Printer, tape

Abstract

The present invention provides a printer and a belt, which can detect the position of a mark with high precision without being affected by deviations in the shade of a mark on the belt and the reflectivity of the belt. The label making device (1) comprises: a thermal head (31) for printing on a label sheet (3A); a reflection sensor (11) for detecting marks (M1, M2) on the label sheet (3A) and outputting corresponding detection signals; and a control unit (210), wherein a first mark (M1) and a second mark (M2) arranged downstream of the first mark (M1) in a conveying direction are printed on the label sheet (3A), and the control unit (210) performs: a position determination process for determining the position of the first mark (M1) based on a comparison result of the level of the detection signal of the first mark (M1) by the reflection sensor (11) and a threshold value (TH); and a threshold setting process for variably setting the threshold value (TH) based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark (M2) by the reflection sensor (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer including a reflective sensor for detecting a mark provided on a belt, and a belt provided with a mark. Background Art

[0002] A printer is known that detects a mark provided on a belt using a reflective sensor and detects the position of the mark based on whether a detection value of the reflective sensor reaches a threshold value (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-238606 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the conventional printer described above, the mark position may be erroneously detected due to the influence of the mark density and the reflectivity of the tape.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a belt that can accurately detect the position of a mark on the belt without being affected by variations in the density of the mark and the reflectivity of the belt.

[0009] Technical solutions to problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application invents a printer comprising: a conveying unit for conveying a belt having a plurality of marks; a printing unit for printing on the belt conveyed by the conveying unit; a reflection sensor comprising a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit for detecting the marks on the belt based on the light received by the light-receiving unit and outputting corresponding detection signals; and a control unit, wherein the plurality of marks include: a first mark provided on the belt; and a second mark provided on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the belt relative to the first mark, and the control unit performs: a position determination process for determining the position of the first mark based on a comparison result of a detection signal level of the reflection sensor for the first mark and a threshold value; and a threshold setting process for variably setting the threshold value based on the detection signal level of the reflection sensor for the second mark.

[0011] When the first and second marks on the tape are formed by printing, they are printed in the same printing process. Therefore, even if, for example, there are variations in lightness and darkness depending on the printing process, the first and second marks are printed with the same degree of darkness or lightness. In other words, the first and second marks printed on the same tape can be considered to be printed with approximately the same density. In the present invention, this property is utilized to determine the threshold value of the detection signal level used for detecting the first mark during the threshold setting process based on the detection signal level when detecting the second mark.

[0012] For example, when the first mark is printed relatively lightly, the detection signal level of the first mark becomes a level on the side with greater reflectivity than during normal printing. As a result, if the threshold value used during normal printing is used directly, there is a possibility of erroneous detection, such as the detection position of the first mark being offset or not being detected. At this time, since the second mark is also printed relatively lightly, the detection signal level of the second mark also becomes a level on the side with greater reflectivity than during normal printing. Thus, based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark, the threshold value can be set to shift toward a level on the side with greater reflectivity than during normal printing. Therefore, even in the case of relatively light printing as described above, when the position of the first mark is determined based on the comparison result with the threshold value in the position determination process, the position of the first mark can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as during normal printing.

[0013] Conversely, when the first mark is printed thicker, the detection signal level of the first mark becomes a level on the side with a lower reflectivity than during normal printing. As a result, if the threshold value used during normal printing is used directly, the detection position of the first mark may be offset. At this time, since the second mark is also printed thicker, the detection signal level of the second mark also becomes a level on the side with a lower reflectivity than during normal printing. Thus, based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark, the threshold value can be set to shift to a level on the side with a lower reflectivity than during normal printing. Therefore, even in the case of thick printing as described above, the position of the first mark can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as during normal printing.

[0014] On the other hand, if the density of the first and second marks remains unchanged and the reflectivity of the tape's background decreases, the detection signal level for the background decreases compared to when the background's reflectivity is normal. Consequently, if the threshold value used directly for when the tape's background's reflectivity is normal is used, there is a risk of misdetection, such as the first mark's detection position shifting or not being detected. In this case, by forming the second mark so that the detection signal level for the second mark decreases compared to when the background's reflectivity is normal, the threshold value can be shifted toward a level lower than when the background's reflectivity is normal, based on the second mark's detection signal level. Therefore, even when the tape's background's reflectivity decreases as described above, the position of the first mark can be determined with the same level of accuracy as when the background's reflectivity is normal.

[0015] Conversely, if the density of the first and second marks remains unchanged and the reflectivity of the tape's background increases, the detection signal level for the background becomes higher than when the background's reflectivity is normal. As a result, if the threshold value used for the normal background's reflectivity is used as is, the detection position of the first mark may shift. In this case, by forming the second mark so that the detection signal level for the second mark becomes higher than when the background's reflectivity is normal, the threshold value can be shifted toward a higher reflectivity level based on the second mark's detection signal level. Therefore, even when the background's reflectivity increases as described above, the position of the first mark can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as when the background's reflectivity is normal.

[0016] As a result of the above, in the present invention, even if there are variations in the density of the mark provided on the tape and the reflectivity of the tape, the position of the first mark can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by these variations.

[0017] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the belt of the present invention is provided with a first mark and a second mark spaced apart in the long side direction, wherein the first mark is a mark with color evenly applied to the entire surface, and the second mark is a mark with color applied in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern.

[0018] Typically, when printing position detection marks on a tape serving as a print medium, for example, if the mark's density becomes lighter, the level of the detection signal output by the reflective sensor may exceed a threshold, potentially leading to false detection. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the print density of the mark. However, accurate density measurement requires a densitometer installed separately from the printing process. This leads to the following issues: Offline measurement is time-consuming due to stopping the printing process; it is impossible to measure the density of all printed marks; management often requires measuring the density at the beginning and end of the printing process; In order to achieve a target print density with a margin to account for variations, ink is used that is higher than necessary; and since print density varies depending on the drying state of the ink in the printed material, it takes time to check for the required density.

[0019] Therefore, in the present invention, a first mark uniformly colored across the entire surface and a second mark colored in a stripe or dot pattern are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the tape. This allows the printer to determine the threshold for the detection signal level used to detect the first mark based on the detection signal level when detecting the second mark. In this case, the first and second marks are printed in close proximity during the same printing process and are therefore printed at approximately the same density. Therefore, the threshold for detecting the first mark can be adjusted to an optimal value based on the color ratio between the first and second marks, regardless of print density. Furthermore, by using the first mark as a full-surface mark and the second mark as a stripe or dot pattern, the color ratio between the first and second marks can be precisely set based on the line width and number of lines in the second mark's stripe pattern, or the dot width and number of dots in the dot pattern. As a result, even if the density of the marks on the tape varies, the position of the first mark can be detected with high precision, unaffected by these variations, thereby preventing false detections.

[0020] As described above, since strict print density management is unnecessary, offline print density measurements can be eliminated or their frequency reduced. Furthermore, since the color ratio between the first and second marks only needs to fall within a specified range, acceptance / failure determination can be performed using, for example, a camera or other imaging device. Therefore, acceptance / failure determination can be performed online during the printing process, enabling inspection of all marks. This avoids the need to stop the printing process midway to perform density measurements or to discover deviations from the baseline at the end of the printing process, which could lead to batch defects.

