Patent Publication Number: US-10325187-B2

Title: Mobile printer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/487,621, filed Apr. 20, 2017, entitled Mobile Printer, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Printing devices compatible with word processing and graphics software are standard pieces of office equipment and are also commonly found in homes. Such devices are typically large and operate using inkjet or laser technologies—though other printing technologies (e.g., thermal technology) may also be used, and especially in printers that are more mobile. Example PRIOR ART mobile printers are sold by Brother International Corporation under the trademark POCKETJET®. One particular PRIOR ART mobile printer  5  is shown in  FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    and described in User&#39;s Guide, PJ-522 and PJ-523Mobile Printer, by Brother International Corporation. As the User&#39;s Guide describes, even when printers are marketed as mobile, they move paper across the printing technology and are wider than the piece of paper to be printed upon. 
     Embodiments of the current invention relate generally to mobile printers. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented elsewhere. 
     According to one embodiment, a mobile printer is provided for use with a stationary piece of paper. The mobile printer includes a non-transitory computer memory, a processor in data communication with the computer memory, an input device in data communication with the processor, a housing configured to rest atop the paper, a carriage located inside the housing, carriage actuators for moving the carriage laterally and transversely adjacent the paper, a scanning device coupled to the housing and positioned to obtain existing-indicia information, and a printing unit coupled to and movable with the carriage. The scanning device and the carriage actuators are in data communication with the processor. The printing unit includes an output nozzle and a supply passage for supplying ink from an ink reservoir to the output nozzle. Programming causes the scanning device to obtain the existing-indicia information, the computer memory to store the obtained existing-indicia information, the carriage actuators to selectively move the carriage, and the ink to pass from the output nozzle. 
     According to another embodiment, a mobile printer is provided for use with a stationary piece of paper. The mobile printer includes a non-transitory computer memory, a processor in data communication with the computer memory, an input device in data communication with the processor, a housing configured to rest atop the paper, a scanning device in data communication with the processor, an ink reservoir, and a stationary array of output nozzles in communication with the ink reservoir. The scanning device is coupled to the housing and positioned to obtain existing-indicia information. Programming causes the scanning device to obtain the existing-indicia information, the computer memory to store the obtained existing-indicia information, and the ink to pass from the stationary array of output nozzles. 
     According to still another embodiment, a mobile printer is provided for use with stationary indicia-receiving material. The mobile printer includes a non-transitory computer memory, a processor in data communication with the computer memory, an input device in data communication with the processor, a housing configured to rest adjacent the indicia-receiving material, a scanning device in data communication with the processor, an ink reservoir, an output nozzle in communication with the ink reservoir, and a nozzle actuator in data communication with the processor. The scanning device is coupled to the housing and positioned to obtain existing-indicia information. Programming causes the scanning device to obtain the existing-indicia information, the computer memory to store the obtained existing-indicia information, and the nozzle actuator to selectively activate to cause ink from the ink reservoir to pass from the output nozzle. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a mobile printer is provided for use with a transfer sheet overlying a stationary indicia-receiving material. The transfer sheet is configured to change pigmentation of areas of the indicia-receiving material underlying areas of the transfer sheet receiving focused waves. The mobile printer includes a non-transitory computer memory, a processor in data communication with the computer memory, an input device in data communication with the processor, a housing configured to rest adjacent the indicia-receiving material, a scanning device in data communication with the processor, and a transmitter in data communication with the processor. The scanning device is coupled to the housing and positioned to obtain existing-indicia information. Programming causes the scanning device to obtain the existing-indicia information, the computer memory to store the obtained existing-indicia information, and the transmitter to activate (causing the transfer sheet to change pigmentation of areas of the indicia-receiving material underlying areas of the transfer sheet receiving focused waves from the transmitter). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 a    is a perspective view of a PRIOR ART printer. 
         FIG. 1 b    is a perspective view of the PRIOR ART printer of  FIG. 1 a   , shown in use with a piece of paper. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a mobile printer, according to an embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the mobile printer of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the mobile printer of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the mobile printer of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the mobile printer of  FIG. 2 , shown with the printing cover at an open position. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating aspects of the mobile printer of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating other aspects of the mobile printer of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating still other aspects of the mobile printer of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by the mobile printer of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram illustrating a mobile printer according to another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating a mobile printer according to still another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating a mobile printer according to yet another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a mobile printer according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating aspects of the mobile printer of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by the mobile printer of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 2 through 10  illustrate a mobile printer according to an embodiment  100  of the current invention. The mobile printer  100  includes a housing  101 , non-transitory computer memory  110 , a processor  120 , a scanning device  130 , an input  140 , a carriage  150 , carriage actuators  160 , a printing unit  170 , and various programming as discussed below. 
