Label Creation System with Optical Dimension Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label creation systems face difficulties in accurately measuring the dimensions of a pasting area with protrusions, as they require physical movement or reflection plates, which can be obstructed by protrusions, making it hard to create suitable labels.

Innovation Solution

A label creation system that uses a tape printing unit to create a reference mark on a tape, an image pickup unit to capture images of the reference mark and pasting area, and an image processing unit to detect dimensions, allowing for the creation of labels that match the pasting area dimensions even with protrusions, without the need for pre-prepared reference labels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the character printing apparatus is moved along the lateral part to measure dimensions using an acceleration sensor, then the longitudinal size of the pasting target area can be measured, but protrusions on the lateral part obstruct the movement of the apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimension measurement accuracyVSAvoidapparatus movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (acceleration sensor requiring physical movement of the printing apparatus) with an optical imaging system. The dimension detection unit captures images of the pasting target area and calculates dimensions from the image data, eliminating the need for physical movement and avoiding obstruction by protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a laser range finder is used to measure the pasting target area, then lateral size can be measured, but protrusions prevent proper arrangement of the reflection plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral size measurementVSAvoidreflection plate arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the laser range finder system requiring a reflection plate with an optical imaging system. The dimension detection unit uses images captured by the imaging unit to measure both longitudinal and lateral dimensions directly, eliminating the need for reflection plates and their complex arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If physical measurement methods are used, then dimension data can be obtained, but the system becomes complex and requires pre-prepared reference labels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimension detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reference label creation function and the dimension measurement function into a single integrated system. The tape printing unit creates reference marks directly on the tape, and the dimension detection unit simultaneously measures the pasting target area using the same imaging system, eliminating the need for separate pre-prepared reference labels and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses itself to create the reference standard. The tape printing unit prints reference marks on the tape that will be measured, and the dimension detection unit uses these same marks as a scale reference for measurement. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external pre-prepared reference labels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 detection of pasting area dimensions and creation of suitable labels, even with protrusions, reducing obstruction and the need for pre-prepared reference labels, while ensuring accurate dimension measurement and label length setting.

Implementation Method 1

an image pickup unit which picks up an image of the reference label arranged along a pasting surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an image processing unit having a dimension detection unit which, by image processing, compares the reference mark printed on the reference label and the planned pasting area in a picked-up image and detects a length dimension of the planned pasting area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage processing: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentUS8934139B2Label creation system, print control apparatus, print control method and computer program product

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A label creation system includes: a tape printing unit which prints a reference mark as an indicator of unit length onto a tape and thus creates a reference label; an image pickup unit which picks up an image of the reference label arranged along a pasting surface forming a planned pasting area, together with the planned pasting area; an image processing unit having a dimension detection unit which compares the reference mark and the planned pasting area in a picked-up image and detects a length of the planned pasting area that is in a direction of length of the fixed-length label; and a label length setting unit which sets a label length of the fixed-length label based on the length of the planned pasting area that is detected; wherein the tape printing unit prints on the tape and creates the fixed-length label based on the label length that is set.