Print Medium Identification Markers for Label Waste Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label printers face inefficiencies when the length of the print area is shorter than the identification marker, leading to overlapping markers and increased waste or higher production costs due to the need for high-accuracy photo-detectors.
Innovation Solution
A print medium and printer configuration where identification markers are arranged in groups, with a blank area and adjustment intervals to accurately set the leading edge position, allowing for efficient printing without waste even when the print area is shorter than the marker length, using a combination of band-shaped identifiers and optical sensors for precise detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the length of the detection marker is increased to ensure complete reading by the photo-detector, then the reliability of detection is improved, but the detection markers overlap when adjacent markers are arranged, increasing waste of label paper
Solution Approach 1:
The detection marker is divided into multiple line segments arranged in a specific pattern. The photo-detector reads these segmented lines to determine the leading edge position and label type, allowing reliable detection without requiring a single long continuous marker that would cause overlap
Solution Approach 2:
The detection marker uses a two-dimensional arrangement of lines (both in the feed direction and width direction) rather than a single long line. This dimensional change allows the marker to provide sufficient detection information while keeping its length in the feed direction short enough to prevent overlap with adjacent markers
2Loss of substance
If the length of the detection marker is shortened to prevent overlap with adjacent markers, then the waste of label paper is reduced, but the production cost increases due to the need for high-accuracy photo-detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The detection marker is segmented into multiple lines that can be read sequentially by a standard photo-detector. This segmentation allows the use of shorter markers without overlap while maintaining detection reliability using conventional, cost-effective photo-detectors rather than requiring high-accuracy expensive sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The marker uses more lines than the minimum single line would provide, creating a redundant pattern that enhances detection reliability. This excessive use of lines compensates for the shorter overall marker length, enabling reliable detection with standard photo-detectors and reducing both waste and cost
3Device complexity
If a single detection marker corresponds to one label, then the detection system is simple, but adjacent markers must be separated by a margin portion, increasing unused label paper
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection markers are merged into a single continuous pattern on the label paper. The photo-detector reads the combined marker information to identify multiple labels, eliminating the need for separate margin portions between individual markers and reducing waste while maintaining simple system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection marker system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the leading edge position, determines label type through line patterns, and enables detection of multiple adjacent labels without requiring separate markers for each label. This multi-functionality reduces the overall marker length needed while preventing overlap
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
Enables printing without waste by accurately setting the leading edge position of print areas, reducing production costs and minimizing unused label paper, while accommodating various label sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that irradiates light in the feed direction of the sheet and a light receiver that receives the light irradiated by the light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A plurality of labels 150 are arranged on the top surface 110 of the sheet 100 at equal intervals. A print area 170 including the label 150 is set on the top surface 110. An identification marker 160 including the label 150 is printed on a rear surface 120 of the sheet 100. A length F of the print area 170 is shorter than a length (A + B + D) of the identification mark 160 in the feeding direction. A single print area group 175 including the print area 171, 172, 173 corresponds to a single identification mark 160. The leading edge position of the print area group 175 is identified based on the leading edge identifier 163 of the identification mark 160, and each of the leading edge positions of the print areas 171, 172, 173 is detected.