Thermal Head Printing Speed Control via Block On-Dot Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printer control methods frequently change print speed per line, affecting print quality and requiring increased current capacity, which is undesirable for high-speed printing.
Innovation Solution
Divide printing data into blocks aligned in the sub scanning direction, calculate the number of heater elements to be driven for each line, and set printing speed based on the maximum number of on-dots within each block to variably control the thermal head's speed, reducing the need for increased current capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If print speed is set slower for each line with high integrated pixel values, then density level printable at thermal head is enhanced, but print quality is adversely affected due to frequent speed changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple printing lines into a block (e.g., 124 lines per block) and determines a single print speed for the entire block based on the maximum integrated value within that block. This merging approach reduces the frequency of speed changes from line-by-line to block-by-block, thereby maintaining print quality while still ensuring adequate energy supply for high-density printing areas.
2Use of energy by moving object
If print speed is frequently changed per line, then energy supply to thermal head is optimized, but print quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into blocks of multiple lines (e.g., 124 lines per block) rather than processing line-by-line. Within each block, the print speed is determined by the maximum energy requirement, allowing optimized energy supply while reducing the frequency of speed adjustments to maintain print quality.
3Speed
If current capacity of adaptor is increased, then high speed printing is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic print speed adjustment within blocks rather than maintaining a constant high speed throughout. By allowing the print speed to vary based on the integrated pixel values and energy requirements of each block, the system can achieve high-speed printing where needed while using lower speeds for less demanding areas, thereby avoiding the need for increased current capacity.
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
This method allows for high-speed printing without compromising print quality and reduces the need for increased current capacity, achieving cost-effective and efficient printing.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal head having a plurality of heater elements arranged in line
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a printing speed of a thermal head having a plurality of heater elements arranged in a line includes: dividing a set of printing data into blocks each comprising one or more printing lines aligned in a main scanning direction, in which the dividing is in a sub scanning direction, and in which a block including a first predetermined number of printing lines is regarded as a unit block; calculating the number of the heater elements to be driven for each of printing lines included in a block as the number of on-dots, and comparing the numbers of on-dots for the block to obtain a maximum number of on-dots for the block; and setting a printing speed for one block to be slower than a printing speed for another block with smaller maximum number of on-dots than maximum number of on-dots for the one block.