Printer, printer control method, and program

Abstract

To eliminate label loss and accurately perform printing in a printer for performing printing on labels temporarily attached to a label continuous body.SOLUTION: In a printer, printing is performed on labels by a printing unit while conveying a label continuous body formed by arranging the labels at prescribed intervals and an arrangement length of the labels on which printing was performed is measured by a second detection unit. A reference printing start position of the labels on an upstream side of the printing unit is set on the basis of the measured arrangement length. The reference printing start position is corrected using an inter-unit distance between the printing unit and the first detection unit and the arrangement length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer, a method for controlling a printer, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a printer that prints on a label continuum in which labels are temporarily attached to a long base paper. In such a printer, a label is recognized by a sensor for print alignment disposed upstream of the print unit, and alignment between the label and the print unit is performed.

[0003] In the above-described printer, when first printing on a newly set label continuum, the label continuum must be conveyed until the label can be recognized by the sensor for print alignment. For this reason, the labels conveyed until the label can be recognized by the sensor for print alignment have been discarded without being printed.

[0004] On the other hand, even in the same situation, a printer has been proposed that eliminates the waste of labels (see Patent Document 1).

[0005] In the printer described in Patent Document 1, a sensor different from the sensor for print alignment is provided on the downstream side of the print unit. When a new label continuum is set, the length and label interval of the label are actually measured using the sensor disposed on the downstream side of the print unit.

[0006] And based on the measured values, printing can be performed on labels that were in positions that could not be detected by the sensor on the upstream side of the print unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008] In the printer described in Patent Document 1, if there were errors in the measured values ​​of label length or label spacing, the errors could accumulate in the second and third labels, where the printing start position is determined based on the measured values, resulting in a decrease in printing accuracy.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to eliminate label loss and achieve high-precision printing in a printer that prints on a continuous label formed by arranging labels at predetermined intervals on a long backing sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printer is provided for printing on a label continuum in which labels are temporarily attached at predetermined intervals to a long backing sheet, comprising: a transport unit for transporting the label continuum; a printing unit for printing on the labels; a first detection unit positioned upstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and detecting the labels; a second detection unit positioned downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and detecting the labels; and a controller that controls printing on the labels and transporting the label continuum based on the detection results of the first and second detection units, wherein the controller prints on the labels using the printing unit while transporting the label continuum, measures the arrangement length which is the distance between the downstream end of the printed label and the downstream end of an adjacent label using the second detection unit, sets a reference printing start position for the labels upstream of the printing unit based on the arrangement length, and corrects the reference printing start position using the inter-unit distance between the printing unit and the first detection unit and the arrangement length. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above embodiment, the controller that controls the printer prints on the labels using the printing unit, calculates the placement length of the printed labels using the second detection unit, and sets a reference printing start position for labels located upstream of the printing unit and not detected by the first detection unit based on the calculated placement length.

[0012] This allows printing to be performed even on labels that could not be detected by the first detection unit, which is located upstream of the printing unit in the transport direction, by determining the reference printing start position.

[0013] Furthermore, the printer controller corrects the set reference printing start position using the distance between the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and the calculated label placement length. This enables accurate printing in printers that print on a continuous line of labels arranged at predetermined intervals on a long sheet of paper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating how the printer is controlled by the controller. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of detecting the downstream end of the first label in a newly set label continuum. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process for calculating the placement length of a label in this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of correcting the printing start position in this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the placement length and reference printing start position that the controller sets based on a specific length and a specific coefficient. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the correction of the reference printing start position by the controller. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the correction process of the reference printing start position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the correction process of the reference printing start position.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Configuration of Printer] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The printer 1 prints variable information such as price, barcode, other product information, management information regarding goods or services, etc. on a printing medium based on a medium issuance instruction, and is a thermal transfer printer that performs printing by heating an ink ribbon R and transferring the ink of the ink ribbon R to the printing medium. 6]

[0018] In the present embodiment, a label continuum is applied as the printing medium. The label continuum (hereinafter referred to as continuum ML) is formed by temporarily attaching a plurality of labels M at predetermined intervals to a long base paper B and winding it in a roll shape. In the present embodiment, in the continuum ML, the length of the label M temporarily attached to the long base paper B and the predetermined interval between the labels M are all the same.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the predetermined interval between the labels M is represented as gap G. Also, the interval between the downstream end Mf of the label M and the downstream end Mf of the label M adjacent to the label M, that is, the total length of the length L of the label M in the conveyance direction and the gap G is represented as arrangement length α (see FIG. 4).