     The housing  101  ( FIGS. 2 through 6 ) is portable and may be constructed of plastics, composites, metals, smart materials, and any other appropriate materials and combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the housing  101  may have a width  101   a  of about 2½ to 3 inches, a length  101   b  of about 5 to 5½ inches, and a height  101   c  of about ½ to 1 inch. In other embodiments, the width  101   a  may be about 9 to 9½ inches, the length  101   b  may be about 11½ to 12 inches, and the height  101   c  may be about ½ to 1 inch. In still other embodiments, other appropriate dimensions  101   a ,  101   b ,  101   c  may be selected so long as the housing  101  remains configured to rest atop stationary indicia-receiving material  10  and be easily handheld. And in yet other embodiments, the housing  101  may be incorporated into a larger system or subsystem; for example, the housing  101  may be part of a robotic “hand” or industrial manufacturing machinery. 
     The illustrated housing  101  has a top side  102   a , a bottom side  102   b , and opposed ends  102   c ,  102   d .  FIGS. 3, 5, and 6  illustrate a door  104  at the bottom side  102   b  that is movable to selectively expose and cover an inner area  105 . The door  104  may slide along a track, pivot, be entirely separable, or otherwise move to expose and cover the inner area  105 . The bottom side  102   b  may include spacers  106  upon which the housing  101  may rest when positioned with the bottom side  102   b  pointed down. 
     The computer memory  110  ( FIG. 7 ) may include volatile and non-volatile memory, and any appropriate data storage devices whether now existing or later developed may be used. Further, the computer memory  110  may be a unitary memory in one location, or may alternately be a distributed computer memory such that one portion of the computer memory is physically separate from another portion of the non-transitory computer memory. In other words, discrete computer memory devices may be linked together (e.g., over a network) and collectively form the computer memory  110 . Computer memory  110  may also include a portion of the output product that may result from the intended functions of the mobile printer  100 . In other words, mobile printer  100  may create output printing results that contain identifiable content that can be viewed or scanned and decoded as network distributed computer memory  110  by a user or a mechanized scanning peripheral (e.g., scanner  130 ). While this document shall often refer to elements in the singular, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple such elements may often be employed and that the use of multiple such elements which collectively perform as expressly or inherently disclosed is fully contemplated herein. 
     The processor  120  ( FIG. 7 ) may be any appropriate device, whether now existing or later developed, which performs the operations specified by the various programming used by the mobile printer  100 . The processor  120  may be electronic circuitry located on a common chip or circuit board, or may be a distributed processor such that one portion of the processor is physically separate from another portion of the processor. The processor  120  is in data communication with the computer memory  110 , the scanner  130 , the input  140 , the output  145 , the carriage actuators  160 , and the printing unit  170 . 
     The scanner  130  ( FIG. 7 ) includes at least one camera to capture existing-indicia information  1010  (which may include, for example, text and non-textual graphics on indicia-receiving material  10 ). The indicia-receiving material  10  may be, for example, paper, lumber, building materials, industrial products, and consumer goods. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the indicia-receiving material  10  to be generally flat, at least on an indicia-receiving surface. The scanner  130  may further include the ability to detect color (or “tone”) information  1020 , either through the camera  130  or different sensors. Tone information  1020  may include, for example, information about the tint of the existing indicia at various locations of the indicia-receiving material  10 .  FIG. 6  shows that multiple sensors  130  may be coupled to the housing  101 , positioned to obtain the existing-indicia information  1010  while the housing  101  rests atop the indicia-receiving material  10 . 
     The input  140  ( FIG. 7 ) may be any input device (whether now existing or later developed) allowing a person to input data  1030  to the processor  120  for storage in the computer memory  110 . For example, the input  140  may be a touchscreen  141  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ), a keyboard, a computer mouse, a microphone  142  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ), a camera, a spectral scanner, or a barcode reader. Data  1030  is discussed in additional detail below. 
     The output  145  ( FIG. 7 ) may be any appropriate output device (whether now existing or later developed). For example, the output  145  may be one or more of a visual display (e.g., touchscreen  141  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) and an audible output (e.g., speaker  146  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ). The output  145  may be used to entertain the user in addition to providing interaction with the processor  120 . For example, the output  145  may provide visual/audible programming (either preset or selectable), requests for data or user instructions, et cetera. 
