Label printer system

Abstract

To prevent label peeling determination from becoming impossible.SOLUTION: A label printer system according to an embodiment includes: a printing mechanism; a peeling mechanism; a sensor; and a computer including a hardware processor and a memory. The printing mechanism prints on an opposite surface of an attachment surface of a label in a label paper to which the label is attached to a mount. The peeling mechanism peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the mount. The sensor detects the presence of the label peeled off by the peeling mechanism. When determining that the label has been peeled off from the mount based on an output value of the sensor, the hardware processor stores the output value of the sensor in the memory, and predicts the occurrence of a failure that the label peeling determination becomes impossible based on a degree of a time-series change in the output value of the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a label printer system.

Background Art

[0002] Among image forming devices placed in a workplace, there is a label printer. A label printer is an image forming device for printing barcodes or the like on an adhesive label or tag.

[0003] What makes a label printer different from an image forming device such as a conventional multi-functional machine is that it is provided with unique mechanisms such as a paper feeding mechanism for feeding label roll paper, a cutting mechanism for cutting label sheets, or in the case of peeling label paper, a peeling mechanism for peeling labels from a label backing sheet. Such label printers are used for various purposes, including not only retail but also printing transport labels to be attached to transported goods.

[0004] As printing methods for label printers, mainly thermal methods and thermal transfer methods are often adopted. The thermal method is a method of causing color development by applying heat to a thermal paper containing a special dye and reacting it. For applications that require a large amount of printing, label printing can be done at the lowest cost. On the other hand, since it is a method of causing color development by heat, it is weak against friction and can also cause discoloration by sunlight. Therefore, it is often used for applications where there is little need for long-term notation. In contrast, the thermal transfer method, unlike the thermal method, does not contain ink in the label, but is a mechanism that transfers ink onto the label material by heat through an ink ribbon that runs parallel to the label. With this thermal transfer method, it is possible to change the material of the label paper and to provide heat resistance, water resistance, etc. depending on the application.

[0005] Among the label printers used as described above, in the device that uses the above-described peel-off label paper, when the label is peeled off from the label backing paper by the peeling mechanism, it is configured to automatically feed the next label as follows. That is, the printed label is conveyed to a position where the label is partially peeled off from the label backing paper so that it can be easily peeled off. Corresponding to this position, a peeling sensor for detecting the presence of the label in a non-contact manner, for example, a reflective optical sensor, is arranged. When the label is peeled off, the amount of light entering this optical sensor increases, so it can be recognized that "the label has been peeled off". A threshold value is provided for the amount of light entering this optical sensor, and when the amount of light equal to or greater than the threshold value enters, the peeling of the label is detected and the next printing starts.

[0006] However, the label backing paper after label peeling may become over-conveyed due to some defect and sag. When the label backing paper sags in this way, the sagging part of the label backing paper may enter between the peeled label and the optical sensor. As a result, even if the label is peeled off, the amount of light reaching the optical sensor becomes insufficient, and it becomes impossible to determine whether the label has been peeled off.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a label printer system that can prevent the inability to determine label peeling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In one embodiment, a label printer, and a label printer system, include a printing mechanism, a peeling mechanism, a sensor, and a computer including a hardware processor and a memory. The printing mechanism performs printing on the opposite surface of the sticking surface of a label on label paper with the label stuck to a backing sheet. The peeling mechanism peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the backing sheet. The sensor detects the presence of the label peeled by the peeling mechanism. When the hardware processor determines that the label has been peeled from the backing sheet based on the output value of the sensor, the hardware processor stores the output value of the sensor in the memory, and predicts the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to determine label peeling based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the sensor stored in the memory.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the label printer system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scales of the respective parts in the drawings used in the following description of the embodiment may be changed as appropriate. Also, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiment may show the configuration with some components omitted for easier understanding of the description.

[0012] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a label printer 100 as a label printer system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main part of the label printer 100.

[0013] The label printer 100 is placed at a workplace. The label printer 100 includes a label conveyance unit 101, a ribbon conveyance unit 102, and a printing unit 103. The label conveyance unit 101 conveys the label paper 105 via a conveyance path 104. The ribbon conveyance unit 102 conveys the ink ribbon 106 on top of the label paper 105. The printing unit 103 prints on the label 107 of the label paper 105 via the ink ribbon 106. The label printer 100 has a frame (or housing), not shown, in which the respective components of the label conveyance unit 101, the ribbon conveyance unit 102, and the printing unit 103 are attached in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0014] The label paper 105 is formed by attaching a plurality of rectangular labels 107 at equal intervals with a gap of about 1 to 3 mm between them on one side of a long strip-shaped backing paper 108. That is, the label paper is provided as a label roll paper in which a plurality of labels 107 are arranged and attached to the strip-shaped backing paper 108 in the extending direction of the backing paper 108. The label 107 has a certain length along the extending direction of the backing paper 108, that is, the longitudinal direction. The label 107 has an adhesive layer on the adhesive surface with the backing paper 108 so as to be peelable from the backing paper 108 and attachable to other articles.

[0015] The label 107 has a printed area and a non-printed area along the conveyance direction of the label paper 105. Images, characters, etc. are printed in the printed area. No images, characters, etc. are printed in the non-printed area. For example, when printing a two-dimensional barcode on the label 107, a rectangular area having the same length as the length of the two-dimensional barcode along the conveyance direction becomes one of the printed areas. Also, when printing characters in addition to the two-dimensional barcode, a rectangular area having a predetermined length along the conveyance direction of the label 107 on which these characters are printed becomes one of the printed areas. If there is an area with a predetermined length where nothing is printed between the printed area with the two-dimensional barcode printed and the printed area with the characters printed along the conveyance direction, this area becomes one of the non-printed areas. Naturally, the gap between two adjacent labels 107 also becomes one of the non-printed areas. The printed area and the non-printed area of the label 107 are determined based on the data printed on the label 107, exist alternately along the conveyance direction, and their dimensions and layouts also vary depending on the print data.

