JP4084977B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that reads / writes information from / to an element and records to / from a recording medium.
[0002]
[Background technology]
For example, RF-ID devices with integrated circuit chips and antennas that can write / read information without contact have been developed. Usually, these RF-ID devices are cut paper, labels, tag paper, and IC cards. And so on.
[0003]
Up to now, thermal transfer and thermal recording devices have been used as recording devices with a built-in RF-ID writer. However, since recording is performed by pressing the recording head against the recording medium, it is built into the recording medium. There is a problem that the RF-ID element is broken at the time of recording, and an ink jet recording apparatus that can perform recording without contact with a recording medium has attracted attention.
[0004]
The ink jet recording apparatus forms ink droplets by various methods, and attaches the ink droplets to a recording medium such as paper, and performs printing without contact with the recording medium. In particular, an ink jet recording apparatus that uses heat as energy for forming discharged droplets can easily arrange a plurality of discharge ports at high density. It has an excellent feature that it can be obtained at a high speed and can be easily colored.
[0005]
In this type of ink jet recording apparatus, those equipped with a line head are provided with recording means for performing recording by a recording medium being conveyed under the fixed head.
[0006]
In such a recording apparatus, the conveyance state of the normal recording medium is detected by a sensor.
[0007]
When the recording medium is a plurality of labels affixed on the mount, the state of the recording medium is generally monitored by using a transmissive photo interrupter or the like and monitoring the difference in light transmittance between the label and the mount To monitor.
[0008]
In addition, when the recording medium is a tag paper in which long paper is marked at regular intervals, a reflection type photo interrupter or the like is used to monitor the difference in light reflectance between the tag paper portion and the mark portion. Monitor the status of the recording medium.
[0009]
The monitoring of the recording medium will be described by taking the label paper as an example. The time for the label paper to pass over the sensor is determined from the size of the label paper set by the host computer or the like and the conveyance speed at the time of recording.
[0010]
On the other hand, when the detection time of the label paper portion during the recording operation is the same, it is determined that the label paper is normally conveyed.
[0011]
On the other hand, if the detection time of the label paper portion is significantly different, it is determined that the label paper is abnormally conveyed, the recording operation is immediately stopped, and an error is notified.
[0012]
Similarly, for the gap, which is the mount between the label paper and the label paper, the time for the gap to pass over the sensor is determined from the gap width size set by the host computer and the transport speed during recording. It is done.
[0013]
On the other hand, when the detection time of the gap portion (mounting portion) at the time of the recording operation is equal, it is determined that the label paper is normally conveyed.
[0014]
On the other hand, if the detection time of the gap portion is significantly different, it is determined that the label sheet is abnormally conveyed, the recording operation is immediately stopped, and an error is notified.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the state of the recording medium is detected by the above-described method, a so-called no-paper state in which the end of the recording medium passes over the sensor is determined to have a long gap detection time, and an error (for example, It is difficult to detect the end of the recording medium.
[0016]
Therefore, when there is no sheet, the sheet stops immediately due to a conveyance abnormality error, and the recording medium in the middle of recording under the recording head is wasted.
[0017]
In order to avoid such a problem, (1) In addition to the sensors described above, a dedicated sensor for detecting the absence of paper is provided. (2) The conveyance state of the recording medium is directly monitored with an encoder or the like. (3) It is determined that there is no paper without generating an error due to detection of the gap portion. Or, take a large margin until an error occurs. There are methods.
[0018]
Regarding (1) and (2), there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is increased because parts such as sensors are required. Regarding (3), error detection is not performed when a conveyance abnormality occurs.
[0019]
Alternatively, the error detection is greatly delayed, and the recording apparatus as well as the recording apparatus may be damaged.
[0020]
[Means for solving the problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the recording apparatus of the present invention
Means for conveying a long recording medium temporarily attached with a plurality of labels each incorporating a wireless communication element;
Means for recording an image on the label;
Means for communicating with the wireless communication element;
Means disposed upstream of the communicable range between the wireless communication means and the wireless communication element in the transport direction, and means for detecting the leading edge or the trailing edge of the label;
After communicating with the first wireless communication element in the label to be conveyed, and after elapse of a predetermined time estimated to have reached a communicable range with the second wireless communication element,
Whether communication with the first wireless communication element is continued,
Or the transition to communication with the second wireless communication element,
Or having a determining means for determining whether communication with the second wireless communication element is impossible,
The detection means does not detect the label,
In addition, when the communication with the second wireless communication element is impossible as a result of the determination by the determination means, there is an informing means for informing that the recording medium is finished.
