Printing system, detection method, and recording medium storing computer program

Abstract

A printing system, a detection method, and a recording medium storing a computer program. The printing system has a conveyance control section that controls a conveyance section that conveys paper on which label sections are formed at prescribed intervals, a sensor that irradiates the paper conveyed by the conveyance section with light and detects reflected light of the irradiated light, a detection section that detects an output of the sensor, a change amount calculation section that calculates a change amount of voltage based on the output of the sensor detected by the detection section, and a determination section that determines that a portion between adjacent label sections has been detected based on the change amount of voltage calculated by the change amount calculation section.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a printing system, a detection method, and a recording medium storing a computer program. BACKGROUND

[0002] With regard to a printing system such as a thermal printer, a technique of detecting a detection region provided on a paper surface is known. In this technique, a conveyance section conveys a paper on which a mark for determining a printing position is provided on at least a part of a paper surface, an acquisition section acquires a detection signal from a sensor that optically detects the mark on the paper surface conveyed by the conveyance section at a predetermined interval according to a conveyance condition of the paper, and a detection section detects the mark based on an accumulated value of a variation amount of the detection signal acquired at the predetermined interval.

[0003] In the above-described technique, the mark is detected using a difference between a reflectance of a portion on which the mark is provided and a reflectance of a portion on which the mark is not provided. Therefore, assuming a case where a label paper on which a label section in which the mark is provided is formed is used, a portion between the label sections is detected based on a difference between a reflectance of the label section and a reflectance of the portion between the label sections. Hereinafter, the portion between the label sections is sometimes referred to as a "gap section".

[0004] The difference between the reflectance of the label section and the reflectance of the gap section is very small. In comparison with this difference, a variation amount of the reflectance due to a label paper shake is sometimes larger. Therefore, it is possible to erroneously detect the label paper shake as the gap section.

[0005] The present application is achieved in consideration of such a situation, and has an object to provide a printing system, a detection method, and a recording medium storing a computer program, which can reduce erroneous detection of a portion between label sections of a paper on which the label sections are formed. SUMMARY

[0006] A printing system of one embodiment of the present application includes a conveyance control section that controls a conveyance section that conveys a paper on which a label section is formed at a predetermined interval on a printing surface, a sensor that irradiates light to the paper conveyed by the conveyance section and detects reflected light of the irradiated light, a detection section that detects an output of the sensor, a variation amount calculation section that calculates a variation amount of a voltage based on the output of the sensor detected by the detection section, and a determination section that determines that a portion between adjacent label sections has been detected based on the variation amount of the voltage calculated by the variation amount calculation section.

[0007] In the printing system of one embodiment of the present application, the variation amount calculation section can calculate a difference between a voltage value of a predetermined point and a voltage value of a point preceding the predetermined point.

[0008] In the printing system of one embodiment of the present application, the determination unit can determine that detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions has started in a period in which the amount of change in voltage continues to be equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0009] In the printing system of one embodiment of the present application, the determination unit can determine that detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions has ended in a period in which the amount of change in voltage continues to be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value after the determination unit determines that detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions has started.

[0010] In the printing system of one embodiment of the present application, the determination unit can determine that the portion between the adjacent label portions is detected in a case where the number of points at which the paper is transported from the determination that detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions has started to the determination that detection has ended is included in a predetermined range.

[0011] In the printing system of one embodiment of the present application, the determination unit can determine that the paper is shaken in a case where the number of points at which the paper is transported from the determination that detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions has started to the determination that detection has ended is not included in a predetermined range.

[0012] In the printing system of one embodiment of the present application, the determination unit can determine that there is no paper in a period in which the amount of change in voltage continues to be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value after the determination unit determines that detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions has started.

[0013] In the printing system of one embodiment of the present application, the determination unit can determine whether the detection unit detects a label portion on the basis of the number of points at which the paper is transported after the determination unit detects the portion between the label portions, and can determine whether to invalidate processing of detecting a portion between label portions on the basis of a determination result of whether the detection unit detects the label portion.

[0014] The detection method of one embodiment of the present application is a detection method performed by a printing system, and includes the steps of controlling a transport unit which transports a paper on which label portions are formed at predetermined intervals; irradiating a light to the paper transported by the transport unit and detecting reflected light of the irradiated light; detecting an output of a sensor; calculating an amount of change in voltage on the basis of the output of the sensor detected in the step of detecting; and determining that a portion between adjacent label portions has been detected on the basis of the amount of change in voltage calculated in the step of calculating an amount of change in voltage.

[0015] The recording medium of one embodiment of the present application stores a computer program that causes a computer of a printing system to execute the steps of controlling a conveyance section that conveys a paper on which label sections are formed at prescribed intervals, detecting an output of a sensor that irradiates a light to the paper conveyed by the conveyance section and detects a reflected light of the irradiated light, calculating an amount of change in voltage based on the output of the sensor detected in the step of detecting, and determining that a portion between adjacent label sections has been detected based on the amount of change in voltage calculated in the step of calculating the amount of change in voltage.

[0016] According to the present application, it is possible to reduce false detection of a portion between label sections of a paper on which label sections are formed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a structure of a printing system of the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is a graph illustrating an example 1 of a waveform obtained by the printing system of the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 is a graph illustrating an example 2 of a waveform obtained by the printing system of the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 is a graph illustrating an example 3 of a waveform obtained by the printing system of the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a printer device of one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 is a top view of a recording paper P of one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 is a front side perspective view of a printing unit of one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 is a front side exploded perspective view of a printing unit of one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 is a back side perspective view of a printing unit of one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 is a front view of a printing unit of one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along Figure 10 the arrow XI-XI shown in FIG. 6A.

[0028] Figure 12 Fig. 1 is a front side exploded perspective view of an electrical configuration of a printing unit of one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13 Fig. 6 is a diagram showing one example of a sensor of the printing system of the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14 Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example 1 of an operation of the printing system of the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 15 Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example 2 of an operation of the printing system of the present embodiment.

[0032] Figure 16 Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example 3 of an operation of the printing system of the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 17 Fig. 10 is a diagram showing one example of a sensor output.

[0034] Figure 18 Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an operation of the printing system of a modification of the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19 Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example 1 of an operation of the printing system of the modification of the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 20 Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example 2 of an operation of the printing system of the modification of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Next, the printing system, the detection method, and the computer program of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The following described embodiment is only one example, and the embodiments to which the present application is applied are not limited to the following embodiment. Note that "based on XX" in the present application means "based on at least XX", and includes a case where based on other elements in addition to XX. Further, "based on XX" is not limited to a case where XX is directly used, and includes a case where based on an element obtained by processing XX. "XX" is an arbitrary element (for example, arbitrary information).

[0038] Figure 1is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the printing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the printing system 1 has a host terminal 2 that transmits a command to a printer device 8, and the printer device 8 that receives the command and print data transmitted from the host terminal 2 and performs processing based on the received command and print data. The printing system 1 conveys a recording sheet. A label portion that can be peeled off is formed at a predetermined interval on a print surface of the recording sheet. The printing system 1 has a sensor that irradiates light to the conveyed recording sheet, detects reflected light of the irradiated light, and outputs a detection result of the reflected light of the light. The printing system 1 detects an output of the sensor and calculates an amount of change in voltage based on the detected output. The printing system 1 determines, based on a result of the calculation of the amount of change in voltage, whether a portion between adjacent label portions has been detected. Hereinafter, the host terminal 2 and the printer device 8 that constitute the printing system 1 will be described in order.

