阅读说明：本技术 打印机、带 (Printer and tape ) 是由 太田喜博 于 2021-03-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种打印机及带,即使带所具备的标记的浓淡及带的反射度的大小产生了偏差,也能够不受它们的影响而高精度地进行标记的位置检测。标签制作装置(1)具有：热敏头(31),在标签片(3A)进行打印；反射传感器(11),检测标签片(3A)的标记(M1、M2),并输出对应的检测信号；及控制部(210),其中,在标签片(3A)打印第一标记(M1)和设置于比第一标记(M1)靠输送方向上的下游侧的第二标记(M2),控制部(210)执行：位置确定处理,基于反射传感器(11)对第一标记(M1)的检测信号的电平与阈值(TH)的比较结果,确定第一标记(M1)的位置；及阈值设定处理,基于反射传感器(11)对第二标记(M2)的检测信号的电平,可变地设定阈值(TH)。(The invention provides a printer and a tape, which can detect the position of a mark with high precision without being influenced by the shade of the mark and the reflectivity of the tape even if the shade of the mark and the reflectivity of the tape are deviated. A label producing device (1) is provided with: a thermal head (31) for printing on the label sheet (3A); a reflection sensor (11) that detects the markers (M1, M2) of the label sheet (3A) and outputs corresponding detection signals; and a control unit (210), wherein the first mark (M1) and a second mark (M2) provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the first mark (M1) are printed on the label sheet (3A), and the control unit (210) executes: a position determination process of determining a position of the first mark (M1) based on a result of comparison of a level of a detection signal of the first mark (M1) by the reflection sensor (11) with a threshold value (TH); and a threshold setting process for variably setting the Threshold (TH) based on the level of the detection signal of the reflection sensor (11) to the second flag (M2).)

1. A printer has:

a conveying unit that conveys a tape provided with a plurality of marks;

a printing unit configured to print on the tape conveyed by the conveying unit;

a reflective sensor including a light emitting section and a light receiving section, detecting the mark of the belt based on light received by the light receiving section, and outputting a corresponding detection signal; and

a control part for controlling the operation of the display device,

wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the plurality of markers includes: a first mark provided on the belt; and a second mark provided on a downstream side of the first mark in a belt conveying direction,

the control section executes:

a position determination process of determining a position of the first mark based on a result of comparison of a level of a detection signal of the first mark by the reflection sensor with a threshold value; and

a threshold value setting process of variably setting the threshold value based on a level of a detection signal of the second mark by the reflection sensor.

2. The printer according to claim 1,

the amount of light received by the light receiving unit when the second mark is detected by the reflection sensor is larger than the amount of light received when the first mark is detected.

3. The printer according to claim 2,

the second mark has a colored portion having a smaller area ratio, i.e., a smaller color ratio, than the first mark.

4. The printer according to claim 3,

the first mark is a mark to which the color is uniformly applied over the entire surface,

the second mark is a mark to which the color is attached in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern.

5. The printer according to claim 3,

the first mark and the second mark are colored marks in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern, respectively.

6. Printer according to claim 4 or 5,

the line width of the stripe pattern or the dot width of the dot pattern of the second mark is 1/2 or less of the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction of the tape.

7. A tape having a first mark and a second mark provided at a distance in a longitudinal direction,

the first mark is a mark which is uniformly colored over the entire surface,

the second mark is a mark having a stripe pattern or a dot pattern with a color.

8. The belt according to claim 7,

the line width of the stripe pattern or the dot width of the dot pattern of the second mark is 1/2 or less of the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

9. The belt according to claim 7 or 8,

the distance between the first mark and the second mark in the longitudinal direction is equal to or greater than the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

10. A tape having a first mark and a second mark provided at a distance in a longitudinal direction,

the first mark and the second mark are colored marks attached with stripe patterns or dot patterns respectively,

the second mark has a smaller area ratio, i.e., a smaller color ratio of the portion to which the color is attached, than the color ratio of the first mark.

11. The belt according to claim 10,

the color ratio of the second mark is 40% to 60% of the color ratio of the first mark.

12. The belt according to claim 10 or 11,

the line width of the stripe pattern or the dot width of the dot pattern of the second mark is 1/2 or less of the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

13. The belt according to claim 10 or 11,

the distance between the first mark and the second mark in the longitudinal direction is equal to or greater than the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

14. The belt according to claim 12,

the distance between the first mark and the second mark in the longitudinal direction is equal to or greater than the length of the first mark in the longitudinal direction.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a printer including a reflection sensor for detecting a mark provided on a tape, and a tape provided with a mark.

Background

A printer is known that detects a mark provided on a tape by a reflection sensor and detects the position of the mark based on whether or not the detection value of the reflection sensor reaches a threshold value (for example, see patent document 1).

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2008-238606

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In the printer of the related art described above, there is a possibility that the position of the mark is erroneously detected due to the influence of the shade of the mark and the magnitude of the reflectance of the tape.

The invention aims to provide a printer and a tape, which can detect the position of a mark with high precision without being influenced by the shade of the mark and the reflectivity of the tape even if the shade of the mark and the reflectivity of the tape are deviated.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printer including: a conveying unit that conveys a tape provided with a plurality of marks; a printing unit configured to print on the tape conveyed by the conveying unit; a reflective sensor including a light emitting section and a light receiving section, detecting the mark of the belt based on light received by the light receiving section, and outputting a corresponding detection signal; and a control section, wherein the plurality of marks include: a first mark provided on the belt; and a second mark provided on a downstream side of the first mark in a belt conveying direction, the control unit executing: a position determination process of determining a position of the first mark based on a result of comparison of a level of a detection signal of the first mark by the reflection sensor with a threshold value; and a threshold value setting process of variably setting the threshold value based on a level of a detection signal of the second mark by the reflection sensor.

When the first mark and the second mark provided in the tape are formed by printing, printing is performed in the same printing step. Therefore, even when a variation in shading occurs for each printing process, for example, both the first mark and the second mark are printed with the same degree of shading. That is, it can be considered that the first mark and the second mark printed on the same tape are printed at substantially the same density. In the present invention, this property is used to determine the threshold of the detection signal level used for detecting the first mark based on the level of the detection signal at the time of detecting the second mark in the threshold setting process.

For example, when the first mark is printed thinly, the detection signal level of the first mark becomes a level on the side of a larger reflectance than that in normal printing. As a result, if the threshold value used in the normal printing is used as it is, there is a possibility that erroneous detection such as a shift or non-detection of the detection position of the first mark may occur. At this time, since the second mark is also printed lightly, the detection signal level of the second mark also becomes a level on the side of a larger reflectance than that in normal printing. Thus, the threshold value can be set to a level shifted to a higher reflectance side than that in normal printing based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark. Therefore, even when the printing is performed to be light as described above, when the position of the first mark is determined based on the result of comparison with the threshold value in the position determination process, the position of the first mark can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as in the normal printing.

