JP2002283598A - Printer and method of printing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent waste destruction of a body to be transferred by stopping the transferring of an image to the body to be transferred when the image transferred to a transferring medium is a defective one. SOLUTION: This printer comprises a printing section 3 for printing images G1, G2 to the intermediate transferring medium 2, a transferring section 5 for transferring the images G1, G2 on the intermediate transferring medium 2 printed by the printing section 3 to a passbook T, an inspecting section 4 for judging 'good' or 'bad' of the images G1, G2, and a control section 25 for controlling not to transfer the bad image to the passbook T based on the fact, judged by the inspecting section 4, that the image is bad.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method for printing a face photograph or personal information on a transfer medium such as a card or a booklet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printing apparatus of this type, a thermal head generates heat in accordance with image information, thereby transferring ink on an ink ribbon to a long, transparent film-like intermediate transfer medium to print an image. In some cases, a printed image is transferred from an intermediate transfer medium to a final medium such as a card or a booklet.

This intermediate transfer type printing apparatus forms an image on an intermediate transfer medium having a dedicated image receiving layer, unlike an apparatus that directly prints an image on a final medium, and therefore, regardless of the state of the transfer surface of the final medium. The feature is that a stable print image can be obtained.

The thermal transfer printing method using the thermal head is particularly susceptible to dust attached between the intermediate transfer medium and the ink ribbon and between the thermal head and the ink ribbon. The image printed on the transfer medium may be defective.

[0005]

However, in the prior art, after the image printed on the intermediate transfer medium is transferred to the final medium and the printing is completed, the transferred image is visually checked and checked. If the image loss is noticeable,
They were discarded as defective and rebuilt.

In recent years, this discarded booklet uses various advanced printing techniques to prevent forgery and falsification.
As the number of high-performance cards with a built-in wireless chip is increasing, the economic loss is large.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. When an image printed on a transfer medium is defective, the transfer of the defective image to the transfer target is stopped to waste the transfer target. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method which are not discarded.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to a printing device for printing an image on a transfer medium, and an image on the transfer medium printed by the printing device. A transfer unit that transfers the image to the transfer target; a determination unit that determines whether the image printed on the transfer medium by the printing unit is good; and the transfer unit that is based on the determination that the image is defective by the determination unit. And control means for controlling not to transfer the defective image on the transfer medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing step of printing an image on a transfer medium, a transfer step of transferring an image of the transfer medium printed by the printing step to a transfer medium, and a transfer medium by the printing step. Determining whether the image printed on the transfer medium is good or not, and controlling not to transfer the defective image of the transfer medium to the transfer target based on the determination that the image is defective by the determination step. And a control step of stopping the transfer of the defective image.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view showing an intermediate transfer type printing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The intermediate transfer type printing machine includes a take-out unit 1 for taking out a booklet as a transfer object, a printing unit 3 for printing an image on an intermediate transfer medium 2 as a transparent transfer medium,
An inspection unit 4 serving as a determination unit for determining the quality of an image printed on the intermediate transfer medium 2; a transfer unit 5 serving as a transfer unit for transferring an image from the intermediate transfer medium 2 to a booklet; 3, an intermediate transfer medium driving mechanism 6 that travels between the inspection section 4 and the transfer section 5.

The take-out section 1 includes a hopper 7 for storing booklets in a stacked state and taking out one booklet at a time, and a page turning mechanism 8 for turning the pages of the booklet taken out from the hopper 7.

The printing unit 3 includes a thermal head 10, a platen roller 11 provided to face the thermal head 10, and a ribbon driving mechanism 1 that supplies an ink ribbon 12 between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 11.
3 is provided.

The inspection unit 4 illuminates the intermediate transfer medium 2 with light, a white reference plate 16 that reflects light transmitted through the intermediate transfer medium 2, and receives light reflected by the reflection reference plate 16. A CCD sensor 17 is provided.

The light source 15 emits light having different emission wavelengths according to the type of ink on the ink ribbon 12. For example, when the ink is a fluorescent ink having an excitation wavelength in an ultraviolet region, the light source 15 emits ultraviolet light.

The transfer section 5 includes a heat roller 19 for heating and pressing the intermediate transfer medium 2 against the booklet T, and a backup roller 20 for supporting the booklet T pressed by the heat roller 19.

The intermediate transfer medium driving mechanism 6 includes a feed roller 22 for feeding the intermediate transfer medium 2 and a winding roller 2 for winding the intermediate transfer medium 2 fed from the feed roller 22.
3, a slack mechanism 14 for loosening the intermediate transfer medium 2,
14 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the intermediate transfer type printing press.

The printing unit 3, the inspection unit 4, and the transfer unit 5 are connected to a host computer 26 via a control unit 25.

