Tape Printer Incremental Pattern Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face difficulties in identifying and producing printed matter that accurately reflects their intended settings due to complex variations in print identifier settings, leading to unintended break positions, empty blocks, and incorrect increment patterns in existing tape printers.
Innovation Solution
A printer system with feeding and printing means that allows for incremental print object arrangement on a tape, featuring setting image generation and display, incremental pattern selection, and assignment pattern choice, enabling operators to configure and verify settings in stages to produce printed matter that aligns with their intentions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the printed matter image is generated reflecting the settings made by the operator all at once, then the operator can see the complete result, but the number of printed matter increases due to unintended break positions and empty blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the print identifier arrangement process into multiple sequential stages: (1) setting image generation showing block arrangement, (2) first printed matter image generation showing increment results, (3) second printed matter image generation showing assignment results. Each stage allows operator verification before proceeding, preventing errors from propagating through the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions at each stage to prepare for the next step. The setting image is generated first to show the block arrangement, then the first printed matter images are generated to preview increment patterns before final assignment. This preliminary visualization allows operators to correct issues before they result in unwanted printed matter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various settings are executed on each print identifier, then the system becomes versatile, but the operator finds it difficult to identify the mode in which printed matter will actually be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms at each stage where the system displays visual representations of the operator's settings. The setting image shows block arrangement, the first printed matter images show increment results with different patterns, and the second printed matter images show final assignment results. This progressive feedback helps operators understand the effect of their settings without being overwhelmed by all possibilities at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the settings process by unfolding it across multiple stages rather than presenting all settings simultaneously. Operators progress through stages in sequence, with each stage adding a new dimension of control (block arrangement, then increment patterns, then assignment patterns), making the complex system more manageable.
3Productivity
If the printed matter is produced directly without staged verification, then the process is fast, but unintended break positions and empty blocks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions to generate setting images and preview printed matter images before actual production. These preliminary steps visualize the outcome of operator settings, allowing verification of break positions and block assignments before committing to actual printed matter production, thus preventing errors while maintaining efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer (1) comprises feeding means (182, 192) configured to feed a print-receiving tape (51), printing means (16) configured to produce at least one printed matter (L1-L3) wherein a desired print object is respectively formed on the print-receiving tape (51), along a transport direction of the feeding means (182, 192), by performing printing of the print object on the print-receiving tape (51) fed by the feeding means (182, 192), print object receiving means (S20) configured to receive an input operation of the print object comprising a print identifier that can be incremented in accordance with a predetermined regularity and is respectively disposed in a plurality of blocks (BLx, BLy) that can be set in a plurality in a tape length direction in relation to one the printed matter (L1-L3), setting image generation means (S30) configured to generate a setting image (M1) in relation to the printed matter (L1-L3) wherein the plurality of blocks (BLx, BLy,), each comprising the print object, is arranged in a tape length direction, based on a reception result of the print object receiving means (S20), setting display means (S40) configured to display the setting image (M1) generated by the setting image generating means (S30), first increment mode receiving means (S50) configured to receive a setup operation of specification of at least one the print identifier to be incremented, an increment interval, and an increment execution count when the print identifier is to be incremented, first image generating means (S60) configured to respectively generate first printed matter images (SL11-SL13) wherein the print identifier is incremented in accordance with a setup operation received by the first increment mode receiving means (S50), using a plurality of different types of increment patterns, first display means (S70) configured to display in list format the first printed matter images (SL11-SL13) using the plurality of types of increment patterns, generated by the first image generating means (S60), second increment mode receiving means (S80) configured to receive a selection operation of any one of the plurality of types of increment patterns in relation to the first printed matter images (SL11-SL13) displayed in the list format, second image generating means (S90) configured to respectively generate second printed matter images (SL21-SL31) wherein the print identifier is incremented in accordance with the setup operation received by the first increment mode receiving means (S50) and for which is used a type of increment pattern received by the second increment mode receiving means (S80), using a plurality of different types of assignment patterns when the print objects are to be assigned to each printed matter (L1-L3), second display means (S100) configured to display in list format the second printed matter images (SL21-SL31) using the plurality of types of assignment patterns, generated by the second image generating means (S90), third increment mode receiving means (S 110) configured to receive a selection operation of any one of the plurality of types of assignment patterns in relation to the second printed matter images (SL21-SL31) displayed in the list format, and printing control means (S200) configured to control the feeding means (182, 192) and the printing means (16) so as to generate at least one the printed matter (L1-L3) corresponding to the second printed matter images (SL21-SL31) using the selected assignment pattern, in accordance with the selection operation received by the third increment mode receiving means (S110).