Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device capable of conveying a label to perform printing without detecting a size error even when the label has a special shape.SOLUTION: A recording device for performing recording on the label with the label attached to a continuous sheet as a recording medium includes: detection means conveyed by conveyance means to detect the label before recording means performs recording; determination means for determining a label size in a conveyance direction on the basis of an output of the detection means; notification means for performing prescribed notification; and control means for comparing an image size in the conveyance direction included in record data with the label size determined by the determination means when recording is performed on the label, performing prescribed notification by the notification means and stopping the recording when the label size is larger than the image size, and performing control that does not perform the notification when the label size is equal to or smaller than the image size.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device for recording on a label. [Background technology]

[0002] When sequentially recording images on a number of labels attached at regular intervals to a long backing paper, it is necessary to detect the size of the labels being conveyed in order to identify the recording start position. A conventional configuration for detecting the label size uses a transmission sensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged to sandwich the conveyed recording medium, and detects the leading and trailing ends of the label based on the difference in the amount of transmitted light between the portion of only the backing paper and the portion of the backing paper with the labels attached thereto, and detects the lengths of the detected leading and trailing ends.

[0003] If the detected label size differs from the preset label size by a predetermined value or more, an error such as a paper jam or a size error is notified (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-41086 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above conventional example, the label size is detected by detecting the leading and trailing ends of a label having a typical rectangular shape, and is compared with a preset label size. Here, when the leading and trailing ends of a conveyed label are detected by a transmission sensor arranged at the center of the width of the label, if the label is rectangular, the leading and trailing ends of the label are detected at the same timing in the width direction of the label, so that the accurate label size can be detected. If the detected label size is smaller than the set label size, it is assumed that a label of a different size is attached to the data to be recorded, or that the label has not been detected correctly. Conversely, if the detected label size is larger than the set label size, it is assumed that a label of a different size is attached to the data to be recorded, or that a label transport jam has occurred. Therefore, when the detected label size differs from the set label size by a predetermined amount or more, it is determined to be an error and recording is stopped.

[0006] However, the labels used for printing are not limited to rectangular ones, and there are labels of various shapes. If the detected label length is longer than the preset label length, it is necessary to judge it as an error as in the conventional example, but even if the detected label length is shorter than the preset label length, there are times when recording should be performed as it is. For example, in the case of a label having a special shape such as a star shape, the leading edge and trailing edge of the label do not necessarily pass the position of the transmission sensor. In that case, the length of the label part detected by the transmission sensor does not match the preset length from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the label. However, since no abnormality such as a paper jam or a label size difference has actually occurred, recording can be performed. If it is judged as a size error in such a case, there is a problem that recording that should be performed may not be performed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems existing in the conventional technology, and has an object to provide a recording device that is capable of recording on labels having shapes other than rectangular. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A representative configuration of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is a recording device that records on labels affixed to a continuous sheet as a recording medium, and is characterized in that it comprises a conveying means for conveying the recording medium, a recording means for recording on the label on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means based on recording data transmitted from an outside, a detection means for detecting the label conveyed by the conveying means before recording by the recording means, a determination means for determining the label size in the conveying direction based on an output of the detection means, a notification means for issuing a predetermined notification, and a control means for controlling the device to compare, when recording on the label, an image size in the conveying direction included in the recording data with the label size determined by the determination means, and if the label size is larger than the image size, to issue a predetermined notification by the notification means and stop recording, and to not issue the notification if the label size is the same as or smaller than the image size. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to record on labels having shapes other than a rectangle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a recording apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a label sheet. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the recording apparatus. [Diagram 5] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the label detection sensor adjustment process, in which FIG. 10A shows a state before the sensor adjustment, FIG. 10B shows a state after the sensor adjustment is completed and a sensor waveform, and FIG. 10C shows a state after the sheet is conveyed backward after the adjustment. [Figure 6]5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the label length determination process, in which FIG. 5A shows a state before the label length determination process, and FIG. 5B shows a state after the label length determination and a sensor waveform. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a job operation for printing on a normal shaped label. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing sensor waveforms in sensor adjustment of a specially shaped label. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a state in which the leading edge of a label is detected during a special shaped label length determination process. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing a job operation for printing on a special shaped label. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Next, a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Overall configuration of the recording device> 1 is a perspective view showing a recording device of this embodiment. Recording device 100 comprises a device body 101 provided with an operation unit 102 consisting of an LCD and a touch panel, and a sheet holder 103 for loading a label sheet which is a long sheet with labels affixed thereto that is wound into a roll. The label sheet has a number of labels affixed at regular intervals to a long sheet which serves as a mount.

