System and method for printing and applying labels to a random flow of objects

A method for printing and applying labels to a flow of objects with a system comprising a labelling unit, an object transporting device, an object detection sensor, and a control unit, wherein the labelling unit comprises a label printing unit for printing labels to be applied to the objects, wherein the object transporting device is configured for transporting individual objects in a random flow to the labelling unit in an object transporting direction, wherein the object detection sensor is arranged upstream of the labelling unit and is configured for detecting a position of the objects when they are transported past the object detection sensor towards the labelling unit, the method comprising:

• calculating, via the control unit, a separation distance separating a first one of the objects being transported on the object transporting device from a second one of the objects being transported on the object transporting device directly after the first object, wherein the separation distance is calculated by the control unit based on position detection by the object detection sensor of reference points between the first object and the second object;
• if the separation distance is equal to or less than a predetermined first trigger distance value, causing the label printing unit to operate in a continuous printing mode, and, when the label printing unit operates in the continuous printing mode, printing labels to be applied to the objects;
• and
• if the separation distance is greater than the predetermined first trigger distance value, causing the label printing unit to operate in an intermittent printing mode, and, when the label printing unit operates in the intermittent printing mode, printing labels to be applied to the objects,
• wherein regardless of whether the label printing unit is operating in the continuous printing mode or the intermittent printing mode, the control unit causes the object transporting device to continue transporting the objects in the object transporting direction.

A system for printing and applying labels to a flow of objects, the system comprising:

• a labelling unit,
• an object transporting device,
• an object detection sensor, and
• a control unit,
• wherein the labelling unit comprises a label printing unit configured for printing labels to be applied to the objects,
• wherein the object transporting device is configured for transporting individual objects in a random flow to the labelling unit in an object transporting direction,
• wherein the object detection sensor is arranged upstream of the labelling unit and is configured for detecting a position of the objects when they are transported past the object detection sensor towards the labelling unit,
• wherein the control unit is configured to calculate a separation distance separating a first one of the objects being transported on the object transporting device from a second one of the objects being transported on the object transporting device directly after the first object,
• wherein the separation distance is calculated by the control unit based on position detection by the object detection sensor of reference points between the first object and the second object,
• wherein if the control unit calculates that the separation distance is equal to or less than a predetermined first trigger distance value, the control unit causes the label printing unit to operate in a continuous printing mode for printing labels to be applied to the objects,
• wherein if the control unit calculates that the separation distance is greater than the predetermined first trigger distance value, the control unit causes the label printing unit to operate in an intermittent printing mode for printing labels to be applied to the objects, and
• wherein the object transporting device consists of a single conveyor belt.