Further, the label is detected by the detection means, and the determination result by the determination means,
If communication with the second wireless communication element is impossible,
The notification means notifies that the second wireless communication element is abnormal.
In addition, when the communication with the first wireless communication element is continued as a result of the determination by the determination means, the notification means notifies the conveyance operation abnormality.
Furthermore, when it is determined that the communication with the second wireless communication element has been made as a result of the determination by the determination means, there is means for normally continuing the operation.
[0021]
[Action]
The present invention can eliminate the waste of the recording medium by accurately determining the state of the recording medium, in particular, the absence of the sheet and the conveyance abnormality of the sheet by using an element provided in the recording medium. .
[0022]
【Example】
Embodiments relating to the recording apparatus of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a front view and an upper sectional view of a recording apparatus (100) with a built-in RF-ID reader / writer embodying the present invention.
[0024]
The recording device (100) includes a recording unit (105) for forming an image, a roll paper holder (106) for feeding the recording medium (103) to the recording unit, and an RF-ID tag (101) attached to the recording medium. An RF-ID reader / writer, a communication antenna (112), and the like for writing / reading data are provided.
[0025]
In the recording unit (105), for example, black, cyan, magenta, yellow according to the recording data from each recording head (108 to 111) with reference to the leading end position of the label (102) detected by the leading end detection sensor (104). Ink is selectively ejected to perform color recording.
[0026]
A schematic diagram of a recording medium provided with an RF-ID tag is shown in FIG.
[0027]
The recording medium (103) includes a mount (201) and a plurality of labels (102) attached on the mount, and each label is provided with an RF-ID tag (101).
[0028]
The RF-ID tag (101) consists of an antenna unit (203) and an element (202) having a wireless communication function, and reads and writes data from the RF-ID reader / writer in the recording device via the communication antenna (112). Is done.
[0029]
Each RF-ID element (202) has a unique ID called a unique ID, and reading / writing of information from the RF-ID reader / writer is performed for the RF-ID element of the specified unique ID. .
[0030]
FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram in which a host computer is connected to a recording apparatus (100) incorporating an RF-ID writer embodying the present invention.
[0031]
The recording device (100) and the host computer (300) are connected by a printer cable (301).
[0032]
A recording medium (103) is set in a roll paper holder (106) which is a paper feeding unit of the recording apparatus (100).
[0033]
Record data to each label (102) on the recording medium (103) and write data to the RF-ID tag (101) built in the label (102) are transferred from the host computer (300) to the recording device (100). Is done.
[0034]
On the recording device (100), there is provided an operation panel (302) having a plurality of operation keys such as a display for displaying an operation state and an alarm, power ON / OFF, and paper setting.
[0035]
FIG. 4 shows an electrical block diagram of the recording apparatus (100) embodying the present invention.
[0036]
The host computer (host PC) (300) is an interface of the recording device (100) for recording data to be recorded on the label (102) on the recording medium (103) and writing data to the built-in RF-ID tag (101). Transfer to controller (401) to instruct start of recording.
[0037]
CPU (Central Processing Unit) (400) receives recording data, recording operation, RF-ID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader / writer (406) control, recording medium (103) handling, etc. It is an arithmetic processing unit that takes charge of overall control.
[0038]
After analyzing the command received from the host PC (300), the CPU (400) renders the image data of each color component of the recording data by developing the bitmap on the image memory (403).
[0039]
As an operation process before recording, the CPU (400) drives the capping motor (413) and the recording head U / D motor (412) via the input / output port (407) and the drive unit (408), and the recording head (108- 111) is moved from a capping position (standby position) by a capping mechanism (not shown) to a recording position.
