Printer Driver Label Arrangement and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printer drivers often result in wasted labels when printing barcodes on label sheets, as they cannot efficiently arrange and print objects on sheets with a large number of labels, leading to unprinted labels.
Innovation Solution
A printer driver system that receives image data, extracts object data, and creates print data to arrange objects on a smaller sheet size, allowing for efficient printing and minimizing waste by optimizing label arrangement and cutting out printed sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of labels arranged on one label sheet is relatively large, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to unprinted labels being wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the label sheet into multiple smaller sheets by extracting and printing only the necessary number of labels. The label sheet is segmented into first size (containing first number of labels) and second size (containing second number of labels), where the second size is smaller and matches the actual printing requirement. This segmentation allows efficient use of materials by avoiding printing of unnecessary labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts the sheet size and number of labels based on the actual printing requirements. The controller determines the appropriate second size and second number of labels to print, which may differ from the first size and first number. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the printing system adapts to varying needs, optimizing both productivity and material utilization.
2Manufacturing precision
If the first size image data is received from the application, then the manufacturing precision is improved for large scale printing, but the loss of substance increases when printing on smaller sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the necessary label data from the first size image data to create second size image data suitable for smaller sheets. The controller extracts the second image data corresponding to the second number of labels from the first image data, then creates print data based on this extracted information. This extraction process maintains precision for the actual printing while reducing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the image data from first size to second size, adapting the printing requirements to match the actual sheet dimensions and label quantities needed. The controller modifies the image data parameters to create appropriate second size image data that corresponds to the smaller sheet size and reduced number of labels, optimizing both precision and material efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If conventional printer drivers are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to inefficient label arrangement and printing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service functionality where the controller automatically determines the appropriate sheet size and label arrangement without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously extracts the necessary data, creates the appropriate print data, and manages the printing process, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving productivity and label utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of an information processing apparatus is configured to receive image data representing a first size image, the first size being a size within which a first number of first objects can be printed, extract second image data included in the first image data, the second image data representing the first object, create first print data used to print the second number of first objects on the second size sheet in an arranged manner based on the extracted second image data, the second number being less than the first number, the first size being a size of a sheet on which the first number of first objects can be arranged, the second size being a size of a sheet on which the first number of first objects cannot be arranged but the second number of first objects can be arranged, the first print data being transmitted to a printer.