摘要:
A printhead having multiple print lines of conventional design and a printhead control system for using the multiple print lines in a variety of operations. In one embodiment, the printhead control system prints an image by superimposing the printing from multiple print lines. In another embodiment, the image is printed by alternating the energization of one print line so that each print line is used to print only 1/3 of the image lines. As a result, the print lines are allowed a relatively long time to cool, thus allowing the printhead to be operated at a faster speed. In another embodiment, the printing elements of each print line print with a different image density, and images printed by superimposing the printing elements in the print lines with a variety of combinations depending upon the desired magnitude of the image density. In still another embodiment of the printhead control system, the resistance of each printing element is checked and, if found to be unacceptably high, corresponding printing elements of other print lines are used for printing.
摘要:
A printhead having multiple print lines of conventional design and a printhead control system for using the multiple print lines in a variety of operations. In one embodiment, the printhead control system prints an image by superimposing the printing from multiple print lines. In another embodiment, the image is printed by alternating the energization of one print line so that each print line is used to print only 1/3 of the image lines. As a result, the print lines are allowed a relatively long time to cool, thus allowing the printhead to be operated at a faster speed. In another embodiment, the printing elements of each print line print with a different image density, and images printed by superimposing the printing elements in the print lines with a variety of combinations depending upon the desired magnitude of the image density. In still another embodiment of the printhead control system, the resistance of each printing element is checked and, if found to be unacceptably high, corresponding printing elements of other print lines are used for printing.
摘要:
A system for controlling the temperature of the printing elements of a thermal printhead. The printhead is provided with a plurality of spaced apart temperature sensor that measure the temperature at various locations on the printhead. A processor receiving outputs from the sensors determines the approximate temperature of each printing element based upon its proximity to at least one temperature sensor and the temperature sensor outputs. The processor then uses the approximate temperature of the printing elements to formulate either a strobe signal or a serial data stream that is applied to the respective printing element. Each printing element thus receives a quantity of energy that is a function of whether the printing element will contribute to the printing of an image during a scan line as well as the approximate temperature of the printing element.
摘要:
A printhead having multiple print lines of conventional design and a printhead control system for using the multiple print lines in a variety of operations. In one embodiment, the printhead control system prints an image by superimposing the printing from multiple print lines. In another embodiment, the image is printed by alternating the energization of one print line so that each print line is used to print only ⅓ of the image lines. As a result, the print lines are allowed a relatively long time to cool, thus allowing the printhead to be operated at a faster speed. In another embodiment, the printing elements of each print line print with a different image density, and images printed by superimposing the printing elements in the print lines with a variety of combinations depending upon the desired magnitude of the image density. In still another embodiment of the printhead control system, the resistance of each printing element is checked and, if found to be unacceptably high, corresponding printing elements of other print lines are used for printing.
摘要:
A thermal printhead formed on a substrate. The plurality of thermal print elements in the thermal printhead are formed in a linear array. Each of the plurality of thermal print elements is respectively connected to a plurality of common electrode traces and a plurality of ground electrode traces. The common electrode traces are switchably connected to a single common electrode and the ground electrode traces are connected to a single ground electrode. The common electrode is held at a common voltage and the ground electrode is held at a ground voltage. The electrical circuit includes at least one common remote sense electrode connected to the single common electrode and, optionally, at least one ground remote sense electrode connected to the single ground electrode.
摘要:
An apparatus for use in a thermal printer for printing information onto a paper substrate material is provided. The apparatus enables the thermal printer to compensate for the variable payout force of the paper substrate material. The apparatus comprises a platen in contact with the paper substrate material at a print region of the thermal printer. A motor and a roller mechanically coupled to the motor are used to transport the paper substrate material through the print region. A rotational rate detector comprises a light source, a disk having alternating radially disposed regions of different light conductivity, and a photodetector adjacent to the disk. The disk is at least partially illuminated by light provided by the light source and the photodetector to provide an electrical signal corresponding to detected periodic changes of the light illuminated onto the disk during rotation of the disk in cooperation with the platen. A central processor is adapted to receive the electrical signal and provide a driving signal to the motor. The driving signal compensates for the variable payout force by altering a corresponding transport rate of the paper substrate material in accordance with the detected rotational rate of the disk, an event model stored in a RAM, and/or a harmonic model stored in the RAM.
摘要:
A system and method for the automatic selection printer operating parameters using a preprinted bar code image on a portion of a selected print medium or a separate sheet of bar code parameters and commands. The bar code image specified characteristics of the selected print medium. A bar code scanner operates in conjunction with a bar code printer and scans the bar code image. The system automatically selects printer operating parameters, such as print speed, print head pressure, and burn duration to configure the printer for optimal operation with the selected print medium. The bar codes can also be used for test and service, label design, data entry, or work in process.
摘要:
A thermal printhead formed on a substrate. The plurality of thermal print elements in the thermal printhead are formed in a linear array. Each of the plurality of thermal print elements is respectively connected to a plurality of common electrode traces and a plurality of ground electrode traces. The common electrode traces are switchably connected to a single common electrode and the ground electrode traces are connected to a single ground electrode. The common electrode is held at a common voltage and the ground electrode is held at a ground voltage. The electrical circuit includes at least one common remote sense electrode connected to the single common electrode and, optionally, at least one ground remote sense electrode connected to the single ground electrode.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for storing, reading, and updating information abode a plurality of target objects. The apparatus includes a data reader and a plurality of readable and writable tags, each tag including a memory. The reader produces a modulated interrogation signal or beam for activating and writing to the tag. The detector within the tag detects the modulated interrogation signal and, in response thereto, accesses the memory for reading or writing. The tag also includes an emitter so that the tag may be read by the reader. During reading, data is retrieved from the memory and the emitter within the tag is modulated to produce a data signal representing the retrieved data. The tags also include optically readable symbols that supply control information for use by the reader in reading from and writing to the memories of the tags. In one embodiment, the tag takes the form of a photonic tag, the interrogation signal being formed as a modulated optical beam. In another embodiment, the tag is provided in the form of an RF tag, the interrogation signal comprising a modulated RF transmission.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for controlling a thermal printhead. In response to a sequence of print commands, the method and apparatus generate an energization signal for each thermal print element in the printhead. In one embodiment, the energization is a function of at least the present print command and a future print command. In certain embodiments, the energization signal may also be a function of a past print command, print commands for at least one adjoining print element, and other parameters. Each print element in the printhead can, accordingly, be maintained at a proper temperature to ensure long printhead life and cause the printhead to generate sharp images.