JP2001121794A - Printer to fixed form paper - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply printing to a postcard or the like in such a state that inside and outside or a direction is correct. SOLUTION: A postcard printer 10 reads the image reading program 20, image confirming program 21, postcard surface postal code frame position data 22, inside and outside judging program 23, postcard surface top and bottom judging program 24 and unjust setting warning program 25 stored in a recording medium 12 through an external memory medium input and output device 19 to develop them on a program memory 13. A CPU 11 reads a postcard postal code frame 31 according to the indication of printing processing to an operation part 14 in the image reading part 17 mounted on the printer carriage of a printing part 16 to judge the inside and outside as well as top and bottom of a postcard on the basis of the presence of the postal code frame. When the set state of the postcard is judged to be not correct, a warning is issued by a display part 15 and, when the postcard is judged to be accurately set, printing is applied to the postcard in the printing part 16.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for printing on a fixed-size sheet such as a post-processor, which prints the contents of the fixed-side sheet on the front and back sides, such as a word processor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in word processors and the like,
It is often printed on postcards as standard paper. Postcards need to be printed in relatively large quantities, for example, for greetings during the season such as New Year's postcards, for congratulations on congratulations, or for relocation or relocation. Addresses and texts to be printed are created by a document creation function of the word processor. It is desired that the word processor also has a function of printing the contents of a created document on a fixed sheet of paper such as a postcard.

In the case of a postcard, an address is printed on the front surface,
Although the text is printed on the back side, the determination of the front and back is often made based on the postal code frame printed on the front side of the postcard. The position and color of the postal code frame are determined according to a preset standard, and it is demanded that an information processing device such as a word processor has a function of correctly and accurately printing a postal code in the frame. . In general,
If the size of the characters to be printed, the pitch between the characters, and the like are correctly set, the postal code can be correctly printed in the postal code frame by adjusting the printing position to the position of the postal code frame. Recently, some word processors on the market are equipped with an image reading device such as a scanner, and use the installed image reading device to support the printing of zip codes in the zip code frame. is there.

For example, the LX-9500SD, a word processor manufactured by Fujitsu Limited, has a function of "recognizing the set position of printing paper" using an image reading device.

FIG. 9 shows an outline of a function of "recognizing a set position of a printing paper". In a word processor having this function, an image reading device 4 is attached to an ink ribbon 3 provided on a print carriage 2 which is a print head for performing printing on paper 1 to be printed. FIG.
If the paper 1 is correctly set at the reference position as shown in (1), the state of the paper 1 is changed to a state where the margin 6 is appropriately provided around the predetermined print area 5 as shown in FIG. , And a good print result is obtained. In the margin 6, the correct value of the left margin between the left side of the sheet 1 and the left side of the print area 5 is A. As shown in FIG.
Is set on the left side of the reference position, FIG.
As shown in (4), the left margin value B becomes larger than the correct left margin value A, and the print area 5 is shifted to the right with respect to the sheet 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (5), if the paper 1 is arbitrarily set with respect to the reference position,
As shown in (6), the correct left margin value A for paper 1
The left margin value C is smaller than the left margin value C, and the print area 5 is shifted to the left as a whole with respect to the paper 1.

A function of “recognizing the set position of the printing paper” using the image reading device 4 corrects the positional deviation of the printing area 5 as shown in (3) to (6) of FIG.
The image reading device 4 takes an image of the sheet 1 set when printing, recognizes the position where the sheet 1 is set, determines the left end of the sheet 1 serving as a printing reference, and sets The deviation is corrected. However, this only uses the information obtained from the image reading device 4 to correct the set position of the paper 1, and cannot use it for determining the front and back of the paper 1.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-75858 discloses that
In a mail address reading / sorting machine, a red image of the front surface of a postcard or the like is read using a scanner as an image reading device, the coordinates of the read image are detected, and a fixed image stored in advance is read. A technique has been proposed in which whether or not the postcard is a new year postcard with a lottery is determined by collating the information with the position information, and high-speed processing is performed on the new year's postcard with a lottery postcard. However, this proposed technique is intended for a postcard on which an address or the like has already been printed, and in order to print the address or the like, it is necessary to determine whether the paper setting method is correct or not, and to perform printing based on the determination result. Nothing is shown about changing the method of controlling the processing.