Conversely, when the first mark is printed in a dark state, the detection signal level of the first mark becomes a level on the reflectance side smaller than that in normal printing. As a result, if the threshold value in the normal printing is used as it is, the detection position of the first mark may be shifted. At this time, since the second mark is also printed in a dark state, the detection signal level of the second mark also becomes a level on the reflectance side smaller than that in normal printing. Thus, the threshold value can be set to a level shifted to a lower reflectance side than that in normal printing based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark. Therefore, even when the printing is performed in a rich state as described above, the position of the first mark can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as in the normal printing.

On the other hand, when the density of the first mark and the second mark is not changed and the reflectance of the background portion of the band is low, the detection signal level of the background portion becomes a level on the reflectance side lower than that in the case where the reflectance of the background portion is normal. As a result, if the threshold value in the case where the reflectance of the background portion of the tape is normal is used as it is, there is a possibility that erroneous detection such as a shift in the detection position of the first mark or non-detection may occur. In this case, by forming the second mark so that the detection signal level of the second mark is at a level on the reflectance side smaller than that in the case where the reflectance of the background color portion is normal, the threshold value can be set to a level on the reflectance side smaller than that in the case where the reflectance of the background color portion is normal based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark. Therefore, even when the reflectance of the background portion of the tape is small as described above, the position of the first mark can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as when the reflectance of the background portion is normal.

On the other hand, when the density of the first mark and the second mark is not changed and the reflectance of the background portion of the band is increased, the detection signal level of the background portion becomes a level on the reflectance side larger than that in the case where the reflectance of the background portion is normal. As a result, if the threshold value in the case where the reflectance of the ground color portion of the tape is normal is used as it is, the detection position of the first mark may be shifted. In this case, by forming the second mark so that the detection signal level of the second mark is at a level on the side of the reflectance side larger than that in the case where the reflectance of the background color portion is normal, the threshold value can be set to a level on the side of the reflectance side larger than that in the case where the reflectance of the background color portion is normal based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark. Therefore, even in the case where the reflectance of the background color portion of the tape becomes large as described above, the position of the first mark can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as when the reflectance of the background color portion is normal.

As a result, in the present invention, even if the shade of the mark provided on the tape and the magnitude of the reflectance of the tape vary, the position of the first mark can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by these variations.

In order to achieve the above object, the tape according to the present invention is provided with a first mark and a second mark at intervals in the longitudinal direction, the first mark being a mark in which a color is uniformly applied over the entire surface, and the second mark being a mark in which a color is applied in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern.

In general, when a mark for detecting a position is printed on a tape as a print medium, for example, when the density of the mark becomes low, the level of a detection signal output from a reflection sensor may become equal to or higher than a threshold value, and erroneous detection may occur. However, the accurate density needs to be measured by a density meter provided separately from the printing process. Therefore, for example, the following problems occur: since the printing process is stopped and the measurement job is performed off-line, it takes time; the concentration of all printed marks cannot be measured; the first and last densities of the printing process are often measured and managed; in order to target a print density having a margin in consideration of the variation, more ink than necessary is used; and the print density differs depending on the dry state of the ink of the printed matter, and therefore, it takes time for inspection or the like to satisfy the required density.

Therefore, in the present invention, the first mark to which a color is applied uniformly over the entire surface and the second mark to which a color is applied in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tape. Thus, on the printer side, the threshold of the detection signal level for detecting the first mark can be determined based on the level of the detection signal at the time of detecting the second mark. At this time, the first mark and the second mark are printed at adjacent positions in the same printing process, and are therefore printed at substantially the same density. Therefore, the threshold value for detection of the first mark can be adjusted to an optimum value in accordance with the color ratio of the first mark and the second mark, regardless of the print density. Further, by setting the first mark as a full-surface mark and the second mark as a stripe pattern or a dot pattern, it is possible to set a color ratio between the first mark and the second mark with high accuracy, based on the line width and the line number of the stripe pattern of the second mark, the dot width and the dot number of the dot pattern, or the like. As a result, even if the shade of the mark provided on the tape varies, the position of the first mark can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by the variation, and erroneous detection can be prevented.

As described above, since strict management of print density is not required, it is possible to delete off-line measurement of print density or reduce the frequency of measurement. Further, since the color ratio of the first mark and the second mark is within a predetermined range, for example, the determination of the acceptability can be made by an imaging means such as a camera. Therefore, the pass/fail determination can be performed on the line of the printing process, and thus all the marks can be inspected. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the density measurement is performed by stopping the printing process in the middle, or a lot failure is caused by a deviation of the reference at the end of the printing process.

In order to achieve the above object, the tape according to the present invention is provided with a first mark and a second mark which are colored in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern, respectively, at a distance in the longitudinal direction, and the second mark has a color ratio which is an area ratio of a portion of the second mark to which the color is applied, the color ratio being smaller than the color ratio of the first mark.

In general, when a mark for detecting a position is printed on a tape as a print medium, for example, when the density of the mark becomes low, the level of a detection signal output from a reflection sensor may become equal to or higher than a threshold value, and erroneous detection may occur. However, the accurate density needs to be measured by a density meter provided separately from the printing process. Therefore, for example, the following problems occur: since the printing process is stopped and the measurement job is performed off-line, it takes time; the concentration of all printed marks cannot be measured; the first and last densities of the printing process are often measured and managed; in order to target a print density having a margin in consideration of the variation, more than necessary ink is used; and the print density differs depending on the dry state of the ink of the printed matter, and therefore, it takes time for inspection or the like to satisfy the required density.

Therefore, in the present invention, the first mark and the second mark each colored in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the belt. Thus, on the printer side, the threshold of the detection signal level for detecting the first mark can be determined based on the level of the detection signal at the time of detecting the second mark. At this time, the first mark and the second mark are printed at adjacent positions in the same printing process, and are therefore printed at substantially the same density. Therefore, the threshold value for detection of the first mark can be adjusted to an optimum value in accordance with the color ratio of the first mark and the second mark, regardless of the print density. Further, by using the first mark and the second mark as the marks of the stripe pattern or the dot pattern, respectively, it is possible to set a color ratio between the first mark and the second mark with high accuracy, based on the line width and the line number of the stripe pattern of the first mark and the second mark, or the dot width and the dot number of the dot pattern. As a result, even if the shade of the mark provided on the tape varies, the position of the first mark can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by the variation, and erroneous detection can be prevented.

As described above, since strict management of print density is not required, it is possible to delete off-line measurement of print density or reduce the frequency of measurement. Further, since the color ratio of the first mark and the second mark is within a predetermined range, for example, the determination of the acceptability can be made by an imaging means such as a camera. Therefore, the pass/fail determination can be performed on the line of the printing process, and thus all the marks can be inspected. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the density measurement is performed by stopping the printing process in the middle, or a lot failure is caused by a deviation of the reference at the end of the printing process.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, even if the shade of the mark provided in the tape and the reflectance of the tape vary, the position of the mark can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by these variations.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a label producing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where an upper cover of the label forming apparatus is removed.

