JP2011215028A - Printer, method of determining light intensity and light reception sensitivity, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically determine the light intensity and light reception sensitivity which are optimal in a photosensor that copes with various kinds of media.SOLUTION: The printer that conveys a medium with a first surface where printed areas are placed at predetermined intervals and a second surface where printed-position marks are indicated and printing the printed areas includes a light emission means that enables switching two or more light intensities and outputting an irradiation light of a predetermined light intensity to the second surface; and a light-receiving means possible to switch two or more light-receiving sensitivities, receiving reflection of the irradiation light from the light-emitting means and generating an output voltage, based on the received reflection. An output voltage is detected that corresponds to all the combinations of the light intensities of the light emission means and light reception sensitivities of the light reception means per for conveying the medium, up to a minimum conveying unit by a conveying motor and the detection is repeated at least by the length of the printed area; a potential difference of output voltages is computed per combination; and at least the combination of a maximum potential difference is previously determined as being the combination for adjusting the light intensity and the light-reception sensitivity.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer, a light intensity and light receiving sensitivity determination method, and a program.

  A label printer can perform printing on a medium having labels attached to the mount at regular intervals and an I mark (an example of a printing position mark) on the back side. There is a difference in the thickness of the label and the density of the I mark for each medium. Therefore, when performing printing, it is necessary to control to detect the area (label gap) between the I mark and the label while corresponding to such a difference.

  On the other hand, as a means for performing the detection, a transmissive photosensor or a reflective photosensor is used. However, the photosensor itself also has the light intensity on the light emitting side (light emitting element) and the light intensity on the light receiving side (light receiving element). There is variation in the light sensitivity.

  Such variations in light intensity and light receiving sensitivity that occur for each photosensor can be manually adjusted by maintenance personnel, but there is a problem that production efficiency is poor and adjustment errors are likely to occur. As a solution to this problem, for example, there is a label printer disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2005-288906 A

  However, in the label printer of Patent Document 1, the light intensity on the light emitting side and the light receiving sensitivity on the light receiving side are determined based on a portion (white portion) where there is no I mark when the medium is not transported. There is a possibility that an I mark detection failure (error) may occur during printing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the optimal light intensity in a photosensor can be accommodated for various types of media without causing poor detection of a region between printing position marks or labels. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer capable of automatically determining light receiving sensitivity, a method for determining light intensity and light receiving sensitivity, and a program.

  In order to achieve such an object, the printer of the present invention transports a medium having a first surface on which printing areas are arranged at predetermined intervals and a second surface with a printing position mark by a transport motor, A printer that performs printing in a print area, and as a detection means for detecting a print position mark or an area between print areas, a plurality of light intensities can be switched and irradiation of a predetermined light intensity to the second surface A light-emitting means that outputs light, and a light-receiving means that can switch between a plurality of light-receiving sensitivities, receives reflected light of irradiation light output from the light-emitting means, and generates an output voltage based on the received reflected light. Each time the medium is transported by the transport motor by the minimum transport unit, the output voltage is detected corresponding to all combinations of the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means, and at least the detection is printed. Transport area For each combination, the potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected output voltage is calculated. At least, the combination having the maximum calculated potential difference is determined as the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving means. It is characterized in that it is determined in advance as a combination for adjusting the sensitivity.

  According to the method for determining light intensity and light receiving sensitivity of the present invention, a medium having a first surface on which printing areas are arranged at predetermined intervals and a second surface on which a printing position mark is attached is transported by a transport motor and printed. A method for determining light intensity and light receiving sensitivity performed by an apparatus that prints on an area, and the apparatus can switch a plurality of light intensities as a detection means for detecting a print position mark or an area between print areas. And a light emitting means for outputting irradiation light with a predetermined light intensity to the second surface and a plurality of light receiving sensitivities can be switched, and the reflected light of the irradiation light output from the light emitting means is received and received reflected light. Each of the combinations of the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means each time the medium is transported by the minimum transport unit by the transport motor. Correspondingly, the output voltage is detected and The detection is repeated at least for the length of the print area in the conveyance direction, and the potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected output voltage is calculated for each combination. It is determined in advance as a combination for adjusting the light intensity and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means.