[0016] The label conveyance unit 101 has a delivery roller 109 to which a label paper 105 provided as a label roll paper is detachably attached. The label conveyance unit 101 includes a capstan roller 110 on the lower surface side of the conveyance path 104 shown in the figure between the delivery roller 109 and the printing unit 103, that is, on the back surface side of the backing paper 108 of the label paper 105 conveyed through the conveyance path 104. At a position facing the capstan roller 110 with the conveyance path 104 interposed therebetween, that is, on the label 107 side, there is a pinch roller 111. The pinch roller 111 is pressed against the capstan roller 110 with the label paper 105 sandwiched therebetween by a spring or the like (not shown). The capstan roller 110 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 and pulls out the label paper 105 sandwiched between it and the pinch roller 111 from the delivery roller 109.

[0017] In addition, the label conveyance unit 101 has two rollers 112 around which the label paper 105 is looped between the delivery roller 109 and the capstan roller 110. These rollers 112 rotate idly following the label paper 105 being conveyed.

[0018] The plurality of rollers 109 to 112 of the label conveyance unit 101 each have a rotation axis (not shown) extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. The frame of the label printer 100 rotatably supports both ends of the rotation axes of these plurality of rollers 109 to 112. Further, the frame of the label printer 100 supports a conveyance motor 135 (FIG. 3) described later.

[0019] Furthermore, the label conveyance unit 101 cooperates with a platen roller 113 of the printing unit 103 described later to convey the label paper 105 through the conveyance path 104. The conveyance path 104 passes between a thermal head 114 and the platen roller 113 of the printing unit 103 described later. The platen roller 113 of the printing unit 103 can apply a conveyance force to the label paper 105. The label conveyance unit 101 conveys the label paper 105 with the surface of the backing paper 108 to which the label 107 is attached facing the thermal head 114 of the printing unit 103.

[0020] The label conveying unit 101 includes a peeling guide 115 for peeling the label 107 from the backing sheet 108 at a position spaced apart from the right side (as shown in the figure) of the platen roller 113 of the printing unit 103. The peeling guide 115 is in sliding contact with the surface of the label paper 105 opposite to the label sticking surface drawn out by the capstan roller 110, and folds the label paper 105 back approximately 180° in the reverse direction (left direction as shown in the figure). The peeling guide 115 peels the label 107 from the backing sheet 108 by means of the waist of the label 107 that does not try to bend together with the backing sheet 108.

[0021] The label conveying unit 101 includes a pinch roller 116 for conveying the backing sheet 108 after the label 107 has been peeled off. The pinch roller 116 is positioned facing the platen roller 113 with the backing sheet 108 sandwiched therebetween. The pinch roller 116 is pressed against the platen roller 113 by sandwiching the backing sheet 108 with a spring or the like (not shown). The platen roller 113 rotates by sandwiching and pressing the backing sheet 108 after the label 107 has been peeled off between itself and the pinch roller 116, thereby applying a conveying force to the backing sheet 108. That is, the platen roller 113 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, and conveys the backing sheet 108 folded back by the peeling guide 115 sandwiched between itself and the pinch roller 116 in a direction away from the peeling guide 115.

[0022] The label printer 100 has a peeling sensor 117 for detecting the label 107 peeled off from the backing sheet 108 in a non-contact manner. The peeling sensor 117 is, for example, a reflection type optical sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part. The peeling sensor 117 is positioned such that the light emitted from the light emitting part is reflected by the adhesive surface of the peeled label 107 and then enters the light receiving part. The peeling sensor 117 measures the intensity of the light reflected by the adhesive surface of the peeled label 107 and outputs a voltage output value indicating the measured light intensity. It should be noted that the peeling sensor 117 is not limited to an optical sensor, and of course, it may be a non-contact sensor of many other types such as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0023] The ribbon conveyance unit 102 includes a feed roller 118 around which a long ink ribbon 106 is wound in a roll shape, and a take-up roller 119 that winds up the used ink ribbon 106 that has passed through the printing unit 103 in a roll shape. The ink ribbon 106 between the feed roller 118 and the take-up roller 119 passes between the thermal head 114 and the platen roller 113 so as to sequentially overlap a plurality of labels 107 of the label paper 105 that is conveyed through the conveyance path 104 passing through the printing unit 103. The label paper 105 and the ink ribbon 106 are conveyed in the same direction at the same conveyance speed and pass through the printing unit 103. In addition, the ribbon conveyance unit 102 includes two rollers 120 around which the ink ribbon 106 is looped, and a conveyance roller 121 that applies a conveyance force to the ink ribbon 106.

[0024] The plurality of rollers 118 to 121 of the ribbon conveyance unit 102 have a rotation axis (not shown) extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. A frame (not shown) of the label printer 100 rotatably supports both ends of the rotation axes of these plurality of rollers 118 to 121. The ribbon conveyance unit 102 is provided with a torque limiter (not shown) between the feed roller 118, the take-up roller 119, and the conveyance roller 121 and a ribbon motor 136 (FIG. 3) described later. Further, the frame of the label printer 100 supports the ribbon motor 136.

[0025] The printing unit 103 includes a thermal head 114 and a platen roller 113. The printing unit 103 includes the thermal head 114 at a position on the back surface side of the ink ribbon 106, that is, between the ink ribbon 106 and the platen roller 113. The platen roller 113 is positioned facing the thermal head 114 with the overlapping label paper 105 and ink ribbon 106 sandwiched therebetween.

[0026] The thermal head 114 includes a plurality of heating elements (not shown) arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. In a state where the thermal head 114 has moved to the printing position described later, the plurality of heating elements are brought into contact with the back surface of the ink ribbon 106, and the ink ribbon 106 and the label paper 105 are sandwiched between the platen roller 113. The platen roller 113 rotates while sandwiching the label paper 105 with the thermal head 114 to apply a conveying force to the label paper 105. The printing unit 103 presses the ink ribbon 106 against the label paper 105 by the thermal head 114, heats the ink ribbon 106 by the plurality of heating elements, and prints on the printing area of the label 107 of the label paper 105.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of the label printer 100. The label printer 100 includes a peeling sensor 117, a processor 122, a main memory 123, a storage device 124, a display control unit 125, a communication unit 126, an operation unit 127, an image generation unit 128, a motor control unit 129, a motor control unit 130, a head drive unit 131, and a bus line 132. The bus line 132 communicably connects the processor 122, the main memory 123, the storage device 124, the display control unit 125, the communication unit 126, the operation unit 127, the image generation unit 128, the motor control unit 129, the motor control unit 130, the head drive unit 131, and the peeling sensor 117. The bus line 132 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The bus line 132 connects the processor 122 to each of the other units directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The connection of the processor 122 and the main memory 123 by the bus line 132 constitutes the computer of the label printer 100.

