JP2006123920A - Label printer and its control method, and code reading and inspecting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a label printer capable of checking whether or not a code such as a bar code is correctly printed on a label, and correctly reading the code, and suitable for distributing only products printed with the code, and its control method, and a code reading and inspecting system. <P>SOLUTION: In the label printer 2, the data D1 of the bar code transmitted from a host computer 3 is received by a microcomputer board 7, a print engine 8 prints the bar code on a label based on the data D1 of the received bar code, and the label printed with the bar code is affixed to a product on a conveying device 6 by a label affixing device 9. Thereafter, the bar code reader 10 reads the data D2 of the bar code from the label printed with the bar code affixed to the product 5 on the conveying device 6, and the data D2 of the read bar code is collated with the data D1 of the bar code transmitted from the host computer 3 in the microcomputer board 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a label printer that prints a code such as a barcode on a label, a control method thereof, and a code reading inspection system.

  Conventionally, as this type of label printer, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. In the label printer of this document, a barcode is printed with a thermal head (6) on a label (3) affixed on a backing sheet (2) of label paper (1), and then the thermal head (6 ) And the platen (4), the scanner (21) provided on the downstream side of the printing position reads the barcode printed on the label (3) and verifies whether the barcode is printed correctly, As a result of the verification, only the label (3) determined to be non-defective is issued, and the label (3) determined to be defective is not issued and is sent to the mount drawing unit (9) together with the mount (2). (Refer to page 3, left column, lines 31-41 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 1. The reference numerals in parentheses refer to those of reference 1 and the same applies hereinafter).

  However, according to the conventional label printer as described above, when the label (3) is pasted on the mount (2) of the label paper (1), the barcode printed on the label (3) A configuration for performing verification, that is, a configuration for performing verification before applying the label (3) to the product is adopted. For this reason, even if the label determined to be non-defective is peeled off from the mount and attached to the product, if the non-defective label is attached in a poor state, for example, the label (3) is attached with wrinkles or bubbles mixed Even if a situation where the barcode cannot be read accurately from the label (3) occurs, it cannot be eliminated by checking it in advance, and a barcode that cannot be read accurately is attached. There is a problem that the product may be distributed in the market, which may cause market disruption.

Japanese Patent No. 2633726

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to check whether a code such as a barcode is correctly printed on a label and to read it accurately. An object of the present invention is to provide a label printer, a control method therefor, and a code reading / inspection system suitable for distributing only products with codes only to the market.

  In order to achieve the above object, a label printer of the present invention comprises a receiving means for receiving code data transmitted from a host computer, a storage means for storing code data received by the receiving means, and the receiving means. Printing means for printing a code on a label based on the data of the code received in the above, a sticking means for sticking the code-printed label to a product on the transport device, and the sticking means having a code printed on the product on the transport device After affixing the label, the code reader that reads the code from the code-printed label affixed to the product, the code data read by the code reader and the code data stored in the storage means are collated And a verification unit.

  The “code” includes a bar code, a two-dimensional code, and other codes that function in the same manner. Further, the “code reader” is appropriately selected according to the code. For example, a barcode reader is used for a barcode, and a two-dimensional code reader is used for a two-dimensional code.

  The label printer of the present invention comprises a receiving means for receiving barcode data transmitted from a host computer, a storage means for storing barcode data received by the receiving means, and a barcode received by the receiving means. Printing means for printing a barcode on a label based on the data; sticking means for sticking the barcode-printed label to a product on the transport device; and the sticking means applies a barcode-printed label to the product on the transport device. After pasting, the barcode reader that reads the barcode from the barcode-printed label attached to the product, the barcode data read by the barcode reader, and the barcode data stored in the storage means And a collating means for collating with each other.

  The label printer according to the present invention may further include a transmission unit that transmits the collation result of the collation unit to the host computer and the control computer of the transport apparatus.

