EP4242004B1 - Appareil d'impression - Google Patents

Appareil d'impression

Info

Publication number
EP4242004B1
EP4242004B1 EP23157650.5A EP23157650A EP4242004B1 EP 4242004 B1 EP4242004 B1 EP 4242004B1 EP 23157650 A EP23157650 A EP 23157650A EP 4242004 B1 EP4242004 B1 EP 4242004B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
print
printing apparatus
media
examples
print head
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP23157650.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP4242004A1 (fr
Inventor
David Pratama Djayaputra
Florante Sumalinog Go
Eng Hing Lim
Chin Chean Lim
Kar Boon Oung
Teck Siong Soh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hand Held Products Inc
Original Assignee
Hand Held Products Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US18/166,370 external-priority patent/US20230182484A1/en
Application filed by Hand Held Products Inc filed Critical Hand Held Products Inc
Publication of EP4242004A1 publication Critical patent/EP4242004A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4242004B1 publication Critical patent/EP4242004B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4075—Tape printers; Label printers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0024—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using conduction means, e.g. by using a heated platen
    • B41J11/00244—Means for heating the copy materials before or during printing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/02—Platens
    • B41J11/04—Roller platens

Definitions

  • Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a printing apparatus and, more particularly, to apparatuses, systems, and methods for printing utilizing laser print head and reactive media.
  • a typical printing apparatus may include a print head that may be configured to print content on print media.
  • the printing apparatus may be configured to print content using one or more known technologies such as laser printing, thermal printing, and/or the like.
  • US 5 831 655 A discloses that data is printed on a recording sheet by heating the recording sheet at a pre-printing heating region of a heat roller 20, and the recording sheet is further heated at a post-printing heating and fusing region to thereby be dried and fused.
  • air introduced from an exhaust fan 50 is blown into a data writing section from bottom up in the same direction as a recording sheet feeding direction, so that not only the vapor generated from the recording sheet during the heating and the vapor generated from the ink during the printing are eliminated, but also a recording head 40 is cooled.
  • US 2007/188576 A1 discloses an inkjet imaging system comprising a heated imaging drum that rotates in at least one direction, a print head for ejecting ink onto the heated imaging drum as it rotates past the print head to form an image, a media sheet transport for synchronizing movement of a media sheet with rotation of the heated imaging drum, a transfixing roller that forms a transfixing nip with the heated imaging drum to transfix the image on the rotating heated image drum onto the media sheet synchronized by the media sheet transport, and a media director located between the media sheet transport and the heated imaging drum to direct the media sheet into close proximity with the heated imaging drum at a position sufficiently prior to the transfixing nip that the heated imaging drum heats the media sheet before the media sheet enters the transfixing nip.
  • US 2014/028747 A1 discloses that a leveling and spreading system has been developed that enables the speed and position of the web to be determined from a sensor on a first roller.
  • the first roller also reduces a temperature of the media web and an ink image printed in the first side print operation to within a first predetermined temperature range.
  • a second roller modulates the temperature of the media web and ink ejected onto the media web immediately before the web enters the leveling and spreading system to within a second predetermined temperature range to enable uniformity of the ink and web temperatures for spreading the ink in a nip formed with a third roller.
  • the present invention is defined in the independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Advantageous features are set out in the sub claims.
  • a method is provided. The method may comprise: actuating, by a processor, a first roller and a second roller to cause traversal of print media along a first direction, wherein the first roller is positioned upstream of the second roller along the first direction; causing, by the processor, the first roller to stop rotating at a first time instant; and causing, by the processor, the second roller to stop rotating at a second time instant, wherein the second time instant is chronologically later than the first time instant.
  • the method may comprise causing a print head to print content on the print media in response to stopping the rotation of the second roller.
  • the first roller is positioned upstream of the print head, and the second roller is positioned downstream of the print head.
  • the method further comprises causing a traversal of the first roller and the second roller along a second direction, wherein the traversal of the first roller and the second roller along the second direction causes the first roller and the second roller to be spaced apart from the print media.
  • the method further comprises determining a time period between the first time instant and the second time instant based on one or more print media characteristics, wherein the one or more print media characteristics comprises at least one of a type of the print media, or a thickness of the print media.
  • a printing apparatus may comprise: a print head assembly comprising at least a bottom chassis portion configured to receive a print media, and a frame movably positioned above the bottom chassis portion along a vertical axis of the printing apparatus, wherein the frame is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the frame, in the first position, is spaced apart from the bottom chassis portion and wherein the frame, in the second position, presses the print media against the bottom chassis portion.
  • a printing apparatus may comprise: a first roller; a second roller positioned downstream of the first roller along a first direction, wherein the first roller and the second roller facilitate traversal of print media in the first direction; a processor communicatively coupled to the first roller and the second roller; wherein the processor is configured to: actuate the first roller and the second roller to cause traversal of the print media in the first direction, cause the first roller to stop rotating at a first time instant; and cause the second roller to stop rotating at a second time instant, wherein the second time instant is chronologically later than the first time instant.
  • each of the first roller and the second roller comprises a biasing member and a roller, wherein the biasing member is coupled to the roller, wherein the biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force on the roller, along a second direction, causing the roller to abut the print media.
  • the computer-implemented method further comprises: determining that the light intensity indication satisfies the light intensity threshold; and in response to determining that the light intensity indication satisfies the light intensity threshold, determining that the print media is supported by the printing apparatus.
  • the computer-implemented method further comprises determining that the light intensity indication does not satisfy the light intensity threshold; and in response to determining that the light intensity indication does not satisfy the light intensity threshold, determining that the print media is not supported by the printing apparatus.
  • a printing apparatus may comprise: a laser print head; and at least a first laser source and a second laser source in electronic communication with the laser print head.
  • a print media is provided.
  • the print media may comprise: a laser markable coating defining a top layer of the print media; and a reflective layer defining an intermediary layer of the print media.
  • the computer-implemented method may comprise: receiving, by a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus, print data indicating at least a first power level; receiving, by the controller, a darkness setting input; adjusting, by the controller, the first power level to a second power level based at least in part on the darkness setting input; receiving, by the controller, a contrast setting input; adjusting, by the controller, the second power level to a third power level based at least in part on the contrast setting input; and providing, by the controller, the third power level to a laser power control system of the print head.
  • the first power level is associated with a first dot to be printed by the print head on a print media.
  • the laser power control system of the print head is configured to cause a laser subsystem of the print head to print the first dot at the third power level.
  • the computer-implemented method may comprise: determining, by a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus, print data; determining, by the controller and based at least in part on the print data, a target print speed; and determining, by the controller and based at least in part on the target print speed, a target media temperature.
  • the target print speed is determined based at least in part on a lookup table.
  • the print head engine 122 may be coupled to the back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the print head engine includes a top chassis portion 126 and a bottom chassis portion.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 may be fastened to the first surface 115 of the back-spine section 114.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 may be positioned under the top chassis portion 126 along the vertical axis 128 and may be configured to receive the print media 104 from the media supply roll 102.
  • the top chassis portion 126 when an external force is applied to the top chassis portion 126, the top chassis portion 126 may rotate in a clockwise direction about the second end portion 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128. In such an embodiment, the top chassis portion 126 may travel (i.e., by rotating in a clockwise direction about the second end portion 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128) towards the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, the top chassis portion 126 may travel towards the bottom chassis portion 128 until the top chassis portion 126 is additionally coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 through the latch 130.
  • the latch 130 may be coupled proximal to the second end portion 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128 and distal from the first end portion 148 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the latch 130 may have a U-shape that may include the depression portion 166 and one or more raised portions 168a and 168b. Further, the depression portion 166, the raised portions 168a and 168b face towards the second end portion 150 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the raised portion 168a is coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128, while the raised portion 168b is positioned distal from the raised portion 168a.
  • the depression portion 166 is positioned between the raised portion 168a and the raised portion 168b.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may define a protrusion 170 that is received within the depression portion 166 of the latch 130.
  • the latch 130 is rotated to cause the protrusion 170 to leave the depression portion 166. Thereafter, the top chassis portion 126 may rotate in a clockwise direction to be in the open state.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the latch 130 coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the latch 130 may be coupled to the top chassis portion 126.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may be fixed to the back-spine section 114, while the bottom chassis portion 128 may be pivotally coupled to the top chassis portion 126.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 may be configured to rotate between the open state and the closed state. In the open state, the bottom chassis portion 128 may tilt in a downward direction (along the vertical axis 128) with respect to the top chassis portion 126. In the closed state, the bottom chassis portion 128 may be configured to be coupled to the top chassis portion 126 through the latch 130. Further, in such an embodiment, the latch 130 may be coupled to the top chassis portion 126. In another embodiment, the latch may be coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • One such structure of the print head engine 122 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 39 .
  • FIG. 39 illustrates a sectional view 3900 of the print head engine 122, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the first top chassis module 3902 may be configured to receive the print head 302. Further, the first top chassis module 3902 may be fixedly coupled to the back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • a shape of the first top chassis module 3902 may correspond to a polygon that having the one or more sides 308a, 308b, and 308d. As discussed, sides 308b and 308d are spaced apart from each other along the lateral axis 212. The side 308d may be configured to receive another latch 3910. Further, as discussed, the side 308a may be configured to receive the latch 130 (not shown in FIG. 39 ).
  • the first bottom chassis module 3906 may be pivotally coupled to the second bottom chassis module 3908. In some examples, the first bottom chassis module 3906 may traverse between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the first bottom chassis module 3906 may positioned away from the top chassis portion 126. In the second position, the first bottom chassis module 3906 may be coupled to the top chassis portion 126 through the latch 130. In an example embodiment, the first bottom chassis module 3906 may be biased in the first position. For example, when no external force is applied on the first bottom chassis module 3906 and when the first bottom chassis module 3906 is decoupled from the top chassis portion 126, the first bottom chassis module 3906 may traverse to the first position.
  • the second top chassis module 3904 is traversed to the first position with respect to the bottom chassis portion 128. Additionally, the first bottom chassis module 3906 is traversed to the first position. Once in the first position, the second top chassis module 3904 and the first bottom chassis module 3906 are positioned away from the bottom chassis portion 128 and the top chassis portion 126, respectively thereby creating enough space in the print head engine 122 to allow an operator of the printing apparatus 100 to load print media 104 in the printing apparatus 100.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the top chassis portion 126 being pivotally coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may, in some embodiments, completely decouple from the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to travel along a vertical axis 128 with respect to the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • at least one linear guide may be disposed on a surface of an example back-spine section of an example printer body.
  • each of at least one linear guide may comprise a corresponding linear rail and a corresponding linear block.
  • the corresponding linear rail may be fastened to the first surface of the back-spine section through, for example, bolts, screws, and/or the like.
  • the corresponding linear block may be coupled to the corresponding linear rail through, for example, ball bearings, rollers, and/or the like, such that the corresponding linear block may move and/or slide along the corresponding linear rail.
  • Example linear guides may include, but are not limited to, rolling element linear motion bearing guides, sliding contact linear motion bearing guides, and/or the like.
  • a first linear guide 120A and a second linear guide 120B may be disposed on the first surface 115.
  • the first linear guide 120A may, for example, comprise a linear rail fastened to the first surface 115 of the back-spine section 114, as well as a corresponding linear block (not shown) that is coupled to the linear rail and movable along the linear rail.
  • the second linear guide 120B may comprise a linear rail disposed on the first surface 115 of the back-spine section 114, and a corresponding linear block.
  • the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B are positioned parallel to each other and may be positioned along a vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • a print head engine 122 of the printing apparatus 100 may be coupled to the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B through the corresponding linear block of the first linear guide 120A and second linear guide 120B, respectively.
  • the print head engine 122 comprises a top chassis portion 126 and a bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122 may be coupled to the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B, respectively. Further, in some examples, as the top chassis portion 126 may move along the linear rail(s) of first linear guide 120A and/or the second linear guide 120B along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 may be fastened to the first surface 115 of the back-spine section 114. In some examples, the bottom chassis portion 128 may be positioned under the top chassis portion 126 along the vertical axis 128 and may be configured to receive the print media 104 from the media supply roll 102.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may move along the vertical axis 128 along its corresponding travel path, the top chassis portion 126 may reach and/or be positioned at a bottom point of the travel path in the vertical axis 128. When the top chassis portion 126 is positioned at the bottom point, the top chassis portion 126 may be removably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 through the latch 130.
  • the printing apparatus 100 includes a first roller 132 and a second roller 134.
  • the first roller 132 may be positioned upstream of the print head engine 122 (along the print direction) and the second roller 134 may be positioned downstream of the print head engine 122 (along the print direction).
  • the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may facilitate the traversal of the print media 104 along the print path.
  • Some examples of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may include, but are not limited to, a platen roller, a pinch roller, an idle roller, and/or the like. As depicted in FIG.
  • the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may be communicatively coupled to the first actuation unit 119.
  • the first actuation unit 119 may cause the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to rotate either in a clockwise direction or in an anti-clockwise direction to facilitate print media traversal in the print direction or in the retract direction, respectively. Since the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 are coupled to the first actuation unit 119 and the first actuation unit 119 is coupled to the media supply spool 106, in some examples, the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may operate synchronously.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to operate synchronously.
  • the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may operate asynchronously.
  • the first actuation unit 119 may cause the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to start rotating and/or the stop rotating at different time instants.
  • the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may be coupled to the first actuation unit 119 through different gear assemblies (not shown) which may enable the asynchronous operation of the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include separate actuation units for each of the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to achieve the asynchronous operation amongst the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134.
  • first roller 132 and media supply spool 106 may be coupled to the first actuation unit 119, while the second roller 134 may be coupled to a second actuation unit 136.
  • the second actuation unit 136 may be similar to the first actuation unit 119. All the embodiments and/alternative applicable of the first actuation unit 119 also apply to the second actuation unit 136.
  • the media supply spool 106, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 are considered to operate asynchronously.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may further include a control unit 138 that may be communicatively coupled to the first actuation unit 119 and the second actuation unit 136.
  • the control unit 138 may be configured to control the operation of the printing apparatus 100 to cause the printing apparatus 100 to print content on the print media 104.
  • the control unit 138 may be configured to cause the print media traversal along the print direction. The structure and the operation of the control unit 138 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 12 .
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include a user interface (UI) 140 for enabling communications between a user and the printing apparatus 100.
  • the UI 140 may be communicatively coupled to other components of the printing apparatus 100 for displaying visual and/or auditory information and/or for receiving information from the user (e.g., typed, touched, spoken, etc.).
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include the UI 140 with, for example, a display 142 and a keypad 144.
  • the display 142 may be configured to display various information associated with the printing apparatus 100.
  • the keypad 144 may comprise function buttons that may be configured to perform various typical printing functions (e.g., cancel print job, advance print media, and the like) or be programmable for the execution of macros containing preset printing parameters for a particular type of print media.
  • the UI 140 may be electronically coupled to a controller (such as a control unit 138) for controlling operations of the printing apparatus 100, in addition to other functions.
  • the UI 140 may be supplemented or replaced by other forms of data entry or printer control, such as a separate data entry and control module linked wirelessly or by a data cable operationally coupled to a computer, a router, or the like.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the UI 140 including the display 142 and the keypad 144.
  • the UI 140 may include a touch screen which may enable the operator of the printing apparatus to input commands and/or to check notifications/alerts generated by the printing apparatus 100.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example UI 140
  • the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the example UI 140 as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the user interface may be different from the one depicted in FIG. 1 .
  • the various components of the printing apparatus 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 1 are encompassed within a housing 154.
  • the housing 154 may comprise a fixed portion 156 and a cover portion 158 that may be movably coupled fixed portion 156 through one or more hinges (not shown).
  • the one or more hinges allow the cover portion 158 to rotate about the one or more hinges. Accordingly, the cover portion 158 may rotate with respect to the fixed portion 156.
  • the cover portion 158 may be configured to be in a closed state and an open state.
  • the cover portion 158 in conjunction with the fixed portion 156 may encompass the one or more components (as described in FIG. 1 ) of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the cover portion 158 may expose the one or more components (as described in FIG. 1 ) of the printing apparatus 100, thereby allowing an operator of the printing apparatus 100 to access the one or more components of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the cover portion 158 may have an inner surface 160 that may be configured to receive a magnetic sensitive element 162.
  • the magnetic sensitive element 162 such as a Hall-effect sensor, may be configured to facilitate detection of whether the cover portion 158 of the housing 154 is in a closed state or in an open state.
  • the magnetic sensitive element 162 may be aligned with a first sensor 164 positioned on the one or more components of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the first sensor 164 may be positioned on the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122.
  • the first sensor 164 may generate a first signal, which may be indicative of the cover portion 158 being in the closed state.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include more than one first sensor 164 that may be positioned at one or more positions in the printing apparatus 100.
  • the first sensor 164 may be positioned at the back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the cover portion 158 may receive the magnetic sensitive element 162 at a position where the magnetic sensitive element 162 may align with the first sensor 164 (positioned on the back-spine section 114) when the cover portion 158 is in the closed state.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may further include one or more components such as a verifier, a peeler, a re-winder, a cutter, or any other component.
  • the verifier may correspond to an image capturing device that may be configured to capture an image of the printed content. Thereafter, the verifier may be configured to validate the printed content based on the captured image.
  • the verifier may be positioned as an integral component to the printing apparatus 100.
  • the verifier may be positioned external to the printing apparatus 100.
  • the verifier may include an imaging module that is communicatively coupled to the printer and may be disposed in the verifier. The verifier may be attached to the printing apparatus 100 or may be a standalone device to where the user brings the printed indicia for verification. In either case, the verifier is communicatively coupled to the printer.
  • the imaging module in the verifier may be configured to capture an image of the printed content.
  • the image of the printed content is compared with one or more known quality standards. Thereafter, based on the comparison, the verifier may be configured to determine the print quality. If the print quality is less than a predetermined quality threshold, the verifier may instruct the printing apparatus to reprint the content. In another embodiment, the verifier may instruct the printing apparatus to print "void" or "cancel" on the printed content.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the printing apparatus 100 depicting the print head engine 122, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the print head engine 122 is depicted according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the print head engine 122 includes the top chassis portion 126, the bottom chassis portion 128, and a top chassis cap 201.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may have a polygon shape, such as a rectangular shape with one or more sides 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d.
  • the side 210a and the side 210c may be defined to be opposite to each other along a longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the side 210b and the side 210d may be defined to be opposite to each other along a lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the top chassis portion 126 having a rectangular shape.
  • the shape of the top chassis portion 126 may correspond to other polygons, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • the outer surface 204 of the top chassis portion 126 defines a second wing portion 220 that protrudes out from the side 210d of the top chassis portion 126 along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Additionally, the second wing portion 220 extends from the side 210a to the side 210c along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. In some examples, a length of the second wing portion 220 (along the longitudinal axis 210) may be the same as the length of the top chassis portion 126 (along the longitudinal axis 210). Further, a height of the second wing portion 220 is less than the height of the top chassis portion 126. Accordingly, along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100, the second wing portion 220 may define a step 222 with the side 210d.
  • the side 210a is further configured to receive the latch 130 that facilitates removable coupling of the top chassis portion 126 with the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 has an outer surface 224.
  • the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128, and a bottom end portion 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the bottom end portion 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128 is spaced apart from the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128 along the vertical axis 128 of the print head engine 122.
  • the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128 is proximal to the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126, while the bottom end portion 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128 is distal from the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126.
  • the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines at least two sides 230a and 230b of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the side 230a may be spaced apart from the side 230b along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the sides 230a has a first edge 232 and a second edge 234.
  • the first edge 232 is spaced apart from the second edge 234 along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122.
  • the side 230b has a third edge 252 and a fourth edge 254 (Refer FIG. 3A ).
  • the third edge 252 is spaced apart from the fourth edge 254 (refer FIG. 3A ) along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122.
  • the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 may define a first circular notch 236 and a second circular notch 238 on the side 230a. Further, the first circular notch 236 and the second circular notch 238 are defined (by the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128) at the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128. Furthermore, the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines the first circular notch 236 proximal to the first edge 232 of the side 230a, and the second circular notch 238 proximal to the second edge 234 of the side 230a. Similarly, the outer surface 224 of the bottom chassis portion 128 may define a third circular notch 240 (refer to FIG.
  • the outer surface 224 defines the third circular notch 240 proximal to the third edge 252 of the side 230b, and the fourth circular notch 242 proximal to the fourth edge 254 of the side 230b.
  • the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240 may have a coinciding central axis 244 (refer to FIG. 3A ) extending along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the second circular notch 238 and the fourth circular notch 242 may have a coinciding central axis 246 (refer to FIG. 3A ) extending along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the third circular notch 240, the fourth circular notch 242, the coinciding central axis 244, and the coinciding central axis 246 are further illustrated with respect to FIG. 3A .
  • first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240 are configured to receive a first shaft 248 such that the first shaft 248 is rotatable in the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240.
  • the third circular notch 240 and the fourth circular notch 242 are configured to receive a second shaft 250 such that the second shaft 250 is rotatable in the second circular notch 238 and the fourth circular notch 242.
  • the first shaft 248 and the second shaft 250 may correspond to rollers that may assist the travel of the print media 104 along the print path.
  • FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded view 300A of the print head engine 122, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to receive a print head, such as the print head shown in FIG. 3B . In an example embodiment, the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to couple with the bottom chassis portion 128 through the latch 130.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 has the outer surface 204, a top surface 319, and a bottom surface 321.
  • the outer surface 224 and the top surface 319 define the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the outer surface 224 and the bottom surface 321 define the bottom end portion 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the top surface 319 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a platform 322 that may correspond to a region on which the print media 104 is received for printing operation. Further, the platform 322 extends along the length (defined along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122) and the breadth (defined along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122) of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the platform 322 extends between the central axis 244 and the central axis 246.
  • the central axis 244 pass through the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240.
  • the first shaft 248 is rotatably coupled to the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240.
  • the central axis 246 pass through the second circular notch 238 and the third circular notch 240.
  • the second shaft 250 is rotatably coupled to the first circular notch 236 and the third circular notch 240.
  • various prerequisites such as, but not limited to, an orientation of the print media with respect to a print head, a focal point of the laser light source with respect to the location of the print media, and/or the like, may be required or otherwise determined prior to or during printing content on print media.
  • printed content may be blurry, out of focus, or may have scaling issues. Therefore, in some examples, it may be of paramount importance to orient the print media with respect to the print head prior to the printing operation. Alternatively, or additionally, it may be advantageous to flatten the print media prior to the printing operation.
  • Apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein disclose a printing apparatus that is capable of flattening the print media prior to a printing operation.
  • the printing operation may correspond to an operation of printing content on the print media.
  • the printing apparatus includes a print head engine that may be positioned downstream of a media supply spool.
  • the media supply spool may be configured to supply the print media to the print head engine.
  • a direction of the print media traversal from the media supply spool to the print head engine is referred to as a print direction.
  • the printing apparatus may include a first roller and a second roller.
  • the first roller may be positioned upstream of the print head engine, along the print direction of the print media traversal, while the second roller is positioned downstream of the print head, along the print direction of the print media traversal.
  • the first roller and the second roller are actuated, causing the first roller and the second roller to rotate. Rotation of the first roller and the second roller facilitates the print media traversal along the print direction.
  • the first roller is stopped at a first time instant, while the second roller is stopped at a second time instant.
  • the second time instant is chronologically later than the first time instant. Accordingly, the second roller may continue to rotate after the first roller has stopped rotating. In such an implementation, the second roller continues to pull the print media, which leads to stretching and flattening of the print media.
  • the print head engine may print content on the print media.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates another exploded view 300B of a portion of the printing apparatus 100, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the exploded view 300B illustrates the print head engine 122 with the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122 removed. Accordingly, the exploded view 300B illustrates the print head 302, a first roller assembly 314 and a second roller assembly 316, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the print head 302 may have one or more sides 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d.
  • the side 308a and the side 308c may be defined to be opposite to each other along a longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the side 308b and the side 308d may be defined to be opposite to each other along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122.
  • the side 308b and the side 308d may be configured to receive the second roller assembly 316 and the first roller assembly 314, respectively.
  • the structure of the second roller assembly 316 and the structure of the second roller assembly 316 are same.
  • the structure of the second roller assembly 316 is described herein.
  • the first roller assembly 314 and the second roller assembly 316 are configured to be received within the top chassis portion 126, when the top chassis portion 126 is received on top of the print head 302, the first roller assembly 314 and the second roller assembly 316. More particularly, the first roller assembly 314 and the second roller assembly 316 may be received within the first wing portion 216 and the second wing portion 220.
  • the second roller assembly 316 may include a frame 318 that may extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the frame 318 may extend between the side 308a to side 308c along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122 along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the frame 318 may have the cuboidal shape that has a top end portion 320, a bottom end portion 323, one or more sides 324a, 324b, 324c, and 324d.
  • the top end portion 320 of the frame 318 is positioned to be proximal to the top end portion 206 of the top chassis portion 126.
  • the bottom end portion 323 of the frame 318 is positioned to be proximal to the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126. Accordingly, the top end portion 320 of the frame 318 is spaced apart from the bottom end portion 323 of the frame 318 along the vertical axis 128 of the print head engine 122.
  • the side 324a of the frame 318 and the side 324c of the frame 318 may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Further, the side 324b and the side 324d may be spaced apart from each other along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. In an example embodiment, the side 324d may be coupled to the side 308b of the print head engine 122. In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the side 324d coupled to the side 308b of the top chassis portion 126. In an example embodiment, the frame 318 may not be coupled to the print head engine 122. In such an embodiment, the frame 318 may be coupled to the back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • a surface 326 of the side 324d of the frame 318 may define one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c.
  • each of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c may extend inwardly from the surface 326 of the side 324d towards the side 324b along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122.
  • each of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c may extend between the top end portion 320 of the frame 318 and the bottom end portion 323 of the frame 318.
  • each of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • each of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c may be configured to receive the second roller 134.
