Printer Marker Detection for Variable Label Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers require multiple types of printing paper with markers at different intervals to produce labels of varying lengths, leading to inefficiency and the need for frequent paper changes.
Innovation Solution
A printer and printing method that utilize a printing unit, paper transfer unit, marker detection unit, and cutting unit, allowing for the detection and counting of markers to calculate and adjust the paper transfer distance, enabling the production of labels with various lengths without changing the paper, including lengths exceeding the marker interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If printing paper with markers at fixed intervals is used, then cutting accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different label lengths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the paper transfer distance based on the detected marker positions and the desired label length. The control unit calculates the required transfer distance from the current marker position to the target cutting position, enabling the system to adapt to any label length while maintaining cutting accuracy using the same fixed-interval marker paper.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of paper transfer distance dynamically based on the detected marker positions and required label length. By adjusting this parameter, the system can produce labels of any length using paper with fixed marker intervals, resolving the contradiction between cutting precision and length adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of printing paper with different marker intervals are used to produce labels of various lengths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and operation burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes a single type of printing paper with fixed marker intervals universally applicable for producing labels of any length. The control unit achieves this by calculating and adjusting the paper transfer distance based on the detected marker positions and the desired label length, eliminating the need for multiple paper types with different marker intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker detection unit provides feedback on the actual positions of markers on the printing paper. The control unit uses this feedback information to calculate the precise transfer distance needed to reach the target cutting position, enabling accurate label production of any length using a single paper type.
3Manufacturing precision
If printing paper is replaced frequently to match different label lengths, then printing accuracy is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by eliminating the need to stop and replace printing paper when changing label lengths. The control unit continuously adjusts the paper transfer distance based on marker detection and desired label length, allowing uninterrupted production of labels with varying lengths while maintaining printing accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer and a printing method are proposed. The printer and the printing method include transferring printing paper until a cutting target marker first disposed after a location at which the printing of a unit output has been completed based on the transfer direction of the printing paper reaches a cutting position, and cutting the corresponding location when the printing paper is transferred until the cutting target marker reaches the cutting position.