A smart printing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an intelligent printing device, comprising a cover and a print control unit; a tablet computer is provided on the front of the cover; after acquiring an image to be printed, the print control unit displays the image to be printed on the tablet computer; the print control unit acquires printing parameters and modifies parameters via the tablet computer; and the print control unit prints the image to be printed using the printing parameters and modified parameters. The present invention implements an intelligent printing process through the collaborative operation of the tablet computer and the print control unit. Users can directly acquire and modify printing parameters via the tablet computer without relying on a computer, greatly simplifying the printing operation and improving printing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of printing equipment, and in particular to an intelligent printing equipment. Background Art

[0002] In the era of rapid development of digital office and mobile internet, printing devices, as important terminals for information output, are constantly expanding their functions and usage scenarios. However, traditional printing processes still have many inconveniences in practical applications, especially in home office and daily use scenarios, where these problems are becoming increasingly prominent.

[0003] On the one hand, when users need to print and modify files, they usually need to rely on computers to operate. In a home environment, computers are often not turned on for a long time. This means that when users need to make modifications to print files, they must first start the computer, complete the file modification on the computer, and then send the modified file to the printer for printing. This process is not only cumbersome but also time-consuming, seriously affecting the user experience. In addition, for some users who are not familiar with computer operation, this process is even more challenging.

[0004] On the other hand, the traditional method of printing and modifying paper documents is more complicated. Users need to first use a printer to scan the paper document into an electronic version, then modify the scanned copy using professional software on the computer. After the modification is completed, a new file is generated, and finally the new file is sent to the printer for printing. This process not only involves switching between multiple devices and software, but also requires users to have certain professional skills and operating experience. For ordinary users, the operation is relatively difficult. At the same time, if the user wants to print handwritten content in the blank space of a paper document, they need to first make a copy of the document, write the content on the copy, and then print it. This process is not only inefficient, but also prone to problems such as file mismatch and content dislocation.

[0005] As people's requirements for work efficiency and convenience continue to increase, traditional printing methods can no longer meet user needs. Therefore, developing an intelligent printing device that can simplify the printing process, improve printing efficiency, and facilitate user operation has become an important development direction in the current printing technology field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] (1) Technical issues to be solved

[0007] In order to solve the problem of printing and modifying files conveniently through intelligent devices without relying on computers, the present invention provides an intelligent printing device.

[0008] (2) Technical solution

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an intelligent printing device, comprising a cover and a printing control unit; a tablet computer is provided on the front of the cover; after the printing control unit obtains the image to be printed, the image to be printed is displayed on the tablet computer;

[0010] The printing control unit obtains printing parameters and modifies parameters via a tablet computer;

[0011] The printing control unit prints the image to be printed using the printing parameters and the modified parameters.

[0012] The printing control unit obtains printing parameters through the tablet computer, including:

[0013] The tablet computer is connected to the server to upload the image to be printed;

[0014] The server compares the image to be printed with the template library to obtain the file type of the image to be printed; and sends the file type of the image to be printed to the tablet computer;

[0015] The tablet computer generates pre-filled printing parameters according to the file type of the received image to be printed;

[0016] The tablet computer displays a print parameter collection box; the collection content in the print parameter collection box includes the number of copies to be printed, color settings, paper size, and print mode;

[0017] The tablet computer fills the pre-filled printing parameters into the collection content in the printing parameter collection box;

[0018] The tablet computer issues a confirmation instruction via the screen;

[0019] If a confirmation instruction feedback is obtained, the tablet computer sends the collected content in the printing parameter collection box as printing parameters to the printing control unit.

[0020] The printing control unit obtains the modification parameters through the tablet computer, including:

[0021] The tablet computer displays a printing frame and displays the image to be printed in the printing frame;

[0022] Generate a first transparent layer of the same size above the image to be printed; generate a second transparent layer of the same size as the printing area within the frame to be printed;

[0023] The screen of the tablet computer collects handwriting and records the handwriting on the second transparent layer to generate a handwriting image;

[0024] The voice module of the tablet computer recognizes the instruction and generates an instruction image on the first transparent layer according to the instruction;

[0025] The tablet computer sends the handwriting image and the instruction image as modification parameters to the printing control unit.

