelastic measurement devices disposed along the web transport path, wherein the pattern of stress is at least partially induced by the deposited printing material. The measured pattern of stress is analyzed to detect the presence of one or more print defects, and a at least one aspect of the printing system is controlled responsive to detecting a print defect.