Printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printer, a system, and a method that use a laser printing head and utilize a reaction medium.SOLUTION: A first roller 132 and a second roller 134 are operated by a processor so as to cause the travel of a printing medium in a first direction. The first roller is positioned and operated at the upstream side of the second roller along the first direction, and the first roller's rotation is stopped by the processor during a first moment. The second roller's rotation is stopped by the processor during a second moment. The second moment is later than the first moment in the time sequence.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 133,685 filed 4 January 2021, U.S. Application No. 63 / 145,865 filed 4 February 2021, U.S. Application No. 63 / 201,659 filed 7 May 2021, and Indian Patent Application No. 202111046460 filed 12 October 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in whole.

[0002]

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to printing apparatuses, and more particularly to printing apparatuses, systems, and methods utilizing laser print heads and reaction media. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] A typical printing apparatus may include a print head that can be configured to print content onto a printing medium. In some examples, the printing apparatus may be configured to print content using one or more well-known techniques such as laser printing or thermal printing. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention relates, for example, to a printing apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0004] Various examples of the present disclosure provide a method. This method involves a processor acting a first roller and a second roller so as to cause movement of a printing medium along a first direction, wherein the first roller is positioned upstream of the second roller along the first direction; the processor stopping the rotation of the first roller at a first moment; and the processor stopping the rotation of the second roller at a second moment, where the second moment is later in time than the first moment.

[0006]

[0005] In some examples, this method may include causing the print head to print content onto the printing medium in response to the stopping of the rotation of the second roller.

[0007]

[0006] In some examples, the first roller is positioned upstream of the print head and the second roller is positioned downstream of the print head.

[0008]

[0007] In some examples, this method further includes causing the first and second rollers to move along a second direction, the movement of the first and second rollers along the second direction, which separates the first and second rollers from the printing medium.

[0009]

[0008] In some examples, the method further includes determining the period between a first moment and a second moment based on one or more print media characteristics, the one or more print media characteristics include at least one of the type of print media or the thickness of the print media.

[0010]

[0009] Various examples of the present disclosure provide a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus may comprise a print head assembly having at least a bottom chassis portion configured to receive a printing medium, and a frame movably positioned on the bottom chassis portion along the vertical axis of the printing apparatus, the frame being movable between a first position and a second position, the frame being separated from the bottom chassis portion in the first position, and the frame pressing the printing medium onto the bottom chassis portion in the second position.

[0011]

[0010] Various examples of the present disclosure provide a printing apparatus. In some examples, the printing apparatus may include a first roller and a second roller positioned downstream of the first roller along a first direction, the first roller and the second roller facilitating the movement of a printing medium in the first direction, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first roller and the second roller, the processor being configured to actuate the first roller and the second roller to cause the movement of the printing medium in the first direction, stopping the rotation of the first roller at a first moment and stopping the rotation of the second roller at a second moment, the second moment being later in time series than the first moment.

[0012]

[0011] In some examples, each of the first and second rollers comprises a biasing member and a roller, the biasing member being coupled to the roller, and the biasing member being configured to apply a biasing force to the roller along a second direction so that the roller comes into contact with the printing medium.

[0013]

[0012] Various examples of the present disclosure provide computerized implementations. A computerized implementation may include triggering ultraviolet (UV) light emission from a UV light source onto a printing medium associated with a printing apparatus; detecting reflected light from the printing medium; generating a light intensity indicator based on the reflected light; and determining whether the printing medium is supported by the printing apparatus based on whether the light intensity indicator satisfies a light intensity threshold.

[0014]

[0013] In some examples, the computer implementation further includes determining that the light intensity indicator satisfies a light intensity threshold, and in response to the determination that the light intensity indicator satisfies a light intensity threshold, determining that the printing medium is supported by the printing device.

[0015]

[0014] In some examples, the computer implementation further includes determining that the light intensity indicator does not satisfy the light intensity threshold, and in response to the determination that the light intensity indicator does not satisfy the light intensity threshold, determining that the printing medium is not supported by the printing device.

[0016]

[0015] Various examples of the present disclosure provide a printing apparatus. In some examples, the printing apparatus may comprise a laser print head and at least a first laser source and a second laser source that electronically communicate with the laser print head.

[0017]

[0016] Various examples of the present disclosure provide printing media. In some examples, the printing media may comprise a laser-markable coating defining the top layer of the printing media and a reflective layer defining the intermediate layer of the printing media.

[0018]

[0017] Various examples of the present disclosure provide computerized implementations. A computerized implementation may include: a controller of the print head of a printing apparatus receiving print data indicating at least a first power level; the controller receiving a darkness setting input; the controller adjusting the first power level to a second power level at least in part based on the darkness setting input; the controller receiving a contrast setting input; the controller adjusting the second power level to a third power level at least in part based on the contrast setting input; and the controller providing the third power level to the laser power control system of the print head.

[0019]

[0018] In some examples, the first power level is associated with a first dot to be printed on a print medium by a print head.

[0020]

[0019] In some examples, the laser power control system of the print head is configured to cause the laser subsystem of the print head to print the first dot at a third power level.

[0021]

[0020] According to various examples of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method is provided. The computer-implemented method can include determining print data by a controller of a print head of a printing device, determining a target printing speed by the controller based at least in part on the print data, and determining a target media temperature by the controller based at least in part on the target printing speed.

[0022]

[0021] In some examples, the target printing speed is determined based at least in part on a look-up table.

[0023]

[0022] In some examples, the computer-implemented method further includes providing, by the controller, a control instruction for causing the controller to perform a power compensation operation on at least one laser of the printing device in response to determining that the current media temperature is within a predetermined range of the target media temperature.

[0024]

[0023] According to various examples of the present disclosure, a printing device is provided. In some examples, the printing device can include a laser print head and at least a first laser source in electronic communication with the laser print head, and the laser print head is configured to generate at least one laser control signal to generate a pre-emphasis drive signal over a period shorter than the total dot time at the start of at least one print dot.

[0025]

[0024] The above exemplary overview, as well as other exemplary purposes and / or advantages of the present disclosure, and how the present disclosure is realized, will be further described in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0026]

[0025] The description of exemplary embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For simplicity and clarity of the examples, it should be understood that the elements shown in these drawings are not necessarily drawn to actual size. For example, the dimensions of some elements are emphasized relative to others. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of this disclosure are illustrated and described with reference to the drawings presented herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1]

[0026] This is a perspective view of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2]

[0027] This is a perspective view of a part of a printing apparatus showing a print head engine according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3A]

[0028] This is an exploded view of a print head engine according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3B]

[0029] This is another exploded view of a portion of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3C]

[0030] This is an illustrative diagram of a portion of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4]

[0031] Figure 4A is a side view of a second roller according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 4B is a side view of a second roller according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5]

[0032] This is a cross-sectional view of a second roller according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6]

[0033] This is another perspective view of a portion of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7]

[0034] This is a right front view of a portion of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8]

[0035] This is a perspective view of a third roller assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 9]

[0036] Figure 9A is a side view of a second roller according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of a second roller according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10]

[0037] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus showing the movement of the third and fourth roller assemblies according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus showing the movement of the third and fourth roller assemblies according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 11]

[0038] This is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12]

[0039] This is an exploded view of a print head engine according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13]

[0040] This is a perspective view of a frame according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14]

[0041] This is a cross-sectional view of the top chassis portion according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 15]

[0042] This is a perspective view of another implementation example of the frame according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 16]

[0043] This is a bottom perspective view of the bottom chassis portion according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 17]

[0044] This is another perspective view of a portion of the bottom chassis according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 18]

[0045] This is a perspective view of a modular platform according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 19]

[0046] Figure 19a is a perspective view of a modular platform sliding on a bottom chassis portion and a bottom chassis portion having the modular platform, according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 19b is a perspective view of a modular platform sliding on a bottom chassis portion and a bottom chassis portion having the modular platform, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 20]

[0047] This is a schematic diagram of a print head according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 21]

[0048] This is a schematic diagram of a laser subsystem according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 22]

[0049] This is a schematic diagram of a SOL detector according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 23]

[0050] This is a schematic diagram of a laser power control system according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24]

[0051] This is a schematic diagram of a print head having a heat dissipation unit according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 25]

[0052] This figure shows the composition of a printing medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26]

[0053] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the printing of content onto a print medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 27]

[0054] This is a block diagram of a control unit according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 28]

[0055] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 29]

[0056] This is a functional block diagram of a portion of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 30]

[0057] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 31]

[0058] Figure 31A shows the positioning of the frame relative to the printing medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 31B shows the positioning of the frame relative to the printing medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 32]

[0059] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for printing content onto a printable medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 33]

[0060] This figure shows another method for printing content onto a print medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 34]

[0061] This flowchart illustrates another method for printing content onto a print medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 35]

[0062] This is a flowchart of a method for determining the degree of skew, which may be introduced into printed content according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36a]

[0063] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary relationship between the number of writing laser beams and the skew degree in one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36b] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary relationship between the number of writing laser beams and the skew degree in one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36c] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary relationship between the number of writing laser beams and the skew degree in one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 37]

[0064] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for modifying content before printing according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 38a]

[0065] This figure shows an image of modified content to be printed using a single writing laser beam, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 38b]

[0066] This figure shows an image of modified content to be printed by multiple writing laser beams according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 39]

[0067] This is a cross-sectional view of a print head engine according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 40]

[0068] This is an illustrative flowchart of one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 41]

[0069] This is an illustrative flowchart of one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 42]

[0070] This is an illustrative flowchart of one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 43]

[0071] This is an exemplary timing diagram according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 44]

[0072] This is an illustrative flowchart of one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 45]

[0073] This is an illustrative schematic diagram of one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 46]

[0074] This is an exemplary timing diagram according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 47]

[0075] This is an illustrative flowchart of one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 48]

[0076] This is an exemplary diagram of a portion of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 49]

[0077] This is an exemplary block diagram showing some exemplary components of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 50]

[0078] This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary method relating to determining whether a printing medium is supported by a printing apparatus, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 51]

[0079] This is an exemplary chart showing exemplary light intensity indications according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 52]

[0080] This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary method relating to determining whether a printing medium is supported by a printing apparatus, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 53]

[0081] This is an exemplary chart showing exemplary light intensity indications according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 54]

[0082] This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary method related to determining a print media signature according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 55]

[0083] This is an exemplary chart showing exemplary light intensity indications according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 56]

[0084] This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary method related to determining a print media signature according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 57]

[0085] This is an exemplary chart showing exemplary light intensity indications according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 58]

[0086] This is an exemplary chart showing exemplary light intensity indications according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 59A]

[0087] This is an exemplary top view of a portion of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 59B]

[0088] This is an exemplary side view of a portion of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 60]

[0089] This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary method according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 61A]

[0090] This is an exemplary perspective view of a portion of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 61B]

[0091] This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 61C]

[0092] This is an exemplary enlarged view of a portion of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 62A]

[0093] This is an exemplary top view of a portion of an exemplary bottom chassis according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 62B]

[0094] This is an exemplary perspective view of a portion of an exemplary bottom chassis according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 63A]

[0095] This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 63B]

[0096] This is an enlarged view of a portion of an exemplary printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 64]

[0097] This is an exemplary laser printing head controller according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 65]

[0098] This is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating laser beams generated by two laser sources according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 66]

[0099] This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 67]

[0100] This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 68]

[0101] This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 69]

[0102] This is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating an optical assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 70]

[0103] This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a sighting component according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 71]

[0104] This is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a sighting component according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 72]

[0105] This is an exemplary schematic side view of at least a portion of a viewing component according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 73]

[0106] This is an exemplary schematic side view of at least a portion of a viewing component according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 74]

[0107] This is an exemplary schematic top cross-sectional view of an optical assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 75]

[0108] This is an exemplary schematic top cross-sectional view of an optical assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 76]

[0109] This is an exemplary schematic top cross-sectional view of an optical assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 77]

[0110] This is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a beam control component according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 78]

[0111] This is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a beam control component according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 79]

[0112] This is an exemplary schematic side cross-sectional view of a printing medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 80]

[0113] This is an exemplary schematic side cross-sectional view of a printing medium according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 81]

[0114] This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating an exemplary method based on the examples provided in this disclosure. [Figure 82]

[0115] An illustrative power level relationship diagram based on the examples of this disclosure. [Figure 83]

[0116] An illustrative power level relationship diagram based on the examples of this disclosure. [Figure 84]

[0117] This figure shows an exemplary printing medium according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 85]

[0118] This figure shows an exemplary printing medium according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 86]

[0119] This figure shows an exemplary printing medium according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 87]

[0120] An illustrative power level relationship diagram based on the examples of this disclosure. [Figure 88]

[0121] An illustrative power level relationship diagram based on the examples of this disclosure. [Figure 89]

[0122] An illustrative power level relationship diagram based on the examples of this disclosure. [Figure 90]

[0123] This figure shows an exemplary printing medium according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 91]

[0124] This figure shows an exemplary printing medium according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 92]

[0125] This figure shows an exemplary printing medium according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 93]

[0126] This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating an exemplary method based on the examples provided in this disclosure. [Figure 94]

[0127] This is an exemplary diagram illustrating an exemplary duty cycle according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 95]

[0128] This is an exemplary diagram illustrating an exemplary duty cycle according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 96]

[0129] This is an exemplary diagram illustrating an exemplary duty cycle according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 97]

[0130] This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating an exemplary method based on the examples provided in this disclosure. [Figure 98]

[0131] This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating an exemplary method based on the examples provided in this disclosure. [Figure 99]

[0132] This is an illustrative graph based on the examples in this disclosure. [Figure 100A]

[0133] This is an illustrative graph based on the examples in this disclosure. [Figure 100B]

[0134] This is an illustrative graph based on the examples in this disclosure. [Figure 100C]

[0135] This is an illustrative graph based on the examples in this disclosure. [Figure 100D]

[0136] This is an illustrative graph based on the examples in this disclosure. [Figure 101]

[0137] This is an illustrative graph based on the examples in this disclosure. [Figure 102]

[0138] This is a functional block diagram of a portion of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 103]

[0139] This is a functional block diagram of a portion of a printing apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 104]

[0140] This is an illustrative graph based on the examples in this disclosure. [Figure 105]

[0141] This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating an exemplary method based on the examples provided in this disclosure. [Figure 106]

[0142] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary part of a printing apparatus according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 107]

[0143] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary part of a printing apparatus according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 108]

[0144] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary part of a printing apparatus according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 109]

[0145] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary part of a printing apparatus according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 110]

[0146] This is an illustrative graph based on the examples in this disclosure. [Figure 111]

[0147] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary part of a printing apparatus according to the examples of the present disclosure. [Figure 112]

[0148] This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating an exemplary method based on the examples provided in this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028]

[0149] Next, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure. In practice, these disclosures can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather these embodiments are provided so as to satisfy the applicable legal requirements of the present disclosure. Throughout, similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0029]

[0150] Unless otherwise required by context, throughout this specification and the subsequent claims, the word “comprise,” and its variations such as “comprises” and “comprising,” should be interpreted in an open sense, that is, “including, but not limited to.”

[0030]

[0151] Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, one or more particular features, structures, or characteristics from one or more embodiments can be combined in any preferred manner in one or more other embodiments.

[0031]

[0152] In this specification, the words “example” or “exemplary” are used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be interpreted as being preferable or advantageous to other implementations.

[0032]

[0153] Where this specification describes a component or feature as including or having characteristics of “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language), a specific component or feature does not have to be included or have characteristics of. Such components or features may be included in or excluded in some embodiments at their discretion.

[0033]

[0154] In this disclosure, the terms “electronically coupled,” “electronically coupling,” “electronically couple,” “in communication with,” “in electronic communication with,” or “connected” refer to two or more components connected (directly or indirectly) via wired means (e.g., system bus, wired Ethernet, but not limited to) and / or wireless means (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, but not limited to), and thus capable of transmitting and / or receiving data and / or information to and from these components.

[0034]

[0155] The term “printed media” refers to tangible, substantially durable physical materials that can transfer and persistently retain text, figures, images, etc., over time. For example, printed media generally take the form of one or more derivatives of wood pulp or polymers and can include conventional office paper, transparent or colored acetate media, newsprint, envelopes, address labels, product labels, and other types of labels. Similarly, thicker materials such as cardstock or cardboard may also be included. In the exemplary embodiments discussed herein, “paper” or “labels” may be specifically referred to, but the operation, system elements, and methods of such exemplary applications may also be applicable to other media other than the “paper” or “labels” specifically mentioned. Physical printed media can be used for personal and business communications, etc., for conveying prose (including news, editorials, product data, scholarly documents, notes, and many other types of communications), data, advertisements, fiction, entertainment content, and illustrations and photographs.

[0035]

[0156] The terms "printer" and "printing device" refer to devices capable of transferring characters, images, shapes, symbols, and other elements onto a printing medium to create a persistent, human-readable representation of those elements. A printer may include, for example, a laser printer.

[0036]

[0157] Furthermore, various embodiments disclosed herein describe printing apparatuses capable of printing content using a laser beam. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments disclose printing apparatuses capable of directly writing content onto a printing medium using a laser. Furthermore, such printing apparatuses can print more than 7,000 labels per day. In addition, the printing apparatuses disclosed herein are capable of printing content at multiple resolutions (varying from 200 dpi to 600 dpi) and multiple speeds (15.24 cm / sec (6 IPS) to 30.48 cm / sec (12 IPS)). The overall running cost of the printing apparatus is reduced by eliminating reliance on thermal printing ribbons and thermal printing heads.

[0037]

[0158] Furthermore, the printing device can print content onto a medium having a predefined chemical composition using one or more laser beams. In some examples, the printing device may include a laser print head having one or more laser sources configured to facilitate direct printing of content onto the printing medium using one or more laser beams emanating from one or more laser sources. Furthermore, in some examples, the printing medium may have a predefined chemical composition that facilitates color changes when exposed to or otherwise in contact with the energy from one or more laser beams. Direct printing of content onto the printing medium enables faster printing of content compared to conventional printers.

[0038]

[0159] Exemplary printer device structure Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a printing apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. Although not shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 100 may be equipped with a power supply.

[0039]

[0160] The printing apparatus 100 may include a media supply roll 102. The media supply roll 102 may be equipped with printing medium 104 and can wind the printing medium 104 onto a media supply spool 106. In the example shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 100 may include a media supply spindle 108 and a media supply spool 106 which can be configured to be positioned on the media supply spindle 108. In some examples, the media supply spindle 108 may be equipped with a media sensor (not shown) which can facilitate the determination of whether the media supply spool 106 is positioned on the media supply spindle 108. Some examples of the media sensor, but not limited to these, may include an encoder wheel, an optical sensor, and the like. In some examples, the printing apparatus 100 may support printing medium 104 of different widths and sizes.

[0040]

[0161] In some examples, the printing apparatus 100 may include a media guide spindle 110, which can be positioned to guide the printing medium 104 from the media supply roll 102 so that it moves in the printing direction along a printing path within the printing apparatus 100. In some examples, the printing path may correspond to the path between the media supply spindle 108 and the exit slit 112, and the printing medium 104 moves along this path. Furthermore, in some examples, the printing direction may correspond to the direction in which the printing medium 104 moves for the printing operation. For example, along the printing direction, the printing medium 104 moves from the media supply spool 106 toward the exit slit 112. Furthermore, the direction opposite to the printing direction (for example, from the exit slit 112 toward the media supply spool 106) is called the backward direction. In some examples, after characters, figures, images, etc. (where applicable) have been transferred onto the printing medium 104, the printing medium 104 can exit the printing apparatus 100 through the exit slit 112.

[0041]

[0162] In some examples, the printing apparatus 100 may include a first actuation unit 119 that can rotate the media supply spool 106 and the media guide spindle 110 in a counterclockwise direction to facilitate the advancement of the printing medium 104 along the printing path in the printing direction. Additionally or alternatively, the first actuation unit 119 may rotate the media supply spool 106 and / or the media guide spindle 110 in a clockwise direction to facilitate the advancement of the printing medium 104 in the backward direction. In exemplary embodiments, the first actuation unit 119 may include one or more motors that can be directly or indirectly coupled to the media supply spool 106 and the media guide spindle 110. One or more motors can facilitate the rotation of the media supply spool 106 and the media guide spindle 110.

[0042]

[0163] In some examples, the medium supply spindle 108 and / or the medium guide spindle 110 can be removed, and the printing medium 104 can be fed into the printing apparatus 100 through an opening slit (not shown) and exit the printing apparatus 100 through an exit slit 112.

[0043]

[0164] As an addition or alternative, the printing apparatus 100 may include a back section 114. In some examples, the back section 114 can be made from a material having rigid properties, such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel. In some examples, the back section 114 may include a first surface 115. The first surface 115 can be arranged orthogonally to the printer base 118.

[0044]

[0165] In some examples, a print head engine 122 can be coupled to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. In exemplary embodiments, the print head engine includes a top chassis section 126 and a bottom chassis section. In some examples, the bottom chassis section 128 can be fastened to a first surface 115 of the rear section 114. In some examples, the bottom chassis section 128 can be positioned below the top chassis section 126 along a vertical axis 128 and can be configured to receive printing media 104 from a media supply roll 102.

[0045]

[0166] In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 includes a print head configured to print content onto a printing medium 104. The print head may need to remain fixed within the printing apparatus 100. For this purpose, in some scenarios, it may be necessary to load the printing medium 104 into the printing apparatus 100 so that the printing medium 104 moves between the top chassis portion 126 and the bottom chassis portion 128. For smooth loading of the printing medium 104, the bottom chassis portion 128 may be movable relative to the top chassis portion 126. For example, the entire bottom chassis portion 128 is pivotably movable relative to the top chassis portion 126. Alternatively, instead of making the entire bottom chassis portion 128 movable relative to the top chassis portion 126, a portion of the bottom chassis portion 128 may be movable relative to the top chassis portion 126. Alternatively, a portion of the top chassis portion 126 may be movable relative to the bottom chassis portion 128. Such modular movement of the top chassis portion 126 and the bottom chassis portion 128 relative to each other makes it possible to load the printing medium 104 into the printing apparatus. Furthermore, such arrangement makes it possible to remove medium jams. In an alternative embodiment, the top chassis portion 126 can be made movable relative to the bottom chassis portion 128. For example, the top chassis portion 126 can be pivotably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128. For example, a first end 146 of the top chassis portion 126 (defined to be located proximal to the medium supply spool 106) can be pivotably coupled to a first end 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128 (defined to be located proximal to the medium supply spool 106). For this purpose, the top chassis portion 126 can be configured to rotate around the first end 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 can be biased to rotate clockwise around the first end 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128 when no external force is applied to the top chassis portion 126. For this purpose, the top chassis portion 126 can be left open when no external force is applied to the top chassis portion 126.

[0046]

[0167] In some examples, when an external force is applied to the top chassis portion 126, the top chassis portion 126 can rotate counterclockwise around the first end 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In such embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 can advance toward the bottom chassis portion 128 (i.e., by rotating counterclockwise around the first end 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128). In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 can advance toward the bottom chassis portion 128 until the top chassis portion 126 is further coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 by the latch 130.

[0047]

[0168] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to a top chassis portion 126 pivotably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 at a first end 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In exemplary embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 may be pivotably coupled to a second end 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128 (defined to be located distal to the medium supply spool 106). For example, the second end 152 of the top chassis portion 126 may be pivotably coupled to the second end 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128. For this purpose, the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to rotate around the second end 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 may be biased to rotate counterclockwise around the first end 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128 when no external force is applied to the top chassis portion 126. For this purpose, the top chassis portion 126 can be in an open state when no external force is applied to the top chassis portion 126.

[0048]

[0169] In some examples, when an external force is applied to the top chassis portion 126, the top chassis portion 126 can rotate clockwise around the second end 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In such embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 can advance toward the bottom chassis portion 128 (i.e., by rotating clockwise around the second end 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128). In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 can advance toward the bottom chassis portion 128 until the top chassis portion 126 is further coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 by the latch 130.

[0049]

[0170] In some examples, the latch 130 can be pivotably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128. For example, the latch 130 can be coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 by a biasing member (not shown). Some examples of biasing members may include a spring, cam, or other structure configured to act with a constant biasing force.