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 1 comprises a printing mechanism 10, a ribbon supply shaft 20, a ribbon winding shaft 30, and a media supply shaft 40. The printer also includes a first detection unit 50 located upstream of the printing mechanism 10 in the transport direction for detecting the label M, a second detection unit 60 located downstream of the printing mechanism 10 in the transport direction for detecting the label M, and a controller 70 which acts as a control unit for controlling each part of the printer 1.

[0021] Each of the above components is housed in the main body 2 and covered by a cover 3 that is attached to the main body 2 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The cover 3 is also equipped with an open / close detection sensor 4 that detects the opening and closing of the cover 3. The open / close detection sensor 4 can be an optical sensor equipped with a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, or a physical sensor that switches on or off in accordance with the opening and closing of the cover 3.

[0022] The printing mechanism 10 comprises a head unit 11 and a platen roller 12, and performs printing on the label M and transporting the continuum ML and the ink ribbon R. In other words, the printing mechanism 10 is configured as a printing unit that prints on the label M and a transport unit that transports the continuum ML.

[0023] The head unit 11 holds the thermal head 13 with its heating element exposed from below. The platen roller 12 is positioned directly below the thermal head 13 and together with the thermal head 13 forms the printing section 15 that prints on the label M.

[0024] The head unit 11 is supported by a support shaft 14 so as to be able to swing in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1. The head unit 11 can be moved between a head open position where the thermal head 13 is separated from the platen roller 12 and a head closed position where the thermal head 13 is in contact with the platen roller 12. In Figure 1, the head unit 11 is in the head closed position.

[0025] The platen roller 12 is rotationally driven by a stepping motor (not shown), and can be driven in either forward or reverse direction according to instruction signals from the controller 70.

[0026] The ribbon supply shaft 20 holds the ink ribbon R supplied to the printing unit 15 in a roll shape. The ink ribbon R supplied from the ribbon supply shaft 20 to the printing unit 15 is sandwiched between the thermal head 13 and the platen roller 12.

[0027] The media supply shaft 40 holds the continuous material ML supplied to the printing unit 15 in a roll shape. The continuous material ML supplied from the media supply shaft 40 to the printing unit 15 is sandwiched between the thermal head 13 and the platen roller 12 together with the ink ribbon R.

[0028] When the ribbon winding shaft 30 rotates due to the gear connection with the stepping motor, the used ink ribbon R is wound onto its outer circumference. Furthermore, if the head unit 11 is in the head open position, the ink ribbon R can be fed in the winding direction only by rotating the ribbon winding shaft 30.

[0029] When the heating element of the thermal head 13 is energized while the label M and ink ribbon R are sandwiched between the thermal head 13 and the platen roller 12, the heat from the heating element transfers the ink from the ink ribbon R to the label M, and printing is performed on the label M. Also, when the platen roller 12 rotates in the forward direction by a stepping motor (not shown), the continuum ML is transported downstream (in the direction of the white arrow). Transporting the continuum ML downstream in the transport direction is called "forward feed," and transporting the continuum ML upstream in the transport direction, i.e., in the opposite direction to the transport direction, is called "back feed."

[0030] The first detection unit 50 is equipped with a reflective sensor that detects position detection marks (hereinafter referred to as eye marks P; see Figure 4). The eye marks P are pre-printed on the side of the backing sheet B opposite to the side on which the labels M are temporarily attached, at the same intervals as the temporary attachment intervals of the labels M.

[0031] When the printer 1 continuously prints and issues labels M, it can determine the starting position for printing labels M on the printing unit 15 based on the detection result in the first detection unit 50.

[0032] The second detection unit 60 comprises a light-emitting unit 61 that emits detection light and a light-receiving unit 62 that receives the detection light, and constitutes a transmissive optical sensor. The second detection unit 60 outputs an output voltage to the controller 70 based on the detection light received by the light-receiving unit 62 via the continuum ML.

[0033] The light-emitting unit 61 has a multi-stage output for the detected light, for example, 128 stages in this embodiment, and the light output can be adjusted according to the control by the controller 70.

