The disclosure discloses a printer including a memory. The memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the printer to perform a first process, a second process, and a third process. In the first process, an N-th determination target value is calculated, from an N-th pulse count index value and an (N+1).sup.th pulse count index value. In the second process, a mean value of a plurality of consecutive pulse count index values within a predetermined range is calculated. In the third process, a comparison value is calculated by comparing (N1).sup.th the determination target value with the mean value. The first process to the third process are performed while increasing N one by one. A first determination step includes determining whether the elongated medium has reached a consumption completion status or not, on the basis of a magnitude relation between the comparison value and a first threshold value.

The disclosure discloses a printer including a memory. The memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the printer to perform a first process, a second process, and a third process. In the first process, an N-th determination target value is calculated, from an N-th pulse count index value and an (N+1).sup.th pulse count index value. In the second process, a mean value of a plurality of consecutive pulse count index values within a predetermined range is calculated. In the third process, a comparison value is calculated by comparing (N1).sup.th the determination target value with the mean value. The first process to the third process are performed while increasing N one by one. A first determination step includes determining whether the elongated medium has reached a consumption completion status or not, on the basis of a magnitude relation between the comparison value and a first threshold value.

Systems and methods related to adaptive ribbon speed control for a line matrix impact printer are provided. A ribbon cartridge includes a ribbon configured to be driven at a ribbon speed, and a ribbon gear configured to rotate with movement of the ribbon. The ribbon includes a ribbon joint patch detectable via a first sensor to determine a first ribbon speed of the ribbon. Rotation of the ribbon gear is detectable via a second sensor to determine a second ribbon speed of the ribbon. A target ribbon speed is determined based on at least one print job characteristic. A current ribbon speed is determined based on the first ribbon speed and the second ribbon speed. The ribbon speed is adjusted based on a difference between the current ribbon speed and the target ribbon speed. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Systems and methods related to adaptive ribbon speed control for a line matrix impact printer are provided. A ribbon cartridge includes a ribbon configured to be driven at a ribbon speed, and a ribbon gear configured to rotate with movement of the ribbon. The ribbon includes a ribbon joint patch detectable via a first sensor to determine a first ribbon speed of the ribbon. Rotation of the ribbon gear is detectable via a second sensor to determine a second ribbon speed of the ribbon. A target ribbon speed is determined based on at least one print job characteristic. A current ribbon speed is determined based on the first ribbon speed and the second ribbon speed. The ribbon speed is adjusted based on a difference between the current ribbon speed and the target ribbon speed. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

A disclosed ribbon cartridge includes a first spool housing configured to receive a first spool; a second spool housing configured to receive a second spool; a first frame member extending between the first and second spools; and a second frame member extending between the first spool and the second spool; wherein a printhead assembly opening is defined and bounded by the first spool housing, the second spool housing, the first frame member, and the second frame member, wherein the first frame member defines a first channel adjacent to the printhead assembly opening, wherein the second frame member defines a second channel adjacent to the printhead assembly opening, and wherein the first channel and the second channel each comprise a drive surface, wherein the drive surface is configured to be engaged by a printhead assembly to drive the ribbon cartridge to an installed position within the media processing device.

A disclosed ribbon cartridge includes a first spool housing configured to receive a first spool; a second spool housing configured to receive a second spool; a first frame member extending between the first and second spools; and a second frame member extending between the first spool and the second spool; wherein a printhead assembly opening is defined and bounded by the first spool housing, the second spool housing, the first frame member, and the second frame member, wherein the first frame member defines a first channel adjacent to the printhead assembly opening, wherein the second frame member defines a second channel adjacent to the printhead assembly opening, and wherein the first channel and the second channel each comprise a drive surface, wherein the drive surface is configured to be engaged by a printhead assembly to drive the ribbon cartridge to an installed position within the media processing device.

A disclosed ribbon cartridge includes a first spool housing configured to receive a first spool; a second spool housing configured to receive a second spool; a first frame member extending between the first and second spools; and a second frame member extending between the first spool and the second spool; wherein a printhead assembly opening is defined and bounded by the first spool housing, the second spool housing, the first frame member, and the second frame member, wherein the first frame member defines a first channel adjacent to the printhead assembly opening, wherein the second frame member defines a second channel adjacent to the printhead assembly opening, and wherein the first channel and the second channel each comprise a drive surface, wherein the drive surface is configured to be engaged by a printhead assembly to drive the ribbon cartridge to an installed position within the media processing device.

A disclosed ribbon cartridge includes a first spool housing configured to receive a first spool; a second spool housing configured to receive a second spool; a first frame member extending between the first and second spools; and a second frame member extending between the first spool and the second spool; wherein a printhead assembly opening is defined and bounded by the first spool housing, the second spool housing, the first frame member, and the second frame member, wherein the first frame member defines a first channel adjacent to the printhead assembly opening, wherein the second frame member defines a second channel adjacent to the printhead assembly opening, and wherein the first channel and the second channel each comprise a drive surface, wherein the drive surface is configured to be engaged by a printhead assembly to drive the ribbon cartridge to an installed position within the media processing device.

A printing apparatus includes a feed side roll, a winding roller, a driver, a detector, a printer, a conveyance roller, and an adjuster. The feed side roll includes an ink ribbon wound on a feeding roller. The driver rotates the winding roller in a direction of winding the ink ribbon. The detector detects a change in a tension of the ink ribbon being wound. The printer prints on a print medium via the ink ribbon stretched in a tense state between a collection side roll where the ink ribbon is wound and the feed side roll. The conveyance roller winds the ink ribbon between the collection side roll and the printer. The adjuster adjusts a torque for rotating the winding roller by the driver based on detection results by the detector to keep a tension of the ink ribbon passing through the printer constant.

A printing apparatus includes a feed side roll, a winding roller, a driver, a detector, a printer, a conveyance roller, and an adjuster. The feed side roll includes an ink ribbon wound on a feeding roller. The driver rotates the winding roller in a direction of winding the ink ribbon. The detector detects a change in a tension of the ink ribbon being wound. The printer prints on a print medium via the ink ribbon stretched in a tense state between a collection side roll where the ink ribbon is wound and the feed side roll. The conveyance roller winds the ink ribbon between the collection side roll and the printer. The adjuster adjusts a torque for rotating the winding roller by the driver based on detection results by the detector to keep a tension of the ink ribbon passing through the printer constant.