  • the structure of rollers, and specifically the second roller 134, is further described in conjunction with FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B , and FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate side views 400A and 400B of the second roller 134, respectively, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the second roller 134 includes a housing 402, a telescopic arm 404, and a first wheel 406.
  • the housing 402 may have a first end 408 and a second end 410.
  • the first end 408 of the housing is spaced apart from the second end 410 of the housing 402, along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100, when the second roller 134 is received within a groove (e.g., the groove 328a) of the one or more grooves 328a, 328b, and 328c.
  • the second end 410 of the housing 402 is configured to movably receive the telescopic arm 404 such that a portion 412 of the telescopic arm 404, in one embodiment, may extend out from the second end 410 of the housing 402 (hereinafter referred to as extended state). In another embodiment, the portion 412 of the telescopic arm 404 may retract within the housing 402 (hereinafter referred to as retracted state).
  • the housing 402 may be configured to receive the third actuation unit 504 that is communicatively coupled to the telescopic arm 404.
  • the third actuation unit 504 may apply external force on the telescopic arm 404 causing the telescopic arm 404 to be in the extended state and/or in the retracted state.
  • Some examples of the third actuation unit 504 may include, but are not limited to, an electromagnet, a stepper motor, and/or the like.
  • the third actuation unit 504 is considered to be an electromagnet.
  • the external force applied by the third actuation unit 504 may correspond to an attractive force and/or a repulsive force.
  • the housing 402 is configured to receive the first biasing member 502.
  • the first biasing member 502 may be coupled to the telescopic arm 404 and to an inner surface 506 of the housing 402 at the first end 408 of the housing 402.
  • the first biasing member 502 may apply a biasing force on the telescopic arm 404 to cause the telescopic arm 404 to be in the extended state when the third actuation unit 504 is not activated.
  • the third actuation unit 504 when the third actuation unit 504 is activated, the third actuation unit 504 may apply the external force on the telescopic arm 404 causing the portion 412 of the telescopic arm 404 to retract within the housing 402 (i.e., the telescopic arm 404 is in retracted state).
  • the first biasing member 502 may apply the biasing force on the telescopic arm 404 to cause the telescopic arm 404 to be in the retracted state when the third actuation unit 504 is deactivated.
  • the third actuation unit 504 when the third actuation unit 504 is activated, the third actuation unit 504 may apply the external force on the telescopic arm 404 causing the portion 412 of the telescopic arm 404 to extend out from the housing 402 (i.e., the telescopic arm 404 is in extended state).
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the third actuation unit 504 actuating the first wheel 406 (causing the first wheel 406 to rotate).
  • the first wheel 406 may be coupled to the second actuation unit 136, where the second actuation unit 136 may cause the first wheel 406 to rotate.
  • the first wheel 406 may be coupled to the first actuation unit 119, where the second actuation unit 136 may cause the first wheel 406 to rotate.
  • the third actuation unit 504 may cause the first wheel 406 to traverse between a first position and a second position based on the configuration state of the telescopic arm 404. For example, the first wheel 406 is in the first position when the telescopic arm is in the retracted state.
  • the first wheel 406 is positioned to be proximal to the second end 410 of the housing 402 in comparison to a scenario when the first wheel 406 is positioned in the second position. Further, the first wheel 406 is in the second position when the telescopic arm 404 is in the extended state. Additionally, in the second position, the first wheel 406 is positioned to be distal from the second end 410 of the housing 402 in comparison to a scenario when the first wheel 406 is positioned in the first position.
  • FIG. 4A depicts the first wheel 406 in the first position and FIG. 4B depicts the first wheel 406 in the second position.
  • the third actuation unit 504 when the third actuation unit 504 is activated (e.g., the electromagnet is activated) the third actuation unit 504 may generate an attractive force, which pulls the telescopic arm 404 causing the telescopic arm 404 to be in the retracted state. Accordingly, the first wheel 406 is in the first position.
  • the third actuation unit 504 When the third actuation unit 504 is deactivated, the biasing force from the first biasing member 502 acts on the telescopic arm 404, which causes the portion of telescopic arm 404 to extend out from the housing 402. Accordingly, the first wheel 406 is in the second position.
  • the third actuation unit 504 when the third actuation unit 504 is activated (e.g., the electromagnet is activated) the third actuation unit 504 may generate a repulsive force, which causes the telescopic arm 404 to be in the extended state. Accordingly, the first wheel 406 is in the second position.
  • the third actuation unit 504 When the third actuation unit 504 is deactivated, the biasing force from the first biasing member 502 acts on the telescopic arm 404, which causes the portion of telescopic arm 404 to retract. Accordingly, the first wheel 406 is in the first position.
  • the second roller 134 may devoid of the first biasing member 502.
  • the third actuation unit 504 may cause the first wheel 406 to traverse between the first position and the second position.
  • the third actuation unit 504 may generate the repulsive force to cause the first wheel 406 to traverse to the second position.
  • the third actuation unit 504 may generate the attractive force to cause the first wheel 406 to traverse to the first position.
  • the structure of the first roller assembly 314 is similar to the structure of the second roller assembly 316.
  • the first roller assembly 314 includes the frame 318 that may define the one or more grooves 328d, 328e, and 328f.
  • Each of the one or more grooves 328d, 328e, and 328f are configured to receive the first roller 132.
  • the structure of the first roller 132 is similar to the structure of the second roller 134.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the first roller assembly 314 and the second roller assembly 316 including the three first rollers 132 and three second rollers 134.
  • the count of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may be varied based on one or more implementations of the printing apparatus 100. For example, in printing apparatus 100 that supports print media having narrower width in comparison to the print media 104, the count of the first rollers 132 and the second rollers 134 may be reduced. Similarly, in printing apparatus 100 that supports print media having broader width in comparison to the print media 104, the count of the first rollers 132 and the second rollers 134 may be increased.
  • the first roller 132 in the first roller assembly 314) and the second roller 134 (in the second roller assembly 316) may about the platform 322. Accordingly, when the platform 322 receives the print media 104, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may abut the print media 104. On the other hand, in the first position, the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may be positioned apart from the print media 104.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the first wheel 406 in the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to traverse between the first position and the second position.
  • the operator of the printing apparatus 100 may manually facilitate the traversal of the complete first roller 132 and the second roller 134 between a third position and a fourth position.
  • the structure of such roller assemblies that may facilitate the traversal of the complete first roller 132 and the second roller 134 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 6 .
  • the front plate 606 may be positioned proximal to the side 308a of the top chassis portion 126 such that the front plate 606 completely covers the print head engine 122 when the print head engine 122 is being view along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the front plate 606 has an outer surface 608 and an inner surface 610. In some examples, the inner surface 610 of the front plate 606 faces the side 308a of the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122.
  • the inner surface 610 of the front plate 606 may define a first through hole (not shown) and a second through hole (not shown) that may extend from the inner surface 610 of the front plate 606 to the outer surface 608 of the front plate 606.
  • the first through hole (not shown) may be defined downstream of the print head engine 122, along the print direction
  • the second through hole (not shown) may be defined upstream of the print head engine 122, along the print direction.
  • the first through hole (not shown) and the second through hole (not shown) may facilitate coupling of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 the front plate 606, respectively. and the back-spine section 114.
  • the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 may be movably coupled with the back-spine section 114, as is further described in conjunction with FIG. 8 . Further, the structure of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 is further described in conjunction with FIGs. 9A-9B , FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10B .
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an opposing view 700 to the view of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the opposing view 700 of the printing apparatus 100 depicts the back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100 has the first surface 115 and a second surface 702.
  • the second surface 702 of the back-spine section 114 may define a third through hole (not shown) and a fourth through hole (not shown) that extends from the second surface 702 of the back-spine section 114 to the first surface 115 of the back-spine section 114.
  • the first shaft 802 may correspond to a rod that may extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122, when the third roller assembly 602 is movably coupled to the front plate 606 and the back-spine section 114. More particularly, the first shaft 802 may include a first end 803 and a second end 805 that are configured to be coupled to the front plate 606 and the back-spine section 114, respectively.
  • the first shaft 802 may have a U-shaped cross section. However, in some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the first shaft 802 having the U-shaped cross section.
  • the shaft may have a circular cross-section. In another embodiment, the first shaft 802 may have a rectangular cross -section.
  • FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate a side view 900A and a sectional view 900B of the second roller 134, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the second roller 134 may include a housing 902, a second shaft 904, and a second wheel 906.
  • housing 902 may have an outer surface 908 that may define a first end portion 910 and a second end portion 912. The first end portion 910 of the housing 902 may be spaced apart from the second end portion 912 of the housing 902 along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the housing 902 may have an elliptical shape.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the housing 902 having the elliptical shape.
  • the housing 902 may have any other geometrical shape without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • the housing 902 may have a cuboidal shape.
  • the housing 902 may have one or more sides 903a, 903b, 903c, and 903d.
  • the side 903a may be spaced apart from the side 903c along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Further, the side 903a may be parallel to the side 903c.
  • the side 903b may be spaced apart from the side 903d along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Further, the side 903b may be parallel to the side 903d.
  • the outer surface 908 of the housing 902 may define a first shaft through hole 914 that may extend from the side 903a to the side 903c.
  • the outer surface 908 may define the first shaft through hole 914 proximal to the first end portion 910 of the housing 902, and distal from the second end portion 912 of the housing 902.
  • the first shaft through hole 914 may be configured to receive the first shaft 802.
  • the outer surface 908 of the housing 902 may be configured to define a second shaft through hole 916 that may extend from the side 903a to the side 903c.
  • the second shaft 904 is additionally coupled to a holder 918.
  • the holder 918 comprises a first end 920 and a second end 922.
  • the first end 920 of the holder 918 is spaced apart from the second end 922 of the holder along the vertical axis 128 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the first end 920 of the holder 918 abuts the second shaft 904.
  • the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 are spaced apart from the print media 104 (depicted by 1002).
  • Such orientation of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 allows the operator to adjust the print media 104 with respect to the print head engine 122.
  • the print media 104 may be adjusted to clear out a jam condition.
  • the jam condition may correspond to a condition in which the print media 104 is unable to traverse in the print direction or in the retract direction due to some obstruction in the print path.
  • the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 may be coupled to the print head engine 122 through coupling shafts 1004.
  • the print head engine 122 may be coupled to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134.
  • the coupling shafts 1004 may cause the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122 may traverse on the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may traverse to a fifth position.
  • the top chassis portion 126 in the fifth position, is spaced apart from the bottom chassis portion 128 thereby creating a space 1006 between the top chassis portion 126 and the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may traverse to a sixth position.
  • the top chassis portion 126 in the sixth position, may removably couple with the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to manually rotating the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 by rotating the first cam roller 612 and the second cam roller 614.
  • the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may be rotated based on the actuation of the first actuation unit 119.
  • the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 are coupled to the first actuation unit 119 through the belt 710. Therefore, the first actuation unit 119 may cause the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 to rotate.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 being part of the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604.
  • the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may separate from the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604.
  • the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 may be coupled to the back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100, as is illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604, as is described above in FIG. 6 .
  • the third roller assembly 602 and the fourth roller assembly 604 may include a fifth roller and a sixth roller, respectively.
  • the structure of the fifth roller and the sixth roller may be similar to the second roller 134, as is described in FIG 7 , FIG. 8 and FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B .
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to using roller assemblies to flatten the print media 104.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include one or more media guide assembly that may be configured to flatten the print media 104, as is further illustrated in FIG. 11 .
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view 1100 of the printing apparatus 100, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the printing apparatus 100 includes a media guide assembly 1102 positioned upstream of the print head engine 122. Further, the printing apparatus 100 includes the second roller assembly 316 positioned downstream of the print head engine 122.
  • the media guide assembly 1102 further includes an arm section 1104 and a groove section 1106.
  • the arm section 1104 is fixedly coupled to back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100. Further, the arm section 1104 extends along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Further, the arm section 1104 has a first end 1107 and a second end 1108. The first end 1107 of the arm section 1104 is defined to be proximal to the print head engine 122 and the second end 1108 is defined to be distal from the print head engine 122. Additionally, the arm section 1104 includes a top surface 1110 and a bottom surface 1112. The top surface 1110 is defined to be distal from the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122, while the bottom surface 1112 is defined to be proximal to the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • a distance between the groove section 1106 and the bottom chassis portion 128 may be adjustable.
  • the groove section 1106 may be coupled to the arm section 1104 through a coupling means such as a screw.
  • An operator of the printing apparatus 100 may rotate the screw clockwise and/or counterclockwise to adjust a distance between the groove section 1106 and the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the distance between the groove section 1106 and the bottom chassis portion 128 may be adjusted from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, dependent on media thickness and flatness requirement,
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to a particular coupling means or screw.
  • the coupling means may further include pen-click type mechanism.
  • the operator of the printing apparatus 100 may adjust a distance between the groove section 1106 and the bottom chassis portion 128 by pressing a plunger coupled to the groove section 1106.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to having one media guide assembly 1102 in the printing apparatus 100 to flatten the print media 104.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include another media guide assembly positioned downstream of the print head engine 122. Further, in such an embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 may be devoid of the second roller assembly 316.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the printing apparatus 100 include the media guide assembly 1102.
  • the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122 may define the groove section 1106 in the top chassis portion 126 of the print head engine 122. More particularly, the print head engine 122 may define the groove section at a bottom surface of the top chassis portion 126 (which is proximal to the bottom chassis portion 128 of the print head engine 122).
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the print head engine 122 including the first roller 132 and the one or more second rollers 134. Additionally, or alternatively, the printing apparatus 100 may include a frame to flatten the print media 104, as is described in conjunction with FIGS. 12-19 .
  • Example apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein include a printing apparatus that is capable of flattening or substantially flattening print media prior to the printing operation.
  • the printing apparatus includes a platform that is capable of receiving the print media for printing operation.
  • the printing apparatus may include a vacuum generating unit that is configured to generate a negative pressure on the platform so as to cause the print media stick to or otherwise be detachably attached to the platform.
  • the edges of the print media may curl during the application of the negative pressure on the platform.
  • the printing apparatus further includes a frame that may be configured to press upon the edges of the print media. To this end, the combination of the vacuum generating unit and the frame facilitates, in some examples, flattening of the print media.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the print head engine 122, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to receive a print head (not shown).
  • the top chassis portion 126 may define one or more features such as a cavity (not shown), base plate (not shown) one or more first biasing members (not shown), and/or the like that allow the top chassis portion 126 to receive the print head.
  • the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126 may be configured receive a frame 1216.
  • the frame 1216 may be coupled to the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126, as is further described in FIG. 14 .
  • the frame 1216 may be movably positioned proximal to the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126. The structure of the frame 1216 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 13 and FIG. 15 .
  • the top chassis portion 126 may be configured to couple with the bottom chassis portion 128 through the latch 130.
  • the frame 1216 may get movably positioned between the top chassis portion 126 and bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the frame 1216 may traverse between a first position and a second position within a space between the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126 and the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 has the outer surface 224, a top surface 1218, and a bottom surface 1220.
  • the outer surface 224 and the top surface 1218 define the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the outer surface 224 and the bottom surface 1220 define the bottom end portion 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a platform 1222 that may correspond to a region on which the print media 104 is received for printing operation. Further, the platform 1222 extends along the length (defined along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122) and the breadth (defined along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122) of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 further divides the platform 1222 into a printing region 1224 and a periphery region 1226.
  • Dimensions of the printing region 1224 may be defined to be proportional to a maximum size of the print media 104 supported by the printing apparatus 100.
  • the periphery region 1226 may be defined to be proximal to the first circular notch 236, the second circular notch 238, the third circular notch 240, and a fourth circular notch 242. In some examples, the periphery region 1226 surrounds the printing region 1224.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the platform 1222 to be fixedly defined by the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the platform 1222 may be a modular component that may be removably coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • the structure of the bottom chassis portion 128 that allows coupling with the modular platform is further described in conjunction with FIG. 17 .
  • the structure of an example modular platform is described in conjunction with FIG. 18 .
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the frame 1216, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the frame 1216 includes a media flattening portion 1302, and first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d.
  • the media flattening portion 1302 may have a rectangular shape that may have one or more sides 1308a, 1308b, 1308c, and 1308d.
  • the side 1308a may be spaced apart from the side 1308c along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Further, the side 1308a may be parallel to the side 1308c.
  • the side 1308b may be spaced apart from the side 1308d along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Further, the side 1308b may be parallel to the side 1308d.
  • the media flattening portion 1302 may have a top surface 1328 and a bottom surface 1330.
  • each of the first channel 1420 and the second channel 1422 may be configured to receive the first supporting members 1304a and 1304b, respectively.
  • the third channel and the fourth channel may receive the first supporting members 1304c, and 1304d, respectively.
  • the plurality of first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d may couple to the at least one biasing member 1402 in each of the each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel, respectively.
  • a first end 1406 the first supporting member 1304a is coupled to the at least one biasing member 1402.
  • the at least one biasing member 1402 exerts a biasing force (depicted by 1410) on each of the plurality of first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d to pull the first end 1406 of each of the plurality of first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d towards the top end portion 206 of the top chassis portion 126, when no external force is applied on the plurality of first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d.
  • the at least one biasing member 1402 exerts a biasing force (depicted by 1410) on each of the plurality of first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d to push the first end 1406 of the plurality of first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d towards the bottom chassis portion 128, when no external force is applied on the plurality of first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d.
  • the biasing member 1402 applies the biasing force (depicted by 1410) on the first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d. Accordingly, the biasing force (depicted by 1410) is applied on the media flattening portion 1302 causing the media flattening portion 1302 to travel towards the bottom end portion 208 of the top chassis portion 126.
  • the external force may be applied to the frame 1216.
  • a fifth actuation unit 1412 may be configured to apply the external force to the frame 1216. Some examples of the fifth actuation unit 1412 may include a hydraulic system.
  • each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel may be devoid of the at least one biasing member 1402. Further, each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel may be fluidly coupled to a hydraulic pump 1414.
  • the hydraulic pump 1414 may be configured to pump fluid in/out from each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel (through one or more conduits such as conduit 1416 and conduit 1418) to apply the external force on the frame 1216.
  • the fluid when the fluid is pumped into each of the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel, the fluid may exert the external force on the frame 1216.
  • a negative pressure generated due to pumping out the fluid
  • the biasing force exerts the biasing force (depicted by 1410) on the frame 1216.
  • the first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d may not be coupled to the biasing member 1402 in the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel.
  • the first supporting members 1304a, 1304b, 1304c, and 1304d may be directly received within the first channel 1420, the second channel 1422, the third channel, and the fourth channel, respectively.
  • the fifth actuation unit 1412 may correspond to an electromagnet that may be installed in the bottom chassis portion 128, as is further described in conjunction with FIG. 16 .
  • activation of the electromagnet may lead to generation of magnetic field, which may apply magnetic force on the frame 1216.
  • the magnetic force applied on the frame 1216 may correspond to the external force, which may cause the traversal of the frame 1216.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view 1500 of another implementation of the frame 1216, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the frame 1216 includes a media flattening portion 1502, a second supporting member portion 1504, and a linear block 1506.
  • the media flattening portion 1502 may have a structure similar to the media flattening portion 1302.
  • a shape of the media flattening portion 1502 may correspond to a concentric rectangle.
  • the media flattening portion 1502 comprises one or more sides 1508a, 1508b, 1508c, and 1508d.
  • the side 1508a may be spaced apart from the side 1508c along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122. Further, the side 1508a may be parallel to the side 1508c.
  • the side 1508b may be spaced apart from the side 1508d along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122. Further, the side 1508b may be parallel to the side 1508d.
  • the media flattening portion 1502 is coupled to the linear block 1506 through the second supporting member portion 1504.
  • the side 1508c of the media flattening portion 1502 is coupled to the linear block 1506 through the second supporting member portion 1504.
  • the second supporting member portion 1504 may correspond to a support member that is capable of bearing the weight of the media flattening portion 1502.
  • the linear block 1506 is further movably coupled to the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B. Further, a length of the second supporting member portion 1504 is such that when the linear block 1506 is movably coupled to the first linear guide 120A and the second linear guide 120B, the void 1510 of the media flattening portion 1502 is positioned below the print head along the vertical axis 128 (mounted in the top chassis portion 126). More particularly, the print head is visible through the void 1510. For example, in scenario where the print head corresponds to a laser pint head, the void 1510 may allow the laser light from the print head to pass through.
  • the linear block 1506 may be coupled to an actuation unit (e.g., a hydraulic pump, electromagnet, and rails as is shown in FIGS. 14-16 ), which may facilitate the traversal of the frame 1216.
  • an actuation unit e.g., a hydraulic pump, electromagnet, and rails as is shown in FIGS. 14-16
  • the one or more motors of the printing apparatus 100 may be coupled to the linear block 1506. The actuation of the one or more motors may cause the traversal of the frame 1216.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view 1600 of the bottom chassis portion 128, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 is configured to receive a vacuum generating unit.
  • the bottom chassis portion 128 is configured to receive a vacuum generating unit 1602.
  • the vacuum generating unit 1602 may be configured to generate a negative pressure at the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 through the plurality of orifices 1228a, 1228b, ..., 1228n.
  • the negative pressure causes the print media 104 (received on the platform 1222) to stick to the platform 1222. Accordingly, the print media 104 may lay flat on the platform 1222, when the vacuum generating unit 1602 is activated.
  • the vacuum generating unit 1602 may include a fan, or a vacuum pump.
  • the bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128 may be further configured to receive the fifth actuation unit 1412.
  • bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128 may be configured to receive the electromagnet 1604.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the bottom chassis portion 128, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the top surface 1218 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a depression 1702 at the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128. Further, the depression 1702 extends along the length (defined along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122) and the breadth (defined along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122) of the bottom chassis portion 128. In some examples, defining the depression 1702 leads to formation of a platform receiving surface 1704.
  • the platform receiving surface 1704 may have a rectangular shape that is surrounded by wall surfaces 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c on the three sides.
  • the wall surfaces 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c may extend from the platform receiving surface 1704 to the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128 along the vertical axis 128 of the print head engine 122.
  • the wall surfaces 1706a and 1706c may extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122 and may be parallel to each other.
  • the wall surface 1706b may extend along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122 and may be defined to be proximal to the back-spine section 114 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the platform receiving surface 1704 may not be surrounded by a wall surface on the fourth side to define an opening 1708.
  • the opening 1708 may allow the receipt of the modular component 1716 such as the modular platform (further described in FIG. 18 ).
  • each of the wall surfaces 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c may define a protruding groove 1710 proximal to the top end portion 226.
  • the protruding groove 1710 may extend along a length of each wall surface 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c.
  • the protruding groove 1710, defined on the wall surfaces 1706a and 1706c may extend along the longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the protruding groove 1710, defined on the wall surface 1706b may extend along the lateral axis 212 of the print head engine 122.
  • the bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128 defines a cavity 1714 that extends from the bottom surface 1220 of the bottom chassis portion 128 to the platform receiving surface 1704.
  • the modular component 1716 is received on the platform receiving surface 1704, the modular component 1716 such that the modular component 1716 covers the cavity 1714 from the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128.
  • the vacuum generating unit 1602 is received at the bottom end portion 228 of the bottom chassis portion 128 to generate the negative pressure through the cavity 1714.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the modular platform 1800, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the modular platform 1800 has an outer surface 1802 that may define a top end portion 1804 and a bottom end portion 1806 of the modular platform 1800.
  • the top end portion 1804 of the modular platform 1800 may be configured to be positioned proximal to the top end portion 226 of the bottom chassis portion 128 when the modular platform 1800 is received on the platform receiving surface 1704 (defined on the bottom chassis portion 128).
  • the bottom end portion 1806 of the modular platform 1800 may face the cavity 1714, when the modular platform 1800 is received on the platform receiving surface 1704.
  • a width of the modular platform 1800 (along the vertical axis 128 of the print head engine 122) may be equivalent to the width of the region 1712 (defined between the respective protruding groove 1710 and the platform receiving surface 1704).
  • the plurality of controllers may be in operative communication with each other and may be collectively configured to perform one or more functionalities of the circuitry of the print head 302, as described herein.
  • the controller 2008 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 2010 or otherwise accessible to the controller 2008. These instructions, when executed by the controller 2008, may cause the circuitry of the printing apparatus 100 to perform one or more of the functionalities as described herein.
  • the controller 2008 may include an entity capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure while configured accordingly.
  • the controller 2008 when the controller 2008 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the controller 2008 may include specifically configured hardware for conducting one or more operations described herein.
  • the controller 2008 when the controller 2008 is embodied as an executor of instructions, such as may be stored in the memory device 2704, the instructions may specifically configure the controller 2008 to perform one or more algorithms and operations described herein.
  • the one or more configuration registers are further described in conjunction with FIG. 40 .
  • the I/O device interface unit 2012 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may be configured to communicate with the one or more components of the printing apparatus 100, in accordance with one or more device communication protocols such as, without limitation, I2C communication protocol, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication protocol, Serial communication protocol, Control Area Network (CAN) communication protocol, and 1-Wire ® communication protocol.
  • I2C communication protocol Serial Peripheral Interface
  • SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
  • CAN Control Area Network
  • 1-Wire ® communication protocol 1-Wire ® communication protocol.
  • Some examples of the I/O device interface unit 2012 may include, but are not limited to, a Data Acquisition (DAQ) card, an electrical drives driver circuit, and/or the like.
  • DAQ Data Acquisition
  • the I/O device interface unit 2012 includes a print head interface.
  • the print head interface facilitates coupling between the print head 302 and the control unit 138 of the printing apparatus.
  • the print head interface allows communication of the one or more signals between the print head 302 and the control unit 138 of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the one or more signals may facilitate synchronization between the print head 302 and the control unit 138, as is described in FIGS. 41-47 .
  • the print head interface may include one or more electrical connectors through which the one or more signals are shared amongst the print head 302 and the control unit 138. The following table illustrates the pinout of the print head interface:
  • the laser subsystem 2002 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may enable the print head 302 to direct the laser onto the print media 104 positioned on the platform 322.
  • the laser subsystem 2002 may include one or more optical assemblies and the laser sources that may operate in conjunction to facilitate directing of the laser onto the print media 104.
  • the structure and the operation of the laser subsystem 2002 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 21 .
  • the count of the one or more reflective surfaces 2110 is eight.
  • the polygon mirror 2106 is so positioned with respect to the one or more laser sources 2102 such that the polygon mirror 2106 reflect the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam in along a predetermined direction.
  • the one or more reflective surfaces 2110 may reflect the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam in the predetermined direction based on an angle of incidence between the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam and a reflective surface of the one or more reflective surfaces 2110.
  • the angle of incidence between the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam and a reflective surface 2110 may vary due to which the direction in which the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam are reflected varies.
  • the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam may sweep along a longitudinal axis 210 of the print head engine 122.
  • the optical assembly 2104 further includes a plurality of lenses 2112 through which the reflected beam passes.
  • the plurality of lenses may be configured to respectively converge the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam.
  • the optical assembly 2104 further includes one or more folding mirrors 2114a, 2114b, 2114c, and 2114d that are positioned downstream of the plurality of lenses 2112.
