Printing Apparatus Barcode Reader Setting Code Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses require complex and laborious settings when a new bar-code reader is connected, as users need to manually configure communication settings, which can lead to errors and increased user burden.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a controller that stores setting information for bar-code readers, allowing it to automatically generate setting-code printed materials, simplifying the initial setting process by printing setting codes that the new bar-code reader can read, thereby facilitating easy configuration without user error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual setting operation is required for bar-code reader connection, then communication settings can be configured, but user burden and setting complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus automatically generates and prints setting codes containing communication settings when a bar-code reader is connected. The system serves itself by autonomously creating the setting material without requiring user intervention to manually configure parameters, thereby reducing user burden while maintaining proper communication setup
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus prepares and prints the setting codes in advance before the bar-code reader needs to be fully configured. By proactively generating the setting material upon detection of the bar-code reader connection, the system eliminates the need for users to perform complex manual settings and reduces the overall setup time
2Ease of operation
If automated setting code generation is implemented, then user burden is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional storage and control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus utilizes its existing printing functions and storage resources to serve multiple purposes: normal printing operations plus automatic generation of setting codes for bar-code readers. By making the system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for setting code generation, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The setting code acts as an intermediary carrier that transfers communication settings from the printing apparatus to the bar-code reader. Instead of directly configuring the bar-code reader through complex communication protocols, the system uses the printed setting code as an intermediate medium, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining proper configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes: a conveyor configured to convey a printing medium; a printing device configured to perform printing on the printing medium conveyed by the conveyor; a connector configured to accept a connecting cable connectable to a code reader; a storage configured to store setting information indicating a setting of the code reader; and a controller configured to control the conveyor and the printing device. The controller being configured to execute a setting-code-printed-material creating processing in which the controller controls the conveyor and the printing device to create a setting-code printed material by printing a setting code corresponding to the setting information stored in the storage, on the printing medium.