[0021] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the belt of the present invention is provided with a first mark and a second mark spaced apart in the long side direction, and the first mark and the second mark are respectively marks with colors attached in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern, and the area ratio of the part of the second mark with the colors, that is, the color ratio, is smaller than the color ratio of the first mark.

[0022] Typically, when printing position detection marks on a tape serving as a print medium, for example, if the mark's density becomes lighter, the level of the detection signal output by the reflective sensor may exceed a threshold, potentially leading to false detection. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the print density of the mark. However, accurate density measurement requires a densitometer installed separately from the printing process. This leads to issues such as the time required to perform offline measurements due to stopping the printing process; the inability to measure the density of all printed marks; frequent management of the density by measuring the initial and final densities of the printing process; the use of ink exceeding the target density to allow for variations; and the time required to ensure that the print density meets the required standards, as the print density varies depending on the drying state of the ink in the printed material.

[0023] Therefore, in the present invention, a first mark and a second mark, each colored in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern, are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the tape. Thus, on the printer side, the threshold value of the detection signal level used for detecting the first mark can be determined based on the level of the detection signal when detecting the second mark. In this case, the first mark and the second mark are printed at adjacent positions during the same printing process and are therefore printed at approximately the same density. Therefore, the threshold value for detecting the first mark can be adjusted to an optimal value based on the color ratio of the first mark and the second mark, regardless of the print density. Furthermore, by setting the first mark and the second mark as marks with stripe patterns or dot patterns, respectively, the color ratio between the first mark and the second mark can be set with high precision based on the line width and number of lines of the stripe pattern of the first mark and the second mark, or the dot width and number of dots of the dot pattern. As a result, even if there are deviations in the density of the marks on the tape, the position of the first mark can be detected with high precision without being affected by these deviations, thereby preventing false detections.

[0024] As described above, since strict print density management is unnecessary, offline print density measurements can be eliminated or their frequency reduced. Furthermore, since the color ratio between the first and second marks only needs to fall within a specified range, acceptance / failure determination can be performed using, for example, a camera or other imaging device. Therefore, acceptance / failure determination can be performed online during the printing process, enabling inspection of all marks. This avoids the need to stop the printing process midway to perform density measurements or to discover deviations from the baseline at the end of the printing process, which could lead to batch defects.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, even if there are variations in the density of the mark provided on the tape and the reflectivity of the tape, the position of the mark can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by these variations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of the label creating device according to this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper cover of the label making device is removed.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a side view showing a state where the upper cover of the label making device is removed.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view showing a state where a holder is mounted on the label making device with the upper cover removed.

[0031] Figure 5 The figures show an example of the appearance of a label sheet, (A) is a top view of the surface of the peeling material layer side on which the first mark and the second mark are printed, (B) is a top view of the surface of the thermal layer side before the label is printed, and (C) is a top view of the surface of the thermal layer side after the label is printed.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a control system of a label making device.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a graph showing an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark printed on the release material layer of the label sheet, and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor when the first mark and the second mark are detected.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a graph showing enlarged views of the first and second marks and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor when the white level of the base color portion of the release material layer decreases.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a graph showing an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor when the print density of the first mark and the second mark changes.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a graph showing enlarged views of the first and second marks and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor when the white level of the base color portion of the release material layer increases.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing the control steps executed by the control unit when creating printed labels.

[0038] Figure 12 This is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark, showing an example of a change in the stripe pattern of the second mark.

[0039] Figure 13 This is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark, showing another example of a change in the stripe pattern of the second mark.

[0040] Figure 14 This is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark, showing another example of a change in the stripe pattern of the second mark.

[0041] Figure 15 This is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark, showing an example in which the second mark is formed as a dot pattern.

[0042] Figure 16 This is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark, showing another example of the dot pattern of the second mark.

[0043] Figure 17 This is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark, showing another example of the dot pattern of the second mark.

[0044] Figure 18 This is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark, showing an example in which both the first mark and the second mark are formed into a stripe pattern.

[0045] Figure 19 : is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark, showing an example in which both the first mark and the second mark are formed as a dot pattern.

[0046] Figure 20 It is an enlarged view of a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark showing an example in which three types of marks are provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a label creating device as a printer.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the label making device 1 includes a main frame 2, an upper cover 5, a tray 6 uprightly arranged in a manner opposite to the approximately central portion of the front side of the upper cover 5, a power button 7 arranged on the front side of the tray 6, a cutter rod 9, an LED display unit 34, etc.

[0049] Figure 2 Indicates the state where the upper cover 5 of the label making device 1 is removed. Figure 2 As shown, the holder 3 is accommodated in the holder storage portion 4. The holder 3 includes a positioning and holding component 12 and a guide component 20, and a label sheet 3A of a specified width is wound into a roll in a rotatable manner as a belt. On the front side of the label sheet 3A (the inner circumference of the roll), a plurality of printed labels 3B are provided at a specified pitch p. In this example, the label 3B is set to a roughly rectangular shape with rounded corners, but it can also be other shapes. On the back side of the label sheet 3A (the outer circumference of the roll), a first mark M1 and a second mark M2 are printed at positions corresponding to each label 3B. The above-mentioned guide component 20 and the above-mentioned positioning and holding component 12 are provided on both axial sides of the label sheet 3A. In addition, the above-mentioned upper cover 5 is installed on the upper end edge of the rear side in a manner that can be opened and closed freely in order to cover the upper side of the holder storage portion 4.

[0050] A holder support member 15 is provided at one side edge of the holder storage portion 4, which is approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction. A first positioning groove 16, opening upward, is formed in the holder support member 15. The mounting member 13, which projects outward from the positioning and holding member 12, fits snugly within the first positioning groove 16 and is thus embedded in the holder support member 15. A rod 27 is provided at the other side edge of the holder storage portion 4, at its front end in the conveying direction.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the label sheet 3A in this example has a four-layer structure. From the outer circumference of the roll toward the inner circumference, a release material layer 3a, an adhesive layer 3b, a base material layer 3c, and a heat-sensitive layer 3ca are stacked in this order. The heat-sensitive layer 3ca exhibits a self-coloring property that develops color when heated. A roughly rectangular half-cut line HC is formed on the label sheet 3A, extending from the surface of the heat-sensitive layer 3ca to the adhesive layer 3b, forming the label 3B. After printing, the label 3B is peeled from the release material layer 3a as a printed label T and attached to a designated product, etc., via the adhesive layer 3b.