[0008]

When printing on a New Year's postcard or the like with a word processor or the like, it is necessary to correctly set the postcard as printing paper. If the front and back and up and down directions are not set correctly, the text may be printed on the front side where the address is to be printed, or the address may be printed on the back side where the text is to be printed. In addition, there is a possibility that the address is printed upside down. In addition, in a printing device such as a word processor, it is not always easy to understand the relationship between the front and back sides and the vertical direction of the surface on which printing is performed on printing paper, and the relationship between the front and back and up and down when setting the printing paper to be printed. is there. For this reason, when a user such as a word processor sets printing paper, there is a possibility that the front and back and up and down directions are mistaken. Further, when a plurality of printing papers can be set together, there may be a case where some of the stacked printing papers have the wrong front / back or up / down direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus for printing on fixed-size paper, such as a postcard, which can perform printing under correct conditions.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a printing apparatus which prints on a pre-printed fixed form paper in relation to the print contents, based on the shape and direction of the fixed form paper. Condition setting means for setting printing conditions in advance, imaging means for imaging the printing surface of the printing paper set for printing, and printing wherein the image of the printing surface imaged by the imaging means is set in the condition setting means. A condition judging unit for judging whether or not the printing paper satisfies the printing condition by comparing with a condition, and printing is executed when the printing condition is satisfied in response to a result of the judgment by the condition judging unit. And a printing unit for issuing a warning when the printing conditions are not satisfied.

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for performing printing on fixed-size paper on which printing is performed in advance, in relation to the content of the printing, a condition setting means, an imaging means, a condition determining means, and a printing means. And In the condition setting means, printing conditions based on the shape and direction of the standard paper are set in advance. The imaging unit captures an image of a printing surface of a printing paper set for printing. The condition determining unit compares the image of the printing surface captured by the imaging unit with the printing condition set in the condition setting unit, and determines whether the printing paper satisfies the printing condition. The printing means is a result of the judgment by the condition judging means,
When the printing conditions are satisfied, the printing is executed, and when the printing conditions are not satisfied, a warning is issued. If the printing conditions are not satisfied, a warning is issued. Therefore, according to the warning, the setting state of the printing paper is reviewed, errors can be corrected, and printing can be performed under correct conditions.

Further, in the present invention, the condition setting means sets printing conditions based on the shape of a postcard as the fixed size paper and the front and back and up and down directions.

According to the present invention, the condition setting means sets the printing conditions based on the shape of the postcard as the fixed size paper and the front and back and up and down directions, so that printing on the postcard is performed so that the front and back and up and down directions are correct. It can be carried out.

In the present invention, the condition determining means determines the front and back of the postcard based on the presence or absence of a print content to be printed at a predetermined position on the front surface of the postcard. Is satisfied, the printing is executed, and if not, a warning that the predetermined front and back sides are reversed is issued.

According to the present invention, the front and back of a postcard are determined based on the presence or absence of a print content to be printed at a predetermined position on the front surface of the postcard. That is, if such a print content is printed, it can be determined that the front side of the postcard exists, and if there is no print content, it can be determined that the back side of the postcard exists. Since the printing unit executes printing when the printing conditions for the front and back of the postcard are satisfied,
Printing can be performed only when the front and back sides are correctly set. If the front and back are not set correctly,
Since the warning that the front and back are reversed is given, the user can invert the front and back of the postcard and print on the correct side.

In the present invention, the print content to be printed at a predetermined position on the front surface of the postcard is a postal code frame, the image pickup means picks up an image of a leading portion of the printing paper, and the printing means outputs the postal code. The printing for the front surface of the postcard is performed on the printing surface of the printing paper on which the frame is imaged.

According to the present invention, the postal code frame printed on the upper surface of the postcard is imaged for surface determination, and if the postal code frame is imaged, printing for the front surface of the postcard is performed. The front part of the printing paper is imaged, and if the postal code frame is imaged, printing for the front side is performed. If the postal code frame is imaged, printing for the front surface of the postcard can be performed immediately.

Further, in the present invention, the printing means includes a print head for performing printing while sending the postcard, the imaging means is mounted on the print head, and the printing means sends the postcard in a forward direction to set a leading portion. An image is taken, and when the printing condition is satisfied, printing is started after returning the postcard in the reverse direction by a predetermined amount.

According to the present invention, the postcard is sent to determine the front and back and up / down of the postcard, and the postal code frame is imaged.
Printing can be started after returning the postcard.

In the present invention, when the postal code frame is not imaged by the imaging means, the printing means issues a warning indicating that the setting direction of the printing paper is reversed.

