JP2019104250A - Mobile printing - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a mobile printing system with high print quality.SOLUTION: The mobile printing system includes: a handheld printing device 102 including at least two navigation sensors 116a, 116b, a distance sensor transmitter 114, a processor 118, and a print nozzle 124; and a distance sensing module including at least two distance sensors, the distance sensing module being mountable on print media at a distance from the handheld printing device 102, the distance sensing module being for sensing positional data of the handheld printing device. The processor 118 determines current, past and anticipated positions of the handheld printing device based on positional data information received from the distance sensing module and navigation information received from the at least two navigation sensors, and controls the handheld printing device to cause print fluid to be dispensed from the print nozzle 124 according to a print request and the anticipated positions of the handheld printing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

BACKGROUND Imaging devices, and more particularly, image printing systems and methods, often have fixed displacement pattern printheads, such as desktop printers. For example, a printing process using inkjet technology moves ink jet cartridges horizontally along a print medium, such as paper moving vertically, and sequentially deposits the ink by jetting the ink against the paper, It is necessary to form an image. Whether an ink jet printer or a laser printer, stand-alone printers typically feed print media into the printer by indicating the size of the printer and the type of printable print media. The increasing use of portable electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and other handheld computing devices and other image capture devices has led to greater demand for mobile printers.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a mobile printing system, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a mobile printing device useful in a mobile printing system, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a distance sensor useful in a mobile printing system, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile printing system on print media in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of mobile printing, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present disclosure. The drawings illustrate, by way of example, various embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that the features of the various examples described herein may be partially or wholly combined with one another unless otherwise stated.

  Handheld portable printers may be used to print images from cell phones, tablets and other electronic devices. With the increased mobility of users with mobile electronic devices, small portable printers allow users to print when and where they want, as opposed to having to wait for the desktop printer to be there You get the flexibility to do it. Printing and motion tracking of printing devices is usually limited to two-dimensional planes, often to horizontal planes. Mobile handheld printers often have poor print quality due to the difficulty of tracking the random movement of the mobile printer on the surface of the print medium. In addition, human motor skills are mobile, as their speed and movement patterns are often not accurate and consistent and have much less accuracy than the various components implemented in desktop printing devices. It is difficult to predict the printer's future movement. In particular, hand-held printers and other three-dimensional mobile printers can be difficult to accurately track printer movement during use, and future movement of the printer to apply ink to the desired location It can be even more difficult to predict The time delay between the location of the printing device and the spreading of the ink onto the print media exacerbate this problem.

  Referring to the example of mobile printing system 100 shown in FIG. 1, mobile printing system 100 includes printing device 102 and distance detection module 104. The printing device 102 is a hand-held, manual, random motion printing device. Distance detection module 104 is a separate module separate from printing device 102. The distance detection module 104 comprises at least two distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b arranged at a distance D from one another.

  With the above in mind, with further reference to the sensor module 104 according to the example shown in FIG. 1, the distance D between the sensor receivers 106a, 106b is a fixed distance. In one example, the distance D is from 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) to 4.0 inches (10.16 cm), although other distances are also acceptable. The distance D is appropriately fixed to establish a print zone of the desired size while maintaining the small and portable size of the sensor module 104, as will be described in detail later.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the sensor module 104 includes a microcontroller 108, a rechargeable battery and charging circuit 110, and a communication module 112 in addition to the sensor receivers 106a and 106b. The microcontroller 108 is a low power microcontroller and consumes optimal power to extend and maximize the charge life of the rechargeable battery 110. The microcontroller 108 executes various instructions for the operation of the sensor module 104. The communication module 112 communicates with the communication module 120 of the printing apparatus 102, and transmits the position data detected by the sensor receivers 106a and 106b.

  The distance sensor receivers 106a and 106b may be of ultrasonic type, optical type or inductive type. The distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b are configured to function as a reference position and are removably secured to the print media. Sensor module 104 is removably coupled to the print media using clips, clamps, adhesives, or any other acceptable attachment means (not shown). The distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b provide a fixed reference position point for the print medium. As will be described in detail later, for example, in the case of the ultrasonic distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b, the location / position of the printing device 102 by triangulation using a transmitter (for example, see FIG. 4) included in the printing device 102. At least two distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b are used to determine.

