Printer Media Profile Storage for Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printers require repeated settings adjustments when switching between different types of print media, leading to increased labor and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A printer that preliminarily stores registration information for multiple types of print media, allowing automatic selection and use of stored settings when switching, reducing user labor and improving convenience through the medium profile function and RFID tag settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If settings are manually adjusted each time a print medium is changed, then printing parameters can be optimized for each medium type, but user labor and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting parameter optimizationVSAvoiduser labor time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-stores multiple sets of printing parameters (density, speed, resolution) corresponding to different print medium types in a database. When a print medium is changed, the system automatically retrieves the pre-configured parameter set matching the new medium type, eliminating the need for manual re-adjustment and thus reducing user labor time while maintaining optimized printing parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printing system automatically detects the print medium type and selects the appropriate parameter set from stored configurations without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously adjusting printing parameters based on the detected medium, thereby reducing user labor while ensuring optimal printing quality for each medium type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple print medium types are supported with custom settings, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint medium type supportVSAvoidsettings management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing system incorporates a universal parameter storage mechanism that handles multiple print medium types through a unified interface. A single database structure stores parameter sets for various medium types (labels, wristbands, tags, etc.), and a centralized control unit manages retrieval and application of appropriate parameters, enabling multi-functionality without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary database layer between the print medium detection mechanism and the printing execution unit. This database acts as a mediator that translates diverse medium type identifiers into corresponding parameter sets, simplifying the management of multiple medium types by providing a standardized interface rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3925789B1Printer, printer control method, and program

Publication Date: 2023.09.27 SATO HLDG CORP

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AI summary

A printer that allows selection of a plurality of types of print media includes, a control unit that stores a plurality of pieces of registration information, the registration information including one set of a plurality of printing setting items used for printing, the plurality of printing setting items include an item regarding the type of the print medium.