According to the present invention, when the frame of the postal code is not imaged at the top of the printing paper set for printing, a warning that the paper setting direction is reversed is issued. Printing for the front side in a state where the number frame is not imaged can be avoided.

Further, in the present invention, the printing means performs the printing for the front side of the postcard in a reverse direction when the postal code frame is not imaged by the imaging means.

According to the present invention, when the postal code frame is not picked up at the top of the printing paper, the printing for the front side of the postcard is performed in the reverse direction. If there is no mistake on the front and back, printing can be performed automatically in the correct direction.

Further, in the present invention, the printing means performs printing for the back side of a postcard on the printing paper when the postal code frame is not imaged by the imaging means.

According to the present invention, when the postal code frame is not imaged at the beginning of the postcard, printing for the back side of the postcard is performed on the printing paper. Even if there is, printing can be performed correctly.

In the present invention, the image pickup means picks up an image of a rear end portion of the printing paper after printing by the printing means,
When the postal code frame is imaged at the rear end portion, the printing unit issues a warning that the setting direction of the postcard is upside down.

According to the present invention, the postal code frame is not picked up at the head of the postcard, and the postcard is determined to be the front surface, and the printing is performed with the printing direction changed, but the rear end of the postcard is printed. If the postal code frame is not imaged, or it is determined that the postal code frame is on the back of the postcard, and the postal code frame is imaged at the back end of the postcard, the warning that the postcard is set incorrectly and the printing is also incorrect To indicate that the postcard should be set correctly.

Further, in the present invention, the imaging means takes an image of the entire printing surface of the printing paper, and the condition judging means comprises:
Whether the printing paper is a postcard or not, if it is a postcard, determine the front and back sides and the vertical direction, and the printing unit performs printing only when the result of the judgment by the condition judgment unit matches the content to be printed. It is characterized in that it executes the process, and when it does not match, gives a warning to that effect.

According to the present invention, the entire postcard is imaged by the imaging means, and the front and back and up and down directions are judged by the condition judging means based on the whole image, and the judgment result of the condition judging means is the printing content by the printing means. Is executed only when the print job matches, and a warning is issued when the print job does not match, so that printing can be performed only in a correct state.

Further, in the present invention, the imaging means takes an image of the entire printing surface of the printing paper, and the overall condition determining means comprises:
Whether the printing paper is a postcard, if it is a postcard, determine the front and back and up and down directions, and the printing means performs printing by selecting a print content according to the result of the determination by the condition determining means. I do.

According to the present invention, the image pickup means picks up an image of the entire printing surface of the printing paper, and the condition judgment means judges whether or not the card is a postcard. Since the printing means prints the print contents in accordance with the judgment result of the condition judging means, the printing can be performed in a state suitable for the front and back of the postcard and in the vertical direction.

Further, according to the present invention, since a program for operating a computer is recorded on a recording medium as a printing apparatus for printing on fixed-size paper according to any one of the above-described configurations, software such as a word processor of the computer can be used. Printing can be performed at a correct position on a fixed-size sheet such as a postcard.

[0033]

FIG. 1 shows a schematic electrical configuration of a postcard printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Basic processing as the postcard printing apparatus 10 is performed by a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) 11. A program for causing the CPU 11 to operate as the postcard printing apparatus 10 is supplied by the recording medium 12, read out to the program memory 13, and expanded.
The recording medium 12 stores a program and specific data, is readable by a computer, and is separable from the main body of the postcard printing apparatus 10. As such a recording medium, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk abbreviated as FD, a hard disk abbreviated as HD, or an IC
Program media such as cards are available. Also, it can be downloaded using a communication network such as the Internet.

The postcard printing apparatus 10 includes an operation unit 14 such as a keyboard for inputting and editing data, and a liquid crystal display (LC) for displaying the input and edited data.
D) and a display unit 15 such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a printing unit 16 such as a printer for printing the address (front side) or the body (back side) of a postcard, and an image pickup for reading a part of the set postcard as an image. An image reading section 17 such as a scanner as a means, an image image recognizing section 18 for analyzing an image read by the image reading section 17 and the like are also provided. The image image recognition unit 18 recognizes whether or not the read image includes a red print and the position information of the image present in the image. The programs and data stored in the recording medium 12 are read by an external storage medium input / output device 19 such as an FD drive or a CD-ROM drive, and are expanded in the program memory 13.