[0013] While conveying the label sheet by a conveying means, the recording device 100 prints image data received from a host computer 104 in accordance with the labels affixed to the label sheet. The recording device 100 and the host computer 104 are connected by a printer cable 105.

[0014] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of recording device 100. Recording device 100 is configured to transport label sheet 200 loaded in sheet holder 103 by transport unit 201. Label sheet 200 is transported by transport rollers 202 and pinch rollers 203 of transport unit 201, and transport belt 207, which serve as transport means. A fan 208 is provided inside transport unit 201, and transport unit 201 transports label sheet 200 while generating negative pressure with fan 208 to suck label sheet 200 onto transport belt 207.

[0015] The label sheet 200 used in this embodiment is a continuous sheet wound into a roll as shown in Fig. 3, with labels 200b, which are recording media, affixed at equal intervals to a long backing 200a. The recording device 100 transports the label sheet 200 and records on the labels 200b. Note that the recording medium may be any medium on which multiple image formation areas are arranged along the transport direction, and may be, for example, a long sheet on which image formation areas where images are to be formed are predetermined, in addition to the above-mentioned case where multiple labels are affixed to a backing.

[0016] 2, a print head 209 having a large number of nozzles that eject ink is held so as to face the surface of the transport belt 207 that transports the print medium. An ink tank (not shown) is connected to this print head 209. During printing, ink is ejected from the print head 209 in response to an image signal onto the label sheet 200 transported by the transport unit 201, thereby recording an image on the label 200b.

[0017] Located upstream of the recording head 209 in the transport direction of the label sheet 200 is a label detection sensor 210, which is a recording medium detection means capable of detecting the presence or absence of labels 200b affixed to the label sheet 200. In this embodiment, the label detection sensor 210 is a transmission sensor equipped with a light-emitting unit 211 and a light-receiving unit 212. The label detection sensor 210 emits light from the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and receives the light that has passed through the labels 200b on the label sheet 200 by the light-receiving unit 212. The light-receiving unit 212 outputs a signal according to the intensity of the received light.

[0018] The amount of light received by light receiving unit 212 varies depending on the difference in thickness between label 200b and backing paper 200a of label sheet 200. In other words, the light transmittance differs between label 200b and the non-label portion of backing paper 200a. Therefore, the difference in the amount of received light makes it possible to detect the boundary of the label portion on the backing paper, i.e., the edge of label 200b (the edge of the image forming area).

[0019] The recording device 100 detects the leading edge of the label 200b to be printed by the label detection sensor 210, and forms an image by ejecting ink onto the label according to print timing determined based on the moving distance from that point. Note that a transmissive sensor is used as the label detection sensor 210 according to this embodiment, but the sensor does not have to be a transmissive sensor as long as it can detect the edge of the label. For example, an ultrasonic sensor may be used.

[0020] Additionally, a sheet detection sensor 220 is provided upstream of the label detection sensor 210 in the sheet conveying direction to detect the presence or absence of a sheet and to detect whether a sheet is set. In this embodiment, the sheet detection sensor 220 is a reflective sensor consisting of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit located on one side of the label sheet 200 being conveyed, and light emitted from the light-emitting unit is reflected by the label sheet 200 or the conveyor belt 207 and received by the light-receiving unit. At this time, the label sheet 200 and the conveyor belt 207 have different reflectivities, so the sheet detection sensor 220 can detect the presence or absence of the label sheet 200 based on this difference in reflectivity.

[0021] When the sheet detection sensor 220 detects the label sheet 200, the leading edge of the label sheet 200 is at the sheet set position, and the control unit executes the sheet set operation described below and transports the label sheet 200 to the print standby position before image formation, which serves as an image formation standby position.

[0022] Note that sheet detection sensor 220 does not have to be a reflective sensor as long as it can detect the presence or absence of label sheet 200. For example, it may be a sensor in which a rotatable flag is placed on the transport path of label sheet 200, and when label sheet 200 comes into contact with the flag and rotates it, the sensor can turn a circuit on and off depending on the rotational movement.