[0039] The host terminal 2 has a communication section 2-1, a storage section 2-2, an operation section 2-3, an information processing section 2-4, and a display section 2-5. The communication section 2-1 is implemented by a communication module. Specifically, the communication section 2-1 is constituted by a wireless device that performs wireless communication by a wireless communication technique such as wireless LAN (registered trademark). Alternatively, the communication section 2-1 can be constituted by a device that performs wired communication. Here, the case where the communication section 2-1 is constituted by a wireless device that performs wireless communication by a wireless communication technique will be further described. The communication section 2-1 communicates with an external device such as the printer device 8 via a network. Specifically, the communication section 2-1 receives status information transmitted from the printer device 8 and outputs the received status information to the information processing section 2-4. Here, the status information is information for notifying a state of the printer device 8. In addition, the communication section 2-1 acquires print data output from the information processing section 2-4 and transmits the acquired print data to the printer device 8. Further, the communication section 2-1 acquires a command output from the information processing section 2-4 and transmits the acquired command to the printer device 8.

[0040] The storage section 2-2 is implemented by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (ReadOnly Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a hybrid storage device in which a plurality of these are combined. The storage section 2-2 stores a computer program executed by the information processing section 2-4.

[0041] The operation section 2-3 is a user interface having an input section and an output section. The input section is, for example, a key, a touch panel. The key is a start key, a stop key, a number key, a clear key, a reset key, and the like. The start key is a key for starting a printing operation. The stop key is a key for interrupting the printing operation. The number key is a key for performing numerical setting and the like. In the present embodiment, the output section is a display section 2-5. The display section 2-5 functions as a touch panel in addition to display of an image. The display section 2-5 displays a setting screen at the time of printing processing. The user can perform setting of size change, density, and the like by the touch panel function of the display section 2-5 or operation of the key in accordance with the setting screen.

[0042] The information processing section 2-4 acquires the state information output from the communication section 2-1, and acquires information indicating the state of the printer device 8 included in the acquired state information. The information processing section 2-4 monitors the state of the printer device 8 in accordance with the acquired information indicating the state of the printer device 8. Specifically, the information processing section 2-4 monitors whether the printer device 8 is in printing. In addition, the information processing section 2-4 generates print data, and outputs the generated print data to the communication section 2-1. Further, the information processing section 2-4 generates a command, and outputs the generated command to the communication section 2-1. All or a part of the information processing section 2-4 is, for example, a functional section (hereinafter, referred to as a software functional section) realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a computer program stored in the storage section 2-2. Further, all or a part of the information processing section 2-4 can be realized by a hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or can be realized by a combination of the software functional section and the hardware.

[0043] The printer device 8 has a processing section 5 and a mechanism section 9. The processing section 5 has a communication section 5-1, a storage section 5-2, a command analysis section 5-3, a print data generation section 5-4, a print section control section 5-5, a conveyance control section 5-6, a detection section 5-7, a variation amount calculation section 5-8, and a determination section 5-9. The communication section 5-1 is realized by a communication module. Specifically, the communication section 5-1 is constituted by a wireless device that performs wireless communication by a wireless communication technology such as wireless LAN (registered trademark). In addition, the communication section 5-1 can be constituted by a device that performs wired communication. Here, the case where the communication section 5-1 is constituted by a wireless device that performs wireless communication by a wireless communication technology is continued to be described. The communication section 5-1 performs communication with an external device such as the host terminal 2 via a network. Specifically, the communication section 5-1 receives a command and print data transmitted by the host terminal 2. In addition, the communication section 5-1 acquires status information output by the print section control section 5-5, and transmits the acquired status information to the host terminal 2.

[0044] The storage section 5-2 is realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an HDD, a flash memory, or a hybrid storage device in which a plurality of these are combined. The storage section 5-2 stores a control program and the like for causing the printer device 8 to perform printing. The command analysis section 5-3 acquires a command received by the communication section 5-1, and analyzes the acquired command. The print data generation section 5-4 acquires print data received by the communication section 5-1, and generates image data for printing on the basis of the acquired print data. The print section control section 5-5 acquires image data generated by the print data generation section 5-4, and generates a control signal for causing a thermal head to print in accordance with the acquired image data. The print section control section 5-5 outputs the generated control signal to the print unit 10. In addition, the print section control section 5-5 acquires an analysis result of a command from the command analysis section 5-3, and performs processing on the basis of the acquired analysis result of the command. Specifically, the print section control section 5-5 resets (reboots) the printer device 8 in the case where the analysis result of the command is a reset. In addition, the print section control section 5-5 generates status information, and outputs the generated status information to the communication section 5-1.

[0045] The transport control section 5-6 acquires the image data generated by the print data generation section 5-4, generates a control signal for driving the stepping motor based on the acquired image data, and outputs the generated control signal to the print unit 10. The detection section 5-7 detects a voltage value output by the sensor 81 based on a detection result of reflected light of light. One example of the detection section 5-7 detects a voltage value output by the sensor 81 per 1 dot line. The detection section 5-7 acquires a voltage waveform based on a detection result of the voltage value output by the sensor 81. The variation amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a variation amount of the voltage based on the voltage waveform acquired by the detection section 5-7. One example of the variation amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a variation amount between a voltage value before NSlp dot lines and a voltage value of a current dot. Specifically, the variation amount calculation section 5-8 calculates the variation amount based on Equation (1).

[0046] ΔVSen = VSen(N) - VSen(N-NSlp) (1)

[0047] In Equation (1), ΔVSen is a variation amount of the voltage output by the sensor [V], VSen(N) is a current sensor output [V], and VSen(N-NSlp) is a sensor output before NSlp dots of the current dot [V]. The variation amount calculation section 5-8 acquires a variation waveform based on a calculation result of the variation amount. The determination section 5-9 determines a rise of the waveform and a fall of the waveform based on the variation waveform acquired by the variation amount calculation section 5-8. The determination section 5-9 determines any one of noise, a gap, and no paper based on a determination result of the rise of the waveform and a detection result of the fall of the waveform.

[0048] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The variation waveform will be described. Figure 2 is a graph showing an example 1 of a waveform acquired by the print system of the present embodiment. In Figure 2 , the horizontal axis is a paper feed dot number [dot line], and the vertical axis is a voltage [V]. In Figure 2 , the upper graph is an example of a voltage waveform, and the lower graph is an example of a variation waveform. Figure 2The determination section 5-9 determines whether the voltage value continuously exceeds the threshold value for the positive variation (hereinafter referred to as "rising voltage threshold value") by the number of points NPrThr based on the variation waveform. The determination section 5-9 determines that a rise is detected in a case where the voltage value continuously exceeds the rising voltage threshold value by the number of points NPrThr. The determination section 5-9 starts counting the number of paper feed points in a case where it is determined that a rise is detected. The determination section 5-9 determines whether the voltage value does not continuously exceed the threshold value for the negative variation (hereinafter referred to as "falling voltage threshold value") by the minimum number of points NMinThr based on the variation waveform after starting counting the number of paper feed points. The determination section 5-9 determines that a fall starts in a case where the voltage value does not continuously exceed the falling voltage threshold value by the minimum number of points NMinThr. The determination section 5-9 determines that a fall ends in a case where the voltage value exceeds the falling voltage threshold value. The determination section 5-9 stops counting the number of paper feed points in a case where it is determined that a fall ends. The determination section 5-9 determines whether the counting result of the number of paper feed points is equal to or greater than the minimum count value NMinGap and less than the maximum count value NMaxGap. The determination section 5-9 determines that a gap section is detected in a case where the counting result of the number of paper feed points is equal to or greater than the minimum count value NMinGap and less than the maximum count value NMaxGap.