[0026] The voice module of the tablet computer recognizes the instruction and generates an instruction image on the first transparent layer according to the instruction, including:

[0027] The voice module of the tablet computer reads the guidance instructions in sequence;

[0028] The voice module of the tablet computer recognizes ambient sounds and extracts instructions;

[0029] The tablet computer generates a unit instruction layer corresponding to the reading guidance instruction according to the acquired instruction;

[0030] All unit instruction layers and the first transparent layer constitute an instruction image.

[0031] The printing control unit prints the image to be printed by modifying the parameters, including:

[0032] The printing control unit acquires the instruction image and the handwriting image;

[0033] Construct a rectangular coordinate system for the printing area and determine whether each pixel in the command image and the handwriting image has a color;

[0034] If yes, then continue to determine whether the image to be printed at the coordinate position corresponding to the pixel point has color;

[0035] If yes, discard the pixel coordinates; if no, record the pixel coordinates to form a modified coordinate set;

[0036] After the image to be printed is printed, the printed file is printed again according to the modified coordinate set.

[0037] It also includes: a printer body and a USB connector for communicating with the tablet computer and the printing control unit; the cover is hinged to the printer body; the cover includes: a supporting base and a guide mechanism, the USB connector is arranged at the end of the supporting base, the guide mechanism is arranged on the supporting base, and the tablet computer is connected to the guide mechanism.

[0038] Wherein, the cover body further comprises: a docking platform, a wiring harness groove is provided on the docking platform, a rubber pressure plate is provided at the notch of the wiring harness groove, and the USB connector is provided on the docking platform.

[0039] Among them, guide platforms are set on both sides of the supporting base plate, and guide grooves are opened on the inner sides of the guide platforms; the guiding mechanism includes: a linear guide rail, a mounting plate and a clamping plate, the linear guide rail is set in the guide groove, the moving part of the linear guide rail is connected to the mounting plate, and the mounting plate is connected to the clamping plate through a spring.

[0040] (3) Beneficial effects

[0041] The above technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0042] Intelligent printing process: This invention realizes an intelligent printing process through the collaborative work of the tablet computer and the printing control unit. Users can directly access and modify printing parameters through the tablet computer without relying on a computer, greatly simplifying the printing operation and improving printing efficiency.

[0043] Convenience and flexibility: Users can modify files directly on the tablet, such as adding handwriting and annotations, without having to perform complex operations on the computer, which improves work flexibility and convenience.

[0044] Efficient file processing: By comparing the server with a template library, the server intelligently identifies the file type and generates pre-filled parameters, allowing users to quickly complete print settings, reducing the time spent manually entering parameters. Voice recognition and command generation further enhance operational convenience and make the printing process more efficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The drawings of the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the proportions and quantities of the components in the drawings may not necessarily be consistent with the actual product.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an intelligent printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the cover body of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the docking station of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] See also Figure 1-3As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a smart printing device, including: a printer body 100, a cover, a printing control unit and a USB connector 200.

[0051] The printer body 100 is a device with basic printing functions, which can be a laser printer, inkjet printer, thermal printer or other types of printers. The cover is located on the top of the printer body 100 and is hinged to the printer body 100 so that it can be flipped around the hinge axis, which is convenient for scanning, printing, and taking and placing files after buckling. The print control unit is used to process print tasks, manage the operating status of the device, and communicate with the tablet computer 300. A tablet computer 300 is provided on the front of the cover body. The tablet computer 300 serves as a user interaction interface to realize intelligent operations such as touch, such as printing options, adjusting settings, previewing documents, etc. The USB connector 200 is used to connect the tablet computer 300 to the print control unit for data transmission and communication.

[0052] The cover body includes: a supporting base plate 400 , a guide mechanism 500 , and a docking platform 600 .