[0023] <Control Unit> 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit that controls the operation of the recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The recording apparatus 100 performs a recording medium transport operation and a recording operation in response to a control signal from the control unit.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 , a ROM 302 , a RAM 303 , an image buffer memory 304 , a head driving circuit 305 , a motor driver 306 , an ASIC control circuit 307 , and a USB controller 308 .

[0025] A CPU 301 provided as a control unit 300 executes a control program stored in a ROM 302 by using a RAM 303 as a working area to control each component. The control unit 300 also uses the RAM 303 as a working area for various data processes and as a receiving buffer, and uses an image buffer memory 304 as an image development unit to store density data of each color component of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

[0026] Furthermore, the head drive circuit 305 is capable of driving the print head 209. The motor driver 306 is capable of driving various motors such as the conveyance motor 206 which controls the image forming operation and the cleaning operation to keep each print head in an optimal state for image formation. Furthermore, the ASIC control circuit 307 is capable of controlling various operations and sensors for detecting the label sheet 200, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 receives image data and the like sent from the host computer 104, and operates according to the various commands received. With the above control configuration, the above-mentioned label conveyance, printing, and other controls are executed.

[0028] As described above, in image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, a sheet setting operation is performed to set the sheet at a print standby position when label sheet 200 is inserted into the sheet setting position and the inserted sheet is detected by sheet detection sensor 220. In addition, when the sheet setting operation is performed, a sensor adjustment process is performed as a detection sensitivity adjustment to adjust the detection sensitivity of label detection sensor 210 depending on the conditions.

[0029] Then, image data and the like sent from the host computer 104 is received, and transport of the label sheet 200 begins in order to print the image data on the label sheet 200. Then, a label length determination process is executed to determine whether the label detection sensor 210 is correctly detecting the label length as the length of the image formation area in the transport direction.

[0030] <Label detection sensor adjustment process> The sensor adjustment process control performed by the control unit will now be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5(a) shows the label sheet 200 set at the sheet set position before the sensor adjustment process. The dashed line indicates the position of the label detection sensor 210 in the transport direction, and this is also true for Figures 5(b) and (c). Figure 5(b) shows the label sheet 200 transported a distance of transport amount X1 in the sensor adjustment process, and the waveform of the sensor output during sensor adjustment. Figure 5(c) shows the label sheet 200 transported to the print standby position after the sensor adjustment.

[0031] To start printing on the labels 200b, the label sheet 200 is conveyed and the detection level of the amount of light passing through the label sheet 200 by the label detection sensor 210 is compared with a preset threshold value (Vref in FIG. 5(b)). As described above, because the light transmittance differs between the label 200b portion and the unlabeled portion of the backing paper 200a, the conveying direction end of the label 200b is detected depending on whether the detection level is above or below the threshold value, and the print position of each label is determined based on the position of this end. In this way, images are printed on the labels 200b affixed to the backing paper 200a at regular intervals.

[0032] However, the detection level (detection sensitivity) of the label detection sensor 210 varies depending on the transmittance of the sheet used and individual differences in the sensor. For this reason, when the label sheet 200 is set, the detection level of the label detection sensor 210 is monitored and a sensor adjustment process is performed to automatically adjust the threshold value.

[0033] The sensor adjustment process according to this embodiment is performed by sampling the output of the sensor while changing the sensitivity of the light receiving section of the label detection sensor 210 in multiple stages as the label sheet 200 is conveyed. That is, when the sensor adjustment process is performed, the control section 300 adjusts the amount of light transmitted through the label 200b portion to the threshold value Vref while changing the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 211. Note that in this embodiment, the change in the amount of light emission is adjusted by changing the drive pulse duty of the LED of the light emitting section.

[0034] Specifically, before the sensor adjustment process is performed, as shown in Figure 5(a), the leading label 200b is located upstream of the label detection sensor 210. From this state, as the label sheet 200 is conveyed, label detection is performed in the first detection section A1 with a predetermined light intensity, as shown in Figure 5(b), and then label detection is performed by changing the light emission intensity in the next detection section A2. Similarly, label detection is performed while changing the light intensity in order for detection sections A3, A4, A5, and the sensor output at the light receiving section is sampled.

[0035] From the sampling results, an optimal sensitivity setting is calculated, for example, the sensitivity in Fig. 5(b) is calculated so that the target voltage of the label 200b portion is Vref. With that sensitivity setting, sampling is performed again in the detection section B. From the result, a threshold value is calculated that can correctly detect the boundary between the label 200b portion and the non-label portion of the backing paper 200a (i.e., the edge of the label 200b), and transport is stopped.

