Printer, support unit, and printing medium

Abstract

Provided are a printer capable of detecting a portion to be detected with improved accuracy, a support unit, and a printing medium. The printer comprises a conveyance section, a printing section, a sensor, and a control section. The conveyance section conveys a printing medium having a portion to be detected. The printing section performs printing on the printing medium conveyed by the conveyance section. The sensor detects the portion to be detected. The control section sets a control parameter of the sensor in accordance with the printing medium (S3). Thus, the printer can detect the portion to be detected with improved accuracy.

Description

Printer, support unit, and printing medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer, a support unit, and a printing medium.

[0002] The label feeding device of Patent Document 1 drives a roll base paper to feed labels. When printing of one label is completed, a laser sensor detects a detected portion at the end of the label. When the laser sensor detects the end of the detected portion, the label feeding device feeds the label at a low speed. When the laser sensor detects a detected portion at the start of the next label, printing is performed on the next label.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-127772

[0004] In the above label feeding device, the optimal setting of the control parameters of the laser sensor for detecting the detected portion may differ for each type of label. Therefore, if the same value is set uniformly for the control parameters regardless of the type of label, the detection accuracy of the detected portion may decrease.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a printer, a support unit, and a printing medium that can improve the detection accuracy of a detected portion.

[0006] The printer according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a printing medium having a detected portion, a printing unit that prints on the printing medium transported by the transport unit, a sensor that detects the detected portion, and a control unit, and the control unit executes a setting process of setting control parameters of the sensor according to the printing medium.

[0007] Since the printer sets the control parameters according to the printing medium, the detection accuracy of the detected portion can be improved.

[0008] In the present invention, the sensor includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the setting process may set the light emission amount of the light emitting element as the control parameter. Since the printer optimally sets the light emission amount according to the printing medium, the detection accuracy of the detected portion can be improved.

[0009] In the present invention, the sensor comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the setting process may set an amplification factor for amplifying the output voltage of the light-receiving element as the control parameter. The printer sets the amplification factor of the output voltage according to the printing medium, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detected part.

[0010] In the present invention, the sensor comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the setting process may set a threshold value to be compared with the output voltage of the light-receiving element as the control parameter. The printer sets the threshold value according to the printing medium, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detected part.

[0011] In the present invention, the sensor comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the setting process may set the sensitivity of the light-receiving element as the control parameter. Since the printer sets the sensitivity according to the printing medium, the detection accuracy of the detected part can be improved.

[0012] In the present invention, the sensor includes a laser sensor, and the setting process may set the control parameters of the laser sensor. The printer can improve the detection accuracy of the detected part even when using a laser sensor.

[0013] In the present invention, the laser sensor may be a surface-emitting laser. Even when a surface-emitting laser is used, the printer can improve the detection accuracy of the part to be detected.

[0014] In the present invention, the sensor includes an LED, and the setting process may set the control parameters of the LED. The printer can improve the detection accuracy of the detected part even when an LED is used.

[0015] In the present invention, the part to be detected is a mark, and the sensor may detect the mark. The printer can improve the accuracy of mark detection.

[0016] In this invention, multiple marks may be provided. The printer can improve the detection accuracy of multiple marks.

[0017] In the present invention, the printing medium may be a label attached to release paper. The printer can set control parameters according to the label.

[0018] In this invention, multiple labels may be provided. The printer can improve the detection accuracy of the detected area even when there are multiple labels.

[0019] In the present invention, the printing medium may be wound in a roll. The printer can set appropriate control parameters even when the printing medium is wound in a roll.

[0020] In the present invention, the printer comprises a support member for supporting the printing medium and a memory disposed on the support member in which the control parameters are stored. The control unit further performs an acquisition process to acquire the control parameters from the memory, and the setting process may be set to the control parameters acquired in the acquisition process. The printer can acquire the control parameters from the memory disposed on the support member.

[0021] In the present invention, a support member is provided to support the printing medium, the support member has a two-dimensional code containing information about the control parameters, the control unit further performs a reading process to read the two-dimensional code of the support member, and the setting process sets the control parameters based on the two-dimensional code read in the reading process. The printer can set the control parameters from the two-dimensional code of the support member.

[0022] In the present invention, the printer is provided with a memory located on the printing medium in which the control parameters are stored. The control unit further performs an acquisition process to acquire the control parameters from the memory, and the setting process may be set to the control parameters acquired in the acquisition process. The printer can acquire the control parameters from the memory located on the printing medium.

[0023] In the present invention, the printing medium has a two-dimensional code containing information about the control parameters, the control unit further performs a reading process to read the two-dimensional code of the printing medium, and the setting process may set the control parameters based on the two-dimensional code read in the reading process. The printer can set the control parameters from the two-dimensional code of the printing medium.