[0040]
Furthermore, a paper feed motor (415) for feeding out the recording medium (103) with a built-in RF-ID tag through the drive unit (408), a transport motor (416) for driving the transport unit (107) of the recording apparatus main body, and the like. Driven to transport the recording medium (103) to the recording unit.
[0041]
In order to determine the recording timing for the recording medium (103) conveyed at a constant speed, the front end or rear end position of each label (102) is detected by the front end detection sensor (104).
[0042]
Thereafter, in synchronism with the sheet conveyance by the conveyance motor (416), the CPU (400) sequentially reads out the corresponding color image data from the image memory (403), and via the recording head control circuit (409), the recording head ( 108 to 111), data is sequentially transferred, and ink is selectively ejected from a number of nozzles of each recording head to perform color recording.
[0043]
Each recording head (108 to 111) of the recording apparatus (100) of the present embodiment is a line head, and the sheet (recording medium) (103) during the recording operation is a predetermined constant speed, for example, 100 [mm / sec]. It is conveyed by.
[0044]
In parallel with the recording operation, the CPU (400) controls data writing to the element (202) on the RF-ID tag (101) built in the recording medium (103).
[0045]
Under the control of the CPU (400), the RF-ID reader / writer (406) writes data via the antenna (112) and reads data transmitted from the RF-ID tag (101).
[0046]
The CPU (400) and the RF-ID reader / writer (406) are connected by, for example, an asynchronous serial interface or a bus type input / output (I / O).
[0047]
The operation of the CPU (400) is executed based on the processing program stored in the program ROM (402).
[0048]
The program ROM (402) stores a processing program corresponding to the control flow shown in FIGS. 8 and 14 (described later), a reference table, and the like.
[0049]
The CPU (400) uses the work RAM (404) as a working memory when executing each process.
[0050]
An EEPROM (405) is a non-volatile memory that stores apparatus-specific parameters such as fine recording position adjustment between recording heads.
[0051]
The ink full detection sensor (410) is a sensor provided in a sub tank (not shown) and detects independently for each ink color.
[0052]
The sub tank serves as a buffer that receives ink from the ink cartridge that replenishes ink and temporarily stores it. When the ink is replenished by the operation of the pump motor (414), the full tank detection sensor 907 detects within a certain time. If not, it is determined that the ink cartridge is “empty” and prompts replacement of the ink cartridge of the corresponding color.
[0053]
The CPU (400) can read the output of the ink full sensor (410) by the AD converter (411) for each color.
[0054]
5 to 7 are schematic diagrams showing paper detection and RF-ID information writing processing in this embodiment.
[0055]
Under the control of the CPU (400), the RF-ID reader / writer (406) periodically reads the unique ID (identifier unique to each RF-ID tag) from the RF-ID tag (101) in the label (102). Do.
[0056]
The reading period is shorter than the time required for one label (102) to pass through the area where communication with the communication antenna (112) is possible. The presence or absence of label paper or conveyance abnormality is detected based on the unique ID reading result. Done.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the label (102) is transported normally, the unique ID can be read when the communication antenna (112) and the RF-ID tag (101) are ready to communicate. If it is different from the previously read unique ID, it is determined that a new label (102) has arrived, and data is written to the corresponding RF-ID tag (101).
[0058]
Thereafter, the recording unit records an image on the label (102).
[0059]
When all of the recording medium (103) wound on roll paper as shown in Fig. 6 is fed and the final label (102) has already passed (no paper), even if the unique ID is read multiple times, the RF- The ID tag (101) is not confirmed.
[0060]
In such a case, it is determined that there is no paper, and after recording up to the label (102) at which the unique ID is finally detected, the recording operation is interrupted and a paper-out error is notified.
[0061]
When the conveyance abnormality of the recording medium (103) occurs as shown in FIG. 7, the label (102) in the area communicable with the communication antenna (112) does not move, and the unique ID reading result is repeated. .
[0062]
In such a case, it is determined that the paper conveyance is abnormal, the immediate recording operation is stopped, and a paper JAM error is notified.
[0063]
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the unique ID reading to writing process of the RF-ID tag.
[0064]
When the unique ID of the RF-ID element is periodically checked in (S0800) and as a result, it is not possible to check N times a predetermined number of times in (S0801), it is determined that there is no paper error (S0806) finish.
