SE463915B - label printer - Google Patents

Description

463 915 2 Conventional label printers have presentation boards that indicate weight, tariff, e.g. price per kilo, and the price of the product but not a presentation table for the product name.

In conventional label printers, information on the product's date of manufacture and the last day of consumption (last day when the product is edible, in the case of food) must be printed by setting the date in question in advance, for example by means of turntables. Dates must be reset every day. If you do not accidentally renew the date setting, the unfavorable situation occurs that the buyer gets the impression that goods that are in fact fresh are old.

Conventional label printers use printing devices of the heat-sensitive type, electric discharge type, wire dot type, color beam type, etc., where the characters or symbols are indicated by a number of dots. When printing on a label using these printers, the required characters, numbers, symbols or bar codes are printed as the printhead and label move relative to each other, e.g. the label is moved in its longitudinal direction relative to the laterally positioned printhead. When a printhead, e.g. what prints a bar code on a label, does not work, the fact that an imprint is omitted in the corresponding part can cause codes to be marked with other information. It is not easy to perform troubleshooting with respect to such incorrect operation of a printhead. In the case of, for example, a bar code, the incorrect operation cannot be determined until the values read in the bar code reader are compared.

In order to be able to control the working mode of each individual print head, all the print heads must work simultaneously, whereby printing is performed on the entire label surface. If any part is not printed during the above operation, the part which has not been printed retains the color of the original paper, whereby it can be ascertained that an error has occurred in a print head. However, when the above-mentioned control method is applied to thermal pressure type printing devices with a number of printing heads arranged laterally in relation to each other, it applies that, since the power supply for heating has a rated value corresponding to a 465 915 3 part (e.g. half) of all the printheads so that the printer is made compact, in particular the power supply for the control inevitably causes the printer to become larger.

In conventional label printers, an incorporated control system is usually provided with an accumulator memory, in which the weight and price as well as the number of the like. goods are summed and accumulated or collected by item.

However, when in such label printers a label is not properly held in a label holder because the label feed is incorrect or when the wrong item code is entered, the label will be printed and the data in question will be summed in the accumulator memory, which means that unwanted data is collected there. . The efficiency of the printing operation is reduced under these conditions, as further work is needed to determine which data is incorrect and to correct the incorrect accumulation of data.

In conventional label printers, in general, labels are applied to a label-bearing paper having the shape of a ribbon, the labels being located at predetermined distances along this ribbon. The label-bearing paper is advanced stepwise in a predetermined direction and stopped in a predetermined position in the middle of a printhead so that printing can take place. When the feed distance of the label is indicated as the movement corresponding to a single feed stroke, the stop position will be shifted when a slip or slippage occurs in the label feed, so that the current imprint is not obtained in a specified position on the label.

In the conventional case, a label position detecting unit is mounted at the trajectory of the labels with the task of detecting the label position on the basis of a decision based on existing labels and the distance between them. By stopping the label feeding when the detection unit detects the distances between the labels, each label can be printed with good reliability in a predetermined position.

The above-mentioned conventional label detection unit is formed by a detector comprising a light emitting element and a light receiving element and by a comparator which compares the output voltage of the detector with a previously set reference voltage and which determines from the voltage difference the distance or distance between the label or the 463 915 labels are in the detector detection mode. The light emitting and receiving elements are located opposite each other, and the label-bearing paper is interleaved between the two elements. the types. When labels are fed, light from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element through only the supporting paper or through the supporting paper and the label applied thereto. The reference voltage is set to a predetermined value between the high output voltage from the detector when a gap between labels is detected and the low output voltage when a label is detected by means of electrical resistance division or a programming method.

Since a change in the material and thickness of the label-bearing paper causes a change in the permeability of the light, the reference voltage must be set each time the label is changed or new labels are added because the previous ones have run out, ie. when a change in the label-bearing paper occurs. If the reference voltage is not reset, this can mean that you often get a mark that indicates incorrect labels, which is why the printers will work incorrectly. It is thus desirable that an improvement be achieved in this regard.

The object of the present invention is to provide a label printer in which printing is performed in a dot-printing process and a designation, e.g. on an item, is fed to a printing unit and printed on a label in a character pattern assigned by postal keywords, whereby the post-entry operation is versatile and the work ability is good.

When several characters in the name of e.g. an item printed using the above-mentioned label printer corresponds to a character against a keyword stored in a memory. When a sentence comprising ten characters is to be formed, one must thus perform a key-effect operation corresponding to ten keywords, ie. the input operation is so cumbersome that one cannot take advantage of the above advantages.

A second object of the invention is to simplify the input operation in a label printer and to take advantage of non-impact type type printers by preparing keywords comprising phrases from sentences with item names or object names to be printed on an label. - chain and perform the operation with respect to the phrase words.

A third object of the invention is to provide a label which is balanced, easy to read and versatile in the dot printing process by presetting the required number of characters and lines in the label's mail column and adjusting the character spacing or partially omitting the character writing when the item name is to be printed has a greater or lesser number of characters and lines than the required number of characters and lines.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide a label with a handling function by further developing the above-mentioned adjustment of the character spacing so that it corresponds to the number of characters in the mail column, the name of the item being printed in the mail column together with previously specified additional characters in front of or behind the same at the same time.

Names of goods to be printed on the label using the label printer sometimes have common words omitted from a single word, e.g. "CHICKEN STEAK BEEF CHUCK" and "CHICKEN STEAK TOP CHUCK". If a change of the characters that include the common words is performed in such a way that all the characters are deleted and new characters are set, this operation becomes cumbersome and ineffective, and it can lead to errors.

A fifth object of the invention is to make the mail storage setting operation simple and efficient and to have small errors by identifying the characters presented in the label printer's mail column, whereby the common words may remain and only the separating words are removed for the subsequent setting operation.

A sixth object of the invention is to provide the working ability and accuracy of a label printer by making the correction step easy when one or more characters in the name of a product are accidentally stored because the operator has made a mistake, ie. due to the human factor.

When the name of a new item is entered into the label printer, a postal code indicating the name of the new item must be set, after which the keys corresponding to the item name to be printed must be affected by pressing in turn 463 915 6. Since a number of keys correspond to the product name to be pressed, the setting operation regarding the product name takes time, and there is a risk that errors may occur.

A seventh object of the invention is to ensure that the trade name entry operation takes place easily and without error, which is done by using the printed bar code corresponding to the trade name and bringing the memory to store the postal key code and the character key code obtained as a result of reading the bar code in the code reader. .

An eighth object of the invention is to provide a mail presentation table for indicating mail characters stored in the memory during control or printing, the corresponding characters being indicated in the presentation table by influencing mail calling means, whereby an error in a mail calling operation can be easily accessed.

In a label printer, data regarding the product's name, date, expiration date, etc. pre-written in a preset memory by the input operation. Conventional label printers have inconveniences in that you cannot know the capacity of the part of the memory where writing has not taken place when writing is being performed in the preset memory.

A ninth object of the invention is to indicate the capacity of a part of the preset memory where entry has not yet taken place in the presentation table during the entire entry in the preset memory, whereby the operator can be informed of the capacity, which means improved work ability.

A tenth object of the invention is to provide a label printer which contains the date presentation and clock, thereby preventing errors from occurring in the preparation date printed on the label by printing the contents of the clock calendar on the label if desired.

An eleventh object of the invention is to simplify the operation of setting the expiry date by setting the date of manufacture and time of consumption, after which the expiry date is calculated automatically in correspondence with the expiration time, and the expiry date is printed. A twelfth object of the invention is to provide a pattern control method which can detect in a simple and accurate manner whether the printing head used in the printing unit of the label printer works incorrectly.

A thirteenth object of the invention is to provide a label which enables the printhead to be easily controlled at any time.

A fourteenth object of the invention is to prevent an accumulation memory or collective memory included in the label printer from summing up unnecessary data and to improve the accuracy of the values accumulated in the memory of total weight, summed price and number of units.

A fifteenth object of the invention is to provide a label feeding system which can stop the label exactly in the printing position during the printing operation of the label printer and to prevent a faulty label from being dispensed and further to prevent errors in the label printer and to improve the working ability of the label printer.