[0024] In the present invention, the control unit may further perform a correction process to correct the control parameters, and the setting process may be set to the control parameters corrected in the correction process. By setting the printer to the corrected control parameters, the detection accuracy of the detected unit can be further improved.

[0025] A support unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a printing medium having a detection portion, a support member for supporting the printing medium, and an information holding unit having information on the control parameters of a sensor for detecting the detection portion.

[0026] The support unit can improve the detection accuracy of the part being detected.

[0027] A printing medium according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a detection unit and an information holding unit having information on the control parameters of a sensor that detects the detection unit.

[0028] The printing medium can improve the detection accuracy of the detected area.

[0029] This is a perspective view of the printer 1 with the cover 12 in the closed position. This is a perspective view of the printer 1 with the support unit 100 and the cover 12 in the open position. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in Figure 1. This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer 1. This is a circuit diagram of the sensor board 80. This is an example of control parameters. This is a detection image of the detected part M by the sensor 15. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the output voltage Vout2 and thresholds Th1 and Th2. This is a diagram showing control parameters according to the type of medium 3. This is a flowchart of the first main process. This is a flowchart of the second main process. This is a diagram showing the corrected control parameters. This is a diagram showing the state in which the RFID chip 107A is placed on the medium 3.

[0030] One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that the present invention may adopt. The configuration of the device described is not intended to be the sole limiting factor, but is merely an illustrative example.

[0031] In Figure 1, the top, bottom, diagonally left and down, diagonally right and up, diagonally left and down, and diagonally right and down correspond to the top, bottom, front, rear, left, and right sides of the printer 1, respectively.

[0032] Printer 1 performs printing using a thermal printing method. Printer 1 feeds out the printable medium (hereinafter referred to as "medium 3"), which is wound in a roll, towards the printing unit 7 using the transport unit 8. Printer 1 prints on the medium 3 that has been transported by the transport unit 8 using the printing unit 7. Printer 1 also cuts the printed portion of the medium 3, including the printed part, from the roll using the cutter unit 18.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the printer 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 has a main body 11 and a cover 12.

[0034] The main body 11 includes a lower wall portion 11B, a front wall portion 11F, a rear wall portion 11S, a left wall portion 11L, a right wall portion 11R, and an upper wall portion 11U.

[0035] The lower wall portion 11B faces the mounting surface when the printer 1 is placed on it. When the mounting surface is horizontal, the lower wall portion 11B is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0036] The upper ends of the front wall portion 11F, the rear wall portion 11S, the left wall portion 11L, and the right wall portion 11R, and the rear end of the upper wall portion 11U, form an opening 110 in the main body 11.

[0037] The front wall portion 11F is provided with an outlet 16 from which the printed portion of the medium 3 is discharged. The upper end of the rear wall portion 11S is rotatably supported by a cover 12. The right wall portion 11R is provided with a lever 17 that is operated to open the cover 12.

[0038] An operation unit 5 and a notification unit 6 are provided on the upper wall portion 11U. The operation unit 5 includes a plurality of push buttons for performing input operations on the printer 1. The notification unit 6 includes an LED for notifying the state of the printer 1.

[0039] The main body 11 has a housing portion 13 inside. The housing portion 13 forms a space for housing the support unit 100.

[0040] Roll support members 13L and 13R are provided at the left and right ends of the housing portion 13. The roll support member 13L supports the support member 105L in a state where the support unit 100 is housed in the housing portion 13. The roll support member 13R supports the support member 105R in a state where the support unit 100 is housed in the housing portion 13. A connector 19 is arranged at the lower end of the right roll support member 13R.

[0041] A printing unit 7 is provided in front of the housing portion 13 and behind the discharge port 16. The printing unit 7 includes a head 71, a spring 72, etc.

[0042] The head 71 has a plurality of heating elements 75 on its upper surface. The head 71 is biased upward by a spring 72 connected to its lower end.

[0043] A cutter unit 18 is provided in front of the printing unit 7 and behind the discharge port 16. The cutter unit 18 includes cutters 18A and 18B. The medium 3 passes through between the cutters 18A and 18B in the forward direction. By moving the cutters 18A and 18B in a direction approaching each other, the medium 3 is cut. Thereby, the printed portion of the medium 3 is separated from the roll.

[0044] The cover 12 is movable between a closed position closing the opening 110 of the main body 11 and an open position not closing the opening 110. FIG. 1 shows a state where the cover 12 is arranged at the closed position. FIG. 2 shows a state where the cover 12 is arranged at the open position. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, on the premise that the cover 12 is arranged at the closed position, each direction of the cover 12, that is, upward, downward, forward, backward, leftward, and rightward will be described.

