JP2004070784A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that when writing in an RF-ID tag fails, it is difficult to confirm that, and it is impossible to quickly discriminate a writing successive article from a defective article. <P>SOLUTION: For example, labels whose writing in their incorporated elements fails are sorted by a method for changing the cutting intervals by a cutter, or peeling them, and cut sheets are outputted to different paper ejection trays. Thus, in executing recording on the surface of a medium to be recorded incorporating communicating elements such as the RF-ID tag and writing in the communicating elements in parallel by using a recorder, it is possible to instantaneously discriminate the successive article from defective article of data wiring, and it is possible to sharply increase reliability for the medium to be recorded in which data are recorded and written. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs an operation of recording an image on the surface of a recording medium and an operation of writing information to an element built in the recording medium in parallel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the development of semiconductor technology and electronic communication technology, an automatic recognition system called RF-ID (Radio Frequency Identification) capable of transmitting and receiving information without contact has been developed.
[0003]
The RF-ID system includes an electronic circuit including a memory, and includes an RF-ID tag that holds information, an RF-ID reader / writer that controls the RF-ID tag, and the like.
[0004]
The features of this RF-ID system include that new writing and additional writing of data, simultaneous communication with a plurality of RF-ID tags are possible, and the system is less susceptible to obstacles and the like.
[0005]
These have functions not found in automatic recognition systems such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes.
[0006]
Attention has been paid not only to fields where automation was difficult with barcodes and two-dimensional codes, but also to logistics / distribution fields where automation was performed by conventional automatic recognition systems, due to its convenience.
[0007]
An RF-ID tag that is built in a paper (recording medium) such as a card or a label and used in the system needs to perform recording on the surface of the recording medium and writing of information to the RF-ID tag. Rather than sharing these operations with separate devices, a recording device is provided with a function of writing to an RF-ID tag, and recording on the medium surface and recording on the RF-ID tag are performed collectively. Use the device.
[0008]
At this time, since the card or label as a medium is continuously fed, the inside of the recording device is in a state where recording on the surface of a plurality of media and writing to RF-ID are simultaneously performed. Since it is difficult to confirm when writing to the RF-ID tag has failed, it has not been possible to quickly distinguish between a successfully written product and a failed product.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention provides a recording apparatus that performs image recording on the surface of a recording medium and information writing in a built-in element in parallel, and in the event that writing of information has failed, a recording device that can be distinguished from a successful product. Aim.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and the following means have been implemented.
[0011]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides recording means for recording an image on a surface of a recording medium, writing means for writing information to an element built in the recording medium, and reading and reading information written to the element. Means, a data comparing means for comparing the write data of the writing means with the data read by the reading means, and a sorting means for sorting recording media output as inconsistent as a result of comparison by the comparing means. .
[0012]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that the sorting means changes the discharge destination of the recording medium which is output as inconsistent in the comparison result by the comparing means.
[0013]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a recording apparatus having recording means for recording an image on a label surface, and writing means for writing information to an element built in the label, wherein the information written to the element is read out. A reading unit; a data comparing unit that compares the write data of the writing unit with the data read by the reading unit; and a sorting unit that sorts a label output as inconsistent based on a comparison result by the comparing unit. It is characterized by.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that the sorting means changes a cutting position of the label.
[0015]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that the sorting unit peels off a label output as inconsistent in the comparison result by the comparing unit.
[0016]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that the sorting means does not peel off a label output as inconsistent in the comparison result by the comparing means.
[Action]
According to the present invention, it is possible to easily distinguish between a normally written product and a failed product by the state of data writing to the RF-ID tag or the like built in the recording medium, and visually check the data. It is possible to prevent a data write failure product that cannot be used from being erroneously used.
[0017]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a recording apparatus and a cutting apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a cutter) embodying the present invention.
[0019]
The recording apparatus 100 includes, for example, a roll paper feed unit 101 that supplies a continuous label paper 103 in which a label having a built-in RF-ID element is wound in a roll shape, and a transport unit that transports the supplied continuous paper below the recording unit 104. 102, a recording unit 104 for continuously performing color recording on the conveyed continuous paper using, for example, a plurality of recording heads, and an RF-printing unit (which includes an electronic circuit including a memory and holds information) that enters a communicable range. An RF-ID reader / writer 105 that writes and reads information to and from an ID element, and a cutter 106 that can cut continuous label paper at an arbitrary designated position.