[0050]

[0171] More specifically, the latch 130 can be coupled proximal to the second end 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128 and distal to the first end 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128. The latch 130 may have a U-shape and may include a concave portion 166 and one or more convex portions 168a and 168b. Furthermore, the concave portion 166, convex portions 168a and 168b face toward the second end 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128. The convex portion 168a is coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128, and the convex portion 168b is positioned distal to the convex portion 168a. In some examples, the concave portion 166 is positioned between the convex portions 168a and 168b.

[0051]

[0172] To engage the top chassis portion 126 with the bottom chassis portion 128, the top chassis portion 126 can define a projection 170 that is received within a recessed portion 166 of the latch 130. To detach the top chassis portion 126 from the bottom chassis portion 128, the latch 130 is rotated so that the projection 170 is moved away from the recessed portion 166. The top chassis portion 126 can then be rotated clockwise to an open position. In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to a latch 130 coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128. In exemplary embodiments, the latch 130 can be coupled to the top chassis portion 126.

[0052]

[0173] Alternatively or additionally, the top chassis portion 126 can be fixed to the rear section 114, and the bottom chassis portion 128 can be pivotably coupled to the top chassis portion 126. In such embodiments, the bottom chassis portion 128 can be configured to rotate between an open and a closed state. In the open state, the bottom chassis portion 128 can be tilted downward (along the vertical axis 128) relative to the top chassis portion 126. In the closed state, the bottom chassis portion 128 can be configured to be coupled to the top chassis portion 126 by a latch 130. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the latch 130 can be coupled to the top chassis portion 126. In another embodiment, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the latch can be coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128. One such structure of the print head engine 122 will be further described in reference to Figure 39.

[0053]

[0174] Figure 39 shows a cross-sectional view 3900 of a print head engine 122 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0054]

[0175] As discussed, the print head engine 122 includes a top chassis portion 126 and a bottom chassis portion 128. In exemplary embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 may include a first top chassis module 3902 and a second top chassis module 3904. Similarly, the bottom chassis portion 128 may include a first bottom chassis module 3906 and a second bottom chassis module 3908.

[0055]

[0176] In an exemplary embodiment, the first top chassis module 3902 can be configured to receive a print head 302. Furthermore, the first top chassis module 3902 can be fixedly coupled to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the first top chassis module 3902 can correspond to a polygon having one or more faces 308a, 308b, and 308d. As discussed, faces 308b and 308d are spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis 212. Face 308d can be configured to receive another latch 3910. Furthermore, as discussed, face 308a can be configured to receive a latch 130 (not shown in Figure 39).

[0056]

[0177] In exemplary embodiments, the second top chassis module 3904 can be swivelably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122 to enable loading of media in some examples. More specifically, the second top chassis module 3904 can be swivelably coupled to the second bottom chassis module 3908. In exemplary embodiments, the second top chassis module 3904 may have an outer surface 3912 that can define a first end 3914 and a second end 3916. In exemplary embodiments, the second end 3916 may be spaced apart from the first end 3914 along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, the second end 3916 of the second top chassis module 3904 can be swivelably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128. Additionally or alternatively, the outer surface 3912 may define a bottom end 3918 and a top end 3920. In some examples, the bottom end 3918 of the second top chassis module 3904 can be configured to receive a roller assembly (described further later) and a medium sensor 3922. In some examples, the medium sensor 3922 can be configured to detect the presence of printing medium 104 between the top chassis portion 126 and the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0057]

[0178] In exemplary embodiments, the second top chassis module 3904 may be configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122. More specifically, the second top chassis module 3904 may be configured to pivot between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the first end 3914 of the second top chassis module 3904 can be positioned away from the bottom chassis portion 128. In the second position, the first end 3914 of the second top chassis module 3904 can be coupled to the first top chassis module 3902 by a latch 3910. In some examples, the second top chassis module 3904 can be biased to the second position. Therefore, when no external force is applied to the second top chassis module 3904 and the second top chassis module 3904 is not coupled to the latch 3910, the second top chassis module 3904 can move to the second position.

[0058]

[0179] In some examples, the second bottom chassis module 3908 can be fixedly coupled to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. In some examples, the second bottom chassis module 3908 may have an outer surface 3924 that can define a first end 3926 and a second end 3928. The first end 3926 may be spaced apart from the second end 3928 along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Additionally, the outer surface 3924 of the second bottom chassis module 3908 may define a top end 3930 and a bottom end 3932. The top end 3930 may be spaced apart from the bottom end 3932 along the vertical axis 128. The top end 3930 of the second bottom chassis module 3908 may define an edge with the second end 3928 of the second bottom chassis module 3908. In some examples, the second top chassis module 3904 can be pivotably coupled to the edge between the second end 3928 and the second bottom chassis module 3908. Furthermore, the bottom end 3932 of the second bottom chassis module 3908 can define an edge with the first end 3926 of the second bottom chassis module 3908. In some examples, the second top chassis module 3904 can be pivotably coupled to the edge between the first end 3926 of the first bottom chassis module 3906 and the bottom end 3932 of the second bottom chassis module 3908.

[0059]

[0180] In exemplary embodiments, the first bottom chassis module 3906 can be pivotably coupled to the second bottom chassis module 3908. In some examples, the first bottom chassis module 3906 can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first bottom chassis module 3906 can be positioned away from the top chassis portion 126. In the second position, the first bottom chassis module 3906 can be coupled to the top chassis portion 126 by a latch 130. In exemplary embodiments, the first bottom chassis module 3906 can be biased in the first position. For example, when no external force is applied to the first bottom chassis module 3906 and the first bottom chassis module 3906 is detached from the top chassis portion 126, the first bottom chassis module 3906 can move to the first position.

[0060]

[0181] To load the printing medium 104, the second top chassis module 3904 is moved to a first position relative to the bottom chassis portion 128. In addition, the first bottom chassis module 3906 is moved to a first position. After being in the first position, the second top chassis module 3904 and the first bottom chassis module 3906 are positioned away from the bottom chassis portion 128 and the top chassis portion 126, respectively, thereby creating enough space within the print head engine 122 to allow the operator of the printing device 100 to load the printing medium 104 into the printing device 100.

[0061]

[0182] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the top chassis portion 126 being pivotably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128. In alternative or additional embodiments, in some embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 can be completely separated from the bottom chassis portion 128. For example, the top chassis portion 126 can be configured to advance along a vertical axis 128 relative to the bottom chassis portion 128. In such embodiments, in some examples, at least one linear guide can be positioned on the surface of an exemplary rear section of the exemplary printer body. In some examples, each of the at least one linear guide may comprise a corresponding linear rail and a corresponding linear block. In some examples, the corresponding linear rail can be fastened to a first surface of the rear section, for example, by bolts, screws, etc. In some examples, the corresponding linear block can be coupled to the corresponding linear rail, for example, by ball bearings, rollers, etc., so that the corresponding linear block can move and / or slide along the corresponding linear rail. Exemplary linear guides may include, but are not limited to, rolling element linear motion bearing guides, sliding contact linear motion bearing guides, etc.

[0062]

[0183] For example, in Figure 1, a first linear guide 120A and a second linear guide 120B can be positioned on the first surface 115. The first linear guide 120A may comprise, for example, a linear rail fastened to the first surface 115 of the rear section 114, and a corresponding linear block (not shown) coupled to the linear rail and movable along the linear rail. In addition or alternatively, the second linear guide 120B may comprise a linear rail positioned on the first surface 115 of the rear section 114, and a corresponding linear block. In exemplary embodiments, the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B can be positioned parallel to each other and along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100.

[0063]

[0184] In some examples, the print head engine 122 of the printing apparatus 100 can be coupled to the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B by corresponding linear blocks of the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B, respectively. In exemplary embodiments, the print head engine 122 comprises a top chassis portion 126 and a bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122 can be coupled to the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B, respectively. Furthermore, in some examples, the top chassis portion 126 can move along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100 along the linear rails of the first linear guide 120A and / or the second linear guide 120B.

[0064]

[0185] In some examples, the bottom chassis portion 128 can be fastened to the first surface 115 of the rear section 114. In some examples, the bottom chassis portion 128 can be positioned below the top chassis portion 126 along the vertical axis 128 and can be configured to receive printing media 104 from the media supply roll 102.

[0065]

[0186] In some examples, when the top chassis portion 126 can move along its corresponding travel path along the vertical axis 128, the top chassis portion 126 can reach and / or be positioned at the bottom of the travel path along the vertical axis 128. When the top chassis portion 126 is positioned at the bottom, the top chassis portion 126 can be removably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 by the latch 130.

[0066]

[0187] In addition or alternatively, the printing apparatus 100 includes a first roller 132 and a second roller 134. In exemplary embodiments, the first roller 132 may be positioned upstream of the print head engine 122 (along the printing direction), and the second roller 134 may be positioned downstream of the print head engine 122 (along the printing direction). The first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can facilitate the movement of the printing medium 104 along the printing path. Some examples of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134, but not limited to these, may include platen rollers, pinch rollers, idler rollers, etc. As depicted in Figure 1, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may correspond to a single roller that can be rotatably coupled to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. However, in some examples, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 being a single roller coupled to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. In exemplary embodiments, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may be part of a roller assembly, as further described in Figures 2A-2B to 10A-10B.

[0067]

[0188] In exemplary embodiments, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can be communicatively coupled to a first actuation unit 119. The first actuation unit 119 can rotate the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively, to facilitate the movement of the printing medium in the printing direction or the retraction direction. Since the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 are coupled to the first actuation unit 119, which is coupled to the medium supply spool 106, in some examples the medium supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134 can operate synchronously. In some examples the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the synchronous operation of the medium supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134. In exemplary embodiments the medium supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134 can operate asynchronously. For this purpose, the first actuation unit 119 can start and / or stop the rotation of the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134 at different moments in time. In such an example, the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134 can be coupled to the first actuation unit 119 by different gear assemblies (not shown) that enable asynchronous operation of the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134. Alternatively or additionally, the printing apparatus 100 may include separate actuation units for each of the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134 in order to achieve asynchronous operation between the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134. For example, the first roller 132 and the medium supply spool 106 can be coupled to the first actuation unit 119, and the second roller 134 can be coupled to the second actuation unit 136. In exemplary embodiments, the second actuation unit 136 may be similar to the first actuation unit 119. All applicable embodiments and alternative embodiments of the first actuation unit 119 also apply to the second actuation unit 136.

[0068]

[0189] For the purposes of this ongoing explanation, the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132, and the second roller 134 are assumed to operate asynchronously.

[0069]

[0190] In exemplary embodiments, the printing apparatus 100 may further include a control unit 138 that can be communicatively coupled to a first actuation unit 119 and a second actuation unit 136. In some examples, the control unit 138 may be configured to control the operation of the printing apparatus 100 so that it prints content onto a printing medium 104. In another example, the control unit 138 may be configured to move along the printing direction on the printing medium. The structure and operation of the control unit 138 will be further described in reference to Figure 12.

[0070]

[0191] In some examples, the printer 100 may include a user interface (UI) 140 to enable communication between the user and the printer 100. The UI 140 may be communicatively coupled to other components of the printer 100 for displaying visual and / or auditory information, and / or receiving information from the user (e.g., typed, tactile, or verbal).

[0071]

[0192] In the example shown in Figure 1, the printer 100 may include a UI 140 having, for example, a display 142 and a keypad 144. The display 142 can be configured to display various information related to the printer 100. The keypad 144 may have function buttons, which can be configured to perform various typical printing functions (e.g., canceling a print job, advancing the print medium, etc.) or can be programmed to execute macros containing pre-set printing parameters for a particular type of print medium. In some examples, the UI 140, in addition to other functions, can be electronically coupled to a controller (such as a control unit 138) for controlling the operation of the printer 100. The UI 140 can be supplemented or replaced by other forms of data entry or printer control, such as separate data entry and control modules, which are linked wirelessly or by data cables operably coupled to a computer, router, etc.

[0072]

[0193] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the UI 140 including a display 142 and a keypad 144. In exemplary embodiments, the UI 140 may include a touchscreen that enables the operator of the printing device to enter commands and / or to confirm notifications / alarms generated by the printing device 100.

[0073]

[0194] Figure 1 shows an exemplary UI 140, but it should be noted that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary UI 140 shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the user interface may differ from that depicted in Figure 1. In some embodiments, there may be no user interface at all.

[0074]

[0195] In some examples, various components of the printing apparatus 100, as described in relation to Figure 1, are contained within the housing 154. For example, the media supply spindle 108, the print head engine, etc., are contained within and positioned within the housing 154. In exemplary embodiments, the housing 154 may comprise a fixed portion 156 and a cover portion 158 that can be movably coupled to the fixed portion 156 by one or more hinges (not shown). In some examples, one or more hinges allow the cover portion 158 to rotate around one or more hinges. Accordingly, the cover portion 158 can rotate relative to the fixed portion 156. For this purpose, in some examples, the cover portion 158 may be configured to have a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the cover portion 158, together with the fixed portion 156, may include one or more components of the printing apparatus 100 (shown in Figure 1). In the open state, the cover portion 158 can expose one or more components of the printing device 100 (shown in Figure 1), thereby allowing the operator of the printing device 100 to access one or more components of the printing device 100.

[0075]

[0196] In some examples, the cover portion 158 may have an inner surface 160 that can be configured to receive a magnetically sensitive element 162. In exemplary embodiments, the magnetically sensitive element 162, such as a Hall effect sensor, may be configured to facilitate detection of whether the cover portion 158 of the housing 154 is closed or open. In some examples, when the cover portion 158 of the housing 154 is closed, the magnetically sensitive element 162 can be aligned with a first sensor 164 positioned on one or more components of the printing apparatus 100. For example, the first sensor 164 may be positioned on the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122. When the magnetically sensitive element 162 is aligned with the first sensor 164, the first sensor 164 can generate a first signal that can indicate that the cover portion 158 is closed.

[0076]

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 may include two or more first sensors 164 that can be positioned at one or more locations within the printing apparatus 100. For example, the first sensor 164 may be positioned on the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. Correspondingly, the cover portion 158 may receive the magnetically sensitive element 162 at a position where the magnetically sensitive element 162 can be aligned with the first sensor 164 (positioned on the rear section 114) when the cover portion 158 is in a closed state.

[0077]

[0198] In some examples, the printing apparatus 100 may further include one or more components such as a verifier, peeler, winder, cutter, or any other components. In exemplary embodiments, the verifier may correspond to an image capture device that can be configured to capture an image of the print content. The verifier may then be configured to authenticate the print content based on the captured image. In some examples, the verifier may be positioned as an integrated component of the printing apparatus 100. In other examples, the verifier may be positioned outside the printing apparatus 100. In exemplary embodiments, the verifier may include an imaging module, which may be communicatively coupled to the printer and located within the verifier. The verifier may be attached to the printing apparatus 100 or may be a standalone device in which the user brings the printed print to the device for verification. In either case, the verifier is communicatively coupled to the printer.

[0078]

[0199] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging module within the verifier may be configured to capture an image of the print content. The image of the print content is compared to one or more well-known quality standards. Based on the comparison, the verifier may be configured to determine the print quality. If the print quality does not meet a predetermined quality threshold, the verifier may instruct the printer to reprint the content. In another embodiment, the verifier may instruct the printer to print "void" or "cancel" on the print content.

[0079]

[0200] Printhead engine structure - Vector mode Figure 2 shows a partial perspective view of a printing apparatus 100 depicting a print head engine 122 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0080]

[0201] Referring to Figure 2, a print head engine 122 according to one or more embodiments described herein is depicted. In an exemplary embodiment, the print head engine 122 includes a top chassis portion 126, a bottom chassis portion 128, and a top chassis cap 201.

[0081]

[0202] In exemplary embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 has an outer surface 204 that can define a top end 206 and a bottom end 208, excluding the top chassis cap 201. The top end 206 and bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126 are spaced apart from each other along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. Furthermore, in some examples, when the top chassis portion 126 is coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128, the bottom end 208 can be defined to be located proximal to the bottom chassis portion 128, and the top end 206 can be defined to be located distal to the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0082]

[0203] In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 may have a polygonal shape, such as a rectangular shape having one or more faces 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. Faces 210a and 210c may be defined so as to be opposite each other along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Similarly, faces 210b and 210d may be defined so as to be opposite each other along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to a top chassis portion 126 having a rectangular shape. In exemplary embodiments, the shape of the top chassis portion 126 may correspond to other polygons without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083]

[0204] In exemplary embodiments, the outer surface 204 of the top chassis portion 126 defines a first wing portion 216 projecting outward from the surface 210b of the top chassis portion 126 along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Additionally, the first wing portion 216 extends from surface 210a to surface 210c along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, the length of the first wing portion 216 (along the longitudinal axis 210) can be the same as the length of the top chassis portion 126 (along the longitudinal axis 210). Furthermore, the height of the first wing portion 216 is less than the height of the top chassis portion 126. Accordingly, along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100, the first wing portion 216 can define a step 218 with respect to surface 210b.

[0084]

[0205] In exemplary embodiments, similar to the first wing portion 216, the outer surface 204 of the top chassis portion 126 defines a second wing portion 220 projecting outward from the surface 210d of the top chassis portion 126 along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Additionally, the second wing portion 220 extends from surface 210a to surface 210c along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, the length of the second wing portion 220 (along the longitudinal axis 210) can be the same as the length of the top chassis portion 126 (along the longitudinal axis 210). Furthermore, the height of the second wing portion 220 is less than the height of the top chassis portion 126. Accordingly, along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100, the second wing portion 220 can define a step 222 with respect to the surface 210d.

[0085]

[0206] In an exemplary embodiment, the surface 210a is further configured to receive a latch 130 that facilitates a removable coupling between the top chassis portion 126 and the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0086]

[0207] In exemplary embodiments, the bottom chassis portion 128 has an outer surface 224. In some examples, the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines the top end 226 and the bottom end 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128. The bottom end 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128 is spaced apart from the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128 along the vertical axis 128 of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128 is proximal to the bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126, and the bottom end 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128 is distal to the bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126.

[0087]

[0208] In exemplary embodiments, the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines at least two surfaces 230a and 230b of the bottom chassis portion 128. In exemplary embodiments, surface 230a may be spaced apart from surface 230b along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. In exemplary embodiments, surface 230a has a first edge 232 and a second edge 234. In some examples, the first edge 232 is spaced apart from the second edge 234 along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Similar to surface 230a, surface 230b has a third edge 252 and a fourth edge 254 (see Figure 3A). In some examples, the third edge 252 is spaced apart from the fourth edge 254 (see Figure 3A) along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122.

[0088]

[0209] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 can define a first circular notch 236 and a second circular notch 238 on surface 230a. Furthermore, the first circular notch 236 and the second circular notch 238 are defined (by the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128) on the top edge 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In addition, the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a first circular notch 236 proximal to a first edge 232 of surface 230a and a second circular notch 238 proximal to a second edge 234 of surface 230a. Similarly, the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 can define a third circular notch 240 (see Figure 3A) and a fourth circular notch 242 (see Figure 3A) on the surface 230b of the top portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128. Furthermore, the outer surface 224 defines a third circular notch 240 proximal to the third edge 252 of the surface 230b and a fourth circular notch 242 proximal to the fourth edge 254 of the surface 230b. In some examples, the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240 may have a coincident central axis 244 (see Figure 3A) extending along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Similarly, the second circular notch 238 and the fourth circular notch 242 may have a coincident central axis 246 (see Figure 3A) extending along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. The third circular notch 240, the fourth circular notch 242, the coincident central axis 244, and the coincident central axis 246 are further shown with respect to Figure 3A.

[0089]

[0210] In exemplary embodiments, a first circular notch 236 and a third circular notch 240 are configured to receive a first shaft 248, so that the first shaft 248 is rotatable within the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240. Additionally, a third circular notch 240 and a fourth circular notch 242 are configured to receive a second shaft 250, so that the second shaft 250 is rotatable within the second circular notch 238 and the fourth circular notch 242. In some examples, the first shaft 248 and the second shaft 250 may correspond to rollers that can assist the advance of the printing medium 104 along the printing path.

[0090]

[0211] Figure 3A shows an exploded view 300A of a print head engine 122 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0091]

[0212] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to receive a print head, such as the print head shown in Figure 3B. In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to be coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 by a latch 130.

[0092]

[0213] In exemplary embodiments, the bottom chassis portion 128 has an outer surface 204, a top surface 319, and a bottom surface 321. In some examples, the outer surface 224 and the top surface 319 define the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128. Furthermore, in some examples, the outer surface 224 and the bottom surface 321 define the bottom end 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, the top surface 319 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a platform 322 that can correspond to an area where the printing medium 104 is received for printing operations. Furthermore, the platform 322 extends along the length (defined along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122) and width (defined along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122) of the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0093]

[0214] In some examples, the platform 322 extends between the central axis 244 and the central axis 246. As discussed, the central axis 244 passes through the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240. The first shaft 248 is rotatably coupled to the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240. Similarly, as discussed, the central axis 246 passes through the second circular notch 238 and the third circular notch 240. The second shaft 250 is rotatably coupled to the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240.

[0094]

[0215] Media path within the print head engine In some cases, and not limited to these, various preconditions, such as the orientation of the printing medium relative to the print head and the focus of the laser light source relative to the location of the printing medium, may be required or otherwise determined before or during printing of the content onto the printing medium. For example, if the orientation of the printing medium is distorted or otherwise misaligned during the printing operation, the printed content may be blurry, out of focus, or have magnification problems. Therefore, in some cases, it may be extremely important to orient the printing medium relative to the print head before the printing operation. Alternatively or additionally, it may be advantageous to flatten the printing medium before the printing operation.

[0095]

[0216] The apparatus, systems, and methods described herein disclose a printing apparatus capable of flattening a printing medium before a printing operation. In exemplary embodiments, the printing operation may correspond to an operation of printing content onto the printing medium. The printing apparatus includes a printhead engine that can be positioned downstream of a medium supply spool. The medium supply spool may be configured to supply printing medium to the printhead engine. The direction of movement of the printing medium from the medium supply spool to the printhead engine is referred to as the printing direction.

[0096]

[0217] In exemplary embodiments, the printing apparatus may include a first roller and a second roller. The first roller may be positioned upstream of the print head engine along the printing direction of the printing medium movement, and the second roller may be positioned downstream of the print head along the printing direction of the printing medium movement.

[0097]

[0218] To initiate the movement of the printing medium along the printing direction, the first and second rollers are activated and rotated. The rotation of the first and second rollers facilitates the movement of the printing medium along the printing direction. To stop the movement of the printing medium, the first roller is stopped at a first moment and the second roller is stopped at a second moment. In some examples, the second moment is later in the time series than the first moment. Accordingly, the second roller can continue to rotate even after the first roller has stopped rotating. In such implementations, the second roller continues to pull on the printing medium, stretching and flattening it. After the second roller has stopped rotating, the print head engine can print content onto the printing medium.

[0098]

[0219] Figure 3B shows another exploded view 300B of a portion of the printing apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. Exploded view 300B shows the print head engine 122 with the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122 removed. Accordingly, exploded view 300B shows the print head 302, the first roller assembly 314, and the second roller assembly 316 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0099]

[0220] In some examples, the print head 302 may have one or more faces 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d. Faces 308a and 308c may be defined so as to be opposite each other along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Similarly, faces 308b and 308d may be defined so as to be opposite each other along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122.

[0100]

[0221] In exemplary embodiments, surfaces 308b and 308d may be configured to receive the second roller assembly 316 and the first roller assembly 314, respectively. In exemplary embodiments, the structure of the second roller assembly 316 is the same as that of the first roller assembly 316. For the sake of brevity, the structure of the second roller assembly 316 is described herein. In exemplary embodiments, the first roller assembly 314 and the second roller assembly 316 are configured to be received within the top chassis portion 126 when the top chassis portion 126 is received on the print head 302, the first roller assembly 314, and the second roller assembly 316. More specifically, the first roller assembly 314 and the second roller assembly 316 may be received within the first vane portion 216 and the second vane portion 220.

[0101]

[0222] In exemplary embodiments, the second roller assembly 316 may include a frame 318 that can extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, the frame 318 may extend between faces 308a and 308c along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. In exemplary embodiments, the frame 318 may have a cubic shape having a top end 320, a bottom end 323, and one or more faces 324a, 324b, 324c, and 324d. In exemplary embodiments, the top end 320 of the frame 318 is positioned proximal to the top end 206 of the top chassis portion 126. Furthermore, the bottom end 323 of the frame 318 is positioned proximal to the bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126. Accordingly, the top end 320 of the frame 318 is spaced apart from the bottom end 323 of the frame 318 along the vertical axis 128 of the print head engine 122.