Fig. 3 is a side view showing a state where an upper cover of the label forming apparatus is removed.

Fig. 4 is a side sectional view showing a state where the holder is attached to the label forming apparatus with the upper cover removed.

Fig. 5 is a view showing an example of the appearance of the label sheet, (a) is a plan view of the surface on the side of the release material layer on which the first mark and the second mark are printed, (B) is a plan view of the surface on the side of the heat-sensitive layer before label printing, and (C) is a plan view of the surface on the side of the heat-sensitive layer after label printing.

Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the label producing apparatus.

Fig. 7 is a graph showing enlarged views of the first mark and the second mark printed on the release material layer of the label sheet, and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflection sensor when the first mark and the second mark are detected.

Fig. 8 is a graph showing enlarged views of the first mark and the second mark and a change in the level of the detection signal of the reflection sensor in the case where the white level of the ground color portion of the release material layer is decreased.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing enlarged views of the first mark and the second mark and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflection sensor when the print densities of the first mark and the second mark vary.

Fig. 10 is a graph showing enlarged views of the first mark and the second mark and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflection sensor in the case where the white level of the ground color portion of the release material layer increases.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control section when a print label is created.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark showing an example of a change in the stripe pattern of the second mark.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark showing another example of the change in the stripe pattern of the second mark.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark showing still another example of the change in the stripe pattern of the second mark.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark showing an example in the case where the second mark is a dot pattern.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark showing another example of the dot pattern of the second mark.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark showing another example of the dot pattern of the second mark.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark showing an example in which both the first mark and the second mark are formed in a stripe pattern.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of the first mark and the second mark showing an example in which both the first mark and the second mark are dot patterns.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of the first mark, the second mark, and the third mark, which shows an example in the case where three kinds of marks are provided.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an embodiment in a case where the present invention is applied to a label producing apparatus as a printer.

As shown in fig. 1, the label producing apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 2, an upper cover 5, a tray 6 erected so as to face a substantially central portion of a front side of the upper cover 5, a power button 7 disposed on a front side of the tray 6, a cutter bar 9, an LED display portion 34, and the like.

Fig. 2 shows a state where the upper cover 5 of the label forming apparatus 1 is removed. As shown in fig. 2, the holder 3 is accommodated in the holder accommodating portion 4. The holder 3 includes a positioning and holding member 12 and a guide member 20, and is wound in a roll shape as a tape so that a label sheet 3A having a predetermined width can rotate. A plurality of labels 3B to be printed are provided at a predetermined pitch p on the front side (inner circumferential side of the roll) of the label sheet 3A. In this example, the label 3B is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having rounded corners, but may have another shape. On the back side (roll outer circumferential side) of label sheet 3A, first mark M1 and second mark M2 are printed at positions corresponding to labels 3B, respectively. The guide member 20 and the positioning and holding member 12 are provided on both sides of the label sheet 3A in the axial direction. The upper cover 5 is attached to the rear upper end edge portion so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the upper side of the holder housing portion 4.

A holder support member 15 is provided at one side edge portion of the holder housing portion 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. The holder support member 15 is formed with a first positioning groove portion 16 that opens upward. The mounting member 13 projecting outward of the positioning and holding member 12 is fitted into the holder support member 15 by being in close contact with the first positioning groove 16. A rod 27 is provided at the front end in the conveying direction of the other side end edge portion of the holder housing portion 4.

As shown in fig. 3, the label sheet 3A has a 4-layer structure in this example, and a release material layer 3A, an adhesive material layer 3b, a base material layer 3c, and a heat-sensitive layer 3ca are laminated in this order from the outer periphery side to the inner periphery side of the roll. The thermosensitive layer 3ca has self-color developability that develops color by heat. In the label sheet 3A, from the heat-sensitive layer 3ca side surface to the adhesive material layer 3B, a substantially rectangular half cut line HC for forming the label 3B is formed. After being printed, the label 3B is peeled as a print label T from the release material layer 3a, and is attached to a predetermined product or the like via the adhesive material layer 3B.

On the back side (upper left side in fig. 3) of release material layer 3a, first mark M1 and second mark M2 are printed at positions corresponding to respective labels 3B. The first marker M1 and the second marker M2 are detected by the reflection sensor 11 (see fig. 6 described later), and the printing position is positioned with respect to the label 3B using the detection results. Second mark M2 is provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction of label sheet 3A from first mark M1. In the present embodiment, for example, the first mark M1 is printed at a substantially middle position of the label 3B in the conveying direction, and the second mark M2 is printed at a substantially front end position on the downstream side of the label 3B in the conveying direction. However, the second mark M2 may be printed at a position other than the above position as long as it is located on the downstream side in the conveying direction from the first mark M1.

As shown in fig. 4, by rotating the lever 27 downward, the label sheet 3A inserted from the insertion port 18 is pressed against the platen roller 26 (conveying section) by the thermal head 31 (printing section). By performing printing by the thermal head 31 while the platen roller 26 is rotationally driven, desired printing is sequentially formed on the printing surface of the thermal layer 3ca of each label 3B while the label sheet 3A is conveyed. Further, the label sheet 3A discharged onto the tray 6 is cut by the cutter unit 8 by moving the cutter bar 9.

The reflection sensor 11 is disposed between the insertion port 18 and the platen roller 26. The reflective sensor 11 is a reflective optical sensor including a light emitting portion (not shown) and a light receiving portion (not shown). The reflective sensor 11 detects the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 formed on the release material layer 3A of the label sheet 3A based on the light received by the light receiving unit, and outputs corresponding detection signals.

The guide member 20 is housed in the holder housing portion 4 while coming into contact with the placement portion 21 and the positioning groove portion 22A of the holder housing portion 4 on the front side. A control board 32 is provided below the holder housing portion 4, and a control unit 210 for controlling the driving of each mechanism unit in response to a command from an external personal computer or the like is formed on the control board 32. A power supply line 10 is connected to one side end of the back surface of the main body housing 2.

As shown in fig. 5 (a), first marker M1 and second marker M2 are printed on the surface of label sheet 3A on the side of release material layer 3A, at positions corresponding to respective labels 3B, as described above. First marker M1 and second marker M2 are each printed at approximately the same pitch p as label 3B. Second mark M2 is provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction of label sheet 3A from first mark M1. As described above, for example, the first mark M1 is printed at a substantially middle position of the label 3B in the conveying direction, and the second mark M2 is printed at a substantially front end position on the downstream side of the label 3B in the conveying direction.

As shown in fig. 5 (B) and 5 (C), on the surface of the label sheet 3A on the heat-sensitive layer 3ca side, as described above, a substantially rectangular half cut line HC for peeling the printed label T formed on the label 3B after printing from the release material layer 3A by cutting a portion other than the release material layer 3A is formed. In the printing area of the label 3B surrounded by the half cut line HC, desired printing based on the print data is printed from the downstream side in the conveying direction of the label sheet 3A. After printing, only the printed label T is partially peeled from the release material layer 3a via the half cut line HC, and is adhered to a commercial product or the like by the adhesive material layer 3 b. In the example shown in fig. 5, the print label T printed with the text "bluetooth AAA", the print label T printed with the text "bluetooth BBB", and the print labels T and … … printed with the text "bluetooth CCC" are conveyed in this order.