[0028] The processor 122 is a hardware processor corresponding to the central part of the above computer. The processor 122 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the label printer 100 according to an operating system or a control program. The processor 122 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 122 may be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 122 may be a combination of a plurality of these.

[0029] The main memory 123 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 123 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 123 stores an operating system or a control program in the non-volatile memory area. Also, the main memory 123 stores data necessary for the processor 122 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 123 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 122. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). Also, the volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0030] The memory device 124 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the memory device 124. The memory device 124 stores data used when the processor 122 performs various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 122, etc. For example, the memory device 124 has a history storage part 133 and a threshold value storage part 134. Note that the memory device 124 may store the above control program.

[0031] The history storage part 133 functions as a memory for storing the output value of the peeling sensor 117. As will be described later, when the processor 122 determines that the printed label 107 has peeled from the backing sheet 108 based on the output value of the peeling sensor 117, the history storage part 133 stores the output value of the peeling sensor 117 that is the basis for that determination. The history storage part 133 stores the output values of the peeling sensor 117 at the time of peeling determination of each label 107 in time series. However, in order to save the storage capacity, in this embodiment, the history storage part 133 does not store all the output values, but stores them discretely.

[0032] The threshold value storage part 134 stores a peeling determination threshold value, which is the threshold value for determining the peeling of the label 107 by the peeling sensor 117, and a slope threshold value for predicting the occurrence of a failure that makes the peeling determination impossible. These threshold values will be described later.

[0033] The display control part 125 controls a display part provided on a control panel (not shown) of the label printer 100.

[0034] The communication part 126 communicates with an externally provided host computer, a user terminal, etc.

[0035] The operation part 127 is, for example, provided on the control panel and includes various input keys etc. for an operator to manually input data.

[0036] The image generation unit 128 draws the print data to be printed on the label 107 such as a two-dimensional barcode or characters in a buffer. The communication unit 126 acquires information on this print data as, for example, a print command from a host computer, a user terminal, or the like.

[0037] The motor control unit 129 controls a conveyance motor 135 that rotationally drives the capstan roller 110 and the platen roller 113 of the label conveyance unit 101. The conveyance motor 135 is a stepping motor. The conveyance motor 135 applies a driving force to the rotation shafts of the two rollers 110 and 113 via a belt and a pulley (not shown). That is, the conveyance motor 135 rotates the two rollers 110 and 113 synchronously.

[0038] The motor control unit 130 controls a ribbon motor 136 that rotationally drives the delivery roller 118, the take-up roller 119, and the conveyance roller 121.

[0039] The head drive unit 131 controls the heat generation state of the heat generating elements of the thermal head 114.

[0040] Next, an operation example of the label printer 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the label printer 100 performs printing on the label 107 of the label paper 105 with the thermal head 114, and peels off the printed label 107 from the backing paper 108 with the peeling guide 115. Then, by detecting this peeled label 107 with the peeling sensor 117, printing on the next label 107 of the label paper 105 is executed. When printing on this next label 107, as shown in FIG. 2, at the timing when the printed label 107 is detected by the peeling sensor 117, at least a part of the label 107 to be printed has advanced beyond the printing position by the thermal head 114. Therefore, the label printer 100 applies a driving force in the reverse direction to the rotation shafts of the two rollers 110 and 113 with the conveyance motor 135, rewinds the label paper 105 until the label 107 to be printed reaches the initial position for starting printing, and then starts printing.

[0041] As described above, after the printed label 107 is peeled off, the backing sheet 108 is sandwiched between the platen roller 113 and the pinch roller 116 and conveyed by the rotation of the platen roller 113. A part of the adhesive that constitutes the adhesive layer on the adhesive surface of the label 107 remains on the portion of the backing sheet 108 from which the label 107 has been peeled off. Since the pinch roller 116 is pressed against the platen roller 113 with the backing sheet 108 sandwiched therebetween, the adhesive remaining on the backing sheet 108 also adheres to the pinch roller 116. Due to the influence of the adhesive adhering to the pinch roller 116, the frictional force of the pinch roller 116 increases. Therefore, when the label paper 105 is rewound, only the backing sheet 108 is rewound more than necessary. However, since this amount is minute, it does not affect the printing on the label 107.

[0042] As the number of printed sheets increases, the amount of unnecessary rewinding of the backing sheet 108 accumulates. Moreover, as the number of printed sheets increases, the amount of adhesive adhering to the pinch roller 116 also increases, so the amount of unnecessary rewinding gradually increases. Due to the increasing amount of rewinding, the pulled-back backing sheet 108 deflects between the pinch roller 116 and the peeling guide 115 and remains in the space between the pinch roller 116 and the peeling guide 115. When printing is completed for all the labels 107 prepared on the label paper 105, the label paper 105 becomes only the backing sheet 108 and is replaced with a new label paper 105 provided as a label roll paper. In this way, the deflected backing sheet 108 is removed from the label printer 100 before it affects the operation of the label printer 100.

[0043] However, even if the label paper 105 is replaced, the adhesive attached to the pinch roller 116 remains as it is. Therefore, as the number of printed sheets increases, the amount of adhesive attached to the pinch roller 116 gradually increases. Thus, when printing the same number of labels 107, the amount of deflection of the backing paper 108 becomes larger as the number of replacements of the label paper 105 increases, compared to the amount of deflection when the number of replacements is small. As the amount of deflection of the deflected backing paper 108 increases, the deflected portion enters between the peeling sensor 117 and the printed label 107, that is, it enters the detection area of the peeling sensor 117, affecting the output value of the peeling sensor 117. When this amount of intrusion exceeds a certain amount, the peeling determination of the label 107 by the peeling sensor 117 becomes impossible.

[0044] When such a failure where peeling determination is impossible occurs, the operator has no choice but to use a recovery method other than the mechanism, such as re-stretching the backing paper 108. However, even if it temporarily recovers by this method, the adhesive attached to the pinch roller 116 remains as it is, so this failure will repeat, and ultimately, it will be necessary to contact a serviceman and request repair.

