Abstract: A width detecting system includes a sensor-LED array positioned across a path of a media and/or ribbon within a printing apparatus. The LEDs are adapted to produce light directed toward the media and/or ribbon path. The optical sensors are configured to detect the LED light, produce analog signals proportionate to the received amount of light, and transmit the signals to a signal receiving assembly for processing. Additionally or alternatively, a width detecting system can have an array of LEDs facing an array of sensors in such a way that the media and/or ribbon path is located between the arrays. A method for width detection includes analyzing sensor data to determine one or more transition point between media and no-media sections, and calculating media width. The method can include using sensor data collected for a reflective and/or transmissive sensor arrays, and can be used for media and/or ribbon width detection.

Abstract: A printer is provided which includes a control unit and a print head with a burn line and a platen roller. The print head is coupled to the control unit. The print head is positioned in a vertical orientation relative to the platen roller over which a media label passes during printing. A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, coupled to the control unit, for programming RFID tags on the media label is also provided. The RFID reader is coupled to a RFID antenna. The RFID antenna is above the media label path, the print head's vertical orientation allowing the RFID antenna to be accommodated in close proximity to the print head burn line. Further, a label stop sensor (LSS) module is provided, coupled to the control unit, for monitoring movement of the media label along a media path. The LSS module is disposed adjacent to the RFID antenna.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a method and apparatus for providing feedback to a user on the status of media or ribbon of a printer. The feedback may be provided by incorporating a feedback mechanism in a hanger of a printer. The printer may be a thermal printer, but may be another type of printer. The feedback mechanism of the printer may be designed to work with one or more sensors to provide a feedback loop so that without an input from a user, the printer is able to detect the presence/absence of media or ribbon, as well as determine the width of the loaded media or ribbon. In another embodiment, the feedback mechanism is able to determine the weight of the roll of media or ribbon and hence determine the quantity of media or ribbon available on the hanger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect if an authorized thermal print head (TPH) has been installed in a specific model or manufacturer printer are provided. The method provides a system to check the resistivity or impedance value at the TPH side, either upon printer boot-up or during printing operation. During printing operation, the impedance measurement may be executed for a time period at a fixed periodicity and/or one or more events. Based on the impedance measurement, the printer may determine that the impedance value matches the authorized TPH range value. In a case of non-matching impedance values or change of impedance values, the printer may prevent printing operation until an authorized TPH is installed.

Abstract: A printer is operable for marking an image on a media substrate. The printer includes a housing and a printhead. The printhead is operable for marking the image on a surface of the media substrate held in proximity therewith by a weight of a supply of the media substrate from which the media substrate is fed. The media substrate supply is disposed in the housing over the printhead.

Abstract: Systems and method for estimating a remaining amount of a consumable resource are provided. According to one method, a first step of detecting the center of mass of a mobile printer is conducted, wherein the mobile printer comprises print media. The method may also include a step of determining a remaining print media level based on the detected center of mass.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a method and apparatus for providing feedback to a user on the status of media or ribbon of a printer. The feedback may be provided by incorporating a feedback mechanism in a hanger of a printer. The printer may be a thermal printer, but may be another type of printer. The feedback mechanism of the printer may be designed to work with one or more sensors to provide a feedback loop so that without an input from a user, the printer is able to detect the presence/absence of media or ribbon, as well as determine the width of the loaded media or ribbon. In another embodiment, the feedback mechanism is able to determine the weight of the roll of media or ribbon and hence determine the quantity of media or ribbon available on the hanger.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a method and apparatus for providing feedback to a user on the status of media or ribbon of a printer. The feedback may be provided by incorporating a feedback mechanism in a hanger of a printer. The printer may be a thermal printer, but may be another type of printer. The feedback mechanism of the printer may be designed to work with one or more sensors to provide a feedback loop so that without an input from a user, the printer is able to detect the presence/absence of media or ribbon, as well as determine the width of the loaded media or ribbon. In another embodiment, the feedback mechanism is able to determine the weight of the roll of media or ribbon and hence determine the quantity of media or ribbon available on the hanger.

Abstract: A printer is configured with a processor which calculates printhead control parameters, the control parameters being determined by the processor in such a way as to optimize the printing process of the printer's printhead. The processor determines the printhead control parameters according to an optimization algorithm stored in the printer. To maintain the internal security of the optimization algorithm, the printhead control parameters are encrypted by the processor. The encrypted printhead control parameters are then transmitted to the printhead via an internal data path of the printer. If a third party monitors the data along the internal data path, the encryption algorithm remains secure because the control parameters are encrypted. The printhead contains a second, dedicated processor. The printhead processor receives the encrypted printhead control parameters, and decrypts the control parameters.