The recording medium 12 includes an image reading program 20, an image image recognition program 21, a postcard surface postal code frame position data 22, a postcard front / back determination program 23, a postcard surface top / bottom determination program 24, a fraudulent setting warning program 25, An address print data rotation program 26 and the like are stored. The image reading program 20 converts the set postcard into the image reading unit 1.
The image data is read at step 7 and captured as image data. The image recognition program 21 performs a color analysis on the captured image and recognizes position information of the image existing in the image. The postcard surface postcode frame position data 22 indicates the position of the postcode frame printed on the postcard surface. The postcard front / back determination program 23 determines the front / back of the postcard from information about the position of the postcode frame based on the postcard front postcode frame position data 22 and the color information analyzed by the image / image recognition program 21. The postcard surface top / bottom determination program 24 collates the position information of the image recognized by the image recognition program 21 with the position data of the postal code frame obtained from the postcard surface postal code frame position data 22, and reads the image within the read image. The upper and lower sides of the postcard are determined by using whether or not a postal code frame exists in the postcard. The improper setting warning program 25 issues a warning to the effect that a surface suitable for the printing function to be executed has not been set. The address print data rotation program 26 reverses the direction of the address print data when it is determined by the postcard surface top / bottom determination program 24 that the direction is upside down, and prints from the opposite direction.

FIG. 2 shows an outline of a postcard 30, which is a fixed-size sheet to be printed in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, a postal code frame 31 and a stamp unit 32 are provided above the surface of the postcard 30. The position of the postal code frame 31 is provided at a predetermined position in relation to an automatic reader of a postal code or the like. Stamp part 32
Is accurate, but the design varies depending on the type of postcard. For example, the design differs between a normal postcard and a New Year postcard. In contrast, the postal code frame 31
Is a rectangular and red frame in which 7-digit numbers are entered one by one, and is easy to recognize. Image reading unit 17 in FIG.
Is set to include the postal code frame 31. In the New Year's postcard, a lottery portion 34 also exists below the surface as a printing area for a lottery or a sender's postal code frame. There is also a postal code frame for the sender. FIG.
As shown in (2), in a normal postcard, the lottery portion 34 does not exist below the surface. FIG. 2 (3)
An example of an address 35 and a postal code 36 to be printed on the surface of the postcard 30 shown in (1) or FIG. 2 (2) is shown. FIG.
As shown in (1) or FIG. 2 (2), if the surface of the postcard 30 is set correctly, the postal code 36 fits in the postal code frame 31, and the address 35 is printed in the correct direction. Note that a print character 37 such as “postcard” is also printed on the upper part of the postcard 30.

FIG. 3 shows a basic printing procedure as a first embodiment of the postcard printing apparatus 10 of FIG. At step a1, an instruction for a printing process for the postcard 30 is issued. At this time, the number of prints is also specified. When the postcard 30 is set, in step a2, the state of the front, back, top and bottom of the sheet of the set postcard 30 is checked. In step a3, it is determined whether or not the checked state is set correctly as the surface to be printed at that time. If it is determined that the surface is not correct, a warning process such as sounding a buzzer or displaying a warning message on the display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal display is performed in step a4. In step a5, "execute"
It is determined whether or not a key pressing operation has been performed. When the user confirms the warning process in step a4, postcard 3
After resetting 0 correctly, the "execute" key is depressed from the operation unit 14 such as a keyboard, and the process returns to step a2 again. If it is determined in step a3 that the surface is correct for printing, the printing process is directly performed in step a6, and the postcard 30 that has been printed is discharged in step a7. In step a8, it is determined whether or not printing has been completed for all the planned number of sheets. When it is determined that the processing has not been completed, the process returns to step a2, and the processing for one sheet from step a2 to step a7 is repeated. When it is determined in step a5 that the “execute” key is not depressed, or when it is determined in step a8 that the total number of sheets has been completed, the procedure of the postcard printing process ends. The “execute” key is an example, and other keys can be used.

In this embodiment, it is preferable that the check of the front and back of the postcard 30 set in step a2 is performed on the entire surface of the postcard 30. However, an apparatus in which the image reading device 4 is provided in the printer carriage 2 as shown in FIG. 9 has a simpler configuration and lowers the manufacturing cost. In the embodiments described below,
It is assumed that the image reading unit 17 is provided in the printer carriage. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the image reading unit 17 may be configured to be mounted on the insertion portion of the printing paper independently of the printer carriage or the like. .

