JP2001225518A - Printer, method for correcting print conditions automatically, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for performing print operation appropriately, as a whole, at all times. SOLUTION: When information concerning to a medium is set, the medium is carried to the position of an image sensor where the image is read out and a print position is determined therefrom. Subsequently, the medium is carried to a thermal head where printing is performed at the determined print position. The printed medium is carried reversely and the printed image is read out again by means of the image sensor. Images before and after print are thus acquired and compared each other. If actual print start position is shifted from a determined print start position or a difference is present between actual carrying speed and a prepositional carrying speed, a correction value is set correspondingly for the print start position or carrying speed is regulated at the time of printing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for appropriately performing printing on a medium to be printed while being conveyed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, most automatic teller machines installed in financial institutions such as banks are equipped with a printing function (printing device) so as to perform bookkeeping. The book reader reads the image while carrying the passbook inserted from the insertion slot, determines (sets) the print position of the transaction information from the read image, and prints the transaction information at the determined position. Done in

[0005] The reason for setting the printing position by reading the image of the passbook is to print on the portion to be printed while avoiding the portion where the transaction information is already printed. However, even if the printing position is set in such a manner, printing is not always performed at that position due to an assembly error. For this reason, there is a printer that automatically corrects a printing position so that printing can be accurately performed at a set original printing position, such as a printing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-355174. In the conventional printing device disclosed therein,
The actual print position is checked by reading the image of the medium after printing, and the shift of the print position (the shift between the actual print start position and the original print start position) is detected, and the correction of the print position is automatically performed. It is supposed to be done.

[0004]

In the above-described conventional printing apparatus, when a deviation between the original printing start position and the actual printing start position is detected, the direction in which the deviation is detected (the transport direction or the orthogonal direction). Direction), the printing position is corrected by shifting the conveyance of the medium or sliding the print head. As a result, a shift in the printing position due to an assembly error is avoided.

[0005] However, the deviation of the printing position is caused not only by an assembly error but also by an individual difference of the transport speed (a variation of the transport speed for each apparatus). If there is a shift in the transport speed (difference between the actual transport speed and the assumed transport speed), even if the transport of the medium is shifted by the detected print start The deviation cannot always be eliminated. Even if it is possible to eliminate the deviation of the printing start position, if the transaction information is to be printed over multiple lines in the passbook, even if the first line contains the transaction information that fits there, As the printing progresses, the transaction information may be printed out of the line. For this reason, the conventional printing apparatus has a problem that it is not always possible to appropriately perform printing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can always appropriately perform printing as a whole.

[0007]

The printing apparatus of the present invention is provided with the following means on the premise that printing is performed while conveying a medium to be printed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus comprising: transport means for transporting a medium; first reading means for reading an image of the medium being transported by the transport means; and first reading means for reading the image on the first reading means. A printing unit that prints on the medium, a second reading unit that reads an image of the medium after the printing unit performs printing, and a first reading unit that reads the image read by the second reading unit.
And a printing condition setting means for setting printing conditions when the printing means prints on the medium based on the comparison result with the image read by the reading means.

In the above arrangement, the printing condition setting means includes, as printing conditions, a correction amount from a printing start position set based on an image of the medium read by the first reading means, It is desirable to set at least one of the transport speed and the print density in.

The second reading means reads an image of the medium after printing each time the printing means prints on the medium, and the printing condition setting means reads the image of the medium by the second reading means. Each time, it is desirable to change the printing conditions as needed. It is preferable that the second reading unit also serves as the first reading unit by causing the conveying unit to convey the printed medium toward the first reading unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for transporting a medium, printing means for printing on the medium being transported by the transporting means, and reading an image of the medium after printing by the printing means. The printing apparatus includes a reading unit and a printing condition setting unit that sets printing conditions when the printing unit prints on a medium based on the image read by the reading unit.

The printing condition automatic correction method according to the first aspect of the present invention is based on the premise that it is used to automatically correct printing conditions when printing is performed while transporting a medium to be printed. The image of the medium is read, the image is printed on the medium after the image is read, the image of the medium after the printing is read, and the read images are compared before and after the printing. Correct the printing conditions based on this.

