Sequential Number Printing Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequential number printing systems require costly storage units and are cumbersome when resetting initial values for multiple pieces of character information on a single label, especially when resuming printing from an intermediate number.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a sequential number setting unit, a current value designating unit, and a print instruction unit that allows collective designation of a current value for all character information, enabling easy partial re-execution of sequential number printing without the need for storage units, using buttons to increment or decrement the counter value and display the start value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a storage unit is provided in the label printer to store sequential number values, then partial re-execution of sequential number printing can be facilitated, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the user and the label printer. This control device stores the sequential number values and transmits them to the printer, eliminating the need for a storage unit in the printer itself. The control device acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of data storage and management, allowing the printer to remain simple while still enabling partial re-execution of sequential number printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a function to copy or replicate the sequential number value across multiple pieces of character information simultaneously. When a user designates a current value, this value is copied to all selected character information fields, allowing uniform resetting of sequential numbers across multiple locations without manual intervention at each position. This copying mechanism simplifies the operation of partial re-execution while avoiding the need for complex storage infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If the initial value is reset manually for each piece of character information, then no storage unit is needed, but the operation becomes troublesome when there are multiple pieces of character information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation of resetting initial values for multiple pieces of character information into a single collective action. The user interface allows selection of multiple character information fields, and a single operation to designate the current value applies to all selected fields simultaneously. This combining of operations eliminates the need for repeated manual resetting while avoiding the addition of storage units to the printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements a universal mechanism that handles sequential number management for multiple types of character information through a single interface. The system can manage different pieces of character information with sequential number settings using the same designation operation, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate storage units for each information type. This universal approach simplifies both the device configuration and user operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device which designates sequential number printing to print while updating character information, comprising: a sequential number setting unit which carries out sequential number setting to carry out the sequential number printing, on the character information; a current value designating unit which collectively designates a current value to all the character information with sequential number setting, in one document; and a print instruction unit which gives an instruction to start the sequential number printing at the current value that is designated.