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a processing procedure in which the postcard printing apparatus 10 prints an address on the front surface of a postcard. In step b1, an instruction to print the address on the front of the postcard is issued, and the number of copies is also specified. The postcard is in a state in front of the ink ribbon 3 of the printer carriage 2 as shown in FIG. At this time,
In the apparatus as shown in FIG. 9A, the image reading device 4 is provided at substantially the same position as the ink ribbon 3, so that an image of the surface to be printed can be captured and read. That is, in step b2, as shown in FIG. 2A, the reading area 33 above the postcard 30 is partially read by the image reading unit 17. Next, in step b3,
Recognition of the read image is performed by the image recognition unit 18. Next, the postcard front / back determination program 23
Determines whether there is a red print in the read area in step b4. If the paper of the postcard 30 is correctly set on the front side and the upper and lower sides are correctly set, the postal code frame 3 is displayed in the reading area 33 shown in FIG.
1 is present, and there is a red print content in the read image, which is used to determine the front and back of the postcard 30 paper. If it is determined in step b4 that there is no red printing, a warning process is performed in step b5, the user corrects the setting state of the postcard, and if the "execute" key is pressed in step b6, the process returns to step b2 again. To read the image. If it is determined in step b4 that there is red printing, the address printing process is performed as it is in step b7.
Discharge 0. Next, in step b9, it is determined whether or not the printing of the number specified at the time of the print processing instruction in step b1 has been completed. If it is determined that the processing has not been completed, the process returns to step b2. If the "execute" key is not depressed in step b6, or if it is determined in step b9 that the total number of sheets has been completed, the printing process ends.

In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the front and back of the sheet of the postcard 30 are determined based on whether or not red printing exists in the read image, but the present invention is limited to this method. It is not something to be done. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the print character 3 of "postcard" printed above the postal code frame 31
7 and the presence or absence of the stamp portion 32 such as a stamp portion can also be employed for confirming the surface. In addition, it is possible to make a reliable determination of the front side by combining these print contents.

FIG. 5 shows a print processing procedure of the postcard printing apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 as a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 4, a processing procedure for printing an address on the front surface of the postcard 30 is described. Step c1
, A print processing instruction is issued, and the number of sheets is also specified. In step c2, as shown in FIG. 2A, the reading unit 33 above the postcard 30 is read by the image reading unit 17.
In step c3, the image recognition unit 18 recognizes the read image. In step c4,
It is determined whether or not the reading area 33 has a red print. If there is a red print in the read image by the postcard front / back determination program 23, it can be determined that the front surface of the postcard 30 is set. However, the sheet of the postcard 30 that has been set is the one shown in FIG.
There is also a possibility of a New Year's postcard with the lottery part 34 as shown in FIG. If the lottery part 34 is determined to be the postal code frame 31, the printing process will be performed while the postcard 30 is set upside down. When printing is performed upside down, postcard 3
Zero paper, ink ribbon, etc. are wasted. In order to prevent such waste, at the time of recognizing the image in step c3, position information of the image in the image is obtained, and in step c7, the read image is compared with the position data of the postal code frame 31. It is determined whether or not there is a postal code frame 31 in the box. When it is determined that the postal code frame 31 is present, it is determined that the paper of the postcard 30 is correctly set up and down on the front side, and the address printing process is directly performed in step c8, and the printing is completed in step c9. The postcard 30 is discharged. Thereafter, in step c10, it is checked whether or not all the number of sheets designated at the time of the print processing instruction in step c1 have been printed. If all the sheets have been printed, the printing process is terminated. For example, the process returns to step c2 to perform image reading processing for checking the front and back of the next postcard 30.
After it is determined in step c4 that there is no red printing,
Alternatively, after it is determined in step c7 that the postal code frame 31 does not exist, the warning processing in step c5 and the detection of the depression of the "execute" key in step c6 are performed in b5 and b6 in FIG.
Are performed in the same manner as the respective steps.