[0034] The light-receiving unit 62 is equipped with multiple levels of light-receiving sensitivity for receiving detection light from the light-emitting unit 61, and the light-receiving sensitivity can be adjusted according to the control of the controller 70. The light-receiving unit 62 is positioned opposite the light-emitting unit 61.

[0035] The controller 70 consists of a microprocessor, memory devices such as ROM and RAM, input / output interfaces, and buses connecting these, as will be described later.

[0036] Based on the control program, the controller 70 controls the transport of the continuum ML and the printing of "M" on the label, based on the detection results from the first detection unit 50 and the second detection unit 60. Details of the control in the controller 70 will be described later.

[0037] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the printer 1 according to this embodiment.

[0038] The controller 70 comprises a CPU (central processing unit) 71, ROM (read-only memory) 72, RAM (random access memory) 73, transport control circuit 74, printing control circuit 75, paper detection circuit 76, I / O ports 77, power supply unit 78, and sensor detection circuit 79. These are interconnected via an internal bus 80 and are configured to transmit and receive various types of data from each other.

[0039] The CPU 71 executes the control program stored in the ROM 72, thereby comprehensively controlling the entire controller 70 and causing each part to perform the necessary processing and control.

[0040] ROM 72 stores control programs and the like that are read and executed by the CPU 71. ROM 72 also stores control programs that operate the first detection unit 50 and the second detection unit 60 to detect label M, and then, based on the detection results from the first detection unit 50 and the second detection unit 60, transport the continuum ML and print M onto the label.

[0041] Furthermore, ROM 72 stores a program that, while transporting the label continuum ML, prints on the label M using the printing mechanism 10, calculates the arrangement length α, which is the sum of the length L of the printed label M and the gap G, based on the detection result by the second detection unit 60, sets a reference printing start position for the label M upstream of the printing mechanism 10 based on the arrangement length α, and corrects the reference printing start position using the inter-unit distance U between the first detection unit 50 and the head unit 11 (thermal head 13), and the arrangement length α.

[0042] Furthermore, ROM 72 stores information regarding the types of labels M (length, width, etc.) arranged in the label continuum ML, as well as information such as the transport distance from the downstream end Mf of each type of label M to the printing start position. This information may be made available to the user to input into printer 1 when the label continuum ML is set.

[0043] RAM73 stores various information necessary for the processing performed by CPU71, as well as print data, print format, and registration information necessary for printing.

[0044] The transport control circuit 74 controls the stepping motor that drives the platen roller 12 according to the instruction signal from the CPU 71, and controls the rotation / stopping of the platen roller 12. This controls the platen roller 12 to drive the continuous ML in the paper transport path in a "forward feed" or "back feed" manner. The circuit is also configured to count the number of steps for forward rotation or reverse rotation of the stepping motor.

[0045] The printing control circuit 75 generates a printing signal corresponding to the print data, such as characters, graphics, and barcodes, to be printed, supplied from the CPU 71, and supplies the generated printing signal to the thermal head 13. This causes printing to be performed on the label M.

[0046] The paper detection circuit 76 supplies the information detected by the second detection unit 60 to the CPU 71. Alternatively, the paper detection circuit 76 supplies the information acquired by the first detection unit 50 to the CPU 71. Based on the information from the paper detection circuit 76, the CPU 71 controls the transport of the continuous ML and ink ribbon R by the transport control circuit 74, and also controls the timing of printing by the thermal head 13 to print on the label M.

[0047] The IO port 77 is connected to the display unit 81 and the input unit 82, and outputs display data supplied from the CPU 71 to the display unit 81. The IO port 77 also sends operation signals to the CPU 71 corresponding to user operations on the input unit 82.

[0048] The display unit 81 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input unit 82 is composed of a touch panel, buttons, DIP switches, etc., provided on the display unit 81.

[0049] The power supply unit 78 monitors the operation of the power switch S and switches the power supply to each part on and off based on the operation of the power switch S, thereby turning the printer 1 on and off.

[0050] The sensor detection circuit 79 supplies information about the opening and closing of the cover 3 from the open / close detection sensor 4 to the CPU 71. Upon receiving the information from the sensor detection circuit 79 that the cover has transitioned from "open" to "closed," the CPU 71 can start the output voltage adjustment process in the second detection unit 60.