  • the plurality of folding mirrors 2114a, 2114b, 2114c, and 2114d may be configured to modify a direction of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam.
  • the one or more folding mirrors 2114a, 2114b, 2114c, and 2114d may direct the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam on the print media 104 positioned on the platform 322 on the bottom chassis portion 128.Since the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam sweep due to rotation of the polygon mirror 2106, the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam may sweep across a width of the print media 104. When the laser impinges on the print media 104, a color of the print media gets modified. The modification of the color of the print media 104 corresponds to the printed content.
  • the print media 104 that changes color upon impingement of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam, is described later in conjunction with FIG. 25A .
  • the print head 302 may be calibrated prior to or during the process of printing content.
  • calibration may be activated to determine a location of one or more optics, such as a polygon mirror, at any given time instantly.
  • calibration of the optics provide an indication of where content is to be printed, such as via a start of line (SOL) detector.
  • the SOL detector may correspond to a photo-detector that receives a reflected laser beam from each face of the polygon mirror 2102 as the polygon mirror 2102 rotates or it may take the form of another detection mechanism, such as a light sensor, heat sensor, or the like that is configured to detect reflections from one or more optics.
  • a detector allows for the detection of a speed of the optics as well as one or more characteristics of the optics, such as the face of the polygon mirror on which the one or more laser sources are directing the laser beam.
  • the SOL detector 2004 may include suitable logic and circuitry that may facilitate the printing apparatus 100 to determine a current position of the polygon mirror 2106. Determining the current position allows the printing apparatus 100 to calibrate the polygon mirror 2106. For example, calibration allows the printing apparatus 100 to adjust the start of line (SOL) from where the content is to be printed on the print media 104 by positioning the polygon mirror 2106.
  • SOL start of line
  • the second laser source 2202 may similar to one or more laser sources structurally and functionally. In some examples, the second laser source 2202 may be positioned with respect to the polygon mirror 2106 such that the calibration laser beam generated by the second laser source 2202 gets reflected from the one or more reflective surfaces 2110 of the polygon mirror 2106.
  • the photo detector 2204 may corresponds to a sensor that may be configured to receive a laser beam reflected from the polygon mirror 2106.
  • the photo detector 2204 may be configured to receive the reflected calibration laser beam. Accordingly, the photo detector 2204 generates a SOL signal that may indicate the position of the polygon mirror 2106.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may determine the position of the polygon mirror 2106 based on the SOL signal. The position of the polygon mirror 2106 may facilitate the determination of the SOL.
  • the print head may include a control system.
  • the control system is configured to control various functionality of the print head to include the laser sources and optics enclosed therein.
  • the control system may be configured to control the speed of the polygon mirror in order to achieve printing resolutions and various printing speeds.
  • the control system may be configured to control the power level of the laser sources during operation.
  • the laser power control system 2006 may include suitable logic circuitry that may enable the printing apparatus 100 to control the power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam.
  • the laser power control system 2006 is configured to control the power of the one or more laser sources based on mode of operation of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the mode of the operation of the printing apparatus 100 may be at least deterministic of resolution at which the content is to be printed on the print media 104. Some examples of the resolution may include, but are not limited to 200DPI, 400DPI, and 600DPI.
  • the structure of the laser power control system 2006 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 23 .
  • FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic of the laser power control system 2006, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the laser power control system 2006 includes one or more photo detectors assemblies 2302.
  • the plurality of the photo detectors assemblies 2302 may include photo detectors 2304 and optical assemblies 2306.
  • the optical assembly 2306 is configured to receive a portion of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam through the optical assembly 2104. In an example embodiment, the optical assemblies 2306 may be configured to collimate the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam. Thereafter, the optical assemblies 2306 may be configured to direct the portion of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam onto the one or more photo detectors 2304. In an example embodiment, the one or more photo detectors 2304 may be configured to generate a third signal that may be indicative of the power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam. The third signal may be transmitted to the control system of the printing apparatus 100.
  • control system of the printing apparatus 100 may be configured to determine a current power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam based on the third signal. Thereafter, the control system may be configured to compare the current power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam with the required power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam. Thereafter, based on the comparison, the control system may be configured to modify the power of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam.
  • the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may enable the print head 302 to control an operation of the laser subsystem 2002.
  • the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to control a rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106, as is further described in FIG. 47 .
  • the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to control the power of the one or more laser sources, as is described above in FIG. 23 .
  • the functionality of the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may include the laser power control system 2006.
  • the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be implemented as Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
  • the synchronization unit 2016 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may enable the print head 302 to receive the one or more signals from the control unit 138.
  • the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to receive a clock signal from the control unit 138. Based on the one or more signals, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to instruct the laser subsystem control unit 2014 to control the operation of the print head 302, as is described in FIGS. 41-47 .
  • the synchronization unit 2016 may be implemented as Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
  • the print media 104 may be preheated.
  • the one or more laser sources may be directed towards the print media 104 to preheat the print media.
  • the heat of the print head itself may be used to preheat the media such as by bringing the media in proximity to the print head or a heat dissipation unit attached to or in communication with the print head.
  • other internal systems such as a fan proximate the controller or other internal components may be used to preheat the print media.
  • content may be printed on the print media 104 using a low power writing laser beam as compared to a higher power writing laser beam that may be used in response to non-preheated media.
  • the print head 302 may direct the preheating laser beam onto the print media 104, which causes the print media 104 to heat up. Thereafter, the print head 302 may direct the writing laser beam onto the print media 104 to print content on the print media 104.
  • the structure of the print media 104 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 25A .
  • the usage of laser may cause the print head 302 to heat up.
  • the print head 302 may include a heat dissipation unit, which is further described in FIG. 24.
  • FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic diagram of the print head 302 with the heat dissipation unit 2402.
  • the heat dissipation unit 2402 may be coupled to the top surface 2408 of the top chassis portion 126 of the print head 302.
  • the heat dissipation unit 2402 may include a radiator section 2404 and a fan section 2406.
  • the radiator section 2404 may be coupled to the top surface and the fan section 2406 may be coupled to the radiator.
  • the heat dissipation unit 2402 may be configured to transfer heat from the print head 302 to the ambient around the print head 302.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the heat dissipation unit 2402 includes a fan section 2406.
  • the heat dissipation unit 2402 may be liquid cooled unit.
  • the heat dissipation unit 2402 may include a pump (not shown) and a tank which is configured to store a fluid. The pump may be configured to pump liquid through the print head 302 and through the radiator, where the radiator may be configured to dissipate heat from the liquid to the ambient of the print head 302.
  • the print media 104 may be composed of chemical composition that is configured to react to one or more wavelengths produced by one or more lasers beams emanated from the one or more laser sources.
  • the exposure of the media to the writing laser beam causes a chemical reaction on the print media that facilitates a color change.
  • the print media 104 may have a protective layer which allows the printing apparatus 100 to authenticate the print media 104 prior to printing content on the print media 104.
  • a color of the print media 104 may change.
  • the changed color corresponds to the printed content.
  • the composition of the print media 104 may enable such color change (upon impinging the of the writing laser beam and the preheating laser beam on the print media 104).
  • the composition of the print media 104 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 25A .
  • FIG. 25A illustrates the composition of the print media 104, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the print media 104 includes a substrate 2502, a reactive layer 2504, and a protective layer 2506.
  • the substrate 2502 may correspond to a paper layer on which the content is printed.
  • the term "substrate” refers to a fibrous web that may be formed, created, produced, etc., from a mixture, etc., comprising paper fibers, internal paper sizing agents, etc., plus any other optional papermaking additives such as, for example, fillers, wet-strength agents, optical brightening agents (or fluorescent whitening agent), etc.
  • the substrate may be in the form of a continuous roll, a discrete sheet, etc.
  • the ink or other content writing materials may be disposed on the substrate 2502 to print content on the substrate 2502.
  • the reactive layer 2504 may be disposed on the substrate 2502.
  • the reactive layer 2504 may have a chemical composition that allows the reactive layer 2504 to change color when the reactive layer 2504 is exposed to the writing laser beam of a first predetermined wavelength.
  • the reactive layer 2504 may change color when the reactive layer 2504 is exposed to the writing laser beam having the predetermined wavelength of 500 nm.
  • the changed color corresponds to the printed content.
  • the chemical composition of the reactive layer 2504 may be selected from a group consisting of leucodyes, diacetylenes, and ammonium octamolybdate.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the reactive layer 2504 having the aforementioned chemical composition.
  • the reactive layer 2504 may have other chemical compositions that may enable the reactive layer 2504 to change color upon exposure to a writing laser beam of the first predetermined wavelength.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the print media 104 having three layers.
  • the print media 104 may include a binder layer.
  • the binder layer may correspond to an adhesive layer that may be configured to bind the substrate 2502 with the reactive layer 2504 and the protective layer 2506.
  • FIG. 27 illustrates a block diagram of the control unit 138, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the control unit 138 includes a processor 2702, a memory device 2704, and an Input/Output (I/O) device interface unit 2706, a media characteristic determination unit 2710, a media flattening unit 2712, a media speed determination unit 2714, a printing operation control unit 2716, an image processing unit 2718, a clock signal generation unit 2720, a print head synchronization unit 2722, and a data synchronization unit 2724.
  • I/O Input/Output
  • the plurality of processors may be embodied on a single electronic device or may be distributed across a plurality of electronic devices collectively configured to function as the circuitry of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the plurality of processors may be in operative communication with each other and may be collectively configured to perform one or more functionalities of the circuitry of the printing apparatus 100, as described herein.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 2704 or otherwise accessible to the processor 2702. These instructions, when executed by the processor 2702, may cause the circuitry of the printing apparatus 100 to perform one or more of the functionalities as described herein.
  • the processor 2702 used herein may refer to a programmable microprocessor, microcomputer or multiple processor chip or chips that can be configured by software instructions (applications) to perform a variety of functions, including the functions of the various embodiments described above.
  • multiple processors may be provided dedicated to wireless communication functions and one processor dedicated to running other applications.
  • Software applications may be stored in the internal memory before they are accessed and loaded into the processors.
  • the processors may include internal memory sufficient to store the application software instructions.
  • the internal memory may be a volatile or nonvolatile memory, such as flash memory, or a mixture of both.
  • the memory can also be located internal to another computing resource (e.g., enabling computer readable instructions to be downloaded over the Internet or another wired or wireless connection).
  • the memory device 2704 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and/or interfaces that are adapted to store a set of instructions that is executable by the processor 2702 to perform predetermined operations.
  • Some of the commonly known memory implementations include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, random access memory, cache memory, read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) & electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), an optical disc, circuitry configured to store information, or some combination thereof.
  • the memory device 2704 may be integrated with the processor 2702 on a single chip, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • the I/O device interface unit 2706 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may be configured to communicate with the one or more components of the printing apparatus 100, in accordance with one or more device communication protocols such as, without limitation, I2C communication protocol, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication protocol, Serial communication protocol, Control Area Network (CAN) communication protocol, and 1-Wire ® communication protocol.
  • the I/O device interface unit 2706 may communicate with the first actuation unit 119, the second actuation unit 136, and the third actuation unit 504.
  • Some examples of the I/O device interface unit 2706 may include, but are not limited to, a Data Acquisition (DAQ) card, an electrical drives driver circuit, and/or the like.
  • DAQ Data Acquisition
  • the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may be configured to determine one or more print media characteristics.
  • the one or more print media characteristics may include, but are not limited to, a thickness of the print media 104, a type of the print media 104 (e.g., a continuous media, gap media, black mark media, and/or the like), and/or the like.
  • the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may receive an input from the operator of the printing apparatus 100 pertaining to a print media name, such as is further described with respect to FIG. 28 . Based on the print media name, the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may determine the one or more one or more print media characteristics, as is further described in FIG. 28 .
  • the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may directly receive the one or more print media characteristics from the operator of the printing apparatus 100, as the input.
  • the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may be implemented using Field Programmable Gate Array and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or the like.
  • the media flattening unit 2712 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may be configured to determine a time period to stop/deactivate the first actuation unit 119, as is further described in FIG. 28 .
  • the media flattening unit 2712 may be implemented using Field Programmable Gate Array and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or the like.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the media speed determination unit 2714 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may be configured to determine media traversal speed of the print media 104.
  • the media speed determination unit 2714 may be configured to receive another input from the operator of the printing apparatus 100 pertaining to the speed at which the printing apparatus 100 is to be operated. Based on the speed at which the printing apparatus 100 is to be operated, the media speed determination unit 2714 may determine the media traversal speed. Additionally, or alternatively, the media speed determination unit 2714 may receive the input from the operator of the printing apparatus 100 pertaining to a measure of an expected print quality. Based on the measure of the expected print quality, the media speed determination unit 2714 may determine the media traversal speed, as is further described in FIG. 28 .
  • the media speed determination unit 2714 may be implemented using Field Programmable Gate Array and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or the like.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the printing operation control unit 2716 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may enable the printing operation control unit 2716 to determine one or more print head parameters associated with the print head 302 to print content on the print media 104.
  • the one or more print head parameters associated with the print head 302 may include, but are not limited to, a location of the polygon mirror 2106, a speed of the polygon mirror 2106, a duty cycle of the writing laser beams, and/or the like.
  • the printing operation control unit 2716 may be configured to access or otherwise receive the one or more configuration settings of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the configuration settings may take the form of registers (e.g., Print head control register, Print head DPI register, Image width register, Image length register, Print speed register, Print darkness and contrast register, Mirror overrun register, Print head status register, Print head self-check status register, Laser beam location register, Upper odometer register, Lower odometer register, Print head error register, etc.).
  • the printing operation control unit 2716 may determine a rotational speed of the polygon mirror 2106 based on the one or more configuration settings, as is further described in conjunction with FIG. 32 .
  • the printing operation control unit 2716 may be configured to determine a measure of skew that may get introduced in the printed content during printing of the content on the print media 104, as is further described in FIG. 34 .
  • the printing operation control unit 2716 may be implemented using Field Programmable Gate Array and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or the like.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the image processing unit 2718 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may enable the image processing unit 2718 to modify content (received for printing on the print media 104), as is further described in FIG. 34 .
  • the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to modify a skew of the content prior to printing the content on the print media 104, as is further described in FIG. 34 .
  • the image processing unit 2718 may utilize one or more known image processing techniques to modify the content.
  • the image processing unit 2718 may be implemented using Field Programmable Gate Array and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or the like.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the print head synchronization unit 2722 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may cause the print head synchronization unit 2722 to generate one or more signals based on the clock signal, the one or more signals are further described in conjunction with FIGS. 41-47 .
  • the one or more signals may facilitate synchronization between the control unit 138 and the print head 302.
  • the print head 302 may be configured to control the speed of the polygon mirror 2106.
  • the print head 302 may control other operations of the print head 302.
  • the print head synchronization unit 2722 may be implemented using Field Programmable Gate Array and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or the like.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the data synchronization unit 2724 may include suitable logic and/or circuitry that may cause generation of one or more data signals.
  • the control unit 138 may transmit data such as data indicative of content to be printed, to the print head 302.
  • the one or more data signals may include, but are not limited to, a frame sync signal (F-Sync), and a Line Sync (L-Sync) signal.
  • the F-Sync signal may indicate to the print head 302 that control unit 138 is transmitting data to be printed on the label of the print media 104.
  • the L-Sync signal may indicate to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting segmented data to be printed on the label of the print media 104.
  • the data synchronization unit 2724 may be implemented using Field Programmable Gate Array and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or the like.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • control unit 138 The operation of the control unit 138 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 28 .
  • FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart 2800 of a method for operating the printing apparatus 100, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the media characteristic determination unit 2710, and/or the like for receiving an input of the print media name from the operator.
  • the media characteristic determination unit 2710 may receive the input from the operator through the I/O device interface unit 2706.
  • the I/O device interface unit 2706 may receive the input from the operator through the UI.
  • the I/O device interface unit 2706 may be configured to transmit the input to the media characteristic determination unit 2710.
  • the input from the operator may include, but is not limited to, information pertaining to the print media name of the print media 104 loaded in the printing apparatus 100.
  • Some examples of the type of the media are illustrated below: Table 3: Print media name Print media name Duratherm Synthetic Duratherm II Floodcoated Duratherm III Receipt Duratherm II Gloss Polyester
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, media characteristic determination unit 2710, and/or the like for determining the one or more print media characteristics based on the print media named in an example embodiment, the media characteristic determination unit 2710 by utilizing a first look-up table.
  • the following table illustrates an example first lookup table: Table 4: First look-up table including the one or more print media characteristics Name of print media Type of print media 104 Print media thickness Duratherm Synthetic Continuous 1 mm Duratherm II Floodcoated Gap media 0.5 mm Duratherm III Receipt Black mark media 0.25 mm Duratherm II Gloss Polyester Continuous 0.75 mm
  • the printing apparatus 100 includes the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the media speed determination unit 2714, and/or the like for determining the media traversal speed.
  • the media speed determination unit 2714 may be configured to receive another input pertaining to the speed at which the printing apparatus 100 is to be operated. Thereafter, the media speed determination unit 2714 may be configured to determine the media traversal speed by utilizing the second look-up table that includes the mapping between the media traversal speed and the speed at which the printing apparatus 100 is to be operated.
  • Table 5 Second look-up table illustrating the mapping between the speed at which the printing apparatus 100 is to be operated and the media traversal speed. Speed at which the printing apparatus 100 is to be operated Media traversal speed (ips) High 5 ips Medium 2 ips Low 1 ips
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the media flattening unit 2712, and/or the like for determining the time period after which the second roller 134 is to be halted based on the one or more print media characteristics and the media traversal speed.
  • the media flattening unit 2712 may utilize a fourth look-up table, which includes a mapping between the one or more print media characteristics, the media traversal speed, and the time period, to determine the time period.
  • Table 7 Fourth look-up table illustrating the mapping between the one or more print media characteristics, the media traversal speed, and the time period, to determine the time period.
  • Print media thickness Media traversal speed Type of print media Time period (ms) 1 mm 5 ips Continuous 1 ms 0.5 mm 2 ips Gap media 0.5 ms 0.25 mm 1 ips Black mark media 2 ms 0.75 mm 5 ips Continuous 1 ms
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the media flattening unit 2712, and/or the like for activating the first actuation unit 129 and the second actuation unit 136.
  • the activation of the first actuation unit 129 and the second actuation unit 136 causes the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to rotate, respectively.
  • the rotation of the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 causes the print media 104 to traverse along the print direction.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the media flattening unit 2712, and/or the like for deactivating the first actuation unit 129 at a first time instant. Deactivation of the first actuation unit 129 causes the first roller 132 to stop rotating.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the media flattening unit 2712, and/or the like for determining whether the time period (determined in the step 2808) has elapsed since the first time instant.
  • the media flattening unit 2712 may be configured to perform the step 2816. However, if the media flattening unit 2712 determines that the time period has not elapsed, the media flattening unit 2712 may be configured to repeat the step 2814.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the media flattening unit 2712, and/or the like for deactivating the second actuation unit 136 at a second time instant in response to the expiration of the time period.
  • the second time instant corresponds to a time instant at which the time period expires. Deactivation of the second actuation unit 136 causes the second roller 134 to stop rotating.
  • the second time instant is chronologically later than the first time instant. Further, a time difference between the first time instant and the second time instant is equivalent to the time period determined at step 2808.
  • the second roller 134 keeps rotating even after the first roller 132 stops rotating. Such scenario causes the second roller 134 to pull and stretch the print media 104. Accordingly, the print media 104 flattens between the first roller 132 and the second roller 134.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, and/or the like for causing the print head engine 122 to print content on the print media 104.
  • FIG. 29 illustrates a functional block diagram 2900 of the portion of the printing apparatus 100, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the functional block diagram 2900 includes the first roller 132 and the second roller 134, the print head engine 122, the print media 104, the first actuation unit 129, the second actuation unit 136, and the control unit 138.
  • control unit 138 is coupled to the first actuation unit 129 and the second actuation unit 136. Further, as depicted, the first actuation unit 129 and the second actuation unit 136 are coupled to the first roller 132 and the second roller 134, respectively.
  • the control unit 138 transmits the deactivation signal to the first actuation unit 129 at the first time instant (T1). Thereafter, the control unit 138 transmits the deactivation signal to the second actuation unit 136 at the second time instant (T2).
  • the second time instant (T2) occurs chronologically after the first time instant (T1). Therefore, the first roller 132 keeps rotating even after the one or more second rollers 134 stops rotating. Such scenario causes the first roller 132 to pull and stretch the print media 104. Accordingly, the print media 104 flattens between the first roller 132 and the one or more second rollers 134.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, and/or the like, for determining whether the print media 104 is positioned on the platform 1222.
  • the I/O device interface unit 2706 may rely on a media signal from a media sensor to determine the position of the print media on the platform 1222.
  • the media sensor may include a light transmitter and a light receiver that may operate in conjunction to generate the media signal, which is deterministic of the position of the print media on the platform 1222.
  • the media signal may be indicative of the position of the print media 104.
  • the media sensor may be configured to generate media signal based on the transmissivity/reflectivity of the print media 104, while the print media 104 travels along the print path. Sudden change in the transmissivity/reflectivity of the print media 104 may be indicative of a partition between the labels passing over the media sensor, as partitions between the labels in the print media 104 may be indicated by black dot marks or through perforations in the print media 104. In some examples, when such sudden changes in the transmissivity/reflectivity in the print media 104 is identified by the processor 2702 in the media signal, the processor 2702 may determine that a label of the print media 104 is received and is positioned on the platform 1222.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to perform the step 3006. However, if the processor 2702 determines that the print media 104 is not positioned on the platform 1222, the processor 2702 may be configured to repeat the step 3004.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, and/or the like, for activating the vacuum generating unit 1602.
  • the I/O device interface unit 2706 may activate the vacuum generating unit 1602 (e.g., fan). Activating the vacuum generating unit 1602 generates a negative pressure at the platform 1222 causing the print media 104 to stick to the platform 1222.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to deactivate the fifth actuation unit 1412 and the vacuum generating unit 1602. Accordingly, the external force acting on the frame 1216 is removed and the frame 1216 may traverse to the first position under the effect of the biasing force applied by the biasing member 1402. Accordingly, the print media 104 may freely travel along the print path.
  • the frame 1216 presses the one or more edges of the print media 104, thus, flattening the print media 104.
  • the biasing force applied by the biasing member 1402 causes the frame 1216 to traverse back to the first position.
  • the positioning of the biasing member 1402 and the electromagnets 1604 may be swapped with each other.
  • the biasing member 1402 may be coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 and the electromagnets 1604 may be positioned in the top chassis portion 126.
  • the frame 1216 may be coupled to the bottom chassis portion 128 through the biasing member 1402.
  • the biasing member 1402 may be configured to apply the biasing force on the frame causing the frame 1216 to be in the second position (i.e., pressing the one or more edges of the print media 104).
  • the electromagnets 1604 When the electromagnets 1604 are activated, the external force is applied on the frame 1216 causing the frame 1216 to traverse to the first position.
  • the electromagnet 1604 may apply an attractive force on the frame 1216 causing the frame 1216 to traverse to the first position.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited the traversal of the frame 1216 and the vacuum generating unit 1602 operating concurrently.
  • both the traversal of the frame 1216 and the vacuum generating unit 1602 may operate independently.
  • the traversal of the frame 1216 may be disabled and only vacuum generating unit 1602 may operate to flatten the print media.
  • the vacuum generating unit 1602 may be disabled and only the frame 1216 may be operated to flatten the print media 104.
  • printing apparatus 100 may receive a command or instruction, such through a configuration setting or a print job, to print at a particular resolution and/or at a particular print speed.
  • the command or instruction may cause a change to a different resolution or a different print speed than the resolution or print speed previously used.
  • the print head 302 may generate a plurality of laser beams that are capable of printing multiple lines in parallel. Varying the count of laser beams allows the printing apparatus 100 to print content at a variety of printing speeds. Additionally, or alternatively, multiple printing speeds may be achieved by varying rotation speed of optics, such as the polygon mirror 2106.
  • One such method of varying the count of laser beams and the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 32 .
  • control unit 138 may be configured to configure the print head 302 to operate in one or more modes.
  • control unit 138 may be configured to receive one or more configuration settings based on which the control unit 138 may be configured to configure the print head 302.
  • the one or more configuration settings include, but are not limited to, a resolution at which the print head 302 is to print content, a content width, a speed at which the content is to be printed, a contrast and/or darkness value at which the content is to be printed, a time duration for which the polygon mirror 2106 rotates at an unchanged rotation speed, a print head mode, a print head pressure, and/or the like.
  • control unit 138 may be configured to receive the data to be printed from a remote device. Further, the control unit 138 may be configured to transmit the data, to be printed on the print media 104, to the print head 302 in accordance with one or more data signals. In some examples, the control unit 138 may be configured to generate the one or more data signals based on which the control unit 138 may be configured to transmit the data to the print head 138.
  • Bit 5 and bit 6 of the print head control register are deterministic of one or more color settings in which the print head 302 is to be operated.
  • the following table illustrates examples of the one or more color settings: Table 9: Color settings Bit 5 Bit 4 Color setting 0 0 Black and White 0 1 Grayscale 1 0 Color 1 1 Reserved for future
  • Bit 6 of the print head control register is used to interrupt the print head 302 in an instance in which the control unit 138 encounters an error.
  • Bit 7 of the print head control register is reserved for future.
  • Bit 8 of the print head control register is utilized to configure a power mode of the print head 302.
  • Bit 9 of the print head control register is utilized to reset the print head 302.
  • Bit 10 of the print head control register is indicative of a type of print media 104 installed in the printing apparatus 100.
  • Bit 11 to bit 13 are indicative of a type of data received by the print head 302.
  • values of the Bit 11 to bit 13 may be used indicate to the print head 302 that the data in data buffer corresponds to a new line to be printed on a label or media, to a new line to be printed on a new label or new media, to a new line to be printed irrespective of the label or media. Additionally or alternatively, based on the values of Bit 11 to bit 13, the print head 302 may clear the data buffer. Further, bits 14-15 are reserved for future use.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to transmit the configuration value or otherwise permit access to the print head control register based on the structure of the print head control register and the mode in which the print head 302 is to be configured. For example, if the print head 302 is to be configured to print color content, the processor 2702 may be configured to set bits 4-5 in the print head control register to "10". Similarly, the processor 2702 may be configured to set/reset other bits of the print head control register in order to configure the mode of operation of the print head 302.
  • the processor 2702 may receive the configuration setting that includes information pertaining to the resolution at which the printing apparatus 100 is to print content.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to transmit or otherwise make resolution configuration values available to the print head 302. More particularly, the processor 2702 may be configured to cause the resolution configuration value to be stored in the print head DPI register. Prior to transmitting the resolution configuration value, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the resolution configuration value based on the information pertaining to the resolution received in the one or more configuration settings and the structure of the print head DPI register.
  • Table 10 illustrates the structure of an example print head DPI register: Table 10: Print head DPI register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 RFU resolution configuration value
  • the example values in example bits 0-11 of the print head DPI register are configured to store or otherwise represent the resolution configuration value received from the processor 2702.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the resolution configuration value.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to use a look-up table, such as the following look-up table, to determine the resolution configuration value based on the information pertaining to the resolution included in one or more of the configuration settings: Table 11: Look-up table for determining resolution configuration value Resolution (included in the one or more configuration settings) Resolution configuration value 203 DPI 0x0CB 300 DPI 0x12C 600 DPI 0x258
