Printing Apparatus Controller for Manual Cutting of Special Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face complications when dealing with special printing media that are difficult to cut, as the cutting unit's position relative to the discharge port makes it inconvenient for users to manually cut these media without removing the cartridge and transporting the media manually.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a controller that determines whether the printing medium is a special type not to be cut by the cutting unit, and if so, it coordinates with the transporter to position the medium so that the user can cut it externally by transporting it to the discharge port, eliminating the need for manual cartridge removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the cutting unit is positioned downstream near the discharge port, then the cutting process is automated and efficient, but users cannot manually cut special printing media that are difficult to cut by the cutting unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by transporting the printing medium to a specific position before the cutting unit when special media are detected. This preliminary positioning allows users to manually cut the media at the discharge port while maintaining automated transport and positioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the type of printing medium. When special media are detected, the automated cutting function is temporarily suspended and the transport system continues to operate dynamically to position the media for manual cutting, providing adaptability while maintaining automation where applicable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting unit is positioned upstream in the transport path, then special printing media can be manually cut, but the cutting process becomes less automated and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge port area serves as an intermediary zone where automated transport and positioning functions meet manual cutting operations. The transport system acts as a mediator, automatically bringing special media to the discharge port where users can perform manual cutting, then continuing automated transport of the cut media.
3Productivity
If the printing medium is transported continuously through the device, then productivity is high, but users cannot access the medium for manual cutting of special types
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the printing medium to the discharge port before manual cutting is needed. This maintains continuous automated transport and positioning functions while creating temporary access points for user intervention when special media are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated transport and positioning system serves itself by continuously moving media through the device, while also providing self-adjustment by detecting special media types and automatically positioning them for manual cutting at the discharge port, reducing the need for manual cartridge removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus forming a printed matter by a printing medium on which a print is formed, including: a casing having a discharge port; a transporter; a print device forming the print on the printing medium; a cutter; and a controller configured to: obtain medium information; and when the printing medium is not set as a cutting target, control the transporter and the print device in cooperation to: form a desired print while transporting the printing medium; and further transport the printing medium after completion of the forming of the desired print and, when a first boundary part of the printing medium reaches a facing part facing an edge of the discharge port or when the first boundary part is discharged outside the casing, perform positioning by stopping the transporting of the printing medium.