[0020]
FIG. 11 shows an example of a recording medium used by the recording apparatus embodying the present invention.
[0021]
For example, an electronic circuit including a memory is mounted, and a plurality of labels 1103 with tags including elements 1104 such as an RF-ID for holding information in the memory are temporarily attached to the mount 1102 at substantially equal intervals, and a roll is provided. Used as continuous label paper 1101 in the shape of a letter.
[0022]
FIG. 12 is an electrical block diagram of the recording apparatus 100 embodying the present invention.
[0023]
The host computer (host PC) 1200 transfers print data used for printing to the interface controller 1202 of the printing apparatus 100 and instructs to start printing.
[0024]
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1201 is an RF-ID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader / writer for receiving recording data, performing a recording operation, reading information from an RF-ID tag, or writing information to an RF-ID tag. This is an arithmetic processing unit that performs overall control such as control and handling of a recording medium (paper).
[0025]
After analyzing the command received from the host PC 1200, the CPU 1201 renders image data of each color component of the print data in a bit map on the image memory 1204 and draws the image data.
[0026]
As an operation process before recording, the CPU 1201 drives a capping motor and a recording head up / down motor (not shown) via an input / output circuit 1210 and a driving unit 1220 to release capping of the recording head 203 and move to a recording position.
[0027]
Further, a paper feed motor 1222 for feeding out label paper or the like with a built-in RF-ID element 1212 via a drive unit 1220 and a transport motor 1223 for transporting the paper at a constant speed are driven to transport the paper to the recording position.
[0028]
A leading edge detection sensor 1207 for determining a recording timing of a sheet conveyed at a constant speed detects a label leading edge position.
[0029]
Thereafter, in synchronization with the sheet conveyance, the CPU 1201 sequentially reads out the image data of the corresponding color from the image memory 1204, and sequentially sends the data to the print heads 104K, 104C, 104LC, 104M, 104LM, and 104Y via the print head control circuit 1214. Then, ink is selectively ejected based on print data from a large number of nozzles of each print head to perform color printing.
[0030]
As described above, K: black, C: cyan, LC: light cyan, M: magenta, LM: light magenta, and Y: yellow.
[0031]
The operation of the CPU 1201 is executed based on a processing program stored in the program ROM 1203.
[0032]
The program ROM 1203 stores a processing program, a table, and the like corresponding to a control flow described later.
[0033]
A work RAM 1205 is used as a work memory.
[0034]
The EEPROM 1206 is a non-volatile memory and stores parameters unique to the apparatus, such as minute print position adjustment values between print heads.
[0035]
The RF-ID reader / writer 105 and the CPU 1201 for writing and reading information to and from the memory in the RF-ID element 1212 via the communication antenna 1213 and the CPU 1201 use, for example, an asynchronous serial interface or a bus-type input / output (I / O). Connected via.
[0036]
The cutter 106 has a cut position sensor 1208 for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the label for more accurately determining the cut position in the sheet feeding direction, and a trigger solenoid 1224 that rotates continuously during the recording operation and is only used during the sheet cutting operation. A cutter motor 1221 that operates and is connected to a rotary blade (not shown) to drive the rotary blade instantaneously is provided.
[0037]
The ink fullness detection sensor 1209 is a sensor provided in a sub-tank (not shown), and independently detects each ink color.
[0038]
The sub-tank receives the ink from the ink cartridge for replenishing the ink, serves as a buffer for temporarily storing the ink, and when refilling the ink, if the full tank detection sensor 1209 in the sub-tank does not detect for a certain period of time, it judges that the ink cartridge is empty, Prompts replacement of the ink cartridge of the corresponding color.
[0039]
The CPU 1201 can read the output of the ink fullness detection sensor 1209 by the AD converter 1211 for each color.
[0040]
Next, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram in which the continuous label paper 103 is cut using the cutter 106 attached to the paper discharge side of the recording apparatus 100.