  Referring to FIG. 1 and further referring to the example of the printing device 102 shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 102 includes a distance sensor transmitter 114, navigation sensors 116a, 116b, and a printing nozzle 124. As shown in the example printing device 102 of FIG. 2, a processor 118 and a communication module 120 are also included. The communication module 120 communicates with mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones and the sensor module 104. The print request can be initiated from a mobile application (app) of the electronic device or an operating system (OS). For example, downloading the mobile application (app) to the mobile electronic device enables the mobile electronic device (eg, a phone) to communicate with the printing device 102. The communication module 120 receives image data to be printed from an electronic device such as a mobile phone. In one example, communication module 120 is a wireless communication module, such as a radio frequency (RF) module.

  In one example, the distance sensor transmitter 114 is used to transmit ultrasound, which is received or examined by the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b to determine the location of the printing device 102. The digital signal of the unique information obtained from the ultrasonic waves received by the distance sensor receivers 106 a, 106 b is transmitted by the communication module 112 to the communication module 120. From these signals, the location of printing device 102 is determined by processor 118. One or more distance sensor transmitters 114 may be used. In one example, printing device 102 includes a rechargeable battery and charging circuit 122. Other means of powering the device are also acceptable. In one example, printing device 102 includes an on / off switch (not shown), which allows the user to operate or shut down printing device 102 as desired. A print cartridge (not shown) is housed in the printing device 102. The print cartridge is removable and replaceable. The print cartridge contains printing material, such as ink, dyes, or other pigments that are applied by the print nozzle 124.

  The print nozzles 124 or print head may include rotating nozzles. In other words, when printing device 102 is rotated, printing nozzle 124 rotates in a circular or semi-circular motion to maintain printing device 102 motion and printing nozzle 124 alignment with the print medium. Can. The printing nozzles 124 may be electromechanically aligned with the printing device 102 and the printing orientation of the printing medium as the printing device 102 rotates. In one example, the nozzle pattern is a non-linear pattern of nozzles 124. In another example, the nozzle 124 pattern is non-grid-like. The nozzles 124 may be arranged at different angles, with locations on the surface of the printing device 102 (i.e., x, y-axis distances) both offset from one another. The hand-held printer 102 allows for movement of a size greater than that of a fixed printer in which the printing nozzles move along a predetermined path, for example, the rotational movement of the printing device 102 causes certain nozzles 124 to eject / eject ink. It makes it difficult to align the nozzles 124 to the actual position they will be doing.

  In one example, the navigation sensors 116a, 116b are high speed optical navigation sensors. The printing apparatus 102 includes at least two navigation sensors 116a, 116b. The navigation sensors 116a, 116b are disposed on the printing apparatus 102 at a predetermined fixed distance from one another. The navigation sensors 116a, 116b transmit / transmit position data, including rotation of the printing device 102, to the processor 118 when moved on the print media. Processor 118 controls print nozzle 124 to apply ink or other pigment onto the print medium.