[0049] Figure 3 is a graph showing a waveform example 2 obtained by the printing system of the present embodiment. In Figure 3 , the horizontal axis is the number of paper feed points [point lines], and the vertical axis is the voltage [V]. In Figure 3 , the upper graph is an example of a voltage waveform, and the lower graph is an example of a variation waveform. Figure 3The determination section 5-9 determines whether the voltage value exceeds the rising voltage threshold value by the threshold number of consecutive point rows NPrThr based on the change amount waveform. The determination section 5-9 determines that the rising is detected in a case where the voltage value exceeds the rising voltage threshold value by the threshold number of consecutive point rows NPrThr. The determination section 5-9 starts counting of the number of paper feed points in a case where it is determined that the rising is detected. The determination section 5-9 determines whether the voltage value does not exceed the falling voltage threshold value by the minimum threshold number of consecutive point rows NMinThr based on the change amount waveform after starting the counting of the number of paper feed points. The determination section 5-9 determines that the falling is started in a case where the voltage value does not exceed the falling voltage threshold value by the minimum threshold number of consecutive point rows NMinThr. The determination section 5-9 determines that the falling is ended in a case where the voltage value exceeds the falling voltage threshold value. The determination section 5-9 stops the counting of the number of paper feed points in a case where it is determined that the falling is ended. The determination section 5-9 determines whether the counting result of the number of paper feed points is included in a range of the minimum value NMinGap or more and less than the maximum value NMaxGap. The determination section 5-9 determines that the paper shake is detected, in other words, the shake portion is detected, in a case where the counting result of the number of paper feed points is not included in the range of the minimum value NMinGap or more and less than the maximum value NMaxGap.

[0050] Figure 4 is a graph showing a waveform example 3 acquired by the printing system of the present embodiment. In Figure 3 , the horizontal axis is the number of paper feed points [point rows], and the vertical axis is the voltage [V]. In Figure 4 , the upper graph is an example of the voltage waveform, and the lower graph is an example of the change amount waveform. Figure 4 The determination section 5-9 determines whether the voltage value exceeds the rising voltage threshold value by the threshold number of consecutive point rows NPrThr based on the change amount waveform. The determination section 5-9 determines that the rising is detected in a case where the voltage value exceeds the rising voltage threshold value by the threshold number of consecutive point rows NPrThr. The determination section 5-9 starts counting of the number of paper feed points in a case where it is determined that the rising is detected. The determination section 5-9 determines whether the voltage value does not exceed the falling voltage threshold value by the minimum threshold number of consecutive point rows NMinThr based on the change amount waveform after starting the counting of the number of paper feed points. The determination section 5-9 determines that the falling is started in a case where the voltage value does not exceed the falling voltage threshold value by the minimum threshold number of consecutive point rows NMinThr. The determination section 5-9 determines that the falling is ended in a case where the voltage value exceeds the falling voltage threshold value. The determination section 5-9 stops the counting of the number of paper feed points in a case where it is determined that the falling is ended. The determination section 5-9 determines whether the counting result of the number of paper feed points is included in a range of the minimum value NMinGap or more and less than the maximum value NMaxGap. The determination section 5-9 determines that the paper shake is detected, in other words, the shake portion is detected, in a case where the counting result of the number of paper feed points is not included in the range of the minimum value NMinGap or more and less than the maximum value NMaxGap. Figure 1 The explanation will be continued.

[0051] All or a part of the command analysis section 5-3, the print data generation section 5-4, the print section control section 5-5, the conveyance control section 5-6, the detection section 5-7, the change amount calculation section 5-8, and the determination section 5-9 is, for example, a software function section realized by a CPU or the like executing a control program stored in the storage section 5-2. Further, all or a part of the command analysis section 5-3, the print data generation section 5-4, the print section control section 5-5, the conveyance control section 5-6, the detection section 5-7, the change amount calculation section 5-8, and the determination section 5-9 can be realized by hardware such as LSI, ASIC, or FPGA, or by a combination of a software function section and hardware.

[0052] The mechanism section 9 has the print unit 10 and the sensor 81. The print unit 10 and the sensor 81 will be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a printer device of an embodiment. As Figure 5 indicated, the printer device 8 is configured to be able to print a recording paper P. The recording paper P is a heat-sensitive paper that is colored when heated, and is suitable for printing of various labels, receipts, tickets, and the like. The recording paper P is set to the printer device 8 in a state of being wound into a roll paper R having a hollow hole, and a portion pulled out from the roll paper R is printed.

[0053] The printer device 8 has a housing 3, a display section 4, a processing section 5, and a print unit 10. The housing 3 is formed into a hollow box shape using a plastic material such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a composite material of ABS and polycarbonate, or a metal material. The housing 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main body section 6, and a roll paper housing section 7 protruding to one side in a thickness direction of the main body section 6 at one end portion in a length direction of the main body section 6.

[0054] The print unit 10 is housed at the one end portion in the length direction of the main body section 6. In addition, a discharge port 3a is formed at an end surface of the one end portion in the length direction of the main body section 6. The discharge port 3a discharges the recording paper P printed by the print unit 10. The display section 4 is disposed on a main surface of the main body section 6 on the side opposite to the roll paper housing section 7 in the thickness direction. The display section 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and is connected to the processing section 5 to display various information. The roll paper R is housed in the roll paper housing section 7.

[0055] Figure 6 is a plan view of a recording paper P of an embodiment. As Figure 6As shown, the recording paper P has a plurality of label portions P1 formed at a prescribed interval on the printing surface of the paper. The label portion P1 is formed by punching a thermosensitive layer of a release paper P3 (base paper) adhered to the opposite side of the printing surface of the recording paper P into a rectangular shape, and a plurality of label portions P1 are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the recording paper P. A frame-shaped margin P2 is formed around the label portion P1. The label portion P1 can be peeled from the release paper P3 while retaining the margin P2. Thus, the recording paper P of the present embodiment is a label release paper having the margin P2. The recording paper P is conveyed in the direction of the arrow. The portion of the release paper P3 between adjacent label portions P1 is referred to as a gap portion G. In Figure 6 (1) indicates the position of the head end surface, (2) indicates the position of the heat generating body, and (3) indicates the position of the sensor 81 in the case where it is determined that there is no paper.

