JP2024011675A - Recording device, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce the influence due to connection even when a connected continuous sheet is fed.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: conveyance means which conveys a recording medium in which a plurality of labels are arranged with a prescribed interval in the conveyance direction; a sensor which detects the labels arranged in the recording medium; printing means which prints an image on the label detected by the sensor; and control means. The control means acquires information on a predetermined length in the conveyance direction of the label arranged in the recording medium, calculates the length in the conveyance direction of the first label detected by the sensor on the basis of the output of the sensor, and performs control so as to perform printing of the image of the printing object with respect to the first label on the second label detected by the sensor after the first label according to the result of comparing the calculated length with the length in the conveyance direction of the label indicated by the acquired information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present disclosure relates to a recording device that records on a continuous recording medium.

There is a printer that transports continuous paper on which labels are arranged at predetermined intervals and prints images on the labels on the transported continuous paper.

Patent Document 1 describes a printer that has a mark detection mode and a feed amount detection mode in order to determine the printing position on a label of a conveyed continuous paper. In the mark detection mode, a sensor detects a mark on continuous paper, and the printing position is determined based on the position of the mark. In the feed amount detection mode, the print position is determined based on the paper feed amount based on a preset unit paper length. The printer of Patent Document 1 describes that if a mark cannot be detected, printing is continued in the feed amount reference mode.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-238484

For example, if a continuous sheet of paper is cut due to trouble during pre-processing for printing, the cut portions may be joined together using a connecting member such as tape. Continuous sheets of paper connected with tape are sometimes fed to a printer and used for printing.

As shown in FIG. 9, when continuous sheets of paper are joined together with tape 900 so that the labels overlap each other, an image 901 may be printed on the joined labels. Although the joined labels cannot be used as a product, in the method of Patent Document 1, even if an image is printed on the joined labels, the image of the next page will be printed on the next label. Therefore, in the method of Patent Document 1, missing pages occur.

Furthermore, in the method of Patent Document 1, if a mark cannot be detected correctly, printing is performed on the next label in the feed amount detection mode. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the labels at the joined locations may have a length different from the preset unit paper length due to the joining. Therefore, if printing is performed using a paper feed amount based on a preset unit paper length, the image 902 will be printed at an inappropriate position. Further, Patent Document 1 does not describe a process to be performed when a short label is detected as a result of detecting a mark.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording device that can reduce the effects of splicing even when spliced continuous paper is fed. It's about doing.

The recording device of the present disclosure includes: a conveying means for conveying a recording medium in which a plurality of labels are arranged at predetermined intervals in a conveying direction; a sensor for detecting the labels arranged on the recording medium; A recording device comprising a printing means for printing an image on a label detected based on a sensor, and a control means for controlling printing of an image on a label placed on the recording medium, the control means comprising: , acquire information on a predetermined length in the transport direction of a label placed on the recording medium, and calculate the length of the first label in the transport direction detected based on the sensor as an output of the sensor. and the length of the label detected based on the sensor next to the first label according to the result of comparing the calculated length and the length of the label in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information. The second label is characterized in that the image to be printed on the first label is controlled to be printed on the second label.

According to the present disclosure, even when spliced continuous paper is fed, the influence of splicing can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a recording device. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining recording paper fed to a recording device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of the recording device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating recording paper in which cut points are joined together. A flowchart for explaining a print sequence. A flowchart for explaining printing processing of a page to be printed. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a print result. A flowchart for explaining printing processing of a page to be printed. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a printing result of a comparative example.

Hereinafter, technical embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
[Internal configuration]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, which is equipped with an inkjet printing head. As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 100 is connected to a host computer (hereinafter referred to as host) 101 via a USB cable.

The recording apparatus 100 includes four full-line recording heads (hereinafter referred to as recording heads) 102 to 105 in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged across the entire width of the recording paper along the conveyance direction of the recording paper. Each of the four recording heads 102 to 105 performs printing by ejecting black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, and the four color inks ejected from the four recording heads create a full-color image based on image data. Print.

