WO2022034659A1

WO2022034659A1 - Medium conveyance device, control method, and control program

Info

Publication number: WO2022034659A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/030720
Authority: WO
Inventors: 雅晃堺
Original assignee: 株式会社Pfu
Priority date: 2020-08-12
Filing date: 2020-08-12
Publication date: 2022-02-17
Also published as: JP7430266B2; JPWO2022034659A1

Abstract

Provided are a medium conveyance device, a control method, and a control program by which printing on a medium can be favorably controlled while suppressing increases in device costs. The medium conveyance device comprises: a conveyance unit that conveys a medium; a printing unit that prints on the conveyed medium and is provided so as to be moveable in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction; a detection unit that detects the installation position of the printing unit in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction; an imaging unit that images the conveyed medium and generates an input image; a determination unit that compares the installation position with the medium position detected from the input image and determines whether printing by the printing unit can be carried out on the medium; and a control unit that executes an abnormality process if it is determined by the determination unit that printing cannot be carried out on the medium.

Description

Media transfer device, control method and control program

The present invention relates to a medium transport device, a control method and a control program, and more particularly to a medium transport device, a control method and a control program that captures an image of the transported medium and prints on the medium.

In a medium transport device such as a scanner that transports and reads a medium such as a document, a function of printing information such as predetermined characters or numbers is used in order to leave a trail on the scanned medium. In such a medium transporting device, a printing device for printing on the transported medium is provided so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the medium transporting direction so that the printing device is set at a desired position by the user. However, if the printing device is set at an inappropriate position such as outside the end of the conveyed medium, the predetermined information may not be printed correctly on the conveyed medium.

A document reading device that reads a document and stamps the scanned document with two stamps is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). This document reading device detects the width of the document based on the arrangement position of the document guide, and stamps the finished stamp with two stamps separated by a distance corresponding to the detected width.

A document transporting device that can move along a document width direction substantially orthogonal to the document transporting direction and is provided with a printing means for performing predetermined printing on the transported document is disclosed (see Patent Document 2). In this document transfer device, the detection means provided in the transfer path on the upstream side in the transfer direction from the printing means detects whether or not the transferred document passes within the range of the printing area by the printing means.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-1738998 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-162728

In a medium transporting device that captures an image of a transported medium and prints on the medium, it is desired to control printing on the medium well while suppressing an increase in device cost.

An object of the present invention is to provide a medium transfer device, a control method, and a control program capable of satisfactorily controlling printing on a medium while suppressing an increase in device cost.

The medium transport device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports the medium, a printing unit that is movably provided in a direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction and that prints on the transported medium, and a medium transport direction. A detection unit that detects the placement position of the printing unit in a direction orthogonal to the It has a determination unit for determining whether or not printing is possible on the medium, and a control unit for executing an abnormality process when the determination unit determines that printing on the medium is not possible.

The control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit for transporting a medium, a printing unit movably provided in a direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction, and a printing unit for printing on the transported medium, and a medium transport direction. It is a control method of a medium transport device having a detection unit that detects the arrangement position of the print unit in the orthogonal direction and an image pickup unit that captures an image of the conveyed medium to generate an input image, and is detected from the input image. It is determined whether or not printing by the printing unit is possible on the medium by comparing the printed medium position and the arranged position, and when it is determined that printing is not possible on the medium, an abnormality process is executed.

The control program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit for transporting a medium, a printing unit movably provided in a direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction, and a printing unit for printing on the transported medium, and a medium transport direction. It is a control program of a medium transport device having a detection unit that detects the arrangement position of the printing unit in the orthogonal direction and an image pickup unit that captures an image of the conveyed medium and generates an input image, and is detected from the input image. It is determined that whether or not the printing unit can print on the medium is possible by comparing the position of the medium and the position of the printed image, and if it is determined that printing is not possible on the medium, an abnormality process is executed. Let the media transfer device execute.

According to the present invention, the medium transfer device, the control method, and the control program can satisfactorily control printing on the medium while suppressing an increase in device cost.

The object and effect of the present invention will be recognized and obtained specifically by using the components and combinations pointed out in the claims. Both the general description described above and the detailed description below are exemplary and descriptive and do not limit the invention described in the claims.

It is a perspective view which shows the medium transporting apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the transfer path in the medium transfer apparatus 100. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the printing apparatus sensor 115 and the like. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the medium transfer apparatus 100. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the storage device 150 and the processing circuit 160. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of a medium reading process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of a medium reading process. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating another printing apparatus sensor 215 and the like. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating another printing apparatus sensor 315 and the like. It is a perspective view which shows the medium transfer apparatus 400 which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the transfer path in the medium transfer apparatus 400. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the medium transfer apparatus 400. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of another medium reading process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of another medium reading process. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of another processing circuit 560.

Hereinafter, the medium transfer device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium transfer device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium transport device 100 transports a medium as a document, takes an image, and prints predetermined information on the medium. The medium is paper, cardboard, plastic cards, booklets, passports, and the like. The predetermined information is characters or numbers preset to the user in order to leave a trail in which the medium is imaged. The medium transfer device 100 may be a facsimile, a copying machine, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral) or the like. The medium to be conveyed may be a print object or the like instead of the original, and the medium transfer device 100 may be a printer or the like.

The medium transfer device 100 includes a main body 101, a printer unit 102, a mounting table 103, a discharging table 104, and the like. The main body 101 includes a main body lower housing 105, a main body upper housing 106, an operating device 107, a display device 108, and the like. The printer unit 102 includes a printer lower housing 109, a printer upper housing 110, and the like.

The lower housing 105 of the main body is placed on the printer unit 102 so as to be detachably engaged with the printer unit 102. The printer unit 102 is formed in an L shape. In the lower housing 105 of the main body, the side surface and the lower surface on the mounting table 103 side are on the side surface on the discharge table 104 side of the portion extending in the substantially vertical direction of the printer unit 102 and the upper surface of the portion extending in the substantially horizontal direction, respectively. Arranged to abut. The main body upper housing 106 is arranged at a position covering the upper surface of the main body 101, and is engaged with the main body lower housing 105 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when the medium, that is, when cleaning the inside of the main body 101. The upper housing 106 of the main body is arranged so that the side surface of the mounting table 103 side comes into contact with the side surface of the printer unit 102 on the discharging table 104 side.

The operation device 107 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit for acquiring a signal from the input device, accepts an input operation by the user, and outputs an operation signal according to the input operation of the user. The display device 108 has a display including a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

The printer unit 102 is an imprinter that prints predetermined information on a conveyed medium. The printer upper housing 110 is arranged at a position that covers the upper surface of the printer unit 102, and is engaged with the printer lower housing 109 by a hinge so that the printer unit can be opened and closed when the medium is blocked, that is, when the inside of the printer unit 102 is cleaned, and the like. There is. The printer unit 102 may not be configured separately from the main body 101, but may be integrally configured with the main body 101.

The mounting table 103 is engaged with the printer lower housing 109 so that the medium to be transported can be mounted. The discharge table 104 is engaged with the main body upper housing 106 so as to be able to hold the discharged medium. The discharge table 104 is provided so as to be foldable so as to face the front surface of the medium transfer device 100 (main body upper housing 106).

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100.

The transfer path inside the medium transfer device 100 is a first medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a brake roller 113, a printing device 114, a printing device sensor 115, a first transfer roller 116, and a second transfer roller inside the printer unit 102. It has 117 and the like. This transport path includes a second medium sensor 121, a third transport roller 122, a fourth transport roller 123, a fifth transport roller 124, a sixth transport roller 125, a third medium sensor 126, and a first image pickup device inside the main body 101. It has 127a, a second image pickup device 127b, a seventh transfer roller 128, an eighth transfer roller 129, and the like. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and the number of each roller may be plural. Hereinafter, the first image pickup device 127a and the second image pickup device 127b may be collectively referred to as an image pickup device 127.