  • the processor 2702 may determine the resolution configuration value as "0x12C". To this end, the processor 2702 may be configured to cause the resolution configuration value "0x12C" to be stored on the print head DPI register.
  • the processor 2702 may receive a configuration setting that includes information pertaining to the print speed at which the printing apparatus 100 is to print content.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to cause a print speed configuration value to be transmitted or otherwise be made accessible to the print head 302. More particularly, the processor 2702 may be configured to cause the print speed configuration value to be stored in a print speed register. Prior to transmitting the print speed configuration value, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the print speed configuration value based on the information pertaining to the print speed received in the one or more configuration settings and a structure of the print speed register.
  • Table 12 illustrates an example structure of the print speed register: Table 12: Print speed register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 RFU Print speed configuration value
  • the values in the Bits 0-8 of the example print speed register are configured to store the print speed configuration value received from the processor 2702.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the print speed configuration value.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to use a lookup table, such as the following look-up table, to determine the print speed configuration value based on the information pertaining to the print speed included in one or more of the configuration settings: Table 13: Look-up table to determined print speed configuration value Print Speed (included in the one or more configuration settings) Configuration value 0 mm/s "000000000" 100 mm/s "001100100" 150 mm/s "010010110"
  • the processor 2702 may receive a configuration setting that includes information pertaining to darkness and/or contrast settings at which the printing apparatus 100 is to print content.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to transmit or otherwise make darkness and/or contrast configuration values available to the print head 302. More particularly, the processor 2702 may be configured to cause the darkness and/or contrast configuration values to be stored in a darkness and contrast register. Prior to transmitting the darkness and/or contrast configuration value, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the darkness and/or contrast configuration value based on the information pertaining to the darkness and/or contrast settings received in the one or more configuration settings and the structure of the darkness and/or contrast register.
  • Table 14 Darkness and/or contrast register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Contrast configuration value Darkness configuration value
  • the example values in the bits 0-7 of the darkness and/or contrast register are configured to store or otherwise represent a darkness configuration value. Further, values in the bits 8-15 of the darkness and/or contrast register are configured to store or otherwise represent a contrast configuration value. As discussed, based on the information pertaining to the darkness and/or contrast settings included in the one or more configuration settings, the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the darkness and/or contrast configuration value.
  • the processor 2702 may be configured to determine the rotation speed configuration value based on the information pertaining to the polygon mirror rotation timeout received in the one or more configuration settings and the structure of the mirror overrun register.
  • Table 16 Mirror overrun register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Rotation speed configuration value
  • the polygon mirror speed and the count of the writing laser beams to be used corresponding to the various print speeds and the resolution are pre-stored in the memory of the printing apparatus 100.
  • the polygon mirror speed and the count of the writing laser beams may be prestored in the memory of the print head.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the print head 302, the controller 2008, the synchronization unit 2016, and/or the like, for generating a Laser print head ready (LPH_RDY_N) signal and transmitting the LPH_RDY_N signal to control unit 138.
  • the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to modify the state of the LPH_RDY_N pin on the print head interface.
  • the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to modify the state of the pin LPH_RDY_N to "0".
  • the writing laser beam may reflect from the blanking location (on the face of the polygon mirror 2106) to a location other than the print media 104.
  • the angle of incidence of the writing laser beam changes. Therefore, the writing laser beam may sweep in accordance with the angle of incidence of the writing laser beam on the polygon mirror 2106. Further, the angle of incidence is determined based on the location on the polygon mirror from where the writing laser beam reflects. As the polygon mirror rotates, the location from where the writing laser beam reflects changes. Accordingly, the blanking locations and non-blanking locations on the polygon mirror 2106 are defined. For example, the writing laser beam may be reflected from the blanking location to the SOL detector 2004.
  • the face of the polygon mirror 2106 may include multiple blanking locations. Further, a time duration during which the writing laser beam reflects from the multiple blanking locations corresponds to blanking time period. During blanking time period, no content is printed on the print media 104 (since the writing laser beam is not directed on the print media 104). In some examples, the blanking period may indicate that the print head 302 is ready to print content on the print media 104. In some examples, the blanking time period is determined from the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106. For instance, and in some examples, the blanking time period is inversely proportional to the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the print head 302, the controller 2008, the synchronization unit 2016, and/or the like, for determining whether a ready to print (RDY2PRINT) signal from the control unit 138 is received, in response to change in the state of the Laser_POS signal.
  • the RDY2PRINT signal indicates that the control unit 138 has traversed the print media 104 by a single line.
  • the size of the single line is deterministic based on the resolution at which the printing apparatus 100 is to print content on the print media 104. For example, if the resolution is 600 dpi, the size of the single line is 0.01667 inches.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the print head 302, the controller 2008, the synchronization unit 2016, and/or the like, for determining whether the blanking period has expired. If the synchronization unit 2016 determines that the blanking period has expired, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to perform the step 4116. However, if the synchronization unit 2016 determines that blanking period has not expired, the synchronization unit 2016 may be configured to repeat the step 4114 until the blanking period expires.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the print head 302, the controller 2008, the synchronization unit 2016, and/or the like, for modifying the state of Laser_POS signal to "0". State "0" of the Laser_POS signal is indicative of the start of the non-blanking period.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the print head 302, the controller 2008, the synchronization unit 2016, and/or the like, for modifying the state of Laser Print (Laser_print) signal to "1" in response to the modification of the LASER _POS signal to state "0". State “1" of the Laser_print signal indicates that the content is being printed on the print media 104 using the writing laser beam.
  • Laser_print Laser Print
  • FIG. 42 illustrates a flowchart 4200 of another method of synchronization between the print head 302 and the control unit 138.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, control unit 138, the processor 2702, the print head synchronization unit 2722, the I/O device interface unit 2706 and/or the like, for causing the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to cause the print media 104 to traverse by one line, in response to receiving the state "0" of the LPH _RDY _N signal and the state "1" of the LASER_POS signal. More particularly, the I/O device interface unit 2706 may cause the first roller 132 and the second roller 134 to move the print media 104 by a distance determined based on the print resolution (as discussed in the step 4108).
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, control unit 138, the processor 2702, the print head synchronization unit 2722, and/or the like, for transmitting RDY2PRINT signal to the print head 302. More particularly, the print head synchronization unit 2722 may be configured to transmit state "1" of the RDY2PRINT signal.
  • FIG. 43 is a timing diagram 4300 illustrating synchronization between the print head 302 and the control unit 138, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the control unit 138 is configured to transmit the RDY2PRINT signal 4306 to the print head 302.
  • the RDY2PRINT signal indicates traversal of the print media 104 by a predetermined distance (e.g., one dot size and/or one line).
  • the Laser_print signal 4310 is set to state "1" indicating the printing of a line on the print media 104.
  • FIG. 44 illustrates a flowchart 4400 of a method of data synchronization between the print head 302 and the control unit 138.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, control unit 138, the processor 2702, the data synchronization unit 2724, and/or the like, for generating one or more data packets (to be transmitted to print head 302 for printing) based on segmented data. Each segmented data is included in the one or more data packets. Further, the data synchronization unit 2724 may determine a count of data packets to be transmitted to the print head in order to transmit the segmented data. The data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to determine the count of the one or more data packets based on the print resolution, a color scheme in which the data is to be printed, a count of bits included in a single data packet.
  • the data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to determine the count of the one or more data packets based on a look-up table, such as the following look-up table: Table 18: Look-up table to determine the count of the one or more data packets DPI 600 300 203 600 300 203 width 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 mode BW BW BW Greyscale Greyscale Greyscale # bit per line 2550 1275 863 20400 10200 6904 # 32b word 80 40 27 638 319 216 bit padding 10 5 1 16 8 8 Total # bit send 2560 1280 864 20416 10208 6912
  • a look-up table such as the following look-up table: Table 18: Look-up table to determine the count of the one or more data packets DPI 600 300 203 600 300 203 width 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 mode BW BW BW Greyscale Greyscale Greyscale # bit per line 2550 1275 863 20400 10200 6904 # 32b word 80 40
  • the segmented data is configured to be transmitted in 80 data packets to the print head 302.
  • the segmented data is configured to be transmitted into 27 data packets.
  • one or more portions of the segmented data are distributed in the one or more data packets based on a position on the print media 104 at which a portion of the segmented data is to be printed and a writing laser sweep direction.
  • the writing laser sweep direction corresponds to a direction in which the writing laser sweeps the print media 104.
  • the writing laser beam may sweep the print media 104 from left to right. In another example, the writing laser beam may sweep the print media 104 from right to left.
  • the portion of the segmented data is included in the first or earlier data packet (to be transmitted to the print head 302).
  • the other portion of the segmented data is included in the last or later data packet (to be transmitted to the print head 302).
  • FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram 4500 illustrating the distribution of the one or more portions of the segmented data in the one or more data packets, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the schematic diagram 4500 includes the writing laser sweep direction 4502 and the one or more data packets 4504.
  • the one or more data packets 4504 are arranged in a sequence in which the one or more data packets are to be printed on the print media 104.
  • the portion of the segmented data included in the first data packet 4504a is printed at the right most position on the print media 104.
  • the data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to transmit the first data packet 4504a before any other data packet in the one or more data packets.
  • another portion of the segmented data included in the data packet 4504b is to be printed at the left most position on the print media 104.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, control unit 138, the processor 2702, the data synchronization unit 2724, and/or the like, for modifying a state of Frame sync (F-Sync) signal.
  • the F-Sync signal may indicate to the print head 302 that control unit 138 is transmitting data to be printed on the label of the print media 104.
  • the data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to modify the state of the F-Sync signal to "0", which may indicate to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting data to be printed on the label of the print media 104.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, control unit 138, the processor 2702, the data synchronization unit 2724, and/or the like, for modifying a state of Line sync (L-Sync) signal.
  • L-Sync Line sync
  • the L-Sync signal may indicate to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting segmented data to be printed on the label of the print media 104.
  • the segmented data corresponds to the portion of the data that is to be printed in a single line on the print media 104.
  • the data synchronization unit 2724 may be configured to modify the state of the L-Sync signal to "0", which may indicate to the print head 302 that the control unit 138 is transmitting the segmented data.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, control unit 138, the processor 2702, the data synchronization unit 2724, and/or the like, for transmitting the segmented data to the print head 302.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, control unit 138, the processor 2702, the data synchronization unit 2724, and/or the like, for modifying the state of the L-Sync signal to "1" indicating completion of the transmission of the segmented data (i.e., the data to be printed in a line on the print media 104).
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, control unit 138, the processor 2702, the data synchronization unit 2724, and/or the like, for modifying the state of the F-Sync signal to "1" indicating end of transmission of the data (i.e., the complete data to be printed on the label of the print media 104).
  • the L-sync signal 4606 and the F-Sync 4608 signal are in the state "0". Further, it can be observed the L-sync signal 4606 is in the state "0" until time instant T2. Between the time instant T1 and T2, the data bus 4604 transmits the segmented data to the print head 302 (depicted by 4610). After the transmission of the segmented data, the L-Sync signal 4606 is in the state "1" (depicted by 4612), however, the F-Sync signal 4608 is in the state "0". To this end, such states of L-sync 4606 and F-sync signal 4608 indicate that the control unit 138 has additional data to be transmitted to the print head 302.
  • the scope of the disclosure is not limited to reducing the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 2106 and thereafter halting the polygon mirror 2106.
  • the laser subsystem control unit 2014 may be configured to directly halt the polygon mirror if at step 4706, it is determined that the polygon mirror rotation timeout has elapsed. Alternatively, or additionally, the speed of the polygon mirror could be increased at step 4706, if it is determined that the control unit is transmitting data.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, and/or the like, for determining a measure of the skew that may get introduced in the printed content based on the one or more configuration settings of the printer (received in the step 3402).
  • the printing operation control unit 2716 may be configured to determine the measure of the skew based on the print resolution, the media traversal speed, and a count of writing laser beams to be utilized to print content on the print media 104. Additionally, or alternately, the printing operation control unit 2716 may determine the measure of skew based on the one or more print media characteristics (refer FIG. 28 ).
  • the one or more print media characteristics may include, but are not limited to, the width of the print media 104, the type of the print media 104, thickness of the print media 104, and/or the like. Determining the measure of the skew is further described in conjunction with FIG. 35 .
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, and/or the like, for receiving the content to be printed.
  • the I/O device interface unit 2706 may receive the content from a remote computer.
  • the I/O device interface unit 308 may receive the content (to be printed) from the UI 140.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, the image processing unit 2718, and/or the like, for modifying the received content to compensate for the measure of the skew (determined in the step 3404).
  • the method of modifying the content is further described in conjunction with FIG. 37 .
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as , the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, and/or the like, for determining a dot size based on the resolution at which the content is to be printed on the print media 104.
  • dot size may be determined by other means such as by way of a verifier, scanner, images, and/or other image-based testing.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, and/or the like, for determining the measure of the skew based on the dot size (determined in the step 3502), the width of the print media 104 (refer FIG. 28 ), and a count of the writing laser beams.
  • the width of the print media 104 is 4.25 inches, and dot size is 0.0016 inches, the measure of the skew is 0.07 degrees.
  • the width of the print media 104 is 4.25 inches, and the dot size is 0.005 inches, the measure of the skew is 0.02 degrees.
  • the measure of the skew increases when the count of writing laser beams used to print content on the print media 104 increases. For example, when multiple writing laser beams are utilized to print a single line on the print media 104, the skew angle increases, as is described in FIG. 36A , FIG. 36B , and FIG. 36C .
  • FIG. 36A , FIG. 36B , and FIG. 36C are schematic diagrams illustrating the relationship between the count of writing laser beams and the measure of the skew, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the print head 302 may cause the single writing laser beam 3602a to sweep across the width of the print media 104. Since the print media 104 traverses along the print path, the single writing laser beam 3602a may sweep the width of print media 104 at a skew to generate skewed printed content 3604.
  • the skew may correspond to an angle between an imaginary line (depicted by 3606) representing a line swept by the single writing laser beam and an imaginary line depicting the width of the print media 104 (depicted by 3608). Further, in FIG. 36A , the skew angle is determined based on Equation 5.
  • FIG. 37 illustrates a flowchart 3700 of a method for modifying the content prior to printing, according to one or more embodiments described herein.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, the image processing unit 2718, and/or the like, for determining whether the multiple writing laser beams are to be used to print content based on the configuration setting of the printing apparatus 100 (determined in the step 3402). If the image processing unit 2718 determines that a single writing laser beam is to be used to print content, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to perform the step 3704. However, if the image processing unit 2718 determines that multiple writing laser beams are to be used to print content, such as because the content is of a certain size or requires a certain resolution, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to perform the step 3708.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, the image processing unit 2718, and/or the like, for determining a second measure of the skew based on the measure of the skew determined in the step 3504.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, the image processing unit 2718, and/or the like, for updating the content (to be printed) by modifying a skew of the content based on the second measure of skew.
  • the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to purposely add skew to the content (to be printed) such that printing of the skewed content generated printed content with zero degrees skew.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, the image processing unit 2718, and/or the like, for determining the second measure of skew for each of the multiple writing laser beams based on the measure of skew determined for each of the multiple writing laser beams.
  • the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to utilize Equation 7 to determine the second measure of skew for each of the multiple writing laser beams.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, the image processing unit 2718, and/or the like, for determining the portion of the content to be printed by each of the multiple writing laser beams. For example, if the count of the writing laser beams is two and each of the two writing laser beams are configured to print the 50% of the content (along the width of the print media 104), the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to segment the content to be printed along the width of the print media 104 by a percentage of the content that each of the multiple writing laser beams have to print. Each segment of the content corresponds to the portion of the content.
  • the printing apparatus 100 may include means such as, the control unit 138, the processor 2702, the I/O device interface unit 2706, the printing operation control unit 2716, the image processing unit 2718, and/or the like, for modifying each portion of the content based on the second measure of skew determined for the respective writing laser beams.
  • the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to individually modify the skew of each portion of the content. For instance, the skew associated with one of the two writing laser beams is 0.5 degrees and the skew associated with the second of the two writing laser beams is 0.1 degrees.
  • the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to modify the skew of the portion of the content, to be printed by first of the two writing laser beams, by -0.5 degrees. Further, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to modify the skew of the portion of the content, to be printed by second of the two writing laser beams, by -0.1 degrees. In an example embodiment, the image processing unit 2718 may be configured to utilize known methods to modify the skew of the portion of the content. Some examples of the known methods may include, but are not limited to, coordinate transformation, coordinate rotation, and/or the like.
  • FIG. 38A illustrates an image 3802 of the modified content to be printed using a single writing laser beam, according to one or more embodiments described herein. It can be observed that the modified content is skewed by an angle (determined based on the second measure of the skew).
  • FIG. 38B illustrates an image 3804 of the modified content to be printed by multiple writing laser beams, according to one or more embodiments described herein. It can be observed that the image 3804 of the modified content has a first portion 3806 and a second portion 3808. Both the first portion 3806 and the second portion 3808 are individually skewed (based on the second measure of skew associated with each of the multiple writing laser beams configured to print the first portion 3806 of the content and the second portion 3808 of the content).
  • a "watermark" (for example, in the form of a reactive coating) may be applied on print media that is supported by the printing apparatus.
  • the protective layer 2506 (also referred to as a UV reactive layer) may include a UV dye.
  • the UV dye may be configured to validate the authenticity of the print media.
  • the UV dye/UV reactive layer may comprise UV reactive coating (e.g. coated with UV reactive chemical). When the print media is illuminated with the UV radiation, the light may get reflected from the print media surface (for example, by the UV reactive layer).
  • the printing apparatus may authenticate the print media based on the light reflection from the print media.
  • the printing apparatus may enable printing on the print media (for example, enable the print head of the printing apparatus).
  • the printing apparatus may disable printing on the print media (for example, disable the print head of the printing apparatus).
  • example embodiments of the present disclosure may determine a type or category of print media (also referred to as "print media signature") to provide the best printing quality.
  • the print media signature may correspond to a type of the print media, whether the print media is intended for black and white printing, whether the print media is intended for greyscale printing, whether the print media is intended for color printing, and/or the like.
  • the printing apparatus uses a different type of UV reactive coatings (for example, every type of print media is coated with a unique UV coating), the printing apparatus is able to differentiate different print media signatures of print media loaded in the printing apparatus. Based on the print media signatures, the printing apparatus may set up the printing parameters automatically and without the need of user intervention.
  • various example embodiments of the present disclosure may implement a UV light source (such as a UV LED source) and one or more light sensors (such as one or both of a UV light sensor and a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) sensor) to emit UV light on the print media, determine the luminescence level from the print media, and determine whether the print media loaded in the printing apparatus is supported by the printing apparatus, and/or a print media signature of the print media.
  • a UV light source such as a UV LED source
  • one or more light sensors such as one or both of a UV light sensor and a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) sensor
  • FIG. 48 illustrates an example top chassis portion 4802 of the example printing apparatus 4800.
  • the top chassis portion 4802 is similar to various example top chassis portions illustrated and described above, including, but not limited to, the top chassis portion 126 illustrated and described above.
  • the top chassis portion 4802 may be configured to receive a print head engine 4804 that is configured to emit a laser beam onto the print media to conduct laser printing, similar to the example print head engine 122 illustrated and described above.
  • the top chassis portion 4802 may house a media supply spindle 4806, similar to the media supply spindle 108 illustrated and described above.
  • the media supply spindle 4806 may receive a roll of print media, which may travel along a print direction during the printing process (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 48 ).
  • the roll of print media may be supported by the example printing apparatus 4800 and is coated with a dedicated chemical that luminates when exposed to UV light.
  • a print media authentication module 4808 is disposed on the top chassis portion. In some embodiments, the print media authentication module 4808 is disposed at a location along the print direction between the print head engine 4804 and the media supply spindle 4806. Referring now to FIG. 49 , an example block diagram illustrating some example components of an example print media authentication module is illustrated.
  • the print head engine or the print head may comprise a housing that prevents the laser from leaking out of the print head engine or the print head.
  • disposing the print media authentication module within the print head engine or the print head may prevent light disturbance from the local environment that may interfere with the print media authentication module.
  • the print media authentication module is located away from the media opening (where the print media exits the printing apparatus), therefore preventing ambient light from interfering with the UV light emitted by the print media authentication module.
  • the platen roller may block ambient light from interfering with the UV light emitted by the print media authentication module.
  • the UV light source 4901 is configured to emit a UV light onto the print media 4905.
  • the UV light source 4901 may be in the form of, including but not limited to, a UV LED, a fluorescent lamp, and/or the like.
  • the example method 5000 illustrates example steps/operations of determining whether an example print media is supported by an example printing apparatus.
  • the example method 5000 illustrates determining whether a print media is supported based on whether the reflected light (for example, as detected by an ambient light sensor) satisfies a threshold.
  • the example method 5000 starts at block 5002 and then proceeds to step/operation 5004.
  • a processing circuitry such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus
  • the processing circuitry may be electrically coupled to a UV light source.
  • the processing circuitry may transmit a signal to the UV light source, and the UV light source may emit a UV light onto the print media, similar to those described above in connection with FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 .
  • the light intensity threshold may correspond to a light intensity level of reflected red light, reflected green light, and/or reflected blue light that is/are received by the light sensor and from a print media that is supported by the printing apparatus. In some embodiments, the light intensity threshold may be determined based on the amount of chemical coating in the UV reactive layer of print media that is supported by the printing apparatus.
  • the light intensity of the reflected light to the light sensor may satisfy the light intensity threshold, as the light intensity threshold may be set based on light that would be reflected if a supported print media is loaded.
  • the red light intensity indication 5301, the green light intensity indication 5303, and the blue light intensity indication 5305 all satisfy the light intensity threshold 5307.
  • the processing circuitry determines that the print media corresponding to the red light intensity indication 5301, the green light intensity indication 5303, and the blue light intensity indication 5305 is supported by the printing apparatus.
  • the printing apparatus may allow all operations on the print media.
  • step/operation 5214 the processing circuitry determines that none of the light intensity indications satisfy the light intensity threshold
  • the method 5200 proceeds to step/operation 5218.
  • a processing circuitry such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus may determine that the print media is not supported by the printing apparatus.
  • the non-supported print media when a non-supported print media is loaded, due to the lack of (or insufficient) UV reactive coating, the non-supported print media may not reflect light to the light sensor, or may reflect red light, green light, and blue light that all have less intensity than light that is reflected by a supported print media.
  • the red light intensity indication 5309, the green light intensity indication 5311, and the blue light intensity indication 5313 all fail to satisfy the light intensity threshold 5307.
  • the processing circuitry determines that the print media corresponding to the red light intensity indication 5309, the green light intensity indication 5311, and the blue light intensity indication 5313 is not supported by the printing apparatus.
  • the printing apparatus may prevent all operation on the print media and may further show an alert message on a display associated with the printing apparatus, indicating that a non-supported print media is loaded.
  • step/operation 5216 and/or step/operation 5218 the method 5200 proceeds to block 5220 and ends.
  • an example method 5400 is illustrated.
  • the example method 5400 illustrates example steps/operations of determining the print media signature of an example print media associated with an example printing apparatus.
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may trigger a UV light emission to print media, similar to those described above in connection with at least step/operation 5204 of FIG. 52 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may detect a reflected light from the print media, similar to those described above in connection with at least step/operation 5206 of FIG. 52 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may generate a red light intensity indication, similar to step/operation 5208 described above in connection with at least step/operation 5208 of FIG. 52 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may generate a green light intensity indication, similar to step/operation 5210 described above in connection with at least FIG. 52 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may compare the green light intensity indication with a light intensity threshold, and determine whether the green light intensity indication satisfies the light intensity threshold, similar to those described above in connection with at least step/operation 5214 of FIG. 52 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may generate a blue light intensity indication, similar to step/operation 5212 described above in connection with at least FIG. 52 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may compare the blue light intensity indication with a light intensity threshold, and determine whether the blue light intensity indication satisfies the light intensity threshold, similar to those described above in connection with at least step/operation 5214 of FIG. 52 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may determine a print media signature based on the red light intensity indication, the green light intensity indication, and the blue light intensity indication.
  • an example printing apparatus may associate a print media signature of a print media whether its red light intensity indication satisfies the light intensity threshold, whether its green light intensity indication satisfies the light intensity threshold, and whether its blue light intensity indication satisfies the light intensity threshold.
  • the printing apparatus may store such information on a data look-up table, and the processing circuitry may retrieve the data look-up table to determine the print media signature of a particular print media loaded in the example printing apparatus.
  • the red light intensity indication 5501, the green light intensity indication 5503, and the blue light intensity indication 5505 may be associated with a print media loaded in a printing apparatus.
  • the red light intensity indication 5501 satisfies the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a high level of red light)
  • the green light intensity indication 5503 satisfies the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a high level of green light)
  • the blue light intensity indication 5505 does not satisfy the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a low level of blue light).
  • the processing circuitry may determine a print media signature from the data look-up table that corresponds to a high level of red light, a high level of green light, and a low level of blue light, and may determine that the print media is associated with this print media signature.
  • the red light intensity indication 5507, the green light intensity indication 5509, and the blue light intensity indication 5511 may be associated with a print media loaded in a printing apparatus. As shown, the red light intensity indication 5507 does not satisfy the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a low level of red light), the green light intensity indication 5509 satisfies the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a high level of green light), and the blue light intensity indication 5511 does not satisfy the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a low level of blue light).
  • the processing circuitry may determine a print media signature from the data look-up table that corresponds to a low level of red light, a high level of green light, and a low level of blue light, and may determine that the print media is associated with this print media signature.
  • the red light intensity indication 5513, the green light intensity indication 5515, and the blue light intensity indication 5517 may be associated with a print media loaded in a printing apparatus. As shown, the red light intensity indication 5513 satisfies the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a high level of red light), the green light intensity indication 5509 does not satisfy the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a low level of green light), and the blue light intensity indication 5517 satisfies the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a high level of blue light).
  • the processing circuitry may determine a print media signature from the data look-up table that corresponds to a high level of red light, a low level of green light, and a high level of blue light, and may determine that the print media is associated with this print media signature.
  • the red light intensity indication 5519, the green light intensity indication 5521, and the blue light intensity indication 5523 may be associated with a print media loaded in a printing apparatus. As shown, the red light intensity indication 5519 does not satisfy the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a low level of red light), the green light intensity indication 5521 does not satisfy the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a low level of green light), and the blue light intensity indication 5523 satisfies the light intensity threshold 5525 (e.g. a high level of blue light).
  • the processing circuitry may determine a print media signature from the data look-up table that corresponds to a low level of red light, a low level of green light, and a high level of blue light, and may determine that the print media is associated with this print media signature.
  • the printing apparatus may adjust the setting and parameters, such as darkness, contrast, speed, black and white, greyscale, color printing and/or other.
  • the print media signature may not only indicate whether the print media is for color printing, black and white printing, or grayscale printing, but can also indicate how much power is needed to make proper marks on the print media.
  • the printing apparatus may adjust power level and dwelling duration, such that the output provides better print quality (e.g. clearer text, higher grade barcodes, etc.).
  • step/operation 5420 the method 5400 proceeds to block 5422 and ends.
  • an example method 5600 is illustrated.
  • the example method 5600 illustrates example steps/operations of determining the print media signature of an example print media associated with an example printing apparatus.
  • the example method 5600 illustrates determining print media signature based on one or more light intensity thresholds.
