Print Assisting Device Using Reference Markers for Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual scanning type printing devices require users to estimate the length of contents to be printed, making it difficult to accurately place the device at the precise printing start position, leading to inaccuracies in printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing assist device with an imaging device, notifier, and processor that captures images of reference markers on the printing device and print medium, creating assisting images to guide the user to the correct printing start position, enabling precise placement and notification of printing readiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the user manually estimates the printing length based on letter count and size, then the device structure remains simple, but the printing position accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference markers as intermediary elements between the printing device and the print medium. These markers serve as visual mediators that enable the imaging device to accurately determine the printing start position without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems. The markers act as a bridge that translates physical placement into detectable visual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical detection system. Instead of using精密 mechanical guides or alignment mechanisms, the system uses an imaging device to capture images of reference markers and process these images to determine positioning information. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical/electronic systems reduces device complexity while improving positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If no visual guidance is provided to the user, then the device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging device continuously captures images of the reference markers, the processor analyzes the positioning information, and the system provides visual feedback through the display device showing the detected position and guidance information. This closed-loop feedback enables users to adjust the placement in real-time based on visual feedback, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual display elements that change appearance based on positioning status. The display device shows different visual information (such as color-coded indicators or graphical overlays) to guide the user on whether the placement is correct or needs adjustment. These visual changes provide intuitive guidance without requiring complex mechanical guides.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system provides detailed assisting images and real-time feedback, then the printing accuracy improves, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining reference markers with known positions and characteristics before the actual printing process. The system pre-processes the image capture and marker detection algorithms, so that during actual operation, the processor can quickly identify markers and calculate positioning information without extensive real-time computation. This preliminary preparation reduces processing time during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a staged approach to image processing and feedback provision. Rather than processing all possible positioning information simultaneously, the system prioritizes critical positioning data and provides feedback in stages. The processor focuses on detecting the most important reference markers first and provides essential guidance information, allowing the system to achieve sufficient accuracy without excessive processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A print assisting device detects, from information on a captured image including a first reference marker for a manual scanning type printing device and a second reference marker of a print medium on which the printing device is placed, information on the first and the second reference marker, and creates, as information on an assisting image, based on the information on the first and second reference markers and information on a contents to be printed by the printing device, at least any one of information on a first image of the contents that is printed in a case where the printing device is scanned from a current position, information on a second image of the contents that is printed in a case where the printing device is scanned from a printing start position which is designated, and information on a third image to guide a position of the printing device to the printing start position, and causes a display device to display the assisting image superimposed on the captured image.