Printing on labels attached to a backing or an image on a specified area of a form using a scanning optical sensor to detect a sheet or form characteristic

摘要

A method of printing images on a sheet of labels 102 attached to a backing 104 is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: determining (168,Fig.6) a size of each label 106 on the backing; determining (170) a location of each label on the backing; scanning (172) with an optical sensor (94,Fig.2) to determine which labels are available for printing; and printing (174) an image on at least one available label based on a predetermined size of the label to prevent printing of the image on the backing. The size and location of each label may be determined by scanning a characteristic 142 (e.g. code or identity mark) of the backing. An envelope (154,Fig.5) may also be printed using the method. The method may be adapted to print on a predetermined area of a form (180,Fig.7) by scanning and sensing an identification mark (184) on the form and printing in the predetermined area accordingly.