     The carriage  150  ( FIG. 6 ) is located in the housing inner area  105  and supports the printing unit  170 . The carriage  150  is selectively moved (preferably in at least two dimensions—laterally and transversely adjacent the indicia-receiving material  10 ) by the carriage actuators  160 . In essence, the carriage  150  and the carriage actuators  160 , together with software and processing, equate to a computer numerical control (“CNC”) system. One prior art CNC system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,639 to Bulle, which forms part of the current disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the carriage actuators  160  may include a drive mechanism  161  and rail  162  system which allows lateral travel and a drive mechanism  163  and rail  164  system which allows transverse travel. Drive mechanisms providing travel along rails in CNC systems are disclosed, for example, in Bulle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rails may be channels or other appropriate structure. 
     The printing unit  170  is coupled to and movable with the carriage  150 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the printing unit  170  may include an output nozzle  172 , a supply passage  174  for supplying the ink  20  from an ink reservoir  180  to the output nozzle  172 , and a nozzle actuator  175  in communication with the processor  120  for causing the ink  20  to pass from the output nozzle  172 . Nozzle actuators are well known in the art, and may include a heater (often referred to as thermal inkjet or thermal Drop On Demand “DOD” printing) or a piezoelectric material (often referred to as piezo inkjet or piezo DOD printing). 
     Returning now to  FIG. 7 , the computer memory  110  has various files and subfiles for containing programming and data. A user input file  1000 , existing-indicia information  1010 , a scanner software file  1100 , an indicia database  1200 , and a print file  1300  are illustrated. The indicia database  1200  includes font information  1210  (e.g., information allowing fonts to be recognized in existing indicia, and allowing fonts to be utilized) and contour information  1220  (e.g., geometric routines for matching/filling lines in the existing indicia, and for creating other lines/shapes). Programming, for example in the scanner software file  1100 , causes the scanning device  130  to obtain (in some embodiments, repeatedly obtain) the existing-indicia information  1010 , and causes the obtained information  1010  to be stored. Other programming (e.g., in the user input file  1000 ) allows input data  1030  to be obtained through the input  140  and stored. The input data  1030  may include, for example, desired textual and non-textual indicia to be printed on the indicia-receiving material  10 . And still other programming causes the processor  120  to create the print file  1300  based on data from the existing-indicia information  1010 , the user input data  1030 , and the indicia database  1200 . And using the print file  1300 , the processor  120  causes the carriage actuators  160  to selectively move the carriage in a defined manner and causes the nozzle actuator  175  to expel the ink  20  from the output nozzle  172  to apply the ink  20  to the indicia-receiving material  10 . If the existing-indicia information  1010  is repeatedly obtained, programming may compare the obtained existing-indicia information  1010  to identify movement of the housing  101  relative to the paper  10 —allowing adjustments to be made in the printing process. 
     The following description is an example of the mobile printer  100  in use with paper  10  according to an embodiment. At step S 100  of method S 10 , the processor  120  obtains user input data  1030  via the input  140  and stores the user input data  1030  in the computer memory  110 . And at step S 110 , the processor  120  obtains existing-indicia information  1010  via the scanner  130  and stores the existing-indicia information  1010  in the memory  110 . At step S 120 , the processor  120  creates print file  1300  based on data from the existing-indicia information  1010 , the user input data  1030 , and the indicia database  1200 . 
     After step S 120 , the process S 10  proceeds to steps S 130  and S 140 . There, the processor  120  causes the carriage actuators  160  to move the carriage  150  in accordance with the print file  1300 , and causes the nozzle actuator  175  to selectively allow the ink  20  to flow through the supply passage  174  and the output nozzle  172  to apply the ink  20  to the paper  10 . After steps S 130  and S 140 , the processor  120  determines at S 150  if the print file  1300  has been fully executed for the ink  20 . If not, the process S 10  returns to steps S 130  and S 140 ; if so, the process S 10  ends at step S 160 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another mobile printer  200  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  200 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  200  to  299  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  100  to  199  (e.g., computer memory  210  corresponds generally to the computer memory  110 , processor  220  corresponds generally to the processor  120 , scanner  230  corresponds generally to the scanner  130 , input  240  corresponds generally to the input  140 , output  245  corresponds generally to the output  145 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. And reference numbers  2000  to  2999  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  1000  to  1999  (e.g., user input file  2000  corresponds generally to the user input file  1000 , existing-indicia information  2010  corresponds generally to the existing-indicia information  1010 , user input data  2030  corresponds generally to the user input data  1030 , scanner software file  2100  corresponds generally to the scanner software file  1100 , the indicia database  2200  corresponds generally to the indicia database  1200 , font information  2210  corresponds generally to the font information  1210 , contour information  2220  corresponds generally to the contour information  1220 , and print file  2300  corresponds generally to the print file  1300 ), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     In embodiment  200 , the printing unit  270  includes a stationary array of print nozzles  272  in the housing inner area  105  (each substantially similar to a print nozzle  172  and actuated by a nozzle actuator  275  substantially similar to the nozzle actuators  175 ), and does not include a carriage or carriage actuators corresponding to the carriage  150  and the carriage actuators  160 . In use, the processor  220  activates the desired nozzle actuators  275  in the stationary array in accordance with the print file  2300  to output the ink  20  through the nozzles  272 , either in series or parallel, and thus apply the ink  20  to the indicia-receiving material  10  without any lateral or transverse movement relative to the stationary indicia-receiving material  10 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates (in use with stationary indicia-receiving material  10  and a transfer sheet  13 ) another mobile printer  300  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  300 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  300  to  399  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  100  to  199  (e.g., computer memory  310  corresponds generally to the computer memory  110 , processor  320  corresponds generally to the processor  120 , scanner  330  corresponds generally to the scanner  130 , input  340  corresponds generally to the input  140 , output  345  corresponds generally to the output  145 , carriage actuators  360  correspond generally to the carriage actuators  160 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. And reference numbers  3000  to  3999  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  1000  to  1999  (e.g., user input file  3000  corresponds generally to the user input file  1000 , existing-indicia information  3010  corresponds generally to the existing-indicia information  1010 , user input data  3030  corresponds generally to the user input data  1030 , scanner software file  3100  corresponds generally to the scanner software file  1100 , the indicia database  3200  corresponds generally to the indicia database  1200 , font information  3210  corresponds generally to the font information  1210 , contour information  3220  corresponds generally to the contour information  1220 , and print file  3300  corresponds generally to the print file  1300 ), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     Embodiment  300  replaces the printing unit  170  with a transmitter  370  configured to transmit focused waves (e.g., a laser or other light-wave transmitter, an RF transmitter or other electromagnetic radiation transmitter, an ultrasound transmitter or other propagated wave transmitter, or transceiver, et cetera). The transmitter  370  is in data communication with the processor  320  and is coupled to the carriage for movement by the carriage actuators  360 . The mobile printer  300  utilizes a transfer sheet  13  overlying the stationary indicia-receiving material  10 . The transfer sheet  13  is configured to change pigmentation of areas of the indicia-receiving material  10  underlying areas of the transfer sheet  13  receiving focused waves, and the transmitter  370  is configured complementary to the transfer sheet  13  such that activation of the transmitter  370  causes the transfer sheet  13  to change pigmentation of areas of the indicia-receiving material  10  underlying areas of the transfer sheet  13  receiving focused waves from the transmitter  370 . 
     The scanner  330  of the mobile printer  300  may include a camera located outside the housing inner area, and multiple cameras or other scanners  330  may be utilized (including some inside the housing inner area). 
     Use of the mobile printer  300  is substantially similar to use of the mobile printer  100 , except that the transfer sheet  13  is paced over the indicia-receiving material  10  and the transmitter  370  transmits focused waves to the transfer sheet  13 , which in turn alters the pigmentation of the indicia-receiving material  10  as desired (instead of emitting ink from the printing unit  170 ). 
       FIG. 13  illustrates (in use with stationary indicia-receiving material  10  and a transfer sheet  13 ) another mobile printer  400  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  300 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  300  (and thus the embodiment  400 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  400  to  499  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  300  to  399  (e.g., computer memory  410  corresponds generally to the computer memory  310 , processor  420  corresponds generally to the processor  320 , scanner  430  corresponds generally to the scanner  330 , input  440  corresponds generally to the input  340 , output  445  corresponds generally to the output  345 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. And reference numbers  4000  to  4999  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  3000  to  3999  (e.g., user input file  4000  corresponds generally to the user input file  3000 , existing-indicia information  4010  corresponds generally to the existing-indicia information  3010 , user input data  4030  corresponds generally to the user input data  3030 , scanner software file  4100  corresponds generally to the scanner software file  3100 , the indicia database  4200  corresponds generally to the indicia database  3200 , font information  4210  corresponds generally to the font information  3210 , contour information  4220  corresponds generally to the contour information  3220 , and print file  4300  corresponds generally to the print file  3300 ), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     In embodiment  400 , the transmitter  470  includes a stationary array of transmitters in the housing inner area, and does not include a carriage or carriage actuators corresponding to the carriage and the carriage actuators  360 . In use, the processor  420  activates (either in series or parallel) the desired transmitters  470  in the stationary array in accordance with the print file  4300  to transmit focused waves to the transfer sheet  13 , which in turn alters the pigmentation of the indicia-receiving material  10  as desired. 
