JPH02139329A - Label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To always correctly set a threshold value for detecting a gap by a method wherein a constant level pre specified at a detection level of a transmission sensor is calculated with manual feed of a label roll enabled, and the calculated value is stored as the threshold value for detecting the gap. CONSTITUTION:A printer is provided with a roll feed mechanism 11 for feeding a label roll and a print controller 13 for driving and controlling a printer section 12, and a transmission sensor 14 is placed on a feed path of the label roll. A manual threshold value setting control means 10b of the controller 10 disables the roll feed mechanism 11 to have manual feed of the label roll enabled when manual threshold value setting mode is instructed by a key switch 18a of a key input section 15. Then, if a threshold value setting key 18b is pressed on the key input section 18 with a blank part of label paper 1 manually positioned with respect to the transmission sensor 14, a detection signal of the transmission sensor S at this time is input and a constant value DELTAx is added to the detected level so that this calculated value is to be a threshold value for detecting a gap.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is used in the distribution industry such as supermarkets to print product management data such as product name, weight, and price on labels attached to products. Regarding label printers.

[Prior Art] This type of printer generally uses a label roll in which label sheets are pasted at regular intervals on a mount. and,
When printing on the above-mentioned label paper, for example, a transmission sensor is installed in the transport path of the label roll, and the gap between the label papers is detected by comparing the detection level of this transmission sensor with a preset threshold. The printing position on each label sheet is determined based on the position of this gap. However, when a transmission sensor is used, the detection level varies greatly from label roll to label roll, so it is necessary to set a threshold value for gap detection each time each label roll is set.

Therefore, in the past, for example, a mode was provided to automatically set the threshold value for gap detection, and changes in the detection level of the transmission sensor were monitored during label roll setting and subsequent initial feeding, and changes were detected, for example, as shown in Figure 4. The detected position G is recognized as a gap 1, and the detection level VA in the direction of change of the detection level at this time is defined as the threshold value V ref, which is the sum of the detection level VA in paper 1 and the constant value ΔX. The position of the gap 1a was detected using the value V ref. Note that 2 in the figure is a mount to which the label paper 1 is attached.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, with such a conventional printer, there is no problem if the label paper 1 is plain, but if the label paper 1 has a pre-print part 1a as shown in FIG. Depending on the initial position of the label paper 1 relative to the transmission sensor, a change in the detection level by the pre-printing section 1b may be mistakenly recognized as a gap 1a. For example, the position S of the transmission sensor
If the initial position of the label roll is as shown in FIG. If the initial position of the roll is the position shown in FIG. 5(a), the change in the detection level by the pre-printing section 1b is detected first, so this change in the detection level may be mistakenly recognized as the gap 1a. Put it away.

Then, when calculating the threshold value V ref', a constant value ΔX must be subtracted in the direction of change of this detection level, resulting in an incorrect setting of the threshold value V rel'. Ta.

Therefore, the present invention focuses on this point and attempts to provide a label printer that can always accurately set the threshold value for gap detection even when the label paper has a pre-printed portion.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention uses a label roll in which label papers are arranged at regular intervals on a mount, and uses a transmission sensor disposed in the feed path while the label roll is being fed to detect gaps between the label papers. In a label printer that detects a gap and determines a printing position on each label paper based on the detected position of the gap, a manual setting mode specifying means for manually specifying a manual setting mode of a threshold value for gap detection; threshold manual setting control means, when the manual threshold setting mode is specified by the manual setting mode specifying means, the manual threshold setting control means enables manual feeding of the label roll; In addition, when a threshold level setting instruction is input in this state, the detection level of the transmission sensor is input, a predetermined constant level is calculated for this detection level, and the calculated value is used as the threshold for the gap detection. It is meant to be remembered.