The main body 101 is fitted with the printer unit 102 by fitting the claws 118 provided on the upper surface of the lower housing 109 of the printer into the recess 132 via the holes 131 provided on the lower surface of the lower housing 105 of the main body. Be engaged. When the main body 101 is engaged with the printer unit 102, the medium discharge port of the printer unit 102 faces the medium inlet of the main body 101. The upper surfaces of the printer lower housing 109 and the main body lower housing 105 form the lower guide 120a of the medium transport path, and the lower surfaces of the printer upper housing 110 and the main body upper housing 106 form the medium transport path. The upper guide 120b is formed. The printer upper housing 110 has a cover 110a that can be opened and closed, and the user can move the arrangement position of the printing device 114 by opening the cover 110a.

In FIG. 2, the arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction. In the following, the upstream means the upstream of the medium transport direction A1, and the downstream means the downstream of the medium transport direction A1.

The first medium sensor 111 is arranged on the upstream side of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113. The first medium sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is mounted on the mounting table 103. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether the medium is mounted on the mounting table 103 or not.

The feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 are provided on the upstream side of the printing device 114 in the medium transport direction A1. The feeding roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 109 of the printer, and feeds the media mounted on the mounting table 103 in order from the lower side. The brake roller 113 is provided in the upper housing 110 of the printer and is arranged so as to face the feeding roller 112.

The second medium sensor 121 is arranged on the upstream side of the third transfer roller 122 and the fourth transfer roller 123. The second medium sensor 121 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is present at the position thereof. The second medium sensor 121 generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the position of the second medium sensor 121.

The third medium sensor 126 is arranged on the downstream side of the fifth transfer roller 124 and the sixth transfer roller 125 and on the upstream side of the image pickup apparatus 127. The third medium sensor 126 detects whether or not a medium is present at that position. The third medium sensor 126 is a reflection of a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the medium transport path and a mirror or the like provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the transport path. Including members. The light emitter irradiates light toward the transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and reflected by the reflecting member, and generates and outputs a third medium signal which is an electric signal according to the intensity of the received light. When a medium is present at the position of the third medium sensor 126, the light emitted by the light emitter is shielded by the medium, so that the light emitted by the light emitter is shielded by the medium. 3 The signal value of the medium signal changes. The light emitter and the light receiver are provided at positions facing each other across the transport path, and the reflective member may be omitted.

The first image sensor 127a has a line sensor by a 1x optical system type CIS (Contact Image Sensor) having a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. Further, the first image pickup device 127a has a lens that forms an image on the image pickup element and an A / D converter that amplifies an electric signal output from the image pickup element and converts it into analog / digital (A / D). The first image pickup apparatus 127a images the surface of the conveyed medium and generates and outputs an input image according to the control from the processing circuit described later. The first image pickup apparatus 127a generates, as an input image, an image for one line in which a region facing the line sensor of the conveyed medium is imaged at regular intervals. The first image pickup apparatus 127a may generate an image for a predetermined number of lines as an input image.

Similarly, the second image pickup device 127b has a line sensor by CIS of the same magnification optical system type having a CMOS image pickup element linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. Further, the second image pickup apparatus 127b has a lens that forms an image on the image pickup element and an A / D converter that amplifies and A / D-converts an electric signal output from the image pickup element. The second image pickup apparatus 127b captures the back surface of the conveyed medium according to the control from the processing circuit, generates an input image, and outputs the input image. The second image pickup apparatus 127b generates, as an input image, an image for one line in which a region facing the line sensor of the conveyed medium is imaged at regular intervals. The second image pickup apparatus 127b may generate an image for a predetermined number of lines as an input image.

The first image pickup device 127a and the second image pickup device 127b are examples of the image pickup unit. In the medium transfer device 100, only one of the first image pickup device 127a and the second image pickup device 127b may be arranged, and only one side of the medium may be read. Further, instead of the line sensor by the 1x optical system type CIS equipped with the image sensor by CMOS, the line sensor by the 1x optical system type CIS provided by the image pickup element by CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used. Further, a reduced optical system type line sensor including a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used.

The 7th transfer roller 128 and the 8th transfer roller 129 are arranged on the most downstream side of the rollers included in the medium transfer device 100, and function as discharge rollers for discharging the medium to the discharge table 104. The shaft that supports the 7th transfer roller 128 and / or the 8th transfer roller 129 as a rotation axis is along the transfer surface of the medium transfer path centering on one end in the width direction orthogonal to the medium transfer direction according to the control from the processing circuit. It is provided so that it can swing. That is, the 7th transfer roller 128 and / or the 8th transfer roller 129 is provided so that the discharge direction of the medium can be changed according to the control from the processing circuit.

The medium mounted on the mounting table 103 is conveyed in the medium transport direction A1 between the lower guide 120a and the upper guide 120b by the feeding roller 112 rotating in the direction of the arrow A2 in FIG. .. The brake roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A3 when the medium is conveyed. When a plurality of media are mounted on the mounting table 103 due to the functions of the feeding roller 112 and the brake roller 113, only the media in contact with the feeding roller 112 among the media mounted on the mounting table 103. Is separated. As a result, it operates so as to limit the transport of media other than the separated medium (prevention of double feeding).

The medium is fed to the position of the printing apparatus 114 while being guided by the lower guide 120a and the upper guide 120b. The medium printed by the printing apparatus 114 is fed between the first transfer roller 116 and the second transfer roller 117. The medium is fed between the first image pickup apparatus 127a and the second image pickup apparatus 127b by rotating the first to sixth transport rollers 116 to 117 and 122 to 125 in the directions of the arrows A4 to A9, respectively. The medium read by the image pickup apparatus 127 is discharged onto the discharge table 104 by rotating the seventh to eighth transport rollers 128 to 129 in the directions of the arrows A10 to A11, respectively. The feeding roller 112, the brake roller 113, and the first to eighth transport rollers 116 to 117, 122 to 125, and 128 to 129 are examples of transport units that transport media.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the printing device 114, the printing device sensor 115, and the like. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a part of the printer upper housing 110 viewed from above with the cover 110a open.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 114 is an example of a printing unit, and is provided so as to be movable in the width direction A12 along a rail 114a provided so as to extend in the width direction A12 orthogonal to the medium transport direction. Be done. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 114 is arranged in the upper housing 110 of the printer on the upstream side of the image pickup device 127 in the medium transport direction A1. As a result, the image pickup apparatus 127 can read the medium printed by the printing apparatus 114, and the medium transfer apparatus 100 can store the printing result by the printing apparatus 114 as data.

The printing device 114 is arranged at a predetermined position in the width direction A12 according to the operation by the user. Then, the printing device 114 prints predetermined information at a position facing the predetermined position on the back surface of the conveyed medium according to the control from the processing circuit. The predetermined information is information such as characters and numbers specified by the user using the operation device 107 or an information processing device (for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.) (not shown). The printing device 114 is an inkjet type printer, has a printer head formed with a plurality of ink ejection ports, and ejects ink to a medium passing through the position of the printing device 114 to transmit predetermined information to the medium. Print.

In addition to or in addition to the printing device 114, a printing device provided in the lower housing 109 of the printer and printing predetermined information on the surface of the conveyed medium may be used. Further, the printing device 114 may be a printer other than the inkjet type such as a laser type.

