Portable Printing Device with Optical Positioning for Large Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reproducing images or graphical patterns on large surfaces, such as walls or building facades, are limited by the size of the printing apparatus, lack repeatability, and require complex, bulky equipment, making it difficult to achieve high-quality, continuous results in restricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
A portable, manually operated device with a movable printing system on a variable-sized frame, equipped with motorized axes and an optical viewing system for precise positioning, allowing for easy repositioning without operator measurements, and a command unit for image selection and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large-sized printing apparatus is used to cover large surfaces, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large surface into multiple consecutive sub-areas and reproduces the image in sequential portions across these sub-areas. The printing apparatus maintains a limited size while covering large surfaces by moving through different sub-areas systematically, eliminating the need for a bulky apparatus that could cover the entire large surface at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of time by reproducing the image in sequential portions across multiple sub-areas rather than attempting to cover the entire large surface simultaneously. This temporal sequencing allows a compact apparatus to achieve large-area coverage through systematic movement and repeated operations.
2Device complexity
If manual positioning methods are used, then the device simplicity is improved, but the manufacturing precision and continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system that commands the printing apparatus to move precisely between sub-areas. The control unit stores positioning information and automatically repositions the apparatus, eliminating the need for manual measurements and observations while ensuring absolute continuity and precision between adjacent image portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control system that tracks the position of the printing apparatus and automatically adjusts positioning between sub-areas. This feedback mechanism ensures that the apparatus returns to the correct starting position for each new sub-area, guaranteeing continuity and precision without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If a portable device is used for restricted spaces, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity and coverage speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-divides the large surface into consecutive sub-areas and pre-stores the positioning information for each sub-area in the control unit. This preliminary preparation allows the compact printing apparatus to move efficiently through predetermined paths without requiring complex real-time calculations, maintaining productivity despite the portability constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the compact printing apparatus to dynamically adapt to different sub-areas through automated positioning and movement. The system optimizes the reproduction process by systematically transitioning between sub-areas, allowing a portable device to maintain efficient productivity across large surfaces through dynamic coordination of movement and printing operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device to reproduce images or graphical patterns in general on large surfaces, comprising at least a printing system (14) mobile in at least one direction with respect to a support frame (12)» an optical viewing system (100) associated with the support frame (12) and able to recognize the position of the portion of image already executed, and to recognize possible reference signs affixed in the step when said portion of image was executed, in order to allow the correct positioning of the device so as to execute the adjacent portion of image that has to be executed next.