Image data is generated by the host 101. The host 101 is an image in which color values are separated into black (K) component, cyan (C) component, magenta (M) component, and yellow (Y) component corresponding to four color inks, and color values are specified by density. Send the data to the recording device 100. In the recording apparatus 100, a recording paper 106 is fed, held between a press roller 107 and a conveyance belt 108, and conveyed in a direction (conveyance direction) in which the recording heads 102 to 105 are located.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the recording paper 106 of this embodiment. The upper diagram in FIG. 2 shows the recording paper 106, and the recording paper 106 of this embodiment is a roll-shaped recording medium (also referred to as continuous paper). The recording paper 106 is a so-called label paper, and labels 202 are temporarily attached to a continuous mount 201 at predetermined intervals in the transport direction. The space provided between the labels is called a gap 203, and the gap 203 is made up of only the backing paper 201.

The end detection sensor 109 is a photoelectric sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part. The light emitting section emits light, the light passes through the recording paper 106, and the light receiving section receives the transmitted light. Then, the edge detection sensor 109 outputs a voltage value representing the amount of transmitted light. The higher the transparency of the paper, the greater the amount of transmitted light, so a larger voltage value is output. Therefore, based on the detection result of the edge detection sensor 109, the transmittance of each position in the conveyance direction of the conveyed recording paper 106 can be detected.

The lower diagram in FIG. 2 is a graph showing the result of detection of the recording paper 106 in FIG. 2 by the edge detection sensor 109. The vertical axis of the lower graph in FIG. 2 is the voltage value, and the horizontal axis is the position of the recording paper 106 in the transport direction. The position of the gap 203 on the recording paper 106 and the position of the label 202 have different degrees of transparency. The position where the label 202 is located has lower transparency than the gap 203 because the label 202 is temporarily attached on the mount 201. That is, the voltage value output as a result of the end detection sensor 109 detecting a certain position of the label 202 is lower than the voltage value when the gap 203 is detected. Therefore, the position of the label 202 on the transported recording paper 106 can be detected by detecting the position where the voltage value is lower than the threshold Th based on the detection result of the edge detection sensor 109. Note that among the ends of the label 202, the end in the transport direction is called a leading edge, and the end in the opposite direction to the transport direction is called a rear end.

Each of the recording heads 102 to 105 prints an image by ejecting ink onto the label 202 according to printing timing based on the amount of transport from the leading edge of the label 202. The amount of conveyance is derived by counting the output of an encoder (not shown) that outputs a signal in synchronization with the conveyor belt 108.

It is assumed that the recording device 100 receives image data in units of pages. The recording device 100 prints one page worth of images on one label. By repeating the detection of the leading edge of the label 202 and the determination of the printing timing, images of pages to be printed are sequentially printed on the labels included in the transported recording paper 106.

[Functional configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration related to control of the recording apparatus 100. A controller 300, which is a control unit of the recording apparatus 100, includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, image buffer memories 304 to 307, a head drive circuit 308, a motor driver 310, and a control circuit 320.

The CPU 301 executes a control program stored in the ROM 302 using a work area on the RAM 303 to control each configuration. Further, in the controller 300, the RAM 303 is used as a work area for various data processing and as a reception buffer. Image buffer memories 304 to 307 are used as image development units to store color component density data of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. A head drive circuit 308 is used to drive the recording heads 102-105. The motor driver 310 drives various motors 309 that control cleaning operations and recording operations to keep the recording heads 102 to 105 of each color in an optimal state for recording. The ASIC control circuit 320 controls various operations and the edge detection sensor 109 for detecting the edge of the label on the recording paper 106.

The recording apparatus 100 also includes a USB controller 312 for receiving image data, cleaning commands, etc. transmitted from the host 101 via a USB cable. The interface of the recording device 100 is not limited to USB, and may be connected to the host 101 via a wired or wireless network. The recording device 100 operates according to various commands received from the host 101.

[About joining recording paper]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how to join the recording sheets 106 together. The roll-shaped recording paper 106 may be cut midway due to troubles during pre-processing for printing. The recording paper 106 in FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the recording paper after being cut at the cutting location 401 within the gap 203. When the recording paper 106 is cut, the cut portions 401 of the recording paper 106 are joined together with tape. Then, the recording paper 106 with the cut points 401 joined together with tape is fed to the recording apparatus 100.

When connecting the cut points 401 with tape, connect the positions where the arrows in FIG. . Depending on the method of joining, the position of the label detected as a result of detection by the edge detection sensor 109 may be different from the original position, as shown in FIGS. 4(b) to 4(d). .

FIGS. 4(b) to 4(d) are diagrams each showing an example of the recording paper 106 after the cut portions 401 of the recording paper 106 in FIG. 4(a) are joined together with tape. The shaded areas in FIGS. 4(b) to 4(d) represent the position and size of the tape. Since the area where the tape exists in the gap 203 has lower transmittance than the area where there is no tape, the voltage value output by the edge detection sensor 109 will be lower.

