Portable Sign Maker Centering Algorithm for Label Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sign-making technologies are expensive, time-consuming, and limited in their ability to produce larger labels and signs, as they require personal computers and have multiple points of failure, and are not suitable for applications like pipe marking and OSHA/ANSI safety signs.

Innovation Solution

A portable sign maker that prints and cuts continuous rolls of media without a personal computer, using a thermal printer engine and cutter, with user-selectable templates containing centering algorithms to produce centered labels and signs of various sizes, including 1-inch to 4-inch wide options, and supports templates for specific applications like pipe marking and safety signs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated sign makers are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple software, firmware, and hardware points of failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesign production speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the personal computer and complex software system from the sign-making process, replacing it with a simplified dedicated device that has built-in templates and algorithms. This removes multiple potential failure points while maintaining automated sign production capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sign maker includes built-in centering algorithms and templates that automatically perform calculations and formatting without requiring external software. The device serves itself by having all necessary functions integrated into the hardware, eliminating dependency on complex external systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If print/sign shops are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to three to ten business days lead time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesign qualityVSAvoidlead time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-programs multiple templates and centering algorithms into the device before use. These preliminary preparations allow immediate production of high-quality signs without requiring external design services, eliminating the 3-10 day wait while maintaining professional quality through pre-configured precision templates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If portable standalone printing devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but area of moving object is limited to maximum 2-inch wide labels

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidlabel size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically adjusts its printing capability by accepting various media widths beyond the standard 2-inch limitation. The system can handle larger formats for applications like pipe marking and safety signs while maintaining the portability and ease of operation of a standalone device through adaptive media handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If PC connected printer devices are used, then adaptability is improved through design software applications, but reliability worsens due to multiple points of failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simpler, more reliable components that may have limited functionality compared to full PC systems but provide sufficient adaptability through pre-configured templates. The device trades some design flexibility for significantly improved reliability by eliminating multiple software and hardware failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The sign maker achieves versatility through universal templates that can handle various sign types (pipe marking, safety signs, labels) and media widths. This multi-functionality is built into the hardware, providing adaptability without requiring complex external software applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables on-demand production of custom signs and labels without boot/loading times, with immediate readiness and the ability to produce larger text and symbols, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing a user-friendly, efficient, and versatile solution for various signage needs.

Implementation Method 1

the printer employs a thermal printer engine to transfer ink from a thermal transfer roll to the media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal transfer: Thermal Energy Storage

Data Source

PatentUS8471878B2Sign maker templates for producing centered labels and methods of use

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 COBRA SYST

AI summary

The present invention provides a sign maker for printing signs and labels on a continuous roll of media without the use of a personal computer, the sign maker comprising: a keyboard for receiving user input; a printer for printing characters on the media; a cutter for cutting the media to a calculated length; and a user selectable template containing a centering algorithm stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to calculate a length of the media and center the printed characters on the media based upon the user input.