  The program of the present invention is an apparatus that transports a medium having a first surface on which printing areas are arranged at predetermined intervals and a second surface with a printing position mark by a transport motor and performs printing on the printing area. A readable program, the apparatus is capable of switching a plurality of light intensities as detection means for detecting a print position mark or an area between print areas, and irradiating the second surface with a predetermined light intensity A light-emitting means that outputs light, and a light-receiving means that can switch between a plurality of light-receiving sensitivities, receives reflected light of irradiation light output from the light-emitting means, and generates an output voltage based on the received reflected light. Each time the medium is transported to the device by the transport motor, the output voltage is detected corresponding to all combinations of the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means. At least mark A process of repeatedly performing the length of the region in the transport direction, a process of calculating a potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected output voltage for each combination, and at least a combination in which the calculated potential difference is the maximum And a process that is determined in advance as a combination for adjusting the light intensity and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically determine the optimum light intensity and light receiving sensitivity in a photosensor corresponding to various types of media without causing a detection failure of a region between printing position marks or labels. Is possible.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the label printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an image of the sampling data which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example at the time of the initial setting of the label printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example at the time of operation | use of the label printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the power saving control by the current OFF of the light emission side of the label printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the configuration of the label printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The label printer of this embodiment performs printing on a label continuum that is an example of a medium. As shown in FIG. 1, the label continuum has labels attached to the surface (first surface) of the mount at regular intervals. Each label is peelable from the mount surface. Further, printing (printing) is performed on each label. For this reason, the label can be called a print area. There is a predetermined area (area between labels, gap between labels) between the labels. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, I marks (black bars), which are examples of print position marks, are printed at equal intervals on the back surface (second surface) of the mount. Each I mark corresponds to a predetermined position (for example, the leading position) of each label, and is used for determining a printing start position and a label edge in a label continuum.

  The label continuum is transported in the transport direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. A supply reel (not shown) is arranged upstream in the transport direction, and the label continuous body is wound around the supply reel. Further, a thermal head (not shown) and a platen roller are arranged to face each other downstream in the transport direction. The platen roller is rotated by driving a stepping motor (an example of a conveyance motor) (not shown) via a gear, for example. By this rotation, the label continuum is transported in the transport direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, and printing is performed on the label by the thermal head at the position where the thermal head is disposed.

  A photosensor (an example of a detection unit) is disposed between the supply reel and the thermal head. Here, a reflection type photosensor that detects the I mark will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ASIC (transistor control unit) 1, a power supply voltage VCC 14, a transistor array (internal two circuits) 2, a current limiting resistor 3, and a light emitting diode 4 are provided on the light emitting side of the photosensor (an example of light emitting means). Is provided. In the current limiting resistor 3, R and R / 2 (R × ½Ω resistor) are connected in parallel, and are connected in series with the light emitting diode 4. An ASIC (transistor array controller) 1 controls ON / OFF of the transistor array 2 with 2 bits. By this control, three combinations (R only ON, R / 2 only ON, and R and R / 2 both ON) can be realized in R and R / 2, and the current (light intensity) flowing through the light emitting diode 4 can be realized. It can be adjusted (switched) in three stages.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ASIC (transistor control unit) 5, a power supply voltage VCC 15, a transistor array (internal 4 circuits) 6, a load resistor 7, and a phototransistor 8 are provided on the light receiving side (an example of a light receiving unit) of the photosensor. Provided. The load resistor 7 has RL, RL / 2, RL / 4, and RL / 8 connected in parallel, and is connected in series with the phototransistor 8. An ASIC (transistor array control unit) 2 controls ON / OFF of the transistor array 6 with 4 bits. With this control, 15 combinations of RL, RL / 2, RL / 4, and RL / 8 can be realized as combinations of light receiving sensitivity, and the load resistance 7 (light receiving sensitivity) on the light receiving side is adjusted (switched) to 15 levels. it can.

  The collector voltage of the phototransistor 8 (hereinafter referred to as sensor output voltage) is connected to an analog port of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 and further connected to the negative side of the comparator 13. The analog output voltage of the D / A converter 12 is connected to the plus side of the comparator 13 so as to be input.

  The CPU 10 can read / write data from / to the memory (data storage unit) 11 and can transfer data of an analog voltage to be output to the D / A converter 12. Further, the CPU 10 can analyze and calculate the sensor output voltage and transfer data for transistor array control to the ASICs 1 and 5.