[0041]
The cutter 106 cuts the recorded continuous paper at a predetermined location in synchronization with the recording apparatus 100 in accordance with print data transmitted from the host PC 1200 or a command for controlling the cutter.
[0042]
If the predetermined cutting interval is set to 3, for example, in the above command, for example, three pieces of products 201 that have been successfully written by the RF-ID reader / writer 105 may be used depending on various conditions such as the paper size and the conveying speed, the cutting timing prepared in the table, and the like. Cutting is performed at intervals (see FIG. 2A).
[0043]
On the other hand, when a data write failure product occurs, the CPU 1201 receives from the RF-ID reader / writer 105 a command indicating that the writing of the RF-ID element to the memory has failed.
[0044]
In this case, the CPU 1201 controls the cutter 106 to cut the labels of the writing failure products 202 from the continuous label paper one by one in order to distinguish them from the success products (see FIG. 2B).
[0045]
Similarly, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state 2 in which the continuous paper is cut by the cutter 106.
[0046]
2 shows a state in which the continuous label paper 103 is cut using the same means as that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and a case where the command transferred from the host PC 1200 is different from the state shown in FIG. Indicates processing.
[0047]
For example, in the case where labels are cut one by one from the continuous label paper in the above command, the predetermined cutting interval is set to 1, the continuous label paper is cut by the cutter 106 according to various conditions such as the paper size and the conveying speed and the cutting timing prepared in the table. In step 103, for example, the label 301 on which the data has been successfully written by the RF-ID reader / writer 105 is cut one by one (see FIG. 3A).
[0048]
On the other hand, when a label of a data write failure product is generated, the CPU 1201 receives a write failure command from the RF-ID reader / writer 105 to the RF-ID element, as in the example of FIG.
[0049]
In this case, in order to distinguish the label from the successful product, the CPU 1201 controls the cutter 106 to cut every two labels including the data write failure product label 302 (see FIG. 3B).
[0050]
In FIG. 3, the predetermined number of cuts for failure processing is set to 2, but the predetermined number of cuts can be set to N (N is an integer of 2 or more).
[0051]
The setting of the predetermined number of cuts in the error processing can be set either in a case where the setting is made in a command transmitted from the host or in a case where the table is specified in advance. It is possible to cut according to the cutting timing.
[0052]
FIG. 4 shows an operation flow of the CPU 1201 in the first embodiment.
[0053]
Programs corresponding to these operation flows are stored in the ROM 1203, and the CPU 1201 executes processing operations based on the programs.
[0054]
When the recording apparatus 100 is provided with the cutter 106 and the recording on the surface of the recording medium using the continuous paper and the writing of information to the memory of the built-in RF-ID element are performed in parallel, first, the number of cut sheets is set. (401).
[0055]
When the continuous label paper is conveyed (402) and the recording medium including the RF-ID element enters the communication range with the communication antenna 1213 (403), the communication is started, and the writing of data is performed on the memory of the RF-ID element. Performed (404).
[0056]
The CPU 1201 checks whether or not the data writing is successful (405). If the data writing is successful, the sheet is conveyed by a preset number of cut sheets (408), and the label cutting process is performed by the cutter 106 (409). ).
[0057]
On the other hand, if the data writing has failed, the CPU 1201 receives a command from the RF-ID reader / writer (406) and changes the setting to the number of cuts for failure processing (407).
[0058]
Since the places where the labels are cut (units of the number of cuts) of the labels are different between the successfully written product and the failed product, it is possible to sort the label of the successful product and the label of the failed product by looking at the number of labels.
[0059]
When all the data sent from the host computer is completed (410), the sheet conveyance is also stopped (411), and the process stands by until the next processing.
[0060]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the recording apparatus 100 and the peeling apparatus 506 according to the present invention.
[0061]
A peeling device 506 is provided on the paper discharge side of the recording device 100, and the label can be peeled off from the backing paper.
[0062]
Note that the electrical block diagram is almost the same as that of FIG. 12, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0063]
FIG. 6 shows a state in which the label is peeled by the peeling device.
FIG. 6B shows a state in which the recording medium 103 which is a label sheet is peeled by using the peeling device 506 attached to the paper discharge side of the recording apparatus 100 (see FIG. 6B).
