Laser Recording Device Automatic Medium Parameter Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser recording devices require manual input of medium parameters for each thermal medium, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A laser recording device that automatically acquires medium parameters from a storage mechanism embedded in the thermal medium, allowing it to set optimal irradiation parameters for printing images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input of medium parameters is required for each thermal medium, then the laser recording device can ensure accurate irradiation parameters, but the operation efficiency decreases and user burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of irradiation parametersVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal medium itself stores its own medium parameters (such as photothermal conversion efficiency, layer thickness, material composition) in a storage mechanism embedded within the medium. When the laser recording device reads these parameters, the medium serves itself by providing the necessary information for optimal irradiation settings, eliminating the need for manual input while maintaining parameter accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The medium parameters are pre-stored in the storage mechanism during the manufacturing of the thermal medium. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary information about the medium's properties is available before the actual recording process, allowing the laser recording device to quickly retrieve and apply the correct parameters without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual input of medium parameters is required for each thermal medium, then the irradiation parameters can be precisely adjusted, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of irradiation settingsVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal medium provides its own parameter information through the embedded storage mechanism, allowing the laser recording device to automatically configure optimal irradiation settings. This self-service approach maintains precise manufacturing parameters while completely eliminating the need for users to manually input or adjust complex settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The storage mechanism embedded in the thermal medium acts as an intermediary that automatically communicates the medium's specific parameters (photothermal conversion efficiency, layer thickness, material composition) to the laser recording device. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct user intervention in parameter setting while ensuring precise irradiation configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If medium parameters are stored in an embedded storage mechanism, then automatic acquisition is enabled, but the structure of the thermal medium becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic parameter acquisitionVSAvoidstructure of thermal medium
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage mechanism is merged with the thermal medium structure, combining the functional layers (photothermal conversion layer, color development layer, base material) with the parameter storage capability in a single integrated component. This merging enables automatic parameter acquisition while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal medium is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the active recording material (with photothermal and color development properties) and as a carrier of parameter information (through the embedded storage mechanism). This universal design enables automatic parameter acquisition without requiring separate standalone storage devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient acquisition and utilization of medium parameters, streamlining the image printing process without the need for user input.

Implementation Method 1

a photothermal conversion layer that is laminated closer to an incident side of the light than the first color developing layer, transmits visible light, and absorbs the light for photothermal conversion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotothermal conversion: Photoacoustic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4129704B1Heat sensitive medium and laser recording device
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4129704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4129704B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4129704B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A thermal medium and a laser recording device are provided in which medium parameters can be acquired efficiently. According to one embodiment, the thermal medium includes a photothermal conversion layer, a color development layer, a storage mechanism. The photothermal conversion layer converts an applied laser beam into heat. The color development layer develops a color by the heat converted by the photothermal conversion layer. The storage mechanism stores information related to a medium parameter including a photothermal conversion efficiency of the photothermal conversion layer.