  The label printer control method of the present invention is a label printer control method for printing a code on a label based on code data transmitted from a host computer. The label printer includes a microcomputer board, a controller, a print engine, a label affixing method. And a code reader that stores code data transmitted from the host computer in the memory means of the microcomputer board, and the controller outputs a code print command signal to the print engine. Based on the code data transmitted from the host computer, the engine prints a code on a label, and the controller outputs a label application command signal to the label application device. Label printed with the above code By performing processing for pasting the product on the transport device and processing for outputting a label pasting completion signal to the controller when the pasting is completed, and the label pasting completion signal is input to the controller The controller outputs a code reading command signal to the code reader, and when the code reading command signal is input to the code reader, the code reader is printed with a code printed on the product. A code is read from a finished label, and the code data actually read by the code reader is transmitted to the microcomputer board, and in the microcomputer board, the code data stored in the storage means of the microcomputer board It is collated.

  A label printer control method of the present invention is a label printer control method for printing a barcode on a label based on barcode data transmitted from a host computer. The label printer includes a microcomputer board, a controller, a print engine, It has a label sticking device and a barcode reader, stores the barcode data transmitted from the host computer in the memory means of the microcomputer board, and the controller outputs a barcode printing command signal to the print engine. As a result, the print engine prints a barcode on the label based on the barcode data transmitted from the host computer, and the controller outputs a label application command signal to the label application device. , The labeling device , A process of applying the barcode-printed label to the product on the conveying device, and a process of outputting a label application completion signal to the controller when the application is completed. By being input to the controller, the controller outputs a barcode reading command signal to the barcode reader, and the barcode reading command signal is output to the barcode reader. The code reader reads the barcode from the barcode printed label affixed to the product, and the barcode data actually read by the barcode reader is transmitted to the microcomputer board, , The barcode data stored in the storage means of the microcomputer board. Characterized in that it is matched to.

  In the label printer control method of the present invention, the verification result on the microcomputer board may be further transmitted to the host computer and the control computer of the transport device.

  The code reading inspection system of the present invention comprises a label printer, a host computer, and a control computer for the transport device, and the label printer receives the code data transmitted from the host computer, and receives the code data by the receiving means. Storage means for storing the code data, printing means for printing the code on a label based on the code data received by the receiving means, and sticking means for sticking the code-printed label to the product on the conveying device; A code reader for reading the code from the code printed label affixed to the product after the affixing means affixes the code printed label to the product on the transport device; and code data read by the code reader; Collating means for collating data of the code stored in the storage means; Transmission means for transmitting the result of verification by the verification means to the host computer and the control computer of the transport device, wherein the host computer creates verification management data based on the verification result, and the transport device. The control computer controls the sorting device of the transport device based on the collation result, a product on which a defective label that is not suitable for collation is affixed, and a product on which a label that is collated is affixed It is characterized by sorting.

  A code reading inspection system according to the present invention includes a label printer, a host computer, and a control computer for a transport device. The label printer includes a receiving unit that receives barcode data transmitted from the host computer, and a receiving unit. Storage means for storing the received barcode data, printing means for printing the barcode on the label based on the barcode data received by the receiving means, and the barcode printed label on the product on the conveying device A sticking means for sticking, a barcode reader for reading a barcode from a barcode printed label attached to the product after the sticking means sticks a barcode printed label to the product on the transport device, The barcode data read by the barcode reader and stored in the storage means Collating means for collating the barcode data, and transmitting means for transmitting the collation result of the collating means to the host computer and the control computer of the transport device, the host computer comprising the collation result The collation management data is created based on the product, the control computer of the transport device controls the sorting device of the transport device based on the collation result, and the product on which the defective label that is unsuitable for collation is attached, It is characterized in that it is sorted with a product to which a label that has been matched is attached.

  In the label printer of the present invention, after a code-printed label is affixed to the product on the transport device, the code is read from the code-printed label affixed to the product, and the data of the read code and the host The code data transmitted from the computer is collated. The same applies to the label printer control method of the present invention and the code reading inspection system of the present invention.