[0045] The cover 12 includes an upper wall portion 12U, a left wall portion 12L, a right wall portion 12R, and a rear wall portion 12S.

[0046] The upper wall portion 12U is disposed behind the upper wall portion 11U of the main body 11. The left wall portion 12L is disposed above the left wall portion 11L of the main body 11. The right wall portion 12R is disposed above the right wall portion 11R of the main body 11. The rear wall portion 12S is disposed above the rear wall portion 11S of the main body 11. The lower end of the rear wall portion 12S is rotatably supported by the upper end of the rear wall portion 11S of the main body 11.

[0047] The conveying unit 8 is supported at the front end portion of the lower surface of the upper wall portion 12U. The conveying unit 8 includes a platen roller 8A, a shaft body 8B, and a driven gear 8C.

[0048] The platen roller 8A has a cylindrical shape. The shaft body 8B includes a portion protruding leftward from the left end portion of the platen roller 8A and a portion protruding rightward from the right end portion of the platen roller 8A. The upper wall portion 12U rotatably supports the shaft body 8B of the conveying unit 8. The driven gear 8C is connected to the portion of the shaft body 8B that protrudes leftward from the left end portion of the platen roller 8A.

[0049] The platen roller 8A is disposed above the head 71 in a state where the cover 12 is disposed at the closed position. The driven gear 8C meshes with a main gear provided on the main body 11.

[0050] A sensor substrate 80 is disposed at the front end portion of the cover 12 in the front-rear direction and at the right end portion of the front end portion of the cover 12 in the left-right direction. The sensor substrate 80 is disposed behind the conveying unit 8 and in the housing portion 13 in the front-rear direction.

[0051] The sensor substrate 80 has a sensor 15. The sensor 15 is exposed toward the inside of the housing 10. Therefore, when the cover 12 is at the open position, the user can visually recognize the sensor substrate 80. When the cover 12 is at the closed position, the sensor 15 faces the detection portion M of the medium 3.

[0052] The support unit 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The support unit 100 includes a holder 101 that supports the medium 3. The holder 101 includes a core 103 that passes through the center of the roll and support members 105L and 105R provided on both sides of the core 103.

[0053] A memory 107 is located on the right side of the lower end of the right support member 105R. The memory 107 stores the control parameters described later.

[0054] When the support unit 100 is housed in the housing section 13, the support member 105L is supported by the left roll support member 13L, and the support member 105R is supported by the right roll support member 13R. In this case, the memory 107 of the support member 105R is connected to the connector 19 of the roll support member 13R.

[0055] The medium 3 will now be described. The medium 3 is wound in a roll shape around the core 103 of the support unit 100. The medium 3 includes release paper P, a label R, a detection part M, etc. The label R is attached to the release paper P, for example. Multiple labels R are provided. Multiple labels R are arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0056] Multiple detection areas M are provided. The detection areas M are printed on the side of the release paper P opposite to the side to which the label R is attached. Multiple detection areas M are arranged at predetermined intervals corresponding to the label R. The detection areas M are, for example, marks. The marks of the detection areas M are rectangular and filled in black.

[0057] Referring to Figure 4, the electrical configuration of printer 1 will be described. Printer 1 further includes a CPU 21, RAM 22, flash memory 23, EEPROM 24, drive circuits 78, 88, etc.

[0058] The CPU 21 controls the printer 1. The CPU 21 is electrically connected to the RAM 22, flash memory 23, EEPROM 24, drive circuits 78 and 88, display 4, operation unit 5, notification unit 6, sensor board 80, and connector 19.

[0059] RAM 22 temporarily stores various data. Flash memory 23 stores various programs for the CPU 21 to control printer 1. EEPROM 24 stores dot pattern data for printing, categorized by font and size.

[0060] The drive circuit 78 drives the printing unit 7 according to the instructions of the CPU 21. The drive circuit 78 selectively heats the heating element 75 of the head 71 according to the instructions of the CPU 21. As a result, printing is performed on the medium 3.

[0061] The drive circuit 88 drives the transport unit 8 according to the instructions of the CPU 21. The CPU 21 drives the DC motor 81. The platen roller 8A rotates when the DC motor 81 is driven. The DC motor 81 is equipped with an encoder 85. The encoder 85 feeds back pulses indicating the rotational position of the DC motor 81 to the drive circuit 88.