  When the sensor output voltage is measured for the I mark portion and the portion other than the I mark (white portion) using such a reflection type photosensor, the amount of reflected light decreases in the I mark portion. 8, the sensor output voltage is a high voltage close to VCC 15. On the other hand, in portions other than the I mark, the amount of reflected light is high, so that a large amount of current flows through the phototransistor 8 and the sensor output voltage is a low voltage close to 0V.

  The operation at the time of initial setting in the label printer of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. This initial setting operation is executed, for example, before the first use (printing is performed) after the product shipment of the label printer.

  The paper (label continuous body) is set in the label printer (S101), and the label printer is activated in the sensor threshold setting mode (S102).

  The number of combinations of the current-limiting resistors 3 on the light emission side is m, and m is m = 1 to 3 steps. Initialize the value of m. For example, the setting that minimizes the current is set to m = 1 (S103).

  The number of combinations of the load resistors 7 on the light receiving side is n, where n is n = 1-15. Initialize the value of n. For example, the setting that maximizes the load resistance is set to n = 1 (S104).

  After each initial setting, the CPU 10 reads the sensor output voltage with an analog port, converts it into digital data, and stores it in the memory 11 (S105). Thereby, the sensor output voltage corresponding to the combination of the first combination of the three current limiting resistors 3 and the first combination of the 15 load resistors 7 is detected (sampling). Will be.

  Here, since n is n = 1 (S106 / NO), the CPU 10 sets n + 1 (n = 2) and issues a command to the ASIC 5 (S107). Thereby, the ASIC 5 performs switching control of ON / OFF of the transistor array 6 with 4 bits. That is, the second combination of the 15 combinations of load resistors 7 is selected. Thereafter, in S105 again, the CPU 10 detects the sensor output voltage and stores it in the memory 11. As a result, the sensor output voltage corresponding to the combination of the first combination of the three current limiting resistors 3 and the second combination of the 15 load resistors 7 is detected (sampling). Will be. Thereafter, this operation is repeated until n = 15 (S106 / YES).

  Next, since m is m = 1 (S108 / NO), the CPU 10 sets m + 1 (m = 2) and issues a command to the ASIC 1 (S109). Thereby, the ASIC 1 performs switching control of ON / OFF of the transistor array 2 with 2 bits. That is, the second combination of the three combinations of the current limiting resistors 3 is selected. Thereafter, in S104 again, n is initialized to n = 1, and S105 to S107 are repeated. Thereafter, the operations from S104 to S109 are repeated until m = 3.

  As described above, sensor output voltages corresponding to all combinations of the combination of the three current limiting resistors 3 and the combination of the fifteen load resistors 7 are detected (sampled). Up to this point, the sensor output voltage sampling is performed during one step of the stepping motor. In the present embodiment, one step of the stepping motor is an example of the minimum transport unit of the label continuum.

  The CPU 10 controls the stepping motor to drive one step (S110). Here, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the label continuum has been conveyed by a certain distance by the drive (S111). Here, an example of a fixed distance is a label length. The label length means the length of the label in the transport direction as shown in FIG. Note that the certain distance may be longer than the label length. As described above, in this embodiment, since the sensor output voltage is detected at least when the conveyance for the label length is performed, the sensor output voltage including not only the portion other than the I mark but also the portion of the I mark is detected. be able to.

  If the result of the determination in S111 is that the conveyance of a certain distance has not been completed (S111 / NO), the sensor output voltage is sampled again in S103 to S109. Thus, for each step of the stepping motor, the sampling of the sensor output voltage corresponding to all combinations of the combination of the three current limiting resistors 3 and the combination of the fifteen load resistors 7 is repeated, and a certain distance is obtained. When the conveyance for (label length) is completed (S111 / YES), a series of operations is terminated.

  FIG. 2 is an image example of sampling data of the sensor output voltage stored in the memory 11 by the operation of FIG. FIG. 2 shows only sampling data corresponding to three combinations (combinations a, b, and c) as an example, but actually there is sampling data corresponding to 45 combinations. As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum value and the minimum value of the sensor output voltage are different for each combination. The CPU 10 detects the maximum value and the minimum value of the sampling data for every 45 combinations, and calculates the potential difference. As a result, 45 potential differences are calculated. Further, the CPU 10 compares the calculated potential differences and determines a combination having the largest potential difference, a combination having the second largest potential difference, and a combination having the third largest potential difference. In the example of FIG. 2, the combination having the largest potential difference is the combination a, the combination having the second largest potential difference is the combination b, and the combination having the third largest potential difference is the combination c. The combinations b and c are combinations before and after the combination a. The combination determined in this way is a combination for adjusting the light intensity on the light emitting side and the light receiving sensitivity on the light receiving side during actual operation (printing). Here, as an example, three combinations are determined, but the number of combinations is not limited to this. At least the combination having the maximum potential difference may be determined.