In fig. 6, each label 3B of the label sheet 3A discharged from the holder 3 is printed by the thermal head 31 to generate a print label T. Then, as described above, the label sheet 3A on which the printed print label T has been arranged is cut by the cutter unit 8 by operating the cutter bar 9.

The label producing apparatus 1 includes: the platen roller 26 that conveys and discharges the label sheet 3A to the discharge port E; a platen motor 208 that drives the platen roller 26; a platen roller drive circuit 209 for controlling the platen roller motor 208; and a print drive circuit 205 that performs power-on control of the thermal head 31. The label forming apparatus 1 further includes: a control unit 210 for controlling the overall operation of the label producing apparatus 1 via the print driving circuit 205, the platen roller driving circuit 209, and the like; and the LED display unit 34 that is turned on in response to a control signal from the control unit 210. The arrangement of the photosensor 11, the platen roller 26, the thermal head 31, the cutter unit 8, and the like shown in fig. 6 is conceptual, and does not show the actual positional relationship of these devices.

The control unit 210 is a so-called microcomputer, which is not shown, but is configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like as a central processing unit, and performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in the ROM by using a temporary storage function of the RAM. In addition, the control section 210 is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 211A, and is connected to, for example, a communication line via the communication circuit 211B. The control unit 210 can exchange information with a not-shown routing server, other terminals, a general-purpose computer, an information server, and the like connected to a communication line.

Further, the control unit 210 receives the detection signal transmitted from the reflection sensor 11, and executes the position determination process and the threshold setting process based on the detection signal. The position determination process is a process of determining the position of the first mark M1 based on the result of comparison between the level of the detection signal of the first mark M1 by the reflection sensor 11 and the threshold set by the threshold setting process. The threshold setting process is a process of variably setting the threshold based on the level of the detection signal of the second flag M2 by the reflective sensor 11. The specific contents of these processes will be described below with reference to fig. 7 to 10.

Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 printed on the release material layer 3A of the label sheet 3A, and shows a change in the level of the detection signal (sensor voltage [ V ]) of the reflective sensor 11 when the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are detected.

As shown in fig. 7, the first mark M1 is a substantially rectangular mark uniformly colored black over the entire surface. The second mark M2 is a substantially rectangular mark having a black color attached in a stripe pattern. The first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are formed in the same shape and the same area. However, the marks may have different shapes or areas. Each mark may have a shape other than a rectangle, and may have a color other than black (for example, dark blue) as long as the color has low reflectance.

The length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in fig. 7) of the label sheet 3A is set to be equal to or larger than the spot diameter of the reflection sensor 11. Similarly, the length of the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction is set to be equal to or larger than the spot diameter of the reflection sensor 11. The distance D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction is set to be equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction.

The second mark M2 is a stripe pattern mark. The "stripe pattern" is a pattern composed of a plurality of parallel or intersecting lines by different colors of two or more colors or shades of the same color, and includes vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, and ruled lines. In the second mark M2 of the present embodiment, a plurality of black straight lines substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction are formed in parallel with each other at a predetermined pitch, and a striped pattern is formed by the black of the lines and white as the ground color of the release material layer 3 a. Thus, the color ratio (black-white ratio), which is the area ratio of the colored (black) portion of the second marker M2, is smaller than the color ratio of the first marker M1. As a result, the light receiving amount of the light receiving portion when the second mark M2 is detected by the reflection sensor 11 is larger than the light receiving amount when the first mark M1 is detected. In the present embodiment, the color ratio of the first mark M1 is 100%, whereas the line width Ws, pitch, and the like of the stripe pattern are set such that the color ratio of the second mark M2 is approximately 50%.

The color ratio of the second mark M2 is not limited to the above 50%, and may be other ratios. However, as described later, the threshold value for detection of the first mark M1 is set based on the detection signal level of the second mark M2. Therefore, in order to set the threshold value near half of the detection signal level of the first mark M1 and to more reliably prevent erroneous detection of the first mark M1, the color ratio of the second mark M2 is preferably near half (e.g., 40% to 60%) of the color ratio of the first mark M1.

The line width Ws of the stripe pattern in the second mark M2 is not particularly limited as long as the color ratio of the second mark M2 can be set to approximately 50%. However, in order to smooth the output waveform of the reflection sensor 11 when detecting the second mark M2, the line width Ws is preferably 1/2 or less of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction.

As shown in the graph of fig. 7, the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor 11 changes when the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are detected. In fig. 7, a level LV0 is a level of a detection signal when the ground color (white) of the peeling material layer 3a is detected. The level LV1 is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 is detected, and the level LV2 is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 is detected. As described above, since the color ratio of the first mark M1 is 100%, and the color ratio of the second mark M2 is about 50%, the amount of change in the level LV2 from the level LV0 is about 50% of the amount of change in the level LV1 from the level LV 0.

In the threshold setting process, controller 210 sets threshold TH of the detection signal level for detecting first mark M1 to level LV 2. In the position determination process, the controller 210 determines the position of the first mark M1 based on the result of comparison between the detection signal of the first mark M1 from the reflection sensor 11 and the set threshold TH (level LV 2). In the example shown in fig. 7, it is determined that the first mark M1 is formed between the position of the movement distance d1 and the position of d2 of the tab sheet 3A. The moving distance of the label sheet 3A is detected by an encoder (not shown) provided in the platen motor 208.

Next, a case where the white level (reflectance) of the ground color portion of the release material layer 3A of the label sheet 3A is decreased will be described. For example, the white level of the release material layer 3a may decrease due to a change in the material, manufacturing process, and manufacturer of the release material layer 3a, or a decrease in the reflectance due to a reduction in the thickness of the release material layer 3 a. Fig. 8 shows enlarged views of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor 11 in the case where the print densities of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are unchanged and the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is decreased. Fig. 8 (a) shows a normal state in which the white level is not lowered, fig. 8 (B) shows a state in which the white level is lowered, and fig. 8 (C) shows a state in which the white level is further lowered than (B).

In the graph of fig. 8, a level LV0(a) is a level of a detection signal when detecting the ground color in the state (a) where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is not decreased, a level LV0(B) is a level of a detection signal when detecting the ground color in the state (B) where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is decreased, and a level LV0(C) is a level of a detection signal when detecting the ground color in the state (C) where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is further greatly decreased. Similarly, the level LV2(a) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 in the state (a) in which the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is not detected to decrease, the level LV2(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 in the state (B) in which the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is detected to decrease, and the level LV2(C) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 in the state (C) in which the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is further detected to decrease significantly.