[0056] Figure 7 Fig. 1 is a front side perspective view of a printing unit of one embodiment. Figure 8 Fig. 1 is a front side perspective view of a printing unit of one embodiment. Figure 9 Fig. 1 is a front side perspective view of a printing unit of one embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, the printing unit 10 has a platen roller 51 having a driven gear 56, a motor 61 that rotates the platen roller 51, a main body frame 11 that supports the platen roller 51 so as to be rotatable and in which the motor 61 is assembled, a first reduction gear 65 and a second reduction gear 66 that reduce the driving force of the motor 61 and transmit it to the driven gear 56, and a thermal head 41 that is pressed against the circumferential surface of the platen roller 51.

[0057] The printing unit 10 discharges the recording paper P that has passed between the platen roller 51 and the thermal head 41 toward the direction indicated by the arrow A. Hereinafter, in the description of the printing unit 10, the direction along the arrow A will be defined as the up-down direction LI. In addition, the direction in which the rotation axis of the platen roller 51 extends and which is perpendicular to the up-down direction LI will be defined as the right-left direction L2. Furthermore, the direction that is perpendicular to the up-down direction LI and the right-left direction L2 will be defined as the front-rear direction L3.

[0058] In addition, in the up-down direction LI, the side from which the recording paper P is discharged (the side indicated by the arrow A) will be defined as the upper side, and the opposite side will be defined as the lower side. In addition, in the right-left direction L2, the side on which the motor 61 is disposed will be defined as the right side, and the opposite side will be defined as the left side. In addition, in the front-rear direction L3, the side on which the platen roller 51 is disposed will be defined as the front side, and the opposite side on which the thermal head 41 is disposed will be defined as the rear side.

[0059] The main body frame 11 is formed of a plate material such as a polycarbonate resin including glass fibers, for example. The main body frame 11 is formed in a U shape that is open toward the front when viewed in the up-down direction LI. Specifically, the main body frame 11 has a back plate portion 12 that extends in the left-right direction L2, a first side wall portion 13 that is provided upright toward the front from an end portion on one side (left side) of the back plate portion 12 in the left-right direction L2, a second side wall portion 14 that is provided upright toward the front and the down from an end portion on the other side (right side) of the back plate portion 12 in the left-right direction L2, and a paper guide portion 20 that is provided between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14.

[0060] The back plate portion 12 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction L3. The first side wall portion 13 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness in the left-right direction L2. A first roller insertion slot 16A that is cut toward the down is formed in an upper end edge of the first side wall portion 13. The second side wall portion 14 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness in the left-right direction L2. A second roller insertion slot 16B that is cut toward the down is formed in an upper end edge of the second side wall portion 14.

[0061] The second roller insertion slot 16B is formed in a shape and a position that coincide with the first roller insertion slot 16A when viewed in the left-right direction L2. A platen roller 51 is inserted in the first roller insertion slot 16A and the second roller insertion slot 16B in a detachable manner. The second side wall portion 14 extends toward the front from the end portion on the other side (right side) of the back plate portion 12 in the left-right direction L2, and further extends toward the down.

[0062] A motor 61 is installed at a position in the second side wall portion 14 that is lower than a connecting portion of the second side wall portion 14 and the back plate portion 12. The motor 61 is installed in the second side wall portion 14 from the inner side in the left-right direction L2, and an output shaft 61A of the motor 61 protrudes to the outer side in the left-right direction L2 of the second side wall portion 14 through the second side wall portion 14. The motor 61 is connected to the processing portion 5 via a flexible printed substrate 71 having a wiring pattern that is not shown. The motor 61 is driven based on a signal from the processing portion 5.

[0063] A gear box portion 17 is formed on the outer side of the second side wall portion 14. The gear box portion 17 has a peripheral wall portion 18 that is provided upright toward the outer side in the left-right direction L2 from a peripheral edge of the second side wall portion 14. The peripheral wall portion 18 is formed in a U shape that is open toward the up when viewed in the left-right direction L2. The gear box portion 17 is open toward the outer side in the left-right direction L2.

[0064] A pair of recessed portions 19 recessed downward are formed at the upper end edge of the front side and the upper end edge of the rear side of the peripheral wall portion 18. The pair of recessed portions 19 are formed to be identical in shape and position when viewed from the front-rear direction L3. Further, a hole portion 18a is formed at the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 18. The pair of recessed portions 19 and the hole portion 18a engage with a not-shown cover member that covers the gear case portion 17.

[0065] A first reduction gear 65 and a second reduction gear 66 are assembled inside the gear case portion 17. As shown in FIG. 2, the first reduction gear 65 is rotatably supported by a first rotation shaft 67 that is provided upright from the second side wall portion 14. The first reduction gear 65 is engaged with an output shaft 61A of the motor 61. The second reduction gear 66 is rotatably supported by a second rotation shaft 68 that is provided upright from the second side wall portion 14 at a position higher than the first rotation shaft 67. The second reduction gear 66 is engaged with the first reduction gear 65. Figure 8

[0066] The paper guide portion 20 is formed in a substantially right-angled triangular column shape extending in the left-right direction L2. The end portion of the paper guide portion 20 on one side (left side) in the left-right direction L2 is connected to the inner side surface of the first side wall portion 13, and the end portion on the other side (right side) in the left-right direction L2 is connected to the inner side surface of the second side wall portion 14. A pair of mounting portions 20a recessed downward when viewed from the front-rear direction L3 are formed in the paper guide portion 20.

[0067] The pair of mounting portions 20a are formed at intervals in the left-right direction L2. A through-hole 20b that penetrates the bottom portion of the mounting portion 20a in the up-down direction is provided at the bottom portion of the mounting portion 20a. The main body frame 11 is mounted to the housing 3 by inserting a fastening member such as a bolt through the through-hole 20b of the paper guide portion 20.

[0068] The thermal head 41 performs printing on the recording paper P. The thermal head 41 is formed in a rectangular shape with the left-right direction L2 as the length direction when viewed from the front-rear direction L3. The thermal head 41 is disposed in a state in which the long side direction thereof coincides with the width direction of the recording paper P. A plurality of heating elements 42 are arranged in the left-right direction L2 on a head face 41a of the thermal head 41.

[0069] The head face 41a opposes the printing face of the recording paper P and is capable of sandwiching the recording paper P between the outer peripheral surface of the platen roller 51. The thermal head 41 is connected to the processing portion 5 via a flexible printed board 71, and a drive IC (not shown) mounted on the thermal head 41 controls the heating of the heating elements 42 based on a signal from the processing portion 5. The thermal head 41 controls the heating of the heating elements 42 and prints various characters, figures, and the like onto the printing face of the recording paper P.

[0070] ​The thermal head 41 is adhesively fixed to a head support body 45 supported by the main body frame 11. The head support body 45 is a plate-like member having the left-right direction L2 as a length direction, and the thermal head 41 is adhesively fixed to a front surface thereof. The head support body 45 is disposed between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and between the back plate portion 12 and the paper guide portion 20.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 1, the head support body 45 is disposed between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and between the back plate portion 12 and the paper guide portion 20. Figure 9 As shown in Fig. 1, the head support body 45 is disposed between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and between the back plate portion 12 and the paper guide portion 20.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 1, the head support body 45 is disposed between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and between the back plate portion 12 and the paper guide portion 20. Figure 8 As shown in Fig. 1, the head support body 45 is disposed between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and between the back plate portion 12 and the paper guide portion 20.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 1, the head support body 45 is disposed between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and between the back plate portion 12 and the paper guide portion 20. Figure 7 As shown in Fig. 1, the head support body 45 is disposed between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and between the back plate portion 12 and the paper guide portion 20.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 1, the head support body 45 is disposed between the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and between the back plate portion 12 and the paper guide portion 20.

