Roll Label Printing with On-Media Print Condition Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses face difficulties in accurately determining the type of label paper accommodated, leading to inappropriate print settings and reduced print quality due to misidentification of the print medium.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a holder, printer, memory, and controller that prints print condition information on a condition print area of the label paper, allowing easy identification and appropriate setting of print conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the roll-shaped label paper is accommodated in the roll paper accommodating part, then the printing function is provided, but it becomes difficult to grasp the kind (type) of the label paper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of grasping print medium typeVSAvoidinformation about label paper type

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by printing the print condition information on the label paper before the printing process. This allows the information to be readily available when the label paper is accommodated, eliminating the need to manually check or input the label paper type later. The information is prepared in advance on the medium itself, making it easily graspable during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the print condition information is not displayed on the label paper, then the label paper can be freely designed, but the print condition cannot be set appropriately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of print condition settingVSAvoidaccuracy of print medium identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by displaying the print condition information directly on the label paper. This creates a feedback loop where the label paper itself provides information about its required print conditions. The printing apparatus can read this information and automatically set the appropriate print conditions, ensuring accurate identification and adaptation to the specific label paper type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the print condition information is printed on the label paper, then the print condition can be easily grasped, but the label paper requires additional processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of print condition settingVSAvoidsimplicity of label paper production

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the printing apparatus serve multiple functions: it not only prints the desired content on the label paper but also prints the print condition information on the label paper. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processes to add identification information, as the same printing device performs both tasks, requiring no additional manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12485680B2Printing apparatus, printing method and medium

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

There is provided a printing apparatus including: a holder configured such that a print medium wound in a roll shape is to be attached to the holder; a printer configured to perform printing on the print medium; a memory configured to store print condition information indicating a print condition regarding the print medium attached to the holder; and a controller configured to execute a processing of printing the print condition information on a condition print area of a single line or a plurality of lines on the print medium by using the printer.