As shown in fig. 8, when the white level of the peeling material layer 3a decreases, the detection signal level of the ground color portion decreases. Therefore, if the threshold TH (level LV2(a)) in the state of the above-described (a) is used as it is when the white level of the release material layer 3a decreases, false detection may occur. For example, in the state (a), it is detected that the first mark M1 is located between the moving distances d1 and d2, whereas in the state (B), the level of the detection signal of the ground color is lowered, and it is detected that the first mark M1 is shifted to be located between the moving distances d1 'and d 2'. In the state (C), the level of the detection signal of the ground color is substantially equal to or less than the threshold TH (level LV2(a)), and therefore the position of the first mark M1 may not be specified.

In the present embodiment, the controller 210 sets the threshold TH to the level LV2(a) in the state (a), sets the threshold TH to the level LV2(B) in the state (B), and sets the threshold TH to the level LV2(C) in the state (C). As described above, since the first mark M1 is uniformly colored black over the entire surface, the detection signal level LV1 of the first mark M1 does not change even if the white level of the release material layer 3a decreases. On the other hand, since the second mark M2 is composed of a portion of the peeling material layer 3a having a background color and a portion having a color, the detection signal level of the second mark M2 varies according to the variation of the white level of the peeling material layer 3 a. Therefore, by setting the threshold TH as described above, the threshold TH can be changed so as to maintain a value of approximately 50% of the amount of change in the level LV1 with respect to the varying level LV 0. Therefore, even when the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is lowered as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with the same degree of accuracy as in the normal state in which the white level is not lowered. In the example shown in fig. 8, in the state (B) and the state (C), the first marker M1 is detected to be located between the movement distances d1 and d2, similarly to the state (a).

Next, a case where the print densities of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 vary will be described. The first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the label sheet 3A are printed in units of rolls in the printing process. Since the print density is managed for each print step, there is a case where a variation in the shading occurs for each print step. Fig. 9 shows enlarged views of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor 11 in the case where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is unchanged, and the print densities of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are thinned. Fig. 9 (a) shows a state where the print density is normal, fig. 9 (B) shows a state where the print density is reduced, and fig. 9 (C) shows a state where the print density is further reduced than (B).

In the graph of fig. 9, a level LV1(a) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 in the state (a) where the print density is normal is detected, a level LV1(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 in the state (B) where the print density becomes lighter is detected, and a level LV1(C) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 in the state (C) where the print density becomes lighter is detected. Similarly, level LV2(a) is the minimum level of the detection signal when detecting second mark M2 in the state (a) where the print density is normal, level LV2(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when detecting second mark M2 in the state (B) where the print density becomes lighter, and level LV2(C) is the minimum level of the detection signal when detecting second mark M2 in the state (C) where the print density becomes lighter.

As shown in fig. 9, when the print densities of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 become lighter, the detection signal level of the mark portion becomes higher. Thus, if the threshold TH (level LV2(a)) in the state of (a) is used as it is when the print density of the mark becomes thin, erroneous detection occurs. For example, in the state (a), it is detected that the first mark M1 is located between the moving distances d1 and d2, whereas in the state (B), the detection signal level of the mark portion becomes high, and it is detected that the first mark M1 is shifted to be located between the moving distances d1 'and d 2'. In the state (C), the detection signal level of the mark portion becomes higher, and the first mark M1 is detected to be shifted to be located between the moving distances d1 ″ and d2 ″. In the state (C), since the level difference between the threshold TH (level LV2(a)) and the level LV1(C) is small, the position of the first marker M1 may not be detected.

In the present embodiment, the controller 210 sets the threshold TH to the level LV2(a) in the state (a), sets the threshold TH to the level LV2(B) in the state (B), and sets the threshold TH to the level LV2(C) in the state (C). Even when the print density is managed for each print step as described above, and therefore, the variation in the gradation occurs for each print step, both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the label sheet 3A printed in the same print step are printed with the same gradation or gradation. That is, it can be considered that the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 printed on the label sheet 3A of the same roll are printed at substantially the same density. On the other hand, in this example, the detection signal level LV0 of the portion of the peeling material layer 3a having the ground color does not change. Therefore, by setting the threshold TH as described above, the threshold TH can be changed so as to maintain a value of approximately 50% of the amount of change in the level LV1 that fluctuates with respect to the level LV 0. Therefore, even when the print densities of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are thinned as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with the same degree of accuracy as when the print densities are normal. In the example shown in fig. 9, in the state (B) and the state (C), the first marker M1 is detected to be located between the movement distances d1 and d2, as in the state (a).

Next, a case where the white level of the ground color portion of the release material layer 3A of the label sheet 3A rises will be described. For example, when the release material layer 3a is made of glossy paper, the white level of the release material layer 3a may unexpectedly increase, for example, the material, production process, and manufacturer of the release material layer 3a are changed, or the thickness of the release material layer 3a increases to increase the reflectance. Fig. 10 shows enlarged views of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 and changes in the level of the detection signal of the reflective sensor 11 in the case where the print densities of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are unchanged and the white level of the peeling material layer 3a rises. Fig. 10 (a) shows a normal state in which the white level is not increased, and fig. 10 (B) shows a state in which the white level is increased.

In the graph of fig. 10, a level LV0(a) is a level of a detection signal when detecting a ground color in a state (a) where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a does not rise, and a level LV0(B) is a level of a detection signal when detecting a ground color in a state (B) where the white level of the peeling material layer 3a rises. When the maximum output of the detection signal of the reflection sensor 11 is set to the level LV0(a), the level LV0(B) is in a state where the sensor output is saturated. The level LV1(a) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 in the state (a) in which the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is not increased is detected, and the level LV1(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the first mark M1 in the state (B) in which the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is increased is detected. Similarly, the level LV2(a) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 in the state (a) in which the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is not increased is detected, and the level LV2(B) is the minimum level of the detection signal when the second mark M2 in the state (B) in which the white level of the peeling material layer 3a is increased is detected.

As shown in fig. 10, when the white level of the peeling material layer 3a rises, the detection signal level of the ground color portion rises. Therefore, if the threshold TH (level LV2(a)) in the state of the above-described (a) is used as it is when the white level of the release material layer 3a increases, false detection occurs. For example, in the state (a), it is detected that the first mark M1 is located between the moving distances d1 and d2, whereas in the state (B), the level of the detection signal of the ground color increases, and it is detected that the first mark M1 is shifted to be located between the moving distances d1 'and d 2'.

In the present embodiment, the controller 210 sets the threshold TH to the level LV2(a) in the state (a) and sets the threshold TH to the level LV2(B) in the state (B). As described above, since the first mark M1 is uniformly colored black over the entire surface, the detection signal level LV1 of the first mark M1 is less fluctuated even if the white level of the release material layer 3a is increased. On the other hand, since the second mark M2 is composed of a portion of the peeling material layer 3a in the ground color and a portion to which a color is added, the detection signal level of the second mark M2 largely rises in accordance with the rise in the white level of the peeling material layer 3 a. Therefore, by setting the threshold TH as described above, even when the level LV2(B) is not saturated due to the rise in white level of the peeling material layer 3a as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with the same degree of accuracy as in the normal state where the white level is not raised. In the example shown in fig. 10, in the state (B), the first marker M1 is detected to be located between the movement distances d1 and d2, similarly to the state (a).