[0075] AsFigure 7 As shown in the drawing, a driven gear 56 is fixed to the end portion on the other side (right side) in the left-right direction L2 of the platen roller 51. The driven gear 56 is assembled to the upper portion of the gear box portion 17 when the platen roller 51 is held by the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14. At this time, the driven gear 56 overlaps the second reduction gear 66 as viewed in the left-right direction L2, and is disposed at a position inward of the second reduction gear 66, engaging with the second reduction gear 66. Thus, the rotational drive force from the motor 61 is transmitted to the driven gear 56 via the first reduction gear 65 and the second reduction gear 66. The platen roller 51 rotates in the state of being held by the first side wall portion 13 and the second side wall portion 14, and can feed the recording paper P.

[0076] Figure 10 Fig. 1 is a front view of a printing unit according to an embodiment. Figure 11 Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along the arrow XI-XI shown in Fig. 1. Figure 10 Fig. 3 is a front view of a printing unit according to an embodiment. Figure 12 Fig. 4 is a front side exploded perspective view of an electrical configuration of a printing unit according to an embodiment. As shown in the drawing, Figure 11 As shown in the drawing, the paper guide portion 20 has a guide slope 21 that inserts the recording paper P from the acute direction toward the printing region 100 of the thermal head 41.

[0077] Here, the printing region 100 is the head face 41a of the thermal head 41 provided with the heat generating element 42, and refers to a region opposite the platen roller 51. The printing region 100 narrowly refers to a region of the head face 41a that is in pressure contact with the peripheral surface of the platen roller 51. The printing region 100 of the present embodiment is a planar region extending in the up-down direction L1 and the left-right direction L2.

[0078] The guide slope 21 is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the printing region 100. When the printing region 100 is set as a reference face at 0°, the angle θ1 becomes an acute angle of less than 90°. The angle θ1 is preferably an acute angle of 57.5° or less. Thus, peeling of the label portion P1 can be prevented without applying a strong bend to the recording paper P, and the recording paper P can be inserted into the printing region 100. That is, the upper limit of the angle θ1 is preferably 57.5°.

[0079] On the other hand, the lower limit of the angle θ1 is preferably an angle θ2. The angle θ2 is the angle formed by a tangent line 101 drawn from the printing region 100 to the peripheral surface 61a of the motor 61 with respect to the printing region 100. As shown in the drawing, Figure 7 As shown in the drawing, the peripheral surface 61a of the motor 61 is disposed within the paper feed path of the recording paper P, guiding the recording paper P. In the case where the angle θ1 is less than the angle θ2, the recording paper P floats with respect to the guide slope 21, and thus is not preferable. That is, the guide slope 21 is preferably inclined at an angle of the angle θ2 or more with respect to the printing region 100.

[0080] The guide slope 21 of the present embodiment is inclined at an acute angle of 37.5° with respect to the print region 100. By setting the guide slope 21 at 37.5°, it is possible to secure a minimum internal space required to layout the sensor 81 on the guide slope 21 in the paper guide 20. In this way, the angle θ1 can be equal to or greater than the angle θ2 and equal to or less than 57.5°, and more preferably equal to or greater than 37.5° and equal to or less than 57.5°.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10 An opening portion 22 in which the sensor 81 is arranged is formed in the guide slope 21. The opening portion 22 is formed in a T shape in the front view. The opening portion 22 is arranged between the pair of mounting portions 20a in the left-right direction of the guide slope 21. The opening portion 22 is arranged closer to the mounting portion 20a on the left side among the mounting portions 20a between the pair of mounting portions 20a.

[0082] The sensor 81 that detects the recording paper P is arranged in the opening portion 22. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the sensor of the print system of the present embodiment. An example of the sensor 81 is a light reflector. The light reflector has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the presence (or absence) and position of an object by detecting reflected light of the object. In addition, the sensor 81 can also be a non-contact sensor other than the light reflector. In addition, the sensor 81 can also be a contact sensor. As shown in Figure 12 The sensor 81 is provided to the flexible printed board 71.

[0083] The flexible printed board 71 has a head connection portion 72 connected to the heat generating element 42, a motor connection portion 73 connected to the motor 61, and a sensor connection portion 74 connected to the sensor 81. The sensor connection portion 74 and the sensor 81 are inserted into the opening portion 22 of the paper guide 20 from the bottom surface side of the paper guide 20 together with the sensor holder 91. The sensor holder 91 is a resin molded member, and is engaged with the opening portion 22 of the paper guide 20 in a detachable manner.

[0084] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the print system of the present embodiment. Figure 14 The rising detection processing performed by the printer device 8 of the print system 1 is mainly shown.

[0085] (Step S1-1) In the printer device 8, the detection portion 5-7 detects a voltage value output by the sensor 81 based on reflected light of light, and acquires a voltage waveform based on the detection result of the voltage value output by the sensor 81. The variation amount calculation portion 5-8 calculates a variation amount of the voltage based on the voltage waveform acquired by the detection portion 5-7. The determination portion 5-9 determines whether it is the initial rising detection processing based on the variation waveform acquired by the variation amount calculation portion 5-8.

[0086] (Step S2-1) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 sets the paper feed point line number at the time of the rise detection to zero in a case where it is determined that it is the initial rise detection processing.

[0087] (Step S3-1) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the change amount of the voltage is a positive change amount.

[0088] (Step S4-1) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the change amount of the voltage is greater than a threshold value (rise voltage threshold value) in a case where the change amount of the voltage is a positive change amount.

[0089] (Step S5-1) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 sets the rise detection paper feed point line number to zero in a case where the change amount of the voltage is not a positive change amount or the change amount of the voltage is equal to or less than the threshold value. Then, the process ends.

[0090] (Step S6-1) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 increments the rise detection paper feed point line number in a case where the change amount of the voltage is greater than the threshold value.

[0091] (Step S7-1) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the rise detection point line number is equal to or greater than a point line number minimum threshold value NMinThr. The process ends in a case where the rise detection point line number is less than the point line number minimum threshold value NMinThr.

[0092] (Step S8-1) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines that the rise is detected in a case where the rise detection point line number is equal to or greater than the point line number minimum threshold value NMinThr.

[0093] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printing system of this embodiment. Figure 15 The fall detection processing performed by the printer device 8 of the printing system 1 is mainly shown.

[0094] (Step S1-2) In the printer device 8, the detection section 5-7 detects a voltage value output from the sensor 81 based on the reflected light of the light, and acquires a voltage waveform based on the detection result of the voltage value output from the sensor 81. The change amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a change amount of the voltage from the voltage waveform acquired by the detection section 5-7. The determination section 5-9 determines whether it is the initial fall detection processing based on the change amount waveform acquired by the change amount calculation section 5-8.