[0051] The controller 70 shown in Figure 2 can also be configured with multiple CPUs. The various control programs executed by the controller 70 can be stored in the ROM 72, or they may be stored on a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM or semiconductor media.

[0052] [How to control the printer] The control method for the printer 1 according to this embodiment involves printing on a label M using the printing mechanism 10, measuring the placement length α which is the sum of the length of the printed label M and the gap G upstream of the label M using the second detection unit 60, setting a reference printing start position for the label M upstream of the printing mechanism 10 based on the placement length α, and correcting the reference printing start position using the inter-unit distance U between the printing mechanism 10 and the first detection unit 50 and the placement length α.

[0053] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating how the controller 70 controls the printer 1. The process shown in Figure 3 is executed when, for example, a new label continuum ML is set in the printer 1.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process of detecting the downstream end portion Mf of the first label M[1] of a newly set label continuum ML.

[0055] In the present embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 4, a case of handling a label continuum ML in which three labels M exist between the first label M[1] first detected by the second detection unit 60 and the nth label (in the present embodiment, label M[5]) first detected by the first detection unit 50 will be described.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows the mutual positional relationship among the length L of the label M arranged in the label continuum ML in the conveyance direction, the position of the first detection unit 50 in the printer 1, the position of the second detection unit 60, and the position of the thermal head 13. Each label M shown in FIG. 4 is given a serial number ([1], [2], ···) indicating the arrangement order of the labels M in order to facilitate understanding of the change in the position of each label M accompanying the conveyance of the continuum ML.

[0057] Further, FIG. 4 shows the downstream end portion Mf, the upstream end portion Me, the length L of the label M, and the gap G which is the interval between the labels M in the conveyance direction of the label M. Also shown are the arrangement length α which is the total length of the length L of the label M and the upstream gap G of the label M, and the unit interval U between the head unit 11 (thermal head 13) and the first detection unit 50.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the label continuum ML is constituted by including a long base paper B and a plurality of labels M temporarily attached on the base paper B. On the back side of the base paper B, an eye mark P for detecting the length L and the gap G of the label M is pre-printed at a position corresponding to the tip on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the label M.

[0059] Note that FIG. 4 shows a case where the length l of the label M in the conveyance direction is smaller than the unit interval U (L < U).

[0060] State (a) in Figure 4 shows the state in which a new label continuum ML has been set in the printer 1 by the user. In this embodiment, the label continuum ML is set in the printer 1 so that the end Mf of the label M in the label continuum ML is roughly in a position corresponding to the second detection unit 60.

[0061] State (b) in Figure 4 shows the state in which the downstream end Mf of label M[1] has been detected by the second detection unit 60. State (c) in Figure 4 shows the state in which the label continuum ML backfeed so that the printing start position of label M[1] corresponds to the position of the thermal head 13.

[0062] Once the user has finished setting the label continuum ML and the cover 3 has moved to the closed position, the thermal head 13 moves to the head closed position. When the controller 70 detects that the head unit 11 has moved to the head closed position, it starts the process shown in Figure 3.

[0063] In step S1, the controller 70 performs a detection process for the downstream end Mf of label M[1].

[0064] In the downstream end Mf detection process, the controller 70 backfeeds the label continuum ML until it detects the downstream end Mf of label M[1] (from state (a) to state (b) in Figure 4).

[0065] When the controller 70 detects the downstream end Mf of the label M[1], it backfeeds the label M[1] based on the type of label M that has been input in advance, so that the printing start position on the label M corresponds to the position of the thermal head 13 (from state (b) to state (c) in Figure 4).

[0066] Next, the controller 70 executes the processes of step S2, step S3, and step S4, respectively.

[0067] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of calculating the placement length α on label M. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of correcting the print start position.

[0068] In step S2, the controller 70 starts printing on the label M[1] using the head unit 11 (thermal head 13) (state (a) in Figure 5).

[0069] While executing step S2, the controller 70 measures the label M[1] using the second detection unit 60 in step S3.

[0070] While printing on the label M[1], the controller 70 measures the change in detection voltage based on the detection light received by the light receiving unit 62 each time the platen roller 12 is forward-feeded by one step.