The invention will be described in detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a label printer in accordance with the invention, Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b) are plan views of examples of printed labels, Fig. 3 is a front view showing the design of a print head, Fig. 4 is a plan view shown on a larger scale of an example of a character pattern, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a table for comparing postal code and postal keywords, Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a modified embodiment of the label printer, Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a comparison between phrase keywords and character keywords, Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a comparison between postcodes and keywords, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the method of printing, Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the distribution of characters which Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the characters to be printed, the number of characters being less than required, Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the characters to be printed, the number of characters is larger than required, Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the rows to be printed, the number of rows being greater than required, Fig. 15 (a) and Fig. 15 (b) are plan views of modified examples of labels, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a label printer, Fig. 17 is a block diagram of the label printer of Fig. 16, Figs. 18-21 are plan views of presentation tables illustrating the post setting method, Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing a modified example, Fig. 23 is a plan view of an example of a sheet for comparing item name and bar code, Figs. 24-26 are diagrams illustrating the post presentation state during the display. the call, Figs. 27 and 28 are diagrams showing modified examples of the post presentation state, Figs. 29-31 are diagrams illustrating the post presentation state during mail entry, Fig. 32 is a block diagram illustrating a part of the label printer, Fig. 33 is a diagram illustrating the data writing state in the preset memory, Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a label printer in another embodiment, Fig. 35 is a block diagram of the label printer of Fig. 34, Fig. 36 is a plan view of an example presentation table, Figs. 37-39 show plan views Fig. 40 is a plan view of a label with control pattern, Fig. 41 is a plan view of a modified example of a label, Fig. 42 is a side view of a label printer in a further embodiment, Fig. 43 is a Fig. 44 is a block diagram showing on a larger scale a sectional view of the part for discharging the label, Fig. 44 is a side view of the label printer detection system, and Fig. 45 is a side view of the label position detection system; Fig. 46 is a circuit diagram of the detection system of Fig. 45.

A label printer according to the present invention operates with a dot printing method which includes printing of the heat-sensitive type, of the color beam type, of the electrostatic recording type, of the electrophotographic type, of the wire dot type and the like.

Among these types of printing, the heat-sensitive type is the most suitable for the current label printer. The following description will therefore be directed to the application of the heat-sensitive type of dot-printing method.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction method of a label printer 1, and Figs. 2 (a) and 2 (b) show plan views of examples of labels 2 which have been printed using the label printer 1. Characters resp. letters relating to a commodity, on which 463 915 which information has been printed in the printer 1, are shown in a post column (post line) 2a in the label 2. An input unit 3 according to Fig. 1 includes a ten-digit key, a function key and the like. , which is affected for entering postal codes or postal keywords. A printing unit 4 constitutes the "heat-sensitive printer" and prints the characters indicated in the post column 2a in Fig. 2.

The printing unit 4 is provided with a printing head 6 according to Fig. 3. The printing head 6, which is formed by a number of heating elements D1, D2, D3 ... (230 heating elements are present in this embodiment) arranged in a row next to each other, is moved in the longitudinal direction in sixteen steps. A first memory 7 is a read-only memory, in which a number of character patterns have been stored in advance.

The character designation method used in this method will now be described. In the embodiment shown, a character or symbol is displayed in the form of a character pattern consisting of 16 x 16 bits. For example, "BUTA" in the Chinese character (with the Swedish meaning "pork") is shown in Fig. 4.

In Fig. 5, different characters or symbols are assigned keywords for item names.

Numerical groups beginning with 1000 are assigned Chinese characters (pronunciation and Swedish translation are given in Fig. 5 and will be mentioned further below), numerical groups beginning with 2000 are assigned Japanese Canadian characters (pronunciation is indicated), numerical groups beginning with 3000 are assigned the letters and number groups of the alphabet starting with 4000 are assigned symbols and numbers. The Chinese characters resp. the symbols have been prepared with a view to their possible use, and other foreign characters may be prepared if required. The number of heating elements D1-D230 (230 pieces) and a character pattern (16 x 16 bits) in the printing unit 4 have been specified assuming the use of characters including Chinese characters, but this number can be reduced if, for example, uses English characters (letters).

In memory 7, the character pattern shown in Fig. 4 corresponding to postal keywords in Fig. 5 is stored. If postal keywords are addressed and fed as signals to memory 7, character patterns corresponding to postal keywords will be read out.

A second memory 8 is a direct access memory for storing 463 915 10 of the table shown in Fig. 6 for comparison between postal code and postal keywords. Postal codes are given in correspondence with such items as "BUTAKATANIKUSURAISU (USUKIRI)" (Swedish meaning "pork fillet") or "USIHIKINIKU" (Swedish meaning "minced meat"). In this embodiment, the postal code 001 is assigned to "BUTAKATANIK (USUKIRI) ", furthermore the code 002 is assigned" USIHIKINIKU ", and the code 003 is assigned to the product which in Swedish is called" steak ", etc. In the table according to fig. 6, the signs or symbols that form the names of the goods are lined with the postal keywords sequence. Memory 8 stores postal keywords corresponding to characters of postal codes in addresses specified by the postal codes.

A changeover switch 9 (a changeover means) indicates whether the memory 8 is to perform a write or read operation. A control system (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 10 controls the above-mentioned units and usually consists of a microcomputer.

The operation of the label printer shown in Fig. 1 will now be described, primarily with respect to the control system, i.e.

CPU, 10.

In the label printer 1, an operator prepares the table according to Fig. 6 in the memory 8 in advance, after which the name of the item is automatically printed on the label 2 by entering the postal code by means of the input unit 3 in the presence of a buyer.

The arrangement of the table according to Fig. 6 in the memory 8 will first be described.

The change-over switch 9 is switched on (= set in a first state), after which the postal code 001 is entered via the input unit 3. The postal code 001 passes through the CPU 10 and is passed as an address signal to the memory 8, the address 81 of the memory 8 being ready to write. About the postcodes of Fig. 6, such as "BUTAKATANIKUSURAISU (UsUKIRIH," 1oo1 "," 1oo5 "," 1oo4 "," 2013 "." 2039 "," 2002 "," 2013, "400l", "l006", "l007 "and" 4002 ", are entered in turn by the input means 3, the postal keywords will be entered in the address 001 of the memory 8.

If the postal code 002 is entered and then the postal keywords "l002", "2027", "2007" and "l004" are entered in turn, the corresponding keywords "USIHIKINIKU" will be entered in the memory 8 address 002. If the postal code 003 is entered and then the postal keywords "3002", "3005", "3005", "3006", "3019", "3020", "3005", "300l" 463 915 ll and "30ll" are entered, the corresponding postal keywords "BIFFSTEK" will be entered in the address 003. If a similar process is repeated, the postal code 1004 or the like can be entered with the required postal keywords, whereby the table according to Fig. 6 will be prepared.

Since the table for comparing characters or symbols with postal keywords in Fig. 5 has been prepared previously, an operator can enter postal keywords using this table.

The operation in which the name of an item is printed on the label 2 will now be described. The change-over switch 9 is set in its off state (second state) after which the postal code, for example 001, is entered by means of input unit 3. The postal code 001 passes through CPU 10 and is supplied as an address signal to the memory 8, whereby the contents of the address 001 in the memory 8, i.e. . the postal key code corresponding to the characters (letters) "BUTAKATANIKUSURAISU (USUKIRI)" is read in CPU 10. The postal code read in CPU 10 is supplied as an address signal to the memory 7. Then it is read to the supplied key code corresponding to the character pattern in CPU 10. The first line the character pattern read in the CPU 10 (for example the line designated 4a in Fig. 4) is fed to the printing unit 4. Among the heating elements D1, D2, D3 ... in the printing head 6 of the printing unit 4, signals are applied to the elements intended for dot presentation, whereby these elements are heated and a dot presentation of the first line of the character pattern is obtained. In connection with the dot presentation, the print head 6 is moved one step down, whereby the second row becomes ready for dot presentation. CPU 10 now in turn feeds the character pattern lines 2, 3 ... 16 to the printing unit 4, whereby "BUTAKATANIKUSURAISU (USUKIRI)" read at address 001 in memory 8 is printed: the post column 2a on the label 2 (Fig. 2 ( a)). If the postal code 002 is entered by the input unit 3, characters corresponding to the postal keywords stored in the memory 8 address 002, ie. the characters (letters) "USIHIKINIKU", to be printed on the label 2. If the postal code 003 is entered by the input unit 3, the word "STEAK" stored in the address 003 will be printed on the label 2 (fig. 2 (b)). If the postal code 004 is entered by the input unit 3, characters or symbols corresponding to the postal keywords stored in the address 004 of the memory 8 will be printed.

Although the printhead 6 is fed forward sixteen steps in succession as described above, the label 2 can be advanced 463,915 12 successively.

The memory 8 can store postal keywords together with information about date, kelp, expiration date or anything else related to the mail, whereby it is achieved that when the postcode is entered by the input unit 3, CPU 10 can read out the postcode and date, kelp, expiration date, e. dyl. at the same time. * Although the table showing comparison between postal code and postal keywords in Fig. 6 has been produced by a keystroke operation in the input unit 3, it can be stored in an external memory, such as a cassette tape, and then transferred to the memory 8 by CPU 10 or directly.