The printing unit 3 receives text information such as personal information and face image information from the host computer 26 via the control unit 25. The inspection unit 4 transmits the result of the pass / fail determination of the print image to the control unit 25, and the control unit 25 controls the operation of the transfer unit 5 according to the result of the pass / fail determination of the print image.

As shown in FIG. 3, a photoelectric conversion unit 27 is connected to the CCD sensor 17 of the inspection unit 4, and the photoelectric conversion unit 27 has a defect in the image printed on the intermediate transfer medium 2. A CPU 28 for determining whether or not there is a CPU is connected. The CPU 28 includes a character recognition unit 29, an image inspection unit 30, and an interface 31. C
The PU 28 is connected to the control unit 25 via the interface 31. The CPU 28 is connected to an image memory 32 for storing original image data and original text data.

The image inspection unit 30 compares and inspects the detected image information such as the face image with the original image data according to a preset algorithm, and determines whether or not there is an image defect. The character recognizing unit 29 recognizes image information of the detected text data as text information by a preset recognition algorithm, and determines consistency with the original text data.

Next, a printing operation by the above-described printing machine will be described.

When text information such as personal information and face image information are transmitted from the host computer 26 to the printing unit 3 via the control unit 25, the thermal head 10 generates heat according to the information and generates heat. Fig. 4
As shown in (1), the face image G1, the text information G2, and the like are printed on the image receiving layer of the first screen 2A of the intermediate transfer medium 2 (printing step).

The face image G1 printed on the first screen 2A
The content of the text information G2 passes through the inspection unit 4 and is inspected to determine the quality as described later in detail (determination step). Image G
If it is determined that there is no problem in the print image G of the first screen 2A with respect to the page of the booklet T which has been previously opened from the take-out unit 1 and conveyed to the transfer unit 5,
1 and G2 are transferred (transfer step). At this time, the image is printed on the second screen 2B of the intermediate transfer medium 2 by the printing unit 3 in synchronization with or without the transfer operation.

However, when the inspection section 4 determines that the image is defective, the transfer operation is not performed and the second screen 2B
The first screen 2A is wound around the winding roller 23 in synchronization with the subsequent transfer operation (control step). At this time, the booklet T waiting on the transfer unit 5 is continuously kept on standby as a transfer target of the second screen 2B and thereafter, and is not discarded together with the defective intermediate transfer medium 2.

The defective image is automatically reprinted on and after the third screen 2C of the intermediate transfer medium 2 based on the original image data, and is transferred onto the booklet T without any excess or shortage.

Next, the operation of judging the quality of the image printed on the intermediate transfer medium 2 will be described.

Images G1, G formed on the intermediate transfer medium 2
2 is sent to the inspection unit 4 and the image G sent to the inspection unit 4
1, G2 is irradiated with light from the back side by the light source 15. This light is transmitted through the intermediate transfer medium 2 and becomes the white reference plate 16.
Is reflected by After the reflected light is received by the CCD sensor 17, it is photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 27 and is taken in as image information. The captured image information is provided by the CPU 28 provided exclusively in the inspection unit 4.
It is separated into image information such as a face image and image information of text data. The image information such as the face image is compared and inspected with the original image data in accordance with an algorithm set in advance by the image inspecting unit 30, and it is determined whether there is an image defect or a stain (determination step). Further, the image information of the text data is also recognized as text information by a recognition algorithm previously set in the character recognition unit 29, and the consistency with the original text data shown in FIG. 8 is determined. The CPU 28 comprehensively considers these results and makes a final determination as to whether or not the image printed on the intermediate transfer medium 2 has any loss or dirt.

Hereinafter, an example of an algorithm for examining a face image or the like will be described with reference to FIGS.

The face image information captured by the CCD sensor 17 is an image of the printed image information, and is information reflecting the characteristics of each process. The probability of a match is low. In order to perform an inspection for determining the quality of printing from such image information, it is necessary to narrow down inspection points and clarify the criteria.

As an inspection method, for example, an outline of a boundary portion with the face photograph background is extracted, and its shape is compared between the captured image G1a shown in FIG. 5 and the original image data G1b shown in FIG. Pass / fail is determined based on the total extension of the outline of the portion.

Alternatively, 2 may be set by an arbitrarily determined threshold value.
The captured image G1c shown in FIG.
Is compared with the original image data G1d shown in FIG.

Although fine inspection cannot be performed by these methods, sieving by rough inspection is possible.

In the inspection section 4, the tension in the transport direction of the intermediate transfer medium 2 to be inspected may greatly affect the image inspection result. For example, if a print image on the intermediate transfer medium 2 is taken in a state where the tension is loose, the positional relationship of the intermediate transfer medium 2 with respect to the imaging surface of the CCD sensor 17 is broken, and the captured image is distorted or out of focus. It can be blurred. vice versa,
If the tension of the intermediate transfer medium 2 is too high, the elasticity of the intermediate transfer medium 2 may cause an image to be stretched more than actual.