[0065]
Also, the unique ID is confirmed in (S0800), and compared with the previously confirmed unique ID in (S0802). If it is different, it is determined that there is paper and data is written to the corresponding RF-ID element. (S0804).
[0066]
If a unique ID that is the same as the previously confirmed unique ID in S0802 and the same unique ID is confirmed a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the sheet is JAM (S0805), and the process is terminated.
[0067]
(Second embodiment)
As in the second embodiment described below, the state of the sheet may be determined based on the result of communication with the RF-ID tag and the sensor output on the transport unit.
[0068]
FIG. 9 shows a front view and a top sectional view of a recording apparatus (100) with a built-in RF-ID reader / writer according to the second embodiment.
[0069]
Since the basic configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment, different points will be described.
[0070]
In this embodiment, a front end detection sensor (104) that detects the front end (or rear end) of the label 102 on the recording medium 103 is disposed upstream of the communication antenna (112) in the recording medium conveyance direction.
[0071]
The electrical block diagram in this embodiment can be the same as that in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment, but the processing program stored in the program ROM (402) and the reference table are different as will be described later. .
[0072]
10 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing paper detection and RF-ID information writing processing in this embodiment.
[0073]
For the RF-ID tag (101) built in the label (102) detected by the tip detection sensor (104), the RF-ID reader / writer connects the communication antenna (112) under the control of the CPU (400). To read the unique ID.
[0074]
Even when the label is not detected by the tip detection sensor (104), the unique ID is read when the reading timing of the RF-ID tag comes.
[0075]
The unique ID reading timing is the timing when the leading edge detection sensor (104) detects the passage of the rear end of the label, or the timing when it is assumed that one label has passed since the last reading of the unique ID for the RF-ID element. The presence / absence of a label, a conveyance error, or a communication error with the RF-ID tag is detected based on the detection state of the tip detection sensor (104) and the unique ID reading result.
[0076]
When the label (102) is normally conveyed as shown in FIG. 10, the leading edge detection sensor (104) detects the label (102), and the RF-ID tag (101) in the label paper is detected. The RF-ID reader / writer reads the unique ID via the communication antenna (112), and writes data to the RF-ID tag (101) of the unique ID that has been normally read.
[0077]
Thereafter, an image is recorded on the label paper (102).
[0078]
On the other hand, when all of the recording medium (103) wound on the roll paper is fed as shown in FIG. 11 and the final label (102) has already passed (no paper), the leading edge detection sensor (104) cannot detect the label. The paper-out condition continues, and even after reading a new unique ID after transporting one label from the previous RF-ID tag (101) reading timing, the RF-ID tag is not confirmed.
[0079]
In this case, it is determined that there is no paper, and after recording up to the label (102) at which the unique ID was detected lastly, the operation is interrupted and a paper-out error is notified.
[0080]
Next, FIG. 12 shows a case where the label (102) is normally conveyed, but a failure or the like of the internal element of the RF-ID tag (101) occurs.
[0081]
First, the label (102) is detected by the tip detection sensor (104), and the RF-ID reader / writer (406) reads the unique ID for the RF-ID tag (101) in the label sheet. The unique ID cannot be read.
[0082]
In such a case, it is determined that there is an abnormality in communication with the RF-ID tag, and recording is performed up to the label where the unique ID is finally detected, then the operation is interrupted and a communication error is notified.
[0083]
When the conveyance abnormality of the recording medium (103) occurs as shown in FIG. 13, the label (102) in the vicinity of the tip detection sensor (104) cannot move, and the output of the tip detection sensor (104) remains unchanged. When the time for transporting one label elapses from the reading timing of the previous RF-ID tag (101) and a new reading is performed, the same unique ID as the previously read RF-ID tag (101) is confirmed.
[0084]
In such a case, it is determined that the recording medium (103) is transported abnormally, the immediate recording operation is stopped, and a paper JAM error is notified.
[0085]
FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of paper detection and writing processing to the RF-ID tag in this embodiment.
[0086]
When the trailing edge of the label (102) is detected by the leading edge detection sensor (104) (S1400), the unique ID is read as confirmation of the RF-ID tag (101) (S1401). As a result, the unique ID can be read. If so (S1401-Yes), it is determined that there is a sheet, and data is written to the RF-ID tag of the confirmed unique ID (S1402).