Fig. 7 shows the structure of the above-mentioned label printer 1 together with a third memory 11 which stores phrase keywords.

In Fig. 7, the second memory 8 stores the table shown in Fig. 6 for comparison between postal code and character keywords, as well as the table shown in Fig. 8 for comparison between phrase keywords and character keywords.

The third memory 11 in Fig. 8 is a read-only memory, in which phrase keywords have been stored in advance in combination with character keywords according to Fig. 5. The phrase keywords are assigned in correspondence to phrases (combinations of characters (letters), numbers, symbols, etc.) that are often printed on labels.

Examples of phrase keywords corresponding to phrases often used in the post column 2a according to Fig. 2 are such keywords as referring to types of meat, for example "KATANIKU", "SAROIN" and "HIRE" with Chinese characters or Canadian characters and "BIFF", "STEAK", as well as those relating to the cooking process itself, such as "SITIU-", "MUSIYAKI" and "YAKINIKU", as well as those relating to the condition of meat, such as "HIKINIKU" and "HONETUKI".

When an operator prepares the table according to Fig. 9 in the memory 8, the respective switch switches on, whereby the postal code 001 is entered by the input unit 3. If in this state the keywords 1001, 9001 and 9003 are entered in turn by the input unit 3, the contents of the entry keyword "BUTAKATANIKUSURAISU (USUKIRI)" to be entered in address 001 in memory 8.

If the postal code 002 is entered, whereupon the keywords 1002 and 9201 are entered in turn, the postal keyword "USIHIKINIKU" will be entered in the address 002 in memory 8. If the postal code 003 is entered and 463 915 13 since the keywords 9301 and 9302 are entered, the postal keyword "BIFFSTEK" to be entered in the address 003 in the memory 8. Postal key words can thus be easily entered in the memory 8 in the manner described above.

When the name of an item has been printed on the label 2, the change-over switch 9 is switched off, whereby for example the postal code 001 is entered by the input unit 3. The postal code 001 passes through the CPU 10 and is fed as an address signal to the memory 8, the contents of the address 001. i.e. the keywords 1001, 9001 and 9203, are read in the CPU 10. Among the keywords read in the CPU 10, the keywords that are not character keywords are fed, ie. phrase keywords 9001 and 9203, to memory 11. The contents of addresses 9001 and 9203 in memory ll, ie. the key words 1005, 1004, 2013, 2041, 2002, 2013, 4001, 1006, 1007 and 4002, are read in CPU 10. The characters read in CPU 10 are supplied as an address signal to the memory 7, and thus "BUTAKATANIKUSURAISU (USUKIRI)" is printed. in post column 2a on label 2.

The method of setting the mutual distances when printing the postal characters in the post column or post column 2a on the label will now be described with reference to Figs. 10-14. In the present embodiment, characters to be printed in the post column 2a are marked A, B, C ... They are presented by means of a dot matrix comprising 16 parts laterally and 16 parts in the longitudinal direction. The heating elements D1-D230, namely 230 such, are arranged in a row side by side with each other, and parts of the heating elements D1-D230 which correspond to the signs A, B, C ... are heated and colored by heat pulses. The point in the dot matrix comprising 16 x 16 parts to be heated is determined by the central processing unit (CPU) included in the label printer. The characters A, B, C ... will thus be printed, while a space or gap x corresponding to two points (for example D17 and D18) is formed between the characters A, B, C ....

The way in which the characters A, B, C ... are constructed is shown in Fig. 10 as an example. When the heating elements D1-D230 among the 230 such are used, the maximum available number of characters (which will be referred to below as the required number of characters) becomes 12 in accordance with the following calculation, namely (230 + 2) + (16 + 2) = 12,888. if the character A located furthest to the friend is presented using the heating elements D1-D16 in the manner shown in Fig. 10, the heating elements D215-D230 comprising sixteen parts to the right of the twelfth character L will remain unused. . If characters with less than twelve, for example eight parts, are pressed by means of the heating element D1 in the manner shown in Fig. 10, since the number of points required to print eight characters amounts to 15 x 8 + (8 - 1) x 2 = 142, the heating elements Dl43-D230 comprising 88 parts to remain unused to the right of the eighth character H. The arrangement with eight whole characters gathered on the left side does not look appealing.

In order for the space or gap X between characters to be adjusted in correspondence with the number of characters, the following three methods are used according to the invention. According to the first method, the required number of characters corresponding to the number of heating elements is set in advance by CPU 10, whereupon after detecting that the number of characters to be printed is less than the required number by means of CPU 10, the gap x is adjusted to equal length. According to the second method, when the CPU 10 detects that a larger number of characters is to be printed than the required number, some of the characters are omitted in the order in which they are arranged. According to the third method, when a plurality of printing lines are used and when the number of lines to be printed amounts to more than the required number, a part of the character arrangement in the vertical direction is omitted.

The first method will now be described in detail.

If the number of points in the character direction in the mail column on the label is denoted Td, the number of characters is denoted N, the number of points in the character direction, which are required to write a letter, is denoted a, the number of dots corresponding to the space or gap X between adjacent characters are denoted x, the residual gap or residual gap at the front end (left end) of the character device direction is denoted K1, and the residual gap or residual gap at the trailing end is denoted K2, the relationship will be represented in the following equation: Td = àN + x (N-1) + (K1 + K2) ..... (1) Assuming that K1 and K2 are positive and K2 is equal to K1 463 915 or a point greater than K1, the relationship becomes as follows: K2 š š o IOIII lg š 0 OOIOO When the number of characters N varies, a, K1 and K2 are determined.

(Example 1) Description will now be made with reference to Fig. 11. According to Fig. 11, the number of characters N to l2 is determined when Td = 230, a = 16, x = 2. Conversely, x, K1 and K2 must be given when N = 12 and x = K1 + K2. If the equation (l) is modified, aN + x (Nl) + x ..... (4) aN + xN Td x = Eg -: - EE ..... (5) N 230 - 16 X 12 12 3, l6666 Thus x = 3 is given, and the fraction after the decimal point is divided into K1 and K2. If the equation (1) is modified, Kl + K2 = Ta - am - x (N-1) is obtained .... L (6) = 230 - 16 X 12 - 3 <12-1) = 5 Thus Kl can be stated as 2 and K2 = is given as 3, whereby the space or gap X between the characters (letters) A - N, the margin Y on the left side of the character A and the margin Z on the right side of the character L are determined.

(Example 2) Referring to Fig. 12, a description will now be given of the case when the number of mail characters is four. In accordance with equation (5) it holds that 230 - 16 x 4 4 = 41.5 Thus x = 41 is given, and K1 and K2 are obtained from the equation x: (6) as below.

K1 + K2 = 230 - 16 x 4 - 41 (4-1) = 43 463 915 16 Thus, K1 = 21 and K2 = 22 can be specified, whereby a balanced distribution of the characters in the manner shown in Fig. 12 is obtained.

The second method will be described in connection with the above description of Fig. 10, when the heating elements D1-D230 comprising 230 elements were used and when the number * of points required to write a character was 16 and the number of points corresponding to the space or the gap X between the characters (letters) A - L amounted to 2, and the number of characters (letters) that could be printed amounts to 12 or less. The second method makes it possible to use items comprising more than 12 in their number and has the task of increasing the number of characters N intended for printing by making the quantities a and x in equation (l) as small as possible. For example, the character A according to Fig. 1 "US1" with Japanese characters can be read "US1" even if the presentation obtained from the heating elements D1, D2, D15 and D16 is omitted in the lateral direction.

Thus, when the number of characters to be printed in the mail column or the post column amounts to more than the required number of characters, the number of characters to be printed in accordance with the following equation, namely Ta (7) (a -), is determined by modifying equation (4). Co) + x where Co is the number of points to be omitted.

N: (Example 3) In connection with Fig. 13, a description will now be given for the case where the number of postal characters amounts to 14. If the equation (7) is modified, one can obtain _13 (a - Co) + x = N (a-co ) = ï% -x (a) Provided that Td = 230, x = 1 and N = 14 become f _ 230 _ a Co --ïjr 1 l5,42857l A point at either the left or right end of each character thus omitted, and a character is presented in the form of 15 dots. The values of K1 and K2 are given in accordance with equation (6) as follows. 4'63 "'915 17 K1 + K2 230 - 15 X 14 - (14 - 1) Thus K1 = 3 and K2 = 4 can be specified, whereby the presentation according to Fig. 13 is obtained.

(Example 4) When a character can be read correctly even if four points have been omitted, namely two on the right and two on the left, as in the case of "USl" resp. "NIKU" in Chinese characters according to Fig. 10, the maximum number of characters that can be displayed in the mail column is calculated according to equation (7) as follows. 230 (16 - 4) + l 17,692 The maximum number thus becomes 17, and K1 = 5 and K2 = 5 N: can be specified.