  In the present invention, as described above, after the code-printed label is attached to the product on the transport device, the code is read from the code-printed label attached to the product. Since the data is collated with the code data sent from the host computer, the code is not correctly read from the label due to the poor code printing on the mount. Even if the code after the application is bad and the code cannot be read accurately from the label, a verification result indicating that the code is inappropriate is obtained. It can be effectively prevented from going around.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the code collation process is performed in the label printer, a collation-dedicated computer for performing the collation process and a collation-dedicated program incorporated therein are not required, and the facility introduction cost can be reduced accordingly.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 is an overall plan view of a code reading inspection system using a label printer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the code reading inspection system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is used in the system of FIG. It is a block diagram of a label printer.

  The code reading inspection system 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a system configuration including a label printer 2, a host computer 3, and a PLC (programmable computer) 4 as a control computer for the conveying apparatus.

  In the system 1, the label printer 2 is disposed on the side of a transport device 6 that transports a product 5 to be shipped, and a label is attached to the product 5 on the transport device 6 from printing a barcode or the like on the label. A series of processes up to and a barcode collation process are performed. In addition, the host computer 3 performs transmission of the barcode data D1 to the label printer 2, various management processes based on the collation result in the label printer 2, and the like. The PLC 4 performs various controls of the transport device 6 and the like based on the collation result in the label printer 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the label printer 2 includes a microcomputer board 7, a print engine 8, a label attaching device 9, a barcode reader 10, and a controller 11.

  The microcomputer board 7 has a CPU 7-1, a ROM 7-2, and a RAM 7-3, and a plurality of RS232C ports 7-4 as communication ports. The microcomputer board 7 receives the barcode data D1 from the host computer 3 via the RS232C port 7-4. The barcode data D1 received by the microcomputer board 7 is stored and stored in storage means mounted on the microcomputer board 7, specifically, the RAM 7-3. The barcode data D1 received by the microcomputer board 7 is transferred to the print engine 8 via the RS232C port 7-4.

  The print engine 8 includes a printing unit for printing a barcode and other necessary information on a label temporarily attached to a belt-like mount, a mechanism for supplying the label to the printing unit, and a barcode printed label from the mount. A mechanism for peeling and supplying the labeling device 9 is provided. For the printing means, for example, various printing formats such as a well-known dot print format, ink jet format, laser print format and the like are applied. Also, any known or well-known mechanism can be applied to the label peeling mechanism, the label supply mechanism, etc., regardless of the type.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the label sticking device 9 is integrally disposed on the side of the exterior case 2-1 of the label printer 2. This label sticking device 9 is means for receiving a barcode printed label from the print engine 8 and sticking it to the product 5 on the transport device 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the label sticking device 9 of the present embodiment sucks and receives the barcode printed label supplied from the print engine 8 on the lower surface of the suction holding device 9-1, and then the suction holding device 9. Although a method in which a label printed with a barcode is affixed to the product 5 when -1 abuts on the product 5 on the conveying device 6 is adopted, other methods may be adopted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the barcode reader 10 is arranged at a place where the labeling position P <b> 1 of the barcode printed label by the labeling device 9 can be sufficiently visually recognized, and the labeling device 9 is attached to the product 5 on the transport device 6. Immediately after applying the barcode printed label, the barcode is read from the barcode printed label attached to the product 5.

  The controller 11 is a means for controlling the print engine 8, label sticking device 9, bar code reader 10, etc., and commands for executing the respective processes for the print engine 8, label sticking device 9, and bar code reader 10. Is output. Specifically, a bar code print command signal S1 is output to the print engine 8, a label sticking command signal S2 is output to the label sticking device 9, and a bar code is given to the bar code reader 10. A reading command signal S3 is output. These three command signals are individually output to the receiving side (print engine, label sticking device, bar code reader) at a predetermined timing in the order of a bar code printing command, a label sticking command, and a bar code reading command. The The controller 11 also has an external input / output port 11-for inputting / outputting collation result data D 3 between barcode data D 1 transmitted from the host computer 3 described later and barcode data D 2 read by the barcode reader 10. Also has one.

