Label Stock Indicator Marks for First Label Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current label printers waste labels due to inability to accurately determine if the first label in a roll is full or partial, leading to malfunctions when trying to advance past the platen/print head transition angle, which discourages users from changing rolls and affects overall label usage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating indicator marks on the back side of label stock that correspond to the width and length of the labels, allowing sensors to determine if the first label is full or partial, and positioning it correctly within the printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the label stock is advanced until a TOF mark is detected to ensure printing on a full label, then printing accuracy is improved, but label waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the first label's status (full or partial) using sensors that read marks on the label stock before the printing process begins. This advance knowledge allows the system to adjust the starting position appropriately, eliminating the need to always advance to the next TOF mark and thereby reducing label waste while maintaining printing accuracy.
2Reliability
If the first label is advanced completely past the platen/print head interface point to eliminate partial labels, then printing reliability is improved, but printer malfunction risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The label stock carries its own identification marks that enable the printer to automatically determine the status of the first label and adjust positioning accordingly. This self-identifying capability allows the system to reliably print on full labels without forcing the label through the platen/print head transition angle, thereby avoiding the peeling and malfunction issues associated with forcing partial labels through.
3Measurement precision
If indicator marks are added to the back side of label stock to enable label status detection, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex physical structures or electronic components to the label stock, the invention uses simple printed or pre-formed marks on the back side of the label stock as copies or representations of the label information. These marks can be detected by optical or magnetic sensors already present in the printer, providing the necessary measurement capability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining whether a first one of a plurality of labels on a roll of label stock is a full label. The method includes sensing a leading edge of the roll of label stock, sensing a location of a first one of a plurality of indicator marks that are printed on the back side of the roll of label stock, sensing a location of a second one of the plurality of indicator marks, sensing a location of one of a plurality of top of form marks that are printed on the back side of the roll of label stock. The method further includes determining whether the first one of the plurality of labels is a full label based on the leading edge of the roll of label stock, the location of the first one of the plurality of indicator marks, the location of the second one of the plurality of indicator marks, and the location of the one of the plurality of top of form marks.