Thereafter, the CPU 10 calculates a threshold value (for example, (maximum value + minimum value) / 2) for the combination having the maximum potential difference, and transfers threshold voltage data to the D / A converter 12. In addition,
The threshold value may be a voltage value obtained by subtracting a certain value from the maximum value.

  By executing the above operation, the sensor threshold value setting mode ends.

  As described above, the label printer of this embodiment has three levels of the current (light intensity) on the light emission side of the photosensor for each step of driving the stepping motor for transporting the continuous label body. The load resistance (light receiving sensitivity) on the light receiving side is changed to 45 steps in total with 15 steps, and the output voltage of the photosensor at each of 45 steps is sampled. This sampling is repeated until at least the label length is conveyed. The label printer according to the present embodiment determines at least the combination having the largest potential difference based on the maximum value and the minimum value of the output voltage of the photosensor including the I mark portion. As a result, the label printer according to the present embodiment automatically and uniquely determines the optimum light intensity and light receiving sensitivity in the photosensor in correspondence with various types of media without causing an I mark detection failure. It becomes possible.

  Next, the operation at the time of operation in the label printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. This operation at the time of operation is executed when label printing is actually performed after the sensor threshold value setting mode of FIG. 3 is completed.

  A label continuum of the same type as the label continuum set in S101 of FIG. 3 is set (S201). In addition, when printing on a different type of label continuum, it is necessary to perform the sensor threshold setting mode of FIG. 3 again using the label continuum.

  Detection (sampling) of the sensor output voltage is started (S202). That is, the sensor output voltage is also sampled when printing is actually performed. Here, as the combinations used for sampling, the combination a (potential difference is the largest), the combination b (potential difference is the second largest), and the combination c (potential difference is the third largest) described in the example of FIG. Is determined in advance.

  In the label printer, print data to be printed on the label is received from a host (for example, a personal computer connected to the label printer) (S203).

  When the conveyance of the first label is started, the CPU 10 limits the current based on the combination a, the combination b, and the combination c for each step of the stepping motor during the detection operation of the I mark of the label. While adjusting (switching) the resistor 3 and the load resistor 7, the sensor output voltage corresponding to each combination is read and stored in the memory 11 (S204). Again, this sampling is performed for at least the label length. The sensor output voltage (sampling data) stored in the memory 11 is the data of the first combination a, the data of the first combination b, and the data of the first combination c.

  When the detection of the I mark (sampling of the sensor output voltage for the label length) is completed for the first label, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the detection of the I mark for the predetermined number of times (the number of labels) is completed. Judgment is made (S205). Here, the predetermined number of times is three. As a result of the determination, if it is less than three times (S205 / NO), the process returns to S203, waits for print data from the upper level, performs the operation of S204 again, and repeats this until it reaches three times. Therefore, the operation of S204 is also performed for the second and third labels. As a result, the sensor output voltage (sampling data) stored in the memory 11 is the data of the second combination a, the data of the second combination b, the data of the second combination c, and the third combination a. Data, data for the third combination b, and data for the third combination c. That is, here, nine data are stored.

  As described above, after the detection of the I mark is completed three times in succession (S205 / YES), the CPU 10 calculates the potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value for each of the nine data. Next, the CPU 10 calculates the average of the calculated potential differences for each combination a, b, and c. This will be described using, for example, the combination a. First, the CPU 10 calculates a potential difference based on the maximum value and the minimum value of the data of the first sheet combination a, and sets it as the first sheet potential difference. Similarly, the CPU 10 calculates a potential difference based on the maximum value and the minimum value of the data of the combination a of the second sheet, and sets it as the potential difference of the second sheet. Similarly, the CPU 10 calculates a potential difference based on the maximum value and the minimum value of the data of the combination a on the third sheet, and sets it as the potential difference on the third sheet. Next, the CPU 10 calculates the average value of the potential difference of the first sheet, the potential difference of the second sheet, and the potential difference of the third sheet, and sets it as the average value of the combination a. The above calculation is also performed for the combination b and the combination c, and the average value of the combination b and the average value of the combination c are obtained.