FIG. 6 shows a print processing procedure of the postcard printing apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment also shows a processing procedure in the case where an address is printed on the front surface of the postcard 30, as in the embodiments shown in FIGS.
In step d1, an instruction for a printing process for address printing is received, and the number of prints is also specified. Step d2, Step d3, Step d4, Step d5, Step d6, Step d
7, Step d8, Step d9 and Step d10
Steps c2, c3, and c3 in FIG.
Step c4, step c5, step c6, step c7, step c8, step c9, and step c1
0 is performed in the same manner as each step. In the present embodiment, when it is determined in step d7 that the postal code frame 31 does not exist, in step d11, the address data is rotated by 180 °, and then the process proceeds to the printing process in step c8. That is, even if there is a red print in the reading area 33 on the upper surface of the postcard 30 but it is not detected as the postal code frame 31, it is highly likely that the lottery part 34 of the New Year's postcard is detected. It is determined that the front side is set upside down, but the address data to be printed is rotated by 180 ° before printing is performed. The address data to be printed includes an address 35 and a postal code 36 as shown in FIG. 2 (3). The print data is rotated by 180 ° and then printed from below to above.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a processing procedure for printing a text on the back side of a postcard in the postcard printing apparatus 10 of FIG. The processing procedure of this embodiment is as follows.
This is almost the same as the processing procedure of the embodiment of FIG. However,
The point of receiving the print instruction on the back side in the print processing instruction in step e1 is different from the point of receiving the instruction of the address print processing on the front side in step b1 in FIG. 4, and each of the steps e2 and e3 is It is equivalent to each of the steps b2 and b3 in FIG. The point of determining the presence or absence of red printing in step e4 is also equivalent to step b4 in FIG. However, when there is red printing,
It is determined that it is not the back side, and a warning process is performed in step e5, and in step e6, the process waits for the "execution" key to be pressed. If it is determined in step e4 that there is no red printing, it is determined that the print is on the back side, the printing process is performed as it is in step e7, the printed postcard 30 is discharged in step e8, and the total number of sheets is reduced in step e9. It is determined whether or not the process has been completed, and if not, the process returns to step e2.

FIG. 8 shows a print processing procedure of the postcard printing apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 as a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Also in the present embodiment, the body is printed on the back surface of the postcard 30, and in step f1, a print control instruction and the number of copies are received. Step f
2, steps f3, f4, f5, f6 and f7 correspond to steps e2, e3, e4 and e in FIG.
5, equivalent to steps e6 and e7.

In the present embodiment, in steps f2 to f4, the reading area 33 at the head of the postcard 30 is read and it is confirmed that there is no red print corresponding to the postal code frame 31, and then in step f7. The text printing process on the back side of is started. However, as shown in FIG. 2 (2), if the postcard 30 without printing such as the lottery portion 34 and the sender's postal code frame is set upside down, red printing exists in the portion where the image is read. Therefore, even if the front side is set, the body may be determined to be the back side and printed. Therefore, immediately after the text printing process is performed, the lower part of the sheet of the postcard 30 is partially read by the image reading unit 17 in step f8, and the image read by the image image recognition unit 18 is recognized for the image read in step f9. . In Step f10, it is determined whether or not the read area includes red print content. When it is determined that the red print area exists, the postal code frame 31
Is detected, and the sheet of the postcard 30 actually set is determined to be upside down on the front side.
Therefore, a warning process is performed in step f11 such as sounding a buzzer or displaying a message on the display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal display. After the warning process, the printing process is temporarily stopped and the process waits for a key input. Generally, when a plurality of postcards are to be printed, the entire postcards are set in the same manner and set on a stocker or the like of the printing unit 16. After printing the text of the first postcard 30, if it is determined that the front side is upside down and a warning is issued, the user corrects the postcard set in the stocker to the correct direction, and Press the "Execute" key. Thus, printing on the second and subsequent postcards 30 can be performed without mistake.

When it is determined in step f10 that there is no red printing, or after the "execute" key is depressed in step f12, the printed postcard is discharged in step f13. In step f14, it is determined whether or not printing has been completed for all of the sheets designated in step f1. If it is determined that the printing has not been completed, the process returns to step f2, and print processing for the next postcard 30 is performed. If it is determined in step f10 that red printing has been performed, and a warning process has been performed in step f11, and then the "execute" key is pressed in step f12, the printed postcard 30 is exclude.

The number of postcards to be set first does not always match the number of postcards designated as the target of the printing process in step f1. Step f2 to step f
If the number of the set postcards 30 is insufficient in the process of printing one by one up to 14, a warning is issued to that effect. When the number of sheets to be set first matches the number of sheets instructed in step f1 and the result of the determination in step f10 indicates that the warning process in step f11 has been performed,
Since the printing at that time is not included in the designated number of prints, the postcard 30 eventually runs out. When the postcard 30 is insufficient, the printing unit 16 may be supplied with the postcard 30.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention described above, the image reading section 17 is mounted on the printer carriage of the printing section 16 as in the image reading apparatus 4 shown in FIG. Is assumed to be read. As described above, when partially reading the reading area 33 above the sheet of the postcard 30, it is necessary to relatively move the sheet of the postcard 30 to the image reading unit 17. In a word processor or the like, print paper is transported in one direction, and a printer carriage reciprocates along the surface of the print paper in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Therefore, when reading the reading area 33 of the postcard 30, the sheet of the postcard 30 is
It is necessary to perform the suction operation for transporting to the position. When it is confirmed that the postal code frame 31 exists in the reading area 33, the sheet of the postcard 30 is conveyed, and the portion of the postal code frame 31 deviates from the position where printing is performed. As shown in FIG. 2 (3), when printing on the front side, in order to print the postal code 36 before the address 35, the postal code frame 31 is read, and the postal code frame 31 is on the front side of the postcard 30, After determining that the upper and lower sides are correct, it is necessary to convey the paper of the postcard 30 sucked in for reading the postal code frame 31 in the reverse direction and return it before printing. As a result, the zip code 36 can be clearly printed in the zip code frame 31.