The printing device sensor 115 is arranged so as to overlap the printing device 114 in the medium transport direction A1 and at a predetermined position on the side wall side of the transport path in the width direction A12, and measures the distance from the arranged predetermined position to the printing device 114. It is a distance measuring sensor. The printing device sensor 115 measures the distance to an object existing at an opposite position from the time difference between irradiating infrared rays and receiving the reflected infrared rays. The printing device sensor 115 includes a light emitter 115a and a light receiver 115b. The light emitter 115a irradiates light (infrared light) toward the center side in the width direction A12, that is, toward the printing apparatus 114. On the other hand, the photophore 115b is irradiated by the light emitter 115a, receives the light reflected by the printing device 114, and corresponds to the time from when the light emitter 115a irradiates the light until the light receiver 115b receives the light. A detection signal, which is an electrical signal, is generated and output. That is, the detection signal is a signal corresponding to the distance from the predetermined position where the printing device sensor 115 is arranged to the printing device 114.

The printing device sensor 115 includes a transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves and a receiver for receiving ultrasonic waves instead of the light emitting device 115a and the light receiving device 115b, from transmitting ultrasonic waves to receiving reflected ultrasonic waves. The distance to the printing device 114 may be measured from the time difference. In that case, the printing device sensor 115 generates an electric signal as a detection signal according to the time from the transmitter transmitting the ultrasonic wave to the receiver receiving the ultrasonic wave. Alternatively, the printing device sensor 115 includes a transmitter for transmitting an audible sound and a receiver for receiving the audible sound, and measures the distance to the printing device 114 from the time difference between transmitting the audible sound and receiving the reflected audible sound. You may. In that case, the printing device sensor 115 generates an electric signal as a detection signal according to the time from the transmitter transmitting the audible sound to the receiver receiving the audible sound.

Further, a conductor such as metal is attached to the printing device 114, and an inductive proximity sensor including a coil and detecting magnetic loss due to an eddy current generated on the conductor surface may be used as the printing device sensor 115. .. In that case, the printing device sensor 115 generates an electric signal as a detection signal according to the magnitude of the impedance in the coil. Alternatively, a metal or dielectric is attached to the printing device 114, and a capacitance type proximity sensor that detects a change in capacitance between the printing device 114 and the printing device sensor 115 is used as the printing device sensor 115. May be good. In that case, the printing device sensor 115 generates an electric signal as a detection signal according to the magnitude of the capacitance between the printing device 114 and the printing device sensor 115.

Further, a magnet may be attached to the printing device 114, and a magnetic sensor for detecting the magnitude of the field (magnetic field) between the printing device 114 and the printing device sensor 115 may be used as the printing device sensor 115. In that case, the printing device sensor 115 generates an electric signal as a detection signal according to the magnitude of the magnetic field between the printing device 114 and the printing device sensor 115.

Further, as the printing device sensor 115, a sensor including an optical rotary encoder and detecting the amount of movement of the printing device 114 from the initial position (predetermined position) may be used. The rotary encoder has a disk in which a large number of slits are formed and is provided so as to rotate according to the movement of the printing device 114, and a light emitter and a light receiver provided so as to face each other across the disk. In that case, the printing device sensor 115 detects an electric signal according to the number of changes between the state where the slit exists between the light emitter and the light receiver and the state where the slit does not exist and is blocked by the disk. Generate as.

Further, as the printing device sensor 115, a sensor including an optical linear encoder and detecting the amount of movement of the printing device 114 from the initial position (predetermined position) may be used. The optical linear encoder has a glass scale on which a grid scale is formed, and a light emitter and a light receiver provided so as to face each other across the glass scale and move according to the movement of the printing device 114. In that case, the printing device sensor 115 generates an electric signal as a detection signal according to the number of changes in the amount of light in the light receiver.

Further, as the printing device sensor 115, a sensor including a magnetic linear encoder and detecting the amount of movement of the printing device 114 from the initial position (predetermined position) may be used. The magnetic linear encoder has a magnetic scale on which a predetermined magnetic pattern is formed, and a magnetic detection head provided so as to face the magnetic scale and move according to the movement of the printing device 114. In that case, the printing device sensor 115 generates an electric signal as a detection signal according to the number of magnetic changes detected by the magnetic detection head.

Further, as the printing device sensor 115, a sensor including a sliding resistor and detecting a voltage by the sliding resistor may be used. The sliding resistor is a resistor that is stretched in the width direction A12 and a constant voltage is applied from the terminals at both ends, and a contact (sliding) that moves according to the movement of the printing device 114 while abutting against the resistor. Has a child). In that case, the printing device sensor 115 generates an electric signal as a detection signal according to the magnitude of the voltage applied from one end of the resistor to the slider.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium transfer device 100.

The medium transfer device 100 further includes a first motor 141, a second motor 142, an interface device 143, a storage device 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like, in addition to the above-described configuration.

The first motor 141 includes one or a plurality of motors, and the feed roller 112, the brake roller 113, the first to eighth conveyor rollers 116 to 117, 122 to 125, 128 to the control signal from the processing circuit 160 are used. The 129 is driven and rotated to feed and convey the medium.

The second motor 142 receives a control signal from the processing circuit 160 to support a shaft that supports the seventh transfer roller 128 and / or the eighth transfer roller 129 as a rotation axis, and the transfer surface of the medium transfer path centering on one end in the width direction A12. Rotate along. As a result, the second motor 142 changes the discharge direction of the medium by the seventh transfer roller 128 and the eighth transfer roller 129.

The interface device 143 has an interface circuit similar to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device to transmit and receive input images and various information. Further, instead of the interface device 143, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving a signal through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

The storage device 150 includes a memory device such as a RAM (RandomAccessMemory) and a ROM (ReadOnlyMemory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk and an optical disk. Further, the storage device 150 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the medium transfer device 100. The computer program may be installed in the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), or the like.

The processing circuit 160 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 150 in advance. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 160, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used.

The processing circuit 160 includes an operation device 107, a display device 108, a first medium sensor 111, a printing device 114, a printing device sensor 115, a second medium sensor 121, a third medium sensor 126, an image pickup device 127, a first motor 141, and a first. 2 It is connected to a motor 142, an interface device 143, a storage device 150, and the like, and controls each of these parts. The processing circuit 160 drives a first motor 141 to convey a medium to each roller, causes a printing device 114 to print predetermined information on the medium, acquires an input image from the image pickup device 127, and transmits the input image via the interface device 143. And send it to the information processing device. In particular, the processing circuit 160 determines whether or not printing is possible on the medium based on the detection signal received from the printing device sensor 115 and the input image, and executes abnormality processing based on the determination result.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 150 and a processing circuit 160.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 150 stores a control program 151, a detection program 152, a determination program 153, a print determination program 154, an output control program 155, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on the processor. The processing circuit 160 reads each program stored in the storage device 150 and operates according to each read program. As a result, the processing circuit 160 functions as a control unit 161, a detection unit 162, a determination unit 163, a print determination unit 164, and an output control unit 165.

6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium transport device 100.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium transporting apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 160 in cooperation with each element of the medium transfer device 100 based on the program stored in the storage device 150 in advance. The flow of operations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is periodically executed.

First, the control unit 161 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read the medium using the operation device 107 and receives an operation signal instructing to read the medium from the operation device 107 (step S101).

Next, the control unit 161 acquires the first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not the medium is mounted on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step). S102).

When the medium is not mounted on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S101 and waits until a new operation signal is received from the operating device 107.