[Operation] As a result, according to the present invention, if the manual setting mode is specified by the manual setting mode specifying means, the label roll becomes ready for manual feeding, so that the service person or the user's handler can manually feed the label roll. In this state, for example, if a threshold level setting instruction is input using the keyboard, the detection level of the transmission sensor at this time, that is, the plain part of the label paper, can be set to face the transparent part of the label paper. A constant value is added to the detection level in , and the calculation result is set as a threshold value. For this reason, it is possible to always accurately set the threshold value for gap detection even if the label paper has a pre-printed portion.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a label printer in an embodiment of the present invention. This printer has a roll feed mechanism 1 for feeding label rolls.
1, a printing section 12 consisting of, for example, a thermal recording head, and a printing control section 13 that drives and controls this printing section 12. Then, the label roll is fed by the roll feed mechanism 11 and guided to the printing section 12, and the printing section 12 prints product management data on each label paper 1. In addition, this label printer is equipped with a transmission sensor 14 in the feed path of the label roll, and the detection signal of this transmission sensor 14 is converted into an analog/digital (A/
D) Converter 15 converts it into a digital signal and sends it to the control unit 10
is leading to Then, the control section 10 detects the gap 1a between each label paper 1 based on the detection signal, and positions each label paper 1 with respect to the printing section 1 from that position. Note that 16 is a memory for storing product management data, etc., and 17 is a communication control unit for exchanging control data with, for example, a personal computer.

By the way, the label printer of this embodiment has a key human power section 18.
, a key switch (SWI) 18a for specifying the manual setting mode of the threshold value for gap detection, and a setting key (SW2) for manually issuing a threshold setting instruction when the manual setting mode is specified. 18b, respectively. Further, the control unit 10 includes, for example, a microcomputer, and in addition to various control means related to label feeding and printing, a threshold automatic setting control means 10
a, and threshold manual setting control means 10b. Among these, first, threshold automatic setting control means 1
0a automatically feeds this label roll when a new label roll is set, inputs the detection signal of the transmission sensor 14 at this time, and recognizes the first level change point of this detection signal as the gap 1a. . Then, a constant value ΔX is added in the direction of the level change of the detection signal when the gap 1a is recognized, and the calculated value is used as a threshold value for gap detection. On the other hand, when the threshold manual setting mode is designated by the key switch 18a of the key input unit 18, the threshold manual setting control means 10b sets the roll feed mechanism 11 in a non-operating state and manually feeds the label roll. Make it possible. Then, when the threshold setting key 18b is pressed in the key manual section 18 while the plain portion of the label paper 1 is manually aligned with the transmission sensor 14, the detection signal of the transmission sensor S at this time is input. Then, a constant value ΔX is added to the detection level, and this calculated value is used as a threshold for gap detection.

Next, the operation of the label printer configured as above will be explained according to the control procedure of the control section 10.

When the label roll is not set, the control section 10 performs step 3a as shown in FIG. 3(a).

3b, the automatic setting mode designation operation and the manual setting mode designation operation are repeatedly monitored.

In this state, for example, if a service person or a person handling the user operates a key switch (not shown) for specifying an automatic setting mode of the key human power unit 18, the control unit 10 determines that the automatic setting mode of the threshold value has been specified. After that, control is executed in automatic setting mode. That is, the third
As shown in Figure (b), first, in step 3h, the threshold setting mode flag is set to "auto". Then, when the label roll is set in a predetermined position of the printer by the service person or the user's handler, the control unit 10 drives the roll feed mechanism 1 in step 31 to start initial feeding of the label roll. In parallel with this, the detection signal of the transmission sensor 14 is inputted via the A/D converter 15 in step 3j. Then, in step 3, the level change of the detection signal of the transmission sensor 14 is monitored, and the first level change is regarded as a level change due to the gap 1a, and the process moves to step 3g, where the direction of change in the detection level is determined. . Then, by adding a constant value ΔX in the direction of change of the detection level to the detection level VA in the plain area of the label paper 1 using the stem 3m, a threshold value V ref' is obtained, and this threshold value V rc' is set as a step. 3n is stored in the register in the control unit 10 for gap detection.Thereafter, in the print mode, by comparing the detection signal level of the transmission sensor 14 with this threshold value V ref', the difference between the label sheets 1 is stored. The position of the gear 1a can be detected, and the printing position on each label sheet 1 can be located based on the detected position of the gap 1a.

Although the automatic setting mode as described above is applicable only when the label paper 1 is plain, the threshold value can be set with a simple operation of setting a label roll.