[0045] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is intended to prevent a failure where peeling determination becomes impossible due to the deflected portion of the backing paper 108 entering the detection area of the peeling sensor 117.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the failure prediction process of the label printer 100. The processor 122 executes this failure prediction process in parallel with the processes related to normal printing. Note that the content of the process shown in FIG. 4 and described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining the same result can be appropriately used.

[0047] When the power is turned on by the ON operation of a power switch (not shown), the processor 122 starts the control program stored in the main memory 123 and executes the processing operations shown in this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of the processor 122 shall transition from ACTn (n is a natural number) to ACT(n + 1).

[0048] First, in ACT101, the processor 122 determines whether or not it is determined that the label 107 has been peeled off in the peeling determination of the printed label 107 based on the output value of the peeling sensor 117 in the process related to normal printing being executed in parallel.

[0049] Based on the determination that the peeling has not been determined (ACT101, NO), in ACT102, the processor 122 determines whether or not the label roll paper, which is the label paper 105, has been replaced. For example, the processor 122 can make this determination based on the detection of the attachment of the label roll paper to the delivery roller 109 by a mechanical switch (not shown) or the replacement notification indicated by a predetermined operation of an operation unit 127 on a control panel (not shown) by the operator. Also, if only the label paper 105 with a fixed number of labels 107 is used as the label roll paper, or if the number of the label papers 105 and labels 107 attached by a predetermined operation of the operation unit 127 by the operator is set, the processor 122 can make this determination based on the number of printed labels 107.

[0050] Based on the determination that the label roll paper has not been replaced (ACT102, NO), the processor 122 transitions to the processing operation of ACT101 above. In this way, the processor 122 waits for the peeling determination or the replacement of the label roll paper.

[0051] Based on the determination that peeling has been determined (ACT101, YES), in ACT103, the processor 122 determines whether to store the output value of the peeling sensor 117. As described above, in order to save the storage capacity of the history storage unit 133, in this embodiment, not all output values of the peeling sensor 117 are stored, but are stored discretely. For example, if it is stored every certain number of printed sheets of the label 107 or every certain operating time of the thermal head 114, the processor 122 makes this determination by determining whether it is that timing. Based on the determination that the output value of the peeling sensor 117 is not stored (ACT103, NO), the processor 122 proceeds to the processing operation of the above ACT101.

[0052] Based on the determination that the output value of the peeling sensor 117 is to be stored (ACT103, YES), in ACT104, the processor 122 stores the output value of the peeling sensor 117 in the history storage unit 133. Since the history storage unit 133 is provided in the storage device 124, the stored content is retained even when the power is turned off by operating the power switch of the label printer 100 to OFF.

[0053] In ACT105, the processor 122 calculates an approximation formula indicating the change in the output value of the peeling sensor 117 stored in the history storage unit 133 over time.

[0054] In ACT106, the processor 122 determines whether the slope of the approximation formula calculated in ACT105 has reached the slope threshold value stored as a threshold value in the threshold storage unit 134. Based on the determination that the calculated slope of the approximation formula has not reached the slope threshold value (ACT106, NO), the processor 122 proceeds to the processing operation of the above ACT101.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship among the number of printed labels, the output value of the peeling sensor 117, and the inclination threshold value. In FIG. 5, the straight lines AF1, AF2, AF3, …, AFn-1, AFn represent the approximate expressions of the first, second, third, …, n-1th, and nth label roll papers. Note that in FIG. 5, for the sake of simplicity of illustration, it is assumed that the approximate expression is calculated as a linear expression. In reality, it may not be a linear expression. As the number of printed labels 107 progresses, the deflection of the backing sheet 108 after the label 107 is peeled increases, and the output value of the peeling sensor 117 decreases from the specified voltage value. When the label roll paper is replaced, the output value of the peeling sensor 117 returns to the specified voltage value. When the printed label 107 is not peeled from the backing sheet 108, the peeling sensor 117 outputs an output value based on the reflected light from the backing sheet 108 instead of the adhesive surface of the label 107. The output value when this backing sheet 108 is detected, or a voltage value with a certain margin therefrom, is stored in the threshold value storage unit 134 as the peeling determination threshold value TH. The inclination threshold value ST is the inclination of the approximate expression predicted to make the peeling determination impossible due to the deflection of the backing sheet 108 when printing continues on the label 107 as it is. Specifically, the inclination threshold value ST is not limited thereto, but for example, as shown in FIG. 5, it can be set as an approximate expression that becomes the peeling determination threshold value TH at the specified number of sheets.

[0056] Based on the determination that the label roll paper has been replaced (ACT102, YES), the processor 122 clears the time-series output values of the peeling sensor 117 stored in the history storage unit 133 in ACT107. That is, the processor 122 erases the stored content of the history storage unit 133. As a result, instead of the approximate expression before the replacement of the label roll paper, the approximate expression for the replaced label roll paper is used for the determination of impossible peeling determination. Thereafter, the processor 122 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT101.

[0057] Based on the determination that the slope of the calculated approximate formula has reached the slope threshold value (ACT106, YES), the processor 122 outputs a failure prediction warning in ACT108. After that, the processor 122 proceeds to the processing operation of the above ACT101. The processor 122 can display this failure prediction warning as a warning message on the display unit of a control panel (not shown) by, for example, the display control unit 125. Also, the processor 122 can transmit this failure prediction warning as error information to a host computer, a user terminal, etc. by, for example, the communication unit 126. An operator who has confirmed this failure prediction warning can contact a service technician and request a repair. In this case, since an actual failure has not yet occurred, the use of the label printer 100 can be continued until the arranged service technician arrives and until an actual failure occurs.

[0058] As described above, the label printer 100 that constitutes the label printer system according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit 103 as a printing mechanism that performs printing on the opposite surface of the sticking surface of the label 107 on the label paper 105 with the label 107 stuck to the backing sheet 108, a peeling guide 115 as a peeling mechanism that peels the label 107 after printing by the printing unit 103 from the backing sheet 108, a peeling sensor 117 as a sensor that detects the presence of the label 107 peeled by the peeling guide 115, and a computer including a processor 122 as a hardware processor and a history storage unit 133 as a memory. Then, when the processor 122 determines that the label 107 has been peeled from the backing sheet 108 based on the output value of the peeling sensor 117, the processor 122 stores the output value of the peeling sensor 117 in the history storage unit 133, and based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the peeling sensor 117 stored in the history storage unit 133, predicts the occurrence of a failure in which the peeling determination of the label 107 becomes impossible. In this way, by utilizing the degree of the temporal change in the output value of the peeling sensor 117 when it is determined that the label 107 has been peeled from the backing sheet 108, it is possible to predict the occurrence of a failure that renders the peeling determination of the label 107 impossible. According to this prediction result, the operator of the label printer 100 can request repair from a service technician or the like before the peeling determination of the label actually becomes impossible. Therefore, according to the label printer system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the peeling determination of the label from becoming impossible.