[0052] On the back side of the release material layer 3a ( Figure 3The first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed at positions corresponding to the respective labels 3B. The first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are detected by the reflection sensor 11 (see the following). Figure 6 ), and uses the detection result to determine the print position relative to the label 3B. The second mark M2 is positioned downstream of the first mark M1 in the conveying direction of the label sheet 3A. In this embodiment, for example, the first mark M1 is printed approximately in the middle of the label 3B in the conveying direction, and the second mark M2 is printed approximately at the front end of the label 3B downstream in the conveying direction. However, the second mark M2 may be printed in a position other than the above, as long as it is located downstream of the first mark M1 in the conveying direction.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, by rotating the lever 27 downward, the label sheet 3A inserted from the insertion port 18 is pressed against the platen roller 26 (conveying unit) by the thermal head 31 (printing unit). As the platen roller 26 rotates, the thermal head 31 prints, and the desired print is sequentially formed on the printing surface of the heat-sensitive layer 3ca of each label 3B while the label sheet 3A is being conveyed. Furthermore, by moving the cutter lever 9, the label sheet 3A discharged onto the tray 6 is cut by the cutter unit 8.

[0054] A reflective sensor 11 is disposed between the insertion port 18 and the platen roller 26. The reflective sensor 11 is a reflective optical sensor comprising a light emitting unit (not shown) and a light receiving unit (not shown). Based on the light received by the light receiving unit, the reflective sensor 11 detects the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 formed on the release material layer 3a of the label sheet 3A and outputs corresponding detection signals.

[0055] The guide member 20 is housed in the holder housing 4 while abutting the front side thereof against the receiving portion 21 and the positioning groove 22A. A control board 32 is provided below the holder housing 4. A control unit 210 is provided on this board to control the various mechanisms based on commands from an external personal computer, etc. A power cord 10 is connected to one side end of the back side of the main housing 2.

[0056] like Figure 5As shown in (A), on the surface of the peeling material layer 3a side of the label sheet 3A, as described above, a first mark M1 and a second mark M2 are printed at positions corresponding to each label 3B. The first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed at approximately the same pitch p as the labels 3B. The second mark M2 is set downstream of the first mark M1 in the conveying direction of the label sheet 3A. As described above, for example, the first mark M1 is printed approximately in the middle of the label 3B in the conveying direction, and the second mark M2 is printed approximately at the front end position on the downstream side of the label 3B in the conveying direction.

[0057] like Figure 5 (B) and Figure 5 As shown in (C), on the surface of the heat-sensitive layer 3ca side of the label sheet 3A, as described above, a roughly rectangular half-cut line HC is formed. The half-cut line HC is formed by cutting the portion outside the peeling material layer 3a, and is used to peel the printed label T after the label 3B is printed from the peeling material layer 3a. In the printing area of ​​the label 3B surrounded by the half-cut line HC, the desired print based on the print data is printed from the downstream side of the conveying direction of the label sheet 3A. After printing, only the printed label T portion is peeled off from the peeling material layer 3a via the half-cut line HC, and is adhered to the product, etc. through the adhesive material layer 3b. Figure 5 In the example shown, the printed labels T with the characters "brother AAA" printed on them, the printed labels T with the characters "brother BBB" printed on them, the printed labels T with the characters "brother CCC" printed on them, and so on are transported in this order.

[0058] exist Figure 6 In the process, each label 3B of the label sheet 3A discharged from the holder 3 is printed by the thermal head 31 to generate a printed label T. Then, as described above, the label sheet 3A on which the printed labels T are arranged is cut by the cutter unit 8 by operating the cutter lever 9.

[0059] The label making device 1 is provided with: the aforementioned platen roller 26 for conveying and delivering the label sheet 3A to the discharge port E; a platen roller motor 208 for driving the platen roller 26; a platen roller drive circuit 209 for controlling the platen roller motor 208; and a printing drive circuit 205 for controlling the power supply to the thermal head 31. In addition, the label making device 1 is also provided with: a control unit 210 for controlling the overall operation of the label making device 1 via the aforementioned printing drive circuit 205, the platen roller drive circuit 209, etc.; and the aforementioned LED display unit 34 that lights up according to a control signal from the control unit 210. In addition, Figure 6 The illustrated arrangement of the optical sensor 11 , the platen roller 26 , the thermal head 31 , the cutter unit 8 , and the like is conceptual and does not represent the actual positional relationship between these devices.

[0060] The control unit 210 is a so-called microcomputer. Although not shown, it is composed of a CPU (central processing unit), ROM, and RAM. It utilizes the RAM's temporary storage function and performs signal processing according to programs stored in the ROM. The control unit 210 is powered by a power supply circuit 211A and is connected to, for example, a communication line via a communication circuit 211B. The control unit 210 can exchange information with a routing server (not shown), other terminals, general-purpose computers, and information servers connected to the communication line.

[0061] In addition, the control unit 210 receives the detection signal sent from the reflection sensor 11 and performs a position determination process and a threshold setting process based on the detection signal. The position determination process is a process of determining the position of the first marker M1 based on the comparison result between the level of the detection signal of the first marker M1 by the reflection sensor 11 and the threshold value set by the threshold setting process. The threshold setting process is a process of variably setting the threshold value based on the level of the detection signal of the second marker M2 by the reflection sensor 11. Figures 7 to 10 The specific contents of these processes are described.

[0062] Figure 7 The first mark M1 and the second mark M2 printed on the release material layer 3a of the label sheet 3A are shown in enlarged form, and changes in the level of the detection signal (sensor voltage [V]) of the reflective sensor 11 when the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are detected are shown.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, the first mark M1 is a roughly rectangular mark with a black color evenly applied to the entire surface. The second mark M2 is a roughly rectangular mark with a black color applied in a striped pattern. The first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are formed to have the same shape and the same area. However, the marks can also be set to different shapes or areas. In addition, the marks can also be set to shapes other than rectangles, and can also be set to colors other than black (such as dark blue) as long as they are colors with low reflectivity.

[0064] The first mark M1 is located in the long side direction of the label sheet 3A ( Figure 7 The length Wm of the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction (in the horizontal direction) is set to be greater than the spot diameter of the reflective sensor 11. Similarly, the length of the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction is also set to be greater than the spot diameter of the reflective sensor 11. Furthermore, the interval D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction is set to be greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] The second mark M2 is a mark of a stripe pattern. The so-called "stripe pattern" is a pattern composed of multiple parallel or intersecting lines of two or more different colors or the same color in different shades, including vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, plaids, etc. In the second mark M2 of this embodiment, a plurality of black straight lines are formed parallel to each other at a predetermined interval and approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction, and the stripe pattern is formed by the black color of the lines and the white color of the base color of the peeling material layer 3a. As a result, the area ratio of the colored (black) part of the second mark M2, that is, the color ratio (black and white ratio) is smaller than the color ratio of the first mark M1. As a result, the amount of light received by the light receiving portion when the reflective sensor 11 detects the second mark M2 is greater than the amount of light received when the first mark M1 is detected. In addition, in this embodiment, the color ratio of the first mark M1 is 100%, while the line width Ws and spacing of the above-mentioned stripe pattern are set so that the color ratio of the second mark M2 is approximately 50%.

[0066] The color ratio of the second marker M2 is not limited to the aforementioned 50% and may be any other ratio. However, as described later, the threshold for detecting the first marker M1 is set based on the detection signal level of the second marker M2. Therefore, to more reliably prevent false detection of the first marker M1 by setting the threshold to approximately half the detection signal level of the first marker M1, the color ratio of the second marker M2 is preferably approximately half that of the first marker M1 (e.g., 40% to 60%).