FIG. 4B shows an example in which the cut points 401 are joined together so that the tape is included within the gap 203. Originally, the gap 203 contains only the backing paper 201 and therefore has a higher transmittance than the area where the label 202 is located. Therefore, as explained using FIG. 2, the voltage value obtained as a result of detecting the gap 203 by the end detection sensor 109 becomes higher than the threshold value. On the other hand, in FIG. 4(b), the cut portions 401 are joined together with tape within the gap 203. Therefore, even within the gap 203, the transmittance is different between the area where the tape is present (shaded area) and the area where there is no tape. That is, in a certain region (shaded region) of the tape connecting the cut points within the gap, the transmittance decreases and the voltage value falls below the threshold value. Therefore, when the voltage value is compared with the threshold value, it is determined that there is a label within the gap 203 for control purposes. Therefore, in terms of control, processing is performed as if there were a short label within the gap 203.

FIG. 4(c) is an example in which the cut portions 401 are connected with a tape having a width exceeding the width of the gap 203. Since the gap 203 is entirely covered with tape, the voltage value obtained as a result of detecting the gap by the edge detection sensor 109 is equal to or similar to the voltage value obtained when the label 202 is detected. . Therefore, in terms of control, it is determined that there is one label that is the length of two labels.

FIG. 4(d) is a diagram showing an example in which labels are overlapped and cut points are joined. As in FIG. 4(c), the gap 203 is covered with tape or the other label, so the obtained voltage value is equal to or similar to the label. Therefore, for control purposes, it is processed as if there were a long label.

[flowchart]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a print sequence executed by the recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is performed by the CPU of the controller 300 loading the program code stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing it. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 5 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit. Note that the symbol "S" in the description of each process means a step in the flowchart, and the same applies to subsequent flowcharts.

The flowchart in FIG. 5 is started after print data including image data and a print start instruction are transmitted from the host 101 and a print operation is started. When the printing operation is started, the transport mechanism (transport belt 108) starts transporting the recording paper 106 in the transport direction. That is, when the flowchart of FIG. 5 is started, the conveyance of the recording paper 106 is also started. The print data transmitted from the host 101 includes information on the size of paper (label) on which printing is performed and the type of paper (label). That is, the size and type of label included in the recording paper 106, which have been measured and determined in advance, are transmitted from the host.

In S501, the controller 300 acquires information about the size and type of label included in the recording paper 106 from the print data. Note that the label information may be acquired from sources other than print data. Furthermore, the label size and label type may be stored in the ROM 302 in advance.

The controller 300 constantly acquires the detection results of the edge detection sensor 109 and monitors whether the leading edge of the label included in the transported recording paper 106 has been detected. In S502, the controller 300 acquires the voltage value obtained as a result of detection by the end detection sensor 109 at any time, and determines whether the acquired voltage value is equal to or less than the threshold Th. When the voltage value becomes equal to or less than the threshold Th, it means that the leading edge of the label on the recording paper 106 has been detected for control purposes. If the controller 300 detects the leading edge of the label (YES in S502), the process advances to S503.

In S503, the controller 300 starts printing the image of the page to be printed specified in the print instruction. The image data transmitted from the host 101 will be described on the assumption that image data is transmitted in units of pages. One page of image data corresponds to image data printed on one label. A page to be printed is selected page by page, and printing processing is performed on the image of the page to be printed in step S503. Initially, printing processing for the first page image will be performed. Details of the process in S503 will be described later.

In S504, the controller 300 determines whether there are any unprinted pages. If it is determined that there is an unprinted page (S504 is YES), the process returns to S502 again and monitors whether the leading edge of the next label is detected in order to print the page to be printed on the next detected label. . If it is determined that there are no unprinted pages (NO in S504), the print sequence ends.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process of the image of the print target page in this embodiment. The details of the process in S503 will be explained using FIG. 6.

In S601, the controller 300 starts measuring the length of the label to be printed on which the image of the page to be printed is printed. That is, in S502, measurement of the conveyance amount (distance) from when the leading edge of the label is detected to when the trailing edge of the label is detected is started. The controller 300 can derive the conveyance amount by counting input signals from an encoder (not shown).

