Continuous Sheet Printer Reprint and Void Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In continuous sheet printers, when a print result is defective, re-printing on a blank label disrupts sequential numbering, making it difficult for users to identify the re-printed label, and existing systems are inefficient in handling multiple defective prints.
Innovation Solution
A printer system with a conveyor and print engine that serially prints images on a continuous sheet, using a controller to stop printing and re-print low-quality images on new labels while maintaining the print order, and overprinting defective images with a VOID pattern to maintain label order and reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the continuous sheet is fed forward and the defective image is reprinted on a blank label, then the defective image can be corrected, but the serial numbers are no longer sequential and it becomes difficult for users to identify the reprinted label
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a duplicate record of the serial number and printing information in a separate storage area (memory or database). When reprinting is needed, the system retrieves this copied information and prints it on the new label, ensuring sequential numbering is maintained without disrupting the original printing sequence. This allows the defective image to be corrected while preserving the serial number sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing the printing information and serial numbers in memory before the actual printing occurs. When a defect is detected, the system can immediately retrieve this pre-stored information and reprint it on the next available label without needing to re-calculate or re-sequence the serial numbers, thus maintaining sequential order while correcting the defect.
2Loss of information
If the continuous sheet is rewound and a mark is overprinted on the defective label, then the defective print is marked for identification, but the sheet must be rewound and fed forward again, reducing printing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the defective label from the continuous sheet by advancing the sheet to bring a fresh blank label into the printing position, leaving the defective label behind on the sheet. This allows the system to print on the extracted (new) label without needing to rewind the entire sheet, thereby maintaining printing efficiency while still addressing the defective print through reprinting on a separate label.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by continuously advancing the continuous sheet forward rather than stopping and rewinding. The printing process continues uninterrupted on subsequent labels, ensuring that the productive action of printing is not halted by the need to mark or handle defective labels, thus preserving high printing efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple defective images occur during serial printing, then quality control is maintained, but frequent sheet reversals and re-printing operations increase processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing multiple sets of printing information and serial numbers in memory before the printing sequence begins. When multiple defects occur, the system can rapidly retrieve subsequent pre-stored information and continue printing without interruption, eliminating the time loss associated with repeated sheet reversals and re-printing operations while maintaining quality control through the pre-validated stored data.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer has a print engine to print images represented by a series of print data on the plurality of printing areas one by one. When an image printed on the printing area is determined to be a low quality image, the controller stops printing and reprint an image corresponding to the low quality image and images corresponding to discard-target images which are being printed or having been printed on the printing areas located upstream in the feeding direction with respect to the printing area on which the NG image has been printed on a new printing area located upstream in the feeding direction with respect to a printing position of the print engine in an order of the print data. The particular image printer is configured to overprint the particular image on the printing area on which the NG image or the discard-target image is printed.