The third method will now be described. If the number of points perpendicular to the character arrangement in the mail column on the label is Te, then the number of lines perpendicular to P, the number of points perpendicular to the character arrangement required for a character to be written is b, the number of points corresponding to the space between the lines up - goes to r, the number of points corresponding to the margin at the upper end amounts to S1 and the number of points corresponding to the margin at the lower end amounts to S2, the relationship can be expressed by the following equation: Te = bP + r (P - 1) + (S1 + S2) ..... (8) (Example 5) Assuming that Te = 41 and b = 16 (compare Fig. 10), the maximum number of rows becomes two. In accordance with equation (8) it holds that r (P1) + (Sl + S2) = Te - bP = 41 - l6 x 2 = 9 4 (2-l) + S1 + S2 9 r + S1 + S2 9 The distribution is obtained thus with r = 5, S1 = 2 and S2 = 2. In this state, P constitutes the required number of rows, the printing being performed with one or two rows. According to the third method, the intention is to omit a part of the upper or lower part (for example the lower end) of the characters A, B, C ... arranged next to each other in the manner shown in Fig. 10. In the case where it is a question of pressing more lines than the required number as shown in Fig. 14, the equation (8) can be modified to bP = Te - r (P1) - (S1 + S2 ) b = Te = r (Pl) - (S1 + S2) _____ (9) P * i Assuming that P = 3, S1 = 0, S2 = 0 and Te = 41, 41 - rx 2 b = Thus, b = 13 is given, and the assignment of the specified fraction to the space between the rows causes r to be equal to 1. In Fig. 14, the words "TOKUBAIHIN" are in Chinese characters ( Swedish meaning "bargain"), "BUTANIKUSOMOTO" (Swedish meaning "ham") and "KAITEN 7 SIYUNENKINEN" (Swedish meaning "7th anniversary from the opening of the store") arranged in three rows, and the number of points corresponding to the character height is 13 and corresponding to the space between the lines amounts to 1. Since the characters A, B, C ... are printed with 13 dots, three dots will have been omitted from the lower part of the characters.Japanese words can be read correctly even if one omits a part of the lower end (or of the upper and lower ends) as described above. In the third method, this feature is used in Japanese words, whereby "USINIKU" in Fig. 10 can be read correctly even if three points have been omitted at the lower end.

According to Figs. 10-14, the heating elements D1-D230 of the heat-sensitive printer are arranged side by side with each other in a row, printing being performed when the heating elements D1-D230 or labels to be printed are transferred in their longitudinal direction in turn. and order. However, the method can be applied to a point printer of a type other than a heat-sensitive type and of a type other than when printing takes place during lateral movement of the print head. Furthermore, the method can be applied when printing characters of different sizes, for example when the size of numbers or P kana characters is smaller than the size of Chinese characters.

In Figs. 15 (a) and 15 (b), the name 12 of the item as well as additional characters or letters 14 may be printed in the mail slot 2a on the label 2.

In order for the above-mentioned printing to be carried out, there is a further character or letter setting means 15 in the input unit 3 according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 7, together with a code corresponding to further characters (including sentences). in pattern form is input to the memory in CPU 10 by the action of said means 15.

The additional character setting means 15 selectively act on auxiliary keys l5a ..., which correspond to a presentation of sentences and expressions such as "recommended today", "according to advertisement", "reduced price today", "special discount", "business manager's choice "," just returned ", etc., whereby the code for a sentence or expression corresponding to the auxiliary key's55a presentation is retrieved from memory and output to the CPU.

The code is interrupted at the end of the name of the item that has previously been set in the CPU, and spaces between the characters are entered again corresponding to the number of characters in the name of the item and the additional sentence or expression, whereby the result e.g. is that "cooked ham (according to advertisement)" is printed on the label 2 in the manner shown in Fig. 15 (a).

Although the additional sentence or expression 14 is interrupted at the end of the name 12 of the item in Fig. 15 (a), it is conceivable that it is interrupted at the front end of the item 12 of the item. Instead of the auxiliary key 15a, which constitutes an entire key, a code type obtained as a combination between register key and function key can be used as the setting means 15 for the additional character or word.

In connection with Figs. 16-21, an improved method for setting the posting time to the label printer will now be described. The label printer control panel or control panel is equipped with a register key, mail setting key, mail storage means, mail disconnection key and mail presentation field or table.

Characters resp. letters which refer to the names of goods and which correspond to goods-naming collection means are presented in the said post-presentation field and are entered and stored in the label printer's control unit. The above-mentioned entry characters are divided into blocks per word, whereby an arbitrary block can be canceled by allowing the register key and the disconnect key to work in combination.

A new word is entered and stored for the disconnected block by combining the mail setting key and the storage key 463 915 in combination.

The item setting key is the control key for entering and setting the name of the item as a signal to the control unit. The mail setting key causes the item name to be entered as mail characters in English or Swedish, Canadian characters, Chinese characters or a combination of these characters or letters with one or more numbers.

In the case of the mail setting key, a key can enter a word or else a key can enter a character in the same way as you type Swedish or English letters or characters or Canadian characters on a typewriter.

The connection between postal signs and postal collection agencies is as follows. A postal code number is assigned to each record, and postal characters corresponding to the code number are entered. When the code number is dialed using the register key when everything is in order for printing, the corresponding postal characters or postal letters can be displayed on the presentation table.

In the case of mail storage means, one can use a method with an independent mail storage key or a method according to which the storage key is also used as a register key or mail setting key, or otherwise the key can be affected in sequence.

In the case of, for example, the words "CHICKEN STEAK BEEF CHUCK" specified as postal signs or postal letters, each of the words "CHICKEN", "STEAK", "BEEF" and "CHUCK" constitutes a word block of postal signs. The mail characters are divided into input blocks, and only the required block needs to be removed.

The word block is formed as a series of individual characters or letters, such as S, T, E, A, K. The word block can be divided into individual characters, whereby only the required character in the block needs to be removed.

Fig. 16 shows a label printer comprising a main part a, a control panel b, a wave detection unit c and a printing unit d. The control panel or control panel is provided with a register key 21, a mail setting key 22, a mail presentation field 23, a work order key unit 24, a para-presentation field 25, a date display field 26, a weight display field 27, a price display field 28, a code display field 29 and a change-over switch 30, each of these parts being connected to the operating system of the main part a a '.

The work order key unit 24 includes a mail storage key 31 such as storage means, a mail disconnect key 32, a code activation key 33 and a key 34 for complete disconnection.

The changeover or changeover switch 30 is set to its setting position, whereby data such as the item name, tariff (eg price per kilo) and date are entered and stored in the control system (a), or to its registration position, when the item is weighed and automatically printing takes place.

The register key 21 is a ten-digit keypad with numeric keys corresponding to the digits l-0 and a disconnect key.

The mail setting key 22 is actually a key set of the same type as the table on a Swedish or English typewriter with keys for letters (A, B, C ...). Each key can also be used for kana characters, and the register key (keypad) 21 can also be used as a kana typewriter.

In the mail setting key 22], individual keys for Swedish or English characters are of course also used, individual keys for Canadian characters. Furthermore, a number of mail keys designated "BEEF" resp. "BEEF CHUCK" is used.

Input takes place via the mail setting key 22, the result being stored in the operating system a 'together with the postal code number registered in the register key 21.

For example, when "CHICKEN STEAK BEEF CHUCK" is entered by means of the mail setting key 22, the word blocks are separated by a space corresponding to a column by means of a space key 22 'to create a space between the words.

The mail setting key 22 can be deactivated in each individual word block by means of the disconnection key 32, and individual characters (word parts in a word) can be disconnected for each character by using the disconnect key 32. The disconnect key 32 is connected to the presentation field 23 via the control system a '.

The position of the blocks in the mail characters is indicated by the register key 21. For example, "CHICKEN STEAK BEEF CHUCK" is entered in positions 1, 2, 3 ... from the upper block in turn. "CHICKEN" is preset to register 1 (block 1), "STEAK" to register 2 (block 2), "BEEF" to register 3 (block 3) and "CHUCK" to register 4 (block 1). 4).

Sub-blocks in a word with a postal character are entered in positions 1, 2, 3 ... from the upper character in turn, so the required character in the block will be indicated by the register key 21. To select the word block and the sub-block must be able to be distinguished in a single word, the space bar 22 'between the two register values is affected.

The character or letter E in the word "STEAK" is the third letter in block 2. Therefore, E is entered by pressing the register key 2, the space bar 22 'and the register key 3.