[0067] The line width Ws of the stripe pattern in the second mark M2 is not particularly limited as long as the color ratio of the second mark M2 is set to approximately 50%. However, to smooth the output waveform of the reflective sensor 11 when detecting the second mark M2, the line width Ws is preferably less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown in the graph of , the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor 11 changes when the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are detected. Figure 7 In the figure, level LV0 is the detection signal level when the base color (white) of the peeling material layer 3a is detected. Furthermore, level LV1 is the minimum detection signal level when the first mark M1 is detected, and level LV2 is the minimum detection signal level when the second mark M2 is detected. As described above, since the color ratio of the first mark M1 is 100%, while the color ratio of the second mark M2 is approximately 50%, the change in level LV2 relative to level LV0 is approximately 50% of the change in level LV1 relative to level LV0.

[0069] In the threshold setting process, the control unit 210 sets the threshold TH of the detection signal level for detecting the first marker M1 to the level LV2. In addition, in the position determination process, the control unit 210 determines the position of the first marker M1 based on the comparison result of the detection signal of the first marker M1 by the reflection sensor 11 and the threshold TH (level LV2) set above. Figure 7 In the example shown, the first mark M1 is formed between positions d1 and d2 of the label sheet 3A. The movement distance of the label sheet 3A is detected by an encoder (not shown) provided on the platen roller motor 208.

[0070] Next, the case where the white level (reflectivity) of the base color portion of the release material layer 3a of the label sheet 3A decreases will be described. For example, the white level of the release material layer 3a may decrease due to changes in the material, manufacturing process, or manufacturer of the release material layer 3a, or due to a decrease in thickness of the release material layer 3a, resulting in a decrease in reflectivity. Figure 8 The diagram shows enlarged views of the first and second marks M1 and M2 and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor 11 when the print density of the first and second marks M1 and M2 remains unchanged and the white level of the release material layer 3a decreases. Figure 8 (A) in the figure indicates a normal state where the white level does not decrease. Figure 8 (B) in the figure indicates a state where the white level is reduced. Figure 8 (C) in the middle shows a state where the white level is further greatly reduced compared to (B).

[0071] exist Figure 8 In the graph, level LV0(A) is the level of the detection signal when the background color of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (A) described above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has not decreased; level LV0(B) is the level of the detection signal when the background color of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (B) described above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has decreased; level LV0(C) is the level of the detection signal when the background color of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (C) described above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has further decreased. Similarly, level LV2(A) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (A) described above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has not decreased; level LV2(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (B) described above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has decreased; and level LV2(C) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (C) described above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has further decreased.

[0072] like Figure 8As shown, when the white level of the peeling material layer 3a decreases, the detection signal level of the background color portion decreases. Therefore, if the threshold value TH (= level LV2(A)) in state (A) is used as is when the white level of the peeling material layer 3a decreases, erroneous detection may occur. For example, in state (A), the first marker M1 is detected between the movement distances d1 and d2. In contrast, in state (B), the decrease in the level of the background color detection signal causes the first marker M1 to be detected offset and located between the movement distances d1' and d2'. Furthermore, in state (C), the level of the background color detection signal is approximately equal to or below the threshold value TH (= level LV2(A)), making it possible to determine the position of the first marker M1.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the control unit 210 sets the threshold TH to the above-mentioned level LV2(A) in the state (A), sets the threshold TH to the above-mentioned level LV2(B) in the state (B), and sets the threshold TH to the above-mentioned level LV2(C) in the state (C). As described above, since the first mark M1 is uniformly colored black over the entire surface, the detection signal level LV1 of the first mark M1 does not change even if the white level of the stripping material layer 3a decreases. On the other hand, since the second mark M2 is composed of the base color portion and the colored portion of the stripping material layer 3a, the detection signal level of the second mark M2 changes according to the change in the white level of the stripping material layer 3a. Therefore, by setting the threshold TH as described above, the threshold TH can be made variable to maintain a value that is approximately 50% of the change in level LV1 relative to the changing level LV0. Therefore, even in the case where the white level of the stripping material layer 3a decreases as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with the same degree of accuracy as in the normal state where the white level does not decrease. Figure 8 In the illustrated example, in the states (B) and (C), similarly to the state (A), it is detected that the first marker M1 is located between the movement distances d1 and d2.

[0074] Next, we will describe how the print density of the first and second marks M1, M2 varies. The first and second marks M1, M2 on the label sheet 3A are printed on a roll-by-roll basis during the printing process. Because print density is managed for each printing process, variations in density may occur between printing processes. Figure 9 The diagram shows enlarged views of the first and second marks M1 and M2 and changes in the detection signal level of the reflective sensor 11 when the white level of the release material layer 3a remains unchanged and the print density of the first and second marks M1 and M2 becomes lighter. Figure 9 (A) indicates that the print density is normal. Figure 9 (B) in the figure indicates that the print density has become lighter. Figure 9 (C) in the figure shows a state where the print density is further reduced than (B).

[0075] exist Figure 9 In the graph, level LV1(A) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 is detected in the state (A) with normal print density, level LV1(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 is detected in the state (B) with lighter print density, and level LV1(C) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 is detected in the state (C) with even lighter print density. Similarly, level LV2(A) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 is detected in the state (A) with normal print density, level LV2(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 is detected in the state (B) with even lighter print density, and level LV2(C) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 is detected in the state (C) with even lighter print density.

[0076] like Figure 9 As shown, when the print density of the first and second marks M1, M2 decreases, the detection signal level of the mark portions increases. Therefore, if the threshold value TH (= level LV2(A)) in state (A) is used as is when the print density of the marks decreases, false detection may occur. For example, in state (A), the first mark M1 is detected between the travel distances d1 and d2. In contrast, in state (B), the higher detection signal level of the mark portions causes the first mark M1 to be detected as shifted and located between the travel distances d1' and d2'. Furthermore, in state (C), the higher detection signal level of the mark portions causes the first mark M1 to be detected as shifted and located between the travel distances d1" and d2". Furthermore, in state (C), the difference between the threshold value TH (= level LV2(A)) and level LV1(C) is small, so the position of the first mark M1 may not be detected.

[0077] In this embodiment, the control unit 210 sets the threshold TH to the aforementioned level LV2(A) in the aforementioned state (A), to the aforementioned level LV2(B) in the aforementioned state (B), and to the aforementioned level LV2(C) in the aforementioned state (C). Even if the print density is managed for each printing process as described above, resulting in variations in density for each printing process, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the label sheet 3A printed in the same printing process are printed with the same degree of density. In other words, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the label sheet 3A printed on the same roll can be considered to be printed with approximately the same density. On the other hand, in this example, the detection signal level LV0 of the portion of the base color of the peeling material layer 3a does not fluctuate. Therefore, by setting the threshold TH as described above, the threshold TH can be made variable so as to maintain a value that is approximately 50% of the amount of change in the fluctuating level LV1 relative to the level LV0. Therefore, even when the print density of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 is light as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with the same degree of accuracy as when the print density is normal. Figure 9 In the illustrated example, in the states (B) and (C), similarly to the state (A), it is detected that the first marker M1 is located between the movement distances d1 and d2.

