Print Data Transmission Overlap for Tape Printer Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tape printers require a lengthy process to print multiple images, involving multiple cartridge confirmations and data transmissions, which increases the overall time required for printing composite labels.
Innovation Solution
A print control program and printer system that allows for simultaneous data transmission and reception of print data for multiple images, enabling printing to commence before the previous image is completed, reducing the time needed for printing multiple images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential data transmission and printing is used for multiple images, then printing accuracy and reliability are maintained, but the total printing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits print data for subsequent images in advance before the current image printing is completed. The terminal device sends print data for the second image while the printer is still printing the first image, and stores it in the printer's memory for immediate execution after the current print job finishes, thereby overlapping communication time with printing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous printing operation by preparing the next print data during the current printing process. The printer continuously receives and stores print data for subsequent images without idle time, ensuring that the printing mechanism operates continuously without waiting for data transmission to complete
2Productivity
If parallel data transmission for multiple images is implemented, then printing speed increases, but the risk of using wrong cartridges and printing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal device receives printing status information from the printer and determines whether to transmit subsequent print data based on this feedback. The terminal device only sends the next image's print data after confirming the current image printing is complete, ensuring correct cartridge usage and preventing printing errors
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device transmits print data for subsequent images in advance but stores it temporarily without executing the print command until it receives confirmation that the current printing is complete. This preliminary transmission with conditional execution maintains speed while ensuring accuracy through status verification
3Reliability
If multiple cartridge confirmations are performed sequentially, then printing reliability is maintained, but the operation complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printer automatically performs cartridge type detection and verification without requiring manual user confirmation. The printer's controller automatically checks the cartridge type and determines whether it matches the required type for the current print job, eliminating the need for users to manually verify cartridges and reducing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores a set of program instructions installed on and executed by a computer provided in a terminal device. The set of program instructions includes receiving a print start operation to start printing images represented by first and second sets of print data. The first set of print data represents a first print image correlated with a first print medium type. The second set of print data represents a second print image correlated with a second print medium type. The set of program instructions include transmitting the first set of print data, and transmitting the second set of print data to the printer. The second print image is to be printed after the first print image is printed. The transmitting the second set of print data is performed before the printer complete printing the first print image.