  • the example method 5600 starts at block 5602 and then proceeds to step/operation 5604.
  • a processing circuitry such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may detect a reflected light from the print media, similar to those described above in connection with at least step/operation 5006 of FIG. 50 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may generate a light intensity indication, similar to those described above in connection with step/operation 5008 of FIG. 50 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may compare the light intensity indication with a first light intensity threshold, similar to those described above in connection with step/operation 5010 of FIG. 50 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may compare the light intensity indication with a second light intensity threshold, similar to those described above in connection with step/operation 5010 of FIG. 50 .
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may determine a print media signature based at least in part on the light intensity indication, the first light intensity threshold, and the second light intensity threshold.
  • the processing circuitry may determine that the first light intensity indication 5701 and the third light intensity indication 5705 (for example, determined by an ambient light sensor described here) are at a medium level (e.g. between the threshold 5709 and threshold 5711), and may determine that the print media corresponding to the first light intensity indication 5701 and the print media corresponding to the third light intensity indication 5705 have a print media signature that corresponds to a medium level light intensity.
  • the processing circuitry may determine that the second light intensity indication 5703 and the fourth light intensity indication 5707 are at a high level (e.g. above the threshold 5711), and may determine that the print media corresponding to the second light intensity indication 5703 and the print media corresponding to the fourth light intensity indication 5707 have a print media signature that corresponds to a high level light intensity.
  • the red light intensity indication 5802, the green light intensity indication 5804, and the blue light intensity indication 5806 may be associated with a print media loaded in a printing apparatus.
  • the red light intensity indication 5802 is at a medium level (e.g. between the threshold 5828 and the threshold 5826)
  • the green light intensity indication 5804 is at a high level (e.g. above the threshold 5826)
  • the blue light intensity indication 5806 is at a low level (e.g. below the threshold 5828).
  • the processing circuitry may determine a print media signature from the data look-up table that corresponds to a medium level of red light, a high level of green light, and a low level of blue light, and may determine that the print media is associated with this print media signature.
  • the red light intensity indication 5808, the green light intensity indication 5810, and the blue light intensity indication 5812 may be associated with a print media loaded in a printing apparatus. As shown, the red light intensity indication 5808 is at a low level, the green light intensity indication 5810 is at a high level, and the blue light intensity indication 5812 is at a high level.
  • the processing circuitry may determine a print media signature from the data look-up table that corresponds to a low level of red light, a high level of green light, and a high level of blue light, and may determine that the print media is associated with this print media signature.
  • the red light intensity indication 5814, the green light intensity indication 5816, and the blue light intensity indication 5818 may be associated with a print media loaded in a printing apparatus. As shown, the red light intensity indication 5814 is at a high level, the green light intensity indication 5816 is at a low level, and the blue light intensity indication 5818 is at a medium level.
  • the processing circuitry may determine a print media signature from the data look-up table that corresponds to a high level of red light, a medium level of green light, and a medium level of blue light, and may determine that the print media is associated with this print media signature.
  • the red light intensity indication 5820, the green light intensity indication 5822, and the blue light intensity indication 5824 may be associated with a print media loaded in a printing apparatus. As shown, the red light intensity indication 5820 is at a medium level, the green light intensity indication 5822 is at a medium level, and the blue light intensity indication 5824 is at a high level.
  • the processing circuitry may determine a print media signature from the data look-up table that corresponds to a medium level of red light, a medium level of green light, and a high level of blue light, and may determine that the print media is associated with this print media signature.
  • the number of print media signatures that can be identified increases as the number of threshold increases. For example, while a RGB sensor with one threshold could only detect 7 possible print media signatures, a RGB sensor with two thresholds (e.g. three different levels) can detect 26 print media signatures. With fourth level of intensity, 63 print media signatures are supported.
  • the formula is used to calculate how many media types can be supported for different media level if three R, G, B component are used.
  • step/operation 5614 the method 5600 proceeds to block 5616 and ends.
  • various embodiments of the present disclosure may detect if a supported print media is loaded in the printing apparatus (the printing apparatus may only allow supported print media for printing). Additionally, based on the coating type, various embodiments of the present disclosure may detect various media signatures, which are used to detect the print media signatures loaded in the printing apparatus. Based on the print media signature, the system may automatically adjust its settings to ensure the best print quality will be available.
  • an example printing apparatus in accordance with examples of the present disclosure may include a print head engine that is configured to emit a laser beam onto the print media during the printing process.
  • an example print media may comprise a printable area and a non-printable area.
  • an example print media may be in the form of an example label that is carried by an example label liner (also referred to as "label backing").
  • the example label may correspond to a printable area
  • the example label liner may correspond to a non-printable area.
  • the example label may be positioned along a center line of the label liner and on a top surface of the label liner. As such, a center portion of the example print media may comprise the example label, while an outer portion (or the "edge") of the print media may comprise the example label liner.
  • the example label is attached to the example label liner through an adhesive material.
  • the example label and the example label liner may travel together within the example printing apparatus and under the print head engine of the example printing apparatus.
  • the example label liner may serve as a carrier sheet for the example label in the example printing apparatus. After texts, images, barcodes, and/or the like are printed on the example label, the example label may be detached from the example label liner and applied onto a surface of packaging, box, carton, product, and/or the like.
  • a laser beam not handled properly may accidently be in direct or indirect contact with a human (for example, a user of the laser printer), and may produce serious injuries to the human (such as burned cornea, blindness, burned skin, and/or laceration).
  • the example label liner may comprise material and/or coating that may reflect the laser beam.
  • the example label liner may reflect and/or redirect the laser beam, which can cause a safety hazard. As such, there is a need to prevent the laser beam from traveling toward the edge of the print media.
  • Various embodiments of present disclosure may provide example apparatus, systems, and methods to detect the edge position of a print media within a printing apparatus and/or adjust the printing apparatus when it is detected that a laser travel path associated with the printing apparatus overlaps or extends from the edge portion of the print media.
  • various embodiments of the present disclosure may guide and guard the laser beam emitted from the print head engine to ensure that the laser beam is directed only to the printable area of the print media, and may present a safety hazard due to laser printing outside the edge of the print media.
  • FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B an example portion of an example printing apparatus 5900 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.
  • FIG. 59A illustrates an example top view of the example portion of the example printing apparatus 5900.
  • FIG. 59B illustrates an example cross-sectional view of the example printing apparatus 5900 along the cut line A-A' and viewing in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 59A .
  • the print media 5919 may comprise a printable portion 5915 and a non-printable portion 5917.
  • the printable portion 5915 may correspond to the label portion described above, while the non-printable portion 5917 may correspond to the label liner portion described above.
  • the printable portion 5915 may correspond to a center portion of the print media 5919 while the non-printable portion 5917 may correspond to an edge portion of the print media 5919.
  • the laser beam when a laser beam is emitted to a non-printable portion 5917 of the print media, the laser beam may be reflected from the non-printable portion 5917, causing safety hazards. As such, it is important to detect the edge position of the print media so as to prevent the laser beam from being emitted to the non-printable portion 5917.
  • an example media guard bar 5903 and an example media guard bar 5905 may be disposed on a top surface 5901 of the example bottom chassis portion.
  • one of the media guard bars may be fixed on the top surface 5901, while the other of the media guard bars may be moveable on the top surface 5901.
  • the position of the media guard bar 5903 may be fixed on the top surface 5901, while the position of the media guard bar 5905 may be adjustable.
  • the print media 5919 travels between the example media guard bar 5903 and the example media guard bar 5905.
  • the fixed media guard bar (for example, the media guard bar 5903) may be aligned at the starting position of the print media, while the position of the adjustable media guard bar (for example, the media guard bar 5905) may be adjusted based on the width of the print media.
  • the central axis B-B' of the media guard bar 5903 and the media guard bar 5905 as shown in FIG. 59A , is in a perpendicular arrangement with the travel direction 5921 of the print media 5919.
  • the central axis B-B' of the media guard bar 5903 and the media guard bar 5905 is in a parallel arrangement with the laser printing direction, as described above.
  • an example media sensor holding bar 5907 may be disposed on a surface of the example media guard bar 5903.
  • the example media sensor holding bar 5907 may be disposed on the side surface that faces the print media 5919 and may be positioned above the print media 5919.
  • a central axis of the example media sensor holding bar 5907 may be in a perpendicular arrangement with the central axis of the example media guard bar 5903.
  • an example media sensor holding bar 5909 may be disposed on a surface of the example media guard bar 5905.
  • the example media sensor holding bar 5909 may be disposed on the side surface that faces the print media 5919 and may be positioned above the print media 5919.
  • a central axis of the example media sensor holding bar 5909 may be in a perpendicular arrangement with the central axis of the example media guard bar 5905.
  • an example media sensor 5911 may be disposed on a surface of the example media sensor holding bar 5907.
  • the example media sensor 5911 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the example media sensor holding bar 5907 facing the example print media 5919.
  • the example media sensor 5911 may be configured to emit a first ultraviolet (UV) light on the print media 5919 and may detect a level of light reflected from the print media 5919.
  • the media sensor 5911 may be configured to detect the UV reactive coating on the print media, similar to those described above.
  • an example media sensor 5913 may be disposed on a surface of the example media sensor holding bar 5909.
  • the example media sensor 5913 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the example media sensor holding bar 5909 facing the example print media 5919.
  • the example media sensor 5913 may be configured to emit a first ultraviolet (UV) light on the print media 5919 and may detect a level of light reflected from the print media 5919.
  • the media sensor 5913 may be configured to detect the UV reactive coating on the print media, similar to those described above.
  • each of the example media sensors may be moveable along the bottom surface of the media sensor holding bar.
  • the example media sensor 5911 may be attached to a sliding guard that travels along a sliding rail disposed on the bottom surface of the media sensor holding bar 5907.
  • the movement of the media sensor 5911 may be controlled by a motor, and the media sensor 5911 may travel in the direction 5923 that is in a perpendicular arrangement with the travel direction of the print media 5919.
  • the example media sensor 5913 may be attached to a sliding guard that travels along a sliding rail disposed on the bottom surface of the media sensor holding bar 5909.
  • the movement of the media sensor 5913 may be controlled by a motor, and the media sensor 5913 may travel in the directions 5925 that is in a perpendicular arrangement with the travel direction 5921 of the print media 5919.
  • the example media sensor 5911 and the example media sensor 5913 may move along its respective path to detect the edge positions of the print media 5919 and are determined.
  • the example media sensor 5911 is configured to detect a first media edge of the print media 5919 based on the first reflected light from the print media 5919
  • the example media sensor 5913 is configured to detect a second media edge of the print media 5919 based on the second reflected light from the print media 5919. Additional details associated with determining the media edges are described in connection with at least FIG. 60 .
  • an example method 6000 is illustrated.
  • the example method 6000 illustrates example steps/operations of determining the edge positions of an example print media associated with an example printing apparatus.
  • the example method 6000 starts at block 6002 and then proceeds to step/operation 6004.
  • a processing circuitry such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus may detect a first media edge of a print media.
  • the processing circuitry may be electrically coupled to a media sensor, such as, but not limited to, the example media sensor 5911 described above in connection with FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B .
  • the processing circuitry may trigger the media sensor to emit a UV light onto the print media, and the media sensor may detect the amount of light reflected from the print media.
  • the amount of light reflected from a printable portion of the print media (for example, a center portion of the print media such as an example label) may be different from (for example, less than or more than) the amount of light reflected from a non-printable portion of the print media (for example, an edge portion of the print media such as an example label liner).
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may compare the laser travel path with the first media edge position to determine whether the laser travel path overlaps with the first media edge position.
  • the laser travel path of an example laser beam may begin from a print head engine and end on the surface print media.
  • the laser travel path may begin at position (-5 mm, 0, 5 mm) and end at position (-5 mm, 0, 0).
  • the laser travel path may overlap with the edge position (-5 mm, 0, 0).
  • the laser travel path may begin at position (3 mm, 5 mm, 5 mm) and end at position (3 mm, 5 mm, 0). In this example, the laser travel path does not overlap with the edge position (-5 mm, 0, 0).
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may detect a second media edge of a print media.
  • the processing circuitry may trigger the example media sensor to continuously move on the bottom surface of its corresponding media sensor holding bar until the amount of reflected light received by the example media sensor corresponds to the amount of reflected light from a non-printable portion of the print media. Once the amount of reflected light received by the example media sensor corresponds to the amount of reflected light from a non-printable portion, the media sensor may detect the second media edge of the print media.
  • the processing circuitry may determine a corresponding position of the second media edge.
  • the media sensor 5913 described above in connection with FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B may start at a position (0, 0, 0) and travel 5 millimeters on the horizontal plane and away from the print media until the edge is detected.
  • the processing circuitry determines that that second edge of the print media is at (5 mm, 0, 0).
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may compare the laser travel path with the second media edge position to determine whether the laser travel path overlaps with the second media edge position.
  • the laser travel path of an example laser beam may begin from a print head engine and ends on the surface print media.
  • the laser travel path may begin at position (5 mm, 0, 5 mm) and end at position (5 mm, 0, 0). In this example, the laser travel path may overlap with the edge position (5 mm, 0, 0).
  • the laser travel path may begin at position (3 mm, 5 mm, 5 mm) and end at position (3 mm, 5 mm, 0). In this example, the laser travel path does not overlap with the edge position (5 mm, 0, 0).
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus) may determine whether a laser travel path associated with a laser subsystem of the printing apparatus overlaps with at least one of the first media edge positions or the second media edge positions.
  • step/operation 6016 the processing circuitry determines that the laser travel path overlaps with one of the first media edge positions or the second media edge positions
  • the method 6000 proceeds to step/operation 6018.
  • a processing circuitry such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus
  • the processing circuitry may cause the laser subsystem to be turned off.
  • the top chassis portion and the bottom chassis portion may be coupled through a latch.
  • the bottom chassis portion may be designed with a downward opening mechanism (for example, pivotally rotating around the central axis of the latch).
  • the distance tolerance between bottom surface of the top chassis portion and the top surface of the bottom chassis portion may be higher than the +/- 0.05-millimeter maximum toleration that enables optimum printing quality.
  • a large gap may occur between the bottom surface of the top chassis portion and the top surface of the bottom chassis portion, which may impact the laser focal option and affect the print quality.
  • a narrow gap (or no gap) may occur between the bottom surface of the top chassis portion and the top surface of the bottom chassis portion, which may cause jamming of the print media.
  • various embodiments of the present disclosure may overcome the above-referenced technical challenges.
  • various example embodiments of the present disclosure may achieve good and desirable print quality through proper media management that controls the media flatness for various media sizes and types.
  • an example height limiter panel and an example height limiter groove can be integrated within the printing apparatus and provide for raster mode printing.
  • Various embodiments of the present disclosure may achieve the controlled media flatness without creating unnecessary media flow (or movement) disruption or causing potential risks of media curl-up (buckle) that may lead to media jam inside the printing apparatus.
  • an example biasing mechanism comprising a spring element may eliminate and/or reduce the tolerance of the distance between the top surface of the bottom chassis portion and the bottom surface of the top chassis portion.
  • FIG. 61A illustrates an example perspective view of the example printing apparatus 6100.
  • FIG. 61B illustrates an example cross-sectional view of the example printing apparatus 6100 along the cut line A-A' and viewing in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 61A .
  • FIG. 61C illustrates an example zoomed view of the example portion 6127 shown in FIG. 61B .
  • an example bottom chassis portion 6101 is illustrated. Similar to the various example bottom chassis portions described above, the example bottom chassis portion 6101 defines a platform 6115 that may correspond to a region on which the print media is received and travels along a print path for printing operation.
  • the example bottom chassis portion 6101 comprises an example height limiter panel 6103.
  • the example height limiter panel 6103 may be disposed along a width of the platform 6115.
  • a central axis B-B' along the width of the example height limiter panel 6103 may be in a parallel arrangement with an axis along the width of the platform 6115.
  • the central axis B-B' along the width of the example height limiter panel 6103 may be in a perpendicular arrangement with the print direction 6119.
  • At least one bottom rib element may protrude from a top surface of the example height limiter panel.
  • a first bottom rib element and a second bottom rib element may protrude from the top surface of the height limiter panel.
  • a print media travels between the first bottom rib element and the second bottom rib element.
  • a first bottom rib element 6105 and a second bottom rib element 6107 may protrude from the top surface of the example height limiter panel 6103.
  • the print media may travel between the first bottom rib element 6105 and the second bottom rib element 6107.
  • the width of the example height limiter panel 6103 may be larger than the width of the print media.
  • the example bottom chassis portion 6101 may be positioned under a top chassis portion of the example printing apparatus.
  • the example printing apparatus 6100 comprises an example top chassis portion 6109 and the example bottom chassis portion 6101. As shown, the example printing apparatus 6100 is in a closed state, and the bottom chassis portion 6101 may be positioned under the top chassis portion 6109.
  • the example top chassis portion 6109 comprises a height limiter groove 6111.
  • the height limiter groove 6111 on the top chassis portion 6109 may correspond to the height limiter panel 6103 on the bottom chassis portion 6101.
  • At least one top rib element protrudes from a bottom surface of the height limiter groove.
  • the example top rib element 6113 protrudes from a bottom surface of the height limiter groove 6111.
  • a distance between a top surface of one of the at least one bottom rib element and a bottom surface of one of the at least one top rib element is 0.4 millimeters.
  • the distance H between a top surface of the second bottom rib element 6107 and a bottom surface of the top rib element 6113 is 0.4 millimeters. As such, the distance H may enable the printing apparatus to achieve optimum flatness.
  • a biasing mechanism may be disposed on a bottom surface of the height limiter panel.
  • the biasing mechanism comprises a supporting beam and a spring element.
  • the supporting beam is disposed on the bottom surface of the height limiter panel.
  • the example biasing mechanism 6121 may comprise a supporting beam 6125 and a spring element 6123. As shown in FIG. 61C , the supporting beam 6125 is disposed on a bottom surface of the height limiter panel 6103.
  • FIG. 62A and FIG. 62B various example views associated with example portions of an example printing apparatus 6200 are illustrated.
  • FIG. 62A illustrates an example top view of the example printing apparatus 6200.
  • FIG. 62B illustrates an example perspective view of the example portion 6202 shown in FIG. 62B .
  • the bottom chassis portion further comprises a fixed panel.
  • a plurality of locking rib elements protrude from a side surface of the height limiter panel.
  • a plurality of locking groove elements protrudes from a side surface of the fixed panel.
  • the height limiter panel is secured to the fixed panel through the plurality of locking rib elements and the plurality of locking groove elements.
  • the example bottom chassis portion 6204 comprises a fixed panel 6206 and a height limiter panel 6208.
  • a plurality of locking rib elements (such as, but not limited to, locking rib element 6210) protrude from a side surface of the height limiter panel 6208.
  • a plurality of locking groove elements (such as, but not limited to, locking groove element 6212) are disposed on a side surface of the fixed panel 6206.
  • the height limiter panel 6208 is secured to the fixed panel 6206 through the plurality of locking rib elements (such as, but not limited to, locking rib element 6210) and the plurality of locking groove elements (such as, but not limited to, locking groove element 6212).
  • the plurality of locking rib elements such as, but not limited to, locking rib element 6210
  • the plurality of locking groove elements such as, but not limited to, locking groove element 6212.
  • FIG. 63A and FIG. 63B various example views associated with example portions of an example printing apparatus 6300 are illustrated.
  • FIG. 63A illustrates an example cross-sectional view of the example printing apparatus 6300.
  • FIG. 63B illustrates an example perspective view of the example portion 6301 shown in FIG. 63A .
  • the example printing apparatus 6300 is in an open state, and the bottom chassis portion 6303 is not secured to the top chassis portion 6313.
  • the example biasing mechanism 6305 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the height limiter panel 6307.
  • the biasing mechanism 6305 may comprise a supporting beam 6309 and a spring element 6311.
  • the supporting beam 6309 is disposed on the bottom surface of the height limiter panel 6307.
  • a first end of the spring element 6311 is secured to the supporting beam 6309 and a second end of the spring element 6311 is secured to the bottom surface of the height limiter panel 6307.
  • an example printing apparatus may comprise a laser print head 302 having one or more laser sources that are configured to facilitate direct printing, using one or more laser beams emanating from one or more laser sources, of content on print media.
  • the laser print head 302 comprises an SOL detector 2004, a laser power control system 2006, a laser subsystem control unit and I/O device interface unit 2012, and a synchronization unit 2016.
  • Each of the SOL detector 2004, laser power control system 2006, laser subsystem control unit and I/O device interface unit 2012 and synchronization unit 2016 of the laser print head 302 may be configured to perform one or more operations of the example printing apparatus.
  • the laser print head 302 can control one or more operations of one or more components (e.g., laser sources) electronically coupled with and/or in electronic communication with the laser print head 302. While some of the embodiments herein provide an example laser print head, as described in connection with FIG. 20 , it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in some examples, a laser print head in accordance with the present disclosure may be in other forms.
  • the laser print head controller 6400 comprises processing circuitry 6401, a communication module 6403, input/output module 6405, a memory 6407 and/or other components configured to perform various operations, procedures, functions, or the like described herein.
  • the laser print head controller 6400 (such as the processing circuitry 6401, communication module 6403, input/output module 6405 and memory 6407) is electrically coupled to and/or in electronic communication with one or more laser sources 6409, one or more sensors 6411, an optical assembly 6413 and a print media assembly 6415.
  • the laser print head controller 6400 may also be electrically coupled to and/or in electronic communication with other components of the example printing apparatus, including the control unit 138 described above in connection with FIG. 27 .
  • each of the communication module 6403, input/output module 6405 and memory 6407 may exchange (e.g., transmit and receive) data with the processing circuitry 6401 of the laser print head controller 6400.
  • the processing circuitry 6401 may be implemented as, for example, various devices comprising one or a plurality of microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processors; one or a plurality of processors without accompanying digital signal processors; one or a plurality of coprocessors; one or a plurality of multi-core processors; one or a plurality of controllers; processing circuits; one or a plurality of computers; and various other processing elements (including integrated circuits, such as ASICs or FPGAs, or a certain combination thereof).
  • the processing circuitry 6401 may comprise one or more processors.
  • the processing circuitry 6401 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 6407 or otherwise accessible by the processing circuitry 6401.
  • these instructions may enable the laser print head controller 6400 to execute one or a plurality of the functions as described herein.
  • the processing circuitry 6401 may comprise entities capable of executing operations, according to the embodiments of the present invention when correspondingly configured. Therefore, for example, when the processing circuitry 6401 is implemented as an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like, the processing circuitry 6401 may comprise specially configured hardware for implementing one or a plurality of operations described herein.
  • the memory 6407 may comprise, for example, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a certain combination thereof. Although illustrated as a single memory in FIG. 64 , the memory 6407 may comprise a plurality of memory components. In various embodiments, the memory 6407 may comprise, for example, a hard disk drive, a random access memory, a cache memory, a flash memory, a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Digital Versatile Disk Read-Only Memory (DVD-ROM), an optical disk, a circuit configured to store information, or a certain combination thereof.
  • a hard disk drive a random access memory
  • a cache memory a flash memory
  • CD-ROM Compact Disc Read-Only Memory
  • DVD-ROM Digital Versatile Disk Read-Only Memory
  • an optical disk a circuit configured to store information, or a certain combination thereof.
  • a plurality of laser sources may be provided.
  • multi-mode lasers may be provided and arranged in a perpendicular fashion with respect to one another.
  • the output of each multi-mode laser may be approximately 10 watts.
  • each beam may be selectively turned on and off only to deposit energy as required in order to conserve power and eliminate component temperate increases.
  • a control algorithm may be utilized to turn on each respective laser as needed.
  • a higher frequency-controlled pulsing at the rate of the actual print dots may be utilized.
  • a lower frequency pulsing may be utilized such that the pre-energizing laser turns off when traversing large areas where no print is to occur.
  • the operations 6800 may be performed by a laser print head controller.
  • the laser print head controller may be similar to the laser print head controller 6400 described herein in connection with FIG. 64 .
  • the laser print head controller may similarly comprise processing circuitry 6401, a communication module 6403, an input/output module 6405 and a memory 6407.
  • the laser print head controller may be electrically coupled to and/or in electronic communication with various components of the printing apparatus such as one or more laser sources 6409, one or more sensors 6411, an optical assembly 6413 and a print media assembly 6415.
  • the example method 6800 begins with step/operation 6801.
  • a processing circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the processing circuitry 6401 of laser print head controller 6400 illustrated in regard to FIG. 64 ) determines a required number of write cycles with respect to particular data/content to be printed by the printing apparatus.
  • the number of write cycles may be determined based at least in part on a media type, a sweep rate and a required print speed.
  • the number of write cycles may be a value or integer (e.g., "N") corresponding to a number of laser source iterations required to impinge/print the content.
  • the collimating component 6901 may be removably attached to or otherwise connected/coupled to an example laser assembly (e.g., comprising a laser source) so as to collimate an output (i.e., laser beam(s)) generated by the laser assembly.
  • an example laser assembly e.g., comprising a laser source
  • an output i.e., laser beam(s)
  • at least one surface of the collimating component 6901 may be disposed adjacent to at least a surface of an example laser assembly.
  • optical assembly 6900 While some of the embodiments herein provide an example optical assembly 6900, it is noted that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments.
  • optical assembly 6900 in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise other elements, one or more additional and/or alternative elements, and/or may be structured/positioned differently than that illustrated in FIG. 69 .
  • the example collimating component 7000 comprises a housing 7002.
  • the example housing 7002 may be or comprised of a metal or any other suitable material.
  • the collimating component 7000 comprises a first plurality of lenses 7001.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7001 may be disposed within and/or define a first end portion of the collimating component 7000 (e.g., adjacent an example laser assembly).
  • the first plurality of lenses 7001 comprises three spherical lenses configured to move independently in relation to the second plurality of lenses 7003 .
  • Each spherical lens may comprise glass or a similar material.
  • Each spherical lens may be or comprise a Fast-Axis Collimator (FAC).
  • FAC Fast-Axis Collimator
  • the example collimating component 7000 may operate to output a laser beam within a particular divergence range (e.g., 10 ⁇ 10 degrees Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM)).
  • the example first plurality of lenses 7001 may be configured to tolerate a laser chip offset of plus or minus 0.1 mm. Accordingly, the first plurality of lenses 7001 may operate to control a resolution in a cross-scan dimension of a laser beam (e.g., a pre-energizing laser beam).
  • the collimating component 7000 comprises a second plurality of lenses 7003.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7003 may be disposed within and/or define a second end portion of the collimating component 7000 (e.g., remote from an example laser assembly).
  • an example laser beam may travel from an example laser assembly to the first plurality of lenses 7001 and subsequently reach the second plurality of lenses 7003.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7001 comprises two spherical lenses configured to move independently in relation to the first plurality of lenses 7003.
  • Each spherical lens may comprise glass or a similar material.
  • Each spherical lens may be or comprise a Fast-Axis Collimator (FAC).
  • FAC Fast-Axis Collimator
  • the collimating component 7100 may be configured to collimate an output of a laser source (i.e., laser beams).
  • the collimating component 7100 may be configured to control a resolution of a laser beam in a cross-scan dimension.
  • At least a surface of the collimating component 7100 may be disposed adjacent to at least a surface of an example laser assembly so as to collimate an output (i.e., laser beam(s)) generated by the laser assembly.
  • the example collimating component 7100 may be configured to collimate an output of a single-mode laser (e.g., in some examples, with a beam divergence variability between 33 and 40 degrees). In some examples, the collimating component 7100 may operate to focus the cross-scan to approximately 1000 DPI in the cross-scan dimension.
  • the collimating component 7100 may be or comprise a cylindrical member containing at least one plurality of lenses.
  • the example housing 7002 may be or comprise a metal or any other suitable material.
  • the example collimating component 7100 comprises a housing 7002, a first plurality of lenses 7101 and a second plurality of lenses 7103.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7101 and the second plurality of lenses 7103 may be at least partially disposed within the housing 7102 of the collimating component 7100.
  • the collimating component 7100 comprises a first plurality of lenses 7101.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7101 may be disposed within and/or define a first end portion of the collimating component 7100 (e.g., adjacent an example laser assembly).
  • the first plurality of lenses 7101 comprises three spherical lenses configured to move independently in relation to the second plurality of lenses 7103 .
  • Each spherical lens may comprise glass or a similar material.
  • Each spherical lens may be or comprise a Fast-Axis Collimator (FAC).
  • FAC Fast-Axis Collimator
  • the example collimating component 7100 may operate to output a laser beam within a particular divergence range (e.g., 35 ⁇ 5 degrees FWHM).
  • the example first plurality of lenses 7101 may be configured to tolerate a laser chip offset of plus or minus 0.1 mm. Accordingly, the first plurality of lenses 7101 may operate to control a resolution in a cross-scan dimension of a laser beam (e.g., a writing laser beam).
  • the collimating component 7100 comprises a second plurality of lenses 7103.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7103 may be disposed within and/or define a second end portion of the collimating component 7100 (e.g., remote from an example laser assembly).
  • an example laser beam may travel from an example laser assembly to the first plurality of lenses 7101 and subsequently reach the second plurality of lenses 7103.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7101 comprises two spherical lenses configured to move independently in relation to the first plurality of lenses 7103.
  • Each spherical lens may comprise glass or a similar material.
  • Each spherical lens may be or comprise a Fast-Axis Collimator (FAC).
  • FAC Fast-Axis Collimator
  • At least a surface of the collimating component 7200 may be disposed adjacent at least a surface of an example laser assembly so as to collimate an output (i.e., laser beam(s)) generated by the laser assembly.
  • the example collimating component 7200 may be configured to collimate an output of a multi-mode laser (e.g., in some examples, with a beam divergence variability between 8 and 12 degrees).
  • the collimating component 7200 may operate to focus the cross-scan to approximately 1000 DPI in the cross-scan dimension.
  • the example collimating component 7200 comprises a first plurality of lenses 7201 and a second plurality of lenses 7203.