When the name of the item to be printed on a label by the label printer A has been stored and set, the toggle switch 30 is adjusted to its setting position, and the required postcode number, for example 1200, is registered by the register key 21. The code order key 33 is pressed, and the mail storage key CHUCK "is pressed by means of the mail setting key 32, whereby the signal" l200 CHICKEN STEAK BEEF CHUCK "is stored in the operating system a 'while the text" CHICKEN STEAK BEEF CHUCK "is presented in the mail presentation field 23 and" l200 "is obtained in the code field ( Fig. 18).

When the entry "CHICKEN STEAK TOP CHUCK" with the code number 1201 is entered, "1201" is pressed by means of the register key 21, and the code order key 33 is pressed, whereupon "3" is registered by means of the register key 21. The word block "BEEF" is deactivated by pressing the mail disconnect key 32 ( When "TOP" is transferred to the disconnected block by pressing the setting key 22 and the post key 31 is pressed, the signal "1201 CHICKEN STEAK TOP CHUCK" will be stored and displayed on the presentation field 23, 29 (fig. 20).

When the keystroke of "CHICKEN STEAK BEEF CHUCK" using the mail setting key 22 becomes "CHICKEN STEEK BEEF CHUCK" by an error (Fig. 21), "2" is registered by means of the register key 21, and the space bar 22 'is pressed and "4" is registered of the register key, whereupon the mail disconnect key 32 is pressed so that the fourth character (letter) in block 46 2 is removed and “CHICKEN STE K BEEF CHUCK” is obtained (Fig. 21). When in this state the letter A is entered by means of the setting key 22, "A" will be entered in the part where removal has taken place, whereby correction takes place. In a similar way, a number of postal characters are entered together with the code number of the control system a '. The mail disconnect key 32 may be of the type where a disconnect key (c) in the register keypad 21 is used as a replacement.

The method of entering the postal keyword into the memory using a bar code printed in accordance with the name of an item will be described in a modified example according to Fig. 1. In Fig. 22, the reference numerals 3, 4, 7, 8 refer to 10 devices with the same function as in Fig. 1, so a more detailed description of them will not be included now. In Fig. 22, boundary equipment in the form of a keyboard 40 is formed by a keyboard encoder or the like. delivery of signals between the input unit 3 and different means. An interface 41 in the printer performs the transmission of signals between the printing unit 4 and different means. A pen scanner 42a reads out the bar code 44 which is printed corresponding to the name 43 of the article as shown in Fig. 23. A bar code decoder 42b converts to a character key code corresponding to a bar code signal supplied from the pen scanner.

A bar code reader 42 is formed by the bar code decoder b and the pen scanner 42a. A bar code boundary equipment 45 performs the transmission of signals between the bar code decoder and different means. An external memory unit 46 is removably connected to a signal bus line 47.

The external memory unit 46 is formed by an external memory 46a consisting of a non-volatile memory such as a flex disk (or magnetic tape or paper tape) or an IC memory with a support energy source and by an external memory boundary equipment 46b for outputting signals between the external memory 46 and separate means.

When an operator prepares the table according to Fig. 6 in the memory 8, the postal code 001 is entered by means of the input unit 3, after which the bar code 44, which corresponds to the postal code 43, i.e.

"BUTAKATANIKUSURAISU (USUKIRI)" according to Fig. 43, is read by the pen scanner 42a. Then, corresponding postal key codes 1001, 1005, 1004 ... are written in turn to the address 001 in memory i. When the bar code 44 printed on a paper 48 shown in Fig. 23 is read by the pen scanner 42a, the postal key codes 1001, 463 are fed. 915 24 1005 .... 1007, 4002 out of the bar code encoder 42b. When the postal code 002 is entered and the bar code 44 corresponding to the postal code "USIHIKINIKU" 43 is read out by the pen scanner 42b, the character key codes 1002, 2027 ... will be written into the memory 8. The table according to Fig. 6 is thus prepared in the memory.

The contents of the table stored in the memory 8 are transferred to the external memory unit 46 in accordance with a transfer order from the CPU and stored in the external memory 46a. The external memory unit 46 thus stores the table shown in Fig. 6 for transfer between postal code and postal keyword, which table is transferred from the memory 8, together with data, such as the expiry date.

The external memory unit 46 is disconnected from the signal bus line 47 after the table has been stored and connected to another printing unit, for example to a signal bus line 47 belonging to a printing device of the same type used in business chains, whereby the data stored in the external memory unit 46 the bell for comparison between postal code and postal code is transferred to the memory 8 of the connected printing device. Although data entered from the input unit 3 and the pen scanner 42a is stored in the memory 8 and then transferred to the external memory unit 46 in this embodiment, data from the input unit 3 and the pen scanner 46a can be stored directly in the external memory unit 46.

A plurality of external memory units 46, 46 ... can be connected to the signal bus line 47. Furthermore, the postal code, ie. 001 (or 002 ...) is entered, which of course takes place via the bar code shown in Fig. 23. In this case, further data entry can easily take place.

The operation in which the entered name of an item is ejected (retrieved) will be described in connection with a label printer shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The description will refer to an item with the name "ALL BEEF HAMBURGER And with the postal code number 5001 as an example.

When mail retrieval is performed, the setting of the toggle switch 30 changes to the registration mode, whereupon the order key 24 and the register key 21 are pressed. Data such as kelp and tariff (eg price per kilo) are entered, and the product is placed on the weighing detection unit (c). The mail retrieval operation can be performed automatically by key-entering the predetermined postal code number of the item by means of the register key 21 after the code order key 33 has been pressed. q: 463 915 25 If, for example, the code number 5001 is registered by means of the register key 21, a corresponding postal character signal will be retrieved by the control unit a 'and transmitted to the presentation field 23. The predetermined postal character (the predetermined postal words) "ALL BEEF HAMBURGER" is presented in presentation 23 and is detected, whereupon said signal together with the data signal indicating, for example, tar, tariff, price is transmitted to the printing unit (d) in accordance with a printing order signal, whereby the printing is performed on the label.

The presentation in the presentation field or presentation table 23 during the retrieval operation is performed in such a way that all mail characters are presented at the same time. If the number of columns in the presentation field 23 is insufficient, the presentation is divided into two parts or more, as shown in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25. In this case, the characters "ALL BEEF H" in Fig. 24 intermittently pant as a character. on that there is more to show. After the characters shown in Fig. 25 have been presented, the beginning part of the postal characters is shown in series in the column as "ALL HAMBURG", as shown in Fig. 26. Fig. 27 and Fig. 28 show modified examples of Fig. 24 and 25, the words "ALL", "BEEF" and "HAMBURGER" in the mail characters or mail words always appearing from the front end.

In addition to the weight being printed in the usual manner, the post presentation may be performed in a single operation in accordance with a predetermined retrieval operation when the label printer is checked, or else the presentation may be performed together with entry printing operation (check printing) regarding post printing on the label. regardless of whether a weight-bearing print is performed.

In connection with Figs. 29-31, it should be emphasized that post-presentation during input can be performed in such a way that the front part of the item's name, for example "A" in "ALL ...", is presented in a shift operation from the lowest column in the presentation field 23 to the upper column one step at a time.

A label printer provided with a preset memory and capable of presenting an unwritten portion of the preset memory will now be described with reference to Fig. 32 and Fig. 33. Fig. 32 is a block diagram showing the main part of the label printer 50. The designation 51 refers to an input unit comprising a ten-digit keyboard or the like.

The input unit 51 enters data to be written in a preset memory 52, such as postcode, tariff (price per kilo), date, storage time, number of parts, tare and name of the item. Data entered by the input unit 51 is passed to a drive controller 53.

Said drive control unit 53 enters data originating from the input unit in the preset memory 52 in turn in the manner shown in Fig. 33. Fig. 33 shows the state of the postal code written in 5 words (1 word = 4 bits), tariff data in 5 words, storage time in 2 words, data on the number of parts in 5 words, tarad data in 3 words and data regarding the name of the item in 8 words.

The control unit 53 indicates the number of words in the unwritten part of the preset memory 52. The number of words is divided by the predetermined average word ability (ie the average of the number of words that form records), and the divided result (ie the number of records that can be written is stored in the register 54. The number of entries stored in register 54 is shown on a numerical indicator 55. The term "entry" in its use above refers to aggregates of item name data, tariff data, storage time or setting per item name.

The manner in which the preset memory 52 according to the described embodiment is used will now be described.

In a conventional manner, the preset memory has been used with a fixed number of words in the record. Such a method of use has disadvantages in such a way that the memory is wasted by means of a small number of columns in the product name data or the like. The current embodiment therefore works according to the method that the number of words in the item is made variable. In the embodiment in question, data with a relatively non-variable data length, for example data regarding trade name code, tariff data, tarad data and data regarding storage time, consist of a certain number of words, while data with a data length that varies significantly in corresponding to the trade name , such as trade name data, consists of a variable number of words. Thereby, the preset memory 52 can be used more efficiently.