Further, the controller 300 starts counting up to the ink ejection start position for printing the image of the print target page. The ejection start position refers to the position on the label to be printed where ink is ejected for the first time. The ejection start position is the position when the leading edge of the label is detected and the label has been transported by a predetermined transport amount. Calculated based on page image data. The controller 300 can derive whether a predetermined conveyance amount has been conveyed by counting input signals from an encoder (not shown).

In S602, the controller 300 counts input signals from an encoder (not shown) and determines whether the ejection start position of the label to be printed has been reached. If it is determined that the printing start position has been reached (YES in S602), the process advances to S603.

In S603, the controller 300 causes the recording heads 102 to 105 to start ejecting ink, and starts printing the image of the page to be printed on the detected label to be printed.

The controller 300 acquires the voltage value obtained as a result of detection by the edge detection sensor 109 at any time, and in S604, the controller 300 determines whether the acquired voltage value has become larger than the threshold Th. Judge each time. When the voltage value becomes larger than the threshold Th, it means that the trailing edge of the currently detected label to be printed has been detected for control purposes. If the controller 300 detects the rear end of the label (YES in S604), the process advances to S605.

In S605, the controller 300 calculates the length of the currently detected label to be printed in the transport direction from the data from the time when length measurement was started in S601. For example, the controller 300 calculates the length of the detected label to be printed in the transport direction based on the transport amount (distance) of the recording paper 106 from when the leading edge is detected in S502 to when the trailing edge is detected in S604. It can be calculated.

In S606, the controller 300 determines whether the length in the transport direction of the label specified by the print data acquired in S501 is equal to the length calculated in S605. In step S606, the controller 300 does not determine whether the length is completely equal, but the length calculated in step S605 plus the value determined by the value that takes into account the margin, the length specified by the print data. Determine whether the length of the given label is included. For example, the controller 300 determines whether the length of the label specified in the print data is within ±5 mm of the label length calculated in S605. In other words, it is determined whether the difference between the length calculated in S605 and the length of the label in the transport direction specified by the print data is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, less than 5 mm).

If it is determined that the length of the label specified in the print data and the length calculated in S605 are equal (YES in S606), the label to be printed that is detected this time is the tape that connects the cut points, etc. It is considered a normal label that does not contain. Therefore, the image of the page to be printed was appropriately printed on the label to be printed that was detected this time. Therefore, the process advances to step S607, and if there are remaining pages, the controller 300 changes the page to be printed to the next page. Then, the printing process of S502 to S503 is performed to print the image of the changed print target page on the next detected label.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the length of the label specified in the print data and the length calculated in S605 are not equal (NO in S606), the label to be printed that is detected this time is considered to be an abnormal label. . For example, it may include tape that connects the cut points. Therefore, even if the image of the page to be printed is printed, it cannot be used as a product. Therefore, the process advances to S608, and if the image of the page to be printed is in the middle of being printed, the controller 300 causes the recording heads 102 to 105 to stop ejecting ink, and prints the page to be printed on the label to be printed. Interrupts the image printing process. Note that the conveyance of the recording paper 106 continues without being stopped. Unlike S607, the page to be printed is not changed to the next page in S608. Furthermore, if the image of the page to be printed has already been printed, nothing is done in S608.

Then, in the next steps S502 and S503, the next detected label is set as the label to be printed, and the printing process is performed again with the current page to be printed as the page to be printed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the results of the printing process of this embodiment in a state where the joining methods at the cut points are different.

FIG. 7(a) shows an example of the recording paper 106 in which the cut points in the gap 203 between the second label and the third label are joined together with a tape having a width smaller than the width of the gap 203. ing. As described with reference to FIG. 4B, since the gap 203 includes the tape that connects the cut points, there is an area within the gap 203 where it is determined as if there is a label.

In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the trailing end of the label is not detected from the time when the leading end of the label is detected by the end detection sensor 109 until the end of the label reaches the ejection start position. However, depending on the recording paper 106, the end detection sensor 109 may detect the rear end of the label before reaching the ejection start position. The recording paper 106 in FIG. 7(a) is an example. If the rear end of the label passes through the edge detection sensor 109 and is detected before reaching the discharge start position, for example, printing on the label is stopped and conveyance is continued.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the controller 300 prints the image of the second page "Sample Print 2" and then changes the page to be printed to the third page (S607). Then, in the next step S503, a process of printing the third page image "Sample Print 3" is performed. The controller 300 starts measuring the length of the label by controllingly detecting the leading end of the label at position 701 (S601), and first, controllingly detecting the trailing end of the label at position 702 (S604). Then, the controller 300 compares the length from position 701 to position 702 and the length of the label specified in the print data, and determines that the lengths are not equal (S606 is NO). Therefore, the controller 300 temporarily stops printing the image on the third page. However, the conveyance of the recording paper 106 continues (S608). Then, the process returns to S502 with the third page as the print target page, and in S502 to S503, the printing process of the image "Sample Print 3" of the third page is executed again on the next detected label. Therefore, when the next leading edge reaches the ejection start position from the detected position 703, ejection of ink for printing "Sample Print 3" is started.