[0087]
Further, if the unique ID cannot be read and the RF-ID element cannot be confirmed (S1401-No), it is determined and notified as an RF-ID error (S1403).
[0088]
Even if the trailing edge of the label is not detected by the leading edge detection sensor (104) in S1400 (S1400-No), the time for transporting one label has elapsed since the previous RF-ID tag reading timing. When the new RF-ID tag read timing is reached (S1404-Yes), the unique ID is read as confirmation of the RF-ID tag, and if the unique ID is read as a result (S1405-Yes), A paper JAM error is determined (S1406).
[0089]
If the unique ID cannot be read and the RF-ID element cannot be confirmed (S1405-No), it is determined that there is no paper error (S1407).
[0090]
As described above, according to the recording apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine the state of the recording medium, in particular, no paper (paper END) and paper conveyance abnormality, and the waste of the recording medium can be reduced. .
[0091]
In the above embodiment, the “label printer” for recording on the “label” has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the form of the recording medium (cut paper, etc.), and the material of the recording medium is limited to paper. The non-contact IC is not limited to the RF-ID, and the RF-ID reader / writer is not limited to the entrance side of the recording device (exit, recording device) The recording method of the recording device is not limited to the ink jet method (thermal transfer method, serial scan method, etc.).
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus that can accurately determine the state of a recording medium based on the result of communication with an element provided on the recording medium.
[0093]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are a front view and a top sectional view of a recording apparatus incorporating an RF-ID writer according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a recording medium with a built-in RF-ID element.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram in which a host computer is connected to a recording apparatus with a built-in RF-ID reader / writer.
FIG. 4 is an electric circuit block diagram of a recording apparatus with a built-in RF-ID writer.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing paper presence detection and RF-ID information writing processing in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a sheet absence detection process in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a paper JAM detection process in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of paper detection and RF-ID information writing processing in the first embodiment.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are a front view and a top sectional view of a recording apparatus incorporating an RF-ID writer according to a second embodiment. FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing paper presence detection and RF-ID information writing processing in the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet absence detection process in the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an RF-ID communication abnormality detection process in the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a paper JAM detection process in the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of paper detection and RF-ID information writing processing in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 recorder
101 RF-ID tag
102 labels
103 Recording media
104 Tip detection sensor
105 Recording section
106 Roll paper holder
107 Transport section
108 Recording head (black)
109 Recording head (cyan)
110 Recording head (magenta)
111 Recording head (yellow)
112 Communication antenna
201 Mount
202 RF-ID element
203 Antenna
400 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
401 interface controller
402 Program ROM
403 image memory
404 Work RAM
405 EEPROM
406 RF-ID reader / writer
407 I / O port (I / O)
408 Drive unit
409 Printhead control circuit

Claims (4)

    Conveying means for conveying a long recording medium temporarily attached with a plurality of labels each incorporating a wireless communication element;
Recording means for recording an image on the label;
Wireless communication means for communicating with the wireless communication element;
A detection unit that is disposed upstream of the communicable range between the wireless communication unit and the wireless communication element in the transport direction, and that detects the leading edge or the trailing edge of the label;
After communicating with the first wireless communication element in the label to be conveyed, and after a predetermined time estimated to have reached the communicable range with the second wireless communication element,
Determine whether communication with the first wireless communication element is continued, whether the communication with the second wireless communication element has been started, or whether communication with the second wireless communication element is impossible Discriminating means for
The detection means does not detect the label,
And as a result of the determination by the determination means, when communication with the second wireless communication element is impossible,
A recording apparatus further comprising notification means for informing that the recording medium is finished.     The detection means detects the label,
And as a result of discrimination by the discrimination means,
When communication with the second wireless communication element is impossible,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies that the second wireless communication element is abnormal.     As a result of discrimination by the discrimination means,
When communication with the first wireless communication element is continued,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies a conveyance operation abnormality.     As a result of discrimination by the discrimination means,
When it is determined that the communication with the second wireless communication element has been performed,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation continuation unit that continues the operation.

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