JP2003039772A - Label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a label printer operation of which can be limited to predetermined persons. SOLUTION: The label printer 1 comprises a registration master for storing an encryption key in the label printer, an RF ID card 10 for storing the encryption key and transmitting it by RF, and a reader/writer 5 receiving the encryption key transmitted by RF wherein a guide groove 7 for performing communication while regulating the distance to an RFID is provided in the housing 2 of the label printer 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a label printing apparatus, and more particularly to a label printing apparatus capable of limiting a label printing operation to a predetermined specific person.

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional label printing apparatus, when it is desired to limit the operation to only a specific person, a mechanical lock is provided in a part of the hardware constituting the apparatus and the operation to the apparatus is invalidated by locking the lock. On the other hand, there is one in which a specific person manages the key for unlocking. Another known technique is to provide a specific password so that only a person who knows this password can operate it.

However, a mechanical key has a drawback that a master key or a key which is a copy thereof can be easily duplicated. Also, the password is easy to leak and needs to be changed frequently. In any case, the conventional technique has a drawback that it is difficult to manage and it may become difficult to know how many people can operate the label printing apparatus after a while. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a label printing apparatus that is easy to operate and difficult to use illegally.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a label printing apparatus of the present invention comprises a collating means for permitting a printing operation only for a specific encryption key, a registered master for storing the encryption key, In a label printing apparatus including an RFID that stores the encryption key and performs RF transmission of the encryption key, and a communication device that receives the RF-transmitted encryption key, the communication device regulates a distance from the RFID. A configuration characterized by providing an RFID guide for communication is adopted. Here, it is also possible to provide an invalidating unit for invalidating the RFID when the collating unit detects a mismatch of the encryption keys. The encryption key is the R
The FID may be RF-transmitted to enable new registration or update of the encryption key. According to the above configuration, RFI
The communication range of D is several tens of cm to several meters, but if you insert the RFID into a guide you are familiar with with magnetic card readers / writers, etc. It can be processed. Further, if invalidating means is provided, when an unauthorized RFID is found, it can be immediately deleted on the spot. Then, by transmitting the RF to the RFID so that the encryption key can be newly registered or updated, the number of operators who can operate can be increased or decreased as necessary.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First,
Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 denotes a label printer that constitutes a printing unit of the label printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The label printer 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2 formed of synthetic resin, a keyboard 3 as an input unit on an operation panel integrally formed on the upper surface of the housing 2, and a liquid crystal display device (LCD) as a display device. 4 and RF described later
An ID card 10 and an RFID reader / writer 5 that performs RF transmission / reception are provided. Further, on the front surface of the housing 2, an issuing port 6 for ejecting a printed label and an RFI
A guide groove 7 for inserting the D card 10 is formed therein. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the housing 2 taken along the line II-II in FIG. As shown in the figure, the guide groove 7 is formed on the lower portion of the RFID reader / writer 5 by the RFID.
It is formed so that the card 10 can be inserted therethrough. The printer printing unit 8 includes a thermal head, a platen roller, and the like. Reference numeral 9 denotes a portion for accommodating an electric circuit (printed wiring board or the like) of the label printer 1 and a motor. Since these 8.9 are configured to include metal parts (members),
The RFID reader / writer 5 can effectively communicate with electromagnetic waves in the upper surface direction of the housing 2 and the guide groove 7 direction. Reference numeral 10 denotes an RFID card. Here, the RFID means "Radio Frequency Identifi
"cation". Such an RFID is a system that uses a small recording medium (data carrier) and a reader / writer to identify an individual and transmit / receive data using radio waves. In the label printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, RFID labels are used to identify individuals and transmit and receive data between the label printer 1 and their operators.