[0102]

[0223] In some examples, faces 324a and 324c of frame 318 can be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, faces 324b and 324d can be spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122. In exemplary embodiments, face 324d can be coupled to face 308b of the print head engine 122. In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to face 324d being coupled to face 308b of the top chassis portion 126. In exemplary embodiments, frame 318 may not be coupled to the print head engine 122. In such embodiments, frame 318 can be coupled to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100.

[0103]

[0224] In exemplary embodiments, the surface 326 of the frame 318's surface 324d can define one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c. In some examples, each of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c can extend inward from the surface 326 of the surface 324d toward the surface 324b along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Additionally or alternatively, each of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c can extend between the top end 320 and the bottom end 323 of the frame 318. Furthermore, each of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c can be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, each of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c can be configured to receive a second roller 134. The structure of the roller, specifically the second roller 134, will be further described in relation to Figures 4A, 4B, and 5.

[0104]

[0225] Figures 4A and 4B show side views 400A and 400B of a second roller 134 according to one or more embodiments described herein, respectively.

[0105]

[0226] The second roller 134 includes a housing 402, a telescopic arm 404, and a first wheel 406. The housing 402 may have a first end 408 and a second end 410. The first end 408 of the housing is separated from the second end 410 of the housing 402 along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100 when the second roller 134 is received into one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c (for example, groove 328a). In one embodiment, the second end 410 of the housing 402 is configured to movably receive a telescopic arm 404, such that a portion 412 of the telescopic arm 404 can extend outward from the second end 410 of the housing 402 (hereinafter referred to as the extended state). In another embodiment, the portion 412 of the telescopic arm 404 can be retracted within the housing 402 (hereinafter referred to as the retracted state).

[0106]

[0227] In an exemplary embodiment, the telescopic arm 404 may include an end portion 414 that can be positioned outside the housing 402 regardless of the configuration of the telescopic arm 404 (e.g., extended or retracted). The end portion 414 of the telescopic arm 404 may be configured to receive the first wheel 406. A further description of the second roller 134 will be provided with reference to Figure 5.

[0107]

[0228] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view 500 of a second roller 134 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The cross-sectional view 500 depicts the second roller 134 including a first biasing member 502 and a third actuation unit 504.

[0108]

[0229] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 402 may be configured to receive a third actuation unit 504 which is communicatively coupled to the telescopic arm 404. In an exemplary embodiment, the third actuation unit 504 can apply an external force to the telescopic arm 404 to extend and / or retract the arm 404. Some examples of the third actuation unit 504, but not limited to, may include an electromagnet, a stepper motor, and the like. For the purposes of this ongoing description, the third actuation unit 504 will be considered to be an electromagnet. For this purposes, the external force applied by the third actuation unit 504 may correspond to an attractive and / or repulsive force.

[0109]

[0230] Additionally, the housing 402 is configured to receive a first biasing member 502. In some examples, the first biasing member 502 can be coupled to the telescopic arm 404 and to the inner surface 506 of the housing 402 at the first end 408 of the housing 402. The first biasing member 502 can apply a biasing force to the telescopic arm 404 when the third actuation unit 504 is not activated, thereby extending the telescopic arm 404. In such embodiments, when the third actuation unit 504 is activated, the third actuation unit 504 can apply an external force to the telescopic arm 404, thereby retracting a portion 412 of the telescopic arm 404 within the housing 402 (i.e., the telescopic arm 404 is retracted).

[0110]

[0231] In some examples, the first biasing member 502 can apply a biasing force to the telescopic arm 404 when the third actuation unit 504 is deactivated, causing the telescopic arm 404 to be retracted. In such embodiments, when the third actuation unit 504 is activated, it can apply an external force to the telescopic arm 404, causing a portion 412 of the telescopic arm 404 to extend outward from the housing 402 (i.e., the telescopic arm 404 becomes extended).

[0111]

[0232] In addition or alternatively, a third actuation unit 504 can be communicatively coupled to the first wheel 406, thereby causing the first wheel 406 to rotate. In another exemplary embodiment, the first wheel 406 may be an idler roller. In such an embodiment, the third actuation unit 504 may not rotate the first wheel 406. The first wheel 406 may rotate based on interaction with other components of the printing apparatus 100. For example, the first wheel 406 may rotate based on interaction with the printing medium 104 during the movement of the printing medium.

[0112]

[0233] In some embodiments, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the third actuation unit 504 acting on (rotating) the first wheel 406. The first wheel 406 can be coupled to a second actuation unit 136, which can rotate the first wheel 406. In yet another embodiment, the first wheel 406 can be coupled to a first actuation unit 119, which can rotate the first wheel 406.

[0113]

[0234] Referring again to Figures 4A and 4B, the first wheel 406 is coupled to the telescopic arm 404, and the third actuation unit 504 can move the telescopic arm 404 into a specific configuration state, such as a retracted or extended state. Therefore, the third actuation unit 504 can move the first wheel 406 between a first position and a second position based on the configuration state of the telescopic arm 404. For example, when the telescopic arm is in the retracted state, the first wheel 406 is in the first position. Furthermore, when the first wheel 406 is in the first position, it is positioned proximal to the second end 410 of the housing 402, compared to a scenario in which the first wheel 406 is positioned in the second position. Furthermore, when the telescopic arm 404 is in the extended state, the first wheel 406 is in the second position. Additionally, compared to the scenario in which the first wheel 406 is positioned in a first position, when the first wheel 406 is in a second position, it is positioned distal to the second end 410 of the housing 402. Figure 4A shows the first wheel 406 in the first position, and Figure 4B shows the first wheel 406 in the second position.

[0114]

[0235] During operation, as shown in Figure 5, when the third actuation unit 504 is activated (for example, when the electromagnet is activated), the third actuation unit 504 can generate an attractive force, which pulls the telescopic arm 404 and retracts it. Accordingly, the first wheel 406 returns to the first position. When the third actuation unit 504 is deactivated, a biasing force from the first biasing member 502 acts on the telescopic arm 404, extending a portion of the telescopic arm 404 outward from the housing 402. Accordingly, the first wheel 406 returns to the second position.

[0115]

[0236] In an alternative embodiment, when the third actuation unit 504 is activated (for example, when the electromagnet is activated), the third actuation unit 504 can generate a repulsive force, thereby extending the telescopic arm 404. Accordingly, the first wheel 406 returns to the second position. When the third actuation unit 504 is deactivated, a biasing force from the first biasing member 502 acts on the telescopic arm 404, retracting a portion of the telescopic arm 404. Accordingly, the first wheel 406 returns to the first position.

[0116]

[0237] In some examples, the second roller 134 may lack the first biasing member 502. In such embodiments, the third actuation unit 504 can move the first wheel 406 between a first position and a second position. For example, the third actuation unit 504 can generate a repulsive force to move the first wheel 406 to the second position. Furthermore, the third actuation unit 504 can generate an attractive force to move the first wheel 406 to the first position.

[0117]

[0238] Referring again to Figure 3B, the structure of the first roller assembly 314 is similar to that of the second roller assembly 316. For example, like the second roller assembly 316, the first roller assembly 314 includes a frame 318 that can define one or more grooves 328d, 328e, and 328f. Each of the one or more grooves 328d, 328e, and 328f (defined within the first roller assembly 314) is configured to receive a first roller 132. In some examples, the structure of the first roller 132 is similar to that of the second roller 134.

[0118]

[0239] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the first roller assembly 314 and the second roller assembly 316 including three first rollers 132 and three second rollers 134. In exemplary embodiments, the number of first rollers 132 and second rollers 134 can be varied based on one or more implementations of the printing apparatus 100. For example, in a printing apparatus 100 that supports printing media having a narrower width than the printing medium 104, the number of first rollers 132 and second rollers 134 can be reduced. Similarly, in a printing apparatus 100 that supports printing media having a wider width than the printing medium 104, the number of first rollers 132 and second rollers 134 can be increased.

[0119]

[0240] In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first roller 132 (in the first roller assembly 314) and the second roller 134 (in the second roller assembly 316) can contact the platform 322. Accordingly, when the platform 322 receives the printing medium 104, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can contact the printing medium 104. On the other hand, in the first position, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can be positioned away from the printing medium 104.

[0120]

[0241] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 contacting the platform 322. Referring to Figure 3C, as discussed above, the bottom chassis portion 128 includes a first shaft 248 and a second shaft 250. In some examples, the first shaft 248 and the second shaft 250 may correspond to idler rollers. Along the printing direction, the first shaft 248 may be positioned upstream of the print head engine 122, and along the printing direction, the second shaft 250 may be positioned downstream of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may contact the first shaft 248 and the second shaft 250, respectively (when the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 are in the second position).

[0121]

[0242] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the movement of the first wheel 406 within the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 between a first and a second position. In exemplary embodiments, the operator of the printing apparatus 100 can manually facilitate the full movement of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 between a third and a fourth position. A structure of such a roller assembly that can facilitate the full movement of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 will be further described in reference to Figure 6.

[0122]

[0243] Figure 6 shows another perspective view 600 of a portion of the printing apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. Referring to perspective view 600, the printing apparatus 100 includes a print head engine 122, a third roller assembly 602, a fourth roller assembly 604, and a front plate 606.

[0123]

[0244] In exemplary embodiments, the front plate 606 can be positioned proximal to the surface 308a of the top chassis portion 126, so that when the print head engine 122 is viewed along its longitudinal axis 210, the front plate 606 completely covers the print head engine 122. The front plate 606 has an outer surface 608 and an inner surface 610. In some examples, the inner surface 610 of the front plate 606 faces the surface 308a of the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122.

[0124]

[0245] In exemplary embodiments, the inner surface 610 of the front plate 606 can define a first through-hole (not shown) and a second through-hole (not shown) that can extend from the inner surface 610 of the front plate 606 to the outer surface 608 of the front plate 606. In exemplary embodiments, the first through-hole (not shown) can be defined downstream of the print head engine 122 along the printing direction, and the second through-hole (not shown) can be defined upstream of the print head engine 122 along the printing direction. In exemplary embodiments, the first through-hole (not shown) and the second through-hole (not shown) can facilitate coupling of a third roller assembly 602 and a fourth roller assembly 604 to the front plate 606 and the back section 114, respectively. Additionally, the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 can be movably coupled to the back section 114, as further described in relation to Figure 8. Furthermore, the structures of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 will be described in more detail in relation to Figures 9, 10A, and 10B.

[0125]

[0246] Referring again to the front plate 606, additionally or alternatively, the front plate 606 may be configured to receive a first cam roller 612 and a second cam roller 614 on its outer surface 608. The first cam roller 612 may be coupled to a third roller assembly 602, and the second cam roller 614 may be coupled to a fourth roller assembly 604, respectively. In some examples, the first cam roller 612 and the second cam roller 614 may be configured to allow an operator of the printing apparatus 100 to cause movement of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604, respectively, as will be further described in reference to Figures 10A and 10B.

[0126]

[0247] Figure 7 shows a reversed Figure 700 of Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. The reversed Figure 700 of the printing apparatus 100 depicts a back section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. The back section 114 of the printing apparatus 100 has a first surface 115 and a second surface 702. The second surface 702 of the back section 114 can define a third through-hole (not shown) and a fourth through-hole (not shown) extending from the second surface 702 of the back section 114 to the first surface 115 of the back section 114. The third through-hole (not shown) is defined downstream of the print head engine 122 along the printing direction, and the fourth through-hole (not shown) is defined upstream of the print head engine 122 along the printing direction. In exemplary embodiments, a third through-hole (not shown) and a fourth through-hole (not shown) can facilitate coupling of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 to the back section 114, respectively. Additionally, the printing apparatus 100 includes a first pulley 706 and a second pulley 708 coupled to the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604, respectively. In exemplary embodiments, the first pulley 706 and the second pulley 708 can be received on the second surface 702 of the back section 114.

[0127]

[0248] In some examples, each of the first pulley 706 and the second pulley 708 is coupled to the first actuation unit 119. For example, the first pulley 706 and the second pulley 708 are coupled to the first actuation unit 119 by a belt 710. In some examples, the first actuation unit 119 can facilitate the automatic movement of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604. In some examples, the operator of the printing apparatus 100 manually causes the movement of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604, as will be further described in relation to Figures 10A and 10B.

[0128]

[0249] Figure 8 shows a perspective view 800 of a third roller assembly 602 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In some examples, the third roller assembly 602 includes a first shaft 802 and at least one second roller 134.

[0129]

[0250] In exemplary embodiments, the first shaft 802 may correspond to a rod that can extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122 when the third roller assembly 602 is movably coupled to the front plate 606 and the rear section 114. More specifically, the first shaft 802 may include a first end 803 and a second end 805 configured to be coupled to the front plate 606 and the rear section 114, respectively. The first shaft 802 may have a U-shaped cross-section. However, in some examples, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the first shaft 802 having a U-shaped cross-section. In one embodiment, the shaft may have a circular cross-section. In another embodiment, the first shaft 802 may have a rectangular cross-section. In yet another embodiment, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first shaft 802 may have a cross-section of any other geometric shape. In exemplary embodiments, the first shaft 802 may be configured to be fixedly coupled to at least one second roller 134, so that at least one second roller 134 can extend from the first shaft 802 along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100 (when the first roller assembly 314 is coupled to the front plate 606 and the rear section 114). For example, the first shaft 802 may be configured to receive three second rollers 134. For this purpose, the three second rollers 134 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, a spacer member 804 may be provided to facilitate maintaining a predetermined distance between the three second rollers 134. The structure of the second rollers 134 will be described further in reference to Figures 10A and 10B. In some examples, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to having three second rollers 134 in a third roller assembly 602. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the third roller assembly 602 may have any number of second rollers 134. For example, the number of second rollers 134 in the third roller assembly 602 may vary based on the width of the printing medium 104 installed in the printing apparatus 100.

[0130]

[0251] In exemplary embodiments, the first shaft 802 facilitates the rotation of at least one second roller 134 around the first shaft 802. For example, the first shaft 802 can enable the rotation of at least one second roller 134 around the first shaft 802 between a third position and a fourth position. The rotation of at least one second roller 134 between the third position and the fourth position will be further described in reference to Figures 10A and 10B.

[0131]

[0252] Figures 9A and 9B show a side view 900A and a cross-sectional view 900B of a second roller 134 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0132]

[0253] The second roller 134 may include a housing 902, a second shaft 904, and a second wheel 906. In exemplary embodiments, the housing 902 may have an outer surface 908 that can define a first end 910 and a second end 912. The first end 910 of the housing 902 may be spaced apart from the second end 912 of the housing 902 along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. In exemplary embodiments, the housing 902 may have an oval shape. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the housing 902 having an oval shape. In exemplary embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the housing 902 may have any other geometric shape. For example, the housing 902 may have a cubic shape. In some examples, the housing 902 may have one or more faces 903a, 903b, 903c, and 903d. Along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122, surface 903a can be separated from surface 903c. Furthermore, surface 903a can be parallel to surface 903c. Similarly, along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122, surface 903b can be separated from surface 903d. Furthermore, surface 903b can be parallel to surface 903d.

[0133]

[0254] In exemplary embodiments, the outer surface 908 of the housing 902 can define a first shaft through-hole 914 that can extend from surface 903a to surface 903c. In some examples, the outer surface 908 can define the first shaft through-hole 914 proximal to the first end 910 of the housing 902 and distal to the second end 912 of the housing 902. Furthermore, the first shaft through-hole 914 can be configured to receive a first shaft 802. In addition or alternatively, the outer surface 908 of the housing 902 can be configured to define a second shaft through-hole 916 that can extend from surface 903a to surface 903c. In addition or alternatively, the outer surface 908 can define the second shaft through-hole 916 so that it can extend along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. The second shaft through-hole 916 can be configured to receive the second shaft 904. Since the second shaft through-hole 916 extends along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100, the second shaft 904 can be made movable within the second shaft through-hole 916 along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. In addition or alternatively, the second shaft 904 can be made rotatable within the second shaft through-hole 916.

[0134]

[0255] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 902 of the second roller 134 is further configured to receive the second wheel 906 at the second end 912. Referring more specifically to Figure 9B, the second shaft 904 is configured to receive the second wheel 906 such that the second wheel 906 is rotatable around the second shaft 904. Since the second shaft 904 is movable along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100 (within the second shaft through-hole 916), the second wheel 906 is also movable along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. Thus, the second wheel 906 is rotatable around the second shaft 904 and also movable within the second shaft through-hole 916 along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the second shaft 904 is further coupled to a holder 918. In an exemplary embodiment, the holder 918 comprises a first end 920 and a second end 922. The first end 920 of the holder 918 is spaced apart from the second end 922 of the holder along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 920 of the holder 918 abuts against the second shaft 904.

[0135]

[0256] In an exemplary embodiment, at the second end 922, the holder 918 defines a projection 924 that can extend outward from the second end 922 of the holder 918 along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. The projection 924 may be configured to receive a second biasing member 926, such as a spring and / or leaf spring. When the first shaft 802 is received into the first shaft through hole 914, the second biasing member 926 may be further coupled to the first shaft 802. In an exemplary embodiment, the second biasing member 926 may be configured to apply a biasing force to the holder 918 along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100. More specifically, the biasing force may push the holder 918 toward the second end 912 of the housing 902, thereby moving the second shaft 904 toward the second end 912 of the housing 902. Accordingly, the second shaft 904 moves toward the second end 912 of the housing 902, causing a portion of the second wheel 906 to extend outward from the second end 912 of the housing 902.

[0136]

[0257] Referring again to Figure 6, the structure of the fourth roller assembly 604 can be similar to the structure of the third roller assembly 602. For example, the third roller assembly 602 may include a first shaft 802 that can receive at least one first roller 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the structure of at least one first roller 132 is similar to the structure of the second roller 134.

[0137]

[0258] Figures 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views 1000A and 1000B of a printing apparatus 100 showing the movement of a third roller assembly 602 and a fourth roller assembly 604 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0138]

[0259] As shown in cross-sectional view 1000A, the first roller 132 and one or more second rollers 134 contact the platform 322 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In exemplary embodiments, the positions of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 where they contact the platform 322 are referred to as the third position. In exemplary embodiments, the second biasing member 926 can apply a biasing force to the second wheel 906 so that the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can contact the platform 322 firmly. For this purpose, when the platform 322 receives the printing medium 104, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can contact the printing medium 104. In some examples, in a third position, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can facilitate the flattening of a first portion of the printing medium 104 (located between the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604). Since the print head engine 122 is positioned between the third roller assembly 602 (which includes at least one second roller 134) and the fourth roller assembly 604 (which includes at least one first roller 132), the first portion of the printing medium 104 positioned within the print head engine 122 is flat. More specifically, the first portion of the printing medium 104 on the platform 322 is flat.

[0139]

[0260] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 contacting the platform 322. In exemplary embodiments, as discussed in Figure 3A, the width of the platform 322 may be the same as the width of the top chassis portion 126. In such embodiments, the platform 322 may not extend beyond the periphery of the top chassis portion 126. For this purpose, the printing apparatus 100 may include a first shaft 248 and a second shaft 250. The first shaft 248 may be positioned upstream of the print head engine 122 along the printing direction, and the second shaft 250 may be positioned downstream of the print head engine 122 along the printing direction. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may contact the first shaft 248 and the second shaft 250, respectively (when the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 are in a third position).

[0140]

[0261] In exemplary embodiments, as discussed in Figures 7, 8, 9A, and 9B, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 are rotatable around the first shaft 802. Referring to Figure 10B, the operator of the printing apparatus 100 can rotate the first cam roller 612 and the second cam roller 614 to cause rotation of the first shaft 802, and the rotation of the first shaft 802 causes the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to rotate. Such rotation moves the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to a fourth position. In some examples, in the fourth position, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can point to the top end 206 of the top chassis portion 126 (of the print head engine 122). Accordingly, in the fourth position, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 are separated from the printing medium 104 (as depicted by 1002). Such orientation of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 allows the operator to adjust the printing medium 104 relative to the print head engine 122. For example, the printing medium 104 can be adjusted to clear a jam. In an exemplary embodiment, a jam can correspond to a condition in which the printing medium 104 cannot move in the printing or reversing direction due to some obstruction in the printing path.

[0141]

[0262] In some examples, the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 can be coupled to the print head engine 122 by a coupling shaft 1004. For example, the print head engine 122 can be coupled to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134. Accordingly, when the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 rotate (when the operator of the printing device 100 rotates the first cam roller 612 and the second cam roller 614), the coupling shaft 1004 can move on the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122 along the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B. For example, when the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 rotate around the first shaft 802 to a fourth position, the top chassis portion 126 can move to a fifth position. In exemplary embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 is separated from the bottom chassis portion 128 in a fifth position, thereby creating a space 1006 between the top chassis portion 126 and the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, when the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 rotate around the first shaft 802 to a third position, the top chassis portion 126 can move to a sixth position. In exemplary embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 can be detachably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 in the sixth position.

[0142]

[0263] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to manually rotating the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 by rotating the first cam roller 612 and the second cam roller 614. In exemplary embodiments, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can be rotated based on the operation of the first actuation unit 119. As discussed in Figure 7, the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 are coupled to the first actuation unit 119 by a belt 710. Thus, the first actuation unit 119 can rotate the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604.

[0143]

[0264] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 being part of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604. In exemplary embodiments, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can be separated from the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604. In such embodiments, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 can be coupled to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100, as shown in Figure 1. Additionally, the printing apparatus 100 may include the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604, as described above in Figure 6. For this purpose, the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 may include a fifth roller and a sixth roller, respectively. The structure of the fifth and sixth rollers may be similar to that of the second roller 134, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9A and 9B.

[0144]

[0265] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the use of roller assemblies to flatten the printing medium 104. In exemplary embodiments, the printing apparatus 100 may include one or more medium guide assemblies that can be configured to flatten the printing medium 104, as further shown in Figure 11.

[0145]

[0266] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view 1100 of a printing apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The printing apparatus 100 includes a media guide assembly 1102 positioned upstream of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 100 includes a second roller assembly 316 positioned downstream of the print head engine 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the media guide assembly 1102 further includes an arm section 1104 and a groove section 1106.

[0146]

[0267] In an exemplary embodiment, the arm section 1104 is fixedly coupled to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. Furthermore, the arm section 1104 extends along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, the arm section 1104 has a first end 1107 and a second end 1108. The first end 1107 of the arm section 1104 is defined to be located proximal to the print head engine 122, and the second end 1108 is defined to be located distal to the print head engine 122. In addition, the arm section 1104 includes a top surface 1110 and a bottom surface 1112. The top surface 1110 is defined to be located distal to the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122, and the bottom surface 1112 is defined to be located proximal to the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0147]

[0268] In exemplary embodiments, the bottom surface 1112 is configured to define a groove section 1106 such that the groove section 1106 protrudes outward from the bottom surface 1112 toward the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, the distance between the bottom chassis portion 128 and the groove section 1106 is in the range of 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. Furthermore, when the printing medium 104 is received on the bottom chassis portion 128, the printing medium 104 is pressed by the groove section 1106 and the second roller assembly 316. For this purpose, the printing medium 104 is flattened between the second roller assembly 316 and the medium guide assembly 1102.

[0148]

[0269] In some examples, the groove section 1106 may include an inclined section 1114 and a valley section 1116. The inclined section 1114 may face the second end 1108 of the arm section 1104 and may have a predetermined slope. Furthermore, the valley section 1116 may face the first end 1107 of the arm section 1104. In some examples, the slope of the inclined section 1114 can facilitate the smooth movement of the printing medium 104 along the printing path. Accordingly, the inclined section 1114 can reduce the possibility of medium jamming. In some examples, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the groove section 1106 having the shapes described above. In exemplary embodiments, the groove section 1106 may have any other shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0149]

[0270] In some examples, the distance between the groove section 1106 and the bottom chassis section 128 can be made adjustable. In such embodiments, the groove section 1106 can be coupled to the arm section 1104 by coupling means such as a screw. The operator of the printing apparatus 100 can rotate the screw clockwise and / or counterclockwise to adjust the distance between the groove section 1106 and the bottom chassis section 128. In such embodiments, the distance between the groove section 1106 and the bottom chassis section 128 can be adjusted from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm depending on the requirements of the thickness and flatness of the media.

[0150]

[0271] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to specific coupling means or screws. In exemplary embodiments, the coupling means may further include a pen-click type mechanism. In such embodiments, an operator of the printing apparatus 100 can adjust the distance between the groove section 1106 and the bottom chassis section 128 by pressing a plunger coupled to the groove section 1106.