On the other hand, when the medium is mounted on the mounting table 103, the detection unit 162 detects the placement position of the printing device 114 in the width direction A12 orthogonal to the medium transport direction (step S103). The detection unit 162 acquires a detection signal from the printing device sensor 115, and detects the arrangement position of the printing device 114 based on the acquired detection signal. The medium transfer device 100 stores in advance a position table that stores the correspondence between the signal value of the detection signal and the arrangement position of the printing device 114 in the width direction A12 in the storage device 150. The detection unit 162 detects the arrangement position of the printing apparatus 114 by referring to the position table and specifying the arrangement position corresponding to the signal value of the detection signal. In consideration of the printing range of the printing device 114 in the width direction A12, the print area of the printing device 114 is stored as the placement position of the printing device 114 in the position table, and the detection unit 162 is used as the placement position of the printing device 114. The print area of the printing apparatus 114 may be detected.

As described above, the detection unit 162 detects the arrangement position of the printing device 114 in the width direction A12 based on the distance from the predetermined position to the printing device 114 detected by the printing device sensor 115. The detection unit 162 can accurately specify the arrangement position of the printing device 114 by using the distance sensor.

Next, the control unit 161 drives and rotates the first motor 141 to rotate the feed roller 112, the brake roller 113, and the first to eighth transport rollers 116 to 117, 122 to 125, and 128 to 129. , Feeding and transporting the medium (step S104).

Next, the determination unit 163 acquires an input image from the image pickup device 127 (step S105). The determination unit 163 may start acquiring the input image when the tip of the medium reaches the front of the image pickup apparatus 127. In that case, the determination unit 163 periodically receives the third medium signal from the third medium sensor 126, and the signal value of the third medium signal is changed from the value indicating that the medium does not exist to the value indicating that the medium exists. If it changes, it is determined that the tip of the medium has reached the front of the image pickup apparatus 127. As a result, the determination unit 163 can reduce the processing load of the medium reading process.

Next, the determination unit 163 detects the medium position, which is the position in the width direction A12 orthogonal to the medium transport direction of the medium, from the acquired input image (step S106).

The determination unit 163 first detects edge pixels for each input image sequentially generated. The determination unit 163 calculates the absolute value of the difference in gradation value between each pixel and the pixel adjacent to the right side of each pixel or the pixel separated by a predetermined distance in order from the left end of the input image (hereinafter referred to as an adjacent difference value). do. The gradation value is a luminance value or a color value. The determination unit 163 detects the first (leftmost) pixel whose adjacent difference value is equal to or greater than the edge threshold value as the leftmost edge pixel. The edge threshold value can be set, for example, to a difference in gradation value (for example, 20) in which a person can visually discriminate the difference in brightness on the image. Similarly, the determination unit 163 calculates the adjacent difference value between each pixel and the pixel on the left side of each pixel in order from the right end of the input image, and detects the first pixel whose adjacent difference value is equal to or greater than the edge threshold value as the right end edge pixel. do. The determination unit 163 calculates the adjacent difference value between each pixel and the pixel on the left side of each pixel in order from the left end of the input image, and detects the last pixel whose adjacent difference value is equal to or greater than the edge threshold value as the right end edge pixel. good.

Note that the determination unit 163 may calculate the absolute value of the difference between the gradation values of the pixels on both sides of each pixel or the two pixels separated by a predetermined distance as the adjacent difference value. Further, when the gradation value of the specific pixel is less than the threshold value and the gradation value of the pixel adjacent to the specific pixel or the pixel separated by a predetermined distance is equal to or more than the threshold value, the determination unit 163 specifies the specific pixel. Pixels adjacent to the pixels of the above or pixels separated by a predetermined distance may be extracted as edge pixels.

If there is no pixel whose adjacent difference value is equal to or greater than the edge threshold value, the determination unit 163 does not detect the edge pixel from the input image. When the left end edge pixel and the right end edge pixel are detected from the input image, the determination unit 163 detects the region sandwiched between the left end edge pixel and the right end edge pixel as the medium position.

Next, the determination unit 163 determines whether or not the medium position is detected from the input image (step S107). If the medium position is not detected from the input image, the determination unit 163 returns the process to step S105, and repeats the processes of steps S105 to S107 for the input image in which a new line is captured.

On the other hand, when the medium position is detected from the input image, the determination unit 163 can compare the medium position detected from the input image with the arrangement position of the printing device 114 and print on the medium by the printing device 114. It is determined whether or not there is (step S108). The determination unit 163 determines whether or not the arrangement position (area) of the printing device 114 is included in the actual medium position (area) corresponding to the medium position detected from the input image. When the entire arrangement position (area) of the printing device 114 is located inside the actual medium position (area), the determination unit 163 determines that printing by the printing device 114 is possible on the medium. On the other hand, when at least a part of the arrangement position (area) of the printing device 114 is located outside the actual medium position (area), the determination unit 163 determines that printing by the printing device 114 cannot be performed on the medium.

When the determination unit 163 determines that printing cannot be performed on the medium, the control unit 161 executes an abnormality process (step S109). As an abnormality process, the control unit 161 stops printing on the medium by the printing device 114, and shifts the process to step S115. Further, the control unit 161 is used by displaying information indicating that printing on the medium by the printing device 114 has been stopped on the display device 108 or transmitting the information to the information processing device via the interface device 143 as an abnormality process. May be notified. As a result, the medium transfer device 100 can prevent the ink from being accidentally ejected to a position where the medium does not exist.

Note that the control unit 161 may stop the first motor 141, stop the feeding and transporting of the medium by the transport unit, and end a series of steps as an error handling. In that case, the control unit 161 displays to the user information indicating that the feeding and transporting of the medium has been stopped as an abnormal process on the display device 108 or transmits the information to the information processing device via the interface device 143 to the user. You may notify. In this case as well, the medium transfer device 100 can prevent the ink from being accidentally ejected to a position where the medium does not exist.

Further, the control unit 161 may temporarily stop the first motor 141 to temporarily stop the feeding and transporting of the medium by the transport unit as an error handling. In that case, the control unit 161 notifies the user by displaying information instructing the position of the printing device 114 to be changed on the display device 108 or transmitting the information to the information processing device via the interface device 143. When the control unit 161 receives from the user that the position of the printing device 114 has been changed by using the operating device 107 or the information processing device, the control unit 161 repositions the printing device 114 in the same manner as in the process of step S103. To detect. Next, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S108, and the determination unit 163 compares the media position detected from the input image with the re-detected placement position of the printing device 114, and prints on the medium. It is redetermined whether or not printing by 114 is possible. When the determination unit 163 determines that printing by the printing device 114 is possible on the medium, the control unit 161 redrives the first motor 141 and executes the processes after step S110. As a result, the user can continue the medium reading process without remounting the medium on the mounting table 103, and the medium transfer device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

Further, the control unit 161 may change the ejection position of the medium as an abnormal process. In that case, the control unit 161 drives the second motor 142 to change the discharge direction of the medium by the seventh and

eighth transfer rollers

128 and 129 from the initial direction, and shifts the process to step S115. As a result, the medium on which the predetermined information is printed and the medium on which the predetermined information is not printed are loaded on the discharge table 104 so as to be distinguishable. The user can easily separate the medium on which the predetermined information is printed and the medium on which the predetermined information is not printed, and the medium transfer device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 163 determines that printing is possible on the medium, the control unit 161 controls the printing device 114 so as to print predetermined information on the medium (step S110). The medium transfer device 100 may receive the designation of the print area in the medium transfer direction A1 from the user in advance by using the operation device 107 or the information processing device. In that case, the control unit 161 controls the printing device 114 so as to print the predetermined information on the medium when the first predetermined time has elapsed from the start of feeding the medium. For the first predetermined time, the first predetermined time is an added value obtained by adding the distance from the tip of the medium to the designated printing area to the distance from the nip position of the feeding roller 112 and the brake roller 113 to the printing position of the printing device 114. It is set to a divided value divided by the transport speed of the medium by the motor 141.