[0059] Note that the failure that renders the peeling determination of the label 107 impossible occurs when the backing sheet 108 after the label 107 has been peeled enters between the peeled label 107 and the peeling sensor 117 and affects the output value of the peeling sensor 117. In this way, according to the label printer system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the peeling determination of the label from becoming impossible due to the backing sheet 108 after the label 107 has been peeled being deflected and affecting the output value of the peeling sensor 117.

[0060] Here, when the degree of change in the temporal output value of the peeling sensor 117 reaches a threshold value, the processor 122 predicts that a failure has occurred. In this way, by a simple process of comparing with a threshold value, it is possible to easily predict the occurrence of a failure.

[0061] Specifically, the processor 122 calculates an approximation formula based on the temporal output value of the peeling sensor 117, and predicts that a failure has occurred when the slope of this approximation formula reaches a slope threshold value as a threshold value. In this way, by formulating the degree of change in the temporal output value of the peeling sensor 117 as an approximation formula, it becomes easier to compare with the slope threshold value.

[0062] The label paper 105 is a label roll paper in which a plurality of labels 107 are arranged and attached to a strip-shaped backing sheet 108 in the extending direction of the backing sheet 108. Each time the label roll paper is replaced, the processor 122 resets the stored content of the history storage unit 133. In this way, in response to the replacement of the label roll paper, by discarding the time-series output values of the peeling sensor 117 before replacement, the occurrence of a failure based on the time-series output values of the peeling sensor 117 for each label roll paper is predicted. Therefore, accurate prediction becomes possible.

[0063] Here, the processor 122 resets the stored content of the history storage unit 133 every time the number of labels 107 on the label roll paper is printed. In this way, by checking the number of printed sheets, it is possible to easily determine the replacement of the label roll paper.

[0064] Note that the processor 122 stores the output value of the peeling sensor 117 in the history storage unit 133 every time a certain number of labels 107 are printed in the printing unit 103. Therefore, the storage capacity of the history storage unit 133 can be saved, and an increase in the cost of the label printer can be prevented.

[0065] Alternatively, the processor 122 stores the output value of the peeling sensor 117 in the history storage unit 133 every time the printing unit 103 operates for a certain period of time.

[0066] Therefore, the storage capacity of the history storage unit 133 can be saved, and an increase in the cost of the label printer can be prevented.

[0067] Further, the label printer 100 further includes an output device, more specifically, a display unit controlled by the display control unit 125 as a display device or a communication unit 126 as a transmission device. When the processor 122 predicts that the failure will occur, the processor 122 outputs a failure prediction warning by the display unit or transmits a failure prediction warning to a predetermined notification destination, such as a host computer or a user terminal, via the network NW. Therefore, the operator of the label printer 100 can check the predicted failure warning displayed on the display unit, or the operator of the host computer or the user of the user terminal can check the predicted failure warning transmitted from the label printer 100. The operator or user who has checked this predicted failure warning can request repair to the service technician or the like before a failure actually occurs in the label printer 100 that makes it impossible to determine label peeling.

[0068] [Second Embodiment] Next, a label printer system according to the second embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration and operation similar to those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a label printer system according to the second embodiment. The label printer system includes a label printer 100 and a server device 200 that communicates with the label printer 100 via a network NW. The server device 200 may be operated by, for example, a service company that performs maintenance and inspection of the label printer 100. In this case, the network NW can be a public network such as the Internet. Also, the server device 200 may be an in-house server operated by a management department within the company. In this case, the network NW can be an in-house LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the network NW may include both a public network and an in-house LAN.

[0070] The network NW may further be connected to a user terminal 300 and a service technician terminal 400. The user terminal 300 is a personal computer or the like that transmits print data to be printed on the label 107 to the label printer 100 via the network NW. The service technician terminal 400 is a smartphone or the like operated by a service technician in charge of maintenance and inspection of the label printer 100.

[0071] Note that in FIG. 6, only one label printer 100, user terminal 300, and service technician terminal 400 are shown, but any number of each can be included.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 200 included in the label printer system. The server device 200 includes a processor 201, a main memory 202, a storage device 203, a communication unit 204, and a bus line 205. The bus line 205 communicatively connects the processor 201, the main memory 202, the storage device 203, and the communication unit 204. The bus line 205 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The bus line 205 connects the processor 201 to the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween. The connection of the processor 201 and the main memory 202 by the bus line 205 constitutes the computer of the server device 200.

[0073] The processor 201 is a hardware processor corresponding to the central part of the above computer. The processor 201 controls each part to realize various functions as the label printer 100 according to an operating system or a control program. The processor 201 may be, for example, a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. Alternatively, the processor 201 may be a combination of a plurality of these.

[0074] The main memory 202 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 202 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 202 stores an operating system or a control program in the non-volatile memory area. Also, the main memory 202 stores data necessary for the processor 201 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 202 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be appropriately rewritten by the processor 201. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. Also, the volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0075] The storage device 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD, etc. can be the storage device 203. The storage device 203 stores data used by the processor 201 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 201, and the like. For example, the storage device 203 has a device information storage unit 206, a service technician information storage unit 207, and a detection history storage unit 208. Note that the storage device 203 may store the above control program.

[0076] The communication unit 204 communicates with the label printer 100, the user terminal 300, and the service technician terminal 400 via the network NW.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the storage content of the device information storage unit 206 provided in the storage device 203 of the server device 200. The device information storage unit 206 stores information about each of the plurality of label printers 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, notification destination information, device status, service responsible ID, and inclination threshold are stored in association with the device ID. The order of the information stored in association with the device ID is not limited to this, and other information may be included.

[0078] The device ID is identification information such as a device number for specifying each label printer 100.

[0079] The notification destination information is the IP address and / or e-mail address of the label printer 100 and / or the user terminal 300 that should be notified when a failure that makes it impossible to determine peeling is predicted in the label printer 100 indicated by the device ID.

