Thermal Head Print Control for Barcode Quality and Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing devices face challenges in maintaining print quality, particularly with specific portions like barcodes and logos, due to inability to specify their positions in print image data, leading to decreased quality and reduced print speed.

Innovation Solution

A printing system comprising a thermal head and an information processing apparatus that detects the position of specific portions in print image data and generates printing control information to adjust print speed and density specifically for these areas, allowing for improved print quality without compromising overall print speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If print density is increased to improve print quality, then print quality improves, but print speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint qualityVSAvoidprint speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different print densities to different regions of the print medium. Specifically, a first print density is used for a first region containing barcodes or logos that require high quality, while a second (lower) print density is used for a second region with general text and information. This allows the system to improve print quality where needed without sacrificing overall print speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If print speed is decreased to improve print quality, then print quality improves, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint qualityVSAvoidprint speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements region-specific print quality control by identifying a first region requiring high print quality (containing barcodes or logos) and a second region with standard requirements. The system prints the first region at a first print speed and the second region at a second print speed, where the first print speed is lower than the second print speed. This selective approach improves print quality for critical elements while maintaining high productivity for the overall printing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If thermal head is continuously used at high density, then print quality is maintained, but thermal head wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint qualityVSAvoidthermal head lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces thermal head wear by applying high print density only to specific regions requiring high quality (first region with barcodes or logos) while using lower print density for other regions (second region with general information). This selective high-density printing maintains print quality where necessary while significantly reducing the cumulative wear on the thermal head, thereby extending its operational lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The system enhances the print quality of specific portions like barcodes and logos while preventing a significant reduction in overall print speed, and reduces the thermal head's wear and tear by applying higher density only where needed.

Implementation Method 1

a heated thermal head is applied to a print medium such as thermal paper to print on the print medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal printing: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11861244B2Printing system, printing control method, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 FUJITSU FRONTECH LTD
  • US11861244B2 patent drawing
  • US11861244B2 patent drawing
  • US11861244B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A printing system includes a printing device including a thermal head that prints print content on a print medium; and an information processing apparatus that controls the printing device. The information processing apparatus comprises a processor configured to detect, from print image data from a server, a position of a control target portion including a specific portion in a print image corresponding to the print image data. The processor is configured to generate printing control information for printing the control target portion. The processor is configured to transmit the print image data, the position of the control target portion, and the printing control information to the printing device. The printing device executes different printing controls for the control target portion and a portion other than the control target portion based on the print image data, the position of the control target portion, and the printing control information.