Split Print Job Controller for Tape Label Boundary Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label printing systems cannot perform both full and half cuts between labels in a single print job, requiring firmware changes which incur development and providing costs.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus splits a print job into multiple split jobs and transmits them to a tape printing apparatus, which performs full cuts at the end of labels and half cuts between labels, using added cut information to instruct boundary formation processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printer performs only one kind of cut (half cut or full cut) on all labels in accordance with one print job, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to perform different cut types (full cut and half cut) between labels is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print job into multiple split print jobs, where each split print job corresponds to a specific label range. By dividing the overall printing task into smaller units, the system can independently control cut types for different label groups without requiring the printer to support multiple cut modes simultaneously. This segmentation allows the simple printer to achieve complex cutting patterns through coordinated split jobs.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user's printing requirements and the printer's limited capabilities. It receives the original print job, splits it into appropriate segments, adds necessary cut information to each split job, and transmits them to the printer. This intermediary function enables the system to bridge the gap between complex user needs and simple printer functionality without modifying the printer itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printer firmware is changed to enable two kinds of cut between labels in accordance with one print job, then the adaptability is improved, but the development cost and providing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the printer's firmware to add complex cutting capabilities, the patent creates a software-based solution that copies and modifies the print job data. The information processing apparatus generates split print jobs with appropriate cut instructions by copying and processing the original print job data, rather than changing the printer's hardware or firmware. This approach achieves the same functional result through a different, more cost-effective means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a software-based, disposable approach rather than a permanent hardware modification. The split print jobs are generated dynamically based on the original print job and can be easily discarded or regenerated without any permanent changes to the printer. This eliminates the need for expensive firmware development and providing costs associated with permanent printer modifications.
3Productivity
If multiple label sets with different cut types are created using a single print job, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print job into multiple split print jobs, each handling a specific label range with predetermined cut types. This segmentation allows the information processing apparatus to manage complex cutting requirements by breaking them down into simpler, independent units that can be processed and transmitted to the printer systematically, maintaining productivity while avoiding printer complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus performs preliminary processing by splitting the print job and adding cut information before transmission to the printer. This preliminary action prepares the print jobs in advance with all necessary instructions, allowing the printer to execute them without requiring complex real-time decision-making or multiple cut mode support, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus including: a split section configured to split a print job causing a tape printing apparatus to print a plurality of labels into a plurality of split print jobs; and a transmission section configured to transmit a plurality of the split print jobs to the tape printing apparatus, wherein the transmission section performs a full cut at a rear end of a label to be printed last among one or more of the labels to be printed in accordance with the split print jobs, and when a plurality of the labels are printed in accordance with the split print jobs, the transmission section transmits a plurality of the split print jobs, the individual split print jobs with added first cut information instructing the tape printing apparatus to perform boundary formation processing between labels of a plurality of the labels, to the tape printing apparatus.