[0062] The display 4 displays various information according to the instructions of the CPU 21. The operation unit 5 transmits various instructions entered by the user to the CPU 21. The notification unit 6 notifies the user of various information according to the instructions of the CPU 21.

[0063] The sensor board 80 processes the output of the sensor 15 and transmits the result to the CPU 21. Details of the sensor board 80 will be described later.

[0064] The connector 19 transmits information from the memory 107 of the support unit 100 to the CPU 21.

[0065] Referring to Figure 5, the sensor board 80 will be described. The sensor board 80 comprises a sensor 15, a transistor Tr1, resistors R1 to R3, and an AFE 25.

[0066] The sensor 15 detects the label R on the medium 3 and the part to be detected M. The sensor 15 includes a light-emitting element 15A and a light-receiving element 15B.

[0067] The light-emitting element 15A emits light under PWM control by the CPU 21. The light-emitting element 15A is a laser sensor. The laser sensor is, for example, a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser. The anode of the light-emitting element 15A is connected to the power supply VDD. The power supply VDD is, for example, 3.3V.

[0068] The cathode of the light-emitting element 15A is connected to the collector of transistor Tr1. The emitter of transistor Tr1 is connected to one end of resistor R1. The other end of resistor R1 is connected to ground GND.

[0069] The light-receiving element 15B outputs the detection result of the received light to the AFE 25. The light-receiving element 15B is, for example, a photodiode, a phototransistor, etc. The collector of the light-receiving element 15B is connected to the power supply VDD. The emitter of the light-receiving element 15B is connected to the AFE 25. The emitter of the light-receiving element 15B is connected to one end of the resistor R2. The other end of the resistor R2 is connected to ground GND.

[0070] One end of resistor R3 is connected to AFE25. The other end of resistor R3 is connected to ground (GND). Resistor R3 can be connected in parallel with resistor R2. For example, by controlling the switch on AFE25, resistor R3 is connected in parallel with resistor R2.

[0071] The AFE25 performs signal processing on the output voltage Vout1 output from the photodetector 15B. The output voltage Vout1 is an analog signal. The output voltage Vout1 fluctuates depending on the intensity of the light received by the photodetector surface of the photodetector 15B. The photodetector surface receives reflected light from, for example, the medium 3.

[0072] The AFE25 includes, for example, an amplification unit, a comparator, etc. The amplification unit amplifies the output voltage Vout1 by an amplification factor γ (described later) to generate the output voltage Vout2. The output voltage Vout2 is converted into a digital signal and output to the CPU21.

[0073] The comparator, for example, compares the output voltage Vout2 with thresholds Th1 and Th2. Thresholds Th1 and Th2 will be described later. The comparison result S is sent to the CPU 21.

[0074] For the control of the sensor 15 and the signal processing by the AFE 25, control parameters, for example, as shown in Figure 6, are set. The control parameters are stored in the memory 107 of the support unit 100. The control parameters include, for example, the amount of light emitted α, sensitivity β, amplification factor γ, and thresholds Th1 and Th2.

[0075] The light emission amount α represents the set value of the duty cycle in PWM control. The intensity of the light-emitting element 15A is determined by the setting of the duty cycle in PWM control.

[0076] Sensitivity β is a setting value used to determine the magnitude of the output voltage Vout1 output by the photodetector 15B. The setting of sensitivity β determines whether resistor R3 is connected in parallel to resistor R2. When connected in parallel, the combined resistance of resistors R1 and R2 becomes lower than the resistance of resistor R1 alone. In this case, the sensitivity β of the photodetector 15B decreases.

[0077] The amplification factor γ indicates the gain setting value of the amplification section of the AFE25. The amplification factor γ of the output voltage Vout1 is determined by the setting of the amplification factor γ.

[0078] Th1 and Th2 are the settings used when comparing the output voltage Vout2 with the comparator of the AFE25. For example, when detecting reflected light from the part to be detected M, after detecting reflected light from the release paper P of the medium 3, threshold Th1 is used. When detecting reflected light from the release paper P, after detecting reflected light from the part to be detected M, threshold Th2 is used. These values ​​may be different or the same.

[0079] The detection of the detected portion M of the medium 3 by the sensor 15 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. As shown in Figure 7, while the medium 3 is being transported by the transport unit 8, the CPU 21 and the light-emitting element 15A of the sensor 15 are made to emit light. In this case, the light-emitting element 15A emits light of an intensity corresponding to the set value of the light emission amount α of the control parameter.

[0080] The light-receiving element 15B receives reflected light from the label R or the detected area M. For example, the label R has a high reflectivity. Therefore, a large amount of reflected light comes from the label R. On the other hand, the detected area M has a low reflectivity. Therefore, a small amount of reflected light comes from the detected area M.

