Two-Sided Print Data Splitting for Thermal Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-sided printing technologies face challenges in efficiently splitting data for printing on both sides of thermal media without compromising the integrity of the printed information, particularly when dealing with graphic data that requires precise splitting to avoid incomplete characters or graphic elements.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to identify clear or semi-clear regions within the print data, where data can be split according to predetermined criteria, ensuring that each side of the media receives balanced and complete information, using techniques such as scanning for carriage returns or graphic elements to determine optimal split locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is split at any arbitrary location for two-sided printing, then printing efficiency is improved, but the integrity of printed information deteriorates (incomplete characters or graphic elements)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print data into multiple portions, each assigned to different print heads for simultaneous processing. The data is divided at strategically selected locations that preserve character and graphic element integrity while enabling parallel printing operations on both sides of the media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the print data to identify optimal split locations before actual printing begins. By pre-processing the data to locate carriage returns, page breaks, or other suitable delimiters, the system ensures that data division occurs at points that maintain information integrity while maximizing printing efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If data is split to maintain integrity of printed information, then printing quality is improved, but printing efficiency deteriorates (due to complex splitting requirements)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the print system to automatically analyze and determine optimal data split locations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by identifying carriage returns, page breaks, and other delimiters within the data stream, and autonomously configures the division of data among print heads to maintain integrity while preserving efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If all data is printed on one side of the media, then data integrity is maintained, but media usage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-sided to two-sided printing by utilizing the third dimension (the other side of the media). Data is strategically divided and assigned to different sides, allowing comprehensive use of the media surface while maintaining data integrity through careful selection of split locations at natural delimiters.
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 approach ensures that data is split in a way that maintains the integrity of the printed information, avoiding incomplete characters or graphic elements, and allows for efficient two-sided printing by designating specific data portions for each print head, thereby optimizing media usage and print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal print head is disposed on each of two sides of the media for selectively applying heat to one or more thermally sensitive coatings on each side thereof. The coatings change color when heat is applied, by which 'printing' is provided on the respective sides.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of, and apparatus for, splitting data for two-sided printing are provided. In one embodiment, a method of splitting data for printing by a first and a second print head of a two-sided printer is provided, the method comprising: identifying a portion of the data transverse to a print direction comprising no information for printing, designating a portion of the data prior to the identified portion for printing by the first print head, and designating a portion of the data following the identified portion for printing by the second print head.