A method for automatically correcting printing conditions according to a second aspect of the present invention is based on the premise that it is used to automatically correct printing conditions when printing is performed while transporting a medium to be printed. And prints the image on the medium after the printing, and corrects the printing conditions when printing on the medium based on the read image.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium comprising: a conveying unit for conveying a medium to be printed; a first reading unit for reading an image of the medium being conveyed by the conveying unit; and a first reading unit. A printing unit that prints on the medium after reading the image, a second reading unit that reads an image of the medium after printing by the printing unit, and a first reading unit that reads the image read by the second reading unit. A program for realizing printing condition setting means for setting printing conditions for printing on a medium by the printing means based on the result of comparison with the image read by the reading means is recorded.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium comprising: a conveying unit for conveying a medium to be printed; a printing unit for printing on the medium being conveyed by the conveying unit; A program for realizing reading means for reading an image of the medium, and printing condition setting means for setting printing conditions when printing is performed on the medium by the printing means based on the image read by the reading means. I have.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a form processing apparatus equipped with a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, when an operator inserts a form (medium) on which a barcode is printed from an insertion port 101 provided in a housing, the apparatus rejects the form along a transport path 102. It is conveyed to the box 103. During the conveyance, a bar code on the form is read by an image sensor (for example, a contact type optical sensor) 104, and a predetermined processing including printing is performed on the form whose contents have been recognized. Carry (store). Stepping motor 10
Reference numeral 7 denotes a power source for conveying the form. Printing is
In particular, the form and the ribbon 105 are pressed between the thermal head 106 and a platen (not shown) so that heat is supplied from the thermal head 106 which is in contact with the ribbon 105. The ribbon winding motor 108 is for winding the ribbon 105.

A plurality of sensors 110 to 114 are arranged on the transport path 102 for detecting a form. The sensors 110 to 114 are optical sensors including, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element. More specifically, for example, the sensors 110 to 113 are transmission-type optical sensors in which those elements are arranged to face each other with the transport path 102 interposed therebetween, and the sensor 114 has the same elements as viewed from the transport path 102. It is a reflection type optical sensor arranged on the side. In addition, various sensors for detecting the opening and closing of the cover, for detecting the ribbon 105, and for detecting the empty state of the reject box 103 are arranged. Also, various solenoids and the like are provided. A solenoid is used to press the platen toward the thermal head 106.

Controller (control printed board) 109
Controls the entire apparatus, and is operated by electric power supplied from the outside. Signals are exchanged with the external device through the LAN.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the controller 109. The MPU 201 has ROMs 202 and 20
3 to control the entire apparatus. The control is performed in accordance with detection results of various sensors, instructions of a worker, and the like while using the RAM 204. The program stored in the ROM 202 is mainly for initializing the apparatus, and the program stored in the other ROM 203 is mainly for performing control operations after the initial setting.

The network interface 205
It exchanges signals with external devices via a LAN (line). Information about the form on which the barcode has been read and whose contents have been recognized and processed is sent to an external device (for example, a host computer) via the interface 205.

The built-in I / O 207 is used when the MPU 201 sends data to the barcode decoder 208. The built-in I / O 207 is used for transmitting the image recognition result of the barcode read by the image sensor 104, for example, a code string indicating the type of each bar constituting the barcode. The barcode decoder 208 recognizes the content represented by the barcode from the recognition result (code string) and outputs the recognition result to the MPU 201.

The image sensor 104 includes a light-emitting element, a device (for example, a CCD) in which a large number of light-receiving elements are arranged in one or more rows, and a drive circuit. The light emitted from the light-emitting elements is reflected on the form being transported, and the reflected light is received by each light-receiving element of the device, so that the image of the form is read out for each row or for every plurality of rows and the image data is output I do. By outputting the interrupt signal INT5 to the interrupt control register 206 every time the image data is output,
U201 is notified of the fact. The drive circuit has a sensitivity adjustment function in order to appropriately recognize a barcode.