  When the bar code print command signal S1 is input, the print engine 8 receives the bar code data D1 transferred from the microcomputer board 7, that is, based on the bar code data D1 transmitted from the host computer 3. A bar code is printed on the label, and the bar code printed label is peeled off from the mount and supplied to the label applying device 9.

  Next, when the label sticking command signal S <b> 2 is input, the label sticking device 9 receives the barcode printed label from the print engine 8, and the received barcode printed label is transferred to the product 5 on the transport device 6. Affix it. At this time, the controller 11 is waiting for input of a label application completion signal S4. When this application is completed, the label application device 9 outputs a label application completion signal S4 to the controller 11. When the label application completion signal S 4 is input to the controller 11, the controller 11 outputs a barcode reading command signal S 3 to the barcode reader 10. Thereby, the barcode reading command signal S3 is input to the barcode reader 10, and the barcode reader 10 starts the operation of reading the barcode from the barcode-printed label attached to the product 5.

  The barcode data D2 read by the barcode reader 10 is transmitted to the microcomputer board 7, and stored and stored in the RAM 7-3 of the microcomputer board 7 via the RS232C port 7-4 of the microcomputer board 7. . The barcode data D2 read by the barcode reader 10 is stored separately in a storage area different from the barcode data D1 transmitted from the host computer 3. Accordingly, the barcode data D1 transmitted from the host computer 3 and the barcode data D2 read by the barcode reader 10 are coexistingly stored in the RAM 7-3 of the microcomputer board 7. .

  When the two data D1 and D2 are stored in the RAM 7-3 of the microcomputer board 7 as described above, the microcomputer board 7 transmits the two data D1 and D2, that is, the original data transmitted from the host computer 3. The barcode data D1 and the actually read barcode data D2 are collated. This verification process is performed by the CPU 7-1 of the microcomputer board 7 executing a verification program stored in the ROM 7-2 of the microcomputer board 7. Such a collation program reads the two data D1 and D2 from the RAM 7-3, and compares and collates them.

  If the two data D1 and D2 match, matching is satisfied, but otherwise, the matching is inappropriate. For example, if the barcode printing state is poor and the barcode is misread, the barcode data D2 actually read does not match the original barcode data D1 transmitted from the host computer. It becomes. If the label cannot be read because the label is not attached properly, there is no barcode data D2 to be read. In other cases, matching is applied.

  The collation result data D3 in the microcomputer board 7 is transmitted to the host computer 3 via the RS232C port 7-4 of the microcomputer board 7, and is also transmitted to the controller 11, and the external input / output port 11- 1 is output to PLC4. At this time, the collation result data D3 is transmitted to the host computer 3 in a format in which a bar code data actually read is added with a collation result flag indicating whether the collation is suitable or not suitable. On the other hand, with respect to the output of the collation result data D3 from the external input / output port 11-1 to the PLC 4, two types of signals (hereinafter referred to as “collation result signal S5”) based on the flag in the collation result data D3, whether the collation is appropriate or not. Or S6 ").

  The host computer 3 receives the collation result data D3 from the microcomputer board 7, and creates various collation management data such as the number of collation conformity or inadequate collation and the collation date and time based on the collation result data D3.

  The conveyance device 6 branches downstream of the label printer 2 into a non-defective product conveyance route 6-1 and a defective product elimination route 6-2, and this branch point X1 is controlled by the PLC 4 next to the conveyance device 6. A distribution device 6-3 is provided.

  The PLC 4 controls the sorting device 6-3 of the transport device 6 based on the matching result signals S5 and S6, so that the product on which the defective label that is unsuitable for matching is attached and the label that is matched for matching. Distribute with affixed product.