The main record ability in the embodiment does not have to be the correct mean of the number of words that make up records.

An approximate mean is sufficient. _ _ Instead of the numeric indicator 55, you can use a price indicator mounted in the label printer.

Furthermore, instead of the work control unit 53, it is possible to use a working circuit mounted in the label printer. Entering in the preset memory 52 can be performed by entering data specified by the bar code by the pen scanner without using the ten-digit key. The invention can be applied to a preset memory used for a fixed number of words in the record, and the invention can be used not only with a label printer which delivers a label in connection with weight detection but also with a label printer which delivers a label based on data in the memory. (a label printer without weight detection function).

Since the work control unit indicates the number of entries that can be written in the preset memory and the result is displayed on the numeric indicator, the invention has the effect that a number of entries that can be written are always known during the entry in the preset memory.

A label printer with data setting function will now be described in connection with Figs. 34-36. Fig. 34 shows the exterior of a label printer 60. The label printer detects the weight of goods or objects and delivers a label indicating the required data, such as preparation data and expiration date for use of the goods in question. The label printer comprises a main part 61 with an electronic circuit and a clock, which will be described below, furthermore a weight detection unit 62 attached to said main part 61 which is intended to carry goods (to be weighed), a printing unit 63 which emits a label and which pastes attached to goods carried by the weight detection unit 62, and a control panel 64 mounted to the upper portion of the main body 61.

The control panel 64 is provided with a presentation unit 79 which includes a presentation field 71 indicating the preparation date, a presentation field 72 indicating the last storage day (last day when foods are edible), a code presentation field 73 giving codes per section, a weight presentation field 74 which indicates the weight of a product, tariff, price and accumulated number of labels placed on the weight detection unit 62, a field 75 for presentation of tariff (eg price per kilo), a tare presentation field 77 and a presentation field 78 for the number of packages. . The control panel 64 is also provided with a control unit 463 915 28 86 comprising a number key 81, a time setting key 82, a key 83 for setting the last day for edibility, an addition key 84, an S key 85, a key 87 for setting a preparation date and a subtraction key 88.

Fig. 35 is a block diagram of the label printer 60. The weight of goods mounted on the weight detection unit 62 is measured using a load cell, an automatic scale, etc., whereby the obtained analog signal is converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is sent to a control unit 92 (central processing unit, microcomputer, etc.) in which such data as weight and price are processed and stored. This stored data is transferred to the presentation unit 79 and the printing unit 63 for display and ejecting a label. A clock 94 is connected to the control unit 92 and is provided with an automatic calendar function. The clock 94 is connected to an accumulator 95 so that during normal operation it outputs signals regarding year, month, date, hour, minute, second and day of the week to the control unit 92.

The control unit 86 is connected to the control unit 92 and monitors the unit 92. The control unit 86 comprises a setting means 96 which is used for setting the preparation date and which communicates this date to the control unit 92 by actuating the number key 81 and the preparation 87 setting key. along with an ordering means 97, by means of which the control unit 92 is caused to calculate the storage time based on the last day when edibility is present, the key 83 for setting the last day for eating being used as well as the number key 81, and the control unit 92 is caused to change the setting date by using the addition key 84 and the subtraction key 88.

The manner in which the above-designed label printer 60 is used will now be described.

When the contents of the clock 94's calendar (year, month, date, time, minute, etc.) are adjusted, the time setting key 82 of the control unit 86 is pressed down, whereby the clock 94 becomes ready for correction by means of the control unit 86. When the time setting key 82 is pressed, the contents of the calendar to be displayed in the weight presentation field 74, the tariff presentation field 75 and 75, respectively. the price presentation field 76, as shown in Fig. 36. If the contents of the calendar are not correct, press the S key 85, 463 915 29, the part shown in Fig. 36 corresponding to year, month, date, hour and minute is made to pant intermittently and is set to "0" by means of the number key 81 (c), then registration by means of the number key 81. When, for example, the year "l981" is set, the S key 85 is pressed once, the weight display field 74 according to fig. 36 is caused to pant intermittently. When the S-key 85 is pressed again, the month-indicating part in two columns of the tariff presentation field 75 is caused to pant intermittently. When the contents of the calendar are fully set, as shown in Fig. 36, by means of an operation performed in turn, the time setting key 82 is pressed again, returning to its original state.

When the clock 94 is in its idle state, the contents of the calendar (by means of a signal) are continuously transmitted to the control unit 92, regardless of the operating position of the label printer. If the label printer is working at night, the date will be presented on the preparation field 71 for the preparation date, and the contents will be transferred to the printing unit 63.

When the preparation date has been set, the setting key 87 of the control unit 86 for the preparation date is pressed down, whereby the control unit 92 is in a state ready to perform correction. Preparation date, ie. year, month and day corresponding to the current date, is entered into the control unit 92 using the number key 81 and is displayed in the presentation field 71 for the preparation date. When the setting key 87 for the preparation date is pressed again, the setting of the control unit 92 is deactivated.

To set the storage date, the setting means 96 of the control unit 86 is actuated in the following manner. The key 83 for setting the last day for edibility is pressed. The control unit 92 is in a ready state for correction. Information on the last day for the edibility of the product is entered to the control unit 92 using the number key 81. The control unit calculates the last storage day by adding the entered last day for edibility to the preparation date. The last storage date is set by the control unit 92, taking into account a change in year or month as below. "(Example 1) The date of preparation is assumed to be 10 June 1980 463 915 30 and the last day for eating is assumed to be 20 days later.

In this case, (a) year: 1980, month: 6, date: 10 + 20, whereby automatic adjustment takes place at the control unit 32. (b) Last storage date within year: 1980, month: 6, date: 30 is stated, but - information on whether 30 is the last day of June: ie. on the 30th day, or has not been left. (c) If the condition is. fulfilled is stored on June 30, 1980 as the last storage date via the control unit 92, and this information is displayed in the presentation field 12 for the last storage day.

(Example 2) The date of preparation is assumed to be 10 June 1980, and the period up to the last day for eating is assumed to be 60 days. In this case: (a) year: 1980, month: 6, day: 10 + 60, obtained at the control unit 32. (b) Last storage day during year: 1980, month: 6, day: 70, but information on the last day in June, i.e. on June 30, has not been submitted. Since 70> -30 applies to (c) year: 1980, month: 6 + 1, day: 70 - 30. Now (d) year: 1980, month: 7, day: 40 applies, but information has not been provided about it the last day of July ie. on 31. Since 40: ~ 3l applies (e) year: 1980, month: 7 + l, day: 40 - 31. Thus one has (f) year: 1980, month: 8, day 9. Information has not been provided about whether day 9 is within the last day of August, i.e. on 31. Since 9 <31 is stored on 9 August as the last storage day by means of the control unit 92, this information is also presented in the presentation field 72 for the last storage day.

(Example 3) The date of preparation is 15 December 1980, and the edibility of the product extends over 90 days. (a) year: 1980, month: 12, day: 15 + 90 obtained at the control unit 92. (b) year: 1980, month: 12, day: 105. No information has been given as to whether day: 105 is before the last day in December, i.e. before 31 or not.

Since 105> 31 the following applies: (c) year: 1980, month: 12 + 1, day: 105 - 31. (d) year: 1980, month: 13, day: 74. Since 13 <12 is entered "year" and "month". (e) year: 1981, month: 1, day: 74. Notice has not been given whether day: 71 is before the last day of January, ie. on the 31st day. Since 74 <31 applies to (f) year: 1981, month: 1 + 1, day: 74 - 31, (g) year: 1981, month: 2, day: 43. No information has been given as to whether day: 43 is before the last day of February, ie. on the 28th day (1981 is not leap year). Since 43 <28 applies (h) year: 1981, month: 2 + 1, day: 43 - 28, and (i) year: 1981, month: 3, day: 15. No notice has been given whether “463 915 31 day: 15 1 * gives before the last day of March, ie. on March 31st.

As all conditions are met, 15 March 1981 will be indicated as the last storage day in the presentation field 79 for the last storage date.

As described above, when information on the last day for edibility is entered into the control unit 92, information on the latest storage date will be automatically calculated by the control unit 92 and presented in the presentation field 72 for the last storage date, and a signal is sent to the printing unit 63. if required.

When a container has been prepared with a label and the prepared product is placed in the container the next day, ie. when you need a label with a forwarded date, press the add key 84 when the setting key 87 for the preparation date is being set, whereby the preparation date is counted down by the number of days corresponding to the number of times the depression takes place by effect of the control unit 92. If the subtraction key 88 is pressed, the preparation date is entered by setting the control unit 92. Such a supplied date is needed when the filling of the goods is transferred to the next day. When the preparation date changes during the process, the storage date will also be corrected automatically.