FIG. 7(b) shows an example in which the cut portions in the gap between the second label and the third label are joined together with a tape having a width larger than the width of the gap. As explained using FIG. 4(c), the second label and the third label are detected in the control as if they were one label.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the controller 300 prints the image of "Sample Print 1" on the first page, and then changes the page to be printed to the second page (S607). Then, in the next step S503, processing for printing the second page image "Sample Print 2" is performed. The controller 300 controllably detects the leading edge of the label at position 704, starts measuring the length of the label (S601), and then starts printing the image "Sample Print 2" (S603). Then, the trailing end of the label is detected at position 705 (S604).

The controller 300 compares the length from position 704 to position 705 with the length of the label specified in the print data, and determines that the lengths are not equal (S606 is NO). At the time when the trailing edge is detected, printing of the image "Sample Print 2" of the second page, which is the page to be printed, has been completed. However, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the second label on which the image of the second page is printed contains tape and cannot be used as a product. Therefore, the process returns to S502 while leaving the page to be printed as the second page (S608). Then, in the next steps S502 and S503, the printing process of the second page image "Sample Print 2" is executed again for the next detected label. Therefore, when the next leading edge reaches the ejection start position from the detected position 706, ejection of ink for printing "Sample Print 2" is started.

FIG. 7(c) is a diagram showing an example in which labels are overlapped and cut points are joined. Similarly to FIG. 7(b), in terms of control, labels are detected as if there were one long label spanning the second and third labels. The image "Sample Print 2" on the second page is once printed only on the second label. In S606, the lengths of the leading edge position 707 of the second label and the trailing edge position 708 of the third label are compared with the length of the label specified in the print data. It is determined that they are not equal (S606 is NO). Therefore, without changing the page to be printed to the next page, printing of "Sample Print 2" is executed when the ejection start position is reached from the position 709 where the next leading edge is detected, similarly to FIG. 7(b).

FIG. 7(d) illustrates the printing result when printing processing is performed on the spliced recording paper 106 so that the second label is shorter than the length of the label specified in the print data. This is a diagram for

As shown in FIG. 7D, the controller 300 prints the image of "Sample Print 1" on the first page, and then changes the page to be printed to the second page (S607). Then, in the next step S503, processing for printing the second page image "Sample Print 2" is performed. The controller 300 controllably detects the leading edge of the label at position 710 and starts measuring the length of the label (S601), and then starts printing the image "Sample Print 2" (S603). Then, the trailing end of the label is detected at position 711 (S604).

The controller 300 compares the length from position 710 to position 711 with the length of the label specified in the print data, and determines that the lengths are not equal (S606 is NO). At the time when the trailing edge (position 711) is detected, printing of the image "Sample Print 2" of the second page, which is the page to be printed, has not finished. Therefore, the controller 300 interrupts ink ejection even though printing of the second page image is in progress. However, the conveyance of the recording paper 106 is not stopped (S608). Then, the process returns to S502 in FIG. 5, leaving the page to be printed as the second page. Then, in the next steps S502 and S503, the printing process of the second page image "Sample Print 2" is executed again for the next detected label.

Note that depending on the size of the label, the leading edge of the next label may be detected while the page is being printed. In that case, printing processing for multiple pages may be executed in parallel, with two or more pages as pages to be printed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the length of the label detected from the conveyed recording paper is different from the length specified in the print data, the conveyance will not be stopped due to a paper size error. Continue printing sequence. If the length of the label detected from the conveyed recording paper is different from the length specified in the print data, the page to be printed is not changed. Therefore, it is possible to output labels for all pages that can be used as a product without missing any part of the pages for which printing has been instructed. In this manner, in this embodiment, it is possible to output a label that can be used as a product without interrupting transportation and without missing pages.