[0095] (Step S2-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 sets the paper feed point line number at the time of the drop detection (hereinafter referred to as "drop detection paper feed point line number") to zero and sets the drop start flag to off in a case where it is determined that it is the initial drop detection processing.

[0096] (Step S3-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the change amount of the voltage is a negative change amount.

[0097] (Step S4-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the change amount of the voltage is greater than a threshold value (drop voltage threshold value) in a case where the change amount of the voltage is a negative change amount.

[0098] (Step S5-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the drop start flag is on or not in a case where the change amount of the voltage is not a negative change amount or the change amount of the voltage is equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0099] (Step S6-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines that the drop is detected in a case where the drop start flag is on.

[0100] (Step S7-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 sets the drop detection paper feed point line number to zero and sets the drop start flag to off in a case where it is determined that the drop start flag is not on or in a case where it is determined that the drop is detected. Then, the process ends.

[0101] (Step S8-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 increments the drop detection paper feed point line number in a case where the change amount of the voltage is greater than the threshold value.

[0102] (Step S9-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the drop detection point line number is equal to or greater than the point line number minimum threshold value NMinThr. The process ends in a case where the drop detection point line number is less than the point line number minimum threshold value NMinThr.

[0103] (Step S10-2) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 sets the drop start flag to on in a case where the drop detection point line number is equal to or greater than the point line number minimum threshold value NMinThr.

[0104] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printing system of this embodiment. Figure 16 The process mainly shows the determination by the printer device 8 of the printing system 1 that the gap portion G is detected.

[0105] (Step S1-3) In the printer device 8, the detection section 5-7 detects a voltage value outputted by the sensor 81 based on the reflected light of the light, and acquires a voltage waveform based on the detection result of the voltage value outputted by the sensor 81. The variation amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a variation amount of the voltage from the voltage waveform acquired by the detection section 5-7. The determination section 5-9 determines whether it is the determination of the initial gap section G based on the variation amount waveform acquired by the variation amount calculation section 5-8.

[0106] (Step S2-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 sets the paper feed point line number to zero and sets the rise detection flag to off in a case where it is determined to be the determination of the initial gap.

[0107] (Step S3-3) In the printer device 8, the variation amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a variation amount of the voltage from the voltage waveform acquired by the detection section 5-7.

[0108] (Step S4-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 performs the rise detection processing described above. Figure 14

[0109] (Step S5-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the rise is detected.

[0110] (Step S6-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 sets the rise detection flag to on in a case where the rise is detected.

[0111] (Step S7-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the rise detection flag is on in a case where the rise is not detected or the rise detection flag is set to on. The process ends in a case where the rise detection flag is not on.

[0112] (Step S8-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 counts up the paper feed point line number in a case where the rise detection flag is on.

[0113] (Step S9-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether the paper feed point line number is equal to or more than the paper feed point line number threshold value NNoPapPoint.

[0114] (Step S10-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines that the paperless (paperless section) is detected in a case where the paper feed point line number is equal to or more than the paper feed point line number threshold value NNoPapPoint.

[0115] (Step S11-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 performs the fall detection processing described above in a case where the paper feed point line number is less than the paper feed point line number threshold value NNoPapPoint. Figure 15 ​​

[0116] (Step S12-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether or not the lowering is detected. In the case where the lowering is not detected, the process ends.

[0117] (Step S13-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines whether or not the counting result of the paper feed point line number is included in the range of the counting minimum value NMinGap or more and less than the counting maximum value NMaxGap in the case where the lowering is detected.

[0118] (Step S14-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines that the noise is detected in the case where it is determined that the counting result of the paper feed point line number is not included in the range of the counting minimum value NMinGap or more and less than the counting maximum value NMaxGap. In other words, in this case, the determination section 5-9 determines that the paper shake section is detected.

[0119] (Step S15-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 determines that the gap section G is detected in the case where it is determined that the counting result of the paper feed point line number is included in the range of the counting minimum value NMinGap or more and less than the counting maximum value NMaxGap.

[0120] (Step S16-3) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5-9 sets the paper feed point line number to zero and sets the raising detection flag to off. Then, the lowering detection process ends.

[0121] According to the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, there are a conveyance control section 5-6 that controls a conveyance section that is a platen roller 51 that conveys a recording sheet P (paper) on which a label section P1 that can be peeled off is formed at a prescribed interval on a print surface, a sensor 81 that irradiates light to the paper conveyed by the conveyance section and detects reflected light of the irradiated light, a detection section 5-7 that detects an output of the sensor 81, a change amount calculation section 5-8 that calculates a change amount of voltage based on the output of the sensor 81 detected by the detection section 5-7, and a determination section 5-9 that determines that a section (gap section G) between adjacent label sections P1 is detected based on the change amount of voltage calculated by the change amount calculation section 5-8. By being configured in this way, the printing system 1 is able to calculate the change amount of voltage based on the reflected light of the light irradiated to the paper and detect the section (gap section G) between adjacent label sections P1 based on the calculated change amount of voltage, and thus is able to reduce false detection of the section (gap section G) between the label sections P1 of the paper on which the label sections P1 are formed. As one of the reasons for false detection of the section (gap section G) between the label sections P1 of the paper, there can be cited false detection of the sensor due to paper shake. In order to reduce false detection of the sensor due to paper shake, there can be cited a method of making the sensor large. However, assuming that the printing system 1 is applied to a printer of a small size, it is difficult to make the sensor small. In the present embodiment, the section (gap section G) between adjacent label sections P1 is able to be detected based on the change amount of voltage, and thus false detection of the section (gap section G) between the label sections P1 of the paper is able to be reduced without making the sensor large. In addition, the change amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a difference between a voltage value of a prescribed point line and a voltage value of a preceding point line. By being configured in this way, the change amount of voltage is able to be calculated. An example of the prescribed point line is from 3 points to 7 points. In addition, the determination section 5-9 determines that detection of the section between adjacent label sections P1 is started during a period in which the change amount of voltage continues to be equal to or higher than a prescribed threshold value (rise voltage threshold value) based on a prescribed condition (continuous exceeding point line number threshold value NPrThr) being satisfied during the period. By being configured in this way, the rise of the change amount of voltage is able to be detected, and thus it is able to be determined that detection of the section between adjacent label sections P1 is started.

[0122] Further, the determination section 5-9 determines that the detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is ended during a period in which the amount of change in the voltage continues to be equal to or less than a prescribed threshold (drop voltage threshold) after determining that the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is detected, in a case in which a prescribed condition (continuous dot count minimum threshold NMinThr is not exceeded) is satisfied during the period. With this configuration, the drop in the amount of change in the voltage can be detected, and thus it can be determined that the detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is ended. In addition, the determination section 5-9 determines that the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is detected in a case in which the number of dots in which the paper is conveyed from when it is determined that the detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is started until when it is determined that the detection is ended is included in a prescribed range (count value minimum value NMinGap or more and less than a count value maximum value NMaxGap). With this configuration, it can be determined whether the gap portion G is detected based on the number of dots in which the paper is conveyed from when it is determined that the detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is started until when it is determined that the detection is ended and the prescribed range.