[0053] The end of the support base 400 is hinged to the printer body 100. The support base 400 is the primary support structure for the cover, ensuring its stability during flipping. The tablet computer 300 slides into the front end of the support base 400 and is secured to the cover via a guide mechanism 500. The docking station 600 secures the USB connector 200.

[0054] The docking station 600 is located at the end of the support base 400. A wiring harness groove 610 is defined on the docking station 600, and a rubber pressure plate 620 is positioned at the opening of the groove. Made of soft and elastic rubber, the rubber pressure plate 620 effectively holds and secures the wiring harness. The USB connector 200 is mounted on the docking station 600. Specifically, the wiring harness portion of the USB connector 200 is positioned within the groove 610. The rubber pressure plate 620 covers the opening, applying slight pressure to the wiring harness for initial securement, ensuring that the wiring harness will not loosen or fall off due to external forces.

[0055] Guide platforms 410 are provided on both sides of the support base 400 , and guide grooves 420 are provided on the inner sides of the guide platforms 410 , which provide precise guiding and limiting functions for the fixation of the tablet computer 300 .

[0056] The guide mechanism 500 includes a linear guide rail 510, a mounting plate 520, and a clamping plate 530. The linear guide rail 510 is positioned within the guide groove 420, with its supporting portion mounted within the groove. The moving portion of the linear guide rail 510 is connected to the mounting plate 520, enabling the mounting plate 520 to move linearly along the guide groove 420. The mounting plate 520 is connected to the clamping plate 530 via a spring 540, allowing the clamping plate 530 to move when subjected to external forces, thereby accommodating tablet computers 300 of varying widths and dimensions.

[0057] The design of the guide mechanism 500 has the advantages of being simple and efficient. The user can easily slide the tablet computer 300 into the cover body, and it automatically adjusts according to the width of the tablet computer. The operation process is simple and convenient, and the fixing effect is stable and reliable.

[0058] After the print control unit acquires the image to be printed, it displays it on the tablet computer, allowing the user to intuitively understand the content and format of the image to be printed. This process not only provides a basis for subsequent printing parameter settings, but also reduces the user's difficulty through visual display.

[0059] The printing control unit obtains printing parameters and modifies parameters through the tablet computer; the specific method is:

[0060] The tablet computer is connected to the server to upload the image to be printed;

[0061] The server compares the image to be printed with the template library to obtain the file type of the image to be printed; and sends the file type of the image to be printed to the tablet computer; the file type may include identity documents, contract documents, photo files, etc. Specific files generally have specific formats or graphics. For example, an identity card has specific graphics and text layout. When the image to be printed is compared with the template library, if the image to be printed is similar to the identity document, then the image to be printed is confirmed to be an identity card. Contract documents generally have the word "contract" in a larger font on the first page. Photos, on the other hand, have less text information in the pictures, and are mainly landscapes and people. The specific template library and comparison method can adopt the existing method, and those skilled in the art can make appropriate selections based on actual conditions, so no further description is given here.

[0062] The tablet computer generates pre-filled printing parameters based on the file type of the received image to be printed. For example, if it is a photo file, color printing is usually selected, photo paper is selected, and if there are multiple copies, single-sided printing is selected. If it is an ID card, black and white printing is generally selected. If it is a contract document, single-sided printing, black and white printing, and printing two copies are selected. Therefore, according to different file types, by pre-setting printing parameters for different file types, the preset printing parameters are used as pre-filled printing parameters. In the present invention, the pre-filled printing parameters formed for different file types can be automatically adjusted according to usage habits. For example, when printing a contract document on this device, the preset printing parameters are single-sided printing, black and white printing, and printing two copies. During use, if the collection content in the printing parameter collection box is manually modified to double-sided printing, black and white printing, and printing two copies for three consecutive times, the preset printing parameters will be automatically recorded as double-sided printing, black and white printing, and printing two copies. By pre-filling the printing parameters, the frequency of user filling in is reduced.

