Self-Propelled Printer Navigation for Precise Indoor Surface Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face challenges in achieving precise indoor navigation and printing on surfaces due to the limitations of GPS in indoor environments, leading to potential inaccuracies and high financial costs in construction projects.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled printer with a drive mechanism controlled by processing circuitry, equipped with sensors and communication technology, allows for autonomous locomotion and precise printing by determining an image formation path based on received data, using a combination of GPS and indoor positioning techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS navigation is used for indoor positioning, then outdoor navigation accuracy is improved, but indoor navigation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary devices that transmit positioning signals in indoor environments. These beacons serve as mediators between the printer and the indoor space, enabling accurate positioning where GPS signals cannot penetrate. The beacons create a localized positioning infrastructure that complements GPS for outdoor use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system that automatically switches between GPS and beacon-based positioning methods depending on the environment. The system adapts its navigation approach in real-time, using GPS when available (outdoor) and transitioning to beacon triangulation when GPS signals are unavailable (indoor), thereby maintaining navigation accuracy across different contexts.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional fixed printer is used, then printing stability is improved, but adaptability to different locations and surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The printer is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors, processors, and communication circuitry that enable it to self-propel and self-position without human intervention. The system automatically determines its location using beacons, calculates the optimal printing path, and executes the printing task independently, transforming from a static device to an autonomous mobile printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal printing system that can operate in multiple environments (indoor and outdoor) and on various surfaces. The mobile printer combines navigation functions, printing functions, and adaptive positioning capabilities in a single device, allowing it to serve diverse printing needs across different locations rather than being confined to a fixed installation site.
3Device complexity
If manual positioning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated electronic navigation system. Instead of physically moving the printer to the correct location, the system uses beacons, sensors, and processors to calculate and execute precise navigation autonomously. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with electronic automation maintains device simplicity while dramatically improving positioning and printing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled printer is provided having communication circuitry to receive print data for an image to be formed. A drive mechanism of the printer to provides locomotion of the entire self-propelled printer and a print head is arranged to transfer a print material on to a print medium. Processing circuitry to generates an image formation path to be traversed by the print head via locomotion of the self-propelled printer. The image formation path is based at least in part on the received print data. The processing circuitry controls the drive mechanism to autonomously drive the self-propelled printer along the image formation path. A corresponding method and computer program for generating a 2D image using a self-propelled printer are provided.