CIS data transfer circuit (DMA) 209
Receives the image data output by the image sensor 104 reading the form, and
Transfer to an area of the RAM 204 designated in advance. MP
The U201 extracts the barcode from the image data, recognizes the type of each bar constituting the barcode, and sends the recognition result (code sequence) to the barcode decoder 208. On the other hand, it was formed on a form,
A predetermined mark indicating a position where printing should be performed, for example, a position of a frame is detected, and a printing start position is set from the detection result.

The CIS I / F 210 mediates the exchange of signals between the MPU 201 and the image sensor 104. The MPU 201 instructs reading of a form via the I / F 210.

The MPU 210 prepares image data of information (for example, a date) to be printed on a form in the RAM 204. By sending the initial (head) address and transfer size of the area of the RAM 204 storing the image data to the thermal head data transfer circuit 211,
The image data is transferred to the thermal head drive circuit 213.

The thermal head 106 is provided with, for example, heating elements arranged in a line. The thermal head drive circuit 213 drives the thermal head 106 in accordance with the transferred image data to perform printing on a form in units of one row, and controls the interrupt signal INT6 every time printing of one row is completed. Register 20
6 to notify the MPU 201 of the fact.

The built-in I / O 212 is used when the MPU 201 sends a command to the thermal head drive circuit 213. The MPU 201 basically determines the timing of transmitting a command for instructing printing in accordance with the position of a frame on which printing information (for example, a date) detected from image data of a form is to be printed, and at the determined timing. The command is sent to the built-in I / O 212. Further, if necessary, a command for designating the print density is transmitted to adjust the density of information printed on the form.

The four input / output registers 214 to 217 are
It is used for exchanging data between the stepping motor drive circuit 219, the DC motor drive circuit 220, and the other drive circuit group 221 and the MPU 201, or transmitting instruction contents from the MPU 201. Stepping motor drive circuit 2
19 is for driving the stepping motor 107, and the DC motor driving circuit 220 is for driving the ribbon winding motor 108. Other drive circuit groups 221 include drive circuits for various sensors,
This diagram collectively shows a drive circuit for various solenoids, an operation detection circuit for various buttons, and the like. Among the circuits, the signal output from the sensor is converted into a digital value according to the level by the built-in ADC 218,
It is stored in any of the input / output registers 214 to 217.

The MPU 201 has these registers 214 to
Reference is made to the digital value of the sensor output signal stored in any one of 217 and is reflected in the control of the device. Also,
With reference to the contents of the interrupt control register 206, control of the conveyance and printing of the form is performed.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. Here, the basic operation will be described first, focusing on the processing on the form for convenience. When a worker inserts a form into the apparatus from the insertion slot 101, the sensor 110 detects it and the output signal changes. The output signal is converted into a digital value by the built-in ADC 218 and then stored in one of the input / output registers 214 to 217. Thus, the input / output registers 214 to 217
By referring to the digital value of the output signal of the sensor 110 stored in any of the above, the MPU 201 recognizes that a form has been inserted into the apparatus, and starts transporting the form.
The conveyance is performed by instructing the stepping motor driving circuit 219 to drive the stepping motor 107 via any of the input / output registers 214 to 217. The conditions (pulse frequency, pulse number, etc.) for driving the stepping motor 107 are specified at that time.

The form that has started to be conveyed from the insertion slot 101 is
Next, it is detected by the sensor 111. MPU201
Waits for the sensor 111 to detect the form,
It instructs the image sensor 104 to read a form image via the ISI / F 210. The reading instruction is released after the sensor 112 stops detecting the form, for example. While the image sensor 104 is reading the image of the form, the stepping motor drive circuit 219 changes the conditions for driving the stepping motor 107 to those for image reading. Thus, each time the image sensor 104 outputs the interrupt signal INT5, the form is transported by the number of columns (lines) read by the image sensor 104.

The form image data read and output by the image sensor 104 is transferred to the CIS data transfer circuit 20.
9 to the RAM 204. MPU201
Performs recognition of the type of each bar constituting the barcode printed on the form from the image data, sends the recognition result to the barcode decoder 208, and recognizes the contents of the barcode. In addition, the position of the frame indicating the printing location is detected, and the information to be printed inside the frame is printed so that the information to be printed can be printed inside the frame in the transport direction and the orthogonal direction thereof (hereinafter, referred to as the transport orthogonal direction). Determine the starting position.