[0123] In addition, the determination section 5-9 determines that the paper is shaken in a case in which the number of dots in which the paper is conveyed from when it is determined that the detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is started until when it is determined that the detection is ended is not included in the prescribed range (count value minimum value NMinGap or more and less than a count value maximum value NMaxGap). With this configuration, it can be determined whether the shake portion is detected based on the number of dots in which the paper is conveyed from when it is determined that the detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is started until when it is determined that the detection is ended and the prescribed range. Figure 17 is a graph indicating an example of a sensor output. In Figure 17 , the horizontal axis is the distance [mm] from the recording paper P, and the vertical axis is the voltage [V]. In Figure 17 , the voltage calculated from the reflected light of the light irradiated on the impression plate, the voltage calculated from the reflected light of the light irradiated on the backing paper (release paper), and the voltage calculated from the reflected light of the light irradiated on the label portion P1 are shown. In addition, the range FR in which the label portion P1 is shaken is shown in Figure 17 . The voltage calculated from the reflected light of the light irradiated on the backing paper (release paper) corresponds to the voltage calculated from the reflected light of the light irradiated on the gap portion G. According to Figure 17As is apparent, the potential difference due to the sway of the label portion P1 is larger than the difference between the voltage corresponding to the label portion P1 and the voltage corresponding to the gap portion G. In the present embodiment, even in a case where the potential difference due to the sway of the label portion P1 is larger than the difference between the voltage corresponding to the label portion P1 and the voltage corresponding to the gap portion G, it is possible to determine whether or not the sway portion is detected. The size of the sensor capable of detecting paper sway is large. In the present embodiment, it is possible to adopt a small sensor, and it is possible to downsize the product. As a result, in a small printing system such as a line-type thermal printer, it is possible to detect the label portion P1 without increasing the size of the product. In addition, the determination portion 5-9, in a case where the amount of change in the voltage continues to be below the prescribed threshold value (drop voltage threshold value) after determining that the detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is started, and in a case where a prescribed condition (a drop is not detected even if the number of paper feed points is the paper feed point row number threshold value NNoPap) is satisfied, determines that there is no paper. By so configuring, it is possible to determine that the paper is out based on the number of points at which the paper is fed after determining that the detection of the portion between the adjacent label portions P1 is started and a prescribed condition.

[0124] [Embodiment Modification]

[0125] One example of the structure of the printing system 1a of the embodiment modification can be applied Figure 1 However, instead of the determination portion 5-9, the determination portion 5a-9 is provided. In the printing system 1a, the determination portion 5a-9 can apply the determination portion 5-9. However, the determination portion 5a-9 determines whether or not to invalidate the processing of detecting the gap portion G based on the voltage waveform acquired by the detection portion 5-7. Figure 18 is a view showing the operation of the printing system of the embodiment modification. Figure 18 The portion of the recording paper P on which the printing system 1a performs the determination of the gap portion G and the portion of the recording paper P on which the printing system 1a does not perform the determination of the gap portion G are shown. The printing system 1a performs the determination of the gap portion G on the portion assumed to be the gap portion G and does not perform the determination of the gap portion G on the portion assumed to be the label portion P1. In the printing system 1a, the determination portion 5a-9 determines whether or not the detection portion 5-7 detects the gap portion G. The determination portion 5a-9, in a case where it is determined that the detection portion 5-7 detects the gap portion G, determines whether or not the count value for detecting the gap portion G is the threshold value NGapEna or more of the count value for detecting the gap portion G. The determination portion 5a-9, in a case where the count value for detecting the gap portion G is the threshold value NGapEna or more of the count value for detecting the gap portion G, determines whether or not the detection portion 5-7 detects the label portion P1. The determination portion 5a-9, in a case where it is determined that the detection portion 5-7 detects the label portion P1, increments the count value indicating the length after the detection of the gap portion G. The determination portion 5a-9 determines whether or not to invalidate the processing of detecting the gap portion G based on the result of incrementing the count value indicating the length after the detection of the gap portion G.

[0126] Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the printing system according to the embodiment. Figure 19 The processing mainly indicates the processing performed by the printer device 8 of the printing system la to determine whether the gap portion G is detected.

[0127] (Step S1-4) In the printer device 8, the detection section 5-7 detects a voltage value output by the sensor 81 based on the reflected light of the light, and acquires a voltage waveform based on the detection result of the voltage value output by the sensor 81. The variation amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a variation amount of the voltage based on the voltage waveform acquired by the detection section 5-7. The determination section 5a-9 determines whether it is the initial gap determination based on the variation waveform acquired by the variation amount calculation section 5-8.

[0128] (Step S2-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 sets the paper feed point row number to zero and sets the rise detection flag to off in a case where it is determined that it is the initial gap determination.

[0129] (Step S3-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 performs the processing to restrict the determination of the gap portion G (hereinafter referred to as "gap determination restriction processing").

[0130] (Step S4-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the detection of the gap portion G is valid. In a case where it is determined that the detection of the gap portion G is not valid, the processing ends.

[0131] (Step S5-4) In the printer device 8, in a case where it is determined by the determination section 5a-7 that the detection of the gap portion G is valid, the variation amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a variation amount of the voltage based on the voltage waveform acquired by the detection section 5-7.

[0132] (Step S6-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 performs the rise detection processing described above. Figure 14

[0133] (Step S7-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the rise is detected.

[0134] (Step S8-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 sets the rise detection flag to on in a case where the rise is detected.

[0135] (Step S9-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the rise detection flag is on in a case where the rise is not detected or in a case where the rise detection flag is set to on. The processing ends in a case where the rise detection flag is not on.

[0136] ​(Step S10-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 increments the count of the paper feed point line number in a case where the rise detection flag is open.

[0137] (Step S11-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the paper feed point line number is equal to or greater than the paper feed point line number threshold NNoPapPoint.

[0138] (Step S12-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines that there is no paper in a case where the paper feed point line number is equal to or greater than the paper feed point line number threshold NNoPapPoint.

[0139] (Step S13-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 performs the fall detection processing described below in a case where the paper feed point line number is less than the paper feed point line number threshold NNoPapPoint. Figure 15

[0140] (Step S14-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether a fall is detected. In a case where a fall is not detected, the process ends.

[0141] (Step S15-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the count result of the paper feed point line number is equal to or greater than the count minimum value NMinGap and less than the count maximum value NMaxGap in a case where a fall is detected.

[0142] (Step S16-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines that it is noise in a case where it is determined that the count result of the paper feed point line number is not equal to or greater than the count minimum value NMinGap and less than the count maximum value NMaxGap. In other words, in this case, the determination section 5a-9 determines that a paper shake portion is detected.

[0143] (Step S17-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines that a gap portion G is detected in a case where it is determined that the count result of the paper feed point line number is equal to or greater than the count minimum value NMinGap and less than the count maximum value NMaxGap.

[0144] (Step S18-4) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 sets the paper feed point line number to zero and sets the rise detection flag to off.

[0145] Figure 20 is a flowchart of an action example 2 of a print system that represents a modification of the embodiment. Figure 20 mainly represents a gap determination restriction processing performed by the printer device 8 of the print system 1a.