[0078] Next, the case where the white level of the base color portion of the release material layer 3a of the label sheet 3A increases will be described. For example, the white level of the release material layer 3a may unexpectedly increase due to the use of glossy paper for the release material layer 3a, changes in the material, manufacturing process, or manufacturer of the release material layer 3a, or an increase in the thickness of the release material layer 3a, thereby increasing its reflectivity. Figure 10 The diagram shows enlarged views of the first and second marks M1 and M2 and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor 11 when the print density of the first and second marks M1 and M2 remains unchanged and the white level of the release material layer 3a increases. Figure 10 (A) in the figure indicates a normal state where the white level does not rise. Figure 10 (B) in the figure shows a state where the white level is increased.

[0079] exist Figure 10In the graph, level LV0(A) represents the detection signal level when the background color of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (A) above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has not risen. Level LV0(B) represents the detection signal level when the background color of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (B) above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has risen. Furthermore, when the maximum output of the detection signal of the reflective sensor 11 is set to level LV0(A), level LV0(B) represents the state where the sensor output is saturated. Furthermore, level LV1(A) represents the minimum detection signal level when the first mark M1 of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (A) above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has not risen. Level LV1(B) represents the minimum detection signal level when the first mark M1 of the peeling material layer 3a is detected in the state (B) above, where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a has risen. Similarly, level LV2(A) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 is detected in the above-mentioned state (A) where the white level of the stripping material layer 3a has not risen, and level LV2(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 is detected in the above-mentioned state (B) where the white level of the stripping material layer 3a has risen.

[0080] like Figure 10 As shown, when the white level of the peeling material layer 3a increases, the detection signal level of the background color portion also increases. Therefore, if the threshold value TH (= level LV2(A)) in the state (A) described above is used as is when the white level of the peeling material layer 3a increases, erroneous detection may occur. For example, in the state (A) described above, the first marker M1 is detected between the movement distances d1 and d2. In contrast, in the state (B) described above, due to the increase in the detection signal level of the background color, the first marker M1 is detected as shifted and located between the movement distances d1' and d2'.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the control unit 210 sets the threshold value TH to the above-mentioned level LV2(A) in the state (A) above, and sets the threshold value TH to the above-mentioned level LV2(B) in the state (B) above. As described above, since the first mark M1 is uniformly colored black on the entire surface, even if the white level of the stripping material layer 3a rises, the detection signal level LV1 of the first mark M1 fluctuates less. On the other hand, since the second mark M2 is composed of the base color portion and the colored portion of the stripping material layer 3a, the detection signal level of the second mark M2 rises significantly according to the rise in the white level of the stripping material layer 3a. Therefore, by setting the threshold value TH as described above, as long as the level LV2(B) is not saturated, even when the white level of the stripping material layer 3a rises and becomes saturated as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with the same degree of accuracy as in the normal state where the white level has not risen. Figure 10In the example shown, also in the state (B) described above, similarly to the state (A) described above, it is detected that the first marker M1 is located between the movement distances d1 and d2.

[0082] Figure 11 1 and 2 show the control steps executed by the control unit 210 when creating a printed label T.

[0083] like Figure 11 As shown, in step S5 , the control unit 210 reads the print information of the label 3B to be printed on the label sheet 3A by the thermal head 31 , for example, from the operation terminal via the communication circuit 211B.

[0084] In step S10 , the control unit 210 drives the platen roller motor 208 via the platen roller driving circuit 209 to drive the platen roller 26 and start conveying the label sheet 3A.

[0085] In step S15 , the control unit 210 receives the detection signal of the second marker M2 output from the reflective sensor 11 .

[0086] In step S20 , the control unit 210 performs a threshold setting process for variably setting a threshold for determining the position of the first marker M1 based on the level of the detection signal of the second marker M2 by the reflective sensor 11 received in step S15 .

[0087] In step S25 , the control unit 210 receives the detection signal of the first marker M1 output from the reflective sensor 11 .

[0088] In step S30 , the control unit 210 executes a position determination process for determining the position of the first marker M1 based on a comparison result of the level of the detection signal of the first marker M1 received by the reflective sensor 11 in step S25 and the threshold value set in step S20 .

[0089] In step S35, the control unit 210 determines whether the label sheet 3A has been conveyed to the specified print start position. Specifically, the control unit 210 determines whether the conveyance distance (equivalent to the aforementioned travel distance) from the detection position of the first mark M1 determined in step S30 has reached the specified conveyance distance. Before the label sheet 3A is conveyed to the print start position, the control unit 210 waits in step S35 (S35: No). After the label sheet 3A has been conveyed to the print start position (S35: Yes), the control unit 210 proceeds to step S40.

[0090] In step S40, the control unit 210 outputs a control signal to the thermal head 31 via the print drive circuit 205. This causes printing corresponding to the print information read in step S5 to be executed on the thermal layer 3ca of the label 3B.

[0091] In step S45, the control unit 210 determines whether the label sheet 3A has been conveyed for the prescribed print area length. Specifically, the control unit 210 determines whether conveyance for the print area length has been completed based on the conveyance distance from the detection position of the first mark M1 determined in step S30. The control unit 210 waits in step S45 until conveyance for the print area length has been completed (S45: No). If conveyance for the print area length has been completed (S45: Yes), the control unit 210 proceeds to step S50.

[0092] In step S50, the control unit 210 stops the supply of power to the thermal head 31 via the printer driver circuit 205. This stops printing on the label sheet 3A.

[0093] In step S55, the control unit 210 stops driving the platen roller motor 208 via the platen roller driving circuit 209, thereby stopping the rotation of the platen roller 26. As a result, the conveyance of the label sheet 3A is stopped.

[0094] In step S60, the control unit 210 outputs a lighting control signal to the LED display unit 34. Thus, the LED display unit 34 displays that the label sheet 3A can be cut by manually operating the cutter lever 9.

[0095] In step S65, the control unit 210 determines whether the cutting operation of the cutter bar 9 is completed. Before the cutting operation is completed, the process waits in step S65 (S65: No). If the cutting operation is completed (S65: Yes), the process ends.

[0096] As described above, in the present embodiment, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed on the surface of the peeling material layer 3A side of the label sheet 3A. As described above, when the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed on the label sheet 3A in the same holder 3, the printing is performed through the same printing process. Therefore, even in the case where a deviation in lightness and darkness occurs, for example, according to each printing process, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed to the same degree of darkness or lightness. That is, it can be regarded as that the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 printed on the same label sheet 3A are printed with approximately the same density. In the present embodiment, utilizing this property, in the threshold setting process, the threshold value of the detection signal level for detecting the first mark M1 is determined based on the level of the detection signal when detecting the second mark M2.