[0151]

[0272] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to having one medium guide assembly 1102 within the printing apparatus 100 for planarizing the printing medium 104. In exemplary embodiments, the printing apparatus 100 may include another medium guide assembly positioned downstream of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the printing apparatus 100 may lack a second roller assembly 316.

[0152]

[0273] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the printing apparatus 100 including a media guide assembly 1102. In exemplary embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122 may define a groove section 1106 within the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122. More specifically, the print head engine 122 may define a groove section on the bottom surface of the top chassis portion 126 (located proximal to the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122).

[0153]

[0274] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the print head engine 122 including a first roller 132 and one or more second rollers 134. In addition or alternatively, the printing apparatus 100 may include a frame for flattening the printing medium 104, as described in relation to Figures 12 to 19.

[0154]

[0275] The exemplary apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein include printing apparatuses capable of flattening or substantially flattening a printing medium before a printing operation. In some examples, in embodiments configured to flatten the printing medium, the printing apparatus includes a platform capable of receiving the printing medium for a printing operation. In some examples, the printing apparatus may include a vacuum generating unit configured to generate negative pressure against the platform to cause the printing medium to adhere to the platform or otherwise removably attach to the platform. In some examples, the edges of the printing medium may curl while negative pressure is applied to the platform. To straighten the edges of the printing medium, the printing apparatus may further include a frame that can be configured to press against the edges of the printing medium. For this purpose, a combination of the vacuum generating unit and the frame facilitates the flattening of the printing medium in some examples.

[0155]

[0276] Figure 12 shows an exploded view of a print head engine 122 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0156]

[0277] In exemplary embodiments, the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to receive a print head (not shown). In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 may define one or more features, such as a cavity (not shown), a base plate (not shown), or one or more first biasing members (not shown), which enable the top chassis portion 126 to receive a print head. Additionally or alternatively, the bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to receive a frame 1216. For example, the frame 1216 may be coupled to the bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126, as further described in Figure 14. In alternative embodiments, the frame 1216 may be movably positioned proximal to the bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126. The structure of the frame 1216 will be further described in reference to Figures 13 and 15.

[0157]

[0278] In an exemplary embodiment, the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to connect to the bottom chassis portion 128 by a latch 130. When the top chassis portion 126 connects to the bottom chassis portion 128, the frame 1216 can be movably positioned between the top chassis portion 126 and the bottom chassis portion 128. For example, the frame 1216 can move between a first position and a second position in the space between the bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126 and the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0158]

[0279] In exemplary embodiments, the bottom chassis portion 128 has an outer surface 224, a top surface 1218, and a bottom surface 1220. In some examples, the outer surface 224 and the top surface 1218 define the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128. Furthermore, in some examples, the outer surface 224 and the bottom surface 1220 define the bottom end 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a platform 1222 that can correspond to an area where the printing medium 104 is received for printing operations. Furthermore, the platform 1222 extends along the length (defined along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122) and width (defined along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122) of the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0159]

[0280] In exemplary embodiments, the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 further divides the platform 1222 into a printing area 1224 and a peripheral area 1226. The dimensions of the printing area 1224 can be defined to be proportional to the maximum size of the printing medium 104 supported by the printing device 100. In exemplary embodiments, the peripheral area 1226 can be defined to be located proximal to a first circular notch 236, a second circular notch 238, a third circular notch 240, and a fourth circular notch 242. In some examples, the peripheral area 1226 surrounds the printing area 1224.

[0160]

[0281] In an exemplary embodiment, the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a plurality of orifices 1228a, 1228b, ..., 1228n that extend from the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 to the bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128. At the bottom surface 1220, the bottom chassis portion 128 is configured to receive a vacuum generating unit, as further shown in FIG. 16.

[0161]

[0282] In some examples, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the platform 1222 being fixedly defined by the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the platform 1222 can be a modular component that can be removably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128. The structure of the bottom chassis portion 128 that enables coupling with the modular platform will be further described in connection with FIG. 17. The structure of an exemplary modular platform will be described in connection with FIG. 18.

[0162]

[0283] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a frame 1216 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The frame 1216 includes a media flattening portion 1302 and first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d.

[0163]

[0284] In exemplary embodiments, the media planarization portion 1302 may have a rectangular shape which may have one or more sides 1308a, 1308b, 1308c, and 1308d. Along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122, side 1308a may be spaced apart from side 1308c. Furthermore, side 1308a may be parallel to side 1308c. Similarly, along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122, side 1308b may be spaced apart from side 1308d. Furthermore, side 1308b may be parallel to side 1308d. Additionally, the media planarization portion 1302 may have a top surface 1328 and a bottom surface 1330. In exemplary embodiments, the top surface 1328 of the media planarization portion 1302 may define the top edge 1324 of the media planarization portion 1302. Furthermore, the bottom surface 1330 of the media flattening portion 1302 can define the bottom end portion 1326 of the media flattening portion 1302.

[0164]

[0285] In some examples, the bottom surface 1330 of the media flattening portion 1302 can define a void 1310 extending from the bottom surface 1330 to the top surface 1328 of the media flattening portion 1302. In exemplary embodiments, the shape of the void 1310 is defined by the inner edge 1312 of the media flattening portion 1302. In some examples, the void 1310 can have a rectangular shape. In such scenarios, the shape of the media flattening portion 1302 can correspond to a concentric rectangle. Furthermore, for this purpose, one or more dimensions of the media flattening portion 1302 may include an outer length (drawn by 1314), an outer width (drawn by 1316), an inner length (drawn by 1318), and an inner width (drawn by 1320). In some examples, the outer length (drawn by 1314) and inner length (drawn by 1318) of the media flattening portion 1302 are defined along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, in some examples, the outer width (drawn by 1316) and inner width (drawn by 1320) of the media flattening portion 1302 are defined along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122.

[0165]

[0286] In some examples, the media flattening portion 1302 can be configured to couple to the first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d. In an exemplary embodiment, the media flattening portion 1302 is configured to be movably coupled to the top chassis portion 126 by the first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d. In some examples, the dimensions of the inner length (depicted by 1318) and the inner width (depicted by 1320) of the media flattening portion 1302 can be equivalent to the dimensions of the print head. For this purpose, when the frame 1216 is received at the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126, the print head can be viewed through the gap 1310. The coupling of the frame 1216 and the top chassis portion 126 will be further described in FIG. 14.

[0166]

[0287] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the top chassis portion 126 according to one or more embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 14, the bottom end portion 208 defines a first channel 1420, a second channel 1422, a third channel (not shown), and a fourth channel (not shown) that extend from the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126 towards the top end portion 206 of the top chassis portion 126. The first channel 1420 and the second channel 1422 can be configured to receive at least one biasing member 1402. Similarly, although not shown in FIG. 14, the third channel and the fourth channel can also receive the biasing member 1402. Additionally, as shown, each of the first channel 1420 and the second channel 1422 can be configured to receive the first support members 1304a and 1304b, respectively. Similarly (although not shown in FIG. 14), the third channel and the fourth channel can receive the first support members 1304c and 1304d, respectively.

[0167]

[0288] In some examples, multiple first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d can be coupled to at least one biasing member 1402 in each of the first channel 1420, second channel 1422, third channel, and fourth channel, respectively. For example, the first end 1406 of the first support member 1304a is coupled to at least one biasing member 1402. In an exemplary embodiment, when no external force is applied to the plurality of first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d, at least one biasing member 1402 applies a biasing force (depicted by 1410) to each of the plurality of first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d, pulling the first end 1406 of each of the plurality of first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d toward the top end 206 of the top chassis portion 126. In an alternative embodiment, when no external force is applied to the plurality of first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d, at least one biasing member 1402 applies a biasing force (depicted by 1410) to each of the plurality of first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d, pushing the first ends 1406 of the plurality of first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d toward the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0168]

[0289] As discussed above, the biasing member 1402 applies a biasing force (drawn by 1410) to the first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d. Accordingly, the biasing force (drawn by 1410) is applied to the media flattening portion 1302, advancing it toward the bottom end 208 of the top chassis portion 126. In some examples, an external force can be applied to the frame 1216 to move the media flattening portion 1302 to a position proximal to the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, a fifth actuation unit 1412 can be configured to apply an external force to the frame 1216. Some examples of the fifth actuation unit 1412 may include a hydraulic system. In such embodiments, a biasing force can be applied to the frame 1216 by the hydraulic system. For this purpose, each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel may be devoid of at least one biasing member 1402. Furthermore, each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel may be fluidically coupled to a hydraulic pump 1414. In some examples, the hydraulic pump 1414 may be configured to pump fluid in and out of each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel (through one or more conduits such as conduits 1416 and conduit 1418) to apply an external force to the frame 1216. For example, when fluid is pumped to each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel, the fluid can act as an external force on the frame 1216. In another example, when fluid is pumped from each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel, a negative pressure (generated by pumping the fluid outward) acts a biasing force (drawn by 1410) on the frame 1216. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d may not be coupled to the biasing member 1402 in the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel.For this purpose, the first support members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d can be directly received into the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel, respectively.

[0169]

[0290] In yet another embodiment, the fifth actuation unit 1412 may correspond to an electromagnet that can be installed within the bottom chassis portion 128, as will be further described in relation to Figure 16. In such an implementation example, activation of the electromagnet can generate a magnetic field, thereby applying a magnetic force to the frame 1216. The magnetic force applied to the frame 1216 may correspond to an external force that can cause the frame 1216 to move.

[0170]

[0291] Figure 15 shows a perspective view 1500 of another implementation example of frame 1216 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0171]

[0292] In exemplary embodiments, the frame 1216 includes a media planarization portion 1502, a second support member portion 1504, and a linear block 1506. In some examples, the media planarization portion 1502 may have a structure similar to that of the media planarization portion 1302. For example, the shape of the media planarization portion 1502 may correspond to a concentric rectangle. Furthermore, the media planarization portion 1502 comprises one or more sides 1508a, 1508b, 1508c, and 1508d. Along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122, side 1508a may be spaced apart from side 1508c. Furthermore, side 1508a may be parallel to side 1508c. Similarly, along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122, side 1508b may be spaced apart from side 1508d. Furthermore, side 1508b may be parallel to side 1508d.

[0172]

[0293] In exemplary embodiments, the media planarization portion 1502 is joined to the linear block 1506 by a second support member portion 1504. In some examples, the side 1508c of the media planarization portion 1502 is joined to the linear block 1506 by the second support member portion 1504. In some examples, the second support member portion 1504 can correspond to a support member capable of supporting the weight of the media planarization portion 1502.

[0173]

[0294] In an exemplary embodiment, the linear block 1506 is further movably coupled to the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B. Furthermore, the length of the second support member portion 1504 is such that when the linear block 1506 is movably coupled to the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B, the gap 1510 of the media planarization portion 1502 is positioned below the print head along the vertical axis 128 (mounted within the top chassis portion 126). More specifically, the print head can be seen through the gap 1510. For example, in a scenario where the print head corresponds to a laser print head, the gap 1510 can allow laser light from the print head to pass through.

[0174]

[0295] Furthermore, the linear block 1506 can be coupled to an operating unit (for example, a hydraulic pump, electromagnet, and rails, as shown in Figures 14 to 16), thereby facilitating the movement of the frame 1216. For example, one or more motors of the printing apparatus 100 can be coupled to the linear block 1506. The operation of one or more motors can cause the frame 1216 to move.

[0175]

[0296] Figure 16 shows a bottom perspective view 1600 of the bottom chassis portion 128 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0176]

[0297] As discussed in Figure 12, in some examples, the bottom chassis portion 128 is configured to receive a vacuum generating unit on its bottom surface 1220. For example, the bottom chassis portion 128 is configured to receive a vacuum generating unit 1602 on its bottom surface 1220. In exemplary embodiments, the vacuum generating unit 1602 may be configured to generate negative pressure through a plurality of orifices 1228a, 1228b, ..., 1228n on the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, the negative pressure causes the printing medium 104 (received on the platform 1222) to adhere to the platform 1222. Accordingly, the printing medium 104 can be positioned flat on the platform 1222 when the vacuum generating unit 1602 is activated. Some examples of the vacuum generating unit 1602 may include a fan or a vacuum pump.

[0177]

[0298] In some examples, the bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128 can be further configured to receive a fifth actuation unit 1412. For example, the bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128 can be configured to receive an electromagnet 1604.

[0178]

[0299] Figure 17 shows another perspective view of a portion of the bottom chassis portion 128 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0179]

[0300] In exemplary embodiments, the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a recess 1702 at the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128. Furthermore, the recess 1702 extends along the length (defined along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122) and width (defined along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122) of the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, defining the recess 1702 forms a platform receiving surface 1704. The platform receiving surface 1704 may have a rectangular shape surrounded on three sides by walls 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c. In some examples, the walls 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c may extend from the platform receiving surface 1704 to the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128 along the vertical axis 128 of the print head engine 122. In exemplary embodiments, the walls 1706a and 1706c may extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122 and may be parallel to each other. Furthermore, the wall 1706b may extend along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122 and may be defined to be located proximal to the rear section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. In exemplary embodiments, the platform receiving surface 1704 may not be surrounded by walls on a fourth side in order to define an opening 1708. In some examples, the opening 1708 may allow for the reception of modular components 1716 (further described in Figure 18), such as a modular platform.

[0180]

[0301] In exemplary embodiments, each of the wall surfaces 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c may have a projection groove 1710 defined near the apex 226. The projection groove 1710 may extend along the length of each wall surface 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c. For example, projection grooves 1710 defined on wall surfaces 1706a and 1706c may extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Furthermore, projection grooves 1710 defined on wall surface 1706b may extend along the transverse axis 212 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, in each wall surface 1706a and 1706c, the region 1712 between the respective projection groove 1710 and the platform receiving surface 1704 may define a path for slidingly receiving a modular component 1716 (described in relation to Figure 18), such as a modular platform. As an addition or alternative, the region 1712 and protruding groove 1710 defined in the wall surface 1706b can lock the modular platform and, accordingly, prevent the movement of the modular platform. For example, the region 1712 and protruding groove 1710 defined in the wall surface 1706b can prevent the movement of modular components along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100.

[0181]

[0302] In exemplary embodiments, a gasket layer 1718 can be placed in the regions 1712 of each wall surface 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c. In some examples, the gasket layer 1718 can prevent air from passing through the interface between the module component 1716 (which can be received on the platform receiving surface 1704) and the region 1712.

[0182]

[0303] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a cavity 1714 extending from the bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128 to the platform receiving surface 1704. In a scenario in which the module component 1716 is received onto the platform receiving surface 1704, the module component 1716 is positioned so that it covers the cavity 1714 from the top edge 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128. As discussed above, the vacuum generating unit 1602 is received at the bottom edge 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128 so as to generate negative pressure through the cavity 1714.

[0183]

[0304] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a modular platform 1800 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0184]

[0305] The modular platform 1800 has an outer surface 1802 that can define the top end 1804 and the bottom end 1806 of the modular platform 1800. In some examples, the top end 1804 of the modular platform 1800 can be configured to be positioned proximal to the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128 when the modular platform 1800 is received on the platform receiving surface 1704 (defined on the bottom chassis portion 128). Furthermore, the bottom end 1806 of the modular platform 1800 can face the cavity 1714 when the modular platform 1800 is received on the platform receiving surface 1704. In some examples, the width of the modular platform 1800 (along the vertical axis 128 of the print head engine 122) can be equal to the width of the region 1712 (defined between each protruding groove 1710 and the platform receiving surface 1704).

[0185]

[0306] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 1802 can define a plurality of orifices 1808a, 1808b, ... 1808n that can extend from the bottom end portion 1806 of the modular platform 1800 to the top end portion 1804 of the modular platform 1800. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of orifices 1808a, 1808b, ... 1808n can be arranged as an (N*M) matrix, where N corresponds to the number of rows of the plurality of orifices 1808a, 1808b, ... 1808n, and M corresponds to the number of columns of the plurality of orifices 1808a, 1808b, ... 1808n. In an exemplary embodiment, the rows of the plurality of orifices are defined to extend along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Further, the columns of the plurality of orifices are defined to extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.

[0186]

[0307] In an exemplary embodiment, the number of rows of the plurality of orifices 1808a, 1808b, ... 1808n can be proportional to the width of the print media 104 used within the printing apparatus 100. For example, the number of rows of the plurality of orifices 1808a, 1808b, ... 1808n can vary based on the width of the print media 104. In this example, another modular platform having a smaller number of rows of the plurality of orifices 1808a, 1808b, ... 1808n can be installed on the bottom chassis portion 128 in order to create better suction on a print media having a smaller width. For this purpose, the modular platform 1800 can be removed by sliding the modular platform 1800 from the bottom chassis portion 128. Further, another modular platform (supporting another print media) can be slid onto the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0187]

[0308] FIGS. 19a and 19b show perspective views of a modular platform 1800 sliding on a bottom chassis portion 128 and the bottom chassis portion 128 having the modular platform 1800, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0188]

[0309] Referring to Figure 19a, the modular platform 1800 is received by the platform receiving surface 1704 by sliding the modular platform 1800 through the opening 1708 between the groove 1710 and the platform receiving surface 1704. Referring to Figure 19B, the modular platform 1800 is positioned at the top end 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0189]

[0310] In some examples, the above-described structure of the print head engine 122 is available for vector mode printing. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the print head engine 122 having the above-described structure. In exemplary embodiments, the print head engine 122 may have a structure that facilitates the printing apparatus 100 printing in raster mode. Such a structure of the print head engine 122 is described herein.

[0190]

[0311] Printhead structure - Raster mode In some examples, the print head may include a laser subsystem to facilitate the printing of content using a laser beam by the printing apparatus 100. The laser subsystem may further include one or more laser sources and an optical assembly. One or more laser sources may be configured to generate one or more laser beams, which are guided through the optical assembly to focus their energy onto the printing medium and print the content.

[0191]

[0312] Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of a print head 302 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The print head 302 includes a laser subsystem 2002, a leading-edge (SOL) detector 2004, a laser power control system 2006, a controller 2008, a memory device 2010, an input / output (I / O) interface unit 2012, a laser subsystem control unit 2014, and a synchronization unit 2016.

[0192]

[0313] The controller 2008 can be implemented as a means including one or more microcontrollers having attached digital signal controllers, one or more controllers without attached digital signal controllers, one or more controllers, one or more multicore controllers, one or more controllers, processing circuits, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Accordingly, although shown as a single controller in Figure 20, in one embodiment the controller 2008 may include multiple controllers and signal processing modules. Multiple controllers can be implemented on a single electronic device or distributed across multiple electronic devices collectively configured to function as the circuitry of the print head 302. Multiple controllers can communicate operably with one another as described herein and can be collectively configured to perform one or more functions of the circuitry of the print head 302. In exemplary embodiments, the controller 2008 may be configured to execute instructions stored in a memory device 2010 or otherwise accessible by the controller 2008. When these instructions are executed by the controller 2008, the circuits of the printing apparatus 100 can be caused to perform one or more of the functions described herein.

[0193]

[0314] Whether configured by hardware, firmware / software methods, or a combination thereof, the controller 2008 may include entities that, while configured accordingly, are capable of performing the operations according to embodiments of this disclosure. For example, when the controller 2008 is implemented as an ASIC, FPGA, etc., the controller 2008 may include hardware specifically configured to perform one or more operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the controller 2008 is implemented as an instruction executor, such as one that can be stored in a memory device 2704, the instruction may configure the controller 2008 to perform one or more algorithms and operations described herein.

[0194]

[0315] Accordingly, as used herein, controller 2008 may refer to a programmable microcontroller, microcomputer, or one or more multiple controller chips that can be configured by software instructions (applications) to perform various functions, including those of the various embodiments described above. Some devices may provide multiple controllers dedicated to wireless communication functions and one controller dedicated to the execution of other applications. Software applications may be stored in internal memory until accessed and loaded into the controller. A controller may contain sufficient internal memory to store application software instructions. In many devices, internal memory may be volatile memory, non-volatile memory such as flash memory, or a mixture of both. Memory may also reside within another computing resource (for example, enabling the download of computer-readable instructions via the internet or another wired or wireless connection).

[0195]

[0316] The memory device 2010 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and / or interfaces adapted to store a set of instructions executable by the controller 2008 to perform a predetermined operation. Some commonly known memory implementations, but not limited to, include hard disks, random access memory, cache memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read-only memory (DVD-ROM), optical discs, circuitry configured to store information, or any combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the memory device 2010 may be integrated with the controller 2008 on a single chip.

[0196]

[0317] In some examples, the memory device 2010 may include a buffer space and one or more configuration registers. In an exemplary embodiment, the buffer space may be configured to store data to be printed on the printing medium 104. In some examples, one or more configuration registers are configured to hold configuration values. The configuration values ​​in one or more configuration registers determine one or more configurations and one or more states of the print head 302. The table below shows examples of one or more configuration tables.

[0197] [Table 1] Table 1: One or more configured registers

[0318] One or more configuration registers will be described further in relation to Figure 40.

[0198]

[0319] The I / O device interface unit 2012 may include, but is not limited to, suitable logic and / or circuitry that can be configured to communicate with one or more components of the printing apparatus 100 in accordance with one or more device communication protocols, such as the I2C communication protocol, the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication protocol, the Serial Communication Protocol, the Control Area Network (CAN) communication protocol, and the 1-Wire® communication protocol. Some examples of the I / O device interface unit 2012 may include, but is not limited to, a data acquisition (DAQ) card, an electric drive driver circuit, and the like.

[0199]

[0320] In exemplary embodiments, the I / O device interface unit 2012 includes a print head interface. In some examples, the print head interface facilitates coupling between the print head 302 and the control unit 138 of the printing apparatus. In exemplary embodiments, the print head interface enables communication of one or more signals between the print head 302 and the control unit 138 of the printing apparatus 100. In exemplary embodiments, one or more signals can facilitate synchronization between the print head 302 and the control unit 138, as described in Figures 41 to 47. Additionally or alternatively, the print head interface may include one or more electrical connectors through which one or more signals are shared between the print head 302 and the control unit 138. The table below shows the pinout of the print head interface.

[0200] [Table 2] Table 2: Pinout of Print Head Interface

[0321] The purpose of one or more signals and other pin arrangements in the print head interface will be further described in reference to Figures 41 to 47. In exemplary embodiments, the laser subsystem 2002 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that can enable the print head 302 to direct a laser to the printing medium 104 positioned on the platform 322. The laser subsystem 2002 may include one or more optical assemblies and laser sources that can work together to facilitate the guidance of the laser to the printing medium 104. The structure and operation of the laser subsystem 2002 will be further described in reference to Figure 21.

[0201]

[0322] Laser optics Figure 21 shows a schematic diagram of a laser subsystem 2002 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The laser subsystem 2002 includes one or more laser sources 2102 and an optical assembly 2104.

[0202]

[0323] In exemplary embodiments, one or more laser sources include suitable logic and / or circuits that enable one or more laser sources 2102 to generate one or more laser beams. In some examples, one or more laser sources 2102 can be made capable of generating one or more laser beams of different wavelengths. For example, one or more laser sources can be made capable of generating one or more laser beams having wavelengths in the range of 600 nm to 800 nm. Some examples of one or more laser sources, but not limited to, include gas laser sources, chemical laser sources, excimer laser sources, solid-state laser sources, fiber laser sources, photonic crystal laser sources, semiconductor-based laser sources, dye laser sources, free-electron laser sources, and the like. In some examples, one or more laser sources 2102 can be configured to produce a writing laser beam and a preheating laser beam. The writing laser beam has a wavelength of 600 nm. The preheating laser beam has a wavelength of 800 nm.

[0203]

[0324] The optical assembly 2104 is positioned relative to one or more laser sources and configured to guide the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam to the printing medium 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical assembly 2104 includes a polygon mirror 2106 which can be coupled to a fourth actuator unit 2108. The fourth actuator unit 2108 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that can facilitate the rotation of the polygon mirror 2106 at a predetermined speed. In an exemplary embodiment, the polygon mirror 2106 may have one or more reflective surfaces 2110, the number of which depends on the shape of the polygon mirror defining the reflective surfaces 2110. For example, if the shape of the polygon mirror corresponds to an octagon, the number of which reflective surfaces 2110 is eight. The polygon mirror 2106 is positioned relative to one or more laser sources 2102 such that the polygon mirror 2106 reflects the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam along a predetermined direction. More specifically, one or more reflective surfaces 2110 can reflect the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam in a predetermined direction based on the angle of incidence between the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam and the reflective surface of one or more reflective surfaces 2110. In an exemplary embodiment, as the polygon mirror 2106 rotates, the angle of incidence between the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam and the reflective surface 2110 can be varied by varying the direction in which the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam are reflected. For this purpose, the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam can be swept along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.