  • the collimating component 7200 comprises a first plurality of lenses 7201.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7201 may be disposed within and/or define a first end portion of the collimating component 7200 (e.g., adjacent an example laser assembly). Said differently, the first plurality of lenses 7201 may be disposed at a first distance with respect to an example laser assembly.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7201 may be configured to move independently (i.e., as a group) in relation to the second plurality of lenses 7203. For example, the first plurality of lenses 7201 may be configured to move horizontally along an example laser beam path 7202.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7201 comprises a first spherical lens 7201A, a second spherical lens 7201B, and a third spherical lens 7201C disposed in a parallel configuration with respect to one another.
  • Each spherical lens 7201A, 7201B and 7201C may comprise glass or a similar material.
  • each spherical lens 7201A, 7201B and 7201C may have a diameter between 5 mm and 10 mm.
  • each spherical lens 7201A, 7201B and 7201C may have different dimensions, shapes and/or be configured differently from one another.
  • each spherical lens 7201A, 7201B and 7201C may be or comprise a Fast-Axis Collimator (FAC).
  • the example collimating component 7200 may operate to output a laser beam within a particular divergence range (e.g., 10 ⁇ 10 degrees Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM)).
  • the example each spherical lenses 7201A, 7201B and 7201C may be configured to tolerate a laser chip offset of plus or minus 0.1 mm.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7201 may operate to control a resolution in a cross-scan dimension of a laser beam (e.g., a pre-energizing laser beam).
  • the collimating component 7200 comprises a second plurality of lenses 7203.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7203 may be disposed within and/or define a second end portion of the collimating component 7200 (e.g., remote from an example laser assembly).
  • the example second plurality of lenses 7203 may be disposed approximately 10-12 mm from the first plurality of lenses 7201.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7202 may be disposed at a second distance with respect to the example laser assembly such that the second plurality of lenses 7202 is disposed further from the laser assembly than the first plurality of lenses 7201.
  • an example laser beam may travel from an example laser assembly to the first plurality of lenses 7201 and subsequently reach the second plurality of lenses 7203.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7203 comprises a first spherical lens 7203A and a second spherical lens 7203B disposed in a parallel configuration with respect to one another.
  • Each spherical lens 7203A and 7203B may be configured to move independently (i.e., as a group) in relation to the first plurality of lenses 7201.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7202 may be configured to move horizontally along an example laser beam path 7202.
  • Each spherical lens 7203A and 7203B may comprise glass or a similar material.
  • each spherical lens 7203A and 7203B may have a diameter between 5 mm and 10 mm. As depicted in FIG. 72 , each spherical lens 7203A and 7203B may have different dimensions, shapes and/or be configured differently from one another. Each spherical lens 7203A and 7203B may be or comprise a Fast-Axis Collimator (FAC).
  • FAC Fast-Axis Collimator
  • the example second plurality of lenses 7203 may be configured to tolerate a laser chip offset of plus or minus 0.1 mm. Accordingly, the second plurality of lenses 7203 may also operate to control a resolution in a cross-scan dimension of a laser beam (e.g., a pre-energizing laser beam). Subsequent to reaching the second plurality of lenses 7203, the example laser beam may then enter another component/element of the optical assembly/printing apparatus (e.g., an example focusing component).
  • another component/element of the optical assembly/printing apparatus
  • a collimating component 7200 may comprise other elements, one or more additional and/or alternative elements, and/or may be structured/positioned differently than that illustrated in FIG. 72 .
  • the collimating component 7300 may be configured to collimate an output of a laser source (i.e., laser beams).
  • the example collimating component 7300 may be at least partially disposed within a housing (e.g., cylindrical member, barrel, or the like).
  • the collimating component 7300 may be configured to control a resolution of a laser beam in a cross-scan dimension.
  • At least a surface of the collimating component 7300 may be disposed adjacent at least a surface of an example laser assembly so as to collimate an output (i.e., laser beam(s)) generated by the laser assembly.
  • the example collimating component 7300 may be configured to collimate an output of a multi-mode laser (e.g., in some examples, with a beam divergence variability between 8 and 12 degrees).
  • the collimating component 7300 may operate to focus the cross-scan to approximately 1000 DPI in the cross-scan dimension.
  • the example collimating component 7300 comprises a first plurality of lenses 7301 and a second plurality of lenses 7303.
  • the collimating component 7300 comprises a first plurality of lenses 7301.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7301 may be disposed within and/or define a first end portion of the collimating component 7300 (e.g., adjacent an example laser assembly). Said differently, the first plurality of lenses 7301 may be disposed at a first distance with respect to an example laser assembly.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7301 may be configured to move independently (i.e., as a group) in relation to the second plurality of lenses 7303.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7301 may be configured to move horizontally along an example laser beam path 7302.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7301 comprises a first spherical lens 7301A, a second spherical lens 7301B, and a third spherical lens 7301C disposed in a parallel configuration with respect to one another.
  • Each spherical lens 7301A, 7301B and 7301C may comprise glass or a similar material.
  • each spherical lens 7301A, 7301B and 7301C may have a diameter between 5 mm and 10 mm.
  • each spherical lens 7301A, 7301B and 7301C may have different dimensions, shapes and/or be configured differently from one another.
  • each spherical lens 7301A, 7301B and 7301C may be or comprise a Fast-Axis Collimator (FAC).
  • the example collimating component 7300 may operate to output a laser beam within a particular divergence range (e.g., 10 x 10 degrees Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM)).
  • the example each spherical lenses 7301A, 7301B and 7301C may be configured to tolerate a laser chip offset of plus or minus 0.1 mm.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7301 may operate to control a resolution in a cross-scan dimension of a laser beam (e.g., a pre-energizing laser beam).
  • the collimating component 7300 comprises a second plurality of lenses 7303.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7303 may be disposed within and/or define a second end portion of the collimating component 7300 (e.g., remote from an example laser assembly).
  • the example second plurality of lenses 7303 may be disposed approximately 10-12 mm from the first plurality of lenses 7301.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7303 may be disposed at a second distance with respect to the example laser assembly such that the second plurality of lenses 7303 is disposed further from the laser assembly than the first plurality of lenses 7301.
  • an example laser beam may travel from an example laser assembly to the first plurality of lenses 7301 and subsequently reach the second plurality of lenses 7303.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7303 comprises a first spherical lens 7303A and a second spherical lens 7303B disposed in a parallel configuration with respect to one another.
  • Each spherical lens 7303A and 7303B may be configured to move independently (i.e., as a group) in relation to the first plurality of lenses 7301.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7303 may be configured to move horizontally along an example laser beam path 7302.
  • Each spherical lens 7303A and 7303B may comprise glass or a similar material.
  • a collimating component 7300 in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise other elements, one or more additional and/or alternative elements, and/or may be structured/positioned differently than that illustrated in FIG. 73 .
  • the optical assembly 7400 may be configured to collimate, circularize and/or focus laser beams.
  • the optical assembly 7400 comprises a collimating component 7401 and a focusing component 7413.
  • the example optical assembly 7400 may operate to collimate an output (i.e., laser beam(s)) generated by an example laser assembly (e.g., a multi-mode laser).
  • an example laser assembly e.g., a multi-mode laser
  • at least one surface of the collimating component 7401 may be disposed adjacent at least a surface of the example laser assembly.
  • the optical assembly 7400 comprises a collimating component 7401 configured to control a resolution in a cross-scan dimension of a laser beam (e.g., pre-energizing laser beam).
  • the collimating component 7401 may be similar to the collimating component 7200 described above in connection with FIG. 72 .
  • the collimating component 7401 comprises a cylindrical member/barrel.
  • the collimating component 7401 is at least partially disposed within a housing 7402 of the optical assembly 7400.
  • the collimating component 7401 may be or comprise one or more pluralities of lenses (e.g., one or more groups of lenses).
  • the collimating component 7401 comprises a first plurality of lenses 7403 and a second plurality of lenses 7405.
  • the first plurality of lenses 7403 comprises three spherical lenses and the second plurality of lenses 7405 comprises two spherical lenses.
  • the collimating component 7401 comprises a second plurality of lenses 7405.
  • the second plurality of lenses 7405 may be disposed within and/or define a second end portion of the collimating component 7401 (e.g., remote from an example laser assembly).
  • the second plurality of lenses 7405 may be disposed at a second distance with respect to the example laser assembly such that the second plurality of lenses 7405 is disposed further from the laser assembly than the first plurality of lenses 7403.
  • an example laser beam may travel from an example laser assembly to the first plurality of lenses 7403 and subsequently reach the second plurality of lenses 7405.
  • a plurality of color formers may be blended together in order to provide a target shade/color post laser-activation.
  • the example color formers, color developer and optothermal converting agent may need to be kept apart (e.g., in an unreacted and colorless state) as discrete particles so that they do not react with one another prematurely (e.g., until laser radiation is incident thereon).
  • the color formers, the color developer, and the optothermal converting agent it may be difficult to achieve color uniformity and fast activation.
  • the example print media 7900 comprises a substrate 7903 defining a bottom surface of the print media 7900.
  • the substrate 7903 may be or comprise a layer of processed fibers such as, without limitation, wood pulp, rice, organic material (e.g., plants), and/or the like.
  • this portion of the energy emitted by the laser source may not be absorbed by the print media 7900 and does not participate in the conversion of the laser markable coating 7901 (i.e., reactive components) to generate marks (e.g., an image).
  • a second portion of energy in some examples, approximately 25% of the IR energy 7902 may be transmitted such that it bypasses the laser markable coating 7901 (for example, either directly in-line with a path of an incident IR energy 7902 or deflected at some angle less than 90 degrees from the laser source's initial direction.
  • IR energy 7902 is absorbed by the print media 7900 and available to be converted into thermal energy therefore contributing to the reaction of the laser markable coating 7901 (i.e., reactive components) of the print media 7900 required to produce a mark (e.g., image).
  • the loss of approximately 50% of IR energy 7902 provided by an example laser source results in a suboptimal use of available energy.
  • the systems, methods and techniques described herein provide print media with laser markable coatings that are stable in a variety of environments irrespective of storage conditions and/or exposure to incident light and/or heat.
  • the laser markable coating materials may not need to be in a colorless, near colorless or color neutral state prior to activation. Additionally, activation of the example laser markable coating materials may be performed at higher, optimal speeds.
  • a customer's overall usage costs will be significantly lower than existing solutions. For example, the example customer may reduce costs associated with consumable materials including inks, dilution solvents, cleaning solvents, sponges and cleaning materials. Further, the customer may not be burdened with safety training, personal protective equipment and environmental reporting required with incumbent solutions.
  • an overall amount of IR energy absorbed by a target media may be significantly increased while providing faster operations and generating marks with higher optical densities.
  • the example print media 8000 may react by converting the absorbed electromagnetic radiation (e.g., IR energy) to thermal energy so as to impinge a mark onto the print media 8000.
  • the print media 8000 comprises a plurality of layers/substrates defining a unitary body.
  • the print media 8000 may have a thickness dimension that is less than 0.2 mm.
  • the example print media 8000 comprises a laser markable coating 8001, a reflective layer 8003, an absorbing layer 8005 and a substrate 8007.
  • the example print media 8000 comprises a laser markable coating 8001 defining a top surface of the print media 8000.
  • the example laser markable coating 8001 may comprise a plurality of reactive components.
  • the laser markable coating 8001 may comprise at least one color former (e.g., a leuco dye), at least one color developer (e.g., a proton donor), and at least one optothermal converting agent.
  • the example laser markable coating 8001 may convert the electromagnetic radiation to thermal energy so as to impinge a mark onto the print media 8000.
  • the print media 8000 may comprise a reflective layer 8003 defining an intermediary layer of the print media 8000.
  • the reflective layer 8003 may be disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the laser markable coating 8001.
  • the reflective layer 8003 may operate to prevent transmission of IR energy 8002 through a bottom surface of the print media 8000 by reflecting the IR energy 8002 towards the laser markable coating where it can be absorbed.
  • the reflective layer 8003 may not be disposed directly adjacent the laser markable coating 8001, and may be disposed adjacent any intermediary layer of the print media 8000.
  • the reflective layer 8003 may be or comprise a metallic layer and/or metallic particles.
  • the reflective layer 8003 may comprise a vacuum-metallized aluminum metal.
  • the reflective layer 8003 may comprise aluminum, nickel, bronze, steel, combinations thereof, and/or the like.
  • the reflective layer 8003 may comprise hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN).
  • the print media 8000 comprises an absorbing layer 8005 defining another intermediary layer of the print media 8000.
  • the absorbing layer 8005 may be disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the reflective layer 8003.
  • the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments.
  • the absorbing layer 8005 may be positioned differently than illustrated in FIG. 80 .
  • the absorbing layer 8005 may operate to absorb a portion of the IR energy 8002 in order to improve the reactivity of the example print media 8000.
  • the thermal energy generated from absorbing a portion of the IR energy 8002 may improve the reactivity of the laser markable coating 8001 (e.g., a reaction speed).
  • the absorbing layer 8005 may operate to improve an optical density associated with a mark generated on the laser markable coating 8001.
  • the absorbing layer 8005 may comprise metal oxides, ceramics and/or the like.
  • the absorbing layer 8005 may comprise titanium dioxide.
  • a print media 8000 in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise other elements, one or more additional and/or alternative elements, and/or may be structured/positioned differently than that illustrated in FIG. 80 .
  • Various embodiments of the present disclosure may overcome technical challenges associated with adjusting contrast and darkness in a printing apparatus that utilizes laser printing technologies. For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure may adjust the darkness and contrast within a laser print head (for example, by the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) instead of through the CPU of the printing apparatus (for example, the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 ), which may reduce processing time and free up CPU resources so the printing apparatus can handle printing tasks more efficiently compared to that of a thermal printer. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a set of methods to adjust the darkness and contrast, which improve the print quality to produce a grade A barcode as well as improved text and drawing printout.
  • the set of methods may include algorithms, lookup tables, or a combination of both.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure may directly adjust the power level of the output power from the laser print head in order to modify the darkness or contrast in the printout, which can be applicable to a print head utilizing continuous laser or pulsed laser.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure may directly adjust the ON duration (e.g. the duty cycle) of the laser print head when printing a dot in order to modify darkness or contrast, which can be applicable to a print head utilizing pulsed laser.
  • a printing apparatus utilizes thermal printing technologies only to adjust the ON duration when printing a full line (instead of printing a dot by a printing apparatus utilizing laser printing technologies).
  • the term "darkness setting input” refers to an input provided by a user (for example, through various user interfaces described herein such as, but not limited to, the UI 140 described above in connection with FIG. 1 ) that indicates a desired level of darkness in a printout produced by a laser print head.
  • the darkness setting input indicates a darkness increase
  • the laser print head produces the entire printout darker compared to a printout prior to the darkness increase, details of which are described herein.
  • the darkness setting input indicates a darkness decrease
  • the laser print head produces the entire printout lighter compared to a printout prior to the darkness decrease, details of which are described herein.
  • any contrast / darkness adjustment would be made by the printer CPU either via image processing technique or by calculating the modified ON time of a full line depending on the darkness/contrast settings.
  • the printer CPU may receive print data and create a first image buffer based on the print data. Subsequently, the printer CPU may conduct adjustment by applying darkness algorithms, applying contrast algorithm, and rendering new image buffer or adjusting the ON time of the print head. For example, the printer CPU may modify the pixel value up or down when applying darkness algorithms and may determine the minimum and maximum pixel value prior to applying contrast algorithm.
  • the printer CPU may provide the print data to a laser print head, which may in turn provide print data to a laser power control system (for example, the laser power control system 2006 described above in connection with FIG. 20 ).
  • the darkness and contrast of a printout depend on the previous dot, the current dot and future dot to be printed in a column, as well as the duration of the full segment (e.g. the ON time to print a line).
  • a line is made of four segments, which means that the printing apparatus prints four time over the same line before printing the next line.
  • the calculation behind the ON time duration may be based on testing cases to identify the best match for any type of barcode/printout; however, this method does not work for all type of printout and barcode.
  • thermal management algorithms used in thermal printing apparatus cannot be used for laser printing apparatus because the printing technology is different.
  • thermal management algorithm used in thermal printing apparatus may be dedicated to print line by line, while laser printing apparatus prints dot by dot, as described above.
  • Example embodiments of the present disclosure may overcome technical challenges associated with adjusting contrast and darkness in a printing apparatus that utilizes laser printing technologies.
  • FIG. 81 an example method 8100 is illustrated.
  • the example method 8100 illustrates example steps/operations of adjusting power levels in response to darkness setting input and/or contrast setting input.
  • the contrast and darkness setting modifications are conducted by a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ), which may improve the printing operation efficiency as the main printer CPU does not handle any of the intensive darkness/contrast adjustments.
  • the example method 8100 starts at block 8101 and then proceeds to step/operation 8103.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may receive print data.
  • the print data may be in the form of an image buffer.
  • a processor of the printing apparatus may receive raw printing data, which comprises data representing barcode, text, image, and/or the like that are to be printed on a print media.
  • the processor of the printing apparatus may generate an image buffer based at least in part on the raw print data and provide a temporary storage for the raw print data.
  • the processor of the printing apparatus may provide the image buffer to a controller of a print head (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ).
  • the print data may indicate at least a first power level.
  • the term "power level" refers to the amount of power that is provided to the laser source when conducting printing operations.
  • a power level may be expressed as a percentage of the maximum power that can be provided to the laser source. For example, when the power level is 100%, the maximum power is provided to the laser source, which in turn produces a fully black dot. When the power level is 0%, the minimum power or no power is provided to the laser source, which in turn produces a fully white dot.
  • the first power level is associated with a first dot to be printed by the print head on a print media.
  • the power level provided to the laser source in the print head equals to the first power level. For example, if the first power level equals to 40%, then the power level provided to the laser source equals to 40% when no darkness or contrast adjustments are made, and the laser source prints the first dot at 40% of the maximum power. If the first power level equals to 72%, then the power level provided to the laser source equals to 72% when no darkness or contrast adjustments are made, and the laser source prints the first dot at 72% of the maximum power.
  • This relationship between the first power level and the power level provided to the laser source when no darkness or contrast adjustments are made is illustrated by curve 8202 in the example diagram 8200 shown in FIG. 82 .
  • the laser source when 0% power level is provided to the laser source, the laser source prints a fully white dot; when 100% is provided to the laser source, the laser source prints a fully black dot.
  • Power y x
  • Power ( y ) is the power level provided to the laser source, and x is the first power level.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may receive darkness setting input.
  • the darkness setting input may be received by a controller of a print head. As described above, the darkness setting input may indicate a desired level of darkness in a printout. In some embodiments, the darkness setting input may be expressed as a percentage between -100% to +100%. For example, a -100% darkness setting input indicates a reduction of darkness in the printout to the minimum, and a +100% darkness setting input indicates an increase of darkness in the printout to the maximum. In some embodiments, a positive darkness setting input indicates a darkness increase, while a negative darkness setting input indicates a darkness decrease. In some embodiments, when the darkness setting input equals to zero, there is no change in the darkness.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may adjust power level.
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the power level when the print head is in a continuous laser print mode (e.g. the laser source continuously emits laser beams). In some embodiments, the controller of the print head may adjust the power level when the print head is in a pulsed laser print mode (e.g. the laser source starts and stops emitting laser beams based on a regular rhythm).
  • a continuous laser print mode e.g. the laser source continuously emits laser beams.
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the power level when the print head is in a pulsed laser print mode (e.g. the laser source starts and stops emitting laser beams based on a regular rhythm).
  • x is the first power level, which is between 0% (inclusive) and 100% (inclusive).
  • Darkness is the darkness setting input adjustable by the user, which is between -100% (inclusive) and 100% (inclusive).
  • Ratio% is darkness step size ratio that is predetermined and fixed by the printing apparatus based on the step size between two darkness levels. In other words, adjusting the first power level to the second power level is further based on the darkness step size ratio.
  • the darkness step size ratio is 25%.
  • the darkness step size ratio is less than 25%. In some embodiments, the darkness step size ratio is more than 25%.
  • the min calculations and max calculations are utilized to clip/normalize the second power level P ( y ) between 0% or 100% in case the calculated value is below 0% or above 100%.
  • FIG. 83 is an example diagram 8300 that illustrates example relationships between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a plurality of darkness setting inputs.
  • curve 8301 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating +100%.
  • Curve 8303 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating +75%.
  • Curve 8305 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating +50%.
  • Curve 8307 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating +25%.
  • Curve 8309 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating 0%.
  • Curve 8311 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating -25%.
  • Curve 8313 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating -50%.
  • Curve 8315 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating -75%.
  • Curve 8317 illustrates an example relationship between the first power level and the second power level in response to receiving a darkness setting input indicating -100%.
  • FIG. 84 illustrates an example image of an example printout.
  • FIG. 85 illustrates an example image of the example printout in FIG. 83 after the darkness is increased.
  • FIG. 86 illustrates an example image of the example printout in FIG. 83 after the darkness is decreased.
  • the controller of the print head in response to receiving a darkness increase (e.g. a positive darkness setting input) associated with the darkness setting input, increases the first power level to the second power level. In other words, the second power level is higher than the first power level, making the entire printout darker.
  • a darkness decrease e.g. a negative darkness setting input
  • the controller of the print head decreases the first power level to the second power level. In other words, the second power level is lower than the first power level, making the entire printout lighter.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may receive contrast setting input.
  • the contrast setting input may be received by a controller of a print head. As described above, the contrast setting input may indicate a desired level of contrast in a printout. In some embodiments, the contrast setting input may be expressed as a percentage between -100% to +100%. For example, a -100% contrast setting input indicates a reduction of contrast in the printout to the minimum, and a +100% contrast setting input indicates an increase of contrast in the printout to the maximum. In some embodiments, a positive contrast setting input indicates a contrast increase, while a negative contrast setting input indicates a contrast decrease. In some embodiments, when the contrast setting input equals to zero, there is no change in the contrast. In some embodiments, the contrast setting input may modify the slope and/or curve between white to black, thus either making the printout greyer (contrast decrease) or more black-and-white (contrast increase).
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may adjust power level.
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the power level when the print head is in a continuous laser print mode (e.g. the laser source continuously emits laser beams). In some embodiments, the controller of the print head may adjust the power level when the print head is in a pulsed laser print mode (e.g. the laser source starts and stops emitting laser beams based on a regular rhythm).
  • a continuous laser print mode e.g. the laser source continuously emits laser beams.
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the power level when the print head is in a pulsed laser print mode (e.g. the laser source starts and stops emitting laser beams based on a regular rhythm).
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the second power level to a third power level based at least in part on the contrast setting input.
  • x is the second power level, which is between 0% (inclusive) and 100% (inclusive).
  • Contrast is the contrast setting input adjustable by the user, which is between -100% (inclusive) and 100% (inclusive).
  • Ratio% is contrast step size ratio that is predetermined and fixed by the printing apparatus based on the slope steepness between two contrast levels. In other words, adjusting the second power level to the third power level is further based on the contrast step size ratio.
  • the contrast step size ratio is 25%. In some embodiments, the contrast step size ratio is less than 25%. In some embodiments, the contrast step size ratio is more than 25%.
  • A is a predetermined, fixed amplitude value for the curvature. In some embodiments, A is set to 1. In some embodiments, A is set to other values.
  • the min calculations and max calculations are utilized to clip/normalize the third power level P ( y ) between 0% or 100% in case the calculated value is below 0% or above 100%.
  • f is the frequency value based on whether the power levels are normalized. In the above algorithm, the power levels are normalized, hence f is set to 100. In an example where the power level is not normalized, f is set to the max power level value.
  • FIG. 87 illustrates an example diagram 8700 that includes a curve 8703 indicating a relationship between the second power level and the third power level in response to receiving a contrast setting input.
  • the contrast setting input indicates a contrast increase of +100%.
  • the curve 8701 indicates a relationship between the second power level and the third power level when no contrast setting input is received.
  • the line 8705 indicates an example power level threshold.
  • the example power level threshold is set at 50%. In some embodiments, the example power level threshold may be less than 50%. In some embodiments, the example power level threshold may be more than 50%.
  • the controller of the print head in response to receiving a contrast increase associated with the contrast setting input and determining that the second power level satisfies a power level threshold (for example, more than 50%), increases the second power level to the third power level (e.g. the third power level is higher than the second power level).
  • a power level threshold for example, more than 50%
  • the controller of the print head increases the second power level to the third power level (e.g. the third power level is higher than the second power level).
  • the output power for the darker dot for example, above 50%
  • the controller of the print head decreases the second power level to the third power level (e.g. the third power level is lower than the second power level).
  • the output power for the lighter dot for example, below 50%
  • FIG. 88 illustrates an example diagram 8800 that includes a curve 8804 indicating a relationship between the second power level and the third power level in response to receiving a contrast setting input.
  • the contrast setting input indicates a contrast decrease of - 100%.
  • the curve 8802 indicates a relationship between the second power level and the third power level when no contrast setting input is received.
  • the line 8806 indicates an example power level threshold.
  • the example power level threshold is set at 50%. In some embodiments, the example power level threshold may be less than 50%. In some embodiments, the example power level threshold may be more than 50%.
  • the controller of the print head decreases the second power level to the third power level (e.g. the third power level is lower than the second power level).
  • the output power for the darker dot for example, above 50% is decreased, making the dot lighter.
  • the controller of the print head In response to receiving a contrast decrease associated with the contrast setting input and determining that the second power level does not satisfy a power level threshold (for example, less than 50%), the controller of the print head increases the second power level to the third power level (e.g. the third power level is higher than the second power level). In other words, when contrast is decreased, the output power for the lighter dot (for example, below 50%) is increased, making the dot darker.
  • a power level threshold for example, less than 50%
  • FIG. 89 is an example diagram 8900 that illustrates example relationships between the second power level and the third power level in response to receiving a plurality of contrast setting inputs.
  • line 8919 indicates an example power level threshold at 50%.
  • Curve 8901 illustrates an example relationship between the second power level and the third power level in response to receiving a contrast setting input indicating +100%.
  • Curve 8903 illustrates an example relationship between the second power level and the third power level in response to receiving a contrast setting input indicating +75%.
  • Curve 8905 illustrates an example relationship between the second power level and the third power level in response to receiving a contrast setting input indicating +50%.
  • Curve 8907 illustrates an example relationship between the second power level and the third power level in response to receiving a contrast setting input indicating +25%.
  • Curve 8909 illustrates an example relationship between the second power level and the third power level in response to receiving a contrast setting input indicating 0%.
  • an example method 9300 is illustrated.
  • the example method 9300 illustrates example steps/operations of adjusting power levels in response to smoothness setting input and/or sharpness setting input.
  • example methods of the present disclosure may further adjust the power level to increase smoothness or sharpness of the edges.
  • a controller of a print head of a printing apparats may determine a first dot, a second dot, and a third dot from an image buffer or from print data.
  • Each of the first dot, the second dot, and the third dot are to be printed by the printing apparatus on a print media.
  • the second dot is positioned between the first dot and the third dot.
  • the first dot may be on the left, the second dot may be in the middle, and the third dot may be on the right.
  • the controller may determine a first power level associated with the first dot, a second power level associated with the second dot, and a third power level associated with the third dot.
  • each of the first power level, the second power level, and the third power level has been adjusted based on the darkness setting input and/or contrast setting input (for example, based on the example methods described in at least FIG. 81 ).
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20
  • the term “smoothness setting input” refers to an input provided by a user (for example, through various user interfaces described herein such as, but not limited to, the UI 140 described above in connection with FIG. 1 ) that indicates a user request to increase smoothness of the edges in the printout.
  • the smoothness setting input indicates a user request to decrease the separation between black and white in the printout and provide a gentler gradient between a white-to-black area.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may adjust at least one power level.
  • dot first is the power level associated with the first dot
  • dot second is the power level associated with the second dot prior to receiving a sharpness setting input
  • dot second is the power level associated with the second dot subsequent to receiving a sharpness setting input
  • dot third is the power level associated with the third dot.
  • the printing apparatus in response to receiving the sharpness setting input, may print the second dot based on the power level dot second .
  • the kernel matrix above can be different than the example algorithm above.
  • the kernel matrix could be extended to be 3 ⁇ 3 instead of 1 ⁇ 3.
  • step/operation 9309 the example method 9300 proceeds to step/operation 9311 and ends.
  • a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus may adjust the duty cycle of the print head.
  • duty cycle refers to the amount of time that the laser source is turned ON when printing a dot as compared to the total amount of time of printing the dot. Referring now to FIG. 94 to FIG. 96 , three example duty cycles are illustrated.
  • FIG. 94 illustrates an example 50% duty cycle, where the laser source is turn ON 50% of the time when printing a dot and turned OFF 50% of the time when printing the dot. In some example, the resulting average power making the printed dot be equivalent to a 50% grey.
  • FIG. 95 illustrates an example 100% duty cycle, where the laser source is turn ON 100% of the time when printing a dot and turned OFF 0% of the time when printing the dot. In some example, the resulting average power would make the printed dot be equivalent to a full black.
  • FIG. 96 illustrates an example 0% duty cycle, where the laser source is turn ON 0% of the time when printing a dot and turned OFF 100% of the time when printing the dot. In some example, the resulting average power would make the printed dot be equivalent to a full white.
  • the example method 9700 illustrates example steps/operations of adjusting duty cycles in response to darkness setting input and/or contrast setting input.
  • the contrast and darkness setting modification conducted by a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus circuitry (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ), which may improve the printing operation efficiency as the main printer CPU does not handle any of the intensive darkness/contrast adjustments.
  • the print data may be in the form of an image buffer.
  • a processor of the printing apparatus may receive raw printing data, which comprises data representing barcode, text, image, and/or the like that are to be printed on a print media.