Fig. 11 shows a control procedure executed by the control section 210 when the print label T is produced.

As shown in fig. 11, in step S5, the control unit 210 reads print information of the label 3B to be printed on the label sheet 3A by the thermal head 31, for example, from an operation terminal via the communication circuit 211B.

In step S10, the control unit 210 drives the platen roller motor 208 via the platen roller drive circuit 209 to drive the platen roller 26 and start the conveyance of the label sheet 3A.

In step S15, control unit 210 receives the detection signal of second marker M2 output from reflection sensor 11.

In step S20, the control section 210 performs a threshold setting process of variably setting a threshold for determining the position of the first mark M1 based on the level of the detection signal of the second mark M2 by the reflective sensor 11 received in the above-described step S15.

In step S25, control unit 210 receives the detection signal of first marker M1 output from reflection sensor 11.

In step S30, the control section 210 executes position determination processing for determining the position of the first mark M1 based on the result of comparison between the level of the detection signal of the first mark M1 by the reflective sensor 11 received in the above-described step S25 and the threshold set in the above-described step S20.

In step S35, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the label sheet 3A is conveyed to a predetermined print start position. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the conveyance distance (corresponding to the aforementioned movement distance) from the detection position of the first mark M1 specified in step S30 has reached a predetermined conveyance distance. Before the conveyance to the print start position, the apparatus stands by in step S35 (S35: no), and after the conveyance to the print start position (S35: yes), the apparatus proceeds to step S40.

In step S40, the control section 210 outputs a control signal to the thermal head 31 via the print driving circuit 205. As a result, printing corresponding to the print information read in step S5 is executed on the heat-sensitive layer 3ca of the label 3B.

In step S45, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the label piece 3A has been conveyed by a predetermined print area length amount. Specifically, it is determined whether the conveyance of the print area length amount is completed based on the conveyance amount from the detection position of the first mark M1 determined in the above-described step S30. Before the end of the conveyance of the print area length, the apparatus stands by in step S45 (S45: no), and when the conveyance of the print area length is ended (S45: yes), the process proceeds to step S50.

In step S50, the control section 210 stops the energization to the thermal head 31 via the print driving circuit 205. Thereby, the printing of the label sheet 3A is stopped.

In step S55, the control unit 210 stops the driving of the platen motor 208 via the platen drive circuit 209, thereby stopping the rotation of the platen roller 26. Thereby, the conveyance of the label sheet 3A is stopped.

In step S60, control unit 210 outputs a lighting control signal to LED display unit 34. Thus, the LED display unit 34 displays that the label sheet 3A can be cut by manually operating the cutter bar 9.

In step S65, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the cutting operation of the cutter bar 9 is completed. Before the cutting operation ends, the apparatus stands by in step S65 (S65: no), and when the cutting operation ends (S65: yes), the present flow ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, first mark M1 and second mark M2 are printed on the surface of label sheet 3A on the side of release material layer 3A. As described above, in the case where the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed on the label sheet 3A in the same holder 3, printing is performed by the same printing process. Therefore, even when a variation in shade occurs for each printing process, for example, both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed with the same degree of shading. That is, it can be considered that the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 printed on the same label sheet 3A are printed at substantially the same density. In the present embodiment, this property is used to determine the threshold of the detection signal level used for detection of first mark M1 based on the level of the detection signal at the time of detecting second mark M2 in the threshold setting process.

For example, when first mark M1 is printed lightly, the detection signal level of first mark M1 is at a level on the side of greater reflectivity than during normal printing. That is, the sensor voltage becomes high. As a result, if the threshold value used in the normal printing is used as it is, the detection position of the first mark M1 may be shifted or not detected, which may cause erroneous detection. At this time, since second mark M2 is also printed lightly, the detection signal level of second mark M2 is also at a level on the side of greater reflectivity than during normal printing. Thus, the threshold TH can be set to a level shifted to a higher reflectance side than that in normal printing based on the level of the detection signal of the second flag M2. Therefore, even in the case of the above-described light printing, when the position of first mark M1 is determined based on the result of comparison with threshold value TH in the position determination processing, the position of first mark M1 can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as in the normal printing.

In contrast, when first mark M1 is printed in a dark color, the detection signal level of first mark M1 becomes a level on the reflectance side smaller than that in normal printing. That is, the sensor voltage becomes low. As a result, if the threshold value used in the normal printing is used as it is, the detection position of the first mark M1 may be shifted. At this time, since second mark M2 is also printed in a dark color, the detection signal level of second mark M2 also becomes a level on the side of the reflectance smaller than that in normal printing. Thus, the threshold TH can be set to a level shifted to a lower reflectance side than that in normal printing based on the level of the detection signal of the second flag M2. Therefore, even in the case of the above-described rich printing, the position of the first mark M1 can be specified with the same degree of accuracy as in the case of the normal printing.

On the other hand, when the density of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 is not changed and the reflectance of the background color portion of the label sheet 3A is reduced, the detection signal level of the background color portion becomes a level on the reflectance side smaller than that in the case where the reflectance of the background color portion is normal. That is, the sensor voltage becomes low. As a result, if the threshold value in the case where the reflectance of the background color portion of the label sheet 3A is normal is used as it is, there is a possibility that erroneous detection such as a shift in the detection position of the first mark M1 or non-detection may occur. At this time, the detection signal level of the second marker M2 also becomes a level on the reflectance side smaller than that in the case where the reflectance of the ground color portion is normal. Thus, based on the level of the detection signal of second flag M2, threshold TH can be set to a level on the reflectance side lower than that in the case where the reflectance of the ground color portion is normal. Therefore, even when the reflectance of the background color portion of the label sheet 3A is low as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as when the reflectance of the background color portion is normal.

Conversely, when the density of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 is not changed and the reflectance of the background color portion of the label sheet 3A is increased, the detection signal level of the background color portion becomes a level on the reflectance side higher than that in the case where the reflectance of the background color portion is normal. As a result, if the threshold value in the case where the reflectance of the ground color portion of the label sheet 3A is normal is used as it is, the detection position of the first mark M1 may be shifted. At this time, the detection signal level of the second marker M2 also becomes a level on the reflectance side larger than that in the case where the reflectance of the ground color portion is normal. Thus, based on the level of the detection signal of second flag M2, threshold TH can be set to a level on the side of the reflectance greater than that in the case where the reflectance of the ground color portion is normal. Therefore, even when the reflectance of the background color portion of the label sheet 3A is high as described above, the position of the first mark M1 can be determined with the same degree of accuracy as when the reflectance of the background color portion is normal.