[0204]

[0325] The optical assembly 2104 further includes a plurality of lenses 2112 through which the reflected beam passes. In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of lenses may each be configured to focus a writing laser beam and a preheating laser beam. The optical assembly 2104 further includes one or more folding mirrors 2114a, 2114b, 2114c, and 2114d positioned downstream of the plurality of lenses 2112. In some examples, the plurality of folding mirrors 2114a, 2114b, 2114c, and 2114d may be configured to correct the direction of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam. More specifically, one or more folding mirrors 2114a, 2114b, 2114c, and 2114d may guide the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam to a printing medium 104 positioned on a platform 322 of the bottom chassis portion 128.

[0205]

[0326] The writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam are swept by the rotation of the polygon mirror 2106, so that the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam can sweep across the width of the printing medium 104. When the lasers strike the printing medium 104, the color of the printing medium is corrected. The correction of the color of the printing medium 104 corresponds to the printed content. The printing medium 104, which changes color when struck by the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam, will be described later in relation to Figure 25.

[0206]

[0327] In some examples, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the case where one or more laser sources 2102 generate a write laser beam and a preheating laser beam, the write laser beam being configured to write content to the printing medium 104 and the preheating laser beam being configured to preheat the printing medium 104. In exemplary embodiments, one or more laser sources 2102 may be configured to generate two or more write laser beams. For example, one or more laser sources 2102 may be configured to generate three write laser beams, and thus three write laser beams may be configured to write content to the printing medium 104. For this purpose, the three write laser beams are configured to be guided to the printing medium 104 by an optical assembly 2104. For this purpose, the three write laser beams may be guided to the printing medium 104 so as to be adjacent to each other along the printing path. In some examples, the first three laser beams may be configured to print three adjacent lines on the printing medium 104 simultaneously. In such embodiments, the first three laser beams may be configured to print different data. In some examples, a set of three write laser beams can be disabled during printing. In yet another example, the three write laser beams can be configured to print the same data. In exemplary embodiments, the three write laser beams can be configured according to one or more configuration settings of the printing apparatus 100. In some examples, one or more configuration settings may include, but are not limited to, the resolution at which the content should be printed, the speed at which the printing medium 104 moves along the printing path, and so on.

[0207]

[0328] SOL Detector In some examples, the print head 302 can be calibrated before or during the process of printing content. In some examples, calibration can be activated to determine the location of one or more optical systems, such as polygon mirrors, at any given moment. In some examples, the calibration of the optical system provides indication of where the content should be printed, via a leading-off (SOL) detector, etc. The SOL detector may correspond to a photodetector that receives reflected laser beams from each face of the polygon mirror 2102 as the polygon mirror 2102 rotates, or may take the form of another detection mechanism such as an optical sensor, thermal sensor, configured to detect reflections from one or more optical systems. In some examples, such a detector allows for the detection of the velocity of the optical system, as well as one or more properties of the optical system, such as the face of the polygon mirror from which one or more laser sources guide the laser beams.

[0208]

[0329] Referring again to Figure 20, the SOL detector 2004 may include suitable logic and circuitry that facilitate the printer 100 in determining the current position of the polygon mirror 2106. Determining the current position allows the printer 100 to calibrate the polygon mirror 2106. For example, calibration allows the printer 100 to adjust the starting point (SOL) from where the content should be printed on the printing medium 104 by positioning the polygon mirror 2106. The structure of the SOL detector 2004 will be further described in reference to Figure 22.

[0209]

[0330] Figure 22 shows a schematic diagram of a SOL detector 2004 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The SOL detector 2004 includes a second laser source 2202 and a photodetector 2204.

[0210]

[0331] In exemplary embodiments, the second laser source 2202 can be structurally and functionally similar to one or more laser sources. In some examples, the second laser source 2202 can be positioned relative to the polygon mirror 2106 such that the calibration laser beam generated by the second laser source 2202 is reflected from one or more reflective surfaces 2110 of the polygon mirror 2106.

[0211]

[0332] In an exemplary embodiment, the photodetector 2204 may correspond to a sensor that can be configured to receive a laser beam reflected from the polygon mirror 2106. For example, the photodetector 2204 may be configured to receive a reflected calibration laser beam. Accordingly, the photodetector 2204 generates a SOL signal that can indicate the position of the polygon mirror 2106. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 can determine the position of the polygon mirror 2106 based on the SOL signal. The position of the polygon mirror 2106 can facilitate the determination of the SOL.

[0212]

[0333] Laser power control system In some examples, the print head may include a control system. In some examples, the control system is configured to control various functions of the print head, such as including a laser source and an optical system enclosed within it. For example, the control system may be configured to control the speed of polygon mirrors to achieve print resolution and various print speeds. Furthermore, the control system may be configured to control the power level of the laser source during operation.

[0213]

[0334] Referring again to Figure 20, the laser power control system 2006 may include suitable logic circuits that enable the printing apparatus 100 to control the power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam. For example, the laser power control system 2006 is configured to control the power of one or more laser sources based on the operating mode of the printing apparatus 100. In some examples, the operating mode of the printing apparatus 100 can determine at least the resolution on which the content should be printed on the printing medium 104. Some examples of resolutions, but not limited to them, may include 200 DPI, 400 DPI, and 600 DPI. The structure of the laser power control system 2006 will be further described in relation to Figure 23.

[0214]

[0335] Figure 23 shows a schematic diagram of a laser power control system 2006 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The laser power control system 2006 includes one or more photodetector assemblies 2302. The multiple photodetector assemblies 2302 may include a photodetector 2304 and an optical assembly 2306.

[0215]

[0336] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical assembly 2306 is configured to receive portions of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam via the optical assembly 2104. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical assembly 2306 can be configured to sight the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam. The optical assembly 2306 can then be configured to guide portions of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam to one or more photodetectors 2304. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more photodetectors 2304 can be configured to generate a third signal that can indicate the power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam. The third signal can be transmitted to the control system of the printing apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system of the printing apparatus 100 can be configured to determine the current power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam based on the third signal. The control system can then be configured to compare the current power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam with the required power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam. Based on the comparison, the control system can then be configured to correct the power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam.

[0216]

[0337] Referring to Figure 20, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that enables the print head 302 to control the operation of the laser subsystem 2002. For example, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to control the rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106, as further described in Figure 47. In another example, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to control the power of one or more laser sources, as described above in Figure 23. In such embodiments, the functionality of the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may include a laser power control system 2006. In some examples, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The synchronization unit 2016 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that enables the print head 302 to receive one or more signals from the control unit 138. For example, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to receive a clock signal from the control unit 138. Based on one or more signals, the synchronization unit 2016 can be configured to instruct the laser subsystem control unit 2014 to control the operation of the print head 302, as described in Figures 41 to 47. In some examples, the synchronization unit 2016 can be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0217]

[0338] Preheating medium In some examples, the printing medium 104 can be preheated to save power and / or to provide efficient printing of the content. In exemplary embodiments, one or more laser sources can be directed toward the printing medium 104 to preheat it. In other embodiments, the medium can be preheated using the heat of the print head itself, such as by bringing the medium close to the print head or a heat dissipation unit attached to or communicating with the print head. In yet another example, the printing medium can also be preheated using other internal systems, such as a fan located near a controller or other internal component. For this purpose, as a preheating function, the content can be printed onto the printing medium 104 using a low-power writing laser beam compared to a higher-power writing laser beam that can be used in response to an unpreheated medium.

[0218]

[0339] Referring again to Figure 20, during operation, the print head 302 can guide a preheating laser beam to the printing medium 104, thereby heating the printing medium 104. Subsequently, the print head 302 can guide a writing laser beam to the printing medium 104, thereby printing content onto the printing medium 104. The structure of the printing medium 104 will be further described in relation to Figure 25.

[0219]

[0340] thermal management In some examples, the print head 302 can be heated by the use of a laser. Accordingly, in some examples, the print head 302 may include a heat dissipation unit, which is further described in Figure 24. Figure 24 shows a schematic diagram of the print head 302 having a heat dissipation unit 2402. The heat dissipation unit 2402 may be coupled to the top surface 2408 of the top chassis portion 126 of the print head 302. In some examples, the heat dissipation unit 2402 may include a radiator section 2404 and a fan section 2406. The radiator section 2404 may be coupled to the top surface, and the fan section 2406 may be coupled to the radiator. When the heat dissipation unit 2402 is activated, it may be configured to transfer heat from the print head 302 to the surrounding area. In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the heat dissipation unit 2402 including a fan section 2406. In exemplary embodiments, the heat dissipation unit 2402 may be a liquid-cooled unit. In such embodiments, the heat dissipation unit 2402 may include a pump (not shown) and a tank configured to store a fluid. The pump may be configured to pump the fluid through the print head 302 and a radiator, and the radiator may be configured to dissipate heat from the fluid to the area around the print head 302.

[0220]

[0341] print media In some examples, to facilitate printing content onto the printing medium 104 when exposed to a writing laser beam, the printing medium 104 may be composed of a chemical composition configured to react to one or more wavelengths produced by one or more laser beams emanating from one or more laser sources. In some examples, in cases where a writing laser beam is directed onto the printing medium 104, exposure of the medium to the writing laser beam triggers a chemical reaction on the printing medium, thereby facilitating a change in color. Furthermore, the printing medium 104 may have a protective layer that allows the printing apparatus 100 to authenticate the printing medium 104 before printing content onto it.

[0221]

[0342] In some examples, the color of the printing medium 104 can change when the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam strike the printing medium 104. The changed color corresponds to the printed content. In some examples, the composition of the printing medium 104 can enable such a color change (when the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam strike the printing medium 104). The composition of the printing medium 104 will be further described in relation to Figure 25.

[0222]

[0343] Figure 25 shows the composition of a printing medium 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In exemplary embodiments, the printing medium 104 includes a substrate 2502, a reaction layer 2504, and a protective layer 2506. In exemplary embodiments, the substrate 2502 may correspond to a paper layer on which the content is printed. The term “substrate” refers to a fibrous web that can be formed, produced, or manufactured from a mixture including paper fibers, internal paper sizing agents, etc., and any other optional papermaking additives such as fillers, wetting enhancers, fluorescent whitening agents (or fluorescent whitening agents). The substrate may be in the form of a continuous roll, individual sheets, etc. In some examples, ink or other content writing material may be placed on the substrate 2502 in order to print content on the substrate 2502.

[0223]

[0344] In some examples, the reaction layer 2504 can be placed on the substrate 2502. In some examples, the reaction layer 2504 may have a chemical composition that enables the reaction layer 2504 to change color when exposed to a writing laser beam of a first predetermined wavelength. For example, the reaction layer 2504 may change color when exposed to a writing laser beam having a predetermined wavelength of 500 nm. In exemplary embodiments, the changed color corresponds to the printed content. In some examples, the chemical composition of the reaction layer 2504 can be selected from the group consisting of leuco dyes, diacetylene, and ammonium octamolybdate. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the reaction layer 2504 having the chemical composition described above. In exemplary embodiments, the reaction layer 2504 may have other chemical compositions that enable the reaction layer 2504 to change color when exposed to a writing laser beam of a first predetermined wavelength.

[0224]

[0345] In some examples, the protective layer 2506 can be placed on the reaction layer 2504. In some examples, the protective layer 2506 can correspond to a photochromic layer that can be opaque to a writing laser beam having a first predetermined wavelength. Furthermore, the protective layer 2506 can allow the writing laser beam having the first predetermined wavelength to pass through while the protective layer 2506 is exposed to a preheating laser beam of a second predetermined wavelength. When the protective layer 2506 is exposed to the preheating laser beam of the second predetermined wavelength, the protective layer 2506 undergoes a photochromic process. Such a dimming process makes the protective layer passable to the writing laser beam of the first predetermined wavelength. For this purpose, the reaction layer 2504 is exposed to the writing laser beam, thereby causing the reaction layer 2504 to change color. In some examples, the second predetermined wavelength can vary within the range of 200 nm to 400 nm.

[0225]

[0346] In some examples, the protective layer 2506 can be opaque to a writing laser beam having a first predetermined wavelength when the protective layer 2506 is not exposed to a preheating laser beam of a second predetermined wavelength. In some examples, the protective layer 2506 can undergo a back-dampening process when it is not exposed to a preheating laser beam of a second predetermined wavelength. For example, the protective layer 2506 can undergo a back-dampening process in response to the protective layer 2506 not being exposed to a preheating laser beam of a second predetermined wavelength. Such a process blocks the writing laser beam having a first predetermined wavelength. In some examples, no additional exposure of the protective layer 2506 is required for the protective layer 2506 to undergo the back-dampening process.

[0226]

[0347] Several examples of protective layer 2506 may have a chemical composition that can be selected from the group consisting of an enaminoketone having Li+ in acetonitrile, and a biphotochromic molecule composed of two fast negative photochromic phenoxyliimidazolyl radicals. For the purposes of the ongoing explanation, protective layer 2506 is assumed to be composed of two fast negative photochromic phenoxyliimidazolyl radicals. The following chemical formulas show an exemplary dimming process (protective layer 2506 is exposed to a preheated laser beam) and an exemplary de-diming process (protective layer 2506 is not exposed to a preheated laser beam).

[0227] [ka]

[0348] As shown in Equation 1, the binaphthyl-bridged phenoxyimidazolyl radical complex (BN-PIC) exhibits reverse photochromism, where the most thermally stable colored form (C) is photoisomerized to a metastable colorless form (CL) via a short-lived biradical species when irradiated with a preheated laser beam. When the exposure to the preheated laser beam is removed, the CL form exhibits a rapid thermal reverse reaction with respect to the initial C form.

[0228]

[0349] As an addition or alternative, the protective layer 2506 may include an ultraviolet (UV) dye. The UV dye can be configured to authenticate the authenticity of the printing medium 104. For example, when UV radiation is shone on the printing medium, the light can be reflected from the surface of the printing medium 104. This reflected light can be detected by a photodetector, which can generate a fifth signal. Based on the fifth signal, the printing medium 104 can be authenticated.

[0229]

[0350] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the printing medium 104 having three layers. In some examples, the printing medium 104 may include a binder layer. The binder layer may correspond to an adhesive layer that can be configured to bond the substrate 2502 to the reaction layer 2504 and the protective layer 2506.

[0230]

[0351] The process of printing content onto the printing medium 104 is further illustrated in Figure 26. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram 2600 illustrating the printing of content onto the printing medium 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0231]

[0352] Schematic Figure 2600 shows a printing medium 104 that can move along a printing path (drawn by 2602). Schematic Figure 2600 further shows one or more laser sources 2102. Laser source 2102a is configured to generate a writing laser beam (drawn by 2604), and laser source 2102b is configured to generate a preheating laser beam (2606). In some examples, the preheating laser beam 2606 is configured to irradiate a portion of the printing medium 104 (drawn by 2608). Irradiation of the portion of the printing medium 104 causes a dimming process to occur in the protective layer 2506 (within the portion 2608 of the printing medium 104), thereby allowing a writing laser beam 2604 of a first predetermined wavelength to pass through. Accordingly, when a first predetermined wavelength writing laser beam (drawn by 2604) is directed to the printing medium 104, the writing laser beam (drawn by 2604) passes through the protective layer 2506 to the reaction layer 2504. The writing laser beam (drawn by 2604) causes the reaction layer 2504 to change color. As the printing medium 104 moves along the printing path (drawn by 2602), a portion of the printing medium 104 (drawn by 2608) moves along the printing path (drawn by 2602). Accordingly, a portion of the printing medium 104 (drawn by 2608) is not exposed to the preheating laser beam 2606. As a result, the protective layer 2506 undergoes a back-dimming process. Therefore, the protective layer 2506 blocks the writing laser beam 2604.

[0232]

[0353] Printer system Figure 27 shows a block diagram of a control unit 138 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 138 includes a processor 2702, a memory device 2704, an input / output (I / O) device interface unit 2706, a media characteristic determination unit 2710, a media planarization unit 2712, a media speed determination unit 2714, a print operation control unit 2716, an image processing unit 2718, a clock signal generation unit 2720, a print head synchronization unit 2722, and a data synchronization unit 2724.

[0233]

[0354] The processor 2702 can be implemented as a means including one or more microprocessors having attached digital signal processors, one or more processors without attached digital signal processors, one or more coprocessors, one or more multicore processors, one or more controllers, processing circuits, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Accordingly, although shown as a single processor in Figure 27, in one embodiment the processor 2702 may include multiple processors and signal processing modules. Multiple processors can be implemented on a single electronic device or distributed across multiple electronic devices collectively configured to function as the circuitry of the printing apparatus 100. Multiple processors can communicate operably with one another as described herein and can be collectively configured to perform one or more functions of the circuitry of the printing apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 2702 may be configured to execute instructions stored in a memory device 2704 or otherwise accessible by the processor 2702. When these instructions are executed by the processor 2702, the circuits of the printing device 100 can be caused to perform one or more of the functions described herein.

[0234]

[0355] Whether configured by hardware, by firmware / software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor 2702 may include entities that are configured accordingly and capable of performing the operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, when the processor 2702 is implemented as an ASIC, FPGA, etc., the processor 2702 may include hardware specifically configured to perform one or more operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 2702 is implemented as an instruction executor, such as one that can be stored in a memory device 2704, the instruction may configure the processor 2702 to perform one or more algorithms and operations described herein.

[0235]

[0356] Accordingly, the processor 2702 as used herein may refer to a programmable microprocessor, microcomputer, or one or more multiple processor chips that can be configured by software instructions (applications) to perform various functions, including those of the various embodiments described above. In some devices, multiple processors may be provided dedicated to wireless communication functions, and one processor may be provided dedicated to the execution of other applications. Software applications may be stored in internal memory until they are accessed and loaded into the processor. A processor may have enough internal memory to store application software instructions. In many devices, internal memory may be volatile memory, non-volatile memory such as flash memory, or a mixture of both. Memory may also reside within another computing resource (for example, enabling the download of computer-readable instructions via the internet or another wired or wireless connection).

[0236]

[0357] The memory device 2704 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and / or interfaces adapted to store a set of instructions executable by the processor 2702 to perform a predetermined operation. Some commonly known examples of memory implementations, but not limited to, include hard disks, random access memory, cache memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read-only memory (DVD-ROM), optical discs, circuitry configured to store information, or any combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the memory device 2704 may be integrated with the processor 2702 on a single chip.

[0237]

[0358] The I / O device interface unit 2706 may include, but is not limited to, preferred logic and / or circuitry that can be configured to communicate with one or more components of the printing apparatus 100 according to one or more device communication protocols such as the I2C communication protocol, the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication protocol, the Serial Communication Protocol, the Control Area Network (CAN) communication protocol, and the 1-Wire® communication protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may communicate with a first actuator unit 119, a second actuator unit 136, and a third actuator unit 504. Some examples of the I / O device interface unit 2706 may include, but is not limited to, a data acquisition (DAQ) card, an electric drive driver circuit, and the like.

[0238]

[0359] The media characteristic determination unit 2710 may include suitable logic and / or circuits that can be configured to determine one or more printing media characteristics. In some examples, the one or more printing media characteristics may include, but are not limited to, the thickness of the printing medium 104, the type of printing medium 104 (e.g., continuous medium, intermittent medium, black mark medium, etc.), etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may receive input from the operator of the printing apparatus 100 regarding the printing medium name, as further described with respect to Figure 28. Based on this printing medium name, the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may determine one or more printing media characteristics, as further described with respect to Figure 28. In some examples, the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may directly receive one or more printing media characteristics as input from the operator of the printing apparatus 100. The media characteristic determination unit 2710 may be implemented using a field-programmable gate array and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0239]

[0360] The media planarization unit 2712 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that can be configured to determine the period for stopping / deactivating the first actuation unit 119, as further illustrated in Figure 28. The media planarization unit 2712 can be implemented using a field-programmable gate array and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0240]

[0361] The media speed determination unit 2714 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that can be configured to determine the media travel speed of the printing medium 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the media speed determination unit 2714 may be configured to receive additional input from the operator of the printing device 100 regarding the speed at which the printing device 100 should operate. Based on the speed at which the printing device 100 should operate, the media speed determination unit 2714 may determine the media travel speed. Additionally or alternatively, the media speed determination unit 2714 may receive input from the operator of the printing device 100 regarding a measure of expected print quality. Based on the measure of expected print quality, the media speed determination unit 2714 may determine the media travel speed, as further illustrated in Figure 28. The media speed determination unit 2714 may be implemented using a field-programmable gate array and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0241]

[0362] The print operation control unit 2716 may include preferred logic and / or circuitry that enables it to determine one or more print head parameters associated with the print head 302 for printing content onto the printing medium 104. In exemplary embodiments, one or more print head parameters associated with the print head 302 may include, but are not limited to, the location of the polygon mirror 2106, the speed of the polygon mirror 2106, the duty cycle of the write laser beam, and so on. For example, the print operation control unit 2716 may be configured to access or otherwise receive one or more configuration settings of the printing apparatus 100. In some examples, the configuration settings may take the form of registers (e.g., a print head control register, a print head DPI register, an image width register, an image length register, a print speed register, a print darkness and contrast register, a mirror overrun register, a print head status register, a print head self-check status register, a laser beam location register, an upper odometer register, a lower odometer register, a print head error register, and so on). Subsequently, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 based on one or more configuration settings, as further described in relation to Figure 32. In some examples, the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to determine the degree of skew that may be introduced into the print content during printing of the content onto the print medium 104, as further described in Figure 34. The print operation control unit 2716 can be implemented using a field-programmable gate array and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0242]

[0363] The image processing unit 2718 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that enables the image processing unit 2718 to modify the content (received for printing on the print medium 104), as further illustrated in Figure 34. For example, in some examples, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to correct the skew of the content before printing it on the print medium 104, as further illustrated in Figure 34. In some examples, the image processing unit 2718 may modify the content by utilizing one or more well-known image processing techniques. The image processing unit 2718 may be implemented using a field-programmable gate array and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0243]

[0364] The clock signal generation unit 2720 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that enables the clock signal generation unit 2720 to generate a clock signal. Furthermore, the clock signal generation unit 2720 may be configured to transmit the clock signal to the print head 302. In exemplary embodiments, the clock signal generation unit 2720 may generate the clock signal using well-known methods such as a phase-locked loop (PLL), quartz, etc. In some examples, the clock signal may have a predetermined frequency. In some examples, the clock signal may facilitate synchronization between the control unit 138 and the print head 308. The clock signal generation unit 2720 may be implemented using a field-programmable gate array and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0244]

[0365] In some examples, the print head synchronization unit 2722 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that can cause the print head synchronization unit 2722 to generate one or more signals based on a clock signal, one or more of which will be further described in relation to Figures 41 to 47. As discussed, one or more signals can facilitate synchronization between the control unit 138 and the print head 302. For example, based on one or more signals, the print head 302 may be configured to control the speed of the polygon mirror 2106. Similarly, based on one or more signals, the print head 302 may control other operations of the print head 302. The print head synchronization unit 2722 can be implemented using a field-programmable gate array and / or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0245]

[0366] The data synchronization unit 2724 may include suitable logic and / or circuitry that can trigger the generation of one or more data signals. In an exemplary embodiment, based on one or more data signals, the control unit 138 may transmit data to the print head 302, such as data indicating what should be printed. In some examples, one or more data signals may include, but are not limited to, frame synchronization (F-Sync) and line synchronization (L-Sync) signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the F-Sync signal may indicate to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting data to be printed on the label of the print medium 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the L-Sync signal may indicate to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting segmented data to be printed on the label of the print medium 104.

[0246]

[0367] The data synchronization unit 2724 can be implemented using a field-programmable gate array and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[0247]

[0368] The operation of the control unit 138 will be further explained in relation to Figure 28.

[0248]

[0369] Methods for flattening media Figure 28 shows a flowchart 2800 of a method for operating a printing apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0249]

[0370] In step 2802, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a media characteristic determination unit 2710 to receive input of a print medium name from the operator. In an exemplary embodiment, the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may receive input from the operator via the I / O device interface unit 2706. For example, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may receive input from the operator via a UI. When it receives input, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may be configured to transmit the input to the media characteristic determination unit 2710.