Note that the print instruction sent from the host 101 may be a print instruction to print the same image on a plurality of (n) labels. The processing in FIG. 6 in this case will be explained.

If it is determined in S606 that the length of the label specified in the print data is equal to the length of the detected label, the process advances to S607. In S607, if the current printing is the i-th printing, the controller 300 increments the number of printed sheets to i+1. Then, in S504, it is determined whether the current number of printed sheets is n or less, and if the current number of printed sheets is n or less, printing of the i+1th sheet is executed in the next S503. If it is determined in S504 that the current number of printed sheets is greater than n, the printing sequence ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S606 that the length of the label specified in the print data and the length of the detected label are not equal, the process advances to S608. In S608, the controller 300 does not increment the number of printed sheets. If the current printing is the i-th printing, the controller 300 controls so that the i-th printing is performed in the next step S503 as well.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, even if the length of the label calculated based on the detection result of the edge detection sensor is different from the length of the label specified in the print data, the conveyance is continued without an error, and the printing process continues. I explained the method. However, if the length of the detected label is different from the length specified in the print data, there may be users who wish to be controlled so that it is detected as an error and the subsequent printing operation, ie, transportation, is stopped. For example, assume that continuous paper that has not been joined with tape is fed to the recording apparatus 100. In this case, if the length of the detected label is different from the length specified in the print data, it is possible that some kind of abnormality has occurred, so it is recommended to stop conveyance of the recording paper and stop the printing operation. desired.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a recording apparatus 100 that is configured to be able to switch between enabling and disabling the print continuation mode will be described. The print continuation mode is a mode in which the print sequence is continued without stopping the conveyance of the recording paper even if the detected label length differs from the label length specified in the print data. The printing continuation mode is switched by, for example, a user's instruction. In this embodiment, by disabling the print continuation mode, if the length of the detected label is different from the length specified in the print data, it is possible to stop conveyance of the recording paper as an error. This embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and processing are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process of the page to be printed in this embodiment. The details of the process of S503 in this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 8.

S801 to S807 are similar to S601 to S607.

If the controller 300 determines in S806 that the length of the label specified in the print data and the length calculated in S805 are not equal, the process advances to S808.

In S808, the controller 300 determines whether the above-described print continuation mode is set to be disabled. For example, if the user sets the print continuation mode to "OFF," the print continuation mode is determined to be invalid. If it is determined that the print continuation mode is invalid (S808 is YES), the process advances to S809. In S809, the controller 300 generates a paper size error. Then, in S810, the controller 300 causes the transport mechanism to stop transporting the recording paper 106 and interrupts the printing sequence. Thereafter, if the error is resolved, the controller 300 causes the transport mechanism to resume transporting the recording paper 106 and restart the printing sequence.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the print continuation mode is valid (NO in S808), the process advances to S811. S811 is the same process as S608 in FIG. That is, the printing sequence continues, and processing is performed to print the current page to be printed on the next detected label.

As described above, in this embodiment, by selecting a mode, it is possible to switch whether or not to generate a paper size error. Also in this embodiment, by enabling the mode, the printing sequence can be continued without causing the transport mechanism to stop transporting the recording paper 106 due to a paper size error.

Note that if the user forgets to change the chart paper information included in the print data after replacing the chart paper, the length of the detected label may be determined to be different from the length specified in the print data. It is thought that it will be put away. If the label information included in the print data is incorrect in this way, it is desirable to generate an error. Therefore, even if continuous printing mode is enabled for the first label detected after replacing the recording paper, if it is determined that the length is different from the length specified in the print data, it will be treated as an error. You can. For example, if the determination in S808 is NO, the controller 300 determines whether the current printing process is printing on the first label after replacing the recording paper. If it is determined that printing is to be performed on the first label, the process may proceed to S809 and generate an error. Further, if it is not determined that printing is to be performed on the first label, the process in the flowchart of FIG. 8 may be performed to transition to S811.

Furthermore, in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the description has been made assuming that the subsequent processing does not change even if it is successively determined that the length of the label specified in the print data and the length of the detected label are different. An example of a case where it is determined that the length of the label specified in the print data and the length of the detected label are not equal to each other for a plurality of labels in succession is a case where the recording paper 106 is not conveyed appropriately. is assumed. Therefore, subsequent processing may be switched depending on the number of times it is determined that the length of the label specified in the print data and the length of the detected label are different. For example, if the determination in S806 is NO, the controller 300 determines whether the number of times the determination in S806 has been NO exceeds a predetermined number since the print sequence in FIG. 5 was started. If the number of times the determination in S806 is NO exceeds a predetermined number, the process may proceed to S809 and generate an error even if the print continuation mode is invalid.

