Mailing Machine Print Head Controller Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mailing machines face challenges in printing large amounts of data when the memory device is insufficient to store the entire image, leading to 'print under-run' issues, which can be costly to resolve by increasing RAM capacity.
Innovation Solution
The system separates the complete image into regions, releasing print data in a timed fashion based on the movement of the mail piece, allowing a small memory device to handle images of any length without print under-run by ensuring each region's data is stored and printed sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory device capacity is increased to store the entire image, then print under-run issues are eliminated, but the cost of the mailing machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complete image into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) that can be processed and printed separately. The print head controller generates image data for each region independently and transfers it to the memory device in sequential portions rather than requiring the entire image to be stored at once. This segmentation allows the system to use a smaller memory device while maintaining reliable printing of large images.
2Quantity of substance
If the RAM size is increased to accommodate larger indicium images, then printing of large data sets is enabled, but the cost of the mailing machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete image into multiple regions (first region containing indicium, second region containing additional information, third region containing return address) and processes each region separately. The print head controller generates and transfers image data for each region sequentially to the memory device, enabling the system to handle large image data volumes using a smaller RAM capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a small memory device is used to keep costs low, then cost-effectiveness is maintained, but print under-run issues occur when printing large images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complete image into multiple regions and processes them sequentially. The print head controller generates image data for each region separately and transfers it to the memory device in portions as the mail piece moves through the printing position, allowing a small memory device to reliably print large images without under-run errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating and transferring image data for each region to the memory device before the printing operation for that region occurs. The system prepares the image data in advance during the transport phase, ensuring the memory device has the required data ready for printing while maintaining a small overall memory capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system that allows for large amounts of data to be printed utilizing a small memory is provided. The complete image to be printed on the print medium is separated into different regions each having associated print data. The memory device, while being too small to store all of the print data for the full image, is capable of storing the print data associated with each region. The print data for each region is released from the print head controller to the memory device for printing in a timed fashion based on movement of the print medium. The print data for a subsequent region will not be passed to the memory until the print medium has moved a sufficient distance, thereby indicating that printing of the preceding region has been completed.