[0036] 5(c), in preparation for the next printing, the sheet is transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction during image formation, and the leading label 200b is placed in a print standby position upstream of the label detection sensor 210. In this way, when the next printing is performed, the sheet is transported again in the discharge destination direction, and the leading edge of the label is detected by the label detection sensor 210, making it possible to determine the print position.

[0037] <Label length determination process> After executing the sensor adjustment process as described above, printing on the label is performed while the length of the label in the transport direction is determined by a determination means in the control unit. Next, the control for detecting and determining the length of the label 200b will be described.

[0038] First, label length detection control when printing using label sheet 200 to which rectangular labels, which are a common label shape, are affixed will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] Figure 6(a) shows label sheet 200 set in the print standby position before the label length determination process. The dashed line indicates the position of label detection sensor 210 in the transport direction, and the same applies to Figure 6(b). Figure 6(b) shows label sheet 200 transported a distance of one label (transport amount X2) during the label length determination process, and the waveform of the sensor output during the label length determination process.

[0040] The label length determination process compares the information about the label sheet 200 included in the print job with the length of the label 200b detected by the label detection sensor 210 when the label sheet 200 is actually fed, to determine whether the label 200b has been detected correctly. That is, the print job includes job information about the length of the label 200b as information about the label sheet 200 for which the print job is to be executed. The label length (information label length) LX0 included in this job information is the length from the leading edge to the trailing edge in the feed direction of the label. The label length determination process then determines whether the difference between the length LX0 of the label 200b included in the job information and the actually detected length LX1 of the label 200b is within a predetermined range.

[0041] Before the label length determination process is performed, as shown in Figure 6(a), the leading label is located at the print standby position upstream of the label detection sensor 210, and the label sheet 200 is fed from here in the direction of the discharge destination. Next, as shown in Figure 6(b), the label sheet 200 is fed one label's worth (feed amount X2) while the label detection sensor 210 detects the boundary between the unlabeled portion of the backing paper 200a and the label 200b portion. At this time, the label detection sensor 210 detects both ends of the label 200b on the label sheet 200 in the feed direction. From the detection results, the label length (detected label length) LX1, which is the length of the label 200b in the feed direction, is determined.

[0042] That is, the control unit 300 causes the label detection sensor 210 to detect both ends of at least one label in the conveying direction while conveying the label sheet 200 from the sheet set position by at least one label.

[0043] Here, by comparing this detected label length LX1 with the information label length LX0, which is the label length information included in the print job, it is determined whether the label has been recognized correctly. If the difference between the detected label length LX1 and the information label length LX0 included in the print job is within a predetermined range (threshold), it is determined that the label has been recognized correctly, and if it is outside the predetermined range, it is determined that the label has not been recognized correctly.

[0044] As described above, the printing process is performed while executing the label length determination process. In this embodiment, however, when the detection label length LX1 and the information label length LX0 are different as described above, the printing process differs depending on whether the label shape is a normal shape or a special shape.

[0045] Here, a normal shaped label is a label in which the length from the front end to the rear end of the label 200b passing the position of the label detection sensor 210 matches the length from the front end to the rear end of the actual label, such as a rectangular label. On the other hand, a special shaped label is a label in which the length from the front end to the rear end of the label 200b passing the position of the label detection sensor 210 does not match the length from the front end to the rear end of the actual label, such as a star-shaped label.

[0046] The recording device of this embodiment has a normal label printing mode for controlling the recording operation when printing on the normal shaped labels, and a special label printing mode for controlling the recording operation when printing on the special shaped labels, and the mode is selected and switched from the operation unit 102, which serves as a mode setting means, in accordance with the label sheet 200 that the user sets when printing.

[0047] <Normal label printing mode> Next, the operational control when conveying and printing on a label having a normal shape will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0048] When the user selects normal label printing mode from operation unit 102 and starts a print job, transport motor 206 is driven to transport label sheet 200 (S601), and when label detection sensor 210 detects the leading edge of the label (S602: YES), the detection timing is stored (S603). Next, the rear edge of the label on label sheet 200 being transported is detected (S604: YES), and the detected label length LX1 is calculated from the difference from the leading edge detection timing stored in step S603 (S605).