When the decoder 208 can recognize the contents of the barcode, the MPU 201 conveys the form to the reject box 103. If the contents cannot be recognized, the form is conveyed in the reverse direction (conveyed toward the insertion slot 101), and the form is conveyed to the insertion slot 101. This causes the worker to confirm the form.

The form conveyed toward the reject box 103 is next detected by the sensor 113, and the conveyance is temporarily stopped, for example, at or near that position (hereinafter referred to as a temporary stop position for convenience). The MPU 201
When the sensor 113 detects the form, for example, by driving a solenoid driving circuit in the other driving circuit group 221, the power of the stepping motor 107 is transmitted from the sensor 113 to the preceding conveyance path 102. , The conveyance to the destination is started at a predetermined timing. The transport is first performed to a position where the thermal head 106 can print at the determined print start position on the form (print start position in the transport direction). When the platen is transported to that position, the platen pressing solenoid is driven by the corresponding drive circuit in the other drive circuit group 221, and is sandwiched between the platen and the thermal head 106 to press the form and the ribbon 105 into pressure. As a result, the printing is made ready.

Thereafter, the image data of the first column is transferred to the thermal head data transfer circuit 211, and the built-in I
An instruction to drive the thermal head 106 is issued to the thermal head drive circuit 213 via / O212. Thereby, the information is printed from the print start position.

When the thermal head drive circuit 213 drives the thermal head 106 to output the interrupt signal INT6, the thermal head 106 drives the thermal head 106 to carry the form by the number of columns on which printing has been performed, and causes the data transfer circuit 211 to transfer the image data of the next column.
In this way, until printing using the thermal head 106 is completed, the MPU 201 repeatedly performs the operation of the cycle of transferring the image data → driving the thermal head 106 → transporting the form → transferring the image data. . It should be noted that the conveyance of the form for the row on which printing was performed by one drive of the thermal head 106 is performed by changing the driving conditions including the number of pulses for the row to the stepping motor driving circuit 2.
19 is realized.

For printing, the image data of the last column is transferred to the thermal head drive circuit 213 and the thermal head 1
06 is driven and its driving circuit 213 outputs the interrupt signal I
It is completed by confirming that NT6 has been output. The form is conveyed and stored in the reject box 103 after printing is completed. By the storage, the processing for the form inserted from the insertion slot 101 is completed.

The actual printing position (printing start position and printing range) is determined by individual differences of the apparatus, specifically, assembling errors and the actual transport speed (here, the stepping motor 10).
7 (corresponding to the amount of movement of the form when a pulse (1 pulse) is input to 7), etc., causes a deviation from the determined original printing position. In the present embodiment, the displacement of the printing position is handled as follows. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the printing position is used to include a printing start position and a range where printing is performed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of coping with a printing position shift. In the figure, the frame indicated by the broken line is the original print position, the frame indicated by the solid line is the actual print position, and ΔX is the transport (X).
Of printing position in the direction (Y) orthogonal to the direction, ΔY
Represents the shift of the print position in the transport (X) direction, OX represents the width of the original print position in the transport (X) direction, and RX represents the width of the actual print position in the transport (X) direction.

The original printing position is the same as the printing position when the information can be appropriately printed from the position on the form (medium) 301 where printing should be started. The print start position is determined from the image data of the form 301, and data (value) indicating the position is held in the RAM 204. The print width OX in the transport (X) direction is obtained, for example, from the number of lines in the transport direction when information to be printed is developed into a bitmap pattern, and the presupposed interval between lines.

The actual printing position is an area where information is actually printed. In this embodiment, the image of the printed form 301 is read in order to obtain information on the form. The reading is performed by conveying (reverse conveying) the printed form 301 toward the insertion slot 101 until passing through the image sensor 104 and then conveying the form 301 again to the reject box 103.
This is performed using the image sensor 104. In this way, by not newly installing an image sensor for reading the image of the form 301 after printing, it is possible to avoid an increase in size and cost of the apparatus.

