Compact Cylindrical Printer with Sensor for Cursor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for smaller, more portable printers with improved convenience, particularly those that can input information without the need for separate devices like mice, enhancing user experience by integrating printing and communication functions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cylindrical printer with a print module, including a thermal head, platen roller, and control board, equipped with a hook and knock part for inputting information, and capable of radio communication via Bluetooth Low Energy, allowing for printing and interactive operations on information communication apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a printer is made smaller for improved portability, then the portability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integrating multiple functions in a compact space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing function and information input function into a single integrated device. The printer includes both a print head for printing and a sensor system for capturing location data and controlling cursors on information communication apparatuses, merging multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices into one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer is designed with multi-functionality to serve as both a printing device and an information input device. The sensor can operate in two modes: processing location data for cursor control on external devices, and generating print instructions directly, allowing the single device to perform multiple roles that reduce the need for additional equipment.
2Ease of operation
If a printer integrates information input function, then the convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printer is designed with multi-functionality to serve as both a printing device and an information input device. The sensor can operate in two modes: processing location data for cursor control on external devices, and generating print instructions directly, allowing the single device to perform multiple roles that reduce the need for additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor processes location data autonomously to generate either cursor control signals or print instructions without requiring external input devices. The device serves itself by using its own sensor data for both navigation/control purposes and printing purposes, eliminating the need for separate mice or input equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The printer provides enhanced portability and convenience by enabling printing and interactive operations on information communication apparatuses, reducing the need for additional input devices and improving user experience through its compact design and integrated functions.
Implementation Method 1
a print module which prints information received from various information communication apparatuses on recording media
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer includes a print module that prints data on a recording medium, a communication module that wirelessly communicates with an information apparatus, a pressable switch, a rotatable dial knob, and a controller that sends, via the communication module to the information apparatus, information for operating the information apparatus according to operations of the switch and the dial knob.