Printer Label Detection Under External Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer devices struggle to reliably detect the presence of printed labels, especially when they are positioned under external light, leading to potential errors in label detection.
Innovation Solution
The printer device incorporates a light irradiation unit, a light irradiation control unit, a light receiving unit, and a label presence or absence determination unit. This configuration allows for the reliable detection of labels by switching between light irradiation and non-irradiation, and determining the presence or absence of labels based on optical signals acquired during these states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an optical sensor is installed on the outside of the housing to detect label presence, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the sensor becomes easily affected by external light causing erroneous detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light-shielding structure movable. The light-shielding member can shift between blocking and non-blocking positions relative to the sensor, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its sensitivity to external light based on detection needs, thus maintaining reliability while keeping the sensor externally mounted
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the detection environment by introducing a movable light-shielding member that can alter the amount of external light reaching the sensor. This parameter change allows the system to optimize detection accuracy by controlling light conditions without relocating the sensor internally
2Measurement precision
If the release sensor is installed inside the housing away from external light, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of sensor replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-shielding member as an intermediary element between the externally mounted sensor and the external light source. This mediator controls the light environment for the sensor without requiring the sensor to be physically relocated inside the housing, thus maintaining both accuracy and simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light control function from the sensor mounting structure by using a separate, movable light-shielding member. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain externally mounted for easy access while the light-shielding mechanism independently manages optical conditions for accurate detection
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
This solution enables reliable detection of printed labels even under external light, preventing errors and ensuring proper operation of the printer device.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit configured to acquire an optical signal from an area where a label on which printing has been completed exists
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, the label printer includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates an area illuminated by external light where a label on which printing is completed exists with light, a light irradiation control unit that switches between light irradiation and non-irradiation by the light irradiation unit, a light receiving unit that acquires an optical signal from the area where the label on which printing is completed exists in synchronization with the light irradiation and non-irradiation by the light irradiation control unit, and a label presence or absence determination unit that determines the presence or absence of a label based on a first signal acquired by the light-receiving unit if the light irradiation unit is not emitting light and a second signal acquired by the light receiving unit if the light irradiation unit is emitting light.