[0081] When the photodetector 15B receives reflected light, it outputs an output voltage Vout1 corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light. In this case, the output voltage Vout1 is output according to the setting value of the sensitivity β of the control parameter. The output voltage Vout1 is input to the AFE 25. The AFE 25 amplifies the output voltage Vout1 based on the setting value of the amplification factor γ to generate an output voltage Vout2.

[0082] As shown in Figure 8(A), when label R is detected, the output voltage Vout2 is higher than the threshold Th1. On the other hand, when the object to be detected M is detected, the output voltage Vout2 is lower than the threshold Th1. The comparator transmits the comparison result S between the threshold Th1 and the output voltage Vout2 to the CPU 21. Therefore, the CPU 21 can detect the object to be detected M by monitoring the comparator's comparison result S.

[0083] On the other hand, when the AFE25 detects the object to be detected M, the output voltage Vout2 is lower than the threshold Th2. When the label R is detected, the output voltage Vout2 is higher than the threshold Th2. The comparator sends the comparison result S between the threshold Th2 and the output voltage Vout2 to the CPU21. Therefore, the CPU21 can detect the object to be detected M by monitoring the comparator's comparison result S.

[0084] Here, the reflectivity of light may differ depending on the material of the label R of the medium 3 and the detected part M. In that case, the optimal setting value of the control parameters of the sensor 15 will differ depending on the type of medium 3. Therefore, if detection of the detected part M of a different medium 3 is performed using the control parameters shown in Figure 6, for example, there is a possibility of false detection.

[0085] Referring to Figures 8(B) and 8(C), we will explain the case where the control parameters are inappropriate. The example shown in Figure 8(B) is, for example, the case of a medium 3 with a low reflectivity of label R. In this case, the output voltage Vout2 is output lower than the threshold Th1. As a result, the CPU 21 is unable to detect the object to be detected M from the state in which label R is detected.

[0086] On the other hand, the example shown in Figure 8(C) is when the reflectivity of light from the detected part M is high. In this case, the output voltage Vout2 remains higher than the threshold Th2. As a result, the CPU 21 becomes unable to detect the label R from the state in which the detected part M is being detected.

[0087] Thus, if the control parameters are set uniformly, false detection may occur depending on the type of media 3. Therefore, it is desirable that the printer 1 be able to set control parameters according to the type of media 3.

[0088] For example, when manufacturing the printer 1 or the support unit 100, the manufacturer stores control parameters corresponding to the type of media 3 in the memory 107 of the support unit 100. The optimal combination of each control parameter setting can be determined through experimentation or simulation.

[0089] For example, the table shown in Figure 9 shows the control parameters specified by the manufacturer. Each setting of the control parameters is the optimal value for media A, media B, and media C. For example, if media B is supported by support unit 100, the manufacturer writes the control parameter information for media B into the memory 107 of support unit 100.

[0090] The first main process will be explained with reference to Figure 10. The user, for example, attaches a support unit 100 supporting a desired medium 3 to the printer 1. The user powers on the printer 1. When the printer 1 is powered on, the CPU 21 reads and executes the program. The CPU 21 executes the first main process.

[0091] When the first main process is executed, the CPU 21 obtains control parameters from the memory 107 of the support unit 100 (S1). In this case, the CPU 21 obtains control parameters that have been pre-written to the memory 107 by the manufacturer.

[0092] The CPU 21 sets the control parameters of the light-receiving element 15B to the acquired control parameters (S3). In other words, the CPU 21 sets the control parameters suitable for the medium 3 loaded into the printer 1.

[0093] For example, when medium B in Figure 9 is installed in printer 1, CPU 21 sets the light emission amount α of light-emitting element 15A to "0 x 35". CPU 21 sets the sensitivity β of light-receiving element 15B to "0 x 00". In this case, resistor R3 is not connected in parallel with resistor R2.

[0094] The CPU 21 sets the amplification factor γ for amplifying the output voltage Vout1 to "0 × 0 1". The CPU 21 also sets the thresholds Th1 and Th2 for comparison with the output voltage Vout2 to "0 × b 1" and "0 × b 9", respectively.

[0095] CPU 21 terminates the first main process.

[0096] Subsequently, the user instructs the printer 1 to print on the medium 3 based on the print data. In this case, the sensor 15 can be driven with the optimal control parameters acquired in advance. Therefore, the printer 1 can properly detect the detected part M.

[0097] As described above, the transport unit 8 transports the medium 3. The medium 3 has a detection unit M. The printing unit 7 prints on the medium 3 transported by the transport unit 8. The sensor 15 detects the detection unit M. The CPU 21 sets the control parameters of the sensor 15 according to the medium 3.