Further, an upper limit may be set for the length of the detected label, and if the upper limit is exceeded, the process may proceed to step S809 and an error may occur even if the print continuation mode is enabled.

<Other embodiments>
In the embodiments described above, an inkjet recording device in which a recording head ejects ink to form an image has been described, but a recording device to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied is not limited to an inkjet recording device. In addition, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to, for example, a thermal transfer recording device that forms an image by transferring ink from an ink ribbon using a thermal head.

The present disclosure provides a system or device with a program that implements one or more functions of the embodiments described above via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. This can also be achieved by processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

<Others>
The disclosure of the embodiments described above includes the following configurations.

(Configuration 1)
a conveyance means for conveying a recording medium in which a plurality of labels are arranged at predetermined intervals in a conveyance direction;
a sensor for detecting a label placed on the recording medium;
printing means for printing an image on the label detected based on the sensor;
A recording device comprising: a control means for controlling printing of an image on a label placed on the recording medium,
The control means includes:
obtaining information on a predetermined length of a label placed on the recording medium in the transport direction;
Calculating the length of the first label in the transport direction detected by the sensor based on the output of the sensor,
According to the result of comparing the calculated length and the length of the label indicated by the acquired information in the conveying direction, the second label detected based on the sensor after the first label is . A recording apparatus, comprising: controlling an image to be printed on the first label to be printed.

(Configuration 2)
The control means includes:
Based on the result of comparing the calculated length and the length of the label in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information, it is determined whether the first label detected based on the sensor is normal;
If it is determined that the first label is not normal, an image to be printed on the first label is printed on a second label that is detected next to the first label based on the sensor. The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the recording device is controlled as follows.

(Configuration 3)
The control means includes:
If the difference between the calculated length and the length of the label to be printed in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the first label detected based on the sensor is determined to be normal, and if the difference between the calculated length and the length of the label to be printed in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information is larger than a predetermined value, the length detected based on the sensor is determined to be normal. The recording device according to configuration 2, wherein the first label is determined to be abnormal.

(Configuration 4)
The control means includes:
If it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is normal, printing on the second label detected based on the sensor is performed after the image printed on the first label. 4. The recording device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the recording device is controlled so that the image of the page is printed.

(Configuration 5)
The control means includes:
If it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is not normal, then printing is performed on the second label detected based on the sensor without changing the page to be printed. The recording device according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that:

(Configuration 6)
When printing the same image on a predetermined number of labels arranged on the recording medium,
The recording according to configuration 2, wherein when the control means determines that the first label detected by the sensor is not normal, printing on the first label is not counted as the number of prints. Device.

(Configuration 7)
If it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is not normal, and if the printing means is printing on the first label, the conveyance means 7. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 6, wherein the printing means stops printing without stopping the conveyance of the image.

(Configuration 8)
If it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is not normal, and the printing means has not yet printed on the first label,
8. The recording device according to any one of configurations 2 to 7, wherein the conveying means does not stop conveying the recording medium, and the printing means does not print on the first label. .

(Configuration 9)
The recording device is configured to be able to switch between enabling and disabling a predetermined mode,
The control means includes:
When the predetermined mode is enabled, the transport means does not stop transporting the recording medium even if it is determined that the first label detected by the sensor is not normal. 9. The recording device according to any one of configurations 2 to 8.

(Configuration 10)
The control means includes:
If the predetermined mode is invalid and it is determined that the first label detected by the sensor is not normal, the transport means is caused to stop transporting the recording medium as an error. The recording device according to configuration 9.

(Configuration 11)
The control means includes:
Even if the predetermined mode is valid, if it is determined that the first label detected by the sensor after the recording medium is fed is not normal, the transport means will receive the label as an error. 11. The recording apparatus according to configuration 9 or 10, characterized in that conveyance of the recording medium is stopped.

(Configuration 12)
The control means includes:
By detecting the leading edge and trailing edge of the label of the recording medium based on the output of the sensor and calculating the distance between the leading edge and the trailing edge, the length of the label detected by the sensor in the conveying direction is calculated. 12. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the recording device calculates the following:

(Configuration 13)
13. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the recording medium includes a portion connected by a connecting member.