When the preparation date is set using the clock 94, the time setting of the clock 94 is used as the information for the preparation. Thus, if the time is set first, the date will change automatically, so extra work is not needed to change the date.

When the last storage date has been set using the clock 94, the setting key 83 for the last day for eating in the control unit 86 is pressed down, the display field for the last storage date panting intermittently. If the last date for eating is entered into the control unit 92 by means of the number key 81, the control unit 92 adds information on the last day for eating to the preparation date, whereby the last storage date is automatically calculated. Even when the date in question extends to an overlap between the end of a month and the beginning of a month resp. between the end of a year and the beginning of a year, the control unit 92 performs the required operation corresponding to the preparation date, so that no incorrect operation takes place. The S key 465 915 - 32 85 is pressed, whereby the intermittent panting condition is canceled and the last storage date is set.

When the label with an advanced date is issued using the clock 94, each press of the control key 84 of the control unit 86 will advance the preparation date one day, after which a label with an advanced date will be obtained. If the number key 81 is pressed and the addition key 84 is pressed, a forwarded date corresponding to the number key 81 is obtained. At the end of the label output with the forwarded date, the time setting key 82 is actuated again, the preparation date returning to its original state.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 36, presentation and printing of "hour" and "minute" in the contents of the calendar have been omitted.

However, a label that gives the impression of careful quality control can be issued by pressing "hour" and "minute". This also applies to "second" resp. "weekday".

A method of checking incorrect operation of the print head of the label printer will now be described with reference to Figs. 37 - 39. More specifically, the operation of the print head is checked by releasing a label with a predetermined control pattern of printing.

Fig. 37 shows a first example of the control pattern. The designations l0la - l0lz indicate a number of printing heads for printing with dots. The printheads 11a - 10g are controlled by a control circuit, such as a control system (CPU) mounted in the label printer (for example, an electric scale with a label output function). The required pattern is programmed, and a prescribed control pattern is printed on the label. The printheads 11a, 1lz at both ends of the sides operate continuously or intermittently, the pattern 102, 103 being printed in one line (including a dashed line). The print heads 10b-10ly operate between the patterns 102, 103 at a half distance from each other, whereby the control pattern 104, 105 in the form of a chess pattern is printed.

Adjacent to the compartment pattern part 104, 105, printing takes place alternately during overlap, whereby the overlap pattern 106, which is parallel to the line pattern 102, 103, is printed simultaneously.

Fig. 38 shows a second example of a control pattern. "The line pattern 102, 103 is printed, and at the same time the control pattern 107, 108 is printed in the form of cam teeth between the pattern 102, 103 by using the remaining printing heads lllb - lly. .

Fig. 39 shows a third example of a control pattern.

The line pattern 102, 103 is printed, and at the same time the pattern 109, ... is printed in the form of oblique stripes between the line pattern 102, 103 by utilizing the remaining printing heads 10lb - 1o1y.

When the operation of the printheads 11a-1012 is controlled by printing the control pattern of Figs. 37-35 on the label, an unused portion of the printhead will remain without printing, with a continuous color line on the label appearing in the feed direction of the label ( or in the feed direction of the printhead). In Fig. 38, the interval between the adjacent control pattern 107, 107 or the control pattern 108, 108 varies in part, whereby one can detect a non-working portion of a corresponding printhead.

In both side patterns 102, 103 and the overlap pattern 106, it can be ascertained whether continuous linear printing is performed or not. If both side patterns 102, 103 or the overlap pattern 106 are omitted, it is difficult to detect incorrect operation of the printhead 10a, 10lz on both sides, even if printing has not taken place on both sides.

In the two examples given above, the printheads 10a, 1012 are allowed to work continuously on each side. However, a plurality of heads on each side can be used. The overlap pattern 106 is not limited to the sohack pattern shape, but one can alternatively use, for example, an arrangement with a skewed control pattern of the block type.

Means for checking incorrect operation of the print head by means of the printed label and issued by the label printer will now be explained.

Fig. 40 shows an example of a label 110 issued by the label printer. The label 110 is provided in advance with the required printing (printing on a common part, such as a frame, the words "post", "preparation date", "price") before the label printer is loaded with labels. In a label printer using a number of dots arranged side by side, the mail field 112 ("BEEF STEAK" in the example), the presentation field 113 with preparation date ("55.ll.l9" in the example), the presentation field 114 are printed. for the last date for edibility ("55.ll.30" in the example), the presentation field ll5 for the tariff ("l23" in the example) and the presentation field 116 for the weight ("l00O" in the example). In the presentation field of the bar code, the bar code 120 with elongated lines is arranged to be read by the bar code reader, and the control pattern 121 in the form of a thick line arranged below the bar code 120 and having a width (lateral dimension) greater than the presentation width of bar code l20 (lateral width in the figure) are presented.

Since both the bar code 120 and the control pattern l1l are printed on the label 110, if a printhead or a plurality of those intended to print the bar code work incorrectly for any reason and printing is thus not performed, the control pattern l1l corresponding to the incorrectly operating printheads will continue. to have the color of the label l10, and the control pattern 121 is printed with parts of the thick line cut away, so that an error of the printheads corresponding to the part in question can be easily identified. The width dimension of the control pattern 121 is larger than the width dimension of the bar code l20, so the control pattern l21 in Fig. 40 normally constitutes a control of the entire bar code 120 and part of the presentation field ll3 for preparation date, the presentation field ll4 for the last day for edibles and mail field ll2.

Fig. 41 shows a label 110 'in a modified example according to Fig. 40. In the label 110' a control pattern 122 is shown below the bar code 120 with a width dimension equal to the width dimension of the bar code 120. The control pattern 122 consists of a thick line 1222a (parallel to the width direction) and a short, perpendicular line 1222b connected to both ends of the thick line 122a. When the bar code 120 has a width dimension equal to the width dimension of the control pattern 222 or when one end of the control pattern 222 is printed using only one side end portion of the printhead, control is performed using the thick line 222a in a similar manner to at Fig. 40, at the same time as the corresponding printhead is checked by means of the perpendicular line l22b. (If there is no perpendicular line, it is “difficult to determine if the printhead at one end is not Operated.” In the examples of Figs. 40 and Fig. 41, the control patterns 121 and 122 are printed near (below) the bar code 120. However, the control patterns 121 and 122 may be printed in any portion where control of the printing area is to be performed (for example, within the whole area, within a part for printing numbers, within a part for printing characters or letters), or otherwise all characters may and letters, frames, numbers or symbols are printed on the label using the line printer and used as a control pattern.

An improvement in a label printer will now be described with reference to Figs. 42-44, wherein the label printer contains an accumulating memory which collects data required for the issued label in turn and stores the collected data in question.

The label printer 200 shown in Fig. 42 and 43 includes a feed drive unit 210, a weight detection unit 230, a label printing unit 240 and a label holder 250. A control system 220 shown in Fig. 44 controls the operation of the above-mentioned units. An accumulating memory 224 is connected to or mounted in the control system 220.

The control system 220 consists of a memory unit 221 which stores the required data, such as weight data input from the weight detection unit 230, price data and character designation from the input drive 210 up to the data printing, further of a control unit 222 which outputs print orders and memory addition orders P1 in accordance with input signals to the label printing unit 240 and the accumulating memory 224 for prescribed operation in good time, and by an operation processing unit 223 which processes input signals from the weight detection unit 230 and the input drive 210. The control system 220 is integral with the input drive 210 located above the label 200 .

The label printing unit 240 prints the product name, postal code, tariff, preparation date, storage date, bar code data, weight, price, etc. for the item a carried by the weight detection unit 230 on labels 203 which are located at regular intervals and are releasably attached to a supporting paper 202 in accordance with printing orders from the control system 220.

The labels 203 are fed intermittently from a roll 204 with 463 915 in 36 by means of a feed means (not shown). After printing by the printing unit 240, the labels 203 are removed from the label backing paper 202 when the backing paper 202 turns at a dispenser 205.

The label holder is located forward in the label feed direction near the printing unit 240. The underside of the label holder 250 is provided with a suction hole, where a suction normally occurs by means of a negative pressure from a fan, said underside forming a sticky surface 208 which adheres and holds it issued label 203 '.

A label detector 226 attached to the label holder 250 optically detects the removal of the dispensed label 203 'which normally adheres to and is adhered to the adhesive surface of the label holder 250, and the detection signal P2 is output to the control system 230.

The accumulating memory 224 stores information on total weight, summed price and the total number of parts in each item a per item in accordance with the memory addition order P1 from the control system 200.