[0098] The printer 1 sets control parameters according to the medium 3, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detected unit M.

[0099] The CPU 21 sets the light emission amount α of the light-emitting element 15A as a control parameter. The printer 1 optimally sets the light emission amount α according to the medium 3, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detected unit M.

[0100] The CPU 21 sets the amplification factor γ for amplifying the output voltage Vout 1 of the light-receiving element 15B as a control parameter. The printer 1 sets the amplification factor γ of the output voltage Vout 1 according to the medium 3, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detected unit M.

[0101] The CPU 21 sets thresholds Th1 and Th2 as control parameters, which are compared with the output voltage Vout2 of the light-receiving element 15B. The printer 1 sets thresholds Th1 and Th2 according to the medium 3, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detected unit M.

[0102] The CPU 21 sets the sensitivity β of the light-receiving element 15B as a control parameter. The printer 1 sets the sensitivity β according to the medium 3, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detected part M.

[0103] Sensor 15 is a laser sensor. The CPU 21 sets the control parameters for the laser sensor. The printer 1 can improve the detection accuracy of the detected part M even when using the laser sensor.

[0104] The laser sensor is a surface-emitting laser. Printer 1 can improve the detection accuracy of the detected part M even when using a surface-emitting laser.

[0105] The detected part M is a mark. Sensor 15 detects the mark. Printer 1 can improve the accuracy of mark detection.

[0106] Multiple marks are provided. Printer 1 can improve the detection accuracy of multiple marks.

[0107] The medium 3 has a label R attached to a release liner P. The printer 1 can set control parameters according to the label R.

[0108] Multiple labels R are provided. Printer 1 can improve the detection accuracy of the detected unit M even when there are multiple labels R.

[0109] The medium 3 is wound into a roll. The printer 1 can set appropriate control parameters even when the medium 3 is wound into a roll.

[0110] Support members 105L and 105R support the medium 3. Memory 107 is located in support member 105R and stores control parameters. CPU 21 retrieves control parameters from memory 107. CPU 21 sets the retrieved control parameters. Printer 1 can retrieve control parameters from memory 107 located in support member 105R.

[0111] The medium 3 has a detection unit M. Support members 105R and 105L support the medium 3. The memory 107 holds information on the control parameters of the sensor 15 that detects the detection unit M.

[0112] The support unit 100 can improve the detection accuracy of the detected part M.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 is an example of the "control unit" of the present invention. The CPU 21 executing S3 is an example of the "setting process" of the present invention. The memory 107 of the support unit 100 is an example of the "information holding unit" of the present invention.

[0114] The above embodiments can be further modified in various ways as follows. The above embodiments and the various modifications described below can be combined in any way, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the printer 1 was a thermal type, but it is not limited to this. For example, the printer 1 may be an inkjet type.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the sensor 15 was of the reflective type, but it is not limited to this. The sensor 15 may also be a transmissive type sensor. In this case, the control parameters should be appropriately set according to the type of sensor 15 and the type of medium 3. The light-emitting element 15A and the light-receiving element 15B of the sensor 15 do not have to be integrated, but may be provided separately.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the light-emitting element 15A of the sensor 15 was a laser sensor, but it is not limited to this. The light-emitting element 15A of the sensor 15 may be an LED. In this case, the memory 107 stores control parameters optimized for controlling the LED. The CPU 21 reads the LED control parameters from the memory 107 and sets the LED control parameters. Therefore, the printer 1 can improve the detection accuracy of the detected part M even when using an LED.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the mark on the detected part M was black and rectangular in shape, but it is not limited to this. The color, shape, size, etc. of the mark may be changed as appropriate. The configuration of the medium 3 may also be changed as appropriate.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the detected portion M of the medium 3 was a mark, but it is not limited to this. For example, the detected portion M may be a hole, a label, an edge, etc.