[0071] As the downstream end Mf of the label M[1], which is being printed while being transported, approaches the detection light transmission point, the amount of detection light received by the light receiving unit 62 decreases. After the upstream end Me of the label M[1] passes the detection light transmission point, the detection light passes only through the backing paper B, so the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 62 increases. This makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of label M on the backing paper B.

[0072] The controller 70 continues to transport the label continuum ML even after printing on label M[1] is complete (state (c) in Figure 6). That is, the controller 70 transports the label continuum ML from the point where the detection light has passed through the gap G until the downstream end Mf of label M[2] is detected.

[0073] While executing steps S2 and S3, the controller 70 performs a process in step S4 to detect the downstream end Mf of label M[n] using the first detection unit 50. Label M[n] is the label M from which the eye mark P is first detected by the first detection unit 50, and in this embodiment, it is the fifth label M[5] (see states (a) and (b) in Figure 5).

[0074] In this embodiment, printing on label M[2] is not performed during transport after printing on label M[1] is completed.

[0075] After detecting the upstream end Me of label M[1] and the gap G, the controller 70 performs a forward feed until it detects the downstream end Mf of label M[2] (State (c) in Figure 6).

[0076] When the controller 70 detects the downstream end Mf of label M[2] (state (c) in Figure 6), it proceeds to step S5.

[0077] In step S5, the controller 70 uses the arrangement length α obtained based on the measurement results in steps S2 and S4, and the inter-unit distance U, to perform the process of setting a reference printing start position for the unprinted label M, and the process of correcting the set reference printing start position. In this embodiment, the printing start positions of labels M[2], M[3], and M[4] are corrected.

[0078] Next, in step S6, the controller 70 prints from label M[2] to label M[4] based on the corrected print start position obtained in step S5.

[0079] After the controller 70 has finished printing on the 2nd to 4th labels M[2] to M[4], for which the eye mark P could not be detected by the first detection unit 50, in step S7, it prints on the labels M[5] and onward, for which the eye mark P could be detected by the first detection unit 50, based on the eye mark P.

[0080] [Setting and correction of the reference printing start position] Next, the setting and correction process of the reference printing start position, which is performed in step S5 by the controller 70, will be described.

[0081] Based on the detection results of the second detection unit 60 at the upstream end Me of label M[1] and the downstream end Mf of label M[2], the controller 70 measures the arrangement length α, which includes the length L of label M[1] and the gap G.

[0082] In this embodiment, the controller 70 measures the arrangement length α in the second detection unit 60, while the first detection unit 50 also detects the downstream end Mf of the label M[n] (in this embodiment, the fifth label M[5]).

[0083] Based on the measured arrangement length α, the controller 70 performs a process to set a reference printing start position for each label that has not been printed (in this embodiment, from label M[2] to label M[4]), and performs a correction process for the set reference printing start position.

[0084] The controller 70 calculates the transport distance (Q) from when the first detection unit 50 detects the downstream end Mf of the fifth label M[5] until the second detection unit 60 detects the downstream end Mf of label M[2] (see Figure 6). Then, the controller 70 corrects the reference printing start position for each label from label M[2] to label M[4] based on the inter-unit distance U, the measured placement length α, and the calculated transport distance (Q).

[0085] Specifically, when the second detection unit 60 detects the downstream end Mf of label M[2], the controller 70 stops the forward feed (state (c) in Figure 6).

[0086] Next, the controller 70 backfeeds the label continuum ML until the printing start position of label M[2] corresponds to the thermal head 13 for printing on label M[2] (state (d) in Figure 6).

[0087] (QR) is the value obtained by subtracting the distance (R) of backfeeding until the printing start position of the second label M[2] corresponds to the thermal head 13 from the transport distance (Q) transported from the time the first detection unit 50 detects the downstream end Mf of label M[5] until the second detection unit 60 detects the downstream end of label M[2].

[0088] In this case, the specific length β, which is the length of the downstream end Mf of the fifth label M[5] from the downstream end Mf of label M[2], is the sum of the arrangement lengths α of the three labels M from label M[2] to label M[4] (see Figure 6).

[0089] The specific length β is determined by subtracting a value (QR) from the unit-to-unit distance U between the position of the head unit 11 (thermal head 13) and the first detection unit 50. In other words, it is expressed as β = U - (QR).

[0090] The controller 70 uses the placement length α measured during printing on the first label M[1] and a specific length β to set a reference printing start position for labels M where the eye mark P could not be detected by the first detection unit 50.