[0146] ​(Step S1-5) In the printer device 8, the detection section 5-7 detects a voltage value outputted by the sensor 81 based on the detection result of the reflected light of the light, and acquires a voltage waveform based on the detection result of the voltage value outputted by the sensor 81. The variation amount calculation section 5-8 calculates a variation amount of the voltage from the voltage waveform acquired by the detection section 5-7. The determination section 5a-9 determines whether it is the determination of the initial gap section G based on the variation amount waveform acquired by the variation amount calculation section 5-8.

[0147] (Step S2-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 sets a count value indicating the length after the detection of the gap section G to zero, sets a count value indicating the length of the label section P1 to zero, and sets a count value indicating the length of the gap section G to zero.

[0148] (Step S3-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the count value for detecting the gap section G is the threshold value NGapEna or more of the count value for detecting the gap section G.

[0149] (Step S4-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the label section P1 is detected in a case where it is determined that the count value for detecting the gap section G is less than the threshold value NGapEna of the count value for detecting the gap section G.

[0150] (Step S5-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the gap section G is detected in a case where it is determined that the label section P1 is not detected.

[0151] (Step S6-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the state has changed compared with the previous line in a case where it is determined that the label section P1 is detected in Step S4-5 or in a case where it is determined that the gap section G is detected in Step S5-5.

[0152] (Step S7-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 increments the count value indicating the length of the label section P1 in a case where the state has not changed compared with the previous line.

[0153] (Step S8-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 stores the count value indicating the length of the gap section G in the storage section 5-2 in a case where the state has changed compared with the previous line.

[0154] (Step S9-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 sets the count value indicating the length of the label section P1 to zero, and sets the count value indicating the length of the gap section G to zero.

[0155] (Step S10-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines that the processing for detecting the gap section G is valid.

[0156] (Step Sll-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the label section Pl is detected in a case where the count value for detecting the gap section G is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value NGapEna of the count value for detecting the gap section G. In a case where the label section Pl is not detected, the process proceeds to Step S10-5.

[0157] (Step S12-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 increments the count value indicating the length after the gap section G is detected in a case where the label section Pl is detected.

[0158] (Step S13-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the count value indicating the length after the gap section G is detected is equal to or less than 80% of the label length. In a case where the count value indicating the length after the gap section G is detected is greater than 80% of the label length, the process proceeds to Step S10-5.

[0159] (Step S14-5) In the printer device 8, the determination section 5a-9 determines to invalidate the process of detecting the gap section G in a case where the count value indicating the length after the gap section G is detected is equal to or less than 80% of the label length.

[0160] The printing system la according to the modification example of the embodiment, in the printing system 1 described above, the determination section 5a-9 determines whether the detection section 5-7 detects the label section Pl based on the number of points at which the paper is transported after the section between the label sections Pl is detected, and determines whether to invalidate the process of detecting the section between the label sections Pl based on the determination result of whether the detection section 5-7 detects the label section Pl. By so configuring, in a case where the determination section 5a-9 determines that the detection section 5-7 detects the label section Pl, the process of detecting the section between the label sections Pl can be invalidated, and thus the power consumption can be reduced as compared with a case where the process of detecting the section between the label sections Pl is always performed. In addition, by limiting the range of the determination of the case where the gap section G is detected, the false detection due to the paper shake can be further reduced.

[0161] Further, the functions of the respective sections of the host terminal 2 and the printer device 8 according to the above-described embodiment as a whole or a part thereof can also be realized by recording a program for realizing the functions on a recording medium readable by a computer, and causing a computer system to read in and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Here, the "computer system" includes an OS and hardware such as a peripheral device.

[0162] Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a removable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, and the like, a storage portion in a computer system such as a hard disk built in the computer system. Also, the "computer-readable recording medium" can include a recording medium that dynamically retains a program for a short time such as a communication line when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a telephone line, and a recording medium that retains a program for a certain time such as a volatile memory in the internal of a computer system as a server or a client at that time. Also, the above program can be used to realize a part of the above-described functions, and can also realize the above-described functions by a combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0163] The above describes the mode for implementing the present application using the embodiments, but the present application is not at all limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be applied within the scope of the gist of the present application.

Claims

1. A printing system, characterized in that, This printing system has the following features: A transport control unit controls a transport unit that transports paper on a printing surface with labels formed at predetermined intervals. A sensor that irradiates light onto the paper conveyed by the conveyor and detects the reflected light of the irradiated light; The detection unit detects the output of the sensor; The change calculation unit calculates the voltage change based on the difference between the output of the sensor detected by the detection unit and the voltage value before a predetermined point. as well as The determination unit determines, based on the voltage change calculated by the change calculation unit, whether a portion between adjacent tag portions has been detected. The determination unit determines that the portion between adjacent label sections has been detected if the number of points of paper conveyed from the point where the detection of the portion between adjacent label sections has started to the point where the detection has ended is within a predetermined range.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, If the determination unit meets a predetermined condition during a period in which the change in voltage continuously exceeds a predetermined threshold, it determines that the detection of the portion between adjacent tag portions has begun during that period.

3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein, If, after determining that a portion between adjacent tag portions has been detected, the voltage change remains below a predetermined threshold for a period that meets a predetermined condition, then the determination unit determines that the detection of the portion between adjacent tag portions has ended during that period.

4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, If the number of points on the paper that have been fed from the point where the detection between adjacent label sections has begun to the point where the detection has ended does not fall within a specified range, the determination unit determines that the paper has shaken.

5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, If the determination unit determines that there is no paper after determining that the detection of the portion between adjacent label portions has begun, and the voltage change continues to be below a predetermined threshold for a period of time that meets the predetermined conditions, then the determination unit determines that there is no paper.

6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, After detecting the portion between the label portions, the determination unit determines whether the detection unit has detected the label portion based on the number of points the paper has been fed, and determines whether to invalidate the processing of detecting the portion between the label portions based on the determination result of whether the detection unit has detected the label portion.

7. A detection method, which is a detection method performed by a printing system, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: The conveying unit is controlled to convey paper on the printing surface in which labels are formed at predetermined intervals. The sensor illuminates the paper conveyed by the conveyor unit with light and detects the reflected light of the illuminated light; Detect the output of the sensor; Based on the output of the sensor detected in the step of the detection, the difference between the voltage value and the voltage value before the specified point is calculated, thereby calculating the change in voltage; as well as Based on the voltage change calculated in the step of calculating the voltage change, a determination is made as to whether a portion between adjacent tag portions has been detected. If the number of points of paper conveyed from the point where detection of the portion between adjacent label sections is determined to have started until detection is determined to have ended is within a specified range, then the portion between adjacent label sections is determined to have been detected.

8. A recording medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program causes the computer of the printing system to perform the following steps: The conveying unit is controlled to convey paper on the printing surface in which labels are formed at predetermined intervals. The sensor outputs light, which illuminates the paper being transported by the conveyor and detects the reflected light. Based on the output of the sensor detected in the step of the detection, the difference between the voltage value and the voltage value before the specified point is calculated, thereby calculating the change in voltage; as well as Based on the voltage change calculated in the step of calculating the voltage change, a determination is made as to whether a portion between adjacent tag portions has been detected. If the number of points of paper conveyed from the point where detection of the portion between adjacent label sections is determined to have started until detection is determined to have ended is within a specified range, then the portion between adjacent label sections is determined to have been detected.

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