[0049] As described above, the print job contains label length information, so the print job information label length LX0 is compared with the detected label length LX1 calculated in step S605 (S606). If the difference in label length is not greater than a predetermined value (threshold value) (S606: YES), this indicates that the label is correctly recognized with the current sensor adjustment value, so the print job continues and printing is performed on label 200b (S607).

[0050] On the other hand, if there is a difference of a predetermined value or more between the compared label lengths (S606: NO), it is assumed that the label has not been correctly recognized or that a label of a different size has been set, and the print job is stopped (S608). If the detected label length LX1 calculated in step S605 is shorter than the information label length LX0 by a predetermined value or more (S609: YES), the control unit 300 notifies the LCD of the operation unit 102 of information about a label size error (S610). If the detected label length LX1 calculated in step S605 is longer than the information label length LX0 of the print job by a predetermined value or more (S609: NO), the control unit 300 determines that the label sheet 200 is not being conveyed normally and notifies the LCD of the operation unit 102 of information about a label conveyance jam (S611).

[0051] As described above, if the difference between the detected label length LX1 and the information label length LX0 when the label length determination process is executed is outside a predetermined range, the control unit 300 notifies the host computer 104 of a label size error or label transport jam, and the host computer 104 displays this information, for example, on a display unit.

[0052] <Label length determination and printing process control for special labels> Next, control of the printing operation on a specially shaped label such as a star-shaped label will be described using the case of printing on a star-shaped label as an example.

[0053] FIG. 8 shows label sheet 200 transported a distance of transport amount X1 during sensor adjustment process control when printing on star-shaped labels, and the waveform of the sensor output during sensor adjustment.

[0054] The method of controlling the sensor adjustment process is the same as in the case of rectangular labels described above, and while the label sheet 200 is being conveyed, label detection is performed in the first detection section A1 with a specified light intensity, as shown in Figure 8, and then label detection is performed by changing the light emission intensity in the next detection section A2. Similarly, label detection is performed while changing the light intensity in order for detection sections A3, A4, A5, and the sensor output at the light receiving section is sampled, and the sensitivity is calculated so that the target voltage for label 200b is Vref, for example. Sampling is performed again in detection section B with this sensitivity setting, and a threshold value at which the edge of label 200b can be correctly detected is calculated from the result.

[0055] Next, a description will be given of a label length determination process for determining the length of a star-shaped label using the label detection sensor 210 that has been subjected to the sensor adjustment process as described above. It is assumed that the label detection sensor 210 is disposed in the center of the label width direction (direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction).

[0056] As shown in Fig. 9(a), a star-shaped label 200b in the print standby position is conveyed, and the label detection sensor 210 calculates the label length (detected label length) LX3 based on the timing from when it detects the leading edge of the label shown in Fig. 9(b) to when it detects the trailing edge of the label shown in Fig. 9(c). This detected label length LX3 is shorter than the information label length LX2 (the length from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the star shape) included in the print job. For this reason, when printing in the normal print mode described above, a label size error is detected even though the loaded label is not incorrect.

[0057] Therefore, in this embodiment, when printing an image on a label with a special shape, a special label printing mode is provided that continues the print job without detecting a label size error as a result of comparing the detected label length LX3 calculated in the label length determination process with the information label length LX2 included in the print job.

[0058] <Special label printing mode> Next, the operational control for conveying and printing on a specially shaped label will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0059] When the user selects the special label printing mode from operation unit 102 and starts a print job, transport motor 206 is driven to transport label sheet 200 (S621), and when label detection sensor 210 detects the leading edge of the label (S622: YES), the detection timing is stored (S623). Next, the rear edge of the label on label sheet 200 being transported is detected (S624: YES), and the detected label length LX3 is calculated from the difference from the leading edge detection timing stored in step S623 (S625).

[0060] Then, the information label length LX2 (see FIG. 9(c)) included in the print job is compared with the detected label length LX3 (see FIG. 9(c)) calculated in step S625 (S626). If there is no difference in the label length (S626: YES), this indicates that the label has been correctly recognized, so the print job is continued and printing is performed on label 200b (S627).

[0061] On the other hand, if there is a difference (threshold value) or more in the compared label lengths (S626: NO), or if the detected label length LX3 calculated in step S605 is longer than the information label length LX2 of the print job by a predetermined amount (S626: NO), then, as in the case of normal label mode, it is determined that the label sheet 200 is not being transported normally, and the control unit 300 causes the host computer 104 to stop the print job (S637), and reports information about a label transport jam, which the host computer 104 notifies the user of (S638).