[0091] The controller 70 calculates an integer X such that the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the value obtained by multiplying the arrangement length α by a predetermined integer X from a specific length β is the smallest, and sets this integer X as a specific coefficient. The controller 70 then sets the specific coefficient X as the number of labels present between label M[1] and label M[n].

[0092] In this embodiment, the controller 70 performs the calculations |β-(α×1)|, |β-(α×2)|, ..., |β-(α×n)| to find a specific coefficient X. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the specific coefficient (integer X) is set to 3.

[0093] The controller 70 divides a specific length β by a specific coefficient X, and of the quotient and remainder obtained, it sets the quotient as the arrangement length α1 of label M that exists between label M[1] and label M[n].

[0094] The controller 70 sets the reference printing start position T for each label M between label M[1] and label M[n] based on the newly set arrangement length α1.

[0095] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement length α and reference printing start position T set by the controller 70 based on a specific length β and a specific coefficient X. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the correction of the reference printing start position T by the controller 70.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the controller 70 assumes, for example, an arrangement length α1 from label M[2] to label M[4]. The controller 70 sets a reference printing start position T at a position shifted by a length W from the position corresponding to the downstream end Mf of each label M, which is set for each arrangement length α1.

[0097] Next, the controller 70 performs a correction process for the set reference printing start position T.

[0098] The controller 70 corrects the reference printing start position T by using the remainder R obtained by dividing a specific length β by a specific coefficient X as a correction value.

[0099] The controller 70 sets the correction value to 0 if the remainder R obtained by dividing a specific length β by a specific coefficient X is 0. In other words, the controller 70 performs printing using the reference printing start position T shown in Figure 7 as is.

[0100] On the other hand, if there is a remainder R when a specific length β is divided by a specific coefficient X, the controller 70 distributes the remainder R to each label M located between label M[1] and label M[n] as T1, T2, T3, T4, and adds it to the arrangement length α1.

[0101] In the example shown in Figure 8, labels M[2], M[3], and M[4], which are located between labels M[1] and M[5], are distributed as T1, T2, and T3, respectively, and added to the arrangement length α1, thereby setting new arrangement lengths (α1+T1), (α1+T2), and (α1+T3).

[0102] The controller 70 may also add the remainder R to only the placement length α1 of any label M that exists between label M[1] and label M[n].

[0103] Next, we will explain the correction process for the reference printing start position, using specific numerical examples.

[0104] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating the correction process for the reference printing start position. In Figures 9 and 10, "length" is represented by "dots".

[0105] As an example, as shown in Figure 9, if the measured placement length α of label M[1] is 51 dots and the specific length β is 150 dots, the controller 70 calculates an integer X such that the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the value obtained by multiplying the placement length α=51 by an integer X from the specific length β is minimized. That is, If X=2, then |150-(51×2)|=48 If X=3, then |150-(51×3)|=3 Therefore, the controller 70 sets the specific coefficient (integer X) to 3. Then, the controller 70 sets the arrangement length α1 to the value obtained by dividing the specific length β (B=150) by the specific coefficient X (X=3), which is 150 / 3 = 50.

[0106] Since the remainder R=0, the correction value is zero. Therefore, the controller 70 sets the reference printing start position based on the placement length α1=50 dots.

[0107] On the one hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the measured arrangement length α of the label M[1] is 51 dots and the specific length β is 151 dots, the controller 70 calculates an integer X such that the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the value obtained by multiplying the arrangement length α = 51 by the integer X from the specific length β is minimized. That is, If X = 2, |151 - (51 × 2)| = 49 If X = 3, |151 - (51 × 3)| = 2 Therefore, the controller 70 sets the specific coefficient (integer X) to 3. Then, the controller 70 performs an operation of dividing the specific length β (B = 151) by the specific coefficient X (X = 3) to calculate the quotient and the remainder. Since 151 / 3 = 50 remainder 1, the controller 70 uses the remainder 1 as a correction value and sets the arrangement length α1 of the label M[2] to 50 + 1.

[0108] Since the remainder is 1, in this example, there is no correction value assigned to the label M[3] and the label M[4].

[0109] As described above, the controller 70 can calculate the reference printing start position using the inter-unit distance U and the measured arrangement length α, and further correct it.