When reading the image of the form 301 after printing, the MPU 201 reads, for example, the difference between the print width OX and the width RX of the actual print position in the transport (X) direction,
And the difference between the print start positions. If there is no difference between the print width OX and the print width RX, or the difference is within the allowable range, the actual transport speed (here, the movement amount of the form 301 when one pulse is input to the stepping motor 107) ) And the assumed transport speed are at least negligible. Therefore, if there is a difference between the original printing position and the actual printing position, the difference is caused by an assembly error, and the X direction correction value ΔX is determined in accordance with the detected direction. Or Y
It is set as the direction correction value ΔY. The correction value ΔX in FIG.
ΔY is a value set in such a case.

The print start position is a value expressed with reference to a predetermined position of the form 301. The predetermined position is, for example, one side that is the top in the transport direction of the form 301 in the transport (X) direction and one side that is basically parallel to the transport direction of the form 301 in the orthogonal (Y) direction. Intersection points (corners). More specifically, for example, in the case where the side to be printed is the front side and the first side in the transport direction is up,
This is the upper right corner. The difference between the print start positions is, for example, a value obtained by subtracting the actual print start position (value indicating) from the original print start position (value indicating). Thus, each of the correction values ΔX and ΔY has a sign. In the example shown in FIG. 3, for example, both the signs of the correction values ΔX and ΔY are negative.

The printing start position in the transport (X) direction and the orthogonal (Y) direction determined from the image of the form 301 before printing uses the X direction correction value ΔX and the Y direction correction value ΔY, respectively. Change. In the change using the correction values ΔX and ΔY, the correction values ΔX and ΔY are added to the printing start position in the transport (X) direction and the orthogonal (Y) direction determined from the image of the form 301, respectively. Have gone by that. As a result, when the next printing is performed on the form 301 in which the difference between the printing start positions as shown in FIG. 3 occurs, the correction value ΔX from the pause position in the transport (X) direction is used.
However, the conveyance amount is made shorter than before, and in the orthogonal (Y) direction, the printing start position is shifted by the correction value ΔY from the previous printing start position. As a result, the actual print position matches the original print position.

On the other hand, if there is a difference between the print width OX and the print width RX that does not fall within the allowable range, the actual transport speed (here, the form 301 when one pulse is input to the stepping motor 107) is used. It can be said that there is a non-negligible difference between the amount of movement and the assumed amount. Therefore, the thermal head drive circuit 213 outputs the interrupt signal IN
Each time T6 is output, the amount of conveyance (movement) of the form 301 (the number of pulses specifying it) is determined by the print widths OX and RX.
Change based on

For example, corresponding to the assumed transport speed,
The amount of transport (movement) of the form 301 when one pulse or a predetermined number of pulses are input to the stepping motor 107 (hereinafter referred to as a reference transport amount for convenience) is stored in the ROM 202 or 203 as control data. . The interval between columns is also stored as control data. From this,
The thermal head drive circuit 213 outputs the interrupt signal INT6
The number of pulses (PN) that specifies the amount of conveyance (movement) of the form 301 each time is output is as follows: SC is the reference conveyance amount, PS is the number of pulses corresponding to the reference conveyance amount, and LI is the interval between columns. = INT (PS-LI / (SC-RX / O
X)) However, INT can be obtained by a function representing the conversion of the value in parentheses into an integer. The number of pulses PN thus obtained
, The difference between the print width OX and the print width RX can be kept within an allowable range.

If there is a difference in the printing start position in the transport direction in addition to the width in the transport direction, the X-direction correction value ΔX
Set. This is performed, for example, by dividing the width RX by the width OX, dividing the difference between the print start positions by the divided value, and setting the divided value as the correction value ΔX. In this way, if there is a difference between the actual conveyance speed and the assumed conveyance speed, a value obtained by converting the difference between the printing start positions according to the speed ratio is set as the correction value ΔX. Thus, the actual print start position can be reliably matched with the original print start position. Note that the method of setting the Y direction correction value ΔY is the same as in the case where there is no difference in the transport speed.

