Print Data Generating Device for Continuous Forms Paper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing print systems experience uneven density in images due to printing in acceleration and deceleration zones, where paper roll positioning is inaccurate, leading to potential slipping and longer heating durations, resulting in stripe-like density issues.

Innovation Solution

A print data generating device that changes the direction of the print image by 180 degrees to prevent overlap between the image arrangement area and the print area in acceleration/deceleration zones, using a direction change decision unit and execution unit to analyze and adjust the print data accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If paper feeding is stopped to cut the paper roll after print data is printed by a predetermined amount, then the margin corresponding to the space between the print head and the cutter edge is prevented from being generated, but printing is executed in the acceleration and deceleration zones causing uneven density in the print image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidprint quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional printing approach by printing from the cutting edge side toward the print head side, rather than from the print head side toward the cutting edge. This inversion allows the print head to operate in the stable constant-speed zone throughout the entire printing process, avoiding the acceleration and deceleration zones that cause uneven density. The cutting unit then cuts the paper roll at the position where the print head is located, eliminating the margin issue while maintaining print quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the paper roll is fed backward and cut after all print data is printed to avoid printing in acceleration and deceleration zones, then uneven density is avoided, but the printing device becomes more complicated due to the need for backward feeding function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a backward feeding function to the existing printing system, the patent inverts the printing direction so that printing starts from the cutting edge and proceeds toward the print head. This approach achieves the goal of avoiding acceleration and deceleration zones without requiring any additional mechanical components or functions, thereby maintaining device simplicity while ensuring print quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the existing forward feeding mechanism to achieve the desired effect by reversing the logical sequence of operations. Rather than physically moving the paper backward, the system copies the printing process in reverse order: first positioning the print head at the cutting edge side, then printing toward the original starting position, and finally cutting. This virtual reversal avoids the need for actual backward feeding hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If printing is executed in the acceleration and deceleration zones, then the paper roll can be fed continuously without stopping, but the position where the paper roll is carried cannot be detected with high accuracy and the paper roll may slip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidposition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the printing sequence so that the print head operates entirely within the constant-speed zone. By starting printing from the cutting edge side and proceeding toward the print head side, the system ensures that the paper roll is carried at a stable, constant speed throughout the entire printing process, eliminating position detection errors and slipping issues while maintaining continuous feeding and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This approach effectively reduces uneven density in printed images without complicating the printing device, by avoiding printing in acceleration and deceleration zones and minimizing overlap between image and print areas.

Implementation Method 1

the duration of heating of the paper roll by the thermal head is longer than usual

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10744800B2Print data generating device, printing device, print data generating method, and program

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A print data generating device generates print data printable by a printing device including a feeding unit which feeds continuous forms paper in a scanning direction, a line head which performs printing on the continuous forms paper, a cutting unit downstream of the line head in the scanning direction that cuts the continuous forms paper, and a direction change execution unit which executes direction change processing of changing the direction in which the print image is printed. The print direction of a print image is changed in such a way that that an area of overlap between the image arrangement area and the print area in the acceleration/deceleration zone becomes smaller when the image arrangement area and the print area in the acceleration/deceleration zone overlap with each other both in cases where the direction change processing is executed and where the direction change processing is not executed.