In each of the embodiments described above, FIG.
The image reading program 20,
An image image recognition program 21, a postcard surface postal code frame position data 22, a postcard front / back determination program 23, a postcard front / back determination program 24, a fraudulent setting warning program 25, and an address print data rotation program 26. Although the data is read through the device 19 and expanded in the program memory 13 so that the CPU 11 operates, the contents of the recording medium 12 are stored in the ROM in advance as a dedicated processor of the word processor, and the postcard is printed by the CPU 11 at the same time when the power is turned on. It can be configured to be operable as the device 10. Also, in a digital multifunction peripheral or the like, which is a multifunction peripheral device including the image reading unit 17 and the printing unit 16, the whole image of the printing surface of the postcard 30 is read, and the front / back determination and the up / down determination are performed. The printing process can be performed according to the determination result. Also, based on the recognition result of the postal code frame 31, the shift of the set position of the postcard 30 is confirmed, and the printing position of the postal code 36 is adjusted based on the shift, so that the postal code 36 fits neatly in the postal code frame 31. It can be adjusted as follows.

Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the postcard 30 but also to the printing on other fixed-size paper by changing the program recorded on the recording medium 12. For example, if the feed mechanism of the printing unit 16 is compatible, it is possible to perform the front / back determination and the vertical direction determination on the printing of an envelope or the like by using the postal code frame as in the case of the postcard. Also, for general fixed-size paper,
It is also possible to perform a recognition process for the print content pre-printed on the front surface, and to perform front / back determination, up / down determination, or further misalignment correction.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, printing is performed on the printing surface of the printing paper that matches the printing conditions based on the shape and orientation of the standard paper, and a warning is issued when the printing conditions are not satisfied. Is performed, printing in a state where the printing conditions do not match can be avoided, and a correct printing result can be easily obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, printing can be performed such that the front and back and the upper and lower positions of the postcard are correct.

Further, according to the present invention, the determination of the front and back of a postcard is made based on the presence or absence of the content printed at a predetermined position in advance, so that the determination of the front and back and the direction can be reliably performed.

Further, according to the present invention, the front / back determination and the vertical determination are performed based on the postal code frame printed at a predetermined position on the front surface of the postcard. By using the postal code frame printed on the portion, it is possible to confirm that the front and back and up and down directions are correct before printing the front address or the like.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform printing on the postal code frame after judging the front and back and up and down in the postal code frame of the postcard.

Further, according to the present invention, when printing on the front surface of a postcard, a warning is given when a postal code frame is not imaged at the leading portion of the printing paper, so that a front / back mistake or a vertical mistake can be avoided. Can be avoided.

Further, according to the present invention, when the postal code frame is not imaged at the leading portion of the printing paper, the printing direction is reversed and the printing for the front side is performed.
Printing can be performed correctly when the vertical direction is wrong.

According to the present invention, when the postal code frame cannot be imaged at the leading portion of the printing paper, printing for the back side is performed. Therefore, when the postcard is set with the back side as the printing surface, Printing can be performed correctly.

According to the present invention, when the postal code frame is not detected at the head portion of the postcard, the printing for the front surface is performed in the reverse direction, or the printing for the back surface is performed, and then the rear end portion is printed. Is performed. If the postal code frame is imaged after the front side printing has been performed in reverse, it is confirmed that the printing is performed correctly, but if the postal code frame is not imaged, the printing result is incorrect. Is found, and the user can be notified by a warning. Also, since the postal code frame is not imaged at the leading portion, after printing for the back side, if the postal code frame is imaged at the rear end portion of the printing paper, the printing for the front side should be performed in the opposite direction. It can be confirmed that there is an error, and an erroneous printing can be notified by a warning.