By preventing these problems, the intermediate transfer medium 2
In order to keep the tension constant, the loosening mechanism 1 shown in FIG.
4, 14 by adjusting the tension of the intermediate transfer medium 2.

As described above, the quality of the images G1, G2 printed on the intermediate transfer medium 2 is determined, and the images G1, G2
If is not good, the transfer to the booklet T is stopped, so that a printing machine that does not waste the final medium such as the booklet can be realized. In particular, when the transfer target is a booklet-shaped medium using an advanced printing technique or a card having a high function such as a built-in IC chip or the like, the cost is greatly reduced.

When inspecting the contents of the printed images G1 and G2, the image is taken from the back side of the intermediate transfer medium 2, so that the printed surface of the intermediate transfer medium 2 is not directly damaged. Therefore, the options as the imaging optical system are wide, and it is possible to adopt a close contact type optical system using a low-cost CCD line sensor.

When a contact type CCD line sensor is used, the intermediate transfer medium 2 can also be used as a tension applying mechanism for the intermediate transfer medium 2 by pressing the intermediate transfer medium 2 from the back side.

Further, since the light source 15 emits light having a different emission wavelength depending on the type of ink in the ink ribbon 12, for example, when the ink is a fluorescent ink having an excitation wavelength in the ultraviolet region, the light source 15 Since the ultraviolet light is irradiated, the inspection target of the printed image is not limited to the visible light ink, and can be applied.

In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus of the thermal transfer recording system is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing apparatus of the electrophotographic system or the inkjet system may be used for the image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium. As long as it is a method of printing and transferring the image receiving layer to the final medium, it can be operated regardless of the printing method.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, the quality of an image printed on a transfer medium by the printing means is determined by the determination means, and the image is determined based on the determination that the image is defective by the determination means. Since the transfer of the defective image to the transfer member is stopped, the transfer member is not discarded unnecessarily, and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a determination unit that determines whether an image printed on an intermediate transfer medium is good or bad.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an intermediate transfer medium on which an image is printed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing image information captured by an inspection unit.

FIG. 6 is a view showing original image data of the captured image information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing image information captured by an inspection unit.

FIG. 8 is a view showing original image data of the captured image information.

[Explanation of symbols]

G1, G2: image, T: booklet (transfer body), 2: intermediate transfer medium (transfer body), 3: printing unit (printing unit), 5: transfer unit (transfer unit), 4 ... inspection unit (determination unit) ), 15: light source, 16: reflector, 17: light receiving sensor (CCD sensor), 25: control means.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) B41J 29/46 B41J 3/20 109Z

Claims (10)

[Claims] A printing unit that prints an image on a transfer medium; a transfer unit that transfers an image of the transfer medium printed by the printing unit to a transfer target; and a printing unit that prints an image on the transfer medium by the printing unit. A determination unit configured to determine whether the image is defective; and a control unit configured to control not to transfer the defective image on the transfer medium to the transfer target based on the determination that the image is defective. A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the image is determined to be defective by the determination unit, a new portion of the transfer medium is again determined by the printing unit based on original image data of the image determined to be defective. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus prints an image. 3. The transfer medium has a light-transmitting property, and the discriminating means includes a light source for irradiating the transfer medium with light from the side opposite to the printing surface, and a light irradiated from the light source and passing through the transfer medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a reflector that reflects light, and a light receiving sensor that receives light reflected by the reflector and passing through the transfer medium. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints an image on a transfer medium using ink, and the light source emits light having an emission wavelength according to the type of the ink. . 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the light source emits ultraviolet light when the ink is a fluorescent ink having an excitation wavelength in an ultraviolet region. 6. A printing step of printing an image on a transfer medium, a transfer step of transferring an image of the transfer medium printed by the printing step to a transfer target, and a printing step of the image printed on the transfer medium by the printing step. A determination step of determining pass / fail, and a control step of controlling not to transfer the defective image of the transfer medium to the transfer target based on the determination that the image is defective in the determination step. A printing method, characterized in that: 7. When the image is determined to be defective in the determining step, a new portion of the transfer medium is again determined in the printing step based on the original image data of the image determined to be defective. 7. The printing method according to claim 6, wherein the image is printed on the printer. 8. The transfer medium has a light-transmitting property, and in the determination step, the transfer medium is irradiated with light from a side opposite to the printing surface by a light source, and the light passing through the transfer medium by the irradiation is reflected by a reflector. 7. The printing method according to claim 6, wherein the quality of the image is determined by receiving the light reflected by the reflector and passing through the transfer medium by the light receiving sensor. 9. The printing method according to claim 6, wherein in the printing step, an image is printed on a transfer medium using ink, and the light source emits light having an emission wavelength according to the type of the ink. . 10. The printing method according to claim 9, wherein the light source emits ultraviolet rays when the ink is a fluorescent ink having an excitation wavelength in an ultraviolet region.