[0097] For example, when the first mark M1 is printed lightly, the detection signal level of the first mark M1 reaches a level with a higher reflectivity than during normal printing. In other words, the sensor voltage increases. As a result, if the threshold value used during normal printing is used directly, there is a risk of erroneous detection, such as the detection position of the first mark M1 being offset or not being detected. At this time, since the second mark M2 is also printed lightly, the detection signal level of the second mark M2 also reaches a level with a higher reflectivity than during normal printing. Thus, based on the detection signal level of the second mark M2, the threshold value TH can be set to a level with a higher reflectivity than during normal printing. Therefore, even in the case of light printing as described above, when the position of the first mark M1 is determined based on the comparison result with the threshold value TH during the position determination process, the position of the first mark M1 can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as during normal printing.

[0098] Conversely, when the first mark M1 is printed relatively dark, the detection signal level of the first mark M1 becomes a level on the side with a lower reflectivity than during normal printing. That is, the sensor voltage becomes low. As a result, if the threshold value used during normal printing is used directly, the detection position of the first mark M1 may be offset. At this time, since the second mark M2 is also printed relatively dark, the detection signal level of the second mark M2 also becomes a level on the side with a lower reflectivity than during normal printing. Thus, based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark M2, the threshold TH can be set to shift to a level on the side with a lower reflectivity than during normal printing. Therefore, even in the case of relatively dark printing as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as during normal printing.

[0099] On the other hand, if the concentrations of the first and second markers M1, M2 remain unchanged and the reflectivity of the background portion of the label sheet 3A decreases, the detection signal level of the background portion becomes lower than when the reflectivity of the background portion is normal. In other words, the sensor voltage decreases. As a result, if the threshold value corresponding to the normal reflectivity of the background portion of the label sheet 3A is used as is, there is a possibility of erroneous detection, such as the detection position of the first marker M1 being shifted or not being detected. In this case, the detection signal level of the second marker M2 also becomes lower than when the reflectivity of the background portion is normal. Thus, based on the detection signal level of the second marker M2, the threshold value TH can be set to a level lower than when the reflectivity of the background portion is normal. Therefore, even when the reflectivity of the background portion of the label sheet 3A decreases as described above, the position of the first marker M1 can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as when the reflectivity of the background portion is normal.

[0100] Conversely, when the concentrations of the first and second markers M1, M2 remain unchanged and the reflectivity of the background portion of the label sheet 3A increases, the detection signal level of the background portion becomes a level with a higher reflectivity than when the reflectivity of the background portion is normal. As a result, if the threshold value corresponding to the normal reflectivity of the background portion of the label sheet 3A is used as is, the detection position of the first marker M1 may shift. In this case, the detection signal level of the second marker M2 also becomes a level with a higher reflectivity than when the reflectivity of the background portion is normal. Thus, based on the detection signal level of the second marker M2, the threshold value TH can be set to a level with a higher reflectivity than when the reflectivity of the background portion is normal. Therefore, even when the reflectivity of the background portion of the label sheet 3A increases as described above, the position of the first marker M1 can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as when the reflectivity of the background portion is normal.

[0101] As a result, in this embodiment, even if there are deviations in the shades of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 on the label sheet 3A and the reflectivity of the label sheet 3A, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by these deviations.

[0102] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in particular, the amount of light received by the light receiving portion when the reflective sensor 11 detects the second marker M2 is greater than the amount of light received when the reflective sensor 11 detects the first marker M1.

[0103] This allows the detection signal level of the second marker M2 to be set to a level with a higher reflectivity than the detection signal level of the first marker M1. Consequently, the detection signal level of the second marker M2 can be set to the threshold TH of the detection signal level used to detect the first marker M1, making threshold setting easier.

[0104] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in particular, the area ratio of the colored portion of the second mark M2 , that is, the color ratio, is smaller than the color ratio of the first mark M1 .

[0105] Thus, the threshold TH for the detection signal level used to detect the first marker M1 can be adjusted to an optimal value based on the color ratio of the second marker M2. Furthermore, the second marker M2 can be composed of both the ground color portion and the colored portion of the label sheet 3A. As a result, when the reflectivity of the ground color portion of the label sheet 3A increases or decreases, the detection signal level of the second marker M2 can be adjusted in response to the fluctuation in the ground color reflectivity. This allows the threshold TH to be variably set in response to fluctuations in the ground color reflectivity. Consequently, the position of the first marker M1 can be detected with high precision, regardless of the reflectivity of the label sheet 3A.

[0106] In the present embodiment, in particular, the first mark M1 is a mark uniformly colored over the entire surface, and the second mark M2 is a mark colored in a striped pattern.

[0107] Thus, the color ratio between the second mark M2 and the first mark M1 as a solid-surface mark can be set with high accuracy based on the line width Ws, pitch, and the like of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 .

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, in particular, the line width Ws of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 is equal to or less than ½ of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the label sheet 3A.

[0109] Typically, the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the sheet longitudinal direction is set to be equal to or greater than the spot diameter of the reflective sensor 11. Therefore, by setting the line width Ws of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 to be less than 1 / 2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the sheet longitudinal direction, the output waveform of the reflective sensor 11 when detecting the second mark M2 can be made smooth, thereby improving the accuracy of setting the threshold value TH.

[0110] In addition, according to the label sheet 3A of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, generally, when printing a mark for position detection on the label sheet 3A as a printing medium, for example, when the density of the mark becomes lighter, there is a possibility that the level of the detection signal output by the reflection sensor 11 becomes higher than the threshold value and an erroneous detection occurs, so it is necessary to manage the printing density of the mark. However, the accurate density needs to be measured using a density meter that is set separately from the printing process. Therefore, for example, the following problems arise: it takes time to perform the measurement work offline because the printing process is stopped; it is impossible to measure the density of all printed marks; there are many cases where the initial and final densities of the printing process are measured for management; in order to set the printing density with a margin to allow for deviations as the target, ink that is higher than necessary is used; and the printing density varies depending on the drying state of the ink of the printed matter, so it takes time to check to meet the required density.

[0111] Therefore, in this embodiment, a first mark M1 uniformly colored across the entire surface and a second mark M2 colored in a striped pattern are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the label sheet 3A. Consequently, the label production device 1 can determine the threshold TH for the detection signal level used to detect the first mark M1 based on the detection signal level when detecting the second mark M2. In this case, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed in close proximity during the same printing process and are therefore printed at approximately the same density. Therefore, the threshold for detecting the first mark M1 can be adjusted to an optimal value based on the color ratio between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, regardless of print density. Furthermore, by using the first mark M1 as a solid-surface mark and the second mark M2 as a striped pattern mark, the color ratio between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be precisely set based on the line width and spacing of the striped pattern of the second mark M2. As a result, even if the density of the marks on the label sheet 3A varies, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with high precision, regardless of the variations, thereby preventing false detections.

[0112] As described above, since strict print density management is unnecessary, offline print density measurements can be eliminated or their frequency reduced. Furthermore, since the color ratio between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 only needs to fall within a specified range, acceptance / failure determination can be performed using, for example, a camera or other imaging device. Therefore, acceptance / failure determination can be performed online during the printing process, enabling inspection of all marks. This avoids the need to stop the printing process midway to measure density or to discover deviations from the baseline at the end of the printing process, which could lead to batch defects.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, the interval D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0114] Typically, the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long-side direction of the sheet is set to be equal to or greater than the spot diameter of the reflective sensor 11 on the label production device 1 side. Therefore, by setting the interval D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the long-side direction of the sheet to be greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long-side direction of the sheet, this interval D can be set to be greater than the spot diameter. As a result, the level of the detection signal output by the reflective sensor 11 can be restored to the detection signal level of the background color portion of the label sheet 3A after detecting the second mark M2 and before detecting the first mark M1. As a result, the output waveform of the reflective sensor 11 when detecting the first mark M1 can be made neat, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the position of the first mark M1.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and technical concept thereof.

