Printer Ink Unit Tag Storage for Automatic Print Density Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional label printers require users to make additional adjustments for specific printing policies, such as company policies, which can be burdensome, especially when dealing with various combinations of labels and inks.
Innovation Solution
A printer equipped with a wireless tag reader and writer, an input device, and a controller that stores and retrieves combination information and adjustment settings for ink units and printing media, allowing for automatic adjustment of print density settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic configuration is implemented for general use, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to specific printing policies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring print settings for various label-ink combinations and storing them in the database. When a user attaches specific consumables, the system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-prepared settings, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling adaptability to different printing policies and consumable combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by storing multiple sets of print settings (density, speed, quality) in the database corresponding to different label and ink combinations. The controller dynamically selects and applies the appropriate parameter set based on the detected consumable types, enabling adaptability to specific printing policies while maintaining automatic configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is allowed for specific printing policies, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting the attached label and ink combinations, retrieving the corresponding optimal print settings from the database, and applying them without requiring user intervention. This eliminates time loss while maintaining adaptability to specific printing policies through the pre-stored combination-specific settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the wireless tags on the consumables to automatically determine which print settings to apply. The controller reads the tag information, queries the database for matching combinations, and automatically configures the printer, thus reducing time loss while adapting to specific printing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple combinations of labels and inks are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a database as an intermediary to manage the complexity of multiple label-ink combinations. Instead of hardcoding complex logic in the controller, the database stores all combination mappings and recommended settings, allowing the controller to simply query and apply settings based on detected consumables. This reduces controller complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wireless tags as copies/representatives of the physical consumables. The tags contain identification information that allows the system to recognize and match consumable combinations without needing to physically analyze or complexly process the actual labels and inks, thus reducing device complexity while supporting multiple combinations.
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
Reduces the user's burden of adjusting print settings by automatically applying the correct settings for the attached ink unit and printing medium, saving time and labor, especially in environments where frequent changes are necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless tag reader and writer configured to communicate with a wireless tag
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A printer is configured to connect with a detachable ink unit and a printing medium wound around a core, and includes a wireless tag reader and writer configured to communicate with a wireless tag, an input device configured to accept an input from a user, and a controller. When the input device accepts the input for adjusting a setting of the ink unit, the controller controls the wireless tag reader and writer to store in at least one of a first tag included in the ink unit and a second tag included in the core, combination information indicating a combination of the ink unit and the printing medium that are attached to the printer and adjustment information indicating the setting.