Next, the print determination unit 164 determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the printing device 114 was made to print (step S111). The second predetermined time is set to a value obtained by adding a margin to a division value obtained by dividing the distance from the printing position of the printing device 114 to the imaging position of the image pickup device 127 by the transport speed of the medium by the first motor 141. That is, the second predetermined time is set to a time during which the printed area in the medium can sufficiently pass through the image pickup position of the image pickup apparatus 127 when printing is performed on the medium by the printing apparatus 114.

Next, the print determination unit 164 generates a partial image based on the input image (step S112). The print determination unit 164 generates a partial image by synthesizing the input images generated by the image pickup apparatus 127 within a certain time immediately before the second predetermined time elapses after the printing apparatus 114 is made to print. The print determination unit 164 may generate a partial image by synthesizing all the input images generated by the image pickup apparatus 127 up to now.

Next, the print determination unit 164 determines whether or not the conveyed medium is printed by the printing device 114 based on the partial image (step S113). The print determination unit 164 uses, for example, a known OCR (Optical Character Recognition / Reader) technique to determine whether or not the partial image contains unique characters that are always included in the predetermined information. When the unique character is included in the partial image, the print determination unit 164 determines that the partial image contains predetermined information. The print determination unit 164 determines that the printed medium is printed by the printing device 114 when the partial image contains predetermined information, and when the partial image does not contain the predetermined information, the print determination unit 164 is conveyed. It is determined that the medium is not printed by the printing device 114.

Note that the print determination unit 164 may determine whether or not the partial image contains predetermined information by using a known pattern matching technique. In that case, the medium transfer device 100 stores in advance a sample image including a unique shape or a watermark included in the predetermined information in the storage device 150. The print determination unit 164 cuts out an area having the same size as the sample image while shifting the cutout position in the partial image, and calculates the degree of similarity between the cut out area and the sample image. As a degree of similarity, for example, a normalized cross-correlation value is used. When the calculated degree of similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the print determination unit 164 determines that the partial image contains predetermined information.

Further, the print determination unit 164 has the number of pixels having color values of the colors printed by the printing device 114 (or pixels having color values whose difference from the color values is within a predetermined range) in the partial image. When the ratio is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it may be determined that the partial image contains predetermined information.

When the print determination unit 164 determines that the medium is not printed by the printing device 114, the control unit 161 executes the second abnormality processing (step S114). As the second abnormality processing, the control unit 161 displays information indicating that printing on the medium by the printing device 114 has failed on the display device 108, or transmits the information to the information processing device via the interface device 143 to the user. Notify to. As a result, the user can recognize that the printing apparatus 114 is out of ink or clogged with ink, and can take appropriate measures.

Note that the control unit 161 may prohibit subsequent printing on the medium by the printing device 114 as the second abnormality processing. In that case, as the second abnormality processing, the control unit 161 displays on the display device 108 information indicating that printing on the medium by the printing device 114 is prohibited, or transmits the information to the information processing device via the interface device 143. May be notified to the user. As a result, the user can recognize that the printing apparatus 114 is out of ink or clogged with ink, and can take appropriate measures. Further, the medium transporting apparatus 100 can omit unnecessary printing processing for the media to be transported thereafter, and can reduce the processing load of the medium reading processing.

Further, as the second exception handling, the control unit 161 may stop the first motor 141 to stop the feeding and transporting of the medium by the transporting unit, as in the exception handling.

Further, as the second exception handling, the control unit 161 may temporarily stop the first motor 141 to temporarily stop the feeding and transporting of the medium by the transport unit, as in the exception handling. In that case, the control unit 161 notifies the user by displaying information indicating that printing on the medium by the printing device 114 has failed on the display device 108 or transmitting the information to the information processing device via the interface device 143. .. When the control unit 161 receives from the user that the ink of the printing device 114 has been replaced by using the operating device 107 or the information processing device, the control unit 161 re-drives the first motor 141 and performs the same as the process of step S110. , The printing device 114 is controlled to print predetermined information on the medium. Next, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S112, and the print determination unit 164 redetermines whether or not the conveyed medium is printed by the printing device 114. As a result, the user can continue the medium reading process without remounting the medium on the mounting table 103, and the medium transfer device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

Further, the control unit 161 may change the ejection position of the medium as the second exception handling, as in the exception handling.

On the other hand, when the print determination unit 164 determines that the medium is printed by the printing device 114, the output control unit 165 determines whether or not the rear end of the medium has passed the image pickup position of the image pickup device 127. (Step S115). The output control unit 165 periodically receives the third medium signal from the third medium sensor 126, and the signal value of the third medium signal changes from a value indicating the presence of the medium to a value indicating the absence of the medium. In this case, it is determined that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the third medium sensor 126. The output control unit 165 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the medium passed the position of the third medium sensor 126. The third predetermined time is set to a value obtained by dividing the distance from the position of the third medium sensor 126 to the imaging position by the carrier speed of the medium by the first motor 141 and adding a margin.

When the rear end of the medium passes the image pickup position, the output control unit 165 synthesizes the input images generated by the image pickup device 127 to date to generate a read image, and sends the scanned image to the information processing device via the interface device 143. It is output by transmitting (step S116). The scanned image is an example of an image based on the input image. The output control unit 165 may output the input image as it is to the information processing apparatus. In that case, the information processing apparatus synthesizes the input images to generate a scanned image.

Next, the control unit 161 determines whether or not the medium remains on the mounting table 103 based on the first medium signal acquired from the first medium sensor 111 (step S117). When the medium remains on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S103 and repeats the processes of steps S103 to S117. The control unit 161 detects the arrangement position of the printing apparatus 114 each time the medium is conveyed, so that the printing apparatus 114 can print on the medium even if the printing apparatus 114 is moved during the medium conveying. Whether or not it can be appropriately determined. If the printing device 114 is prohibited from being moved during the medium transfer, the control unit 161 may return the process to step S104. As a result, the medium transfer device 100 can reduce the processing load of the medium reading process.

On the other hand, when no medium remains on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 stops the first motor 141 (step S118) and ends a series of steps.

In the medium reading process, the processes of steps S111 to S114 may be omitted.

As described in detail above, the medium transport device 100 compares the media position detected from the input image obtained by capturing the image of the transported medium with the arrangement position of the printing device 114, and prints on the conveyed medium. Determine if it is possible. As a result, the medium transfer device 100 can determine whether or not printing is possible on the transferred medium by using the image pickup device 127 for scanning the medium, and the device cost increases. It has become possible to control printing on a medium well while suppressing this.

Further, the medium transport device 100 suppresses printing omission to the media when the set position of the printing device 114 is inappropriate, or when a plurality of media having different sizes are collectively transported. It became possible to do. In addition, the medium transfer device 100 can suppress the injection of ink to an erroneous position, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of ink consumed. As a result, the medium transfer device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

In particular, in the medium transfer device 100, the printing device 114 is arranged on the upstream side of the image pickup device 127. As a result, the medium transfer device 100 can determine whether or not the transferred medium is printed by the printing device 114 based on the input image generated by the image pickup device 127. Therefore, the medium transfer device 100 can appropriately detect the occurrence of ink shortage or ink clogging in the printing device 114 while suppressing the increase in device cost.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the printing device sensor 215 and the like of the medium transport device according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a part of the printer upper housing 110 viewed from above with the cover 110a open.

