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Detecting printing ribbon orientation

  • US 9,849,691 B1
  • Filed: 01/26/2017
  • Issued: 12/26/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/26/2017
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of ascertaining an orientation of a printing ribbon, the method comprising:

  • providing a printer comprising a print head, a printing ribbon having been installed along a printing ribbon path configured to guide the printing ribbon between the print head and a media, and a ribbon sensor positioned along the printing ribbon path facing a surface of the printing ribbon;

    wherein the printing ribbon has a first surface comprising a substantially specular substrate having a first reflectivity and a second surface comprising a substantially diffuse functional layer having a second reflectivity, the first reflectivity being greater than the second reflectivity;

    detecting with the ribbon sensor, a reflectance value from the printing ribbon; and

    ascertaining that the first surface faces the ribbon sensor when the reflectance value detected corresponds to a substantially specular reflectance as expected from the first surface, and/or ascertaining that the functional layer faces the ribbon sensor when the reflectance value detected corresponds to a substantially diffuse reflectance as expected from the second surface.

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