[0110] [Operational Effects] In a conventional printer, for example, when the relationship between the length L of the label and the distance D between the detection unit for detecting the eye mark and the thermal head is such that L < D, the printing start position cannot be set for the label on which the eye mark p cannot be detected. For this reason, when a label continuum is set, there is a problem that some labels M located downstream of the first detection unit cannot be printed.

[0111] On the other hand, according to the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, while printing on the label M[1], the second detection unit 60 measures the downstream end Mf of the label M[2] from the downstream end Mf of the label m[1].

[0112] As a result, when the label continuum ML is set in the printer 1, a reference printing start position can be set and printing can be performed even for labels M[2] to m[4] that are located downstream of the first detection unit 50 and therefore cannot be detected by the eye mark P.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the printer 1 of this embodiment, even if the calculated arrangement length α includes errors due to actual measurements, the errors can be corrected using the arrangement length α and the distance between units U.

[0114] This allows for precise setting of the printing start position, determined based on measured values, thereby improving printing accuracy.

[0115] Therefore, in printer 1, which prints on a label continuum ML on which labels M are placed, label loss can be eliminated and printing can be performed with high accuracy.

[0116] [Other embodiments] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be applied, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0117] The eye mark P should serve as an indicator capable of detecting the arrangement length α, which consists of the length L of the label M and the gap G. The printing position of the eye mark P may be any location other than the downstream end of the label M in the transport direction.

[0118] In this embodiment, a printer 1 using ink ribbon transfer via a thermal head 13 has been described. However, a thermal transfer printer may also be used, in which the label M is made of thermal paper and the thermal head 13 applies heat to print on the label M.

[0119] The flowchart shown in Figure 3 is a process that assumes a new label continuum ML is set in the printer 1 so that the first label M[1] corresponds to the second detection unit 60, as shown in Figure 4(a).

[0120] In contrast, the controller 70 may perform a process to detect the downstream end Mf of label M[1] by performing a forward feed from a state in which the gap G between labels M is set to a position corresponding to the second detection unit 60 when the head unit 11 is set to the head closed position.

[0121] In actual label continuum ML, the gap G between labels M is often set to be significantly shorter than the length L of label M in the transport direction. Therefore, it is simpler for the user to align the label M to the position corresponding to the second detection unit 60.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a new label continuum ML is set, the user may be prompted to input the size of the label M, or the length L of the label M[1] may be measured by the second detection unit 60. In this case, the length L of the label M in the transport direction can be measured by utilizing the fact that the amount of transmitted light at the position where the backing paper B and the label M overlap, as detected by the second detection unit 60, is different from the amount of transmitted light transmitted only through the backing paper B.

[0123] If a measurement step is performed solely to measure the length L of the label M[1] before printing, the controller 70 measures the length L of the first label M[1] and then backfeeds the label M[1] based on the measured length L of the label M so that the position of the thermal head 13 corresponds to the printing start position on the label M.

[0124] In this case, although the measurement of the length L of label M[1] takes time before printing on label M[1] can begin, user input can be omitted.

[0125] In this embodiment, even if an error occurs in the measurement of label M[1], it is negligible compared to the length L of label M and the size of the gap G. For this reason, a threshold can be set for the remainder R, and the controller 70 may determine that an error has occurred if the remainder R exceeds the threshold.

[0126] In this embodiment, the various programs used in the printer 1 may be stored on a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1. Printer 2 Main body 3 Cover 4. Open / Close Detection Sensor 10. Printing mechanism (printing unit and transport unit) 11 Head Unit 12 Platen Roller 13 Thermal Head 14 Support shaft 15 Printing section 20 Ribbon supply shafts 30 Ribbon winding shafts 40 Media supply shaft 50 First detection unit 60 Second detection unit 61 Light-emitting part 62 Light receiving part 70 Controller (Computer) 71 CPU 72 ROM 73 RAM 74 Transport control circuit 75 Printing control circuit 76 Paper detection circuit 77 I / O ports 78 Power supply section 79 Sensor detection circuit 80 Internal bus 81 Display section 82 Input section B Backing board M Label Mf downstream end Me upstream end ML continuum

Claims

1. A printer that prints on a continuous label, which consists of labels temporarily attached at predetermined intervals to a long sheet of paper, A transport unit for transporting the label continuum, A printing unit for printing on the aforementioned label, A first detection unit is positioned upstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and detects the label, A second detection unit is positioned downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and detects the label, A controller that controls printing on the label and transporting the label continuum based on the detection results in the first detection unit and the second detection unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, The label continuum is transported while the printing unit prints on the labels, and the second detection unit measures the spacing length, which is the distance between the downstream end of the printed label and the downstream end of the label adjacent to it. Based on the arrangement length, the reference printing start position of the label located upstream of the printing unit is set. The reference printing start position is corrected using the inter-unit distance between the printing unit and the first detection unit, and the arrangement length. Printer.

