Scanning Printer Sensor Alignment for Start Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual scanning-type printing devices face challenges in improving operability for starting printing on a target, as users need to manually position the device accurately, which can be cumbersome and affect printing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A manual scanning-type printing device equipped with an optical sensor, guide rollers, and a printing start position marker that allows users to easily align the print head with the target by detecting movement direction and distance, enabling intuitive positioning and improved usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual scanning-type printing is used without positioning aids, then the device structure remains simple, but the operability for starting printing deteriorates as users cannot easily align the print head with the target

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability for starting printingVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a printing start position marker that is provided in advance at a specific position relative to the print head. This marker allows users to easily identify and align with the correct starting position before printing begins, eliminating the need for complex real-time positioning systems while improving operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an optical sensor as an intermediary between the printing start position marker and the control unit. The optical sensor detects the marker's position and transmits this information to the control unit, which then determines the print head's position. This intermediary system provides accurate positioning information without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If no printing start position marker is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the printing precision deteriorates as users cannot accurately position the print head at the start location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting start position accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing start position marker is provided in advance at a predetermined position relative to the print head, enabling users to accurately locate the starting position before printing begins. This preliminary positioning aid ensures consistent and accurate print start positions without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using an optical sensor to detect the printing start position marker and transmit this position information to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to determine the print head's position and control the printing process, ensuring accurate positioning through continuous position verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If optical sensor and marker system are added, then the positioning precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint head position detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor serves as an intermediary that converts the visual information from the printing start position marker into electrical signals that the control unit can process. This intermediary approach enables precise position detection using simple optical components rather than complex mechanical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical positioning systems with an optical detection system. By using an optical sensor to detect the printing start position marker, the system achieves precise position measurement without mechanical complexity, demonstrating the substitution of mechanical systems with optical fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances user operability by allowing precise alignment of the print head with the printing medium, reducing the complexity of starting the printing process and improving overall printing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor 15, configured to detect a moving direction and a moving distance of the printing device 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3339043B1Printing device; printing method and recording medium
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP3339043B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3339043B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3339043B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printing device includes a processor, a print head configured to perform a printing, and a sensor configured to detect a moving direction and a moving distance of the printing device. The processor is configured to perform processing of, while the printing device moves in a first direction, disabling the print head from performing the printing, and acquiring a first moving distance of the printing device in the first direction detected by the sensor, processing of, while the printing device moves in a second direction which is different from the first direction, determining that the print head has reached a printing start position when moving of a second moving distance based on the first moving distance of the printing device is detected by the sensor, and processing of, when it is determined that the print head has reached the printing start position, enabling the print head to start the printing.