In the above description of the corresponding method, there is no difference which does not fall within an allowable range between the actual transport speed (reference transport amount) at the time of image reading and the transport speed (reference transport amount) assumed at that time. It is assumed that But,
There may be differences between them that do not fall within an acceptable range. Even so, the correction value ΔX or the pulse number P obtained as described above in consideration of the difference is used.
This can be dealt with by correcting N. More specifically, for example, the form 30 specified from the read image
Assuming that the size in the transport (X) direction 1 is RSX and the actual size of the form 301 is OSX, a correction value ΔX obtained by dividing OSX by RSX (= OSX / RSX) as described above, or What is necessary is just to multiply the pulse number PN.

Next, the operation of the MPU 201 for realizing the adjustment (automatic correction of the print position) for making the original print position coincide with the actual print position as described above will be described with reference to various flowcharts shown in FIGS. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a correction process before operation. The processing is performed, for example, when an operator operates a predetermined switch provided in the form processing apparatus.
01 is realized by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or 203.

First, in step S1, information relating to a form (medium) 301 is set in accordance with a switch operation of a worker. The information is, for example, the size of the form 301, its paper quality, the print content, and the like. The information is stored until the power of the apparatus is turned off or until the operator instructs the erasure.
M204. The information is set so that automatic correction can be performed for each type of the form 301. The paper quality is set as the information in the form 301 in the thermal transfer method using the thermal head 106.
This is because printing is performed in a state in which pressure is applied to the sheet, so that a difference in friction due to paper quality or the like easily affects the transport speed. Note that information for each form 301 may be prepared in the ROM 202 or 203 in advance, and information corresponding to the read image of the form 301 may be selected.

In step S 2 following step S 1, the document is conveyed to a position where the image sensor 104 reads the form 301 after the sensor 110 detects the form 301. Confirmation of whether or not the sheet has been transported to that position is performed based on the detection result of the sensor 111.

When the sensor 111 detects the form 301,
In step S3, the image is read by the image sensor 104. Further, the printing start position is determined based on the read image.

The printing start position is determined by referring to the size of the form 301 set in step S1. This is because there is an individual difference in the transport speed (reference transport amount) when reading an image. In other words, there is a possibility that there is a difference between the actual transport speed and the assumed transport speed that does not fall within the allowable range. for that reason,
The set size is compared with the size of the form 301 specified from the read image, and the speed difference between the actual conveyance speed at the time of reading the image and the assumed conveyance speed is confirmed. If there is a difference that cannot be accommodated, the read image or information (such as the position and size of the frame) specified from the image is corrected according to the difference. Thus, the printing start position can be accurately determined regardless of the actual transport speed at the time of reading. In addition, reading of the image,
As described above, the process is terminated after the sensor 112 stops detecting the form 301.

When the reading of the image of the form 301 and the setting of the printing start position from the image are completed, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the form 301 is transported to a position where the determined printing start position is expected to face the heating element of the thermal head 106. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5, and the print content set in step S1 is printed on the form 301. After the printing is completed, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S 6, the form 301 is transported to a position where the form 301 is read by the image sensor 104. The transport to that position is performed by, for example, transporting the form 301 until the sensor 111 no longer detects the form 301, then changing the direction of the transport, and transporting the form to a position where the sensor 111 detects the form 301.

In step S7 following step S6, the image of the form 301 after printing is read by the image sensor 104. After the reading is completed, step S7
Then, the image of the form 301 before and after the printing (information acquired based on the image) is compared to determine whether the setting contents need to be corrected. As described above, between the original print position and the actual print position, there is a shift in the print start position in the transport direction or in the orthogonal direction, or when the print width RX does not match the print width OX, It is determined that correction is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S9. Otherwise, it is determined that there is no need for correction,
Here, a series of processing ends.

