Portable Printer Battery Capacity Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable printers used for delivering absence notifications struggle to accurately inform operators of the number of labels or receipts that can be printed based on the remaining battery capacity, leading to uncertainty and potential premature battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
A printer equipped with a memory, measuring device, and display that stores and measures battery residual capacity, using LEDs to indicate the number of printable sheets or meters based on predetermined voltage levels, switching to a saving mode to conserve power when capacity is low, and informing the operator through lighting and blinking patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the printer only displays battery residual capacity percentage, then the display is simple and easy to implement, but the operator cannot recognize how many labels or receipts can be printed
Solution Approach 1:
The display information is segmented into multiple levels: battery residual capacity percentage (basic information) and estimated printable quantity (derived information). The processor segments the battery capacity data to calculate and display both the percentage and the estimated number of printable labels/receipts, providing comprehensive information without requiring a completely new display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that converts raw battery capacity data into meaningful information for the operator. It calculates the estimated printable quantity based on the battery residual capacity and displays both metrics, bridging the gap between technical battery data and operator-understandable information.
2Productivity
If the printer continues printing until battery depletion, then productivity is maximized, but the battery may cause damage to the printer or printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The printer performs preliminary assessment of battery capacity before printing operations. The processor calculates the estimated printable quantity in advance based on current battery residual capacity, allowing the operator to plan printing tasks appropriately and avoid situations that could damage the printer or degrade printing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system provides continuous feedback to the operator about battery residual capacity and estimated printable quantity. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to monitor battery status during operation and take appropriate actions before battery depletion occurs, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the printer provides detailed battery status information, then the operator can make informed decisions, but the display becomes complex and harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The display provides different levels of information quality in different contexts. The basic battery percentage is always displayed, while the estimated printable quantity is provided as additional contextual information. This local differentiation of information quality allows the operator to quickly grasp essential status while having access to detailed guidance when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, a printer includes a battery, a display, a memory and a processor. The memory stores a predetermined residual capacity of the battery of the printer and amount information of a printing medium on which a predetermined printing data can be printed with the predetermined residual capacity in association with each other in advance. The processor controls the display such that the amount information corresponding to the predetermined residual capacity stored in the memory is displayed on the display, in a case where determining that the residual capacity of the battery is reduced to less than the predetermined residual capacity.