Handheld Inkjet Printer Touch Panel Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-functional devices are large, heavy, and difficult to handle, requiring dedicated settings and operations for printing, necessitating a separate bag for transport, and a table or desk for use, limiting portability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld printing apparatus with a touch panel display, image sensor, and inkjet printing head, allowing users to specify and edit printing ranges and positions directly on the device, enabling printing without additional equipment and providing a docking system for ink and power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-functional device is designed to include printing, reading, and other functions, then functionality is improved, but device size and weight increase making it difficult to handle with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: an image acquiring section (camera), a display section (touch panel), and a printing section (inkjet head). These modules work together but are functionally separate, allowing the device to maintain compact size while providing multiple functions. The printing section can be selectively activated without requiring all functions to be present simultaneously in a bulky integrated form.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality through a universal control interface (touch panel) that handles both image acquisition control and printing control, and through a compact inkjet printing section that can print various types of images (photographs, drawings, text) acquired by different methods (camera, document scanning). This universal approach allows diverse functions to be provided without proportionally increasing device size.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated settings and operations are provided for printing on the printer body, then printing control precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The printing control functions are merged with the display section (touch panel). The same touch panel used for general device control also serves as the printing control interface, allowing users to specify printing ranges, positions, and settings by directly touching the displayed image. This eliminates the need for separate physical buttons or dedicated controls, maintaining operational simplicity while providing precise printing control through direct manipulation of the visual interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel acts as an intermediary between the user and the printing section. Instead of requiring direct physical controls on the printer body, the user interacts with the visual representation of the image and printing parameters on the touch panel, which then translates these interactions into precise printing commands. This intermediary interface simplifies operation while maintaining control precision.
3Reliability
If a separate bag or shoulder bag is provided for transporting the printer, then device protection is improved, but portability and ease of use worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus is merged with a protective case structure that serves dual purposes: protecting the device during transport and serving as the device housing itself. The case includes cushioning sections and structural elements that provide protection without requiring a separate bag. This integrated approach maintains device protection while eliminating the need for additional carrying accessories, thereby improving portability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a table or desk is required for reading and printing operations, then operational stability is improved, but portability and flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static desktop printer to a dynamic handheld device. The printing apparatus is designed to be held and operated in the user's hand, with the display section oriented for comfortable viewing and interaction while handheld. The printing section can operate on various surfaces including the user's lap, table, or other flat surfaces, providing operational stability through design rather than requiring a fixed desk environment. This dynamic design significantly improves usage flexibility and portability.
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
Enables easy, rapid printing of desired images anywhere, without needing a separate apparatus, and allows for portable use with the ability to handle larger images by dividing them into regions, improving user convenience and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a printing section which prints an imaging image on a medium... a printing section can be provided with a printing head and a sub tank which supplies ink to the printing head, and the printing head can reciprocate in a main scanning direction while discharging ink droplets onto an opposing medium
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a printing apparatus where printing is possible by easily and rapidly acquiring a desired image, a multi-functional tablet device is provided with an imaging section which acquires an image, a display section which displays the image, an designating section for designating using a fingertip with regard to the displayed image, a printing section which prints an imaging image on a medium, and a control section which creates the imaging image, which is based on the image, based on designation from the designating section and which prints the created imaging image in the printing section, where the control section determines the printing range with regard to the image which is captured by the imaging section based on the designation from the designating section, creates the imaging image by editing the image in the printing range, and determines a printing position where the imaging image is printed on the medium.