The label printer 200 enters the required data by a key actuation operation, and after the weight of the item a has been determined by the weight detection unit 230, information on tariff (eg price per kilo), weight, price and the like is passed on. to the presentation unit of the input drive unit, and said information is printed on the label 203. If the dispensed label 203 'is removed from the label holder 250, the label detector 226 manually outputs the detection signal P2 to the control system 220. When the control system 220 receives the detection signal P2. P1, after which the accumulating memory 224 performs the adding operation and stores the required data regarding the item a.

If the label 203 'is pressurized and not held at the label holder 250 due to the label feeding malfunctioning, the label detector 226 will not output the detection signal P2, so the accumulating memory 224 does not perform any memory adding operation.

The proximal label 203 'with erroneous data is emitted due to incorrect actuation of keys, further when the label 2033 is emitted but the corresponding item a is substandard, or when eti-. 463 915 37 which is attached and held to the label holder 250 is broken, the accumulating memory 224 is set to non-adding state by actuating the non-adding key so that the detection signal P2 is not output from the label detector 226 when the label 203 'is removed, after which the label 203' is removed. the issued label 203 'is removed and a new label 203' is issued.

The reference numeral 206 refers to a nozzle which sprays air downwards with greater force than the suction force in the adhesive surface 208 has. When a label sticking order is received by the nozzle 206 from the control unit 222, said nozzle causes the issued label 203 ', which is held to the holder 250,' to automatically adhere to the article a.

The required data is added to the label printer 200, and the data in question is stored in the accumulating memory by removing the issued label which is fed from the printing unit. Even if the label is issued with unnecessary data due to improper operation of the input drive, said unnecessary data is not stored in the accumulating memory. Therefore, a correction operation with respect to the accumulating memory will become unnecessary, and the accuracy of the accumulation will be improved.

Fig. 45 shows a label position detection system 260 in the label printing unit 240, and Fig. 26 shows a circuit diagram of said system. Reference numeral 262 denotes a support paper detector, 266 is a label detector, and 270 is a comparator.

The support paper detector 262 includes a light emitting element 263 and a light receiving element 264. The detector 262 is located at a location where only the support paper 202 passes, i.e. a location where the backing paper 202 is transferred and allowed to pass after the label 203 has been removed at the dispenser 205.

More specifically, the light emitting element 263 and the light receiving element 264 are opposite each other with respect to the supporting paper after the label 203 has been removed, so that light from the emitting element 263 always passes through the supporting paper and is received by the receiving element 264. and the receiving element 264 and the comparator 270 are connected so that output voltage from the receiving element 464 915, which receives light from the emitting element 263, is input as a reference voltage to the comparator 270.

When the label adheres to the backing paper and a margin is on both sides, the backing paper detector can be located in the edge. In this case, the supporting paper detector and the label detector may be integral with each other.

The label detector 266 includes a light emitting element 267 and a light receiving element 268, and is arranged to be passed by the label 203 adhering to the backing paper 202.

More specifically, the light emitting element 267 and the light emitting element 268 are opposite each other in relation to the supporting paper 202 with the label 203 adhering thereto, so light from the emitting element 267 is projected to the section comprising the labels 203 and the gap Z between the labels 203. As the label 203 is passed, light will pass through the label 203 and the supporting paper 202 and be received by the receiving element 268 when said light is projected towards the label 203. When light is projected towards the space Å between the labels passes it only through the supporting paper 202. The receiving element 268 and the comparator 270 are connected in such a way that the output voltage of the receiving element 268 which receives light from the light emitting element 267 is supplied to the comparator 270. Both the light emitting elements 263 and 267 are connected in parallel so that an equal voltage is provided. In addition, preferably both the light emitting elements 263 and 267 and the receiving elements 264 and 268 may preferably have the same rated values.

The comparator 270 compares the output voltage of the support paper detector 262 as the reference voltage with the output voltage of the label detector 266 as a comparison input voltage and outputs a predetermined actuating voltage when the input voltage is larger than the reference voltage.

When the carrier paper detector 262 and the label detector 266 in the circuit shown in Fig. 46 are arranged in a predetermined position relative to the carrier paper 202, at which the labels 203 adhere at regular intervals as is shown in Fig. 45, and the supporting paper 202 is fed in its longitudinal direction, and also the labels 203 are fed, the reference voltage obtained from the supporting paper detector 262 becomes a constant output voltage V1 of the receiving element 264 receiving the light projected from the light emitting element 263 when a voltage Vcc is applied and which passes through the supporting paper 202, and further, the input voltage of the comparator 270 originating from the label detector 266 includes the output voltage V2 generated when the label detector 266 detects the gap L3 between the labels L3, i.e. . the output voltage V2, which is generated when detecting such conditions as the voltage Vcc being applied to the light emitting element 267, and light projecting energy.

The light transmission supporting paper 202 and the receiving element 268 become the same as in the case of the supporting paper detector 262, said voltage V2 being larger than the voltage V1 due to resistance division or the like, while an output voltage V2 'is generated. when the label detector 266 detects the label 203, i.e. the output voltage V2 'generated when light from the light emitting element 267 passes through the label 203 and the supporting paper 202 and is received by the receiving element 268, the voltage V2' being lower than the output voltage V1 or V2 and said output voltage V2 resp.

V2 'are generated alternately so that they form the voltage in pulse form. When the input voltage is higher than the reference voltage, ie. when the label detector 266 detects the gap K between the labels, the comparator 260 outputs the drive voltage or operating voltage.

When the backing paper 202 is replaced with another backing paper 202 of different thickness and / or permeability, the output voltage V1 of the backing paper detector 262 as the reference voltage and the output voltage V2, V2 'of the label detector 266 as the input voltage to be changed from the had with respect to the original supporting paper 202. However, the reference voltage and the output voltage V2 are subjected to the same change, so that the output voltage V2 is a predetermined value greater than the reference voltage, and the output voltage V2 'is a predetermined value less than the reference voltage - ningen. When the label detector 266 detects the gap I between the labels of the 466, 915 40s, the comparator 270 will output the driving voltage in a similar manner.

Thus, when the drive voltage is output from the comparator, it is known that the gap L between the adhesive labels 203 is in the detection position of the label detector, whereby the position of the label 203 is identified.

In the label printing unit 240, the reference stress is set automatically even if the supporting paper with the labels attached thereto changes in thickness and permeability.

The disadvantages of conventional label position detecting means that when the supporting paper has to be replaced, the reference voltage must be changed can thus be eliminated according to the invention.

Thanks to the invention, it becomes possible to prevent the production of substandard labels caused by the reference voltage not being set correctly or not set at all or by faults in the printing device, whereby the latter's working capacity can be improved.

Claims (7)

463 915 H1 PATENT REQUIREMENTS A label printer comprising a previously stored usable amount of a memory, the label printer being arranged to automatically print and dispense a label based on the contents of said useful amount of the memory, characterized in that it comprises a work control unit which indicates the capacity of an unrecorded area in the usable amount of memory, divides the specified capacity by an average record capacity and outputs the result obtained at the division, a register for storing output data from the work control unit, and an indicating means for indicating the contents of the register. . Label printer according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged to perform a presentation operation which indicates the postal name in a presentation field together with a printing operation. 3. A label printer according to claim 2, characterized in that the mail presentation field comprises indicator tubes in a plurality of columns, that mail characters are presented on said indicator tube from the front end in turn with a switching operation during a storage operation, and that all mail character characters are presented simultaneously during a retrieval operation, wherein, if desired, when the number of indicator tube slots is insufficient to indicate all characters of the postal character, an identification signal is generated, further presented characters are disconnected and the remaining characters are presented, and if desired, after the presentation of all characters has been completed. , the first character is presented in series in the column area of the presentation field. Label printer according to claim 2, characterized in that the register key, mail setting key, mail storage means, mail disconnection key and mail presentation field are arranged on a control panel on the label printer (1) and that postal characters corresponding to gift collection mail retrieval means and is fed and stored in the control means of the label printer (1) Ä 463 915 42 Label printer according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that means are arranged to divide said postal character into blocks per word, that means are arranged to disconnect an arbitrary block by actuating in combination of said register key and disconnection key, and that means are arranged to input and store a new word in a part of the disconnected block by actuating in combination of mail setting key and memory key in post memory means. Label printer according to claim 5, characterized in that means are arranged to further divide said block per character in the word and to disconnect an arbitrary character. A label printer according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that it comprises a bar code reading unit which is arranged to read a bar code which is printed in correspondence with an article name or a character or both of these and a memory which is arranged to store data output from the bar code reader, preferably an external memory unit is detachably connected and data transfer is performed between said memory and the external memory unit, and / or, if desired, said bar code reader unit comprises a bar code decoder and a pen scanner and is removable.