  The CPU 10 compares the average value of the combination a, the average value of the combination b, and the average value of the combination c, and determines the maximum combination of average values as a new combination (S206 to 210).

  The CPU 10 changes to the determined new combination (S211). This new combination is used for the I mark detection of the fourth and subsequent labels.

  The above is the operation at the time of operation (at the time of label printing).

  As described above, the label printer according to the present embodiment operates in advance during the normal I mark detection operation for the same type of label continuum as in the sensor threshold setting mode. When the sensor output voltage is sampled, the combination is determined. As in the case of FIG. 3, this sampling is repeated for each label length for each step of the stepping motor. Then, when the label printer of this embodiment detects three consecutive I marks (a predetermined number), the average value of the potential difference is calculated for each combination, and which combination has the maximum average value. Judging. If the average value of the default combination (for example, combination a) is the largest as a result of the determination, the label printer according to the present embodiment determines that no variation in the print density of the I mark has been observed, and the combination remains as it is. operate. On the other hand, if the average value of combinations other than the default combination is large, the label printer according to the present embodiment determines that there is a variation in the print density of the I mark, and the average value of the initial combination is the largest. The combination is changed to a combination (for example, combination b or c), and the light intensity on the light emitting side and the light receiving sensitivity on the light receiving side are automatically corrected using the changed combination when the I mark is detected next time.

  In the label printer of the present embodiment, it is also possible to apply a transmissive photosensor that detects an area between labels. Further, in the label printer of the present embodiment, the combination of the light intensity (current limiting resistance) on the light emitting side has three levels and the combination of the light receiving sensitivity (load resistance) on the light receiving side has 15 levels. Depending on the characteristics, this number of combinations may be free. In the label printer of this embodiment, a transistor array is used, but an analog switch can be used instead. Further, in the label printer of the present embodiment, the combinations a, b, and c shown in FIG. 2 are used as the combinations determined in advance in FIG. 3. Can be increased.

  Further, in the label printer of the present embodiment, the combination of the light intensity (current limiting resistance) on the light emitting side has three stages, but it is possible to have four stages including the case where all the transistor arrays 2 are turned off. is there. In this case, the CPU 10 conveys the label continuum by a certain distance (at least the dimension in the length direction of the label and the length at which the label edge or the I mark can be detected at least twice). The period from the label end (from I mark to I mark) can be counted by the number of steps of the stepping motor. If the cycle is longer than a certain period from the count result, the CPU 10 determines that it is an I mark detection unnecessary period as shown in FIG. 5, and can cut off the current flowing to the light emitting side. Thereby, power saving can be achieved.

  The effects obtained by the label printer of this embodiment described above are summarized below. Depending on the variation of the photo sensor, there are low sensitivity and high sensitivity, but by implementing the idea of this embodiment, the low sensitivity sensor increases the current on the light emitting side and also controls the load resistance on the light receiving side. By doing so, the sensitivity suitable for the paper can be made. Similarly, a highly sensitive sensor can reduce the current on the light-emitting side and control the load resistance on the light-receiving side to produce a sensitivity suitable for the paper. For this reason, various papers can be used without worrying about variations in sensitivity of the photosensors themselves. Further, since the output voltage of the sensor including the I mark portion is sampled and the light intensity and the light receiving sensitivity are determined based on the sampling, the detection failure when actually detecting the I mark can be prevented. In addition, when supplying a photosensor as a maintenance part, it can be supplied without worrying about variations in sensitivity of the photosensor itself. Also, even if the same type of paper has different print density of the I mark due to variations in paper production lots or manufacturing vendors, the sensitivity is automatically corrected. be able to.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867, there is a restriction such that the I mark or the label gap is not applied to the detection position when setting the paper, so the user must set the paper with care. On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to specify a place where the paper is set, and thus it is easy. In the above embodiment, the paper is transported a certain distance (at least the label length or more), the output voltage of the photosensor is sampled, and the maximum value and the minimum value are detected, so the position where the paper is set is arbitrary. Therefore, it is not necessary to pay attention to setting the paper so as not to cover the I mark or the label gap. Therefore, the paper can be easily set.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, it is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  For example, the operation in the above-described embodiment can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  When executing processing by software, a program in which a processing sequence is recorded may be installed and executed in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Or you may install and run a program in the general purpose computer which can perform various processes.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program is stored on a removable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical) disc, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a magnetic disc, and a semiconductor memory. It is possible to store (record) temporarily or permanently. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software.