[0064]
When a data write failure occurs on the label paper 103 on which recording on the surface of the medium and data writing on the built-in RF-ID element have occurred, the CPU 1201 writes data from the RF-ID reader / writer 105 to the RF-ID element. Receive a failed command.
[0065]
When a write failure command is received, the label is peeled from the backing so that only the failed label can be distinguished.
[0066]
For example, when the label reaches the peeling device 506, the peel lever 600 is pushed up to increase the slope change of the backing sheet, so that the label 601 of the writing failure product can be peeled off the backing sheet as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0067]
It is conceivable to store the label 601 of the failed product at the peeling position, or to temporarily stop the label 601 in the state of FIG.
[0068]
The operation of the peeling lever 600 is driven by using a solenoid (not shown) or the like.
[0069]
Further, in the second embodiment, an example in which the data write failure product is peeled off has been described. However, in the case where the label of the data recording success product is peeled off and attached, the data recording failure product label is peeled off. It is also possible to leave it on the backing paper instead.
[0070]
FIG. 7 shows a processing flow in the second embodiment.
[0071]
When the label paper is conveyed (701) and the recording medium containing the RF-ID tag enters the communication range with the communication antenna 1213 (702), communication is started and data is written (703).
[0072]
After the writing is completed, it is checked whether or not the data writing is successful (704).
[0073]
If the data writing has failed, the CPU 1201 receives a command from the RF-ID reader / writer (705) and performs a peeling operation for failure processing (706).
[0074]
Since it is different whether or not the label of the successful data writing product is separated from the label of the failed data product, the sorting can be performed.
[0075]
When all the recording operations for the specified number of recordings are completed (707), the transport operation is also stopped (708), and the process stands by until the next processing.
[0076]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a recording device and a sorting device according to the third embodiment.
[0077]
The recording apparatus according to the present invention handles cut sheets for each sheet as compared with the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment which handles continuous paper such as labels.
[0078]
Although the electrical configurations of the paper feeding unit 801 and the paper discharging unit 806 are slightly different from those in FIG. 12, the recording apparatus main body is almost the same.
[0079]
The paper feeding unit 801 includes a motor (not shown) that separates and picks up cut sheets one by one, and the paper discharging unit can be replaced with a motor that causes the cutter motor 1221 in FIG. 12 to raise and lower the paper discharging tray.
[0080]
Cut sheets 803 such as cards stacked in the sheet feeding unit 801 are separated and picked up one by one, and are fed to the recording apparatus main body conveying unit 802.
The structure and operation inside the recording apparatus main body are almost the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0081]
The paper discharge unit 806 is provided with a two-stage paper discharge tray.
[0082]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the sorting state of the paper discharge unit.
[0083]
This figure shows a state in which the recording medium 803 which is a cut sheet is sorted using a two-stage tray attached to the paper discharge side of the recording apparatus.
[0084]
If a failed card occurs in writing data to the RF-ID tag embedded in the cut sheet, the CPU 1201 receives a write failure command from the RF-ID reader / writer 105.
[0085]
Upon receiving the write failure command, the CPU 1201 raises the paper discharge tray (see FIG. 9B), and stacks the recording medium 901 for which the write has failed on the lower tray.
[0086]
In the normal operation, it stands by at a fixed position (see FIG. 9A), and can be distinguished from the data recording successful card 902.
[0087]
In the third embodiment, the sorting is performed by the tray operation as the sorting means. However, the sorting destination may be changed using other means such as changing the transfer destination using a movable flap. This embodiment can be realized.
[0088]
FIG. 10 shows a flow of processing in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0089]
A program corresponding to such a flow is stored and executed and processed by the CPU in the same manner as described above.
[0090]
When the cut sheet is conveyed (1001) and enters the communication range between the RF-ID tag and the communication antenna 1213 (1002), communication starts, and data is written from the RF-ID reader / writer 105 to the RF-ID tag. (1003).
[0091]
After the data writing is completed, it is checked whether or not the writing was successful (1004).