  With further reference to FIG. 4, the processor 118 determines the rotational angle, speed, and the like of the printing device 102 from the data detected by each of the navigation sensors 116 a, 116 b when the printing device 102 is moved across the printing medium 126. Acceleration can be determined. The processor 118 uses the data data with the fixed distance sensor transmitter 114 detected by each receiver 106a, 106b to use the data signal to determine the absolute position of the printing device 102 within the distance sensor detection zone 128. It can be triangulated. The combined use of the distance detection receiver 106 a, 106 b and the navigation sensors 116 a, 116 b causes the processor 118 to move the printing device 102 within the print zone 130 defined within the perimeter of the print medium 126. The rotation angle, velocity, and acceleration of the printing apparatus 102 can be accurately determined. Also, the combined use of the distance detection receivers 106a, 106b and the navigation sensors 116a, 116b can determine the absolute position of the printing device 102 relative to the print medium 126. In one example, the accuracy and resolution in the millimeter range of printing device 102 may be determined using position prediction techniques / processes. The processor 118 uses various techniques to stop and start printing based on the detection of the printing device 102 and the predicted position data. The velocity and acceleration data are used to control when to print. For example, if the printing device 102 is being moved in a manner that can not accurately predict the future motion of the printing device 102, the nozzles 124 on the print head will be de-energized from the printing material. Also, when the printing device 102 detects that the printing device 102 leaves the printing zone 130, the deposition of the printing material on the printing medium 126 will be temporarily stopped. The processor 118 returns the printing device 102 to the printing zone 130 of the printing device 102 and / or the printing device 102 based on the position information detected by the sensors 106, 116 including the location, rotation, velocity, and acceleration of the printing device 102. The return to the accurately predictable path or expected motion of the is determined, and the nozzles 124 resume deposition of the printing material. In this way, automatic on / off control of printing is implemented.

  The various techniques implemented by processor 118 cause printing by printing device 102 to stop during times when it is difficult to accurately predict future locations. For example, if the direction or speed of movement of the printing device 102 is suddenly changed or stopped, the jetting of ink from the nozzles 124 is completely stopped until the constant speed printing phase is resumed or identified. Ru. Position tracking continues and the printing device 102 can be repositioned on the area of the print medium 126 where printing was previously stopped (at this time constant speed) and printing can be resumed. Printing device 102 may be moved in various directions across print medium 126. In one example, the regular sweep motion of printing device 102, which starts from the top of the print area and reciprocates, for example, from side to side, sequentially moving to the bottom of the print area is useful for establishing a constant velocity. In one example, the motion of the printing device 102 across the print media is a sweep motion similar to the painter's use of brushes across the media.

  The system 100 provides a process for determining the firing of the nozzle 124 based on the low acceleration and constant velocity steps of the user's random hand motion. Handheld printing devices allow the user the flexibility to move the device to form various patterns, angles, and device orientations. All print media points for which printing has been completed are tracked by the navigation and distance sensors 106, 116 and stored in the memory of the processor 118. This prevents the printing area from being reprinted more than twice and becoming oversaturated as the printing device moves over the already printed area.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the distance detection module 104 is configured to be removably coupled to the print medium 126. The distance D between the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b establishes the printing zone 130. In other words, the greater the distance D between the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b, the larger the print zone 130 and vice versa. The distance sensor module 104 is removably secured to the print medium 126 by the user until printing is complete. Distance sensor module 104 is disposed on print media 126 and generates positional data of printing device 102 across print media 126. The sensor module 104 can be removably coupled to the print media 106 using clips, clamps, adhesives, or any other acceptable attachment means. The distance detection module 104 can be disposed directly on the print medium 126 within the perimeter of the print medium 126 or outside the perimeter of the print medium 126. This is independent of whether the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b are arranged in a fixed relationship with one another. Referring to FIG. 4, the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b establish a distance sensor detection zone 128 in which the print zone 130 is included. The distance sensor detection zone 128 may be the same as the print zone 130.

  As the mobile printing device 102 is moved or repositioned on the print medium 126, the location of the mobile printing device 102 is processed in real time based on data from the navigation sensors 116a, 116b. The optical navigation sensors 116a, 116b can have high resolution and high speed position reporting speed, but the navigation sensors 116a, 116b may inherently have an error of 1 to 2%, which is Accumulated over time, which can reduce print quality. The processor 118 periodically reads the distance data from the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b and corrects the accumulated error arising from the navigation sensors 116a, 116b. In one example, the data reporting rate for the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b may be slow to accept and cover fast random motions by the user. The processor 118 initially reads the position of the mobile printing device relative to the distance sensor transmitter 114 and zeroes the navigation sensors 116a, 116b to an initial position to allow the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b and the navigation sensors 116a, 116b. Utilize both of the beneficial aspects. Because hand movements can be unstable, it is difficult to predict where the handheld printing device will move over time. The process of system 100 identifies a constant speed step where movement is relatively consistent, such as when a reciprocating sweep movement across the print medium is used, and during such a step, where printing device 102 is Accurately predict if it will move and eject ink. The processor 118 receives motion data indicative of changes in location of the printing device 102 and changes in orientation, and determines location and orientation data for future printing device locations. Processor 118 executes various instructions for printing based on the determination.