  The program may be wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer in addition to being installed on the computer from the removable recording medium as described above. Or you may wire-transfer to a computer via networks, such as LAN (Local Area Network) and the internet. The computer can receive the transferred program and install it on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

  In addition to being executed in time series in accordance with the processing operations described in the above embodiment, the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processing, or a configuration to execute in parallel or individually as necessary Is also possible.

1, 5, 9 ASIC
2, 6 Transistor array 3 Current limiting resistor 4 Light emitting diode 7 Load resistor 8 Phototransistor 10 CPU
11 Memory 12 D / A Converter 13 Comparator 14, 15 VCC

Claims (6)

A printer that transports a medium having a first surface on which printing areas are arranged at predetermined intervals and a second surface with a printing position mark by a transport motor and performs printing in the printing area,
As a detecting means for detecting the printing position mark or the area between the printing areas, a plurality of light intensities can be switched, and a light emitting means for outputting irradiation light having a predetermined light intensity to the second surface; A plurality of light receiving sensitivities, a light receiving means for receiving reflected light of the irradiation light output from the light emitting means, and generating an output voltage based on the received reflected light, and
Each time the medium is transported by the transport motor by the minimum transport unit, the output voltage is detected corresponding to all combinations of the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means, and the detection is performed at least. Repeat for the length of the print area in the transport direction,
For each combination, calculate the potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected output voltage,
A printer characterized in that at least a combination having a maximum calculated potential difference is determined in advance as a combination for adjusting the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means.   2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, in addition to the combination having the largest potential difference, a combination having the second largest calculated potential difference and a combination having the third largest potential difference are determined in advance. When there are a plurality of predetermined combinations and the sensitivity of the detection means is adjusted using the predetermined combinations,
Each time the medium is transported by the transport motor by the minimum transport unit, the output voltage is detected corresponding to all the predetermined combinations, and the detection is repeated at least for the length of the print region in the transport direction. Furthermore, the detection is performed for a predetermined number of print areas,
For each of the predetermined combinations, the potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected output voltage is calculated for the number of the print areas, and further, the average value of the potential differences calculated for the number of the print areas is calculated,
3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the combination having the largest calculated average value is determined as the combination for adjusting the light intensity of the light emitting unit and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving unit from the next time. The combination is
The combination of a plurality of limiting resistors provided on the light emitting unit side and a combination of a plurality of load resistors provided on the light receiving unit side are described in any one of claims 1 to 3. Printer. Light intensity performed by an apparatus that transports a medium having a first surface on which printing areas are arranged at predetermined intervals and a second surface on which a printing position mark is attached by a transport motor and performs printing on the printing area. And a method for determining light receiving sensitivity,
The device is
As a detecting means for detecting the printing position mark or the area between the printing areas, a plurality of light intensities can be switched, and a light emitting means for outputting irradiation light having a predetermined light intensity to the second surface; A plurality of light receiving sensitivities, a light receiving means for receiving reflected light of the irradiation light output from the light emitting means, and generating an output voltage based on the received reflected light, and
Each time the medium is transported by the transport motor by the minimum transport unit, the output voltage is detected corresponding to all combinations of the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means, and the detection is performed at least. Repeat for the length of the print area in the transport direction,
For each combination, calculate the potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected output voltage,
A method for determining a light intensity and a light receiving sensitivity, wherein at least a combination having a maximum calculated potential difference is determined in advance as a combination for adjusting the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means. A program readable by a device that transports a medium having a first surface on which printing areas are arranged at a predetermined interval and a second surface with a printing position mark by a transport motor and performs printing on the printing area. There,
The device is
As a detecting means for detecting the printing position mark or the area between the printing areas, a plurality of light intensities can be switched, and a light emitting means for outputting irradiation light having a predetermined light intensity to the second surface; A plurality of light receiving sensitivities, a light receiving means for receiving reflected light of the irradiation light output from the light emitting means, and generating an output voltage based on the received reflected light, and
In the device,
Each time the medium is transported by the transport motor by the minimum transport unit, the output voltage is detected corresponding to all combinations of the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means, and the detection is performed at least. Processing to repeat the length of the print area in the transport direction;
For each combination, a process for calculating the potential difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the detected output voltage;
At least a process for predetermining a combination having the maximum calculated potential difference as a combination for adjusting the light intensity of the light emitting means and the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving means;
A program characterized by having executed.

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