Printer Input Mask Selection via Optical Sensor Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for inputting print data into printers, particularly thermal transfer printers, are cumbersome and prone to errors when dealing with a large number of different printing objects, as users must manually select the correct input mask from a multitude of options, increasing the time and risk of incorrect entries.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using optical sensors to automatically recognize the inserted printing object and magazine, selecting the appropriate input mask from a memory table, and displaying it on the input and display device, thereby reducing the number of options and simplifying the selection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different magazines and printer cartridges are used to print on various objects, then the printer's versatility is improved, but the complexity of selecting compatible components increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical sensors to detect markings on magazines and printer cartridges, automatically identifying them and providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to verify compatibility and guide users in selecting correct components, reducing selection complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer performs self-identification of inserted components through optical scanning of markings. The system automatically detects magazine and cartridge types, eliminating the need for manual verification by users, thereby reducing selection complexity without limiting the range of supported components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually select input masks from multiple options, then the printer can handle diverse printing objects, but the time required for selection increases and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the printing object through optical sensors detecting markings, and the control unit autonomously selects the appropriate input mask from stored options. This eliminates manual selection by users, reducing time loss while maintaining the ability to handle diverse printing objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensors provide feedback about the detected object characteristics to the control unit, which uses this information to automatically retrieve and display the correct input mask. This feedback-driven automation reduces selection time while ensuring compatibility with various printing objects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users manually select input masks from multiple options, then the printer can accommodate different printing objects, but the risk of incorrect entries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic object identification and input mask selection, eliminating manual selection errors. The control unit autonomously matches detected object characteristics with the appropriate input mask, ensuring accurate selections while maintaining versatility for different printing objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensing system provides accurate feedback about object markings, enabling the control unit to reliably identify the correct input mask. This feedback mechanism reduces the risk of incorrect entries while preserving the ability to handle various printing objects.
4Loss of time
If optical sensors automatically detect markings on objects and magazines, then the selection process is simplified and time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical selection processes with optical detection and automated control. Optical sensors detect markings non-contactly, and the control unit automatically processes this information to select input masks, reducing time loss despite adding sensor system complexity.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required to select the correct input mask and minimizes the risk of errors, ensuring that only compatible components are used for printing, thus maintaining print quality and preventing incorrect print data entries.
Implementation Method 1
wenn die Einfahrvorrichtung in den Druckraum bewegt wird, woraufhin von einem in dem Gehäuse angeordneten至少一个光学传感器检测所插入的打印对象和/或杂志上的标记
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for inputting print data for printing on a print object (6) by means of a printer (1), wherein the printer (1) has a housing (2) having a printing chamber (3) formed within the housing (2), a printing device, a holding device (4) for an exchangeable magazine (5), which magazine serves to hold the print object (6) to be printed on, a control and evaluation unit (7), a memory (8), and an input and display apparatus (9). By means of the method, the inputting of print data for printing on a print object is especially simple because the method comprises the following steps: inserting a magazine (5) having the print object (6) to be printed on into the holding device (4), wherein the holding device (4) is in a loading and unloading position outside of the printing chamber (3); moving the holding device (4) into the printing chamber (3), wherein at least one optical sensor (10) arranged in the housing (2) senses a marking (11, 11') arranged on the print object (6) and/or at least one optical sensor (12) arranged in the housing (2) senses a marking (13) arranged on the magazine (5); selecting an input screen (17), from a plurality of input screens stored in the memory (8), by means of the control and evaluation unit (7) on the basis of the marking (11, 11') of the inserted print object (6) sensed by the sensor (10) or selecting individual input screens (17), from the plurality of input screens stored in the memory (8), by means of the control and evaluation unit (7) on the basis of the marking (13) of the inserted magazine (5) sensed by the sensor (12); displaying the selected input screen (17) or the selected input screens (17) on the input and display apparatus (9).