  In one example, if the printing device 102 is moved out of the printing zone 130 established on the print medium 126, the distance data of the printing device 102 will not be received by the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b. In one example, an audible or visual alert may be generated. Additionally, printing may be halted until the printing device 102 is repositioned in the print zone 130. The visual representation of printing device 102 within printing zone 130 may also be displayed on a mobile computing device. The user, on the computing device, the print size of the image in print zone 130 and the arrangement of the image desired by the user in print zone 130 (e.g., off center, center off) before the image is sent to printing device 102 Alignment can be determined.

  Continuing to refer back to FIG. 4, the distance sensor receivers 106a, 106b are disposed on the print medium 126 at a fixed distance D from one another. In order to establish triangulation between the distance sensors 106a, 106b and the distance sensor transmitter 114, the distance sensor transmitter 114 of the printing apparatus 102 is initially at a distance D1 from the distance sensor 106a and a distance D2 from the distance sensor 104b. Will be placed. When the printing device 102 is moved or repositioned on the print medium 126, the distances D1 and D2 change, but the distance D remains fixed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the navigation sensors 116a, 116b are arranged on the printing device 102 at a fixed distance L _{1 from} each other, and the navigation sensor 116b is on the printing device 102 at a fixed distance L from the distance sensor transmitter 114. _It is arranged in _two . The navigation sensors 116 a, 116 b on the printing device 102 detect the rotation and orientation of the printing device 102 when the printing device 102 is moved or repositioned on the print medium 126. For example, initially the printing apparatus 102 has a navigation sensors 116a coordinates _{(X 1, Y} 1), having a navigation sensor 116b is coordinate _{(X 2, Y} 2), and a distance sensor transmitter coordinate _{(X 0} , Y ₀ ) are disposed on the print medium 126. When the printing apparatus 102 is repositioned in a rotational manner, the navigation sensor 116a _Δ has coordinates (X ₁ + ΔX ₁ , Y ₁ + ΔY ₁ ), as shown by 102 _Δ , and the navigation sensor 116b X ₂ + ΔX ₂ , Y ₂ + ΔY ₂ ). The initial coordinate data and the repositioned coordinate data are processed by processor 118 to determine a continuous path of movement across print medium 126.

  It is also possible to use the printing system 100 to print on uneven surfaces. For example, printing may be performed on cloth, skin, or other types of printing surfaces. In one example where non-flat printing is desired, two pairs of distance sensors 106 a, 106 b are disposed on print media 126. Other numbers of distance sensors 106a, 106b may be used. Printing system 100 can be used, for example, to print on vertical sides, such as the vertical side of a container, or a wall.

FIG. 5 shows a method 300 of printing according to an example. At 302, image data is received at a handheld printing device disposed on a print medium. At 304, a signal is sent from the handheld printing device to a receiving sensor on a distance detection module located on the print media remote from the handheld printing device to determine the location and position movement of the handheld printing device. At 306, when the handheld printing device is manually moved across the print medium, the rotation and acceleration of the handheld printing device are detected using a navigation sensor located on the handheld printing device. At 308, based on the detected location and position movement of the handheld printing device and the detected rotation and acceleration when the handheld printing device is manually moved across the print medium, an expected of the handheld printing device to determine the path of the exercise. At 310, print material is deposited in the print zone according to the print request and the determined path of expected motion. The method 300 of printing continues by repeating steps 304 through 310 until the desired print image is transferred (ie, printed) onto the print medium.