[0092]
If the data recording has failed, the CPU 1201 receives a write failure command from the RF-ID reader / writer 105 (1005), and performs a failure process (1006).
[0093]
As described with reference to FIG. 9, the processing at the time of failure refers to, for example, processing of stacking a recording medium (cut sheet) for which writing has failed on the lower stacker (discharge tray). If successful, the sheet is discharged to the upper stacker.
[0094]
Since the stacking destination differs between a successful product and a failed product of data recording, they can be clearly distinguished.
[0095]
When the recording operation for the desired number of sheets is completed (1007), the transport operation is also stopped (1008), and the process stands by until the next processing.
[0096]
(Other Examples)
The embodiments described above are not limited to being executed exclusively, and may be executed in combination with each other, for example, after cutting the recording medium using a cutter and changing the discharge destination.
[0097]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, recording on the surface of a recording medium using a recording device and writing to the communication element can be performed in parallel on a recording medium incorporating a communication element such as an RF-ID tag. In this case, it is possible to immediately discriminate between a product for which data has been successfully written and a product for which data writing has failed, and the reliability of a recording medium on which recording and data writing have been performed is significantly increased.
[0098]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a recording device and a cutting device embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where continuous paper is cut by a cutting device.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which continuous paper is cut by a cutting device.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image recording device and a peeling device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a label is peeled by a peeling means.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image recording device and a sorting device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state of sorting by sorting means.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an RF-ID tag embedded in a label sheet.
FIG. 12 is an electrical block diagram of a recording apparatus embodying the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Roll paper feed unit 102 Transport unit 103 Recording medium 104 Recording head 105 RF-ID reader / writer 106 Cutter 201 Successful data writing product 202 Failed data writing product 301 Successful data writing product 302 Failed data writing product 506 Peeling device 601 Data writing Failed product 602 Successful data writing product 801 Paper feed unit 802 Transport unit 803 Recording medium (cut paper)
804 Recording head 805 RF-ID reader / writer 806 Paper discharge unit (sorting means)
901 Data recording failure product 902 Data recording success product 1101 Label roll paper 1102 Mount 1103 Label 1104 RF-ID tag 1200 Host computer (host PC)
1201 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
1202 Interface controller 1203 Program ROM
1204 Image memory 1205 Work RAM
1206 EEPROM
1207 Tip detection sensor 1208 Cut position sensor 1209 Ink full sensor 1210 Input / output port (I / O)
1211 A / D converter 1212 RF-ID tag 1213 Communication antenna 1214 Recording head control circuit 1221 Cutter motor 1222 Paper feed motor 1223 Conveyor motor 1224 Cutter trigger solenoid

Claims (8)

Recording means for recording an image on the surface of the recording medium, writing means for writing information to an element built in the recording medium,
Reading means for reading information written in the element;
Data comparison means for comparing the write data of the writing means with the data read by the reading means,
A recording unit that sorts the recording medium that is output as a mismatch according to the comparison result by the comparing unit; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sorting unit changes a discharge destination of the recording medium output as a mismatch as a result of the comparison by the comparing unit. A recording device for recording an image on a label surface, and a recording device having a writing unit for writing information to an element built in the label,
Reading means for reading information written in the element;
A data comparing unit that compares the write data of the writing unit with the data read by the reading unit; and a sorting unit that sorts a label output as inconsistent based on a comparison result by the comparing unit. , Recording device. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sorting unit changes a cutting position of the label. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sorting unit peels off a label output as a mismatch as a result of the comparison by the comparing unit. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sorting unit does not peel off a label output as a mismatch in the comparison result by the comparing unit. Recording means for recording information on a label attached to the mount,
Writing means for writing information to an element built in the recording medium,
Reading means for reading information written in the element;
Data comparison means for comparing the write data of the writing means with the data read by the reading means,
Means for peeling off, from the backing sheet, a label output as a mismatch as a result of the comparison by the comparing means. Recording means for recording information on a label attached to the mount,
Writing means for writing information to an element built in the recording medium,
Reading means for reading information written in the element;
Data comparison means for comparing the write data of the writing means with the data read by the reading means,
Means for peeling off, from the backing sheet, a label output as a match as a result of comparison by the comparing means.

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