In step S9, as described above, depending on whether there is a shift in the print start position and whether there is a difference between the print width RX and the print width OX that does not fall within the allowable range (difference in transport speed), Setting of X or Y direction correction values, and / or
An amount of transport (movement) of the form 301 at one time during printing (corresponding to the above-mentioned PN, which may be a coefficient with respect to the above-mentioned reference transport amount) is set. As described above, the setting is performed in consideration of individual differences in the transport speed at the time of image reading. After the printing conditions (printing conditions) are set in this manner, a series of processing ends.

The above printing conditions are stored in the RAM 204 and are referred to when the form 301 is printed thereafter. This makes it possible to print the print information on the form 301 at an appropriate position and in an appropriate state regardless of the individual difference of the apparatus and the paper quality of the form 301.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the correction process for each sheet. The flow relating to the setting (change) of the printing conditions during operation is extracted and shown. For example, when the operator operates a predetermined switch provided in the form processing apparatus, the MPU 201
This is realized by executing the program stored in M203.

First, in step S11, the reading of the image by the image sensor 104 is completed, and the form 301 whose printing start position is determined is transported to a position where the printing start position is expected to be opposed to the heating element of the thermal head 106. I do. In the following step S12, the form 301
Print on top. After the printing is completed, the process proceeds to step S13.

In the pre-operation correction process shown in FIG. 4, as described above, the speed difference between the actual transport speed (reference transport amount) at the time of image reading and the assumed transport speed (reference transport amount) is described. Is confirmed, and the print start position is determined in consideration of the confirmation result. For this reason, the print start position may be determined when the correction process is performed. Alternatively, it may be determined in consideration of the speed difference in addition to the read image.

In step S13, the form 301 is transported to a position where the form 301 is read by the image sensor 104. In the subsequent step S14, the image of the printed form 301 is read by the image sensor 104. After the reading is completed, the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, the form 30 before and after printing is
The first image (information acquired based on the image) is compared to determine whether or not the setting content needs to be corrected.
As described above, between the original print position and the actual print position, on the transport (X) direction or at right angles (Y)
If there is a shift in the print start position in the direction, or if the print width RX does not coincide with the print width OX within an allowable range, it is determined that correction is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S16. Otherwise, it is determined that there is no need for correction, and a series of processing ends here.

In step S16, as described above, the presence or absence of a shift in the print start position and the difference (difference in the transport speed (reference transport amount)) between the print width RX and the print width OX that do not fall within the allowable range. Depending on the presence or absence, the correction value in the X or Y direction is set, and / or the transport (movement) amount of the form 301 at one time during printing (corresponding to the PN. A coefficient for the reference transport amount may be used. ) Is set. After the printing conditions (printing conditions) are set in this manner, a series of processing ends.

As described above, every time printing is performed on one sheet 301, the printing condition is set (changed) according to the printing result.
I do. This makes it possible to reliably maintain appropriate printing on the form 301 during operation.

In the present embodiment, the correction of the printing conditions during operation is performed for each sheet. However, the correction may be performed for each predetermined number of sheets or for each time interval. good. Further, the correction may be performed with reference to a past correction history. By referring to the history, it is possible to avoid or reduce the reflection of the change in the transport speed caused by some temporary cause on the printing condition. Thereby, printing on the medium can be performed more appropriately.

As the printing conditions, correction values .DELTA.X and .DELTA.Y for the printing start position and a single transport amount (transport speed) at the time of printing are set, but other printing conditions are set. May be. For example, the density of the printed information may be checked from the image of the form 301 after printing, and the print density may be adjusted according to the check result.

In the present embodiment, the images of the medium before and after printing (here, the form 301) are read. However, printing may be performed at a predetermined position on a medium having a predetermined size. When the print start position (the print width can be specified in advance by print information or the like) is determined in advance, only the image of the printed medium is read and extracted (obtained) from the image. The obtained information (print start position, print width, etc.) may be compared with a predetermined print start position or print width, and the printing condition may be set based on the comparison result.

In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a printing device mounted on a form processing device, but the printing device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to such a printing device. Automatic teller machine installed at financial institution (A
The present invention can be widely applied to a printing apparatus including a printing apparatus mounted on an automated apparatus such as TM). When the present invention is applied to a printing device mounted on the automatic teller machine, even if transaction information is to be printed over many lines, it is possible to appropriately print transaction information on all lines. it can.