[0250]

[0371] In exemplary embodiments, operator input may include, but is not limited to, information regarding the name of the printing medium 104 loaded into the printing device 100. Some examples of media types are shown below.

[0251] [Table 3] Table 3: Print media name

[0372] In step 2804, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a media characteristic determination unit 2710 to determine one or more printing media characteristics based on the printing media described in the exemplary embodiment, the media characteristic determination unit 2710 utilizing a first reference table. The table below shows an exemplary first reference table.

[0252] [Table 4] Table 4: First reference table including one or more print media characteristics

[0373] In step 2806, the printing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, a media speed determination unit 2714, etc., for determining the media travel speed. In an exemplary embodiment, before determining the print media travel speed, the media speed determination unit 2714 may be configured to receive another input regarding the speed at which the printing apparatus 100 should operate. The media speed determination unit 2714 may then be configured to determine the media travel speed by utilizing a second reference table that includes a mapping between the media travel speed and the speed at which the printing apparatus 100 should operate. The table below shows an exemplary second reference table.

[0253] [Table 5] Table 5: A second reference table showing the mapping between the operating speed of the printing device 100 and the media transfer speed.

[0254]

[0374] Additionally or alternatively, the media speed determination unit 2714 may be configured to receive input from the operator of the printing apparatus 100 regarding the expected print quality. In such an exemplary implementation, the media speed determination unit 2714 may be configured to determine the media travel speed by utilizing a third reference table that includes a mapping between the expected print quality and the media travel speed. The table below shows an exemplary third reference table.

[0255] [Table 6] Table 6: A third reference table showing the mapping between expected print media quality measures and media travel speed.

[0256]

[0375] In step 2808, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a media planarization unit 2712 to determine the period for which the second roller 134 should be stopped based on one or more printing media characteristics and media travel speed. In some examples, the media planarization unit 2712 may determine the period using a fourth reference table which includes a mapping between one or more printing media characteristics, media travel speed, and period. The table below shows an exemplary fourth reference table.

[0257] [Table 7] Table 7: A fourth reference table showing the mapping between one or more print media characteristics, media travel speed, and duration for determining the duration.

[0258]

[0376] In step 2810, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a media planarization unit 2712 to activate the first actuation unit 129 and the second actuation unit 136. The activation of the first actuation unit 129 and the second actuation unit 136 rotates the first roller 132 and the second roller 134, respectively. The rotation of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 moves the printing medium 104 along the printing direction.

[0259]

[0377] In step 2812, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a media planarization unit 2712 to deactivate the first actuation unit 129 at a first moment. Deactivating the first actuation unit 129 stops the rotation of the first roller 132. In step 2814, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a media planarization unit 2712 to determine whether a period (determined in step 2808) has elapsed since the first moment. If the media planarization unit 2712 determines that the period has elapsed, the media planarization unit 2712 may be configured to perform step 2816. However, if the media planarization unit 2712 determines that the period has not elapsed, the media planarization unit 2712 may be configured to repeat step 2814.

[0260]

[0378] In step 2816, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a media planarization unit 2712 to deactivate the second actuation unit 136 at a second moment in response to the end of the period. In an exemplary embodiment, the second moment corresponds to the moment when the period ends. Deactivation of the second actuation unit 136 stops the rotation of the second roller 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the second moment is later in the time series than the first moment. Furthermore, the time difference between the first moment and the second moment is equivalent to the period determined in step 2808. Since the second actuation unit 136 remains active even after the deactivation of the first actuation unit 129, the second roller 134 continues to rotate even after the first roller 132 has stopped rotating. In such a scenario, the second roller 134 pulls and stretches the printing medium 104. Accordingly, the printing medium 104 is flattened between the first roller 132 and the second roller 134.

[0261]

[0379] In step 2818, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to cause the print head engine 122 to print content onto the printing medium 104.

[0262]

[0380] Figure 29 shows a functional block diagram 2900 of a portion of a printing apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The functional block diagram 2900 includes a first roller 132 and a second roller 134, a print head engine 122, a printing medium 104, a first actuation unit 129, a second actuation unit 136, and a control unit 138.

[0263]

[0381] As depicted, the control unit 138 is coupled to the first actuation unit 129 and the second actuation unit 136. Furthermore, as depicted, the first actuation unit 129 and the second actuation unit 136 are coupled to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134, respectively.

[0264]

[0382] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 138 transmits a deactivation signal to the first actuation unit 129 at a first moment (T1). Subsequently, the control unit 138 transmits a deactivation signal to the second actuation unit 136 at a second moment (T2). In an exemplary embodiment, the second moment (T2) occurs after the first moment (T1) in the time series. Thus, the first roller 132 continues to rotate even after one or more second rollers 134 have stopped rotating. In such a scenario, the first roller 132 pulls and stretches the printing medium 104. Accordingly, the printing medium 104 is flattened between the first roller 132 and one or more second rollers 134.

[0265]

[0383] Figure 30 shows a flowchart 3000 of a method for operating a printing apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0266]

[0384] In step 3002, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to advance the printing medium 104 along the printing path in the printing direction.

[0267]

[0385] In step 3004, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to determine whether the printing medium 104 is positioned on the platform 1222. In an exemplary embodiment, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may rely on a medium signal from a medium sensor to determine the position of the printing medium on the platform 1222. In some examples, the medium sensor may include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver that can work together to generate a medium signal that determines the position of the printing medium on the platform 1222. In some examples, the medium signal may indicate the position of the printing medium 104. For example, the medium sensor may be configured to generate a medium signal based on the transmittance / reflectance of the printing medium 104 as the printing medium 104 is moving along the printing path. Since black dots or perforations within the printing medium 104 can indicate compartments between labels within the printing medium 104, a sudden change in the transmittance / reflectance of the printing medium 104 may indicate that a compartment between labels has passed the medium sensor. In some examples, when such a sudden change in transmittance / reflectance within the printing medium 104 is identified by the processor 2702 in the medium signal, the processor 2702 may determine that the label on the printing medium 104 has been received and positioned on the platform 1222. In response to determining that the printing medium 104 is positioned on the platform 1222, the processor 2702 may be configured to perform step 3006. However, if the processor 2702 determines that the printing medium 104 is not positioned on the platform 1222, the processor 2702 may be configured to repeat step 3004.

[0268]

[0386] In step 3006, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to stop the progress of the printing medium 104.

[0269]

[0387] In step 3008, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to activate the vacuum generation unit 1602. For example, the I / O device interface unit 2706 can activate the vacuum generation unit 1602 (e.g., a fan). Activating the vacuum generation unit 1602 generates negative pressure on the platform 1222, causing the printing medium 104 to adhere to the platform 1222.

[0270]

[0388] In step 3010, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to activate a fifth actuation unit 1412 that applies an external force to the frame 1216. The external force on the frame 1216 moves the frame 1216 to a second position. As discussed above, in the case where the frame 1216 is in the second position, the frame 1216 abuts against the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122. Once the printing medium 104 is positioned on the platform 1222 (defined on the bottom chassis portion 128), the frame 1216 can press against the printing medium 104. More specifically, the frame 1216 can press one or more edges of the printing medium 104 against the platform 1222. Thus, the combination of the vacuum (generated by the vacuum generating unit) and the frame 1216 flattens the printing medium 104. In some cases, steps 3008 and 3010 can be performed simultaneously.

[0271]

[0389] In step 3012, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to cause the print head to print content onto the flattened printing medium.

[0272]

[0390] Subsequently, in some examples, after the content has been printed, the processor 2702 can be configured to deactivate the fifth actuation unit 1412 and the vacuum generation unit 1602. Accordingly, the external force acting on the frame 1216 is removed, and the frame 1216 can move to the first position under the action of the biasing force applied by the biasing member 1402. Accordingly, the printing medium 104 can move freely along the printing path.

[0273]

[0391] Figures 31A and 31B illustrate the positioning of the frame 1216 relative to the printing medium 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein. Referring to Figure 31a, the frame 1216 is in a first position, positioned proximal to the top chassis portion 126. Accordingly, the frame 1216 does not press against the printing medium 104, and thus allows the printing medium 104 to move freely along the printing path. Referring to Figure 31B, a second actuation unit 136 (e.g., an electromagnet 1604) is activated. The electromagnet 1604 generates an external force acting on the frame 1216, moving the frame 1216 to a second position. In the second position, the frame 1216 presses against one or more edges of the printing medium 104, and thus flattens the printing medium 104. When the electromagnet is deactivated, a biasing force applied by the biasing member 1402 moves the frame 1216 back to the first position.

[0274]

[0392] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the biasing member 1402 applying a biasing force to move the frame 1216 to a first position. In exemplary embodiments, the biasing member 1402 may apply a biasing force to move the frame 1216 to a second position, so that the frame 1216 presses against one or more edges of the printing medium 104. In such embodiments, a fifth actuation unit 1412 may be configured to apply an external force to move the frame 1216 to the second position. For example, an electromagnet 1604 may apply a repulsive force to the frame 1216 to move it to the first position.

[0275]

[0393] In yet another embodiment, the positions of the biasing member 1402 and the electromagnet 1604 (i.e., the second actuation unit 136) can be swapped. In such an embodiment, the biasing member 1402 can be coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128, and the electromagnet 1604 can be positioned on the top chassis portion 126. Furthermore, for this purpose, the frame 1216 can be coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 by the biasing member 1402. The biasing member 1402 can be configured to apply a biasing force to the frame to move the frame 1216 to a second position (i.e., to press one or more edges of the printing medium 104). When the electromagnet 1604 is activated, an external force is applied to the frame 1216, moving the frame 1216 to a first position. For example, the electromagnet 1604 can apply an attractive force to the frame 1216 to move the frame 1216 to a first position.

[0276]

[0394] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the simultaneous operation of the movement of the frame 1216 and the vacuum generating unit 1602. In exemplary embodiments, the movement of both the frame 1216 and the vacuum generating unit 1602 can operate independently. For example, in one embodiment, the movement of the frame 1216 can be disabled, and only the vacuum generating unit 1602 can operate to flatten the printing medium. In another embodiment, the vacuum generating unit 1602 can be disabled, and only the frame 1216 can operate to flatten the printing medium 104.

[0277]

[0395] In some examples, the printer 100 may receive commands or instructions, through configuration settings or print jobs, to print at a specific resolution and / or a specific printing speed. In some examples, the commands or instructions may cause a change to a different resolution or printing speed than previously used. In such scenarios, the print head 302 may generate multiple laser beams capable of printing multiple lines in parallel. By changing the number of laser beams, the printer 100 can print content at various printing speeds. Additionally or alternatively, multiple printing speeds can be achieved by changing the rotation speed of an optical system, such as a polygon mirror 2106. One such method of changing the number of laser beams and the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 will be described further in relation to Figure 32.

[0278]

[0396] In some examples, the control unit 138 can be configured to configure the print head 302 to operate in one or more modes. For example, the control unit 138 can be configured to receive one or more configuration settings on which the control unit 138 can be configured to configure the print head 302. Some examples of one or more configuration settings, but not limited to, include, the resolution on which the print head 302 prints content, the width of the content, the speed at which the content should be printed, the contrast and / or darkness values ​​on which the content should be printed, the duration for which the polygon mirror 2106 rotates at an invariant rotational speed, the print head mode, the print head pressure, and so on.

[0279]

[0397] In exemplary embodiments, the control unit 138 can be configured to set configuration values ​​in one or more configuration registers (within the memory device 2010 of the print head 302) based on one or more configuration settings. In some examples, the control unit 138 can be configured to transmit the configuration values ​​to one or more configuration registers using one or more communication protocols, such as a serial peripheral interface (SPI), serial bus, or parallel bus, but is not limited to these. For this purpose, each of the one or more configuration registers is stored in a determined memory location within the memory device 2010. To set configuration values ​​in the configuration registers (one or more configuration registers), the control unit 138 can be configured to address the locations of the configuration registers. The control unit 138 can then be configured to transmit the configuration values ​​to the configuration registers. As discussed, the configuration values ​​in the configuration registers determine, in some examples, one or more configuration settings, according to which the print head 302 operates.

[0280]

[0398] Subsequently, the control unit 138 can be configured to receive data to be printed from a remote device. Furthermore, the control unit 138 can be configured to transmit data to be printed on the printing medium 104 to the print head 302 according to one or more data signals. In some examples, the control unit 138 can be configured to generate one or more data signals on which the control unit 138 can be configured to transmit data to the print head 302.

[0281]

[0399] Figure 40 shows a flowchart 4000 of a method for configuring a print head 302 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0282]

[0400] In step 4002, the printer 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to receive one or more configuration settings from a remote computing device, a user interface, storage, etc. As discussed, one or more configuration settings can determine the operating mode of the printer 100. Some examples of one or more configuration settings, but not limited to, may include the resolution at which the print head 302 prints the content, the width of the content, the printing speed at which the content should be printed, the contrast and darkness values ​​at which the content should be printed, the duration for which the polygon mirror 2106 is at a constant rotation speed, the operating mode of the print head 302, pressure, and so on.

[0283]

[0401] In step 4004, the printing device 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to store one or more configuration values ​​in one or more configuration registers. For example, the processor 2702 may be configured to store configuration values ​​in a print head control register (stored in memory device 2010). The table below shows an exemplary structure of a print head control register.

[0284] [Table 8] Table 8: Print Head Control Registers

[0402] In an exemplary embodiment, the print head control register is a 16-bit configuration register. Bit 0 of the print head control register determines whether the print head 302 should operate in raster mode or vector mode. Bits 1 through 3 are reserved for future configuration settings.

[0285]

[0403] Bits 5 and 6 of the print head control register determine one or more color settings on which the print head 302 should operate. The table below shows examples of one or more color settings.

[0286] [Table 9] Table 9: Color settings

[0404] Bit 6 of the print head control register is used to interrupt the print head 302 in the event that the control unit 138 encounters an error. Bit 7 of the print head control register is reserved for future use. Bit 8 of the print head control register is used to configure the power mode of the print head 302. Bit 9 of the print head control register is used to reset the print head 302. Bit 10 of the print head control register indicates the type of printing medium 104 placed in the printing device 100. Bits 11 to 13 indicate the type of data received by the print head 302. For example, the values ​​of bits 11 to 13 can be used to indicate to the print head 302 that the data in the data buffer corresponds to a new line to be printed on a label or medium, a new label or a new line to be printed on a new medium, or a new line to be printed regardless of the label or medium. Additionally or alternatively, based on the values ​​of bits 11 to 13, the print head 302 can clear the data buffer. Furthermore, bits 14 to 15 are reserved for future use.

[0287]

[0405] In exemplary embodiments, the processor 2702 may be configured to transmit configuration values ​​to the print head control register or otherwise allow access to the print head control register based on the structure of the print head control register and the mode in which the print head 302 should be configured. For example, if the print head 302 should be configured to print color content, the processor 2702 may be configured to set bits 4-5 in the print head control register to "10". Similarly, the processor 2702 may be configured to set / reset other bits in the print head control register to configure the operating mode of the print head 302.

[0288]

[0406] In another example, the processor 2702 may receive a configuration setting that includes information about the resolution at which the printer 100 prints its contents. In such an embodiment, the processor 2702 may be configured to transmit the resolution configuration value to the print head 302 or otherwise make the resolution configuration value available to the print head 302. More specifically, the processor 2702 may be configured to store the resolution configuration value in a print head DPI register. Before transmitting the resolution configuration value, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the resolution configuration value based on information about the resolution and the structure of the print head DPI register received in one or more configuration settings. The table below shows an exemplary print head DPI register structure.

[0289] [Table 10] Table 10: Print head DPI register

[0407] The exemplary values ​​in exemplary bits 0-11 of the print head DPI register are configured to store or otherwise represent the resolution configuration value received from the processor 2702. As discussed, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the resolution configuration value based on information about the resolution included in one or more configuration settings. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the resolution configuration value based on information about the resolution included in one or more of the configuration settings using a reference table, such as the reference table below.

[0290] [Table 11] Table 11: Reference table for determining resolution configuration values

[0408] For example, in a case where the resolution information (included in one or more configuration settings) is 300 DPI, the processor 2702 can determine the resolution configuration value to be "0x12C". For this purpose, the processor 2702 can be configured to store the resolution configuration value "0x12C" in the print head DPI register.

[0291]

[0409] In another example, the processor 2702 may receive a configuration setting that includes information about the print speed at which the printer 100 prints its contents. In such an embodiment, the processor 2702 may be configured to transmit the print speed configuration value to the print head 302, or otherwise make the print speed configuration value accessible to the print head 302. More specifically, the processor 2702 may be configured to store the print speed configuration value in a print speed register. Before transmitting the print speed configuration value, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the print speed configuration value based on information about the print speed and the structure of the print speed register received in one or more configuration settings. The table below shows an exemplary structure of a print speed register.

[0292] [Table 12] Table 12: Print Speed ​​Register

[0410] The values ​​of bits 0-8 of the exemplary print speed register are configured to store the print speed configuration value received from the processor 2702. As discussed, the processor 2702 can be configured to determine the print speed configuration value based on information about the print speeds contained in one or more configuration settings. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 2702 can be configured to determine the print speed configuration value based on information about the print speeds contained in one or more of the configuration settings using a reference table, such as the reference table below.

[0293] [Table 13] Table 13: Reference table for determining print speed configuration values

[0411] For example, in a case where the information regarding the print speed (included in one or more configuration settings) is 100 mm / second, the processor 2702 can determine that the configuration value is "001100100". For this purpose, the processor 2702 can be configured to store the configuration value "001100100" in the print speed register. In another example, the processor 2702 can be configured to directly convert the print speed (obtained from one or more configuration settings) into a print speed configuration value. For example, the processor 2702 can be configured to convert the print speed into a binary number, which corresponds to or otherwise represents the configuration value. For example, the processor 2702 can convert a print speed of 200 mm / second into "011001000", where this value "011001000" corresponds to or otherwise represents the configuration value to be stored in the print speed register.

[0294]

[0412] In another example, the processor 2702 may receive a configuration setting that includes information about the darkness and / or contrast settings on which the printer 100 prints content. In such an embodiment, the processor 2702 may be configured to transmit the darkness and / or contrast configuration values ​​to the print head 302, or otherwise make the darkness and / or contrast configuration values ​​available to the print head 302. More specifically, the processor 2702 may be configured to store the darkness and / or contrast configuration values ​​in a darkness and contrast register. Before transmitting the darkness and / or contrast configuration values, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the darkness and / or contrast configuration values ​​based on the information about the darkness and / or contrast settings received in one or more configuration settings, as well as the structure of the darkness and / or contrast register. The table below shows an exemplary structure of the darkness and / or contrast register.

[0295] [Table 14] Table 14: Darkness and / or contrast registers

[0413] Exemplary values ​​in bits 0-7 of the darkness and / or contrast register are configured to store or otherwise represent darkness configuration values. Furthermore, values ​​in bits 8-15 of the darkness and / or contrast register are configured to store or otherwise represent contrast configuration values. As discussed, the processor 2702 can be configured to determine darkness and / or contrast configuration values ​​based on information about darkness and / or contrast settings included in one or more configuration settings. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 2702 can be configured to determine darkness and / or contrast configuration values ​​based on information about darkness and / or contrast settings included in one or more of the configuration settings using a reference table, such as the following reference table.

[0296] [Table 15] Table 15: Reference table for determining darkness and / or contrast component values

[0414] For example, in a case where information regarding the darkness setting (included in one or more configuration settings) is 100%, the processor 2702 can determine the configuration value to be "0x64". For this purpose, the processor 2702 can be configured to store the configuration value "0x64" in the darkness and / or contrast registers.

[0297]

[0415] In another example, the processor 2702 may receive a configuration setting that includes information about the polygon mirror rotation timeout. In some examples, the polygon mirror rotation timeout corresponds to the duration until the polygon mirror 2106 stops rotating or reduces its rotation speed in cases where no new print job / data is received or otherwise detected by the print head 302. In such embodiments, the processor 2702 may be configured to transmit the rotation speed configuration value to the print head 302 or otherwise make the rotation speed configuration value available to the print head 302. More specifically, the processor 2702 may be configured to store the rotation speed configuration value in a mirror overrun register. Before transmitting the rotation speed configuration value, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the rotation speed configuration value based on the polygon mirror rotation timeout information received in one or more configuration settings and the structure of the mirror overrun register. The table below shows an exemplary structure of the mirror overrun register.

[0298] [Table 16] Table 16: Miller Overrun Registers

[0416] Exemplary values ​​in bits 0-15 of the mirror overrun register are configured to store or otherwise represent rotation speed configuration values. As discussed, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine rotation speed configuration values ​​based on information regarding polygon mirror rotation timeouts included in one or more configuration settings. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine rotation speed configuration values ​​based on information regarding polygon mirror rotation timeouts included in one or more configuration settings using a reference table, such as the following reference table.

[0299] [Table 17] Table 17: Reference table for determining rotational speed configuration values

[0417] For example, in a case where the information regarding the polygon mirror rotation timeout (included in one or more configuration settings) is 120 seconds, the processor 2702 can determine that configuration value to be "0x78". For this purpose, the processor 2702 can be configured to store the configuration value "0x78" in the mirror overrun register.

[0300]

[0418] Similarly, the processor 2702 can be configured to transmit other configuration values ​​to other configuration registers based on their respective reference tables, predetermined values, default settings, etc. In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to determining configuration values ​​based on their respective reference tables. In exemplary embodiments, the processor 2702 can determine configuration values ​​directly from one or more configuration settings. Furthermore, in some examples, the configuration values ​​depicted in the reference tables (i.e., Tables 11, 13, 15, and 17) are exemplary values, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the configuration values ​​depicted.

[0301]

[0419] In some examples, the print head 302 can print content onto the printing medium 104 based on configuration values ​​in one or more configuration registers. For example, based on a darkness configuration value, the print head 302 can be configured to print dark content onto the printing medium 104. In another example, the print head 302 can be configured to determine the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 based on one or more configuration values ​​stored in one or more configuration registers.

[0302]

[0420] In some examples, multiple writing laser beams are used to print content onto a printing medium. Using multiple writing laser beams enables the printing device 100 to operate and / or support multiple printing resolutions at multiple printing speeds. Furthermore, the printing device 100 can modify the number of writing laser beams to achieve different resolutions and different printing speeds. One such method of printing content using multiple writing laser beams is described in relation to Figure 32.

[0303]

[0421] In some examples, multiple writing laser beams are used to print content onto a printing medium. Using multiple writing laser beams enables the printing device 100 to operate and / or support multiple printing resolutions at multiple printing speeds. Furthermore, the printing device 100 can modify the number of writing laser beams to achieve different resolutions and different printing speeds. One such method of printing content using multiple writing laser beams is described in relation to Figure 32.

[0304]

[0422] Figure 32 shows a flowchart 3200 of a method for printing content onto a printing medium 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0305]

[0423] In step 3202, the printer 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to receive one or more configuration settings associated with the printer 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may receive one or more configuration settings associated with the printer 100 via the UI 140. In some examples, as discussed, one or more configuration settings may include the print resolution at which the content is printed on the printing medium 104, and the speed at which the printing medium 104 should move along the print path. For example, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may receive one or more configuration settings as 600 DPI (dots per inch) at 15.24 cm / sec (6 IPS) (inches per second). In some examples, 600 DPI corresponds to the print resolution at which the content is printed on the printing medium 104. Furthermore, 15.24 cm / sec (6 IPS) corresponds to the speed at which the printing medium 104 should move along the print path. Additionally, one or more configuration settings may include information about the number of writing laser beams used to write content onto the printing medium 104. For example, one or more configuration settings may specify that the number of writing laser beams for writing content is 3.

[0306]

[0424] In step 3204, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a print operation control unit 2716 to determine one or more print head parameters based on one or more configuration parameters. For example, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine the rotational speed at which the polygon mirror 2106 rotates. In some examples, the print operation control unit 2716 may be configured to determine the rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106 based on one or more configuration settings (resolution and media travel speed). In some examples, the print operation control unit 2716 may be configured to determine the rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106 using the following equation.

[0307]

[0425]

[0308]

number

[0309]

[0426] Assuming the media movement speed is 15.24 cm / sec (6 IPS), the print resolution is 600 DPI, and the write laser beam resolution is 600 DPI, the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to determine data redundancy as 1. Accordingly, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine that the three write laser beams are configured to print separate content simultaneously on the print medium 104. Additionally, assuming that none of the faces of the polygon mirror 2106 are blown off while the content is being printed (i.e., all eight faces of the polygon mirror 2106 are used to print the content), based on Equation 2, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 to be 9000 rpm.