2. A printer according to claim 1, The aforementioned controller, In measuring the arrangement length, the downstream end of the first label printed by the second detection unit is detected, and the downstream end of the second label is detected by the second detection unit. The aforementioned controller, The first detection unit detects the downstream end of the nth label, Based on the arrangement length, the reference printing start position is set for each label from the label that has not been printed to the (n-1)th label located downstream of the nth label. The transport distance from the time the first detection unit detects the downstream end of the nth label until the second detection unit detects the downstream end of the second label is calculated. Based on the distance between units, the arrangement length, and the transport distance, the reference printing start position of at least one of the labels from the label that has not been printed to the (n-1)th label is corrected. Printer.

3. The printer according to claim 2, The aforementioned controller, After printing on the first label is completed, the continuous label assembly is further transported. When the downstream end of the second label is detected in the second detection unit, the label continuum is transported in the reverse direction of the transport direction so that the printing start position on the second label corresponds to the printing unit, in order to print on the second label. Printer.

4. A printer according to claim 2 or 3, The aforementioned controller, The integer X is calculated such that the absolute value of the value obtained by multiplying the aforementioned arrangement length by an integer X and subtracting it from a specific length from the downstream end of the label that has not been printed to the downstream end of the nth label is the smallest. The calculated integer X is set as a specific coefficient, The aforementioned specific coefficient is set as the number of labels present between the first label and the nth label. Printer.

5. A printer according to claim 4, The aforementioned controller, The quotient obtained by dividing the specified length by the specified coefficient is used as the arrangement length of the label between the first label and the nth label to set the reference printing start position. The remainder is used as a correction value to correct the reference printing start position. Printer.

6. The printer according to claim 5, The aforementioned controller, If the remainder obtained by dividing the specified length by the specified coefficient is 0, the correction value is set to 0. The remainder of 0 is added to the arrangement length of any label that exists between the first label and the nth label. Printer.

7. The printer according to claim 5, The aforementioned controller, The remainder obtained by dividing the specified length by the specified coefficient is distributed to each label between the first label and the nth label and added to the respective arrangement length. Printer.

8. A printing unit that prints on a continuous label formed by temporarily attaching labels at predetermined intervals to a long sheet of paper, A transport unit for transporting the label continuum, A first detection unit is positioned upstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and detects the label, The unit comprises a second detection unit positioned downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and for detecting the label, A printer control method that controls printing on the label and transporting the label continuum based on the detection results in the first detection unit and the second detection unit, The label continuum is transported while the printing unit prints on the labels, and the second detection unit measures the spacing length, which is the distance between the downstream end of the printed label and the downstream end of the label adjacent to it. Based on the arrangement length, the reference printing start position of the label located upstream of the printing unit is set. The reference printing start position is corrected using the inter-unit distance between the printing unit and the first detection unit, and the arrangement length. How to control the printer.

9. A printing unit that prints on a continuous label formed by temporarily attaching labels at predetermined intervals to a long sheet of paper, A transport unit for transporting the label continuum, A first detection unit is positioned upstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and detects the label, The unit comprises a second detection unit positioned downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and for detecting the label, A program that can be executed by the computer of a printer that controls printing on the labels and transporting the label continuum based on the detection results in the first detection unit and the second detection unit, The label continuum is transported while the printing unit prints on the labels, and the second detection unit measures the spacing length, which is the distance between the downstream end of the printed label and the downstream end of the label adjacent to it. Based on the arrangement length, the reference printing start position of the label located upstream of the printing unit is set. The reference printing start position is corrected using the inter-unit distance between the printing unit and the first detection unit, and the arrangement length. A program to be executed by the aforementioned computer.

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