  • the processor of the printing apparatus may generate an image buffer based at least in part on the raw print data and provides a temporary storage for the raw print data.
  • the processor of the printing apparatus may provide the image buffer to a controller of a print head (such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ).
  • the print data may indicate at least a first duty cycle.
  • the first duty cycle is associated with a first dot to be printed by the print head on a print media. In examples where no darkness or contrast adjustments are made, the duty cycle provided to the laser source in the print head equals to the first duty cycle.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may receive darkness setting input.
  • the darkness setting input may be received by a controller of a print head. As described above, the darkness setting input may indicate a desired level of darkness in a printout. In some embodiments, the darkness setting input may be expressed as a percentage between -100% to +100%.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may adjust duty cycle.
  • x is the first duty cycle, which is between 0% (inclusive) and 100% (inclusive).
  • Darkness is the darkness setting input adjustable by the user, which is between -100% (inclusive) and 100% (inclusive).
  • Ratio% is the darkness step size ratio that is predetermined and fixed by the printing apparatus based on the step size between two darkness levels. In other words, adjusting the first duty cycle to the second duty cycle is further based on the darkness step size ratio.
  • the darkness step size ratio is 25%. In some embodiments, the darkness step size ratio is less than 25%. In some embodiments, the darkness step size ratio is more than 25%.
  • the min calculations and max calculations are utilized to clip/normalize the second duty cycle P ( y ) between 0% or 100% in case the calculated value is below 0% or above 100%.
  • the controller of the print head in response to receiving a darkness increase (e.g. a positive darkness setting input) associated with the darkness setting input, the controller of the print head increases the first duty cycle to the second duty cycle. In other words, the second duty cycle is higher than the first duty cycle, making the entire printout darker.
  • a darkness decrease e.g. a negative darkness setting input
  • the controller of the print head decreases the first duty cycle to the second duty cycle. In other words, the second duty cycle is lower than the first duty cycle, making the entire printout lighter.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may receive contrast setting input.
  • the contrast setting input may be received by a controller of a print head. As described above, the contrast setting input may indicate a desired level of contrast in a printout. In some embodiments, the contrast setting input may be expressed as a percentage between -100% to +100%.
  • a processing circuitry e.g. a controller of a print head of a printing apparatus such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 of the print head 302 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 ) may adjust duty cycle
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the second duty cycle to a third duty cycle based at least in part on the contrast setting input.
  • x is the second duty cycle, which is between 0% (inclusive) and 100% (inclusive).
  • Contrast is the contrast setting input adjustable by the user, which is between -100% (inclusive) and 100% (inclusive).
  • Ratio% is the contrast step size ratio that is predetermined and fixed by the printing apparatus based on the slope steepness between two contrast levels. In other words, adjusting the second duty cycle to the third duty cycle is further based on the contrast step size ratio.
  • the contrast step size ratio is 25%. In some embodiments, the contrast step size ratio is less than 25%. In some embodiments, the contrast step size ratio is more than 25%.
  • A is a predetermined, fixed amplitude value for the curvature. In some embodiments, A is set to 1. In some embodiments, A is set to other values.
  • the min calculations and max calculations are utilized to clip/normalize the third duty cycle P ( y ) between 0% or 100% in case the calculated value is below 0% or above 100%.
  • f is the frequency value based on whether the duty cycles are normalized. In the above algorithm, the duty cycles are normalized, hence f is set to 100. In an example where the duty cycle is not normalized, f is set to the max duty cycle value.
  • the controller of the print head increases the second duty cycle to the third duty cycle (e.g. the third duty cycle is higher than the second duty cycle).
  • the controller of the print head decreases the second duty cycle to the third duty cycle (e.g. the third duty cycle is lower than the second duty cycle).
  • the duty cycle for the lighter dot for example, below 50%
  • the controller of the print head decreases the second duty cycle to the third duty cycle (e.g. the third duty cycle is lower than the second duty cycle).
  • the controller of the print head increases the second duty cycle to the third duty cycle (e.g. the third duty cycle is higher than the second duty cycle).
  • the duty cycle for the lighter dot for example, below 50%
  • the controller of the print head may provide the third duty cycle to a laser power control system of the print head.
  • the third duty cycle has been adjusted based on the darkness setting input and the contrast setting input.
  • the laser power control system of the print head is configured to cause a laser subsystem of the print head to print the first dot at the third duty cycle.
  • the printing apparatus prints the first dot at the desired level of darkness and the desired level of contrast as provided by the user through the darkness setting input and the contrast setting input, respectively.
  • step/operation 9713 the example method 9700 proceeds to step/operation 9715 and ends.
  • example embodiments may implement one or more lookup tables in addition to, or in alternative of, the example algorithms.
  • power level associated with each dot will be input to the darkness algorithm and then to the contrast algorithm to calculate the resulting output power, with little to no need for prior calculation.
  • the last calculated power level is sent to the laser power control subsystem for printing the current dot.
  • the entire lookup table for darkness adjustments and/or for contrast adjustments will be calculated in advance for each of the possible power levels and/or duty cycles.
  • a processor may calculate the entire input range from 0 to 100% for each of the lookup tables.
  • a processor may calculate a lookup table for the darkness adjustment with respect to duty cycles based on the examples described above including, but not limited to, those described in connection with at least FIG. 97 . In some embodiments, a processor may calculate a lookup table for the contrast adjustment with respect to duty cycles based on the examples described above including, but not limited to, those described in connection with at least FIG. 97 . In some embodiments, a processor may calculate a lookup table for the darkness adjustment and the contrast adjustment with respect to duty cycles based on the examples described above including, but not limited to. those described in connection with at least FIG. 97 .
  • an example simplified lookup table for a darkness setting input indicating +50% is provided below.
  • the lookup table can work for both power level and duty cycle. For example, if the first power level or duty cycle is 30%, the second power level or duty cycle is 42.5%. As another example, if the first power level or duty cycle is 60%, the second power level or duty cycle is 72.5%. In both examples, the total power would be increased to make the dot darker.
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the first power level to the second power level based on a darkness setting lookup table. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller of the print head may adjust the second power level to the third power level further based on a contrast setting lookup table.
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the first power level to the second power level based on a darkness setting lookup table, and may adjust the second power level to the third power level based on the example algorithm described above in connection with at least FIG. 81 .
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the first power level to the second power level based on the example algorithm described above in connection with at least FIG. 81 , and may adjust the second power level to the third power level based on a contrast setting lookup table.
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the first duty cycle to the second duty cycle based on a darkness setting lookup table, and may adjust the second duty cycle to the third duty cycle based on the example algorithm described above in connection with at least FIG. 97 .
  • the controller of the print head may adjust the first duty cycle to the second duty cycle based on the example algorithm described above in connection with at least FIG. 97 , and may adjust the second duty cycle to the third duty cycle based on a contrast setting lookup table.
  • various embodiments of the present disclosure provide improvements in darkness and contrast setting adjustments in a print apparatus utilizing laser printing technologies. For example, calculations and operations associated with darkness and contrast setting adjustments are handled by the laser print head itself for faster processing and in order to free the main printer CPU from calculation.
  • Various examples of darkness and contrast algorithms are provided to adjust either or both the output power level and/or duty cycle for each dot to be printed, thus bringing an improved print quality on the print media by controlling accurately the greyscale level for each individual dot.
  • Various example embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to not only a laser printer in a continuous laser mode, but also in a pulsed laser mode.
  • Various example methods of the present disclosure can be done through mathematic algorithm, via one or more lookup tables, or a combination of both.
  • thermal print heads may be passive components with no in-built intelligence.
  • An example thermal print head may be configured to react only to a control signal/data signal sent by an example printer.
  • many thermal print heads may be incompatible with ILIT media.
  • systems, methods and apparatuses with intelligence to provide a variety of advantageous features are provided.
  • print raster, vector, support to reprint, error handling, printer synchronization and active printer communication capabilities are provided.
  • the print head may comprise a plurality of components/element.
  • the print head may comprise a microcontroller unit, an FPGA, Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DDR SDRAM) memory, a bi-directional communication bus and/or the like.
  • DDR SDRAM Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory
  • a print head for support of raster/vector printing, complete synchronization with printer and media feed with laser scanning functions may be provided.
  • the example print head may provide bi-directional communication with an example printer via a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus and control signals.
  • SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
  • the printer may provide firmware updates for the example microcontroller unit and/or FPGA.
  • the firmware updates may be implemented when the print head boots up.
  • a checksum feature may be implemented to ensure that firmware is not corrupted and to provide means to revert to the previous firmware in the event of upgrade failure.
  • bi-directional communication may facilitate print head setup, print head alerting (e.g., alerting a printer of an error/interrupt functionality), firmware upgrades, motor and laser synchronization, and/or the like.
  • the example print head may be configured to store additional data (e.g., multiple lines of data).
  • the example print head may utilize RAM memory to provide auto-reprint capabilities (e.g., an entire label) without needing to obtain/fetch data from an example printer.
  • the example print head may provide real-time error monitoring and error reporting conditions to the example printer (e.g., temperature changes, power rail out of range, critical laser error, verify genuine ILIT media is inserted, perform self-diagnostics, and/or the like).
  • the example print head may enable in the field firmware upgrades for continuous print head improvement.
  • the print head may integrate safety interlock features in order to shut off a laser when unsafe conditions are detected.
  • the print head may be configured to detect when a non-ILIT media is inserted into the printer, support color and greyscale printer, or the like.
  • the FPGA may be configured to receive print data and convert each dot into a power value in order to facilitate black/white printing or greyscale printing. Additionally, the example FPGA may coordinate synchronization between the polygon motor, laser scan clock and printer motor stepping in order to ensure that all parts are optimally synchronized without any latency which may result, in some examples, in a slanted printout. Additionally, the FPGA may bridge communication between the printer CPU and print head microcontroller unit, provide additional safety interlock handling, or the like. The example system may support both raster printing and vector printing, as well as an ability to reprint a full label without fetching data from the printer side. As noted above, in some examples, the print head may be equipped with a DDR SDRAM memory.
  • vector printing may follow a calculated path instead of printing line by line.
  • the ability to store print image data in internal memory further supports vector printing functionality.
  • the print head can directly fetch the data from memory to reprint the most recently printed label and/or a number of recently printed labels.
  • the starting position of a media for a laser enabled printing apparatus may be incorrectly positioned such that a printed label may be substandard and/or unusable.
  • systems, methods and techniques for automatically determining a media starting offset position for a printing apparatus are provided.
  • a manually adjusted start position offset may be provided. For example, values associated with a position of an example media, motor and/or hexagon mirror may be provided. Then, data associated with the vibration and movement of the printing apparatus due to an external environment (e.g., factory vibrations, belt movement, sound vibration, and/or the like) and an internal environment (e.g., motor, media characteristics including weight, and/or the like) in addition to the manually adjusted start position offset may be captured. By way of example, vibration of the example printing apparatus may increase if the motor is trying to pull more weighted media, which may result in displacement of the laser offset. Based on the captured data/measured parameters, training data may be generated. In various examples, the training data may be utilized to train a Machine Learning algorithm.
  • an external environment e.g., factory vibrations, belt movement, sound vibration, and/or the like
  • an internal environment e.g., motor, media characteristics including weight, and/or the like
  • training data may be generated. In various examples, the training data may be utilized to train a
  • the Machine Learning algorithm may be configured to automatically adjust the start position offset, which in turn may internally adjust the example hexagon mirror and media position.
  • the Machine Learning algorithm may identify patterns.
  • the Machine Learning algorithm may be trained to identify a ratio of the incident vibrations in relation to the start position offset and generate a predictive output corresponding with a target start position offset from which printing may commence.
  • the Machine Learning algorithm may be or comprise a hierarchical clustering algorithm configured to identify similarities and patterns associated with captured data/measured parameters (e.g., detected vibrations) and automatically adjust the start position offset accordingly.
  • a high power laser beam may be utilized to pre-energize/heat an example media prior to a lower power laser beam (e.g., writing laser beam) impinging a mark on the example media.
  • a lower power laser beam e.g., writing laser beam
  • an energizing drum roll may be provided.
  • the energizing drum roll may be configured to heat the media up to a threshold level such that less power is required to pre-energize/heat the media.
  • a lower power laser beam may be utilized as the pre-energizing beam thereby reducing overall power consumption by the printing apparatus.
  • a power output of an example laser source may need to be constant. Damage may result (e.g., a fire) if a non-standard media is used with an example printing apparatus.
  • a light beam based sensor may be utilized to determine a media type and may operate to control a power output of a laser source that is focused on the example media based at least in part on the detected media type. In so doing, potential damage to the media and its surroundings may be averted.
  • the laser focal point may need to be precisely set and within a target range when mounted on a printing apparatus.
  • a beam generated by an example laser source may converge at a focal point in order to print a small dot.
  • the power of the laser print head may be defined at this location for a specific laser reactive media.
  • the dot size may progressively increase as printing occurs outside the focal point. This may also decrease the dot reflectance value as the power is spread to a larger area.
  • the term reflectance may refer to an amount of light reflected and may be represented/measured as a percentage.
  • an example printing apparatus may utilize an RGB sensor with ambient light in order to detect laser reactive media.
  • the example RGB sensor may detect reflected light and generate one or more signals corresponding with the reflected light.
  • the one or more signals may be mapped at different reflectance values.
  • a CMOS sensor with a red light source may be utilized to capture the grayscale level of the printed image.
  • a second printed pattern may be used to ensure accurate adjustment of a focal point (e.g., by using a series of alternating bars and spaces of equal widths).
  • the second printed pattern may be printed vertically, horizontally or in both directions. Additionally and/or alternatively, a chess pattern comprising black and white squares of equal sizes may be used.
  • the printed area will be wider than the space area.
  • the acquisition of the printed pattern reflectance may be performed by a sensing device/element (e.g., a verifier scanner, a reflective sensor or an RGB sensor) placed in front of the printer and after the printing line.
  • the sensing device/element may generate a corresponding reflectance waveform.
  • the focal point may be set when delta is below a particular threshold (e.g., 0.2 dot size).
  • the focal point may be adjusted using a mechanical fixture to modify a position of the print head based on the determined delta difference.
  • a laser focal point may be measured and set to provide optimum print resolution and print quality.
  • the example mirror may comprise an elongated, narrow rectangle that is configured to relay a single scanning line from a prior mirror to a subsequent mirror.
  • a mount may be placed behind the example mirror to secure it (e.g., using a glue or other adhesive).
  • the mount may be a rectangular-shaped metallic member.
  • the example mount may comprise socket joints in a plurality of corners (e.g., three of the four corners of the example rectangular mount). Additionally, a plurality of screws with ball heads may be inserted into the socket joints and threaded into the print head housing.
  • the position of the plurality of screws may be adjusted to change the position of the example mirror by shortening or lengthening the path length to an example print media.
  • one of the plurality of screws may be vertically aligned and one of the plurality of screws may be horizontally aligned to serve as a pivot point.
  • the vertically aligned screw may be adjusted to shift the targeting of a scan line up and down, aiming for a subsequent mirror and an exit window aperture.
  • the horizontally aligned screw may be adjusted to cause a slight tilt of the line.
  • the media may feed incorrectly (i.e., wrap around) an example platen roller when misaligned.
  • a media jam sensor may be provided to detect a media jam event during printing operations.
  • the example media jam sensor may be or comprise a transmissive optical sensor and encoder disk.
  • the example encoder disk may link to the example platen roller within which the encoder disk will be rotated by the platen roller during media movement.
  • the transmissive sensor may detect and record movement of the example media and provide feedback to an example processor. If a media jam event is detected (e.g., if the media is feeding into the platen roller incorrectly), a slow down or sudden stop of an encoder count may be detected.
  • a media jam event may be identified if the EncoderDelta value falls below a media jam threshold. In one example if the EncoderDelta value falls below half of the averaged EncoderDelta, a media jam event may be identified.
  • an example printing apparatus may utilize high power laser sources to activate reactive media at a target print speed rate.
  • high frequency lasers operating at 1 MHz or higher may be utilized to print high resolution images/text at high speeds. This poses a challenge in achieving high laser on/off speeds as high power laser sources may be physically larger and typically used in lower speed applications, such as welding, where high frequency is not required.
  • circuitry, component selection, placement, and PCB routing may be optimized to minimize inductance in a high current laser drive loop.
  • V is the instantaneous voltage across an inductor
  • L is a measure of inductance (henries)
  • di dt is the instantaneous rate of current change (Amps/second).
  • a change in current ( di ) of 14A nominally and a fixed voltage of approximately 2V may turn an example laser source on at full power.
  • the inductance ( L ) must be low (e.g., in the order of nano-henries) in order to permit a low rise/fall time ( dt ) and high frequency.
  • This high switching current path or "loop" begins with the laser power supply and continues through the PCB to the laser source/diode.
  • the loop may continue through a GaN transistor, a sense resistor and finally to a ground reference plane back to a power supply ground.
  • the example GaN transistor may be used based at least in part on its low package inductance characteristics.
  • component placement may be optimized for low inductance.
  • PCB routing may utilize wide, short, thick copper planes for connectivity. Multiple vias organized in arrays may be utilized for connectivity between layers where required.
  • failure detection may be required to prevent laser operation when abnormal conditions are detected.
  • a printing apparatus e.g., printer side comprising a processor and/or FPGA
  • a print head e.g., a print head processor and/or print head FPGA
  • laser operations may be automatically suspended until the issues are rectified.
  • hanging detection may be provided by utilizing a heartbeat signal exchanged amongst the various elements (e.g., by the printer side processor and/or FPGA and the print head processor and/or FPGA).
  • a heartbeat signal exchanged amongst the various elements (e.g., by the printer side processor and/or FPGA and the print head processor and/or FPGA).
  • laser control may be automatically disabled to ensure a safe state at all times.
  • a user may be alerted. For example, a message may be displayed on a printer user interface.
  • signaling means such as an audio signal or LED may be used to alert the user.
  • a laser beam may traverse an optical assembly (e.g., set of optics, lenses, and/or mirrors) before reaching a print media. If there are any defects, scratches or aberrations in the optical assembly (e.g., optics, lenses or mirrors) due to manufacturing issues or due to rough handling in the field (e.g., due to falls or vibrations), the printout generated by an example printing apparatus may have visible defects, which in some cases may be apparent to an end-user.
  • an optical assembly e.g., set of optics, lenses, and/or mirrors
  • the printout generated by an example printing apparatus may have visible defects, which in some cases may be apparent to an end-user.
  • a line-scanner may be incorporated in an output path of an example printing apparatus.
  • the line-scanner may scan an image of a printed label.
  • the printer firmware may analyze the image of the printed label to detect aberrations or defects in the optical assembly. The detection of such conditions may be flagged to the end-user via a user interface message or prompt. Accordingly, servicing and/or replacement of the optical assembly can be arranged as required minimizing potential downtime and loss of productivity.
  • directing a laser beam to a target location from an aperture of a print head may pose many technical challenges.
  • an upper print head mechanism/housing and a lower print head mechanism/housing may have an offset position on a y-axis orientation. Accordingly, mechanisms for y-axis adjustment for calibration purposes are provided.
  • an adjustment feature may be disposed between upper and lower print mechanisms/housings.
  • the example adjustment feature may comprise a slot opening panel which may be adjusted by a set of lead screw/nut assemblies. The example slot opening panel may be adjusted up to +/- 2.5 mm along the y-axis in order to accurately align a laser beam exiting an aperture of the print head.
  • a printing apparatus may employ auto-feed techniques to feed a media therethrough. Over time, excessive dirt may accumulate in an internal area of a tear bar and may cause media jams. In many examples, an end-user may be unable to access a narrow path between the print head and tear bar in order to manually route a media therethrough.
  • a removeable (e.g., swivel) tear bar may be provided.
  • the user may remove a media (e.g., label) from a print mechanism and return the removeable tear bar to its original position once the media is in place.
  • a media e.g., label
  • an end-user may manually route an example media accurately and quickly.
  • the angle of the aperture along a bottom portion of the example media path may be expanded further and may facilitate cleaning of a tear bar.
  • a preheating laser may be utilized to preheat (i.e., warm up) a media to a target temperature.
  • preheat i.e., warm up
  • the faster a media traverses a portion of a printing apparatus during printing operations the higher the temperature the example preheating laser will need to be.
  • an associated target preheating temperature must be reached and maintained in order to meet print quality standards and avoid over-burning or under-burning of the media.
  • warming-up or cooling-down the media to a target temperature may require additional time.
  • additional means may be required to accelerate the process and ensure that an end-user does not have to wait long for a printing apparatus to begin printing operations.
  • maintaining a target temperature with respect to a media, preheating laser or other components of a printing apparatus may pose many technical challenges.
  • an example method 9800 is illustrated.
  • the example method 9800 illustrates example steps/operations for bringing a media/preheating laser temperature to a target temperature value/range in order to optimize print quality at a particular print speed.
  • the example method 9800 starts at step/operation 9801.
  • a processing circuitry such as, but not limited to, the controller 2008 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 20 , the processor 2702 illustrated and described above in connection with FIG. 27 , a control unit 138 illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 29 , and/or a processor electrically coupled to the example printing apparatus
  • the print data may comprise instructions for printing content onto at least a portion of a media (e.g., print a label) of an example printing apparatus 100.
  • the processing circuitry determines a target print speed at which the example printing apparatus 100 is to print content onto a media (e.g., print a label).
  • the target print speed may be determined based at least in part on, or received in conjunction with, the print data.
  • the processing circuitry determines a temperature of a heating element (e.g., one or more lasers) of the printing apparatus via one or more sensors such as a resistance temperature detector (RTD) positioned adjacent a surface of the example heating element and operatively coupled thereto.
  • a heating element e.g., one or more lasers
  • RTD resistance temperature detector
  • the processing circuitry determines that the system/example printing apparatus 100 is ready to begin printing operations. In such examples, the method 9800 proceeds to step/operation 9821 and the printing apparatus 100 prints the content onto the media immediately.
  • an example graph 10000A depicting example measurements associated with a first preheating laser (represented by line 10001A) and a second preheating laser (represented by line 10003A) based on operations of an example processing circuitry is provided.
  • the preheating laser temperature for each of the first preheating laser (represented by line 10001A) and the second preheating laser (represented by line 10003A) enters a steady state mode (as depicted, between approximately 270 and 480 along the x-axis) during which the preheating laser temperature oscillates in order to maintain a near constant value within a predetermined range.
  • the x-axis represents a plurality of instances in time.
  • the y-axis represents a plurality of detected temperature values associated with the first media (represented by line 10001B) and the second media (represented by line 10003B).
  • the media temperature for each of the first media (represented by line 10001B) and the second media (represented by line 10003B) rises quickly to a given level (as depicted, between 0 and approximately 345 along the x-axis). Then, the media temperature for each of the first media (represented by line 10001B) and the second media (represented by line 10003B) reaches a steady state temperature (as depicted, between approximately 345 and 480 along the x-axis).
  • an example graph 10000C depicting example measurements associated with a first preheating laser (represented by line 10001C) and a second preheating laser (represented by line 10003C) based on operations of an example processing circuitry is provided.
  • the x-axis represents a plurality of instances in time.
  • the y-axis represents a plurality of detected temperature values associated with the first preheating laser (represented by line 10001C) and the second preheating laser (represented by line 10003C).
  • the preheating laser temperature for each of the first preheating laser (represented by line 10001C) and the second preheating laser (represented by line 10003C) oscillates periodically (for example, as depicted, from a first peak at approximately 1250 to a second peak at approximately 1400 along the x-axis) as the example processing circuitry operates to maintain a temperature value within a predetermined temperature range.
  • an example graph 10000D depicting example measurements associated with a first media (represented by line 10001D) and a second media (represented by line 10003D) based on operations of an example processing circuitry is provided.
  • the x-axis represents a plurality of instances in time.
  • the y-axis represents a plurality of detected temperature values associated with the first media (represented by line 10001D) and the second media (represented by line 10003D).
  • FIG. 100D an example graph 10000D depicting example measurements associated with a first media (represented by line 10001D) and a second media (represented by line 10003D) based on operations of an example processing circuitry is provided.
  • the x-axis represents a plurality of instances in time.
  • the y-axis represents a plurality of detected temperature values associated with the first media (represented by line 10001D) and the second media (represented by line 10003D).
  • the media temperature for each of the first media (represented by line 10001D) and the second media (represented by line 10003D) oscillates periodically (for example, as depicted, from a first peak at approximately 1340 to a second peak at approximately 1500 along the x-axis) as the example processing circuitry operates to maintain a temperature value within a predetermined temperature range.
  • FIG. 100A , FIG. 100B , FIG. 100C and FIG. 100D demonstrate that the example processing circuitry will operate to maintain a constant temperature with respect to a media and/or preheating laser that is within a predetermined temperature range defined by a lower threshold temperature value and the higher threshold temperature value.
  • a first example graph 10101 depicting example measurements associated with an example media and a second example graph 10103 depicting measurements associated with an example writing laser during power compensation operations of an example processing circuitry/printing apparatus 100 are provided.
  • the x-axis represents a plurality of instances in time.
  • the y-axis of the first graph 10101 represents a plurality of detected temperature values associated with the media and the y-axis of the second graph 10103 represents a plurality of detected temperature values associated with a writing laser.
  • the media temperature is somewhat below/close to the target temperature (e.g., a lower threshold temperature value)
  • target print parameters e.g., quality, a darkness level
  • the media temperature is somewhat above the target temperature (e.g., a higher threshold temperature value)
  • the media temperature is above a target temperature (e.g., above a higher threshold temperature value) and therefore too hot for optimal operations, it is possible to reduce the output writing laser power in order to prevent overburn and achieve proper print quality.
  • the writing laser output power will slowly increase back to a normal output power level.
  • a printing apparatus may utilize a preheater/preheating beam to warm up a print media (e.g., label) prior to printing operations/generating a mark on the print media.
  • a print media e.g., label
  • at least a portion of an example media may be at least partially disposed within a heating chamber prior to commencing printing operations.
  • the heating chamber may comprise at least one heat spreader element that is configured to warm up the print media as it traverses at least a portion of the printing apparatus/heating chamber.
  • a first portion of an example media (e.g., defining a portion of a print media roll) may be disposed/positioned within a heating chamber for preheating prior to printing operations. Subsequently, the first portion of the example print media may exit/traverse the heating chamber and a second portion of the example print media may be disposed/positioned within the heating chamber. In such examples, the heating chamber may become warm/hot in order to preheat the print media. Additionally, in some examples, when preheating operations cease/stop (e.g., when a current source to a heating element is turned off), the heating chamber may remain warm/hot for a period of time.
  • the second portion of the example print media may begin to warm up/react to the residual warmth/heat in the heating chamber prior to reactivation of the heating chamber for subsequent preheating operations. This may result in unwanted burn marks being incident on the second portion of the print media.
  • the affected portion of the print media e.g., adjacent a printed label
  • example apparatuses, methods and techniques for controlling preheating operations are provided.
  • the example printing apparatus comprises at least one moveable heat spreader element that is configured to control a predetermined gap associated with a print media path in order to prevent the example print media from becoming unnecessarily heated up/warm when disposed in a heating chamber (e.g., prior to commencing preheating and/or printing operations).
  • the example printing apparatus 10200 comprises at least a printer control unit 10201, a printing control component 10203, a preheating control unit 10205, a heater control unit 10207, at least one writing laser 10209, a temperature sensor 10211, a roller 10213, a preheating chamber 10215, a first moveable heat spreader element 10204, and a second moveable heat spreader element 10206.
  • the example printing apparatus 10200 is configured to warm/preheat a print media prior to performing printing operations.
  • the example roller 10213 operates to move, drive, and/or direct a print media from a first location to a second location (e.g., along a print path) within the printing apparatus 10200 (e.g., from a preheating chamber 10215 to a laser writing location 10217, and then to exit the printing apparatus 10200 subsequent to printing operations).
  • the printer control unit 10201 may generate one or more control indications/signals in order to cause the preheating control unit 10205 to preheat at least a portion of a print media (e.g., print media 10202A, 10202B, and/or 10202C).
  • a print media e.g., print media 10202A, 10202B, and/or 10202C.
  • the example printing apparatus 10200 comprises a preheating chamber 10215.
  • a first moveable heat spreader element 10204 and a second moveable heat spreader element 10206 are at least partially positioned, disposed and/or contained within the preheating chamber 10215.
  • first moveable heat spreader element 10204 and the second moveable heat spreader element 10206 may each be or comprise a heating element, heating coil, heating plate, light source, and/or the like that is configured to emit radiant energy/heat in response to a control indication/signal provided by the preheating control unit 10205 operating in conjunction with the printer control unit 10201.
  • the first moveable heat spreader element 10204 and the second moveable heat spreader element 10206 may be driven by one or more actuators and/or operatively coupled to one or more moveable arms/moveable components.
  • the first moveable heat spreader element 10204 is positioned/disposed adjacent a top surface of the example print media (e.g., print media 10202A, 10202B and 10202C), at a first distance, such that there is a predetermined gap between the top surface of the example print media and the first moveable heat spreader element 10204.
  • the second moveable heat spreader element 10206 is positioned/disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the example print media (e.g., print media 10202A, 10202B and 10202C), at a first distance, such that there is a predetermined gap between the top surface of the example print media and the second moveable heat spreader element 10206.
  • the printer control unit 10201 and/or printing control component 10203 performs printing operations.
  • the printer control unit 10201 transmits a control indication/signal to cause at least one writing laser 10209 to write/impinge one or more marks on at least a portion of the preheated print media (e.g., print media 10202A, 10202B and 10202C).
  • the printer control unit 10201 and printing control component 10203 are operatively coupled to one another and to the roller 10213.
  • the printer control unit 10201 may transmit a control indication/signal to the printing control component 10203 (e.g., one or more actuators) to cause the roller 10213 to drive (e.g., roll, pull, stretch, or the like) the print media along a print path.