[0310]

[0427] In step 3206, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a printing operation control unit 2716 to cause one or more laser sources 2102 to generate a writing laser beam (drawn by 2604) and a pre-excited laser beam (drawn by 2606) while the polygon mirror 2106 is rotating at a determined rotational speed. In some examples, one or more laser sources 2102 may be configured to generate three writing laser beams having a predetermined laser resolution. For example, one or more laser sources 2102 may be configured to generate three writing laser beams having a printing resolution of 600 DPI.

[0311]

[0428] The polygon mirror 2106 rotates at 9000 rpm, and the three writing laser beams have a laser resolution of 600 dpi, thus achieving a print resolution of 600 DPI and a print speed of 15.24 cm / second (6 IPS). In some examples, multiple writing laser beams can be configured to write the same content onto the print medium 104 in order to modify the print resolution of the printed content and the printing medium movement speed without modifying the rotation speed of the polygon. For example, to achieve a resolution of 200 DPI at a medium movement speed of 15.24 cm / second (6 IPS), the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to determine data redundancy as 3. Accordingly, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine that the three writing laser beams can be configured to write the same content onto the print medium 104 simultaneously. For this purpose, a resolution of 200 DPI is achieved at 15.24 cm / sec (6 IPS) when the polygon mirror 2106 rotates at 9000 rpm and three writing laser beams are configured to write the same content.

[0312]

[0429] In another example, to achieve a print resolution of 600 DPI and a print speed of 30.48 cm / second (12 IPS), the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to determine that the polygon mirror 2106 rotates at 18,000 rpm. Accordingly, when the polygon mirror 2106 rotates at 18,000 rpm and three writing laser beams are configured to write content onto the print medium 104, a print resolution of 600 dpi is achieved at 30.48 cm / second (12 IPS). To modify the print resolution at the same print speed, the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to modify data redundancy. As discussed, data redundancy can determine the number of writing laser beams used to write the same content onto the print medium 104. For example, to achieve a print resolution of 200 DPI at the same print speed of 30.48 cm / second (12 IPS), the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to modify data redundancy to 3. Accordingly, the three writing laser beams can be configured to write the same content onto the printing medium 104.

[0313]

[0430] In some examples, during the configuration of the printing apparatus, the polygon mirror speed and the number of write laser beams to be used for various printing speeds and resolutions are pre-stored in the memory of the printing apparatus 100. In an alternative embodiment, the polygon mirror speed and the number of write laser beams can be pre-stored in the memory of the print head.

[0314]

[0431] In an additional embodiment, to achieve a resolution of 300 DPI at a medium travel speed of 25.4 cm / second (10 IPS), the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to determine data redundancy as 2. Accordingly, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine that two writing laser beams can be configured to write the same content simultaneously onto the print medium 104. Furthermore, a third writing laser beam can be configured to write different content onto the print medium. For this purpose, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine that the rotation speed of the polygon mirror is 15,000 rpm. Therefore, to achieve a print resolution of 300 DPI at 25.4 cm / second (10 IPS), the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to rotate the polygon mirror at 15,000 rpm. Furthermore, the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to have the two writing laser beams print the same content onto the print medium 104.

[0315]

[0432] Similarly, the print operation control unit 2716 can be configured to modify one or more of the print head parameters to achieve different print resolutions and print speeds.

[0316]

[0433] Figure 33 shows another method 3300 for printing content onto a printing medium 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In step 3302, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to receive one or more configuration settings associated with the printing apparatus 100. In step 3304, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a print operation control unit 2716 to determine one or more print head parameters based on one or more configuration settings. In step 3306, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a printing operation control unit 2716 to cause one or more laser sources 2102 to generate a writing laser beam (drawn by 2604) and a pre-excited laser beam (drawn by 2606) while the polygon mirror 2106 is rotating at a determined rotational speed. Additionally or alternatively, the printing operation control unit 2716 may be configured to control the activation and / or deactivation of one or more laser sources based on the face of the polygon mirror 2106 to be drawn (determined from Equation 2). In some examples, a single laser source 2102 may be used to generate a writing laser beam (drawn by 2604) and a pre-excited laser beam (drawn by 2606) while the polygon mirror 2106 is rotating at a determined rotational speed.

[0317]

[0434] Figure 41 shows a flowchart 4100 of the synchronization method between the print head 302 and the control unit 138.

[0318]

[0435] In step 4102, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, laser subsystem control unit 2014, and SOL detector 2004 to determine the current rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106. As discussed, the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 is modified based on one or more configuration settings. For example, the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 is modified based on the determined print resolution and print speed, as described in Figures 32 and 33. Furthermore, Figures 32 and 33 illustrate exemplary methods for modifying the rotation speed of the polygon mirror, which can be performed prior to or concurrently with the steps in Figure 41.

[0319]

[0436] For this purpose, in exemplary embodiments, the controller 2008 can be configured to determine the current rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106 based on one or more signal parameters associated with the SOL signal received from the SOL detector 2004. As discussed, the SOL detector 2004 can be configured to generate a pulse when it receives the write laser beam. The pulse corresponds to the SOL signal. Furthermore, as discussed, the SOL detector 2004 receives the reflected write laser beam on each face of the polygon mirror 2106 as the polygon mirror 2106 rotates. Accordingly, the controller 2008 can be configured to determine the rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106 based on the frequency of the SOL signal. In exemplary embodiments, the controller 2008 can be configured to determine the rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106 using the following equation:

[0320]

number

[0437] In step 4104, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the print head 302 and the controller 2008 to determine whether the current rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 is the same as the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 at which the print head 302 should print content (determined in flowcharts 3200 and 3300). If the controller 2008 determines that the current rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 is the same as the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 at which the print head 302 should print content, the controller 2008 executes step 4106. However, if the controller 2008 determines that the current rotation speed is not the same as the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 at which the print head 302 must print content, the controller 2008 may be configured to repeat step 4102.

[0321]

[0438] In step 4106, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a print head 302, a controller 2008, and a synchronization unit 2016 to generate a laser print head operable (LPH_RDY_N) signal and transmit the LPH_RDY_N signal to the control unit 138. More specifically, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to correct the state of the LPH_RDY_N pin on the print head interface. For example, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to correct the state of the LPH_RDY_N pin to "0".

[0322]

[0439] In step 4108, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, and synchronization unit 2016 to determine whether a SOL signal has been received from the SOL detector 2004. As discussed, the writing laser can sweep across one face of the polygon mirror 2106 (when the polygon mirror 2106 is rotating) to print a line on the printing medium 104. Furthermore, as discussed, in cases where the location of the writing laser beam transitions between two faces of the polygon mirror 2106, the writing laser beam is guided to the SOL detector 2004. Thus, the SOL signal indicates a case where the print head 302 is ready to operate to print a new line on the printing medium 104. If the synchronization unit 2016 determines that a SOL signal has been received, the synchronization unit may be configured to perform step 4110. However, if the synchronization unit 2016 determines that the SOL signal has not been received, the synchronization unit 2016 can be configured to repeat step 4108 until the SOL signal is received.

[0323]

[0440] In step 4110, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a print head 302, a controller 2008, and a synchronization unit 2016 to generate a laser position (Laser_POS) signal. In exemplary embodiments, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to modify the state of the Laser_POS pin within the print head interface to indicate the generation of the Laser_POS signal. For example, the synchronization unit 2016 may change the state of the Laser_POS signal to "1". In some examples, the state of the Laser_POS signal "1" may indicate that the writing laser beam is at a blanking location on the surface of the polygon mirror 2106. That is, in some examples, the writing laser beam may be reflected from the blanking location (on the surface of the polygon mirror 2106) to a location other than the printing medium 104. In some examples, the angle of incidence of the writing laser beam changes as the polygon mirror 2106 rotates. Thus, the writing laser beam may be swept according to the angle of incidence of the writing laser beam to the polygon mirror 2106. Furthermore, the incident angle is determined based on the location on the polygon mirror where the writing laser beam is reflected. As the polygon mirror rotates, the location where the writing laser beam is reflected changes. Accordingly, blanking and non-blanking locations on the polygon mirror 2106 are defined. For example, the writing laser beam can be reflected from a blanking location to the SOL detector 2004. Accordingly, when the writing laser beam is reflected from a blanking location on the surface of the polygon mirror 2106, no content is printed. In some examples, the surface of the polygon mirror 2106 may contain multiple blanking locations. Furthermore, the duration for which the writing laser beam is reflected from multiple blanking locations corresponds to the blanking period. During the blanking period, no content is printed on the printing medium 104 (because the writing laser beam is not directed onto the printing medium 104). In some examples, the blanking period may indicate that the print head 302 is operational for printing content on the printing medium 104. In some examples, the blanking period is determined from the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106.For example, in some cases, the blanking period is inversely proportional to the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106.

[0324]

[0441] In an exemplary embodiment, locations on the polygon mirror 2106 that facilitate the reflection of the writing laser beam on the printing medium 104 correspond to non-blanking locations. Furthermore, the duration for which the writing laser beam is reflected from the non-blanking locations corresponds to the non-blanking period. During the non-blanking period, content is printed on the printing medium 104 (because the writing laser beam is guided onto the printing medium 104).

[0325]

[0442] In step 4112, the printer 100 may include means such as a print head 302, a controller 2008, and a synchronization unit 2016 to determine whether a print-operated (RDY2PRINT) signal has been received from the control unit 138 in response to a change in the state of the Laser_POS signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the RDY2PRINT signal indicates that the control unit 138 has moved the print medium 104 by a single line. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the single line is determined based on the resolution at which the printer 100 should print content on the print medium 104. For example, if the resolution is 600 dpi, the size of the single line is 0.4234 mm (0.01667 inches). Accordingly, the control unit 138 may be configured to move the print medium 104 by only 0.4234 mm (0.01667 inches). The control unit 138 may then be configured to generate and transmit (or otherwise indicate) the RDY2PRINT signal to the print head 302. Alternatively, the control unit 138 may be configured to correct the state of the RDY2PRINT pin on the print head interface.

[0326]

[0443] In some examples, the synchronization unit 2016 can be configured to read the RDY2PRINT pin. Reading the RDY2PRINT pin corresponds to receiving the RDY2PRINT signal. If the synchronization unit 2016 determines that the RDY2PRINT signal has been received, it can be configured to execute step 4114. However, if the synchronization unit 2016 determines that the RDY2PRINT signal has not been received, it can be configured to repeat step 4112 until the RDY2PRINT signal is received.

[0327]

[0444] In step 4114, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, and synchronization unit 2016 to determine whether the blanking period has ended. If the synchronization unit 2016 determines that the blanking period has ended, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to execute step 4116. However, if the synchronization unit 2016 determines that the blanking period has not ended, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to repeat step 4114 until the blanking period has ended.

[0328]

[0445] In step 4116, the printing device 100 may include means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, and synchronization unit 2016 to correct the Laser_POS signal state to "0". The Laser_POS signal state "0" indicates the start of a non-blanking period.

[0329]

[0446] In step 4116, the printing device 100 may include means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, and synchronization unit 2016 to correct the state of the laser_print signal to "1" in response to the correction of the LASER_POS signal state to "0". The state of the Laser_print signal "1" indicates that content is being printed on the printing medium 104 using the write laser beam.

[0330]

[0447] Figure 42 shows a flowchart 4200 of another synchronization method between the print head 302 and the control unit 138.

[0331]

[0448] In step 4202, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a print head synchronization unit 2722 to determine whether an LPH_RDY_N signal has been received from the print head 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the LPH_RDY_N signal indicates that the polygon mirror 2106 is rotating at a determined rotational speed. For example, the print head synchronization unit 2722 may be configured to receive a state "0" for the LPH_RDY_N signal. As discussed, a state "0" for the LPH_RDY_N signal indicates that the rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106 has reached a determined rotational speed, such as the rotational speed determined in Figures 32 and 33. If the print head synchronization unit 2722 determines that an LPH_RDY_N has not been received, the print head synchronization unit 2722 may be configured to repeat step 4202 until an LPH_RDY_N is received. However, if the print head synchronization unit 2722 determines that LPH_RDY_N has been received, the print head synchronization unit 2722 can be configured to execute step 4204.

[0332]

[0449] In step 4204, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a print head synchronization unit 2722 to receive the Laser_POS signal from the print head 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the Laser_POS signal indicates the start of a blanking period. For example, the print head synchronization unit 2722 may be configured to receive a Laser_POS signal state "1" indicating the start of a blanking period.

[0333]

[0450] In step 4206, the printing apparatus 100, in response to receiving the LPH_RDY_N signal state "0" and the LASER_POS signal state "1", may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, a print head synchronization unit 2722, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to move the printing medium 104 line by line by the first roller 132 and the second roller 134. More specifically, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may move the printing medium 104 by the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 by a distance determined based on the printing resolution (discussed in step 4108).

[0334]

[0451] In step 4208, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a print head synchronization unit 2722 to transmit the RDY2PRINT signal to the print head 302. More specifically, the print head synchronization unit 2722 may be configured to transmit the RDY2PRINT signal state "1".

[0335]

[0452] Figure 43 is a timing diagram 4300 showing the synchronization between the print head 302 and the control unit 138 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0336]

[0453] Timing diagram 4300 includes the clock signal 4302, the RDY2PRINT signal 4304, the LPH_RDY_N signal 4306, the LASER_POS signal 4308, and the Laser_print signal 4310. From timing diagram 4300, it can be observed that at moment T1, the LPH_RDY_N signal 4306 is set to state "0". As discussed, the LPH_RDY_N signal 4306 indicates that the polygon mirror 2106 is rotating at the determined rotation speed. At moment T2, the LASER_POS signal 4308 is set to state "1". As discussed, the LASER_POS signal 4308 indicates the start and / or end of the blanking period (drawn by 4312). At moment T3, the RDY2PRINT signal 4304 is set to state "1". The control unit 138 is configured to transmit the RDY2PRINT signal 4304 to the print head 302. As discussed, the RDY2PRINT signal indicates the movement of the printing medium 104 over a predetermined distance (e.g., one dot size and / or one line). At moment T4, the Laser_print signal 4310 is set to state "1", indicating the printing of a line on the printing medium 104.

[0337]

[0454] Figure 44 shows a flowchart 4400 of the data synchronization method between the print head 302 and the control unit 138.

[0338]

[0455] In step 4402, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a data synchronization unit 2724 to receive data to be printed from a remote device such as a remote computer, a remote data source, or a network. In an exemplary embodiment, the received data includes segmented data, where each segmented data corresponds to a portion of the data to be printed on a single line.

[0339]

[0456] In step 4406, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a data synchronization unit 2724 to generate one or more data packets (to be transmitted to the print head 302 for printing) based on the segmented data. Each segmented data is contained in one or more data packets. Furthermore, the data synchronization unit 2724 can determine the number of data packets to be transmitted to the print head for transmitting the segmented data. The data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to determine the number of one or more data packets based on the print resolution, the color scheme in which the data should be printed, and the number of bits contained in a single data packet. In another embodiment, the data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to determine the number of one or more data packets based on a reference table, such as the following reference table.

[0340] [Table 18] Table 18: Reference table for determining the number of one or more data packets

[0457] From the illustrative reference table, it can be observed that, in order to print content at 600 dpi, the segmented data is configured to be transmitted to the print head 302 in 80 data packets. In another example, in order to print content at 203 dpi, the segmented data is configured to be transmitted in 27 data packets. In some examples, one or more portions of the segmented data are distributed into one or more data packets based on the position of the portion of the segmented data on the printing medium 104 to be printed and the write laser sweep direction. In some examples, the write laser sweep direction corresponds to the direction in which the write laser sweeps the printing medium 104. In one example, the write laser beam can sweep the printing medium 104 from left to right. In another example, the write laser beam can sweep the printing medium 104 from right to left.

[0341]

[0458] For example, if the writing laser beam sweeps the printing medium 104 from left to right, and a portion of the segmented data should be printed at the leftmost position (along the writing laser sweep direction), then that portion of the segmented data is included in the first or previous data packet (to be transmitted to the print head 302). Similarly, if another portion of the segmented data should be printed at the rightmost position (along the writing laser sweep direction), then that other portion of the segmented data is included in the last or subsequent data packet (to be transmitted to the print head 302).

[0342]

[0459] Figure 45 is a schematic diagram 4500 showing the distribution of one or more portions of segmented data in one or more data packets according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0343]

[0460] Schematic Figure 4500 includes a write laser sweep direction 4502 and one or more data packets 4504. In one example, the one or more data packets 4504 are arranged in the order in which the one or more data packets should be printed on the printing medium 104. For example, the portion of the segmented data contained in the first data packet 4504a is printed at the rightmost position on the printing medium 104. Accordingly, the data synchronization unit 2724 can be configured to transmit the first data packet 4504a before any other data packets within one or more data packets. In another example, another portion of the segmented data contained in data packet 4504b should be printed at the leftmost position on the printing medium 104. Accordingly, data packet 4504b corresponds to the last data packet transmitted to the print head 302. Referring again to Figure 44, in step 4408, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a data synchronization unit 2724 to correct the state of the frame synchronization (F-Sync) signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the F-Sync signal can indicate to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting data to be printed on the label of the printing medium 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the data synchronization unit 2724 can be configured to correct the state of the F-Sync signal to "0", which indicates to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting data to be printed on the label of the printing medium 104.

[0344]

[0461] Subsequently, in step 4410, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a data synchronization unit 2724 to correct the state of the line synchronization (L-Sync) signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the L-Sync signal may indicate to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting segmented data to be printed on a label on the printing medium 104. As discussed, segmented data corresponds to the portion of the data that should be printed on the printing medium 104 in a single line. In an exemplary embodiment, the data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to correct the state of the L-Sync signal to "0", which indicates to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting segmented data.

[0345]

[0462] While the F-Sync and L-Sync signals are in the state of "0", in step 4412, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a data synchronization unit 2724 to transmit the segmented data to the print head 302. After the transmission of the segmented data, in step 4414, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a data synchronization unit 2724 to correct the state of the L-Sync signal to "1", indicating the completion of the transmission of the segmented data (i.e., the data to be printed in lines on the printing medium 104).

[0346]

[0463] In step 4416, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a data synchronization unit 2724 to determine whether the data to be printed on the label of the printing medium 104 has been transmitted to the print head 302. If the data synchronization unit 2724 determines that the complete data has been transmitted to the print head 302, the data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to perform step 4418. However, if the data synchronization unit 2724 determines that the complete data has not been transmitted, the data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to repeat step 4412.

[0347]

[0464] In step 4418, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and a data synchronization unit 2724 to correct the state of the F-Sync signal to "1," which indicates the end of data transmission (i.e., the complete data to be printed on the label of the printing medium 104).

[0348]

[0465] Figure 46 is a timing diagram 4600 showing data synchronization between the print head 302 and the control unit 138 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The timing diagram 4600 includes a clock signal 4602, a data bus 4604, an L-Sync signal 4606, and an F-Sync signal 4608.

[0349]

[0466] At moment T1, it can be observed that the L-sync signal 4606 and the F-sync signal 4608 are in state "0". Furthermore, it can be observed that the L-sync signal 4606 remains in state "0" until moment T2. Between moments T1 and T2, the data bus 4604 transmits segmented data to the print head 302 (drawn by 4610). After the transmission of the segmented data, the L-sync signal 4606 becomes state "1" (drawn by 4612), while the F-sync signal 4608 remains in state "0". For this purpose, such states of the L-sync signal 4606 and the F-sync signal 4608 indicate that the control unit 138 has additional data to transmit to the print head 302.

[0350]

[0467] In some examples, the states of the L-Sync and F-Sync signals can indicate the data transmission mode between the control unit 138 and the print head 302. The following illustrative table shows the data transmission modes between the control unit 138 and the print head 302.

[0351] [Table 19] Table 19: Data transmission modes between the control unit and the print head

[0468] In an exemplary embodiment, in a case where the L-Sync signal is "0" and the F-Sync signal is "1", the transmitted data corresponds to firmware data. For this purpose, the control unit 138 can update the firmware of the print head 302 using the data modes described above.

[0352]

[0469] In some cases, when the print head 302 is not receiving any data to be printed, it may be necessary to conserve power by modifying the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106. Modifying the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 may include reducing the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106. In another case, modifying the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 may include stopping the rotation of the polygon mirror 2106. One such method of operating the print head 302 is described in relation to Figure 47.

[0353]

[0470] Figure 47 shows a flowchart 4700 of a method for operating a print head 302 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0354]

[0471] In step 4702, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as a print head 302, a controller 2008, and a laser subsystem control unit 2014 for determining the status of the L-Sync and F-Sync signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to determine the status of the L-Sync and F-Sync signals from the print head interface.

[0355]

[0472] In step 4704, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, and laser subsystem control unit 2014 to determine whether the control unit 138 is transmitting data (to be printed on the printing medium 104) based on the state of the L-Sync and F-Sync signals. For example, referring to Table 19, if the laser subsystem control unit 2014 determines that the state of the L-Sync signal is "1" and the F-Sync signal is "1", the laser subsystem control unit 2014 can determine that the control unit 138 is not transmitting any data to the print head 302. Accordingly, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 can perform step 4706. However, if the laser subsystem control unit 2014 determines that the control unit 138 is transmitting data to the print head 302, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 can be configured to repeat step 4702.

[0356]

[0473] In step 4706, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, and laser subsystem control unit 2014 to determine whether the polygon mirror rotation timeout has elapsed. The laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to determine the polygon mirror rotation timeout from the mirror overrun register. If the laser subsystem control unit 2014 determines that the polygon mirror rotation timeout has elapsed, it may be configured to execute step 4708. However, if the laser subsystem control unit 2014 determines that the polygon mirror rotation timeout has not elapsed, it may be configured to repeat step 4702.

[0357]

[0474] In step 4708, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as a print head 302, a controller 2008, and a laser subsystem control unit 2014 to reduce the rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106. In step 4710, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as a print head 302, a controller 2008, and a laser subsystem control unit 2014 to determine the state of the L-Sync signal and the F-Sync signal. In step 4712, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as a print head 302, a controller 2008, and a laser subsystem control unit 2014 to determine whether the control unit 138 is transmitting data (to be printed on the printing medium 104) based on the state of the L-Sync signal and the F-Sync signal. If the laser subsystem control unit 2014 determines that the control unit 138 is transmitting data to the print head 302, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to perform step 4714. However, if the laser subsystem control unit 2014 determines that the control unit 138 has not transmitted data to the print head 302, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to execute step 4716.

[0358]

[0475] In step 4714, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, and laser subsystem control unit 2014 to increase the rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106 to a determined rotational speed (Figures 32 and 33). In step 4716, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as the print head 302, controller 2008, and laser subsystem control unit 2014 to determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed. If the laser subsystem control unit 2014 determines that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to perform step 4718. However, if the laser subsystem control unit 2014 determines that a predetermined period of time has not elapsed, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to repeat step 4712.

[0359]

[0476] In step 4718, the printing apparatus 100 includes means such as a print head 302, a controller 2008, and a laser subsystem control unit 2014 to stop the rotation of the polygon mirror 2106.

[0360]

[0477] In some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to reducing the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 and then stopping the polygon mirror 2106. In an exemplary embodiment, the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to stop the polygon mirror directly if it determines in step 4706 that the polygon mirror rotation timeout has elapsed. Alternatively or additionally, in step 4706, the control unit may increase the speed of the polygon mirror if it determines that data is being transmitted.

[0361]

[0478] As described herein, the printing medium is configured to move across the print head along the print path throughout its operation. As a result of continuous movement, in some examples, the printed content may exhibit skew. Embodiments shown herein disclose one or more methods for pre-compensating for skew in an image or content. For example, skew can be introduced into the original image or content to compensate for skew. The systems and methods herein can determine skew based on one or more markings on the printing medium, the travel speed, results from a verifier, etc. In other examples, the travel speed can also be changed. In some examples, Figures 34–38 show methods for compensating for skew that may be introduced into the printing medium 104.

[0362]

[0479] Figure 34 is a flowchart 3400 illustrating another method for printing content onto a printing medium 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0363]

[0480] In step 3402, the printer 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, and an I / O device interface unit 2706 to receive one or more configuration settings associated with the printer 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may receive one or more configuration settings associated with the printer 100 via the UI 140. In some examples, as discussed, one or more configuration settings may include the resolution at which the content should be printed on the printing medium 104, and the speed at which the printing medium 104 should move along the printing path. Additionally or alternatively, one or more configuration settings may include the number of write laser beams to be used to print the content on the printing medium 104. For example, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may receive one or more configuration settings as 600 DPI (dots per inch) at 15.24 cm / sec (6 IPS) (inches per second), and three write laser beams would be used to print the content on the printing medium 104.