As shown in FIG. 8, the printing device sensor 215 is an array-shaped sensor that is arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A12 orthogonal to the medium transport direction and detects the printing device 114. Each printing device sensor 215 includes a light emitter 215a and a light receiving device 215b arranged below the printing device 114 (on the medium transport path side). Each light emitter 215a irradiates light (infrared light) upward (cover 110a side). On the other hand, each photoreceiver 215b receives the light irradiated by the corresponding light emitter 215a and reflected by the printing device 114 or the cover 110a. Then, each light receiver 215b generates a detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the time from the light emitting device 215a irradiating the light to the light receiving device 215b receiving the light is less than the threshold value. Output. The threshold value is the time until the photoreceiver 215b receives light when the printing device 114 is present at the position facing each printing device sensor 215, and the light receiver 215b is light when the printing device 114 is not present at that position. Is set to a value between the time until light is received.

That is, when the time until the light receiver 215b receives light is less than the threshold value, the signal value of the detection signal indicates that the printing device 114 is present at the position facing the printing device sensor 215. On the other hand, when the time until the light receiver 215b receives light is equal to or longer than the threshold value, the signal value of the detection signal indicates that the printing device 114 does not exist at the position facing the printing device sensor 215. As described above, the detection signal is a signal indicating whether or not the printing device 114 is present at the position where each printing device sensor 215 is arranged.

A reflection member such as a mirror is provided at a position facing each light emitter 215a and each light receiver 215b with the printing device 114 interposed therebetween, and each light receiver 215b is irradiated by the corresponding light emitter 215a, and the printing device 114 or The light reflected by the reflective member may be received. In that case, each light receiver 215b may generate an electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light as a third medium signal. When the printing device 114 is present at a position facing the printing device sensor 215, the light emitted by the light emitter 215a is shielded by the printing device 114. Therefore, the signal value of the third medium signal changes depending on whether the printing device 114 is present or not at the position facing the printing device sensor 215.

Further, each light emitter and a light receiver may be arranged above the printing device 114 (on the cover 110a side), and each light emitting device may irradiate light downward (on the medium transport path side). Further, the light emitters and the light receivers are arranged so as to face each other vertically with the position where the printing device 114 is arranged, and each light emitter may irradiate light toward each light receiver. In that case, each light receiver generates a signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the intensity of the received light is equal to or higher than the threshold value as a detection signal. The thresholds are the intensity of the light received by the photoreceiver 215b when the printing device 114 is present at the position facing each printing device sensor 215, and the light received by the photoreceiver 215b when the printing device 114 is not present at that position. Is set to a value between the intensity of.

Further, a contact detection sensor may be used as each printing device sensor 215. In that case, each printing device sensor 215 includes, for example, a push-in switch that is pressed toward the printing device 114 side by a spring or the like and is pushed to the opposite side of the printing device 114 when it comes into contact with the printing device 114. Each printing device sensor 215 generates a signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not each pushing switch is pushed to the opposite side of the printing device 114 as a detection signal.

Further, even if a conductor such as metal is attached to the printing device 114, and as each printing device sensor 215, an inductive proximity sensor including a coil and detecting magnetic loss due to an eddy current generated on the conductor surface is used. good. In that case, each printing device sensor 215 generates a signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the magnitude of the impedance in the coil is equal to or greater than the threshold value as a detection signal. The threshold value is set to a value between the magnitude of the impedance when the printing apparatus 114 is present at the position facing each printing apparatus sensor 215 and the magnitude of the impedance when the printing apparatus 114 is not present at that position.

Further, a magnet is attached to the printing device 114, and as each printing device sensor 215, a magnetic sensor that detects the magnitude of the field (magnetic field) between the printing device 114 and the printing device sensor 215 may be used. In that case, each printing device sensor 215 generates a signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the magnitude of the magnetic field between the printing device 114 and the printing device sensor 215 is equal to or greater than the threshold value as a detection signal. The threshold value is set to a value between the magnitude of the magnetic field when the printing device 114 is present at the position facing each printing device sensor 215 and the magnitude of the magnetic field when the printing device 114 is not present at that position.

When the printing device sensor 215 is used, in step S103 of FIG. 6, the detection unit 162 acquires a detection signal from each of the plurality of printing device sensors 215. The detection unit 162 detects the arrangement position of the printing device 114 depending on whether or not the signal value of the detection signal acquired from each printing device sensor 215 indicates that the printing device 114 is present at the position of each printing device sensor 215. do.

As described above, the detection unit 162 detects the arrangement position of the printing device 114 in the width direction A12 based on the detection results of the plurality of printing device sensors 215. The array-shaped sensor is relatively inexpensive, and the medium transfer device can reduce the device cost of the medium transfer device by using the array-shaped sensor.

As described in detail above, the medium transfer device can satisfactorily control printing on the medium while suppressing an increase in the device cost even when the array sensor is used.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the printing device sensor 315 and the like of the medium transport device according to still another embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a part of the printer upper housing 110 viewed from above with the cover 110a open.

As shown in FIG. 9, the printing device sensor 315 is an image pickup sensor that generates an image in which the movable range of the printing device 114 is captured. The printing device sensor 315 is arranged on the upstream side of the printing device 114 so as to take an image of the printing device 114 side. The printing device sensor 315 may be arranged on the downstream side of the printing device 114 so as to take an image of the printing device 114 side. The printing device sensor 315 generates and outputs a printing device image that captures the movable range of the printing device 114.

When the printing device sensor 315 is used, in step S103 of FIG. 6, the detection unit 162 acquires the printing device image from the printing device sensor 315. The detection unit 162 detects the position including the printing device 114 in the printing device image by using, for example, a known pattern matching technique. The medium transfer device 100 stores in advance the sample image captured by the printing device 114 in the storage device 150. The detection unit 162 cuts out a region having the same size as the sample image while shifting the cutout position in the printing apparatus image, and calculates the degree of similarity between the cutout region and the sample image. As a degree of similarity, for example, a normalized cross-correlation value is used. The detection unit 162 determines that the printing device 114 is included in the area having the maximum calculated degree of similarity in the printing device image, and determines that the actual position in the medium transporting device 100 corresponding to the area is the printing device 114. Detected as the placement position of.

As described above, the detection unit 162 detects the arrangement position of the printing device 114 in the width direction A12 based on the printing device image generated by the printing device sensor 315. The detection unit 162 can flexibly detect the arrangement position of the printing device 114 by using the image pickup sensor, and can detect the arrangement position of each printing device 114 even when the medium transporting device 100 has a plurality of printing devices 114, for example. ..

As described in detail above, the medium transfer device can satisfactorily control printing on the medium while suppressing an increase in the device cost even when the image pickup sensor is used.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a medium transfer device 400 according to another embodiment.

The medium transfer device 400 has each part of the medium transfer device 100, and has a printer unit 402 instead of the printer unit 102. The printer unit 402 includes a printer lower housing 409, a printer upper housing 410, and the like.

The lower housing 105 of the main body is mounted on the printer unit 402 so as to be detachably engaged with the printer unit 402. The printer unit 402 is formed in an L shape. The lower housing 105 of the main body has a side surface and a lower surface on the discharge table 104 side, respectively, on the side surface on the mounting table 103 side of the portion extending in the substantially vertical direction of the printer unit 402 and the upper surface of the portion extending in the substantially horizontal direction. Arranged to abut. The upper housing 106 of the main body is arranged so that the side surface of the discharge table 104 side comes into contact with the side surface of the printer unit 402 on the mounting table 103 side.