As a result, in the present embodiment, even if the shade of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 provided in the label sheet 3A and the magnitude of the reflectance of the label sheet 3A are varied, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by these variations.

In the present embodiment, in particular, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit when the second mark M2 is detected by the reflection sensor 11 is larger than the amount of light received when the first mark M1 is detected.

Thus, the detection signal level of second mark M2 can be set to a level on the side of higher reflectivity than the detection signal level of first mark M1. As a result, the detection signal level of second mark M2 can be set to threshold value TH of the detection signal level for detection of first mark M1, and the setting of the threshold value becomes easy.

In the present embodiment, in particular, the color ratio, which is the area ratio of the colored portion of the second mark M2, is smaller than the color ratio of the first mark M1.

Thus, the threshold TH of the detection signal level for detection of the first mark M1 can be adjusted to an optimum value according to the color ratio of the second mark M2. The second mark M2 can be formed by a portion of the label sheet 3A colored with the base color. As a result, when the reflectance of the background color portion of the label sheet 3A becomes high or low, the detection signal level of the second mark M2 can be varied according to the variation in reflectance of the background color portion, and the threshold TH can be variably set according to the variation in reflectance of the background color portion. Therefore, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by the magnitude of the reflectance of the label sheet 3A.

In this embodiment, in particular, the first mark M1 is a mark having a color uniformly applied over the entire surface, and the second mark M2 is a mark having a color applied in a stripe pattern.

Thus, the color ratio can be set with high accuracy between the first mark M1, which is the entire mark, and the line width Ws, pitch, and the like of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2.

In the present embodiment, in particular, the line width Ws of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 is 1/2 or less of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the label sheet 3A.

Normally, the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the sheet longitudinal direction is set to be equal to or greater than the spot diameter of the reflection sensor 11. Therefore, by setting the line width Ws of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 to be equal to or less than 1/2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the sheet longitudinal direction, the output waveform of the reflection sensor 11 when the second mark M2 is detected can be smoothed, and thus the accuracy of setting the threshold TH can be improved.

Further, according to the label sheet 3A of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, normally, when a mark for position detection is printed on the label sheet 3A as a print medium, for example, when the density of the mark becomes low, the level of the detection signal output from the reflection sensor 11 may become equal to or higher than a threshold value and false detection may occur, and therefore, it is necessary to manage the print density of the mark. However, the accurate density needs to be measured by a density meter provided separately from the printing process. Therefore, for example, the following problems occur: since the printing process is stopped and the measurement job is performed off-line, it takes time; the concentration of all printed marks cannot be measured; the first and last densities of the printing process are often measured and managed; in order to target a print density having a margin in consideration of the variation, more than necessary ink is used; and the print density differs depending on the dry state of the ink of the printed matter, and therefore, it takes time for inspection or the like to satisfy the required density.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first mark M1 colored uniformly and the second mark M2 colored in a stripe pattern are provided on the entire surface of the label sheet 3A with a gap in the longitudinal direction. Thus, in label forming apparatus 1, threshold TH of the detection signal level used for detection of first mark M1 can be determined based on the level of the detection signal at the time of detecting second mark M2. At this time, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are printed at adjacent positions in the same printing process, and thus are printed at substantially the same density. Therefore, the threshold value for detection of the first mark M1 can be adjusted to an optimum value according to the color ratio of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 regardless of the print density. Further, by using the first mark M1 as a full-surface mark and the second mark M2 as a stripe pattern mark, it is possible to set a color ratio between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 with high accuracy in accordance with the line width, pitch, and the like of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2. As a result, even if the shade of the mark provided on the label sheet 3A varies, the position of the first mark M1 can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by the variation, and erroneous detection can be prevented.

As described above, since strict management of print density is not required, it is possible to delete off-line measurement of print density or reduce the frequency of measurement. Further, since the color ratio of the first marker M1 and the second marker M2 is within a predetermined range, for example, the determination of the presence or absence can be performed by an imaging means such as a camera. Therefore, the pass/fail determination can be performed on the line of the printing process, and thus all the marks can be inspected. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the density measurement is performed by stopping the printing process in the middle, or a lot failure is caused by a deviation of the reference at the end of the printing process.

In the present embodiment, in particular, the distance D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction.

Usually, the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the sheet longitudinal direction is set to be equal to or larger than the spot diameter of the reflection sensor 11 on the label producing apparatus 1 side. Therefore, by setting the distance D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the sheet longitudinal direction to be equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the sheet longitudinal direction, the distance D can be set to be equal to or greater than the flare diameter. Thus, after the second mark M2 is detected and before the first mark M1 is detected, the level of the detection signal output from the reflection sensor 11 can be returned to the detection signal level of the background portion of the label sheet 3A. As a result, the output wave of the reflective sensor 11 when detecting the first mark M1 can be formed into a clean shape, and the detection accuracy of the position of the first mark M1 can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea thereof. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) Variation of stripe pattern of second mark

In the above embodiment, the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 is configured to be arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined pitch with respect to a plurality of black straight lines substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction, but the stripe pattern may be configured other than the above. For example, as shown in fig. 12, a plurality of black straight lines inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) with respect to the transport direction may be arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined pitch. For example, as shown in fig. 13, a plurality of black straight lines substantially parallel to the conveyance direction may be arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch. For example, as shown in fig. 14, a plurality of black straight lines substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction and a plurality of black straight lines substantially parallel to the conveyance direction may be arranged in a lattice shape.

In any of the above cases, as in the above-described embodiments, the line width Ws, pitch, and the like of the stripe pattern are set so that the color ratio of the second mark M2 becomes substantially 50%. The line width Ws of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 is 1/2 or less of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The distance D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is set to be equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

The lines constituting the stripe pattern are not limited to straight lines, and may be bent lines, curved lines, or the like, and may be arranged in a non-parallel manner. The lines constituting the stripe pattern may have different thicknesses, and may be, for example, elongated regions.

According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

(2) The second mark is set as a dot pattern

In the above embodiment, the second mark M2 is a mark colored in a stripe pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a mark colored in black in a dot pattern may be used. The "dot pattern" is a pattern in which a plurality of dots are regularly or irregularly arranged. The shape of the dots may be any shape such as a quadrangle, a parallelogram, a circle, and other patterns. For example, as shown in fig. 15, a plurality of substantially rectangular dots may be arranged in a staggered manner at a predetermined pitch. For example, as shown in fig. 16, a plurality of substantially parallelogram-shaped dots may be arranged at a predetermined pitch. For example, as shown in fig. 17, a plurality of substantially circular dots may be arranged in a staggered manner at a predetermined pitch.

In any of the above cases, as in the above-described embodiments, the dot width Wd, the pitch, and the like of the dot pattern are set so that the color ratio of the second mark M2 becomes substantially 50%. The dot width Wd of the dot pattern of the second mark M2 is equal to or less than 1/2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The distance D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is set to be equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

The shape of each dot constituting the dot pattern is not limited to the above, and may be any shape. The dots may be arranged in contact with each other or may be arranged at intervals. The arrangement of the respective dots is not limited to the parallel arrangement or the staggered arrangement, and may be, for example, irregularly arranged.