Landscapes

  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Appareil d'impression (11500) comprenant :
    un ensemble de préchauffage (11503, 11600), l'ensemble de préchauffage comprenant :
    un premier rouleau d'entraînement (11604) et un deuxième rouleau d'entraînement (11606) positionnés pour être en contact direct avec une surface supérieure d'un support d'impression (11601) ; et
    un composant de préchauffage rotatif (11610) configuré pour préchauffer le support d'impression, le composant de préchauffage rotatif étant positionné pour être en contact direct avec une surface inférieure du support d'impression, dans lequel le composant de préchauffage est positionné directement en dessous du premier rouleau d'entraînement et du deuxième rouleau d'entraînement ;
    dans lequel une ligne d'impression d'appareil d'impression (11612) est située entre le premier rouleau d'entraînement et le deuxième rouleau d'entraînement ; et
    dans lequel une ouverture entre le premier rouleau d'entraînement, le deuxième rouleau d'entraînement et le composant de préchauffage rotatif définit un trajet de support d'impression à travers l'ensemble de préchauffage.
  2. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un ensemble de préchauffage rotatif (11610) comprend un organe sensiblement cylindrique (11610B) configuré pour tourner par rapport à son axe central.
  3. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'ensemble de préchauffage rotatif (11610) comprend en outre une source de chauffage infrarouge ou un élément de chauffage basé sur la conduction définissant un organe concentrique interne de l'ensemble de préchauffage rotatif.
  4. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'ensemble de préchauffage (11503, 11600) est au moins partiellement monté sur une console de support, et dans lequel l'ensemble de préchauffage comprend en outre au moins l'un d'une barre de séparation (11402) et d'un élément de guidage (11416).
  5. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :
    un composant de préchauffage (11702) couplé de manière opérationnelle à au moins un premier élément de détection (11712) ;
    au moins un composant de chauffage couplé de manière opérationnelle à au moins un deuxième élément de détection (11714) ; et
    un composant contrôleur en communication électronique avec le composant de préchauffage, l'au moins un premier élément de détection, l'au moins un composant de chauffage et l'au moins un deuxième élément de détection.
  6. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l'au moins un composant de chauffage comprend :
    un composant de chauffage principal (11704) positionné de manière adjacente à la surface supérieure du support d'impression, et
    un composant de chauffage secondaire (11706) positionné de manière adjacente à la surface inférieure du support d'impression.
  7. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le composant contrôleur est configuré pour :
    détecter, via l'au moins un premier élément de détection, au moins une première valeur de température associée au composant de préchauffage ;
    détecter, via au moins un deuxième élément de détection, au moins une deuxième valeur de température associée à l'au moins un composant de chauffage ; et
    réguler la température opérationnelle ou la puissance de sortie du composant de préchauffage et de l'au moins un composant de chauffage sur la base au moins en partie d'une ou plusieurs de la première valeur de température et de la deuxième valeur de température.
  8. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le composant contrôleur comprend un contrôleur proportionnel-intégral-dérivé, PID.
  9. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l'au moins une première valeur de température et l'au moins une deuxième valeur de température comprennent chacune une ou plusieurs parmi une valeur de température d'objet, une valeur de température de surface et une valeur de température ambiante.
  10. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 5, dans lequel chacun du composant de préchauffage (11702) et de l'au moins un composant de chauffage comprend un ou plusieurs parmi une cartouche chauffante, un élément chauffant flexible, un élément chauffant à diode électroluminescente infrarouge, IR, une lampe IR et un diffuseur de chauffage.
  11. Appareil d'impression selon la revendication 5, comprenant en outre au moins un élément de détection supplémentaire qui est configuré pour détecter une valeur de température associée à une surface du support d'impression.
EP23157650.5A 2022-03-08 2023-02-20 Appareil d'impression Active EP4242004B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263269003P 2022-03-08 2022-03-08
US18/166,370 US20230182484A1 (en) 2021-01-04 2023-02-08 Printing apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4242004A1 EP4242004A1 (fr) 2023-09-13
EP4242004B1 true EP4242004B1 (fr) 2025-08-20

Family

ID=85321222

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23157650.5A Active EP4242004B1 (fr) 2022-03-08 2023-02-20 Appareil d'impression

Country Status (2)

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EP (1) EP4242004B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP7560587B2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0729428B2 (ja) * 1985-12-24 1995-04-05 セイコーエプソン株式会社 インクジエツト記録装置
JPS63276572A (ja) * 1987-05-08 1988-11-14 Ricoh Co Ltd プリンタ
US5831655A (en) * 1995-03-23 1998-11-03 Seiko Epson Corporation Ink jet recording apparatus
JP4146292B2 (ja) 2003-06-09 2008-09-10 セイコーインスツル株式会社 プリンタ装置
US7682014B2 (en) * 2006-02-10 2010-03-23 Xerox Corporation Apparatus for media preheating in an ink jet printer
JP2009031401A (ja) 2007-07-25 2009-02-12 Sharp Corp 画像形成装置、画像形成装置の制御方法、制御プログラムおよびその記録媒体
US8668318B2 (en) * 2012-07-26 2014-03-11 Xerox Corporation System and method for spreading ink on a media web

Also Published As

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JP2023131121A (ja) 2023-09-21
JP7560587B2 (ja) 2024-10-02
EP4242004A1 (fr) 2023-09-13

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