On the other hand, when the service person or the user's handler operates the key switch 18a of the key manual unit 18 to manually set the threshold value, the control unit 10 detects this in step 3b and proceeds to step 3C. First, the threshold setting mode flag is set to "manual" and the roll feed mechanism 11 is set to a non-operating state. Therefore, the label roll can be freely fed manually. In this state, the service person or the user's handler manually feeds the label roll, thereby positioning the label paper 1 so that the plain portion of the label paper 1 faces the transmission sensor 14, as shown, for example, at S in FIG. Then, when this positioning is completed, the setting key 18b of the key manual section 18 is operated. Then, the control unit 10 detects the operation of the setting key 18b in step 3d, moves to step 3e, and inputs the detection signal of the transmission sensor 14 via the A/D converter 15 in step 3e. Thus, the detection level V^ in the plain portion of the label paper 1 is obtained. Then, in step 3f, the control unit 10 adds a preset constant value ΔX to this detection level vA, and sets this calculated value as a threshold value V rer for gap detection.In step 3g, the control unit 10
stored in a register within. Manual setting of the threshold is thus performed.

Then, after setting the threshold value, if the printing mode is set by the key manual section 18, the gap 1a between the label sheets 1 is detected based on the threshold value, and the beginning of the printing position of each label sheet 1 is detected. The offer is made.

As described above, in this embodiment, by providing a manual setting mode in addition to the conventionally used automatic setting mode as a mode for setting the threshold value for gap detection, the pre-printing section 1b Even in the case of the label paper 1 having the following characteristics, it is possible to accurately set the threshold value by selecting the manual setting mode, and thereby, accurate printing can be performed at all times. In addition, by using the automatic setting mode in combination, it is possible to set the threshold value for plain label paper 1 without the pre-print section 1b using the automatic setting mode as before, making it efficient and easy. Thresholds can be set.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, by providing a manual adjustment knob on the roll feed mechanism,
11 may be configured so that the label paper 1 can be positioned with respect to the transmission sensor 14 by rotating this knob. In this way, it becomes possible to more easily and accurately set the initial position of the label paper. Further, a mark or the like indicating the installation position of the transmission sensor may be displayed on the outer wall of the printer casing, so that the label paper can be positioned on this mark. Further, the automatic setting mode may be set when no mode specifying operation is performed, and the manual setting mode may be set only when a mode specifying operation is performed, or vice versa. You may. Further, the manual setting mode and the automatic setting mode may be designated from an external control device such as a personal computer. In addition, the control procedure and control content of the control unit, the shape of the label paper, the form of the pre-printing unit, etc. can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, there is provided a manual setting mode specifying means for specifying and inputting a manual setting mode of a threshold value for gap detection, and a threshold manual setting control means. When the threshold manual setting mode is specified by the manual setting mode specifying means, the manual threshold setting control means enables manual feeding of the label roll, and in this state, the threshold level When a setting instruction is input, the detection level of the transmission sensor is input, a predetermined constant level is calculated for this detection level, and the calculated value is stored as the threshold for gap detection. It is possible to provide a label printer that can always accurately set a threshold for gap detection even when label paper has a pre-printed part.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a label printer in an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram used to explain the operation of the blink, and Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure and control contents of the control unit. , FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 are diagrams for explaining a conventional label printer. 1... Label paper, 1a... Gap, 1b... Pre-print section, 2... Mounting paper, 10... Control section, 10a...
... Threshold automatic setting control means, 10b... Threshold manual setting control means, 11... Roll feed mechanism, 1
2...Printing section, 13...Printing section control section, 14...Transmission sensor, 15...Analog/digital (A/D)
Converter, 16... Memory, 17... Communication control unit, 1
8... Key human power section, 18a... Key switch for specifying manual setting mode, 18b... Setting key Vrer.
··threshold. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 3 (a) Figure 3 (b) Figure 4 (a) Figure 5 (b)

Claims (1)

[Claims] Using a label roll with label papers arranged at regular intervals on a backing paper, the gap between the label papers is detected by a transmission sensor installed in the feed path while the label roll is being fed, and the gap between the label papers is detected based on the detected position of this gap. In a label printer that determines the printing position on each label paper,
means for specifying a manual threshold setting mode for gap detection and, when the means specifies the threshold manual setting mode, enabling manual feeding of a label roll and in this state setting the threshold; When a level setting instruction is input, the detection level of the transmission sensor is input, a predetermined constant level is calculated for this detection level, and the calculated value is stored as the threshold value for gap detection. Manual threshold setting. A label printer characterized by comprising a control means.