The printer unit 402 is an imprinter that prints predetermined information on a conveyed medium. The printer upper housing 410 is arranged at a position that covers the upper surface of the printer unit 402, and is engaged with the printer lower housing 409 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when the medium is blocked, that is, when cleaning the inside of the printer unit 402, or the like. There is. The printer unit 402 may not be configured separately from the main body 101, but may be integrally configured with the main body 101.

The mounting table 103 is engaged with the lower housing 105 of the main body so that the medium to be transported can be mounted. The ejection table 104 is engaged with the printer upper housing 410 so as to be able to hold the ejected medium. The discharge table 104 is provided so as to be foldable so as to face the front surface (printer upper housing 410) of the medium transfer device 400.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 400.

The transfer path inside the medium transfer device 400 is such that the first medium sensor 411, the ninth transfer roller 412, the tenth transfer roller 413, the printing device 414, the printing device sensor 415, the eleventh transfer roller 416, and the first medium transfer roller 411 are arranged inside the printer unit 402. It has 12 transport rollers 417 and the like. Further, this transport path has each part of the main body 101 of the medium transport device 100. However, the second medium sensor 121 detects whether or not the medium is mounted on the mounting table 103, and the signal value is measured depending on whether the medium is mounted or not mounted on the mounting table 103. A changing second medium signal is generated and output. Further, the third transport roller 122 and the fourth transport roller 123 function as a feed roller and a brake roller, and the fourth transport roller 123 rotates in the direction A13 opposite to the feed direction of the medium.

The main body 101 is fitted with the printer unit 402 by fitting the claws 418 provided on the upper surface of the lower housing 409 of the printer into the recess 132 via the holes 131 provided on the lower surface of the lower housing 105 of the main body. Be engaged. When the main body 101 is engaged with the printer unit 402, the medium discharge port of the main body 101 faces the medium inlet of the printer unit 402. The upper surfaces of the main body lower housing 105 and the printer lower housing 409 form the lower guide 420a of the medium transport path, and the lower surfaces of the main body upper housing 106 and the printer upper housing 410 are the media transport paths. The upper guide 420b is formed. The printer upper housing 410 has a cover 410a that can be opened and closed, and the user can move the arrangement position of the printing device 414 by opening the cover 410a.

The first medium sensor 411 is arranged on the downstream side of the seventh transfer roller 128 and the eighth transfer roller 129 and on the downstream side of the ninth transfer roller 412 and the tenth transfer roller 413. The first medium sensor 411 has the same configuration as the third medium sensor 126, and detects whether or not a medium is present at that position.

The printing device 414 and the printing device sensor 415 have the same configurations as the printing device 114 and the

printing device sensor

115, 215 or 315, respectively. However, the printing device 414 and the printing device sensor 415 are arranged in the upper housing 410 of the printer on the downstream side of the image pickup device 127 in the medium transport direction A1. As a result, the image pickup apparatus 127 can read the medium before being printed by the printing apparatus 414, and the medium transfer apparatus 400 can store an image that does not include the printing result by the printing apparatus 414.

The eleventh transfer roller 416 and the twelfth transfer roller 417 are arranged on the most downstream side of the rollers included in the medium transfer device 400, and function as discharge rollers for discharging the medium to the discharge table 104. The shaft that supports the 11th transfer roller 416 and / or the 12th transfer roller 417 as a rotation axis can swing along the transfer surface of the medium transfer path around one end of the width direction A12 according to the control from the processing circuit 160. It is provided in. That is, the 11th transfer roller 416 and / or the 12th transfer roller 417 is provided so that the discharge direction of the medium can be changed according to the control from the processing circuit 160.

In the medium mounted on the mounting table 103, the third transport roller 122, which functions as a feeding roller, rotates in the direction of the arrow A6 in FIG. 11 to move the medium between the lower guide 420a and the upper guide 420b in the medium transport direction. It is transported toward A1. The fourth transfer roller 123, which functions as a brake roller, rotates in the direction of arrow A13 when the medium is transferred. When a plurality of media are mounted on the mounting table 103 by the action of the third transport roller 122 and the fourth transport roller 123, they come into contact with the third transport roller 122 among the media mounted on the mounting table 103. Only the medium is separated.

The medium is guided by the lower guide 420a and the upper guide 420b, and the fifth to sixth transport rollers 124 to 125 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 to A9, respectively, whereby the first image pickup device 127a and the second image pickup device 127a and the second image pickup device. It is sent during 127b. The medium read by the image pickup apparatus 127 is sent to the position of the printing apparatus 414 by rotating the seventh to tenth transport rollers 128 to 129, 421 to 413 in the directions of the arrows A10 to A11 and A13 to A14, respectively. The medium printed by the printing apparatus 414 is discharged onto the discharge table 104 by rotating the eleventh to twelfth transfer rollers 416 to 417 in the directions of the arrows A15 to A16, respectively. The third to twelfth transport rollers 122 to 125, 128 to 129, 421 to 413, and 416 to 417 are examples of transport units for transporting the medium.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium transfer device 400.

The medium transfer device 400 further includes a first motor 441, a second motor 442, an interface device 143, a storage device 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like, in addition to the above-described configuration. The interface device 143, the storage device 150, and the processing circuit 160 have the same configurations as the interface device 143, the storage device 150, and the processing circuit 160 included in the medium transfer device 100.

The first motor 441 includes one or a plurality of motors, and drives the third to twelfth transfer rollers 122 to 125, 128 to 129, 421 to 413, and 416 to 417 by a control signal from the processing circuit 160. Rotate to feed and transport the medium.

The second motor 442 receives a control signal from the processing circuit 160 to support a shaft that supports the eleventh transport roller 416 and / or the twelfth transport roller 417 as a rotation axis, and the transport surface of the medium transport path centering on one end in the width direction A12. Rotate along. As a result, the second motor 442 changes the discharge direction of the medium by the 11th transfer roller 416 and the 12th transfer roller 417.

13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium transport device 400.

The medium reading process shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is executed in place of the medium reading process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The processing of steps S201 to S208 and S215 to S216 of the flowchart shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is the same as the processing of steps S101 to S108 and S117 to S118 of the flowchart shown in FIGS. Is omitted.

However, in steps S202 and S215, the control unit 161 acquires the second medium signal from the second medium sensor 121, and based on the acquired second medium signal, whether or not the medium is mounted on the mounting table 103. To judge. Further, in step S203, the detection unit 162 acquires a detection signal from the printing device sensor 415, and detects the arrangement position of the printing device 414 based on the acquired detection signal. Further, in step S204, the control unit 161 drives and rotates the first motor 441 to rotate the third to twelfth transport rollers 122 to 125, 128 to 129, 421 to 413, 416 to 417, and causes the medium. Is delivered and transported. Further, in step S216, the control unit 161 stops the first motor 441.

Hereinafter, the processing of steps S209 to S214 will be described. When the determination unit 163 determines in step S208 that printing cannot be performed on the medium, the control unit 161 executes an abnormality process (step S209). As an abnormality process, the control unit 161 stops printing on the medium by the printing device 414, and shifts the process to step S212. In this case, the control unit 161 does not execute the processes of steps S210 to S211. Further, the control unit 161 may execute each process described in step S109 of FIGS. 6 and 7 as an error process. When changing the ejection position of the medium as an abnormal process, the control unit 161 drives the second motor 442 to change the ejection direction of the medium by the eleventh and

twelfth transport rollers

416 and 417 from the initial direction. The process proceeds to step S212.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 163 determines that printing is possible on the medium, the control unit 161 determines whether or not predetermined information has been printed on the medium, and the tip of the medium has passed the print position of the printing device 414. Whether or not it is determined (step S210). When the control unit 161 periodically receives the first medium signal from the first medium sensor 411 and the signal value of the first medium signal changes from a value indicating that the medium does not exist to a value indicating that the medium exists. , It is determined that the tip of the medium has passed the position of the first medium sensor 411. The control unit 161 determines that the tip of the medium has passed the printing position of the printing device 414 when the fourth predetermined time has elapsed since the tip of the medium passed the position of the first medium sensor 411. The fourth predetermined time is set to a value obtained by dividing the distance from the position of the first medium sensor 411 to the printing position by the transfer speed of the medium by the first motor 441 and adding a margin. The control unit 161 may determine whether or not the print area of the medium designated by the user, not the tip of the medium, has passed the print position.

