Thermal Printer Controller Position Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Publicly known thermal printers face challenges in maintaining high precision printing when the moving mechanism is not at a predetermined reference position, leading to potential deviations in print position due to changes in the conveyance path length, which affects printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A thermal printing apparatus with a moving mechanism that includes a first and second roller, supported by a rotatable member, and a controller that determines the position of the mechanism and a print signal from an external apparatus, allowing for selective processing to adjust the conveyance path length and ensure precise printing by moving the mechanism to the reference position before starting a print operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the moving mechanism is not positioned at the reference position before printing, then the printing operation can be initiated quickly, but print position precision deteriorates due to conveyance path length variations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs a preliminary position check before initiating printing. If the moving mechanism is not at the reference position, the controller outputs an error signal to prevent printing until the mechanism is properly positioned. This preliminary action ensures precision is maintained while minimizing time loss by only delaying printing when necessary.
2Manufacturing precision
If the controller outputs an error signal when the moving mechanism is not at the reference position, then printing precision is maintained, but printing productivity decreases due to operation interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors the moving mechanism position and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine whether to permit printing operations. This feedback mechanism ensures precision is maintained while optimizing productivity by allowing printing to proceed without interruption when the mechanism is already at the reference position.
3Manufacturing precision
If the moving mechanism position is continuously monitored and printing is restricted when not at reference position, then print quality is ensured, but system complexity increases due to additional control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor automatically detects the moving mechanism position and the controller automatically determines whether printing should be permitted based on this detection. The system serves itself by autonomously preventing printing when conditions are not met, eliminating the need for complex manual control logic or additional monitoring systems.
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
Ensures high precision printing by maintaining the moving mechanism at the reference position, preventing print position deviations and ensuring accurate printing even when the print instruction is issued before the mechanism is aligned, thus enhancing printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
perform the printing on the print medium by controlling heating of the thermal head
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a printing apparatus including: a frame; a casing; a thermal head; a platen; a moving mechanism supported by the frame; a motor; a transmitting mechanism; a sensor detecting a position of the moving mechanism; a communication interface; and a controller. The controller is configured to: perform determination as to whether the moving mechanism is located at a reference position; perform determination as to whether a print signal is received from the external apparatus; and selectively execute one of first processing and second processing in accordance with results of these two determinations. The controller selectively executes the first processing when the moving mechanism is not located at the reference position and the print signal is received; and the controller selectively executes the second processing when the moving mechanism is located at the reference position and the print signal is received.