[0063] The tablet computer displays a print parameter collection box; the collection content in the print parameter collection box includes the number of copies to be printed, color settings, paper size, and print mode;

[0064] The tablet computer fills the pre-filled printing parameters into the collection content in the printing parameter collection box; the user can change the collection content that he wants to fill in or modify through the touch screen of the tablet computer.

[0065] The tablet computer issues a confirmation instruction via the screen;

[0066] If a confirmation instruction feedback is obtained, the tablet computer sends the collected content in the printing parameter collection box as printing parameters to the printing control unit.

[0067] The tablet computer displays a print frame and displays the image to be printed in the print frame; the range within the print frame is the print area, and all contents within the print area will be printed by the device.

[0068] A first transparent layer of equal size is generated above the image to be printed, providing independent space for adding various types of information later without directly interfering with or damaging the original image, ensuring that the integrity of the original image is preserved. A second transparent layer of equal size to the print area is generated within the print frame; subsequent handwriting captured on the tablet screen is accurately recorded on this specific transparent layer, ensuring a perfect correspondence between the handwriting content and the print area, facilitating subsequent viewing and printing operations, ensuring that the handwriting information is accurately attached to the corresponding printing location, and generating a clear and accurate handwriting image.

[0069] To reduce the difficulty of use, handwriting input is added to modify the printed image. After the tablet screen captures the handwriting, the tablet records the handwriting on a second transparent layer to generate a handwriting image. The presence of the second transparent layer allows the addition of text or graphics without destroying the printed image.

[0070] To further reduce the difficulty of use, users can control and add information to the printed image through voice. The voice module of the tablet computer recognizes the instructions and generates an instruction image on the first transparent layer according to the instructions: the voice module of the tablet computer reads the guidance instructions in sequence, specifically including:

[0071] The voice module of the tablet computer reads the guidance instructions in sequence; the guidance instructions may be "please read out the text you want to add", "please say the graphics to be added", etc.

[0072] The voice module of the tablet computer recognizes ambient sounds and extracts instructions; the extracted instructions are the contents described in the user's language, such as "I want to add text, today is twelve o'clock.", "I want to add a wavy line and a straight line."

[0073] The tablet computer generates a unit instruction layer corresponding to the reading guidance instruction based on the acquired instruction. For example, the unit instruction layer generated based on the instruction "I want to add the text, today is 12 o'clock" contains the text "Today is 12 o'clock." The unit instruction layer generated based on the instruction "I want to add a wavy line and a straight line" contains two unit instruction layers: one containing the wavy line and the other containing the straight line.

[0074] All unit instruction layers and the first transparent layer constitute an instruction image.

[0075] The tablet computer sends the handwriting image and the instruction image as modification parameters to the printing control unit.

[0076] The printing control unit prints the image to be printed using the printing parameters and the modified parameters. The specific printing process is as follows:

[0077] The printing control unit acquires the instruction image and the handwriting image;

[0078] A rectangular coordinate system is constructed for the printing area to determine whether each pixel in the instruction image and the handwriting image has color; if there is no color, printing is not performed.

[0079] If yes, then continue to determine whether the image to be printed at the coordinate position corresponding to the pixel point has color;

[0080] If yes, then there is already an image on the image to be printed at that location, and there is no need to print it, so the pixel coordinates can be discarded. If no, then there is no image on the image to be printed at that location, so the pixel coordinates are recorded to form a modified coordinate set;

[0081] After the image to be printed is printed, the printed file is printed again according to the modified coordinate set.

[0082] Finally, decide the number of copies, color, etc. to be printed based on the printing parameters.

[0083] This printing method is for when you have an existing document template and want to add a signature or fill in information on the document template.

[0084] For example, there is a paper document.

[0085] A unit instruction layer "House address XX city XX community XX unit XX door" is added on the first transparent layer.

[0086] Add the signature handwriting on the second transparent layer.

[0087] First print the image to be printed, then print the house address XX City XX Community XX Unit XX Door and the signature handwriting.

[0088] The printed file will not destroy the original file.

