초록 ▼

A label printer having a stepping motor and the ability to dynamically accurately control longitudinal label registration as a function of steps of the stepping motor. The effective length of the steps moving the labels between a known point prior to the printhead and the printhead are monitored and

A label printer having a stepping motor and the ability to dynamically accurately control longitudinal label registration as a function of steps of the stepping motor. The effective length of the steps moving the labels between a known point prior to the printhead and the printhead are monitored and the number of steps actually used to move the labels between the known point and the printhead are adjusted as a function of changes in the effective step length. In one embodiment, a sensor counts the steps between consecutive labels or averages a number of labels to determine the effective step length. In another embodiment, a sensor detects the start of label and start of printing on the label and the step distance between the two is used to determine the effective step length.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Wherefore, having thus described the present invention, what is claimed is:] [1.] A method of controlling a barcode label printer having a printhead positioned to print barcodes on labels moving thereunder, a drive roller positioned to move a plurality of labels carried by a backing strip under th

[ Wherefore, having thus described the present invention, what is claimed is:] [1.] A method of controlling a barcode label printer having a printhead positioned to print barcodes on labels moving thereunder, a drive roller positioned to move a plurality of labels carried by a backing strip under the printhead for printing thereon, and a stepping motor driving the drive roller so as to accurately control longitudinal label registration as a function of steps of the stepping motor comprising the steps of:a) outputting a number of steps to the stepping motor to move each label from a known longitudinal position to a registered position under the printhead,b) continuously sensing a start of label point and a start of barcode point on each label just printed and counting steps of the stepping motor required to move each just printed label from the start of label point to the start of barcode point,c) comparing the number of steps of the stepping motor required to move each just printed label from the start of label point to the start of barcode point to a baseline value, andd) adjusting the number of steps to the stepping motor employed to move one label from the known longitudinal position to the registered position under the printhead as a function of any change between a latest counted value of the number of steps of the stepping motor required to move each just printed label from the start of label point to the start of barcode point to a baseline value.