Label-Printing Apparatus Reprint Set Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional label-printing apparatuses cannot efficiently reprint an entire set of labels when only one label is specified, especially in cases where double-sided printing is interrupted or when detailed information about the set is not easily displayed, leading to complications in reprinting all labels intended to be used together.
Innovation Solution
The label-printing apparatus stores the history of printing and the quantity of labels in a set, allowing users to specify a single label to reprint the entire set by extracting print data from the history memory, and includes features for easy identification and handling of printed labels, such as cutting and marking reprinted labels to prevent mixing with originals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printing apparatus prints labels in sets with fixed front-face-and-rear-face structure, then double-sided printing can be performed, but reprinting flexibility when only one label is specified is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The label set is segmented into individual label units, each with its own identification number. This allows the system to treat each label as an independent selectable unit while maintaining the set structure, enabling flexible reprinting of specific labels without being constrained by the traditional front-face-and-rear-face pairing requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of label identification by adding identification numbers to each label in the set. This transforms the printing system from a two-dimensional front-rear face structure to a multi-dimensional structure where labels can be identified and selected by their unique numbers, enabling flexible reprinting operations
2Ease of operation
If detailed information about label sets is displayed on small display screens, then users can identify labels easily, but display space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential identification information (label identification numbers) from the detailed label information and displays only these key identifiers on the small screen. This allows users to easily identify and select specific labels for reprinting without being overwhelmed by excessive details, maintaining ease of operation within limited display space
3Productivity
If reprinting is performed without clear set identification, then printing can be restarted, but mixing of reprinted and original labels occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual marking (analogous to color changes) by printing a specific mark on reprinted labels to differentiate them from original labels. This allows users to easily distinguish between reprinted and original labels, preventing mixing while maintaining efficient reprinting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of the label set containing the specified label before reprinting. By determining which set the specified label belongs to and printing all labels in that set with a distinctive mark, the system ensures reliable differentiation between reprinted and original labels before the actual reprinting occurs
Data Source
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AI summary
An assumption is made a quantity of labels that make up a set of labels that is set in advance is A (S81). A determination is made as to whether or not a specified label exits between n th and (n+A-1) th labels in a history of printing stored in a history memory area 351 (S85) . If a specified label does not exist between n th and (n+A-1) th labels, an object for processing is moved to a head label n+A of the following set (S87). If, however a specified label is found between n th and (n+A-1)th labels, a determination is made that the found label between n th and (n+A-1) th labels is of a set to which the specified label belongs (S89). Further, a set of labels determined in S89 is selected as an object for printing (S91) . A determination can be made from the history of printing and from the quantity of labels that make up the set as to which set the specified label belongs, and the set of labels can be deemed as objects for printing.