(Configuration 14)
a conveyance means for conveying a recording medium in which a plurality of labels are arranged at predetermined intervals in a conveyance direction;
a sensor for detecting a label placed on the recording medium;
A method for controlling a recording device, comprising: printing means for printing an image on a label detected based on the sensor,
acquiring information on a predetermined length in the transport direction of a label placed on the recording medium;
calculating the length of the first label in the transport direction detected by the sensor based on the output of the sensor;
According to the result of comparing the calculated length and the length of the label in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information, a second label detected based on the sensor after the first label is ,
controlling so that the image to be printed is printed on the first label;
A control method characterized by comprising:

(Configuration 15)
A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to configuration 14.

100 Recording device 106 Recording paper 108 Conveyor belt 109 End detection sensor 300 Controller

Claims (15)

a conveyance means for conveying a recording medium in which a plurality of labels are arranged at predetermined intervals in a conveyance direction;
a sensor for detecting a label placed on the recording medium;
printing means for printing an image on the label detected based on the sensor;
A recording device comprising: a control means for controlling printing of an image on a label placed on the recording medium,
The control means includes:
obtaining information on a predetermined length of a label placed on the recording medium in the transport direction;
Calculating the length of the first label in the transport direction detected by the sensor based on the output of the sensor,
According to the result of comparing the calculated length and the length of the label in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information, a second label detected based on the sensor after the first label is . A recording apparatus, comprising: controlling an image to be printed on the first label to be printed. The control means includes:
Based on the result of comparing the calculated length and the length of the label in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information, it is determined whether the first label detected based on the sensor is normal; If it is determined that the first label is not normal, the image to be printed on the first label is printed on a second label detected based on the sensor after the first label. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is controlled to. The control means includes:
If the difference between the calculated length and the length of the label to be printed in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the first label detected based on the sensor is determined to be normal, and if the difference between the calculated length and the length of the label to be printed in the transport direction indicated by the acquired information is larger than a predetermined value, the length detected based on the sensor is determined to be normal. The recording device according to claim 2, wherein the first label is determined to be abnormal. The control means includes:
If it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is normal, printing on the second label detected based on the sensor is performed after the image printed on the first label. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording apparatus controls printing of the image of the page. The control means includes:
If it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is not normal, then printing is performed on the second label detected based on the sensor without changing the page to be printed. The recording device according to claim 2, wherein the recording device is configured to control. When printing the same image on a predetermined number of labels arranged on the recording medium,
3. The control means does not count printing on the first label as the number of prints if it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is not normal. Recording device. If it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is not normal, and if the printing means is printing on the first label, the conveyance means 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing means stops printing without stopping the conveyance of the image. If it is determined that the first label detected based on the sensor is not normal and the printing means has not yet printed on the first label, the conveying means The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing unit does not print on the first label without stopping conveyance of the recording medium. The recording device is configured to be able to switch between enabling and disabling a predetermined mode,
The control means includes:
When the predetermined mode is valid, the transport means does not stop transporting the recording medium even if it is determined that the first label detected by the sensor is not normal. 3. The recording device according to claim 2. The control means includes:
If the predetermined mode is invalid and it is determined that the first label detected by the sensor is not normal, the transport means is caused to stop transporting the recording medium as an error. The recording device according to claim 9. The control means includes:
Even if the predetermined mode is valid, if it is determined that the first label detected by the sensor after the recording medium is fed is not normal, the transport means will receive the label as an error. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that conveyance of the recording medium is stopped. The control means includes:
By detecting the leading edge and trailing edge of the label of the recording medium based on the output of the sensor and calculating the distance between the leading edge and the trailing edge, the length of the label detected by the sensor in the conveying direction is calculated. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording device calculates. The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the recording medium includes a portion connected by a connecting member. a conveyance means for conveying a recording medium in which a plurality of labels are arranged at predetermined intervals in a conveyance direction;
a sensor for detecting a label placed on the recording medium;
A method for controlling a recording device, comprising: printing means for printing an image on a label detected based on the sensor,
acquiring information on a predetermined length in the transport direction of a label placed on the recording medium;
calculating the length of the first label in the transport direction detected by the sensor based on the output of the sensor;
According to the result of comparing the calculated length and the length of the label indicated by the acquired information in the conveying direction, the second label detected based on the sensor after the first label is , controlling so that the image to be printed is printed on the first label;
A control method characterized by comprising: A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 14.

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