If the predetermined information has been printed on the medium, or if the tip of the medium has not passed through the print position of the printing device 414, the control unit 161 shifts the process to step S212.

On the other hand, when the predetermined information has not been printed on the medium and the tip of the medium has passed the printing position of the printing apparatus 414, the control unit 161 performs the same as the process of step S110 in FIG. The printing device 414 is controlled to print predetermined information on the medium (step S211).

Next, the output control unit 165 determines whether or not the scanned image has been generated and whether or not the rear end of the medium has passed the image pickup position of the image pickup device 127 (step S212). The output control unit 165 determines whether or not the rear end of the medium has passed the image pickup position of the image pickup apparatus 127 in the same manner as in the process of step S115 of FIG. If the scanned image has already been generated, or if the rear end of the medium has not passed the image pickup position of the image pickup apparatus 127, the output control unit 165 shifts the process to step S214.

On the other hand, when the scanned image has not been generated yet and the rear end of the medium has passed the image pickup position of the image pickup apparatus 127, the output control unit 165 performs the same process as in step S116 of FIG. A scanned image is generated and output (step S213).

Next, the control unit 161 determines whether or not the predetermined information has been printed on the medium and whether or not the scanned image has been generated (step S214). If the predetermined information has not been printed on the medium or the scanned image has not been generated yet, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S210 and repeats the processes of steps S210 to S214. On the other hand, when the predetermined information has been printed on the medium and the scanned image has been generated, the control unit 161 shifts the process to step S215. When printing on the medium by the printing apparatus 414 is stopped in step S209, the control unit 161 shifts the process to step S215 only on condition that the scanned image has already been generated.

As described in detail above, even when the printing device 414 is arranged on the downstream side of the image pickup device 127, the medium transfer device 400 satisfactorily controls printing on the medium while suppressing an increase in the device cost. It became possible to do.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 560 in a medium transfer device according to another embodiment. The processing circuit 560 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 of the medium transfer device 100 or the medium transfer device 400, and executes the medium reading process in place of the processing circuit 160. The processing circuit 560 includes a control circuit 561, a detection circuit 562, a determination circuit 563, a print determination circuit 564, an output control circuit 565, and the like. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, a microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

The control circuit 561 is an example of the control unit and has the same function as the control unit 161. The control circuit 561 receives an operation signal from the operation device 107, a first medium signal from the first

medium sensor

111 or 411, and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 121, and determines whether or not to print from the storage device 150. And read out the judgment result of printing on the medium. The control circuit 561 is connected to the

first motor

141 or 441, the

second motor

142 or 442, and the

printing device

114 or 414 so as to control the transfer and printing of the medium according to each received signal and the read determination result. Output a control signal. In particular, the control circuit 561 executes an abnormality process when the printability determination result indicates that printing cannot be performed on the medium.

The detection circuit 562 is an example of the detection unit and has the same function as the detection unit 162. The detection circuit 562 receives a detection signal or a printing device image from the

printing device sensor

115, 215, 315 or 415, and detects the arrangement position of the

printing device

114 or 414 based on the received detection signal or the printing device image. The detection result is stored in the storage device 150.

The determination circuit 563 is an example of the determination unit and has the same function as the determination unit 163. The determination circuit 563 receives the input image from the image pickup device 127, and reads out the detection result of the arrangement position of the

printing device

114 or 414 from the storage device 150. The determination circuit 563 determines whether or not printing is possible on the medium based on the received input image and the read detection result, and stores the determination result in the storage device 150.

The print determination circuit 564 is an example of the print determination unit and has the same function as the print determination unit 164. The print determination circuit 564 receives an input image from the image pickup apparatus 127, determines whether or not printing is performed on the medium based on the received input image, and stores the determination result in the storage device 150.

The output control circuit 565 is an example of the output control unit and has the same function as the output control unit 165. The output control circuit 565 receives the third medium signal from the third medium sensor 126, and receives the input image from the image pickup apparatus 127 according to the third medium signal. The output control circuit 565 generates a read image based on the received input image and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 143.

As described in detail above, the medium transfer device 100 or the medium transfer device 400 can satisfactorily control printing on a medium while suppressing an increase in device cost even when the processing circuit 560 is used. It became.

100, 400 media transfer device, 112 feed roller, 113 brake roller, 114 printing device, 115, 215, 315, 415 printing device sensor, 116 first transfer roller, 117 second transfer roller, 122 third transfer roller, 123 4th transfer roller, 124 5th transfer roller, 125 6th transfer roller, 127 image pickup device, 128 7th transfer roller, 129 8th transfer roller, 161 control unit, 162 detection unit, 163 judgment unit, 164 print judgment unit, 165 Output control unit, 412 9th transfer roller, 413 10th transfer roller, 416 11th transfer roller, 417 12th transfer roller

Claims

A transport unit that transports the medium and
A printing unit that is movably provided in a direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction and that prints on the transport medium.
A detection unit that detects the placement position of the printing unit in a direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction, and a detection unit.
An image pickup unit that captures an image of the transported medium and generates an input image,
A determination unit that compares the media position detected from the input image with the arrangement position and determines whether or not printing by the printing unit is possible on the medium.
A control unit that executes an abnormality process when it is determined by the determination unit that printing cannot be performed on the medium.
A medium transfer device characterized by having.
The medium transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit is arranged on the upstream side of the image pickup unit in the medium transfer direction.
Further, it has a print determination unit for determining whether or not printing by the printing unit is performed on the conveyed medium based on the input image.
The medium transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes a second abnormality process when the print determination unit determines that the medium is not printed by the print unit.
It also has a sensor that measures the distance from the predetermined position to the printing unit.
The medium transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit detects the arrangement position based on the distance.
Further having a plurality of sensors arranged at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction and detecting the printed portion.
The medium transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit detects the arrangement position based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors.
It further has a sensor that generates an image that captures the movable range of the printing unit.
The medium transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit detects the arrangement position based on the generated image.
The medium transfer device according to claim 1, further comprising an output control unit that outputs an image based on the input image.
The arrangement position of the transport unit for transporting the medium, the printing unit movably provided in the direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction and printing on the transported medium, and the printing unit in the direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction. It is a control method of a medium transport device having a detection unit for detecting and an image pickup unit for capturing an image of a conveyed medium to generate an input image.
By comparing the medium position detected from the input image with the arrangement position, it is determined whether or not printing by the printing unit is possible on the medium.
If it is determined that printing is not possible on the medium, an error process is executed.
A control method characterized by that.
The arrangement position of the transport unit for transporting the medium, the printing unit movably provided in the direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction and printing on the transported medium, and the printing unit in the direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction. A control program for a medium transport device having a detection unit for detection and an image pickup unit that captures an image of a conveyed medium to generate an input image.
By comparing the medium position detected from the input image with the arrangement position, it is determined whether or not printing by the printing unit is possible on the medium.
If it is determined that printing is not possible on the medium, an error process is executed.
A control program characterized by causing the medium transfer device to execute the above.