Linerless Thermal Sheet Blank Area for Barcode Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linerless thermosensitive labels face issues with unreadable barcodes and QR codes due to low contrast and distortion caused by color backgrounds, leading to inefficiencies in scanning and processing, especially in fast-paced retail environments.
Innovation Solution
A linerless thermal sheet with a substrate having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one face and a thermosensitive layer on the other, where the thermosensitive layer is divided into portions with a color image and a blank area, allowing for high-contrast thermally printed information on the blank portion, and optionally including a machine-readable demarcation for precise cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a color image is applied on the thermosensitive layer, then the label provides visual information and branding, but the barcode and QR code readability deteriorates due to low contrast and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosensitive layer is divided into distinct portions: a first portion for receiving the color image and a second portion for receiving the barcode/QR code. This segmentation ensures that the color image and thermally printed information do not overlap, maintaining high contrast and readability of the barcode while still providing visual branding information.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the thermosensitive layer are assigned different functions: the first portion is optimized for color imaging while the second portion is kept blank to ensure high contrast for thermally printed barcodes and QR codes. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its intended function optimally without interfering with the other.
2Measurement precision
If the thermosensitive layer is kept blank for thermal printing, then barcode readability is improved, but the label loses visual information and branding capability
Solution Approach 1:
The label is segmented into functional zones: a first portion of the thermosensitive layer receives the color image for branding and visual information, while a second distinct portion remains blank for high-contrast thermal printing of barcodes and QR codes. This segmentation allows both visual information and machine-readable information to coexist without compromising either.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the color image overlaps with the thermally printed information, then the label design flexibility is improved, but the scanning efficiency deteriorates due to low contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosensitive layer is divided into non-overlapping portions: the first portion accommodates the color image while the second portion is reserved exclusively for thermally printed barcodes and QR codes. This spatial segmentation prevents overlap, ensuring high contrast and optimal scanning efficiency while maintaining design flexibility through the color image portion.
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
Ensures clear readability of thermally printed information by machines and humans, reducing errors and processing delays by providing a consistent background for barcodes and QR codes, thereby improving scanning efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a thermosensitive layer on at least part of said second face of said substrate, said thermosensitive layer comprising a first portion and a second portion
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on at least part of said first face of said substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A linerless thermal sheet arranged as a roll, comprising a substrate having a first face and a second face, whereby the first face opposes the second face; an adhesive layer on at least part of said first face of said substrate; a thermosensitive layer on at least part of said second face of said substrate, said thermosensitive layer comprising a first portion and a second portion whereby the first portion and the second portion do not overlap; a release coating applied onto the thermosensitive layer, said release coating has a low adherence to said adhesive layer; at least one colour image is deposited on the first portion of the thermosensitive layer such that the at least one colour image is between the thermosensitive layer and the release coating, whereby the second portion of the thermosensitive paper is blank for thermally-printed information.