A method of determining the position of a label media and printing to the
label media based on the label media position is disclosed. The method
includes using an encoder to track the position of the label media. As the
label media advances during printing, an encoder shaft rotates with an
encoder traction roller upon which the label media rides. As the encoder
shaft rotates, optical reflections that occur within the encoder are
interrupted, each interruption corresponding to a desired media travel
distance. When the optical reflection is interrupted, the encoder sends a
signal to the controller, which then sends a control signal to fire the
printhead, and consequently the label media is thermally printed. The
system is useful in thermal printer systems to provide more accurate
position information of the label media, and consequently, more accurate
printing. In this manner, with the encoder tracking the motion of the
media, the timing of the printing of the label media is determined upon
the actual position of the label media itself.