  That is, the verification result data D3 is transmitted from the RS232C port 7-4 of the microcomputer board 7 of the label printer 2 to the controller 11, and the verification result signal S5 (verification is sent to the PLC 4 via the external input / output port 11-1 of the controller 11. When an inappropriate signal is output, the PLC 4 outputs a predetermined signal to the distribution device 6-3. This predetermined signal is a signal for eliminating a product (non-verification product) to which a defective label that is determined to be unsuitable is attached, and when this signal is input to the sorting device 6-3, the non-verification product. Passes through the branch point X1, the push rod 6-3-1 of the sorting device 6-3 moves forward to push the unsuitable product to the defective product elimination route 6-2 of the transport device 6.

  On the other hand, collation result data D3 is transmitted from the RS232C port 7-4 of the microcomputer board 7 of the label printer 2 to the controller 11, and the collation result signal S6 (collation is sent to the PLC 4 via the external input / output port 11-1 of the controller 11. When the matching signal is output, the PLC 4 outputs a predetermined signal to the distribution device 6-3. The predetermined signal at this time is a signal for sending the product (verification conformity product) with the label conforming to collation conformity to the distribution point X2, X3 according to the shipping destination downstream of the non-defective product transport route 6-1. When this signal is input to the distribution device 6-3, the push rod 6-3-1 of the distribution device 6-3 does not move forward even if the verification compatible product passes through the branch point X1, and therefore verification verification is achieved. The product moves to the non-defective product transport route 6-1 of the transport device 6 as it is.

  Therefore, according to the above-described code reading inspection system, it is possible to check whether or not the bar code is correctly printed on the label in the label printer 2, and only the verification conforming products are included in the shipping destination distribution points X2 and X3. Since the unsuitable product is excluded via the branch route 6-2, it is possible to prevent products that may cause misreading of the bar code from entering the market.

  In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which barcode data is printed on a label and the barcode printed on the label is read by a barcode reader. Instead of this, a code other than the barcode, for example, a two-dimensional code is used. The data may be printed on a label, and the two-dimensional code printed on the label may be read by a code reader. In this case, a two-dimensional code reader is applied as the code reader. In the description of other configurations, “bar code” in the description of the above embodiment is replaced with “two-dimensional code”.

1 is an overall configuration plan view of a code reading inspection system using a label printer according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the code reading inspection system of FIG. 1. The block diagram of the label printer used for the system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Code reading inspection system 2 Label printer 2-1 Exterior case 3 Host computer 4 PLC (control computer of conveyance apparatus)
5 Product 6 Conveying device 6-1 Non-defective product conveying route 6-2 Defective product eliminating route 6-3 Sorting device 6-3-1 Push rod 7 Microcomputer board 7-1 CPU
7-2 ROM
7-3 RAM
7-4 RS232C port 8 Print engine 9 Label sticking device 9-1 Suction holding device 10 Bar code reader 11 Controller 11-1 External input / output port D1 Bar code data D2 from host computer Bar code data D3 read by bar code reader Verification result data P1 Label application position S1 Label printing command signal S2 Label application command signal S3 Barcode reading command signal S4 Label application completion signal S5 Verification result signal (Signal unsuitable signal)
S6 Verification result signal (Signal matching signal)
X1 Transfer device branch point X2, X3 Distribution point by ship-to party

Claims (8)