[0120] Instead of the memory 107 in the above embodiment, a two-dimensional code containing control parameter information may be provided at either the support member 105R or 105L, for example. The two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0121] For example, the CPU 21 controls the camera to read the two-dimensional codes on the support members 105R and 105L. Based on the read two-dimensional codes, the CPU 21 sets the control parameters. Therefore, the printer 1 can set the control parameters from the two-dimensional codes on the support members 105R and 105L.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the memory 107 is located on the support member 105R of the support unit 100, but it is not limited to this. It may also be located on the support member 105L of the support unit 100. The support unit 100 can be located at any position on the support unit 100. The connector 19 may also be located accordingly.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the sensitivity β was reduced by connecting resistor R2 in parallel with resistor R1, but this is not the only method. For example, the resistance value may be increased or decreased by controlling a variable resistor with an IC. This allows the printer 1 to adjust the sensitivity β in more detail.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the AFE 25 was located on the sensor board 80, but it is not limited to this. The AFE 25 may also be located on the main board of the printer 1. The function of the AFE 25 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the function of a comparator may be provided separately. The AFE 25 may be omitted. In this case, the sensor board 80 only needs to have an operational amplifier and a comparator separately arranged on it.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the manufacturer stored only control parameters corresponding to the type of media 3 supported by the support unit 100 in the memory 107, but is not limited to this. For example, the manufacturer may store the table itself shown in Figure 9 in the memory 107. In this case, the CPU 21 only needs to identify the type of media 3 in the printer 1 and obtain the control parameters corresponding to the identified type from the table.

[0126] Referring to Figure 11, the second main processing of the modified example will be described. Hereafter, we will omit explanations of aspects that are the same as in the above embodiment and focus on the differences. It is assumed that the same data as in the above embodiment is stored in memory 107.

[0127] When the second main process is executed, the CPU 21 obtains control parameters in the same way as the first main process (S101). In this case, the CPU 21 obtains the control parameters from the memory 107 of the support unit 100. For example, if the support unit 100 is supporting a medium C, the CPU 21 obtains the optimal control parameters for the medium C.

[0128] The CPU 21 corrects the acquired control parameters (S103). For example, the distance between the sensor 15 and the medium 3 differs depending on the type of printer 1. Therefore, the output of the light-receiving element 15B fluctuates, and the appropriate control parameters change when the model of printer 1 changes.

[0129] Printer 1 corrects control parameters according to distance. For example, in a printer other than printer 1, the distance between sensor 15 and medium 3 may be greater than in printer 1. In this case, the intensity of reflected light from medium 3 decreases, so if the parameters acquired in S101 are used as is, the output voltage Vout2 will be lower than expected.

[0130] Therefore, for example, the correction value is set so that the control parameter increases the output voltage Vout2. For example, the CPU 21 multiplies the light emission amount α and the amplification factor γ by a coefficient of 1.2. For example, the CPU 21 may also correct the thresholds Th1 and Th2 and correct the control parameter to a value multiplied by a coefficient of 0.8.

[0131] Preferably, the coefficients are determined by experiment or simulation based on the relationship between distance and reflected light intensity. For example, if the distance between the sensor 15 and the medium 3 is within the margin of error, no correction is necessary. As the distance increases, the coefficients for the light emission amount α and amplification factor γ may be increased, while the coefficients for the thresholds Th1 and Th2 may be decreased.

[0132] In addition, depending on the printer 1, the distance between the sensor 15 and the medium 3 may be shorter than the standard. In this case, as the distance between the sensor 15 and the medium 3 decreases, the coefficients of the light emission amount α and the amplification factor γ may be decreased, and the coefficients of the thresholds Th1 and Th2 may be increased.

[0133] The table shown in Figure 12 shows an example of the corrected control parameters. The correction results in Figure 12 are obtained by correcting the control parameters shown in Figure 6 of the above embodiment. For example, when the medium C is supported by the support unit 100, the CPU 21 determines that the corrected control parameters of the medium C shown in Figure 6 become the control parameters of the medium C shown in Figure 12.

[0134] The CPU 21 sets the control parameters of the sensor 15 to the corrected control parameters (S105).

[0135] CPU 21 terminates the second main process.

[0136] As explained above, the CPU 21 corrects the control parameters. The CPU 21 sets the corrected control parameters. By setting the printer 1 to the corrected control parameters, the detection accuracy of the detected unit M can be further improved.

[0137] In the second main process described above, the CPU 21 executing S103 is an example of the "correction process" of the present invention. The CPU 21 executing S105 is an example of the "setting process" of the present invention.

[0138] Note that the correction method for thresholds Th1 and Th2 is not limited to the above modifications. Since there is a correlation between the reflectance from the medium 3 and the output voltage Vout2 of the sensor 15, the CPU 21 may, for example, determine threshold Th1 from this correlation.

[0139] For example, the memory 107 may pre-store information on the reflectance of the label R on the medium 3 and the reflectance of the detected part M. The CPU 21 can then correct thresholds Th1 and Th2 based on the reflectance information in the memory 107. It is also advisable to store data for cases where the light-emitting element 15A is an LED, not just a laser sensor.

[0140] Referring to Figure 13, a modified example of medium 3 will be described. The modified example of medium 3 includes, for example, a label R, a release paper P, and a detection unit M, similar to the medium 3 of the above embodiment.