       FIGS. 14-15  illustrate another mobile printer  500  which is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  500 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  500  to  599  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  100  to  199  (e.g., computer memory  510  corresponds generally to the computer memory  110 , processor  520  corresponds generally to the processor  120 , scanner  530  corresponds generally to the scanner  130 , input  540  corresponds generally to the input  140 , output  545  corresponds generally to the output  145 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. And reference numbers  5000  to  5999  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  1000  to  1999  (e.g., user input file  5000  corresponds generally to the user input file  1000 ; existing-shape information  5010  corresponds generally to the existing-indicia information  1010 ; user input data  5030  corresponds generally to the user input data  1030 ; scanner software file  5100  corresponds generally to the scanner software file  1100 ; the contour database  5200  corresponds generally to the indicia database  1200 , though here, the contour database  5200  includes, for example, information allowing specific contours of a component piece  15  to be recognized; contour information  5220  corresponds generally to the contour information  1220 , although here, the contour information includes, for example, geometric routines for matching/filling lines in the existing contour of the component piece  15 , and for creating other lines/shapes on the component  15 ; and print file  5300  corresponds generally to the print file  1300 ), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     In embodiment  500 , the printer is configured to behave as a three-dimensional (3D) printer with the ability to add or adhere material to (or decimate material from) an existing component piece  15  based on the component&#39;s  15  then-existing shape. Accordingly, in embodiment  500 , the existing-indicia information  1010  is replaced with existing-shape information  5010 . The existing-shape information may include, for example, the general shape of a product or component piece  15  that requires additive material to either supplement the component  15 , or to fix a component  15  that may be broken. Font information  1210  is not required in embodiment  500 , as it may be unnecessary, although in embodiments, font information  5210  may be present. The print file  5300  is similar to print file  1300 , although here, the print file  5300  is configured for three-dimensional printing on the component piece  15 . 
     Because the printer  500  is configured for additive printing, the carriage  550  may be equipped with extendable legs, or may be provided within a frame  590  (e.g., via a temporary adhering mechanism  592 , such as an adhesive, or a hook-and-look fastener or the like). The printing unit  570  is coupled to and movable with the carriage  550 , as described above. The printing unit  570  may include an output nozzle  572 , a supply passage  574  for supplying material from a reservoir  580  to the output nozzle  572 , and a nozzle actuator  575  in communication with the processor  520  for causing the material to pass from the output nozzle  572 . 
     Programming, for example in the scanner software file  5100 , causes the scanning device  530  to obtain (in some embodiments, repeatedly obtain) the existing-contour information  5010  for the component piece, and causes the obtained information  5010  to be stored. Other programming (e.g., in the user input file  5000 ) allows input data  5030  to be obtained through the input  540  and stored. The input data  5030  may include, for example, desired textual and non-textual indicia to be printed on the component piece in addition to the additive material being added thereto. And still other programming causes the processor  520  to create the print file  5300  based on data from the existing-indicia information  5010 , the user input data  5030 , and the contour database  5200 . And using the print file  5300 , the processor  520  causes the carriage actuators  560  to selectively move the carriage in a defined manner and causes the nozzle actuator  575  to expel the material from the output nozzle  572  to apply the material to the component piece. If the existing-contour information  5010  is repeatedly obtained, programming may compare the obtained existing-indicia information  5010  to identify movement of the housing  501  relative to the component piece  15 —allowing adjustments to be made in the 3D printing process. 
     The following description, illustrated in  FIG. 16 , is an example of the mobile printer  500  in use with a component piece  15  according to an embodiment. At step S 500  of method S 50 , the processor  520  obtains user input data  5030  via the input  540  and stores the user input data  5030  in the computer memory  510 . And at step S 510 , the processor  520  obtains existing-contour information  5010  via the scanner  530  and stores the existing-indicia information  5010  in the memory  510 . At step S 520 , the processor  520  creates print file  5300  based on data from the existing-contour information  5010 , the user input data  5030 , and the contour database  5200 . 
     After step S 520 , the process S 50  proceeds to steps S 530  and S 540 . There, the processor  520  causes the carriage actuators  560  to move the carriage  550  in accordance with the print file  5300 , and causes the nozzle actuator  575  to selectively allow the material to flow through the supply passage  574  and the output nozzle  572  to apply the material to the component piece. After steps S 530  and S 540 , the processor  520  determines at S 550  if the print file  5300  has been fully executed for the material. If not, the process S 50  returns to steps S 530  and S 540 ; if so, the process S 50  ends at step S 560 . 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. The specific configurations and contours set forth in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and not limiting. Some steps may be performed in different orders than described herein.