Terminal Device Page Mode Prioritization for 2D Code Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing systems where both the terminal device and the printer have image generation capabilities, there are constraints such as the inability to arrange characters on both sides of a bar code, and users without knowledge of these constraints cannot select the appropriate printing mode.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device with an image generation determination unit that prioritizes the use of the page mode function of the printer when available, and a command conversion unit that converts print target data into commands corresponding to the page mode function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the print image is generated on the printer side in standard mode, then the printing system can operate with sequential command transmission, but printing constraints occur such as characters cannot be arranged on both sides of the bar code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between standard mode and page mode based on the type of code being printed. When a two-dimensional code is detected, the system automatically transitions to page mode, which allows flexible layout including characters on both sides of the code. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining sequential transmission efficiency for simple cases while enabling layout flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the printing mode parameter from standard mode to page mode when two-dimensional codes are detected. This parameter change enables the printer to switch from sequential command processing to a mode that supports complex layout arrangements, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and layout flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the function for generating print image is included on both printer side and terminal device side, then users can select the function location, but users without knowledge of printing constraints cannot select the appropriate printing mode
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device automatically detects the type of code to be printed and autonomously determines the appropriate printing mode (standard mode or page mode) without requiring user knowledge of printing constraints. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on the code type, thereby resolving the contradiction between function selection flexibility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection and judgment mechanisms that analyze the code type and provide feedback to select the appropriate printing mode. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to different printing requirements, resolving the contradiction by making the complex selection process transparent and automatic for users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If page mode function is used for printing two-dimensional codes, then printing constraints are overcome, but command conversion from standard print target data to page mode commands is required
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs preliminary detection of the code type before printing and pre-determines that page mode is required for two-dimensional codes. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the appropriate command conversion in advance, reducing the complexity impact by automating the conversion process based on pre-established rules rather than requiring real-time complex decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal which is included in a printing system including the terminal device and a printer separately or integrally, the terminal device includes an image generation determination unit configured to determine, when the printer used for printing has a page mode function, an approach for generating a print image for the printing such that use of the page mode function of the printer is given priority; and a command conversion unit configured to convert, when the image generation determination unit determines that the approach for generating the print image uses the page mode function of the printer, print target data to be printed into a command corresponding to the page mode function of the printer.