[0116] (1) Changes in the stripe pattern of the second mark

[0117] In the above embodiment, the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 is configured as a structure in which a plurality of black straight lines substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined interval, but the stripe pattern may also be a structure other than the above. Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of black straight lines inclined at a predetermined angle (eg, 45 degrees) relative to the conveying direction may be arranged parallel to each other at predetermined intervals. Figure 13 As shown in FIG, a structure in which a plurality of black straight lines substantially parallel to the conveying direction are arranged parallel to each other at predetermined intervals may also be used. Figure 14 As shown, a structure in which a plurality of black straight lines substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction and a plurality of black straight lines substantially parallel to the conveying direction are arranged in a grid may be adopted.

[0118] In either case, similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the line width Ws and spacing of the stripe pattern are set so that the color ratio of the second mark M2 is approximately 50%. Furthermore, the line width Ws of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 is less than or equal to 1 / 2 the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. Furthermore, the spacing D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is set to be greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

[0119] In addition, each line constituting the stripe pattern is not limited to a straight line, and can also be a bent line or a curved line, and can also be arranged in a non-parallel manner. In addition, the thickness of each line constituting the stripe pattern can also be different, for example, it can be an elongated area, etc.

[0120] According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0121] (2) When the second mark is set as a dot pattern

[0122] In the above embodiment, the second mark M2 is set as a mark with a color in a stripe pattern, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be set as a mark with a black color in a dot pattern. The so-called "dot pattern" is a pattern composed of multiple dots arranged regularly or irregularly. The shape of the dots can be any shape such as a quadrilateral, a parallelogram, a circle, or other patterns. For example, Figure 15As shown in FIG, a plurality of points of a substantially quadrilateral can be arranged in a staggered configuration at a predetermined interval. Figure 16 As shown in FIG, it is also possible to configure a structure in which a plurality of points of a substantially parallelogram are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval. Figure 17 As shown, a structure in which a plurality of substantially circular points are arranged in a staggered manner at a predetermined pitch may be employed.

[0123] In either case, similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the dot pattern width Wd, spacing, and other parameters are set so that the color ratio of the second mark M2 is approximately 50%. Furthermore, the dot pattern width Wd of the second mark M2 is set to be less than half the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. Furthermore, the spacing D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is set to be greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

[0124] The shapes of the dots forming the dot pattern are not limited to those described above and may be any shape. Furthermore, the dots may be arranged in contact or spaced apart. Furthermore, the arrangement of the dots is not limited to being arranged in parallel or staggered, and may be arranged irregularly, for example.

[0125] According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0126] (3) When both the first mark and the second mark are formed into a stripe pattern or a dot pattern

[0127] In the above embodiment, the first mark M1 is set as a mark with a black color uniformly attached to the entire surface, and the second mark M2 is set as a mark with a color in a stripe pattern, but it is not limited to this. For example, both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be set as marks with a color in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern.

[0128] For example, Figure 18As shown, both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be set to a structure in which a plurality of black straight lines are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined interval and are approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction. In this case, the color ratio of the second mark M2 is smaller than the color ratio of the first mark M1. In this modification, the line width Ws1, spacing, etc. of the first mark M1 and the line width Ws2, spacing, etc. of the second mark M2 are set so that the color ratio of the second mark M2 (for example, 40%) becomes approximately half of the color ratio of the first mark M1 (for example, 80%). In addition, the line width Ws1 of the first mark M1 is larger than the line width Ws2 of the second mark M2, and the line widths Ws1 and Ws2 are both less than 1 / 2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long side direction of the sheet. In addition, the interval D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the long side direction of the sheet is set to be greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long side direction of the sheet.

[0129] In addition, for example, Figure 19 As shown, both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can also be set as a structure in which a plurality of points of a roughly rectangular shape are arranged in a staggered manner at a predetermined interval. In this case, the color ratio of the second mark M2 is smaller than the color ratio of the first mark M1. In this modification, the dot width Wd1, spacing, etc. of the first mark M1 and the dot width Wd2, spacing, etc. of the second mark M2 are set so that the color ratio of the second mark M2 (for example, 40%) becomes approximately half of the color ratio of the first mark M1 (for example, 80%). In addition, the dot width Wd1 of the first mark M1 is larger than the dot width Wd2 of the second mark M2, and the dot widths Wd1 and Wd2 are both less than 1 / 2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long side direction of the sheet. In addition, the interval D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the long side direction of the sheet is set to be greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long side direction of the sheet.

[0130] The color ratio of the second marker M2 is not limited to approximately half the color ratio of the first marker M1 (approximately 50%) and may be any other ratio. However, as previously mentioned, the threshold for detecting the first marker M1 is set based on the detection signal level of the second marker M2. Therefore, to more reliably prevent false detection of the first marker M1 by setting the threshold at approximately half the detection signal level of the first marker M1, the color ratio of the second marker M2 is preferably approximately half the color ratio of the first marker M1 (e.g., 40% to 60%).

[0131] Although not shown in the figure, stripe pattern marks and dot pattern marks may be mixed. For example, the first marks M1 may be stripe pattern marks, and the second marks M2 may be dot pattern marks.

[0132] This variation also achieves the same effects as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, in this variation, the first marker M1 and the second marker M2 are each colored in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern. This allows for highly accurate color ratio settings between the first marker M1 and the second marker M2 based on the line widths Ws1 and Ws2, spacing, and other parameters of the stripe patterns of the first marker M1 and the second marker M2, or the dot widths Wd1 and Wd2, spacing, and other parameters of the dot patterns.

[0133] Furthermore, in this variation, the color ratio of the second marker M2 is preferably approximately 50% or in the range of 40% to 60% of the color ratio of the first marker M1. This allows the threshold TH for detecting the first marker M1 to be set to approximately half the detection signal level LV1 of the first marker M1 based on the detection signal level LV2 of the second marker M2, thereby more reliably preventing false detection of the first marker M1.

[0134] (4) When more than three types of marks are set

[0135] In the above embodiment, two types of marks, namely the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, are provided on the label sheet 3A. However, the number of marks is not limited thereto, and three or more types of marks may be provided.

[0136] For example, in Figure 20 In the embodiment, three types of marks consisting of a first mark M1, a second mark M2, and a third mark M3 are printed on the surface of the peeling material layer 3a side of the label sheet 3A. The second mark M2 is set on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the first mark M1, and the third mark M3 is set on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the second mark M2. The first mark M1 is a mark with a black color evenly attached to the entire surface, the second mark M2 is a mark with a black color attached in a stripe pattern, and the third mark M3 is a mark with a black color attached in a dot pattern. In this modified example, the color ratio of the first mark M1 is 100%, while the line width Ws, spacing, etc. of the above-mentioned stripe pattern are set so that the color ratio of the second mark M2 is approximately 50%. Similarly, the dot width Wd, spacing, etc. of the above-mentioned dot pattern are set so that the color ratio of the third mark M3 is also approximately 50%.