According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

(3) When both the first mark and the second mark are formed in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern

In the above embodiment, the first mark M1 is a mark having a black color uniformly applied over the entire surface, and the second mark M2 is a mark having a color applied in a stripe pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this, and both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 may be a mark having a color applied in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern, for example.

For example, as shown in fig. 18, both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 may be arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch with respect to a plurality of black straight lines substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. In this case, the color ratio of the second mark M2 is smaller than that of the first mark M1. In the present modification, the line width Ws1, the pitch, etc., of the first mark M1 and the line width Ws2, the pitch, etc., of the second mark M2 are set so that the color ratio (e.g., 40%) of the second mark M2 is approximately half of the color ratio (e.g., 80%) of the first mark M1. Further, the line width Ws1 of the first mark M1 is larger than the line width Ws2 of the second mark M2, and the line widths Ws1 and Ws2 are each 1/2 or less of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the sheet longitudinal direction. The distance D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is set to be equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

For example, as shown in fig. 19, both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 may be arranged in a staggered manner at a predetermined pitch at a plurality of substantially square points. In this case, the color ratio of the second mark M2 is smaller than that of the first mark M1. In the present modification, the dot width Wd1 and the pitch of the first mark M1 and the dot width Wd2 and the pitch of the second mark M2 are set such that the color ratio (e.g., 40%) of the second mark M2 is approximately half the color ratio (e.g., 80%) of the first mark M1. Further, the dot width Wd1 of the first mark M1 is larger than the dot width Wd2 of the second mark M2, and both the dot widths Wd1 and Wd2 are 1/2 or less of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the sheet longitudinal direction. The distance D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is set to be equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

The color ratio of the second mark M2 is not limited to approximately half (approximately 50%) of the color ratio of the first mark M1, and may be other ratios. However, as described above, the threshold value for detection of the first mark M1 is set based on the detection signal level of the second mark M2. Therefore, in order to set the threshold value near half of the detection signal level of the first mark M1 and to more reliably prevent erroneous detection of the first mark M1, the color ratio of the second mark M2 is preferably near half (e.g., 40% to 60%) of the color ratio of the first mark M1.

Although not shown in the drawings, the stripe-pattern marks and dot-pattern marks may be mixed, and for example, the first mark M1 may be a stripe pattern and the second mark M2 may be a dot pattern.

According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. In the present modification, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are colored marks in a stripe pattern or a dot pattern, respectively. Thus, the color ratio can be set with high accuracy between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in accordance with the line widths Ws1, Ws2, the pitch, and the like of the stripe patterns of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, or the dot widths Wd1, Wd2, the pitch, and the like of the dot patterns.

In the present modification, in particular, the color ratio of the second mark M2 is preferably substantially 50% or in the range of 40% to 60% of the color ratio of the first mark M1. Accordingly, the threshold TH for detecting the first mark M1 can be set to a value near half of the detection signal level LV1 of the first mark M1 based on the detection signal level LV2 of the second mark M2, and therefore erroneous detection of the first mark M1 can be more reliably prevented.

(4) Case where three or more kinds of flags are set

In the above embodiment, two types of marks, i.e., the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, are provided on the label sheet 3A, but the number of marks is not limited thereto, and three or more types of marks may be provided.

For example, in fig. 20, three kinds of marks consisting of a first mark M1, a second mark M2, and a third mark M3 are printed on the surface of the label sheet 3A on the side of the release material layer 3A. The second mark M2 is provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction from the first mark M1, and the third mark M3 is provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction from the second mark M2. The first mark M1 is a mark having a black color uniformly applied over the entire surface, the second mark M2 is a mark having a black color applied in a stripe pattern, and the third mark M3 is a mark having a black color applied in a dot pattern. In the present modification, the color ratio of the first mark M1 is 100%, whereas the line width Ws, pitch, and the like of the stripe pattern are set such that the color ratio of the second mark M2 is approximately 50%. Similarly, the dot width Wd, the pitch, and the like of the dot pattern are set so that the color ratio of the third mark M3 is also approximately 50%.

The line width Ws of the stripe pattern of the second mark M2 is 1/2 or less of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The distance D between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is set to be equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. Similarly, the dot width Wd of the dot pattern of the third mark M3 is equal to or less than 1/2 of the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The distance D between the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is set to be equal to or greater than the length Wm of the first mark M1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

In the present modification, in the threshold setting process, controller 210 variably sets the threshold based on the level of the detection signal of third mark M3 and the level of the detection signal of second mark M2 output from reflection sensor 11. Specifically, since the level of the detection signal of third mark M3 and the level of the detection signal of second mark M2 are substantially equal to each other, the average value of the levels of these detection signals is calculated, for example, and set as threshold TH. Then, in the position determination process, controller 210 determines the position of first mark M1 based on the result of comparison between the level of the detection signal of reflection sensor 11 with respect to first mark M1 and set threshold TH.

According to the present modification, since the threshold TH is set using two types of flags, the accuracy of the threshold TH can be improved as compared with a case where the threshold TH is set using only one type of flag.

In the above description, the color ratio of the second mark M2 and the color ratio of the third mark M3 are set to be the same 50%, but they may be different color ratios. For example, the threshold TH may be set by setting the color ratio of the second mark M2 to 60% and the color ratio of the third mark M3 to 40% and calculating the average of the levels of these detection signals.

In the above description, when there are descriptions such as "vertical", "parallel", and "planar", the description is not intended to be strict. That is, these "perpendicular", "parallel" and "planar" allow design and manufacturing tolerances and errors, and are defined as "substantially perpendicular", "substantially parallel" and "substantially planar".

In the above description, when there are descriptions such as "same", "equal", and "different" in terms of apparent size and dimension, the descriptions are not intended to be strict. That is, these terms "same", "equal" and "different" allow design and manufacturing tolerances and errors, and are defined as "substantially the same", "substantially equal" and "substantially different".

However, when there are described values as predetermined judgment references such as a threshold value (see the flowchart of fig. 11) and a reference value or values as divisions, the terms "same", "equal" and "different" are strictly different from the above.

Note that the arrows shown in the respective drawings such as fig. 6 above indicate an example of the flow of the signals, and do not limit the flow of the signals.

The flowchart shown in fig. 11 does not limit the present invention to the steps shown in the above-described flowchart, and steps may be added, deleted, changed in order, and the like without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

In addition to the above, the methods of the above embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

Although not illustrated, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Description of the reference symbols

1 Label making device (Printer)

3A label sheet (with)

11 reflection sensor

26 platen roller (transport part)

31 thermal head (printing part)

210 control unit

D interval

M1 first marker

M2 second marker

TH threshold

Length of Wm first mark

Line width of Ws stripe pattern

Dot width of Wd dot pattern