Receiving means for receiving code data transmitted from the host computer;
Storage means for storing code data received by the receiving means;
Printing means for printing a code on a label based on the data of the code received by the receiving means;
Affixing means for affixing the code-printed label to the product on the transport device;
A code reader that reads a code from a code-printed label affixed to the product after the affixing means affixes a code-printed label to the product on the transport device;
A label printer comprising: a collating unit that collates code data read by the code reader with code data stored in the storage unit. Receiving means for receiving barcode data transmitted from the host computer;
Storage means for storing barcode data received by the receiving means;
Printing means for printing a barcode on a label based on the barcode data received by the receiving means;
Affixing means for affixing the barcode-printed label to the product on the transport device;
A bar code reader that reads a bar code from a bar code printed label affixed to the product after the affixing unit affixes a bar code printed label to the product on the transport device;
A label printer comprising: collation means for collating barcode data read by the barcode reader with barcode data stored in the storage means.   3. The label according to claim 1, wherein the label printer further includes a transmission unit that transmits a collation result of the collation unit to the host computer and a control computer of the transport device. Printer. A label printer control method for printing a code on a label based on code data transmitted from a host computer,
The label printer includes a microcomputer board, a controller, a print engine, a label attaching device, and a code reader.
The code data transmitted from the host computer is stored in the memory means of the microcomputer board,
When the controller outputs a code print command signal to the print engine, the print engine prints a code on a label based on the code data transmitted from the host computer,
When the controller outputs a signal of a label application command to the label application device, the label application device applies the process of applying the code-printed label to the product on the transport device, and when the application is completed, Execute the process to output a labeling completion signal to the controller,
When the label sticking completion signal is input to the controller, the controller outputs a code reading command signal to the code reader,
When the code reading command signal is input to the code reader, the code reader reads a code from a code printed label affixed to the product,
The code data actually read by the code reader is transmitted to the microcomputer board, and the microcomputer board is collated with the code data stored in the storage means of the microcomputer board. Label printer control method. A label printer control method for printing a barcode on a label based on barcode data transmitted from a host computer,
The label printer includes a microcomputer board, a controller, a print engine, a label attaching device, and a barcode reader.
The barcode data transmitted from the host computer is stored in the storage means of the microcomputer board,
When the controller outputs a barcode printing command signal to the print engine, the print engine prints the barcode on the label based on the barcode data transmitted from the host computer,
When the controller outputs a label application command signal to the label applicator, the label applicator attaches the barcode-printed label to the product on the transport device, and when the application is completed. Execute the process to output a labeling completion signal to the controller,
When the label sticking completion signal is input to the controller, the controller outputs a barcode reading command signal to the barcode reader,
When the barcode reading command signal is input to the barcode reader, the barcode reader reads the barcode from the barcode-printed label attached to the product,
The barcode data actually read by the barcode reader is transmitted to the microcomputer board, and the microcomputer board verifies the barcode data stored in the storage means of the microcomputer board. A control method for a label printer.   6. The label printer control method according to claim 4, wherein the result of collation at the microcomputer board is transmitted to the host computer and a control computer of the transport device. It has a label printer, a host computer, and a control computer for the transport device,
The label printer
Receiving means for receiving code data transmitted from the host computer;
Storage means for storing code data received by the receiving means;
Printing means for printing a code on a label based on the data of the code received by the receiving means;
Affixing means for affixing the code-printed label to the product on the transport device;
A code reader that reads a code from a code-printed label affixed to the product after the affixing means affixes a code-printed label to the product on the transport device;
Collating means for collating the code data read by the code reader with the code data stored in the storage means;
Transmission means for transmitting the result of the verification by the verification means to the host computer and the control computer of the transport device;
The host computer
Create collation management data based on the above collation results,
The control computer of the transfer device is
Control the sorting device of the transport device based on the collation result, and sort the product with the defective label that is not suitable for collation and the product with the label that is suitable for collation. A code reading inspection system. It has a label printer, a host computer, and a control computer for the transport device,
The label printer
Receiving means for receiving barcode data transmitted from the host computer;
Storage means for storing barcode data received by the receiving means;
Printing means for printing a barcode on a label based on the barcode data received by the receiving means;
Affixing means for affixing the barcode-printed label to the product on the transport device;
A bar code reader that reads a bar code from a bar code printed label affixed to the product after the affixing unit affixes a bar code printed label to the product on the transport device;
Collation means for collating the barcode data read by the barcode reader with the barcode data stored in the storage means;
Transmission means for transmitting the result of the verification by the verification means to the host computer and the control computer of the transport device;
The host computer
Create collation management data based on the above collation results,
The control computer of the transfer device is
Control the sorting device of the transport device based on the collation result, and sort the product with the defective label that is not suitable for collation and the product with the label that is suitable for collation. A code reading inspection system.

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