Printer Color Detection for Tape Cartridge Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers require updates to correlations on the operation terminal for each new type of tape cartridge, leading to errors and failure in supporting new combinations of print-receiving tape and ink ribbon colors.
Innovation Solution
A printer with a cartridge holder, thermal head, memory for color correlations, color detection, and a transmitting mechanism to identify and transmit color information to the operation terminal, allowing it to support new tape cartridges without updating correlations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If correlations between cartridge type and color combinations are stored in advance in the operation terminal, then the operation terminal can display color information for known cartridges, but the system fails to support new types of tape cartridges without updating correlations
Solution Approach 1:
The printer automatically detects the color information of the mounted tape cartridge using a color detecting portion, converts it to standardized color identification information, and transmits it to the operation terminal without requiring manual correlation updates. This self-service mechanism enables the system to adapt to new cartridges autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of updating correlation databases with an automated optical detection system. The color detecting portion uses optical means to detect tape and ink ribbon colors, converting them to standardized color IDs that the operation terminal can interpret directly.
2Reliability
If the system requires manual updates to correlations for each new cartridge type, then color display accuracy is maintained for known cartridges, but operational efficiency and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The printer performs automatic color detection and information transmission without requiring operator intervention for correlation updates. The color detecting portion automatically identifies the mounted cartridge's color characteristics and the transmitting portion sends this information to the operation terminal, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the printer detects color information, transmits it to the operation terminal, and the terminal uses this information to display accurate color representations. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures color accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized color identification information is transmitted from the printer to the operation terminal, then the operation terminal can display colors without updating correlations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color detecting portion and transmitting portion are integrated into the existing printer architecture, allowing these components to serve multiple functions. The color detection system not only identifies cartridge colors but also provides data for operational control, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms physical color parameters (tape color and ink ribbon color) into standardized digital color identification information through the color detecting portion. This parameter transformation enables universal communication between the printer and operation terminal regardless of specific cartridge types.
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 seamless support for new tape cartridges by converting detected color information into standardized IDs, allowing the operation terminal to display and use the correct colors without requiring updates, thus preventing errors and enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the ink of an ink ribbon fed out from an ink ribbon roll inside the tape cartridge is transferred to the print-receiving tape by the thermal head, thereby forming desired print on the print-receiving tape
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a printer including a first memory, a color detecting portion, a color identification information determining portion, and a transmitting portion. The first memory stores color correlations between a plurality of color types and a plurality of color identification information. The color detecting portion detects first color information of a print-receiving tape and second color information of an ink ribbon, of a tape cartridge mounted to a cartridge holder. The color identification information determining portion determines first color identification information of a color type corresponding to the first color information, and second color identification information of a color type corresponding to the second color information, by referring to color correlations. The transmitting portion transmits the first color identification information and the second color identification information to an operation terminal comprising substantially the same color correlations as the color correlations.