Thermal Printer Image Segmentation for Extended Print Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently printing images on tape-like print media longer than 999 mm, as thermal printers have limitations in continuous printing due to thermal head overheating, leading to restricted maximum print lengths.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating print image data for both a first image of 999 mm and a second image of 501 mm length, where the second image continues from the final part of the first image, allowing for continuous printing on a single medium, with appropriate margin settings to maintain image continuity and prevent thermal head overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the image length is extended beyond 999 mm to print longer images, then the print length is improved, but the thermal head overheating problem worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a long image (exceeding 999 mm) into multiple segments: a first image of 999 mm and a second image continuing from the final part of the first image. This segmentation allows the thermal printer to print each segment separately, preventing continuous printing that would cause thermal head overheating while still achieving the overall long print length requirement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the image is divided into multiple sections to prevent overheating, then the thermal head overheating problem is resolved, but the image continuity may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating the first image data (999 mm) and the second image data (continuing from the final part of the first image) before printing. The margin settings are pre-calculated to ensure that when the second image is printed after the first, they align correctly to maintain continuous image composition without gaps or overlaps.
3Ease of operation
If the print instruction includes a single long image, then the printing process is simplified, but the printer cannot handle images longer than 999 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the printing process based on the image length. When the image length exceeds 999 mm, the system automatically creates multiple image segments (first image of 999 mm and second image continuing from the final part). This dynamic adaptation allows the printer to handle variable length images while maintaining ease of operation, as the user only needs to provide the original long image without manually segmenting it.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus performs: receiving a print instruction for repeatedly printing an object along a particular direction, the print instruction including an image length; determining whether the image length exceeds a particular length; in a case where the image length exceeds the particular length, creating print image data of a first image and a second image, the first and second images including the object arranged repeatedly, a length of the first image being within the particular length, the second image continuing from the first image, a total length of the first and second images being equal to the image length; in a case where the image length does not exceed the particular length, creating print image data of a third image in which the object is arranged repeatedly, a length of the third image being equal to the image length; and outputting the print image data to a printer.