The RFID is a well-known technique that is also introduced in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-273208, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing essential parts of the label printer 1 and the RFID card 10. The CPU 11 that constitutes the control unit of the printer 1 is connected to the ROM 13 and the RAM 14 via the data bus 12. ROM1
A control program etc. for performing the processing shown in a flow chart (FIG. 3) described later are stored in 3, and the RAM 14 is formed with various memory areas. The CPU 11 is also connected to the thermal head control circuit 15, and the thermal head 16 is controlled by this 15. Further, the CPU 11 is connected to the label transport control circuit 17 via the data bus 12, controls the label transport mechanism 18 by this 17, and drives the pulse motor to transport the label paper L. 19
Is a light reflection sensor for detecting the printing position based on the position detection mark (eye mark) printed in advance on the label paper L, and 20 is provided so as to connect the light reflection sensor 19 to the data bus 12. It is an eye mark detection circuit,
The motor is driven based on the timing when the light reflection sensor 19 detects the label L. Reference numeral 21 is a medium detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a printing medium (medium) such as label paper L and the time when the remaining amount is low, and a micro switch or rotary encoder is preferably used. 22
Is a label breakage detection circuit provided so as to connect the media detection sensor 21 to the data bus 12. When the media detection sensor 21 detects that the label L has run out, a warning is issued by a display device or a buzzer on the operation panel. It is supposed to do. Reference numeral 23 denotes a transmission / reception control circuit (communication I / F) for transmitting / receiving print data and issuance history data to / from the host computer 24, and is connected to the data bus 12. Reference numeral 25 denotes an operation panel control circuit. The operation panel control circuit 25 connects a ten key provided on the operation panel 26, operation keys, a liquid crystal screen, a dip switch housed in a hidden lid, etc. to the data bus 12. There is.
Reference numeral 27 is a flash ROM in which a registered master 28 is stored in a master key storage portion. An encryption key for operating the printer 1 is registered in the registration master 28. When the flash ROM 27 is written while the printer 1 is energized, the record is retained even after the power of the printer 1 is turned off. In addition, the above-mentioned RFID
The reader / writer 5 also has a CPU 11 via the data bus 12.
The RFID reader / writer 5 is connected to
Signals are transmitted to and received from the D card 10. On the other hand, the RFID card 10 has a microprocessor (MPU) 29, and this MPU 29 is similar to the printer 1 via a data bus 30, a data ROM 31, a program ROM 32, a flash ROM 33, a RAM 34, a communication means. It is connected to 35. And the communication means 3
Wireless signals are transmitted to and received from the reader / writer 5 of the printer 1 via Next, the operation performed by the label printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. When performing a normal printing process on a label, the process is started by turning on a power switch (not shown), the memory and the CPU are initialized (S1), and the label paper position and the cutter are moved to the home position. Further, the control program in the ROM 13 is read into the RAM 14 so that it can be executed.
(S2). Next, the RFID card 10 is attached to the liquid crystal display device 4.
Is displayed, and the RFID card 10 is read by the reader / writer 5 (S3). Next step S4
Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the communication with the RFID card 10 has been successful. S when the RFID card 10 is detected
If not detected, the process returns to S3. Where R
The communication range of the FID card 10 is from several tens of cm to several m
There are various types. In some cases, it may be enough to just cover the reader / writer 5, but if the communicable distance is very short (if the RFID card 10 is not recognized repeatedly), insert the RFID card 10 into the guide groove 7 of the printer 1. Good. The guide groove 7 is similar to a reader / writer of a magnetic card, but a magnetic head or the like is not provided therein, and is used as a guide for approaching the reader / writer 5 to a predetermined distance. When the RFID card 10 is detected in S4, S5
Then, the encryption key recorded in the flash ROM 33 of the RFID card 10 is read (S5). Then, it is checked whether or not it is registered in the registration master 28 of the flash ROM 27 of the printer 1 (operation of the label printer 1 is permitted) (S6). If the collation results match in S7, the label printer 1 becomes usable (S8). on the other hand,
If the verification results do not match in S7, the RFID card 10
May be illegal, so the flash ROM 33 of the RFID card 10 is initialized and newly registered.
LCD (Warning) to select (new registration or update)
No. 4 is displayed (S9). Next, FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation of registering a new RFID card in the registration master 28. Registration of the RFID card 10 is an operation different from normal processing, and this processing is started by operating a specific key not used in general operation (for example, a feed button).
