Printer Code Reading via Inverted Medium Inclination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer apparatuses for reading code information, such as barcodes, on inclined print media often result in reading errors, and mechanisms to incline the reading section increase costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A printer apparatus with a medium conveyance system, alignment section, and multiple code information reading mechanisms that read code information at predetermined distances to ensure accurate acquisition, reducing the need for a rotating code reading section mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a mechanism is added to incline the reading section to read inclined code information, then reading accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode reading accuracyVSAvoidreading section mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inclining the reading section to match inclined code information, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the reading section horizontal and inclining the print medium (booklet) instead. This is achieved by adjusting the feed roller and guide plate angles to receive and convey the booklet at the appropriate inclination angle, allowing the code reading section to read the code correctly without requiring complex inclination adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical inclination adjustment mechanism of the reading section with a simpler mechanical adjustment of the feed roller and guide plate system. By adjusting the inclination of the booklet feeding mechanism rather than the reading section itself, the system achieves code reading accuracy with reduced mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the reading section is inclined to match inclined code information, then reading errors are reduced, but the overall apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading error rateVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by keeping the reading section fixed and horizontal, and instead adjusting the inclination of the print medium (booklet) through the feed roller and guide plate mechanism. This allows the system to read inclined codes accurately without requiring the reading section to be physically inclined, thereby maintaining a compact apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If a complex mechanism is added to adjust the code reading section, then reading accuracy for inclined codes is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinclined code reading accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the problem-solving approach by adjusting the booklet feeding mechanism (feed roller and guide plate) instead of the reading section itself. This allows inclined codes to be read accurately while using simpler, more cost-effective components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the expensive and complex mechanical inclination adjustment mechanism for the reading section with a simpler adjustment of the feed roller and guide plate angles. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to read inclined codes accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9370953B1Printer apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

In accordance with an embodiment, a printer apparatus comprises an insert and eject slot; a medium conveyance section configured to convey a print medium on which code information is arranged and which is inserted from the insert and eject slot towards a predetermined printing position, and convey the print medium from the printing position to the insert and eject slot from which the print medium is ejected; a printing section configured to carry out printing on the print medium sent to the printing position; a code information reading section configured to read the code information arranged on the print medium; and an acquisition section configured to acquire the code information based on reading data of the code information read by the code information reading section multiple times at a predetermined distance.