According to the present invention, before printing, the entire printing surface of the printing paper is imaged to confirm that it is a postcard, and when the front and back and up and down directions match the contents to be printed. Since only printing is performed, the contents to be printed can be reliably printed.

Further, according to the present invention, before printing, the entire printing surface of the printing paper is imaged, the postcard is confirmed, and the front / back and up / down directions are determined. Since the printing is selectively performed, the printing suitable for the set state of the postcard can be reliably performed.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to cause a computer device to read a program and perform printing under the condition that the setting state of the standard paper is correct as a printing apparatus for the standard paper.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a postcard printing apparatus 10 as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a front surface of a postcard 30 to be subjected to print processing in the present invention and an example of print contents.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing procedure according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a function of “recognition of a set position of a printing paper” which is mounted in a conventional word processor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Postcard printing apparatus 11 CPU 12 Recording medium 13 Program memory 14 Operation part 15 Display part 16 Printing part 17 Image reading part 18 Image image recognition part 19 External storage medium input / output device 20 Image reading program 21 Image image recognition program 22 Postcard surface mail Number frame position data 23 Postcard front / back determination program 24 Postcard top / bottom determination program 25 Illegal setting warning program 26 Address print data rotation program 30 Postcard 31 Postal code frame 33 Reading unit 34 Lottery unit 35 Address 36 Postal code

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. On a pre-printed fixed form paper,
A printing apparatus for performing printing in relation to the print content, wherein a condition setting means for presetting printing conditions based on a shape and a direction of the standard paper, and an image of a printing surface of the printing paper set for printing A condition determining unit that compares an image of a print surface captured by the image capturing unit with a print condition set in the condition setting unit, and determines whether the printing paper satisfies the print condition. Printing means for executing printing when the printing condition is satisfied, and issuing a warning when the printing condition is not satisfied, in response to a result of determination by the condition determining means. Printer for printing on standard paper. 2. A printing method according to claim 1, wherein said condition setting means sets printing conditions based on the shape of a postcard as said standard paper and the front and back and up and down directions. apparatus. 3. The condition determination means determines the front and back of the postcard based on the presence or absence of a print content to be printed at a predetermined position on the front surface of the postcard, and the printing means satisfies the print condition for the front and back of the postcard. 3. The printing apparatus for printing on standard paper according to claim 2, wherein printing is performed when the printing is performed, and when the printing is not satisfied, a warning that the predetermined front and back sides are reversed is issued. 4. A printing content to be printed at a predetermined position on a front surface of the postcard is a postal code frame, wherein the imaging means images a leading portion of the printing paper, and the printing means includes a postal code frame. 4. The printing apparatus for printing on a fixed-size sheet according to claim 3, wherein printing for the front side of the postcard is performed on the printing surface of the printing sheet on which the image is taken. 5. The printing unit includes a print head that performs printing while sending the postcard, the imaging unit is mounted on the print head, and the printing unit sends the postcard in a forward direction to image a leading portion. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the printing condition is satisfied, the printing is started after returning the postcard in the reverse direction by a predetermined amount. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the postal code frame is not imaged by the imaging unit, the printing unit issues a warning indicating that a setting direction of the printing paper is reversed. Printer for printing on standard paper. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing unit performs reverse printing for the front side of the postcard when the postal code frame is not imaged by the imaging unit. . 8. The standard paper according to claim 4, wherein the printing unit performs printing for the back side of a postcard on the printing paper when the postal code frame is not imaged by the imaging unit. Printing device to. 9. The image capturing unit captures an image of a rear end portion of the printing paper after printing by the printing unit. The printing unit includes a postcard when the postal code frame is imaged at the rear end portion. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a warning is issued that the setting direction is upside down. 10. The image capturing means captures an image of the entire printing surface of the printing paper, and the condition determining means determines whether the printing paper is a postcard, and if it is a postcard, determines the front and back sides and the vertical direction. The printing means executes printing only when the judgment result of the condition judging means matches the content to be printed, and issues a warning to that effect when the judgment result does not match. 2. A printing device for printing on standard-sized paper according to 2. 11. The image capturing means captures an image of the entire printing surface of the printing paper, and the overall condition determining means determines whether the printing paper is a postcard, and if it is a postcard, determines the front and back sides and the vertical direction. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing unit selects and prints a print content according to a result determined by the condition determining unit. 12. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as the printing apparatus for printing on standard-sized paper according to claim 1 is recorded.