Abstract: A width detecting system includes a sensor-LED array positioned across a path of a media and/or ribbon within a printing apparatus. The LEDs are adapted to produce light directed toward the media and/or ribbon path. The optical sensors are configured to detect the LED light, produce analog signals proportionate to the received amount of light, and transmit the signals to a signal receiving assembly for processing. Additionally or alternatively, a width detecting system can have an array of LEDs facing an array of sensors in such a way that the media and/or ribbon path is located between the arrays. A method for width detection includes analyzing sensor data to determine one or more transition point between media and no-media sections, and calculating media width. The method can include using sensor data collected for a reflective and/or transmissive sensor arrays, and can be used for media and/or ribbon width detection.

Abstract: A self-strip media module in a printer is provided. The self-strip media module includes a peel bar having a length at least as great as the length of a platen roller and being rotatably engaged at the ends of the platen roller. The media includes a series of labels adhered to a liner. The media is fed over the peel bar and between the platen roller and a mid-chassis. The peel bar may be rotated towards the discharge side of the platen roller, pulling the media over the platen roller and over itself. A thermal print head is lowered onto the media over the platen roller and to print on the labels. The printer advances the media over the peel bar. The labels are stripped from the liner when the media advances around the peel bar.

Abstract: A printer that includes systems for detecting transparent medium may include a medium dispenser for transporting print medium along a transport pathway to a print station which receives the print medium. Transmitters and receivers may be positioned on opposite sides of the transport pathway for scanning the print medium with a light beam. The sensor arrangement may be configured to detect deflection of the light beam when a transparent print medium is transported on the transport pathway between the transmitter and the receiver. The results of the scan may be communicated to a controller to facilitate proper print settings.

Abstract: A self-strip media module in a printer is provided. The self-strip media module includes a peel bar having a length at least as great as the length of a platen roller and being rotatably engaged at the ends of the platen roller. The media includes a series of labels adhered to a liner. The media is fed over the peel bar and between the platen roller and a mid-chassis. The peel bar may be rotated towards the discharge side of the platen roller, pulling the media over the platen roller and over itself. A thermal print head is lowered onto the media over the platen roller and to print on the labels. The printer advances the media over the peel bar. The labels are stripped from the liner when the media advances around the peel bar.

Abstract: A width detecting system includes a sensor-LED array positioned across a path of a media and/or ribbon within a printing apparatus. The LEDs are adapted to produce light directed toward the media and/or ribbon path. The optical sensors are configured to detect the LED light, produce analog signals proportionate to the received amount of light, and transmit the signals to a signal receiving assembly for processing. Additionally or alternatively, a width detecting system can have an array of LEDs facing an array of sensors in such a way that the media and/or ribbon path is located between the arrays. A method for width detection includes analyzing sensor data to determine one or more transition point between media and no-media sections, and calculating media width. The method can include using sensor data collected for a reflective and/or transmissive sensor arrays, and can be used for media and/or ribbon width detection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods providing a ribbon sensor configured and positioned to ascertain an orientation of a printing ribbon, including devices, systems, and methods configured for detecting an improperly oriented printing ribbon, and for triggering a response in the event of an improperly installed, and/or for confirming proper installation of a printing ribbon.

Abstract: A self-strip media module in a printer is provided. The self-strip media module includes a peel bar having a length at least as great as the length of a platen roller and being rotatably engaged at the ends of the platen roller. The media includes a series of labels adhered to a liner. The media is fed over the peel bar and between the platen roller and a mid-chassis. The peel bar may be rotated towards the discharge side of the platen roller, pulling the media over the platen roller and over itself. A thermal print head is lowered onto the media over the platen roller and to print on the labels. The printer advances the media over the peel bar. The labels are stripped from the liner when the media advances around the peel bar.

Abstract: Printers and methods are provided for determining an amount of remaining print media in an operating printer. Waveform signal is received from encoder wheel having number (n) of sectors and proximate optical sensor. Waveform signal represents number of sectors (m) that, during measurement time (t), pass by optical sensor as encoder wheel rotates. If media encoder wheel, in response to receiving waveform signal, processor calculates length of remaining print media in media roll at instant time t2. If ribbon encoder wheel, in response to receiving waveform signal, processor at least one of calculates length of remaining ribbon in ribbon roll at instant time t2 or extrapolates the length of the remaining print media from a plurality of data points defining an interpolation equation.

Abstract: A printer is operable for marking an image on a media substrate. The printer includes a housing and a printhead. The printhead is operable for marking the image on a surface of the media substrate held in proximity therewith by a weight of a supply of the media substrate from which the media substrate is fed. The media substrate supply is disposed in the housing over the printhead.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods providing a ribbon sensor configured and positioned to ascertain an orientation of a printing ribbon, including devices, systems, and methods configured for detecting an improperly oriented printing ribbon, and for triggering a response in the event of an improperly installed, and/or for confirming proper installation of a printing ribbon.

Abstract: A printer housing has a media compartment covered by a roll-in door. A pair of door tracks is attached to the printer housing along left and right edges of the media compartment. The roll-in door has left and right edges, the door being captivated by the pair of door tracks at each of the left and right edges. The roll-in door being movable from a fully closed position that renders the media compartment substantially fully covered to a fully open position in which the media compartment can be accessed. In the fully open position, at least a portion of the roll-in door is contained within the printer housing.