[0080] The device status is information indicating various statuses in the label printer 100 indicated by the device ID, such as whether a failure has occurred, whether it is operable, and whether a repair request has been made to a service technician.

[0081] The service technician ID is identification information indicating a service technician who can be assigned to the label printer 100 indicated by the device ID. The service technician is limited to the label printers 100 that they can handle based on various conditions such as the manufacturer and model of the label printer 100 and the geographical area of the workplace where the label printer 100 is installed. Therefore, the service technicians who can handle the label printer 100 indicated by the device ID are specified in advance and stored in the device information storage unit 206. Note that a plurality of service technician IDs can be stored for one label printer 100.

[0082] The tilt threshold is as described in the first embodiment, and the tilt threshold corresponding to the model of the label printer 100 indicated by the device ID is stored. Note that since the peeling determination threshold is stored in each label printer 100, the server device 200 does not store it.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the storage content of the service technician information storage unit 207 provided in the storage device 203 of the server device 200. The service technician information storage unit 207 stores the notification destination information and the operation status in association with the service technician ID of each of a plurality of service technicians, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. The order of the information stored in association with the service technician ID is not limited to this, and other information may be included.

[0084] The notification destination information is the IP address and email address of the service technician terminal 400 used by the service technician indicated by the service responsible ID.

[0085] The operation status is information such as the working days and working hours of the service technician indicated by the service responsible ID, the planned visit destination and visit date and time of maintenance inspection, etc.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the stored content of the detection history storage unit 208 provided in the storage device 203 of the server device 200. As shown in FIG. 10, the detection history storage unit 208 stores the sensor output history in association with the device ID. The sensor output history stores the output value of the peeling sensor 117 in the label printer 100 indicated by the device ID. That is, the detection history storage unit 208 functions as a memory for storing the output value of the peeling sensor 117.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the label printer system. As shown in FIG. 11, when a print instruction is given to the label printer 100 from the user terminal 300 via the network NW as a print command including print data (step S1), printing on the label 107 is performed at the label printer 100 (step S2). Then, at the label printer 100, a peeling determination based on the output value of the peeling sensor 117 is executed (step S3). If it is determined at the label printer 100 that the label 107 has peeled off, the output value of the peeling sensor 117 used for the peeling determination is transmitted from the label printer 100 to the server device 200 via the network NW (step S4).

[0088] In the server device 200, the output value of the peeled sensor 117 that has been transmitted is stored in the detection history storage unit 208 (step S5). Then, based on the time-series output values including the newly stored output value, the server device 200 calculates an approximation formula and compares it with the slope threshold value to predict whether a failure that makes peeling determination impossible has occurred (step S6). If a failure is predicted, the server device 200 transmits a warning notification to the label printer 100 via the network NW (step S7), and in response, the label printer 100 outputs a warning (step S8). Similarly, the server device 200 transmits a warning notification to the user terminal 300 via the network NW (step S9), and in response, a warning is also output on the user terminal 300 (step S10).

[0089] Also, when a failure is predicted, the server device 200 determines a service technician to be dispatched for the repair of the label printer 100 for which the failure has been predicted, and transmits service technician arrangement information to the service technician terminal 400 of the service technician via the network NW (step S11). The service technician of the service technician terminal 400 that has received this service technician arrangement information will go to repair the label printer 100 indicated by the service technician arrangement information.

[0090] Hereinafter, the details of the processing of the label printer 100 and the server device 200 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of failure prediction processing in the label printer 100. Further, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of failure prediction processing in the server device 200. It should be noted that the content of the processing shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining the same results can be appropriately used.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 12, the processor 122 of the label printer 100 waits for peeling determination or replacement of the label roll paper in ACT101 and ACT102 as described in the first embodiment.

[0092] Based on the determination that peeling has been detected (ACT101, YES), in this embodiment, in ACT111, the processor 122 causes the communication unit 126 to transmit the output value of the peeling sensor 117 to the server device 200 via the network NW. In this case, the processor 122 also transmits the device ID for identifying the label printer 100.

[0093] In ACT112, the processor 122 determines whether it has received a warning notification transmitted from the server device 200 via the network NW by the communication unit 126. Based on the determination that it has not received a warning notification (ACT112, NO), the processor 122 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT101.

[0094] In the server device 200, as shown in FIG. 13, first, in ACT201, the processor 201 determines whether it has received the output value of the peeling sensor 117 transmitted from any of the label printers 100 via the network NW by the communication unit 204. Based on the determination that it has not received the output value of the peeling sensor 117 (ACT201, NO), in ACT202, the processor 201 determines whether it has received a paper replacement notification indicating label roll paper replacement transmitted from any of the label printers 100 via the network NW by the communication unit 204. Based on the determination that it has not received a paper replacement notification (ACT202, NO), the processor 201 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT201. In this way, the processor 122 waits to receive the output value of the peeling sensor 117 or a paper replacement notification from any of the label printers 100.

[0095] Based on the determination that the processor 201 has received the output value of the peeling sensor 117 from any label printer 100 (ACT201, YES), in ACT203, it determines whether to store the received output value of the peeling sensor 117. For the sake of saving the storage capacity of the detection history storage unit 208, in this embodiment as well as in the first embodiment, not all output values of the peeling sensor 117 are stored, but are stored discretely. Based on the determination that the processor 122 does not store the received output value of the peeling sensor 117 (ACT203, NO), it proceeds to the processing operation of the above ACT201.

[0096] Based on the determination that the processor 201 stores the received output value of the peeling sensor 117 (ACT203, YES), in ACT204, it associates the received output value of the peeling sensor 117 with the device ID of the source and stores it in the detection history storage unit 208.

[0097] In ACT205, the processor 201 calculates an approximation formula indicating the change in the time-series output values associated with the device ID including the output value currently stored in the detection history storage unit 208.

[0098] In ACT206, the processor 201 determines whether the slope of the approximation formula calculated in ACT205 has reached the slope threshold value stored in the device information storage unit 206 associated with the device ID. Based on the determination that the calculated slope of the approximation formula has not reached the slope threshold value (ACT206, NO), it proceeds to the processing operation of the above ACT201.

