Print Control Device for Tape Orientation and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing printer technology is limited in the width of the upper tape that can be used for printing, as it does not effectively manage the orientation and length of the upper tape relative to the lower tape, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies in creating multi-colored labels.
Innovation Solution
A print control device that determines the optimal orientation and length of the upper tape based on specific conditions related to the size of the objects to be printed on both the upper and lower tapes, ensuring proper alignment and preventing the upper tape from running off the lower tape, by setting the orientation to either parallel or orthogonal depending on the object area dimensions and tape widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the upper tape width is limited to match the object size, then the object can be printed completely on the upper tape, but the width selection of the upper tape becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the upper tape length adjustable and configurable based on different printing scenarios. The system allows dynamic selection of tape dimensions and orientation (parallel or orthogonal) to match various object sizes, transforming a static fixed-width tape system into a flexible adaptive system that can accommodate different printing requirements without being constrained by fixed tape width limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the upper tape by allowing configuration of both width and length independently, and by introducing orientation as a variable parameter (parallel or orthogonal to the lower tape). This enables the system to adapt to different object dimensions by adjusting these parameters rather than being limited to a single fixed tape width, thereby resolving the contradiction between printing completeness and tape width selection flexibility
2Ease of operation
If the upper tape longitudinal direction coincides with the lower tape longitudinal direction, then the alignment is simplified, but tapes of suitable width may not be available for certain object sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic orientation selection, allowing the upper tape to be configured in either parallel orientation (longitudinal directions coinciding) or orthogonal orientation (longitudinal direction of upper tape coincides with width direction of lower tape). This dynamic switching between orientations enables the system to maintain alignment simplicity while adapting to different tape width availabilities and object size requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing a new dimension of orientation (parallel vs. orthogonal) rather than being confined to a single alignment mode. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve both alignment simplicity and tape width adaptability by selecting the appropriate orientation based on the specific printing requirements and available tape dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A print control device includes a controller. The controller edits an image constituted by one or more objects including one or more upper objects, acquires an image area length, an image area width, a lower tape length, and a lower tape width, designates one upper object from among the one or more upper objects, and acquires an object area length, an object area width, and an upper tape width. In a case where a precondition is met for the designated upper object, the controller sets an orientation to a parallel orientation when a first condition or a third condition is met, and sets the orientation to an orthogonal orientation when a second condition or a fourth condition is met. The controller issues an error notification when the precondition is met but all of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition are not met.