[0089] To sum up, the present invention realizes intelligent printing parameter acquisition and image modification functions through the collaborative work of the printing control unit and the tablet computer, which not only simplifies the printing process and improves printing efficiency, but also provides users with a more convenient, flexible and efficient operation experience, and has significant practical value and market prospects.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. In the absence of a conflict of solutions, the various technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any manner to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0091] In addition, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments may be modified, or some of the technical features thereof may be replaced by equivalents, without causing the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart printing device, characterized in that: It includes a cover body and a printing control unit; a tablet computer is provided on the front of the cover body; after the printing control unit obtains the image to be printed, the image to be printed is displayed on the tablet computer; The printing control unit obtains printing parameters and modifies parameters via a tablet computer; The printing control unit prints the image to be printed using the printing parameters and the modified parameters; The printing control unit obtains printing parameters through the tablet computer, including: The tablet computer is connected to the server to upload the image to be printed; The server compares the image to be printed with the template library to obtain the file type of the image to be printed; and sends the file type of the image to be printed to the tablet computer; The tablet computer generates pre-filled printing parameters according to the file type of the received image to be printed; The tablet computer displays a print parameter collection box; the collection content in the print parameter collection box includes the number of copies to be printed, color settings, paper size, and print mode; The tablet computer fills the pre-filled printing parameters into the collection content in the printing parameter collection box; The tablet computer issues a confirmation instruction via the screen; If a confirmation instruction feedback is obtained, the tablet computer sends the collected content in the printing parameter collection box as printing parameters to the printing control unit; The printing control unit obtains the modification parameters through the tablet computer, including: The tablet computer displays a printing frame and displays the image to be printed in the printing frame; Generate a first transparent layer of the same size above the image to be printed; generate a second transparent layer of the same size as the printing area within the frame to be printed; The screen of the tablet computer collects handwriting and records the handwriting on the second transparent layer to generate a handwriting image; The voice module of the tablet computer recognizes the instruction and generates an instruction image on the first transparent layer according to the instruction; The tablet computer sends the handwriting image and the instruction image as modification parameters to the printing control unit.

2. The intelligent printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The voice module of the tablet computer recognizes the instruction and generates an instruction image on the first transparent layer according to the instruction, including: The voice module of the tablet computer reads the guidance instructions in sequence; The voice module of the tablet computer recognizes ambient sounds and extracts instructions; The tablet computer generates a unit instruction layer corresponding to the reading guidance instruction according to the acquired instruction; All unit instruction layers and the first transparent layer constitute an instruction image.

3. The intelligent printing device according to claim 2, wherein: The printing control unit prints the image to be printed by modifying the parameters, including: The printing control unit acquires the instruction image and the handwriting image; Construct a rectangular coordinate system for the printing area and determine whether each pixel in the command image and the handwriting image has a color; If yes, then continue to determine whether the image to be printed at the coordinate position corresponding to the pixel point has color; If yes, discard the pixel coordinates; if no, record the pixel coordinates to form a modified coordinate set; After the image to be printed is printed, the printed file is printed again according to the modified coordinate set.

4. The intelligent printing device according to claim 3, wherein: Also includes: a printer body and a USB connector for communicating with the tablet computer and the print control unit; The cover is hinged to the printer body; the cover includes: a supporting base and a guide mechanism, the USB connector is arranged at the end of the supporting base, the guide mechanism is arranged on the supporting base, and the tablet computer is connected to the guide mechanism.

5. The intelligent printing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cover body further comprises: a docking platform, a wiring harness groove is provided on the docking platform, a rubber pressure plate is provided at the notch of the wiring harness groove, and the USB connector is provided on the docking platform.

6. The intelligent printing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Guide platforms are set on both sides of the supporting base plate, and guide grooves are opened on the inner sides of the guide platforms; the guide mechanism includes: a linear guide rail, a mounting plate and a clamping plate, the linear guide rail is set in the guide groove, the moving part of the linear guide rail is connected to the mounting plate, and the mounting plate is connected to the clamping plate through a spring.

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