[0099] Returning to the description of FIG. 12. Based on the determination that the label roll paper has been replaced (ACT102, YES), the processor 122 of the label printer 100, in ACT113, transmits a paper replacement notification to the server device 200 via the network NW by the communication unit 126. In this case, the processor 122 also transmits the device ID for identifying the label printer 100. Then, the processor 122 proceeds to the processing operation of the above ACT101.

[0100] Return to the description of FIG. 13. Based on the determination that a paper replacement notification has been received (ACT202, NYE), in ACT207, the processor 201 of the server device 200 clears the time-series output values of the peeling sensor 117 stored in the detection history storage unit 208 in association with the device ID that has been transmitted in accordance with the paper replacement notification. That is, the processor 122 deletes the stored content associated with the device ID in the detection history storage unit 208. As a result, instead of the approximation formula before the replacement of the label roll paper attached to the label printer 100, the approximation formula for the replaced label roll paper is used for the determination of inability to perform peeling determination. Thereafter, the processor 201 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT201 above.

[0101] Based on the determination that the slope of the calculated approximation formula has reached the slope threshold value (ACT206, YES), in ACT208, the processor 201 causes the communication unit 204 to transmit a warning notification to the corresponding label printer 100 and / or user terminal 300 via the network NW in accordance with the notification destination information stored in the device information storage unit 206 in association with the device ID. At this time, the processor 201 can store information indicating that a peeling determination failure has occurred but printing is still possible as the device status in the device information storage unit 206 in association with the device ID.

[0102] Return to the description of FIG. 12. Based on the determination that a warning notification has been received (ACT112, YES), in ACT108, the processor 122 of the label printer 100 outputs a failure prediction warning. Thereafter, the processor 122 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT101 above. The processor 122 can display this failure prediction warning as a warning message on the display unit of a control panel (not shown) by, for example, the display control unit 125.

[0103] Also, although not particularly shown, the user terminal 300 that has received this warning notification can also display a failure prediction warning.

[0104] Return to the description of FIG. 13. In ACT209, the processor 201 of the server device 200 executes the service technician dispatch process. After that, the processor 122 proceeds to the processing operation of the above ACT101. Specifically, in the service technician dispatch process, first, based on the device ID received together with the sensor output value, the processor 201 extracts the service technician's assigned ID who is in charge of maintaining the corresponding label printer 100 from the device information storage unit 206. Then, the processor 201 checks the operation status stored in the service technician information storage unit 207 associated with this service assigned ID, and identifies, for example, the service assigned ID of the service technician who can go to the workplace where the corresponding label printer 100 is installed at the fastest speed. The processor 201 transmits service technician dispatch information to the corresponding service technician terminal 400 via the network NW by the communication unit 204 according to the notification destination information associated with the identified service assigned ID. This service technician dispatch information includes the device ID of the corresponding label printer 100.

[0105] In the service technician terminal 400, since information such as the manufacturer, model, workplace address, and contact information of the person in charge of the label printer 100 is managed in association with the device ID, the repair destination can be easily confirmed based on the received service technician dispatch information, and the visit procedure can be determined. In addition, if such information is stored in the device information storage unit 206 in association with the device ID in the server device 200 instead of the service technician terminal 400, such information can be included in the service technician dispatch information.

[0106] Also, in this service technician dispatch process, if the processor 201 of the server device 200 has transmitted the service technician dispatch information, the processor 201 adds information indicating that a repair request has been made to the device status stored in the device information storage unit 206 in association with the device ID.

[0107] As described above, the label printer system according to this embodiment can operate in the same manner as the label printer system configured by the label printer 100 and the server device 200 or the label printer system configured by the label printer 100 alone in the first embodiment. Therefore, also in the label printer system according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the label printer system according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0108] [Other Embodiments] As described above, the embodiments have been described, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the inclination threshold value is a fixed value stored in advance. However, the inclination threshold value may be updated. That is, the updated inclination threshold value can be downloaded from the manufacturer's server by the label printer 100 or a host computer or user terminal related thereto, or the inclination threshold value can be updated independently in the server device 200. The update of the inclination threshold value can be performed, for example, by obtaining information such as the number of printed sheets and the number of label roll paper replacements from the feedback from the service technician or the automatic suction from the label printer 100, and generating an appropriate threshold value in light of the occurrence status of the failure.

[0109] Also, in the second embodiment, it has been assumed that only the prediction of the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to perform the peeling determination in the label printer 100 is performed on the server device 200 side. However, by transmitting all the output values of the peeling sensor 117 from the label printer 100 to the server device 200, the server device 200 may also execute the peeling determination of the label 107 in the label printer 100.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the control program is pre-stored in the main memory 123 of the label printer 100 and the main memory 202 of the server device 200. In this regard, the control program transferred separately from the label printer 100 or the server device 200 may be written in a writable storage device provided in the label printer 100 or the server device 200 in response to an operation by an administrator or the like. The transfer of these control programs and the like can be performed by storing them in a removable, non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium or by communication via a network. The non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, or the like.

[0111] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0112] [Appendix] From the above specific embodiments, the invention having the following configuration can be extracted. [1] A printing mechanism that performs printing on the opposite surface of the pasting surface of the label on the label paper with the label pasted on the mount, A peeling mechanism that peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the mount, A sensor that detects the presence of the label peeled by the peeling mechanism, A computer including a hardware processor and a memory, comprising, The hardware processor, when it is determined based on the output value of the sensor that the label has been peeled from the mount, stores the output value of the sensor in the memory, Based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the sensor stored in the memory, predict the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to determine the peeling of the label. Label printer system. [2] The failure that makes it impossible to determine the peeling of the label occurs when the backing paper after the label is peeled enters between the peeled label and the sensor and affects the output value of the sensor. The label printer system according to [1]. [3] When the degree of change in the time-series output value of the sensor reaches a threshold value, the hardware processor predicts that the failure will occur. The label printer system according to [1] or [2]. [4] The hardware processor calculates an approximation formula based on the time-series output values of the sensor, and predicts that the failure will occur when the slope of the approximation formula reaches a slope threshold value as the threshold value. The label printer system according to [3]. [5] The label paper is a label roll paper in which a plurality of labels are arranged and pasted on a strip-shaped backing paper in the extending direction of the backing paper. Every time the label roll paper is replaced, the hardware processor resets the stored content of the memory. The label printer system according to [4]. [6] Every time the number of labels of the label roll paper is printed, the hardware processor resets the stored content of the memory. The label printer system according to [4]. [7] Every time a certain number of labels are printed by the printing mechanism, the hardware processor stores the output value of the sensor in the memory. The label printer system according to [1]. [8] Every time the printing mechanism operates for a certain period of time, the hardware processor stores the output value of the sensor in the memory. The label printer system according to [1]. [9] Further comprising an output device, The label printer system according to [1], wherein when the hardware processor predicts that the failure will occur, the output device outputs a failure prediction warning.