[0364]

[0481] In step 3404, the printing device 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a print operation control unit 2716 to determine the degree of skew that may be introduced into the print content, based on one or more configuration settings of the printer (received in step 3402). For example, the print operation control unit 2716 may be configured to determine the degree of skew based on the print resolution, medium travel speed, and number of write laser beams to be used to print content on the print medium 104. Additionally or alternatively, the print operation control unit 2716 may determine the degree of skew based on one or more print medium characteristics (see Figure 28). As discussed, one or more print medium characteristics may include, but are not limited to, the width of the print medium 104, the type of print medium 104, and the thickness of the print medium 104. Determining the degree of skew will be further explained in relation to Figure 35.

[0365]

[0482] In step 3406, the printer 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a print operation control unit 2716 to receive the content to be printed. In some examples, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may receive content from a remote computer. In another embodiment, the I / O device interface unit 2706 may receive content (to be printed) from the UI 140.

[0366]

[0483] In step 3408, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, a print operation control unit 2716, and an image processing unit 2718 to modify the received content to compensate for the skew (determined in step 3404). The method for modifying the content will be further described in reference to Figure 37.

[0367]

[0484] Figure 35 shows a flowchart 3500 of a method for determining the degree of skew, which may be introduced into printed content according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0368]

[0485] In step 3502, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a print operation control unit 2716 to determine the dot size based on the resolution at which the content should be printed on the printing medium 104. In some examples, the print operation control unit 2716 may determine the dot size using the following formula.

[0369]

[0486]

[0370]

number

[0487] For example, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine the dot size to be 0.127 mm (0.005 inches) when the resolution is 203 DPI. In another example, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine the dot size to be 0.04064 mm (0.0016 inches) when the resolution is 600 DPI. In some examples, the print operation control unit 2716 may not use equation 4 to determine the dot size. In an exemplary embodiment, the print operation control unit 2716 can determine the dot size using the following reference table.

[0371] [Table 20] Table 3: Reference table showing dot size and corresponding resolution.

[0372]

[0488] Alternatively or additionally, the dot size can be determined by other means, such as verifiers, scanners, images, and / or other image-based tests.

[0373]

[0489] In step 3504, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, and a printing operation control unit 2716 to determine the degree of skew based on the dot size (determined in step 3502), the width of the printing medium 104 (see Figure 28), and the number of writing laser beams. In some examples, the printing operation control unit 2716 can determine the skew by utilizing the following formula.

[0374]

[0490] Skew degree = Tan(size of one dot * number of first laser beams / ((width of print medium 104)) (5)

[0491] For example, if the number of writing laser beams used to print the content is 1, the width of the printing medium 104 is 10.79 cm (4.25 inches), the dot size is 0.04064 mm (0.0016 inches), and the skew degree is 0.07 degrees. In another example, if the number of writing laser beams used to print the content is 1, the width of the printing medium 104 is 10.79 cm (4.25 inches), the dot size is 0.127 mm (0.005 inches), and the skew degree is 0.02 degrees.

[0375]

[0492] In some examples, the skew angle increases as the number of writing laser beams used to print content onto the printing medium 104 increases. For example, when multiple writing laser beams are used to print a single line onto the printing medium 104, the skew angle increases, as illustrated in Figures 36a, 36b, and 36c. Figures 36a, 36b, and 36c are schematic diagrams illustrating the relationship between the number of writing laser beams and the skew angle according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0376]

[0493] Referring to Figure 36a, the print head 302 can be made to sweep across the width of the printing medium 104 with a single writing laser beam 3602a. As the printing medium 104 moves along the printing path, the single writing laser beam 3602a may sweep diagonally across the width of the printing medium 104, generating diagonally printed content 3604. Skew can correspond to the angle between the imaginary line (drawn by 3606) representing the line swept by the single writing laser beam and the imaginary line (drawn by 3608) representing the width of the printing medium 104. Furthermore, in Figure 36a, the skew angle is determined based on equation 5.

[0377]

[0494] Referring to Figure 36b, the print head 302 can cause two writing laser beams 3602b and 3602c to sweep across the width of the printing medium 104, so that 50% of the content is printed by writing laser beam 3602b and 50% of the content is printed by writing laser beam 3602c. The printed content generated by writing laser beams 3602b and 3602c is drawn by 3606. For this purpose, the printed content 3606 may include a junction 3608 that determines that the printed content enters a first printed content portion 3610 and a second printed content portion 3612. In some examples, writing laser beam 3602b prints the first printed content portion 3610 and writing laser beam 3602b prints the second printed content portion 3612. Furthermore, it can be observed that the first printed content portion 3610 and the second printed content portion 3612 each have their own skew (because both portions of the printed content are printed by separate writing laser beams). In addition, the degree of skew of the first portion of the printed content and the second portion of the printed content are greater than the degree of skew of the printed content printed by a single writing laser beam. In some examples, the degrees of skew of the first printed content portion 3610 and the second printed content portion 3612 are the same. However, in some examples, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the first printed content portion 3610 and the second printed content portion 3612 having the same degree of skew. In exemplary embodiments, the degrees of skew of the first printed content portion 3610 and the second printed content portion 3612 may vary based on the proportion of content printed by writing laser beams 3602b and 3602c, as further illustrated in Figure 36c.

[0378]

[0495] Referring to Figure 36c, the writing laser beam 3602b prints 25% of the content, and the writing laser beam 3602c prints 75% of the content. For this purpose, the writing laser beam 3602b sweeps 25% of the width of the printing medium 104, and the writing laser beam 3602c sweeps 75% of the width of the printing medium 104. In such embodiments, the degree of skew of a portion of the printed content is determined based on the following equation.

[0379]

[0496]

[0380]

number

[0497] Accordingly, based on Equation 6, the skew of the first printed portion may be greater than the skew of the second printed portion.

[0381]

[0498] Figure 37 shows a flowchart 3700 of a method for modifying content before printing according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0382]

[0499] In step 3702, the printing device 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, a print operation control unit 2716, and an image processing unit 2718 to determine whether multiple write laser beams should be used to print the content, based on the configuration settings of the printing device 100 (determined in step 3402). If the image processing unit 2718 determines that a single write laser beam should be used to print the content, the image processing unit 2718 can be configured to perform step 3704. However, if the image processing unit 2718 determines that multiple write laser beams should be used to print the content, for example, because the content is of a specific size or requires a specific resolution, the image processing unit 2718 can be configured to perform step 3708.

[0383]

[0500] In step 3704, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, a print operation control unit 2716, and an image processing unit 2718 to determine a second skew degree based on the skew degree determined in step 3504. In an exemplary embodiment, the second skew degree is a negative value of the skew degree, as described by the following mathematical relationship.

[0384]

[0501] Second skew degree = -(skew degree) (7)

[0502] In step 3706, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, a print operation control unit 2716, and an image processing unit 2718 to update the content (to be printed) by correcting the skew of the content based on a second skew degree. In an exemplary embodiment, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to deliberately add skew to the content (to be printed) such that printing skewed content produces printed content with a 0 skew degree.

[0385]

[0503] In step 3708, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, a printing operation control unit 2716, and an image processing unit 2718 to determine a second skew degree for each of the plurality of writing laser beams based on the skew degree determined for each of the plurality of writing laser beams. In an exemplary embodiment, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to determine the second skew degree for each of the plurality of writing laser beams using equation 7.

[0386]

[0504] In step 3710, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, a printing operation control unit 2716, and an image processing unit 2718 to determine the portion of the content to be printed by each of the multiple writing laser beams. For example, if there are two writing laser beams and each of the two writing laser beams is configured to print 50% of the content (along the width of the printing medium 104), the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to segment the content to be printed along the width of the printing medium 104 in proportion to the amount of content that each of the multiple writing laser beams must print. Each segment of the content corresponds to a portion of the content.

[0387]

[0505] In step 3712, the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as a control unit 138, a processor 2702, an I / O device interface unit 2706, a print operation control unit 2716, and an image processing unit 2718 to correct each portion of the content based on a second skew degree determined for each write laser beam. For example, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to individually correct the skew of each portion of the content. For example, the skew associated with one of the two write laser beams is 0.5 degrees, and the skew associated with the other of the two write laser beams is 0.1 degrees. In such an embodiment, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to correct the skew of the portion of the content to be printed by one of the two write laser beams by -0.5 degrees. Furthermore, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to correct the skew of the portion of the content to be printed by the other of the two write laser beams by -0.1 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to correct the skew of portions of the content using well-known methods. Some examples of well-known methods, though not limited to them, may include coordinate transformations, coordinate rotations, and so on.

[0388]

[0506] Figure 38a shows an image 3802 of modified content to be printed using a single writing laser beam according to one or more embodiments described herein. The modified content can be observed to be skewed by an angle (determined based on a second skew). Furthermore, Figure 38b shows an image 3804 of modified content to be printed by multiple writing laser beams according to one or more embodiments described herein. The image 3804 of modified content can be observed to have a first portion 3806 and a second portion 3808. Both the first portion 3806 and the second portion 3808 are individually skewed (based on a second skew associated with each of the multiple writing laser beams configured to print the first portion 3806 and the second portion 3808 of the content).

[0389]

[0507] Print media authentication As described above, exemplary printing apparatuses according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be "inkless" and, instead of using ink, can perform printing by utilizing laser interaction with a laser-reactive medium on the printing medium. To ensure that printing is performed on the correct printing medium that has the best print quality performance, it is necessary to determine and verify that the printing medium loaded into the printing apparatus is a printing medium supported by the printing apparatus. For example, the printing apparatus may need to authenticate the printing medium to confirm that it is a genuine printing medium suitable for the printing apparatus and / or inkless printing.

[0390]

[0508] In some embodiments, a "watermark" (e.g., in the form of a reactive coating) can be applied to a printing medium supported by a printing apparatus. For example, as described above in relation to at least Figure 25, the protective layer 2506 (also called the UV reactive layer) may include a UV dye. The UV dye may be configured to authenticate the authenticity of the printing medium. For example, the UV dye / UV reactive layer may include a UV reactive coating (e.g., a coating with a UV-reactive chemical). When the printing medium is irradiated with UV radiation, the light can be reflected from the surface of the printing medium (e.g., by the UV reactive layer).

[0391]

[0509] In some embodiments, when a printing medium is loaded into the printing device, the printing device may authenticate the printing medium based on light reflection from the printing medium. In response to determining that the printing medium is authenticated (for example, that the printing medium is supported by the printing device), the printing device may enable printing on the printing medium (for example, that the print head of the printing device is enabled). In response to determining that the printing medium is not authenticated (for example, that the printing medium is not supported by the printing device), the printing device may disable printing on the printing medium (for example, that the print head of the printing device is disabled).

[0392]

[0510] In addition, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may determine the type or category of print medium (also referred to as the “print medium signature”) in order to provide the best possible print quality. For example, the print medium signature may correspond to the type of print medium, whether the print medium is intended for black and white printing, whether the print medium is intended for grayscale printing, or whether the print medium is intended for color printing. In some embodiments, using different types of UV reactive coatings (for example, all types of print mediums are coated with a unique UV coating), the printing apparatus may distinguish between different print medium signatures of print mediums loaded into the printing apparatus. Based on the print medium signature, the printing apparatus may automatically set print parameters without the need for user intervention.

[0393]

[0511] Accordingly, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may implement a UV light source (such as a UV LED source) and one or more light sensors (such as a UV light sensor and one or both of red-green-blue (RGB) sensors) to emit UV light onto a printing medium, determine the luminescence level from the printing medium, determine whether the printing medium loaded into the printing device is supported by the printing device, and / or determine the printing medium signature of the printing medium.

[0394]

[0512] Referring next to Figure 48, exemplary diagrams of parts of exemplary printing apparatus 4800 according to one or more embodiments are shown.

[0395]

[0513] For example, Figure 48 shows an exemplary top chassis portion 4802 of an exemplary printing apparatus 4800. The top chassis portion 4802 is similar to, but is not limited to, various exemplary top chassis portions illustrated and described above, including the illustrated and described top chassis portion 126. For example, the top chassis portion 4802 may be configured to receive a print head engine 4804, similar to the illustrated and described exemplary print head engine 122, which is configured to emit a laser beam onto a printing medium to perform laser printing.

[0396]

[0514] In some embodiments, the top chassis portion 4802 can house a medium supply spindle 4806, similar to the illustrated and described medium supply spindle 108. For example, the medium supply spindle 4806 can receive a print medium roll that can advance along the printing direction (indicated by arrows in Figure 48) during the printing process. As described above, the print medium roll can be supported by an exemplary printing apparatus 4800, and the print medium roll is coated with a special chemical that emits light when exposed to UV light.

[0397]

[0515] In some embodiments, the print media authentication module 4808 is located on the top chassis portion. In some embodiments, the print media authentication module 4808 is located along the printing direction, between the print head engine 4804 and the media supply spindle 4806. Referring now to Figure 49, an exemplary block diagram is shown illustrating some exemplary components of an exemplary print media authentication module.

[0398]

[0516] In the example shown in Figure 49, the print media authentication module may comprise a UV light source 4901 and a photosensor 4903. In some embodiments, the UV light source 4901 and the photosensor 4903 are electrically coupled to and fixed on a circuit board. In some embodiments, the UV light source 4901 and the photosensor 4903 are electrically coupled to a processing circuit (including, but not limited to, a controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, a processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, a control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus). In some embodiments, the print media authentication module is located within a print head engine or print head. As described herein, the print head engine or print head may include a housing that prevents laser light from leaking out of the print head engine or print head. Thus, locating the print media authentication module within a print head engine or print head can prevent light disturbances from the local environment that might interfere with the print media authentication module. In some embodiments, the print medium authentication module is located away from the medium opening (where the print medium exits the printing device) to prevent ambient light from interfering with the UV light emitted by the print medium authentication module. In some embodiments, a platen roller can prevent ambient light from interfering with the UV light emitted by the print medium authentication module.

[0399]

[0517] In some embodiments, the UV light source 4901 is configured to emit UV light onto the printing medium 4905. For example, the UV light source 4901 can include, but is not limited to, a UV LED, a fluorescent lamp, or the like.

[0400]

[0518] In some embodiments, if the printing medium 4905 includes a UV reactive layer / coating, the printing medium 4905 can reflect light from a UV light source 4901. The reflected light from the printing medium 4905 can be received by a light sensor 4903, which can convert the light signal into a light intensity indicator indicating a light intensity level, but is not limited to that.

[0401]

[0519] In some embodiments, the light sensor 4903 can be an ambient light sensor. For example, the ambient light sensor can be configured to detect the light intensity of ambient light. In some embodiments, the light sensor 4903 can be an RGB sensor. For example, the RGB sensor can be configured to detect the light intensity of red light from ambient light, the light intensity of green light from ambient light, and the light intensity of blue light from ambient light. In some embodiments, the light sensor 4903 can be other types of light sensors.

[0402]

[0520] An exemplary method 5000 is shown with reference to Figure 50. In particular, exemplary method 5000 shows exemplary steps / operations for determining whether an exemplary printing medium is supported by an exemplary printing apparatus. For example, exemplary method 5000 shows determining whether a printing medium is supported based on whether reflected light (e.g., detected by an ambient light sensor) satisfies a threshold.

[0403]

[0521] In the example shown in Figure 50, the exemplary method 5000 begins in block 5002 and then proceeds to step / operation 5004. In step / operation 5004, a processing circuit (but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to the exemplary printing apparatus) can trigger the emission of UV light onto the printing medium.

[0404]

[0522] For example, the processing circuit can be electrically coupled to a UV light source. When the processing circuit determines that a printing medium is loaded into an exemplary printing apparatus and that the printing apparatus is in a closed state (for example, based on signals from the various sensors described above), the processing circuit can transmit a signal to the UV light source, which can then emit UV light onto the printing medium, as described above in relation to Figures 48 and 49.

[0405]

[0523] Referring again to Figure 50, following step / operation 5004, method 5000 proceeds to step / operation 5006. In step / operation 5006, a processing circuit (but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) can detect reflected light from the printing medium.

[0406]

[0524] In some embodiments, a light sensor (such as an ambient light sensor) can receive light reflected from a printing medium and convert that light into an electrical signal proportional to the amount of light received by the sensor. For example, when a printing medium supported by a printing device is loaded and exposed to UV light, a certain amount of light can be reflected from the printing medium, and this light can be received by a light sensor. The light sensor can convert this amount of light into an electrical signal (for example, in the form of a given voltage).

[0407]

[0525] Referring again to Figure 50, following step / operation 5006, method 5000 proceeds to step / operation 5008. In step / operation 5008, a processing circuit (but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) can generate a light intensity indicator.

[0408]

[0526] For example, a light sensor and / or processing circuit can convert an electrical signal (e.g., in the form of a given voltage) into an electronic indication corresponding to the intensity of light received by the light sensor. For example, a light sensor and / or processing circuit can perform one or more signal functions, such as signal conditioning, signal amplification, or analog-to-digital conversion, in order to generate a light intensity indication based on an electrical signal.

[0409]

[0527] Referring again to Figure 50, following step / operation 5008, method 5000 proceeds to step / operation 5010. In step / operation 5010, a processing circuit (but not limited to, controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) can determine whether the light intensity indicator satisfies the light intensity threshold.

[0410]

[0528] In some embodiments, the light intensity threshold can correspond to the light intensity level of reflected light received by a light sensor from a printing medium supported by a printing device. In some embodiments, the light intensity threshold can be determined based on the amount of chemical coating in the UV reactive layer of the printing medium supported by the printing device.

[0411]

[0529] In step / operation 5010, if the processing circuit determines that the light intensity indicator satisfies the light intensity threshold, method 5000 proceeds to step / operation 5012. In step / operation 5012, the processing circuit (including, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) may determine that the printing medium is supported by the printing apparatus.

[0412]

[0530] For example, referring to the example shown in Figure 51, the light intensity indicator 5101 satisfies the light intensity threshold 5103. In this example, the processing circuit determines that the printing medium corresponding to the light intensity indicator 5101 is supported by the printing device. In this example, the printing device can enable all operations on the printing medium.

[0413]

[0531] Referring again to Figure 50, if in step / operation 5010 the processing circuit determines that the light intensity indicator does not satisfy the light intensity threshold, method 5000 proceeds to step / operation 5014. In step / operation 5014, the processing circuit (including, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) may determine that the printing medium is not supported by the printing apparatus.

[0414]

[0532] In some embodiments, when an unsupported print medium is loaded, the lack (or insufficient) UV reactive coating may cause the unsupported print medium to fail to reflect light to the light sensor, or to reflect light of a lower intensity than that reflected by the supported print medium.

[0415]

[0533] For example, referring to the example shown in Figure 51, the light intensity indicator 5105 does not satisfy the light intensity threshold 5103. In this example, the processing circuit determines that the printing medium corresponding to the light intensity indicator 5105 is not supported by the printing device. In this example, the printing device can prevent all operations on the printing medium and may further display an alarm message on the display attached to the printing device indicating that an unsupported printing medium has been loaded.

[0416]

[0534] Referring again to Figure 50, following step / operation 5012 and / or step / operation 5014, method 5000 proceeds to block 5016 and terminates.

[0417]

[0535] An exemplary method 5200 is shown with reference to Figure 52. In particular, exemplary method 5200 shows exemplary steps / operations for determining whether an exemplary printing medium is supported by an exemplary printing apparatus. For example, exemplary method 5200 shows determining whether a printing medium is supported based on whether at least one of reflected red light, reflected green light, or reflected blue light (e.g., detected by an ambient light sensor) satisfies a threshold.

[0418]

[0536] In the example shown in Figure 52, the exemplary method 5200 begins in block 5202 and then proceeds to step / operation 5204. In step / operation 5204, a processing circuit (but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to the exemplary printing apparatus) can trigger the emission of UV light onto the printing medium.

[0419]

[0537] For example, the processing circuit can be electrically coupled to a UV light source. When the processing circuit determines that a printing medium is loaded into an exemplary printing apparatus and that the printing apparatus is in a closed state (for example, based on signals from the various sensors described above), the processing circuit can transmit a signal to the UV light source, which can then emit UV light onto the printing medium, as described above in relation to Figures 48 and 49.

[0420]

[0538] Referring again to Figure 52, following step / operation 5204, method 5200 proceeds to step / operation 5206. In step / operation 5206, a processing circuit (but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) can detect reflected light from the printing medium.

[0421]

[0539] In some embodiments, a light sensor (such as an RGB sensor) can receive light reflected from a printing medium. For example, when a printing medium supported by a printing device is loaded and exposed to UV light, a certain amount of red, green, and / or blue light can be reflected from the printing medium, and this light can be received by a light sensor. The light sensor can convert the amounts of red, green, and blue light into electrical signals (e.g., in the form of a given voltage).

[0422]

[0540] Referring again to Figure 52, following step / operation 5206, method 5200 proceeds to step / operation 5208. In step / operation 5208, a processing circuit (but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) can generate a red light intensity indicator.

[0423]

[0541] For example, the light sensor can determine the amount of red light from the light detected in step / operation 5206 and generate an electrical signal (e.g., in the form of a given voltage) indicating the amount of red light. Additionally, in some embodiments, a processing circuit can convert the electrical signal (e.g., in the form of a given voltage) into an electronic indicator corresponding to the intensity of red light received by the light sensor. For example, the light sensor and / or processing circuit can perform one or more signal functions, including but not limited to signal conditioning, signal amplification, and analog-to-digital conversion, in order to generate a red light intensity indicator based on the electrical signal.

[0424]

[0542] Referring again to Figure 52, following step / operation 5206, method 5200 proceeds to step / operation 5210. In step / operation 5210, a processing circuit (but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) can generate a green light intensity indicator.

[0425]

[0543] For example, the light sensor can determine the amount of green light from the light detected in step / operation 5206 and generate an electrical signal (e.g., in the form of a given voltage) indicating the amount of green light. Additionally, in some embodiments, a processing circuit can convert the electrical signal (e.g., in the form of a given voltage) into an electronic indicator corresponding to the intensity of green light received by the light sensor. For example, the light sensor and / or processing circuit can perform one or more signal functions, including but not limited to signal conditioning, signal amplification, and analog-to-digital conversion, in order to generate a green light intensity indicator based on the electrical signal.

[0426]

[0544] Referring again to Figure 52, following step / operation 5206, method 5200 proceeds to step / operation 5212. In step / operation 5212, a processing circuit (but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 20, the processor 2702 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 27, the control unit 138 illustrated and described in relation to Figure 29, and / or a processor electrically coupled to an exemplary printing apparatus) can generate a blue light intensity indicator.

[0427]

[0545] For examp...

Claims

1. The processor acts on a first roller and a second roller to cause the printing medium to move along a first direction, wherein the first roller is positioned upstream of the second roller along the first direction. The processor stops the rotation of the first roller at a first moment, The duration is determined based on the thickness of the printing medium and the speed at which the printing medium moves along the first direction. The processor includes stopping the rotation of the second roller at a second moment when the period has elapsed from the first moment, wherein the second moment is later in the time series than the first moment. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising causing a print head to print content onto the printing medium in response to stopping the rotation of the second roller.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first roller is positioned upstream of the print head and the second roller is positioned downstream of the print head.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising causing movement of the first roller and the second roller along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the movement of the first roller and the second roller along the second direction causes the first roller and the second roller to be separated from the printing medium.

5. The first Laura and, A second roller positioned downstream of the first roller along a first direction, wherein the first roller and the second roller rotate in the same direction to facilitate the movement of the printing medium in the first direction. The system comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the first roller and the second roller, wherein the processor The first roller and the second roller are actuated to cause the printing medium to move in the first direction, The rotation of the first roller is stopped at the first moment, The duration is determined based on the thickness of the printing medium and the speed at which the printing medium moves along the first direction. The system is configured such that, once the period has elapsed from the first moment, the rotation of the second roller is stopped at the second moment, and the second moment is later in the time series than the first moment. Printing device.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of the first roller and the second roller comprises a biasing member and a roller, the biasing member being coupled to the roller, and the biasing member being configured to apply a biasing force to the roller along a second direction to bring the roller into contact with the printing medium.

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