A program for realizing the above-described operation of the printing apparatus may be distributed after being recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, or a magneto-optical disk. Alternatively, part or all of the program may be distributed using a communication line such as a public network. In such a case, a worker (user) obtains the program and loads it into an existing printing device (including replacement of a recording medium (ROM or the like), etc.), thereby applying the present invention to that device. be able to. For this reason, the recording medium may be one that can be accessed by an apparatus that distributes the program.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, an image of a medium after printing is read, and information such as a printing start position and a printing range extracted (acquired) from the image correspond to the information acquired before printing. The printing conditions are set (corrected) in comparison with the information. For this reason, printing can be appropriately performed at a position on the medium where printing is to be performed, irrespective of individual differences (such as an assembly error and a difference in transport speed) of the printing apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a form processing apparatus equipped with a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a controller.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for dealing with a print position shift.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a correction process before operation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a correction process for each sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

 102 Conveyance path 104 Image sensor 105 Ribbon 106 Thermal head 107 Stepping motor 108 Ribbon take-up motor 109 Controller 110-114 Sensor 201 MPU 202, 203 ROM 204 RAM 206 Interrupt control register 209 CIS data transfer circuit 210 CIS I / F 211 Thermal head Data transfer circuit 212 Built-in I / O 213 Thermal head drive circuit 214-217 I / O register 218 Built-in ADC 219 Stepping motor drive circuit 220 DC motor drive circuit 221 Other drive circuit group

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus for performing printing while transporting a medium to be printed, comprising: transport means for transporting the medium; and first means for reading an image of the medium being transported by the transport means.
Reading means, printing means for printing on the medium after the first reading means has read the image, second reading means for reading the image of the medium after the printing means has performed printing, The image read by the second reading unit is compared with the image read by the first reading unit, and a printing condition when the printing unit prints on the medium is set based on the comparison result. A printing device, comprising: printing condition setting means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition setting unit includes, as the printing condition, a correction amount from a printing start position set based on an image of the medium read by the first reading unit, and a conveyance amount when printing on the medium. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a speed and a print density is set. 3. The second reading means reads an image of the medium after printing each time the printing means prints on the medium, and the printing condition setting means comprises: The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing condition is changed as needed each time an image on a medium is read. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second reading unit also serves as the first reading unit by causing the conveying unit to convey the printed medium toward the first reading unit. The printing device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein 5. A printing apparatus for performing printing while transporting a medium to be printed, a transporting means for transporting the medium, a printing means for performing printing on the medium being transported by the transporting means, and the printing means comprising: Reading means for reading an image of a medium after printing, and printing condition setting means for setting printing conditions when the printing means performs printing on the medium, based on the image read by the reading means, A printing device comprising: 6. A method for automatically correcting printing conditions when printing while transporting a medium to be printed, comprising: reading an image of the medium being transported; and reading the image after reading the image. Printing on a medium, reading an image of the medium after the printing, comparing the read images before and after the printing, and correcting the printing conditions based on the comparison result. Printing condition automatic correction method. 7. A method for automatically correcting printing conditions when performing printing while transporting a medium to be printed, comprising: performing printing on the medium being transported; A printing condition for printing on the medium, based on the read image, and correcting the printing condition based on the read image. 8. A transport unit that transports a medium to be printed, a first reading unit that reads an image of the medium being transported by the transport unit, and a medium on which the image has been read by the first reading unit. A printing unit that prints on the medium, a second reading unit that reads an image of the medium after printing is performed by the printing unit, and an image that is read by the second reading unit is read by the first reading unit. And a printing condition setting means for setting printing conditions for printing on the medium by the printing means based on the comparison result, based on the comparison result. 9. A conveying means for conveying a medium to be printed, a printing means for printing on a medium being conveyed by the conveying means, and a reading means for reading an image of the medium after printing by the printing means. And a printing condition setting means for setting printing conditions for printing on the medium by the printing means based on the image read by the reading means.