[0062] However, if the label length is LX2≧LX3, printing processing continues as is. In the case of special labels such as star-shaped labels, as is clear from Fig. 9(c), the detected label length LX3 detected and calculated by the label detection sensor 210 is often shorter than the information label length LX2 included in the print job. Therefore, in this embodiment, when printing labels in the special label printing mode, if the detected label length LX3 is shorter than the information label length LX2 in step S626 (S626: YES), printing continues as is without stopping (S607).

[0063] This makes it possible to perform printing without falsely detecting a substantial label size error in the case of a specially shaped label and without unnecessary printing stops.

[0064] In this embodiment, the normal label printing mode and the special label printing mode are selected by switching from the operation unit 102 serving as a mode setting means, but the host computer 104 may be used for switching.

[0065] <Method for setting label size> In the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, in the case of the special label printing mode, the information label length LX2 included in the print job is compared with the detected label length LX3 detected and calculated by the bell detection sensor 210, and if LX2≧LX3, the printing process is continued as is (S626: YES).

[0066] However, a label size setting means capable of setting a label size for a special shape may be provided, and instead of immediately continuing printing when LX2≧LX3, if the answer is YES in step S626 of FIG. 10, the label length detected and calculated by the label detection sensor 210 may be compared with the label length set by the label size setting means, and whether to continue printing or stop printing may be determined based on the result.

[0067] Specifically, as a label size setting means, the label size of the special shaped label is input, for example, from the operation unit 102. The label length input here (set label length) is the length from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the label detected by the label detection sensor 210, and in the case of the star-shaped label described above, this is the label length LX3 shown in FIG.

[0068] 10, the detected label length detected by the label detection sensor 210 is compared with the set label length, and if the difference between the two is not greater than the specified amount, printing is performed. On the other hand, if the compared label lengths differ by more than the specified amount, the print job is stopped as the label has not been correctly recognized. If the detected label length is shorter than the set label length by more than the specified amount, information about a label size error is notified to the host computer 104. Conversely, if the detected label length is longer than the set label length by more than the specified amount, information about a label transport jam is notified to the host computer 104 as the label sheet 200 is not being transported normally, and the user is notified of this.

[0069] By comparing the label length detected and calculated by the label detection sensor 210 as described above with the label length input by the label size setting means, it is possible to more reliably detect errors in the label size and suppress printing errors.

[0070] In the above description, an example was given in which the user inputs and sets the set label length as the label size setting means, but it is also possible to set the set label length by detection by the label detection sensor 210. For example, when a print job is executed, the label size detected and calculated by the label detection sensor 210 is stored in memory, and the average value of the detected label lengths of several labels immediately before the label to be printed is calculated and this length is set as the set label length. Then, the set label length is compared with the detected label length calculated by detecting the label to be printed by the label detection sensor 210, and depending on the result, it is decided whether to continue printing or stop printing as described above.

[0071] In this manner, it is possible to set the set label length without requiring input from the user.

[0072] As described above, the recording apparatus of this embodiment makes it possible to perform recording on labels having shapes other than rectangular. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100 ... Recording device 101 ... device body 102...Operation unit 104 ... host computer 200 ... label sheets 200a … mount 200b …Label 202 ...Transport roller 207 ...Conveyor belt 209 ... Recording head 210 ... Label detection sensor 211 ... Light emitting unit 212 ... Light receiving unit 220 ... Sheet detection sensor 300 ... control unit

Claims

1. A recording device for recording on a label attached to a continuous sheet as a recording medium, comprising: A conveying means for conveying the recording medium; a recording means for recording on the label on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means based on recording data transmitted from an external device; a detection means for detecting the label conveyed by the conveying means before recording by the recording means; a determination means for determining a label size in the conveying direction based on an output of the detection means; A notification means for performing a predetermined notification; a control means for comparing an image size in the transport direction included in the recording data with the label size determined by the determination means when recording on the label, and for controlling the notifying means to give a predetermined notification and stop recording when the label size is larger than the image size, and for controlling not to give the notification when the label size is the same as or smaller than the image size; A recording device comprising:

2. a first mode in which the control by the control means is executed, and a second mode in which the control by the control means is not executed, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode setting unit for switching between the first mode and the second mode.

3. Further comprising a label size setting means for setting the label size, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs a predetermined notification by the notification means when the label size determined by the determination means is different from the label size set by the label size setting means.

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