[0137] In addition, the line width Ws of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 is less than 1 / 2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long side direction of the sheet. In addition, the interval D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the long side direction of the sheet is set to be greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long side direction of the sheet. Similarly, the dot width Wd of the dot pattern of the third mark M3 is less than 1 / 2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long side direction of the sheet. In addition, the interval D between the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 in the long side direction of the sheet is set to be greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the long side direction of the sheet.

[0138] In this variation, during the threshold setting process, the control unit 210 variably sets the threshold value based on the level of the detection signal of the third marker M3 and the level of the detection signal of the second marker M2, both output by the reflective sensor 11. Specifically, since the level of the detection signal of the third marker M3 and the level of the detection signal of the second marker M2 are approximately equal, the average of these detection signal levels is calculated and set as the threshold value TH. Furthermore, during the position determination process, the control unit 210 determines the position of the first marker M1 based on the result of comparing the level of the detection signal of the first marker M1 by the reflective sensor 11 with the set threshold value TH.

[0139] According to this modification, since the threshold value TH is set using two types of markers, the accuracy of the threshold value TH can be improved compared to the case where the threshold value TH is set using only one type of marker.

[0140] In the above description, the color ratios of the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 are set to the same 50%, but they may be different. For example, the color ratio of the second mark M2 may be set to 60%, and the color ratio of the third mark M3 may be set to 40%. The average value of the levels of these detection signals may be calculated and set as the threshold value TH.

[0141] In the above description, when terms such as "perpendicular," "parallel," and "planar" are used, these terms are not strictly defined. Specifically, these terms "perpendicular," "parallel," and "planar" are intended to mean "substantially perpendicular," "substantially parallel," and "substantially planar," allowing for design and manufacturing tolerances and errors.

[0142] In the above description, when there are descriptions of apparent dimensions and sizes such as "same," "equal," or "different," these descriptions are not strictly defined. Specifically, these terms "same," "equal," and "different" allow for design and manufacturing tolerances and errors and are intended to mean "substantially the same," "substantially equal," or "substantially different."

[0143] However, in the presence of, for example, a threshold (see Figure 11 When the values ​​of the predetermined judgment criteria or the values ​​of the divisions are recorded as flowcharts), reference values, etc., their "same", "equal", "different", etc. are different from the above and have strict meanings.

[0144] In addition, in the above, Figure 6 The arrows shown in the drawings are examples of signal flows and do not limit the signal flows.

[0145] in addition, Figure 11 The flowchart shown does not limit the present invention to the steps shown in the above flowchart, and steps may be added, deleted, or the order may be changed without departing from the gist and technical concept of the invention.

[0146] In addition to the above-described contents, the methods of the above-described embodiment and each modified example may be used in combination as appropriate.

[0147] Furthermore, although not all examples are given, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0148] Description of labels

[0149] 1 Label making device (printer)

[0150] 3A label sheet (with)

[0151] 11 Reflective sensor

[0152] 26. Impression roller (transport unit)

[0153] 31 Thermal head (printing unit)

[0154] 210 Control Department

[0155] D interval

[0156] M1 First Mark

[0157] M2 Second Mark

[0158] TH threshold

[0159] Wm The length of the first mark

[0160] Ws Line width of the stripe pattern

[0161] Wd dot width of the dot pattern

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that: have: a conveying portion for conveying a belt having a plurality of markings; a printing unit for printing on the belt conveyed by the conveying unit; a reflective sensor including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, detecting the mark on the belt based on light received by the light receiving portion and outputting a corresponding detection signal; and Control Department, in, The plurality of marks include: a first mark provided on the belt; and a second mark provided on a downstream side of the first mark in a conveying direction of the belt, wherein the first mark and the second mark are printed at adjacent positions in the same printing process, and the first mark and the second mark are provided at intervals in the conveying direction of the belt, The control unit performs: a position determination process of determining the position of the first mark based on a result of comparing a level of a detection signal of the first mark by the reflective sensor with a threshold value; and a threshold setting process of variably setting the threshold based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark by the reflective sensor, The amount of light received by the light receiving portion when the second mark is detected by the reflective sensor is greater than the amount of light received when the first mark is detected.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein The area ratio of the colored portion of the second mark, ie, the color ratio, is smaller than the color ratio of the first mark.

3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein The first mark is a mark having the color uniformly applied to the entire surface. The second mark is a mark having the color in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern.

4. The printer according to claim 2, wherein The first mark and the second mark are marks colored in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern.

5. The printer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The line width of the stripe pattern or the dot width of the dot pattern of the second mark is equal to or less than ½ of the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction of the tape.

6. A tape as a printer medium, characterized in that A first mark and a second mark are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first mark and the second mark are printed at adjacent positions in the same printing process, A plurality of labels are provided at predetermined intervals on the front side of the tape, the first mark and the second mark are printed at positions corresponding to the respective labels, and the second mark is provided downstream of the first mark in the conveying direction of the tape when printing on the tape. The first mark is a mark having a uniform color over the entire surface, and the position of the first mark is determined based on a comparison result of a level of a detection signal of the first mark by a reflective sensor with a threshold value. The second mark is a mark colored in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern, and the threshold value is variably set based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark by the reflective sensor.

7. The belt according to claim 6, wherein The line width of the stripe pattern or the dot width of the dot pattern of the second mark is equal to or less than ½ of the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

8. The belt according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The distance between the first mark and the second mark in the longitudinal direction is greater than or equal to the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

9. A tape as a printing medium, characterized in that A first mark and a second mark are provided at intervals in the long side direction, wherein the first mark and the second mark are printed at adjacent positions in the same printing process, a plurality of labels are provided at a predetermined interval on the surface side of the tape, the first mark and the second mark are printed at positions corresponding to the respective labels, and the second mark is provided on the downstream side of the first mark in the conveying direction of the tape when printing on the tape. The first mark and the second mark are marks with colors in stripe patterns or dot patterns, The area ratio of the portion of the second mark to which the color is applied, that is, the color ratio, is smaller than the color ratio of the first mark. The first mark is a mark for determining the position of the first mark based on a comparison result of a level of a detection signal of the first mark by a reflective sensor with a threshold value. Furthermore, the second mark is a mark for variably setting the threshold value based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark by the reflective sensor.

10. The belt according to claim 9, wherein The color ratio of the second mark is 40% to 60% of the color ratio of the first mark.

11. The belt according to claim 9 or 10, wherein The line width of the stripe pattern or the dot width of the dot pattern of the second mark is equal to or less than ½ of the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

12. The belt according to claim 9 or 10, wherein The distance between the first mark and the second mark in the longitudinal direction is greater than or equal to the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

13. The belt according to claim 11, wherein The distance between the first mark and the second mark in the longitudinal direction is greater than or equal to the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

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