  While various embodiments are illustrated and described herein, the embodiments illustrated and described may be replaced by various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. . This application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims, and equivalents thereof.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are listed below.
A1. A mobile printing system,
A hand-held printing device comprising at least two navigation sensors, a distance sensor transmitter, a processor and a printing nozzle;
A distance detection module comprising at least two distance sensors, wherein the distance detection module is attachable to a print medium at a distance from the handheld printing device, and the distance detection module is adapted to position data of the handheld printing device A distance detection module for detecting, the processor being based on the position data information received from the distance detection module and the navigation information received from the at least two navigation sensors, the processor of the handheld printing device Mobile printing system, determining current position, past position and expected position, controlling the handheld printing device according to the printing request and the expected position of the handheld printing device, and supplying printing fluid from the printing nozzle .
A2. The mobile printing system according to A1, wherein the distance sensor detects an ultrasonic wave emitted by the transmitter.
A3. The mobile printing system according to A1, wherein the receiver is ultrasonic.
A4. The at least two navigation sensors are
The mobile printing system according to A1, comprising two high-speed optical sensors.
A5. The mobile printing system according to A1, wherein the at least two navigation sensors are attached to the mobile printing device at a fixed distance.
A6. The processor is for determining the rotation angle, velocity and acceleration of the mobile printing device based on the at least two distance sensors and the position data detected by the at least two navigation sensors, A1 Mobile printing system as described.
A7. A mobile printer,
A housing configured to be handheld and operated across the print media with a single hand of the user;
At least two navigation sensors fixedly disposed within the housing for detecting rotational movement, velocity, and acceleration of the mobile printer.
A transmitter for transmitting ultrasound to a remote ultrasound sensor,
An array of printing nozzles,
The position and movement of the mobile printer are determined, and an expected movement is determined based on rotational movement, velocity, and acceleration information from at least two navigation sensors, and a printing request and the expected movement are made. Accordingly, a mobile printer that controls the mobile printer, causes ink to be supplied from the array of printing nozzles, and deposits ink on the print medium.
A8. The mobile printer of A7, wherein the array of printing nozzles is rotatable.
A9. The mobile printer according to A7, wherein the at least two navigation sensors are optical.
A10. The mobile printer of A7, wherein the array of printing nozzles is arranged in a non-linear, non-grid configuration.
A11. A method of printing,
Receiving image data at a handheld printing device disposed on the printing medium;
A signal is transmitted from the hand-held printing device to a receiving sensor on a distance detection module disposed on the print medium at a location remote from the hand-held printing device to determine the location and movement of the hand-held printing device. ,
Detecting rotation and acceleration of the handheld printing device using a navigation sensor disposed on the handheld printing device as the handheld printing device is manually moved across the print medium;
Based on the detected location and position movement of the handheld printing device as the handheld printing device is moved manually across the print medium, and the expected movement of the handheld printing device based on the detected rotation and acceleration. Determine the path of travel
Depositing a printing material in the printing zone according to the printing request and the determined expected path of movement.
A12. The method according to A11, comprising automatically interrupting the deposition of print material on the print medium when it is detected that the hand-held printing device leaves the print zone defined by the distance detection module.
A13. The method according to A12, comprising automatically resuming the deposition of printing material on the print medium based on a detected return of the handheld printing device into the printing zone.
A14. The method according to A11, wherein manually moving the handheld printing device comprises a form of swept reciprocating movement of the handheld printing device across the print medium.
A15. Automatically interrupting the deposition of the printing material is determined by the path of the expected movement based on the detected location and position movement of the hand-held printing device, and the detected rotation and acceleration. The method according to A11, which is carried out when it is impossible.

Claims (1)

A mobile printing system,
A hand-held printing device comprising at least two navigation sensors, a distance sensor transmitter, a processor and a printing nozzle;
A distance detection module comprising at least two distance sensors, wherein the distance detection module is attachable to a print medium at a distance from the handheld printing device, and the distance detection module is adapted to position data of the handheld printing device A distance detection module for detecting, the processor being based on the position data information received from the distance detection module and the navigation information received from the at least two navigation sensors, the processor of the handheld printing device Mobile printing system, determining current position, past position and expected position, controlling the handheld printing device according to the printing request and the expected position of the handheld printing device, and supplying printing fluid from the printing nozzle .

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