[10] The label printer system according to [9], wherein the output device includes a display device.

[11] The label printer system according to [9], wherein the output device includes a transmission device that transmits the failure prediction warning to a predetermined notification destination via a network.

[12] A label printer including the printing mechanism, the peeling mechanism, and the sensor, A server device including the computer that communicates with the label printer via a network, The label printer system according to [1], comprising:

[13] A hardware processor, A memory, A printing mechanism that performs printing on the opposite surface of the pasted surface of the label on the label paper with the label pasted on the mount, a peeling mechanism that peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the mount, a sensor that detects the presence of the label peeled by the peeling mechanism, and a communication interface that communicates with a label printer including a determination device that determines whether or not the label has been peeled from the mount based on the output value of the sensor. Comprising, the hardware processor When the label printer determines that the label has been peeled from the mount based on the output value of the sensor, stores the output value of the sensor in the memory, Based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the sensor stored in the memory, predicts the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to determine the peeling of the label by the determination device. A server device configured as described above.

[14] A printing mechanism that performs printing on the opposite side of the sticking surface of the label on the label paper with the label stuck on the backing paper, a peeling mechanism that peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the backing paper, and a sensor that detects the presence of the label peeled by the peeling mechanism, provided in a label printer comprising, in a hardware processor of a computer comprising the hardware processor and a memory, When it is determined based on the output value of the sensor that the label has been peeled from the backing paper, storing the output value of the sensor in the memory; Predicting the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to determine the peeling of the label based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the sensor stored in the memory; A program for causing the above to be executed.

[15] A hardware processor, A memory, A printing mechanism that performs printing on the opposite side of the sticking surface of the label on the label paper with the label stuck on the backing paper, a peeling mechanism that peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the backing paper, a sensor that detects the presence of the label peeled by the peeling mechanism, and a determination device that determines whether or not the label has been peeled from the backing paper based on the output value of the sensor, a communication interface for communicating with a label printer comprising the above, In the hardware processor of a computer comprising the above, When the label printer determines based on the output value of the sensor that the label has been peeled from the backing paper, storing the output value of the sensor in the memory; Predicting the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to determine the peeling of the label by the determination device based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the sensor stored in the memory; A program for causing the above to be executed.

[16] A printing mechanism that performs printing on the opposite side of the sticking surface of the label on a label paper with a label stuck on a mount, a peeling mechanism that peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the mount, and a sensor that detects the presence of the label peeled by the peeling mechanism, provided in a label printer, and in the hardware processor of a computer including a hardware processor and a memory, When it is determined based on the output value of the sensor that the label has been peeled from the mount, store the output value of the sensor in the memory, Based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the sensor stored in the memory, predict the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to determine whether the label has been peeled, A non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium that stores a program.

[17] A hardware processor, A memory, A printing mechanism that performs printing on the opposite side of the sticking surface of the label on a label paper with a label stuck on a mount, a peeling mechanism that peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the mount, a sensor that detects the presence of the label peeled by the peeling mechanism, and a determination device that determines whether or not the label has been peeled based on the output value of the sensor, and a communication interface that communicates with a label printer including the above, In the hardware processor of a computer including the above, When the label printer determines based on the output value of the sensor that the label has been peeled from the mount, store the output value of the sensor in the memory, Based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the sensor stored in the memory, predict the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to determine whether the label has been peeled by the determination device, A non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium that stores a program.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 100…Label printer, 101…Label conveyance unit, 102…Ribbon conveyance unit, 103…Printing unit, 104…Conveyance path, 105…Label paper, 106…Ink ribbon, 107…Label, 108…Mounting board, 109…Delivery roller, 110…Capstan roller, 111…Pinch roller, 112…Roller, 113…Platen roller, 114…Thermal head, 115…Peeling guide, 116…Pinch roller, 117…Peeling sensor, 122, 201…Processor, 123, 202…Main memory, 124, 203…Storage device, 125…Display control unit, 126, 204…Communication unit, 127…Operation unit, 128…Image generation unit, 129, 130…Motor control unit, 131…Head drive unit, 132, 205…Bus line, 133…History storage unit, 134…Threshold storage unit, 135…Conveyance motor, 136…Ribbon motor, 200…Server device, 206…Device information storage unit, 207…Serviceman information storage unit, 208…Detection history storage unit, 300…User terminal, 400…Serviceman terminal, AF1, AF2, AF3, AFn-1, AFn…Straight line, NW…Network, ST…Tilt threshold, TH…Peeling determination threshold.

Claims

1. A printing mechanism that performs printing on the opposite surface of the sticking surface of the label on the label paper with the label stuck on the mount; A peeling mechanism that peels the label after printing by the printing mechanism from the mount; A sensor that detects the presence of the label peeled by the peeling mechanism; A computer comprising a hardware processor and a memory; Comprising; The hardware processor: When it is determined that the label has been peeled from the mount based on the output value of the sensor, stores the output value of the sensor in the memory; Based on the degree of change in the time-series output values of the sensor stored in the memory, predicts the occurrence of a failure that makes it impossible to determine the peeling of the label. A label printer system.

2. The failure that makes it impossible to determine the peeling of the label occurs when the mount after the label has been peeled enters between the peeled label and the sensor, affecting the output value of the sensor. The label printer system according to Claim 1.

3. The hardware processor predicts that the failure will occur when the degree of change in the time-series output value of the sensor reaches a threshold value. The label printer system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The hardware processor: Calculates an approximation formula based on the time-series output value of the sensor; Predicts that the failure will occur when the slope of the approximation formula reaches the slope threshold value as the threshold value. The label printer system according to Claim 3.

5. Further comprising an output device; When the hardware processor predicts that the failure will occur, outputs a failure prediction warning by the output device. The label printer system according to Claim 1.

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