[0141] Furthermore, in the modified medium 3, an RFID chip 107A is placed in place of the memory 107 of the above embodiment. The RFID chip 107A is located, for example, in the part that is attached to the core 103 of the support unit 100.

[0142] The RFID chip 107A stores information about control parameters. In this case, the printer 1 is equipped with a detection element for acquiring information from the RFID chip 107A.

[0143] The CPU 21 uses a detection element to acquire control parameters from the RFID chip 107A placed on the medium 3. The CPU 21 sets the acquired control parameters. The printer 1 can acquire control parameters from the RFID chip 107A placed on the medium 3.

[0144] As described above, the medium 3 comprises a detection unit M and an RFID chip 107A. The RFID chip 107A stores the control parameters of the sensor 15 that detects the detection unit M. Therefore, the medium 3 can improve the detection accuracy of the detection unit M.

[0145] The medium 3 may have a two-dimensional code instead of the RFID chip 107A. For example, multiple two-dimensional codes may be provided. The two-dimensional codes are arranged at predetermined intervals. They only need to be arranged on the front side of the detection unit M in the transport direction. The two-dimensional code contains information about control parameters. In this case, it is necessary to provide a camera or the like for reading the information in the two-dimensional code. The camera is placed in the transport path.

[0146] The CPU 21 controls the camera to read the two-dimensional code on the medium 3. Based on the read two-dimensional code, the CPU 21 sets control parameters. The printer 1 can set control parameters from the two-dimensional code on the medium 3.

[0147] Furthermore, if a QR code (registered trademark) is placed on the medium 3, it is not always necessary to read the two-dimensional code with the camera; for example, the control parameters only need to be set when the printer 1 is powered on.

[0148] In the above modified example, the RFID chip 107A and the two-dimensional code are examples of the "information holding unit" of the present invention.

[0149] 1 Printer 7 Printing section 8 Transport section 15 Sensor 15A Light-emitting element 15B Light-receiving element 21 CPU α Light emission amount γ Sensitivity β Amplification factor Th1, Th2 Threshold

Claims

1. A printer comprising: a transport unit for transporting a printing medium having a detection unit; a printing unit for printing on the printing medium transported by the transport unit; a sensor for detecting the detection unit; and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs a setting process to set control parameters for the sensor according to the printing medium.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the setting process sets the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element as the control parameter.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the setting process is characterized in that the amplification factor for amplifying the output voltage of the light-receiving element is set as the control parameter.

4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the setting process is characterized in that a threshold value is set as the control parameter to be compared with the output voltage of the light-receiving element.

5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the setting process sets the sensitivity of the light-receiving element as the control parameter.

6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a laser sensor, and the setting process sets the control parameters of the laser sensor.

7. The printer according to claim 6, characterized in that the laser sensor is a surface-emitting laser.

8. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the sensor includes an LED, and the setting process sets the control parameter of the LED.

9. The printer according to any one of claim 1, wherein the detected part is a mark, and the sensor detects the mark.

10. The printer according to claim 9, characterized in that multiple marks are provided.

11. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing medium is a label attached to release paper.

12. The printer according to claim 11, characterized in that multiple labels are provided.

13. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing medium is wound in a roll shape.

14. The printer according to claim 1, comprising a support member for supporting the printing medium, and a memory disposed on the support member and storing the control parameters, wherein the control unit further performs an acquisition process to acquire the control parameters from the memory, and the setting process is set to the control parameters acquired in the acquisition process.

15. The printer according to claim 1, comprising a support member for supporting the printing medium, wherein the support member has a two-dimensional code containing information about the control parameters, the control unit further performs a reading process to read the two-dimensional code of the support member, and the setting process sets the control parameters based on the two-dimensional code read in the reading process.

16. The printer according to claim 1, comprising a memory disposed on the printing medium and storing the control parameters, wherein the control unit further performs an acquisition process to acquire the control parameters from the memory, and the setting process is set to the control parameters acquired in the acquisition process.

17. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printing medium has a two-dimensional code containing information about the control parameters, the control unit further performs a reading process to read the two-dimensional code of the printing medium, and the setting process sets the control parameters based on the two-dimensional code read in the reading process.

18. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further performs a correction process to correct the control parameters, and the setting process sets the control parameters corrected in the correction process.

19. A support unit characterized by comprising: a printing medium having a detection portion; a support member for supporting the printing medium; and an information holding unit having information on the control parameters of a sensor for detecting the detection portion.

20. A printing medium characterized by comprising a detection unit and an information holding unit having information on the control parameters of a sensor that detects the detection unit.

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