Turn on the power switch while pressing (not shown)). The process is started, and the memory and the CPU are initialized (initialized) in S10. Next, a display requesting that the RFID card 10 to be registered is presented on the liquid crystal display device 4 is displayed, and the RFID card 10 is read by the reader / writer 5 (S11). In the next step S12, the CPU 11 makes the RF
It is determined whether communication with the ID card 10 has been successful. RFI
If the D card 10 is detected, the process proceeds to S13, and if not detected, the process returns to S11. Here, the RFID card 10
Since it is necessary to perform a keyboard operation or the like in order to register, the RFID card 10 is placed on the reader / writer 5 of the operation panel 26 of the printer 1 or left inserted in the guide groove 7 for operation. be able to. When the RFID card 10 is detected in S12, the encryption key to be newly recorded is input to the flash ROM 33 of the RFID card 10 and the registration master 28 of the printer 1. S
At 13, the name is entered. In S14, the employee number is input. In S15, the personal identification number is entered. In S16, the password is entered. In S17, the contents input in S13 to S17 are confirmed. The above operation is performed using the keyboard 3 and the liquid crystal display device 4 on the operation panel 26. When the registration contents are confirmed, the registration master 2 in the flash ROM of the printer 1 is pressed by pressing an enter key (not shown).
8 and the same contents are written in the flash ROM 33 of the RFID card 10. Then, thereafter, by performing the operation of FIG. 4 described above, the RFID card can be used as an RFID card having a built-in encryption key. In the registration process, if the RFID card 10 is not recognized even if it is inserted into the guide groove 7, it is likely that the element other than the distance and the card are defective, so the card is replaced with another card. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the RFID communicable range is different, but if the RFID card 10 is inserted into the guide groove 7 that is familiar to readers / writers for magnetic cards, etc. The reader / writer 5 can be processed within a predetermined distance in which reliable communication can be performed. Since the verification using the encryption key and the verification of the RFID card (IC card) itself are combined, unlike the conventional mechanical key, it is difficult to make a copy or forgery, and the security of confidentiality can be improved. Further, since the invalidating means of the RFID card 10 is provided, an unauthorized RFID can be deleted as soon as it is discovered, and security can be ensured. Further, since the RF key is transmitted to the RFID card 10 by RF so that the encryption key can be newly registered or updated, the number of operators who can operate can be increased or decreased as necessary. Further, since the RFID card is shaped like a cash card, it can be carried in a wallet, and even if it is dropped, it is protected by a personal identification number, so it is safe to be picked up by a third party. Further, since the RFID is read in a non-contact manner, there is no contact failure due to wear and the like, and the RFID card 10 and the reader / writer are not damaged, so that a highly reliable system can be constructed. Further, since the RFID card 10 is supplied with power from the radio wave of the reader / writer 5 by electromagnetic induction, it is not necessary to mount a battery and the life can be extended. Furthermore, by performing a write protection process on the RFID card 10 side and applying a copy guard to the registered master 28 on the printer 1 side, it is possible to make copying even more difficult and to provide a system with high security. In the above-described embodiment, the host computer 24 and the label printer 1 are illustrated as separate components, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be an integral configuration. Further, although the case where the registered master storing the encryption key is recorded in the flash ROM 27 in the label printer 1 is illustrated, it may be recorded in the disk device of the host computer instead. Further, the shape of the guide groove 7 is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be, for example, as shown in FIG.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, R
If the FID is inserted into the guide, the distance between the RFID and the reader / writer can be processed within a range in which communication can be reliably performed.
Moreover, if a means for invalidating the RFID is provided, an illegal RF is generated.
If you find your ID, you can delete it immediately. And
By transmitting the RF to the RFID so that the encryption key can be newly registered or updated, it is possible to obtain various effects such as increasing or decreasing the number of operable operators as necessary.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing main parts of the label printer 1 and the RFID card 10. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a case where an encryption key is queried and a printing process is performed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for newly registering an encryption key in RFID.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a modified example of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Label printer (printing unit), 5 ... RFID reader / writer (communication device), 7 ... Guide groove (guide), 10 ... RFI
D card (RFID), 28 ... Registration master

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A printing unit that executes a printing operation in response to a printing command, a collating unit that allows the printing operation to the printing unit only for a specific encryption key, and a registration master that stores the encryption key. In a label printing apparatus including an RFID that stores the encryption key and RF-transmits the encryption key, and a communication device that receives the RF-transmitted encryption key, a distance between the RFID device and the RFID is restricted in the communication device. A label printing device characterized by being provided with a guide for communication. 2. The label printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising invalidating means for invalidating the RFID when the collating means detects a mismatch of the encryption keys. 3. Further, an encryption key is applied to the RFID as an RF signal.
3. The label printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the label printing apparatus is capable of transmitting and newly registering or updating the encryption key.