JP2006334830A - Printer capable of reading ic tag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of printing a destination address to an article to be sent by acquiring the destination address from information stored in an IC tag. <P>SOLUTION: This printer comprises an information reception section for receiving information stored in an IC tag buried in a printing material having the destination address printed thereon, a pattern data acquisition section for acquiring a printing pattern data corresponding to the destination address based on the received information, and a printing section for printing the acquired pattern data on a prescribed paper sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that reads a printed matter with an IC tag in a non-contact manner and performs a printing process based on the read content.

Until now, when sending a telephone or fax to a partner who has received a business card, there is no other way but to send it by hand while looking at the business card, and troubles such as erroneous transmission have occurred.
Therefore, by storing information such as telephone numbers, facsimiles, and e-mail addresses in an IC tag embedded in a business card, it is possible to automatically make a call from a telephone or a mobile phone, thereby avoiding troubles such as erroneous calls. A technique is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-183893 A

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, information such as the address and name described on the business card is not handled, and when the address of the other party is written on the sent matter (postcard / sealed letter), it is the same as before. A method of printing by manually filling in or entering once on a personal computer or the like is used. However, when inputting a large amount of time, it takes a lot of time for the work.

The present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of acquiring a destination from information stored in an IC tag and printing the destination on a delivery in order to solve the above inconvenience.
Further, considering that there is a limit on the amount of information that can be stored depending on the specifications of the IC tag, the destination is stored in the server, and the information for accessing the data stored in the server is stored in the IC tag. Thus, the present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of acquiring the access destination stored in the IC tag, downloading the destination from the server, and printing it.

The present invention provides an information receiving unit for receiving information stored in an IC tag from an IC tag embedded in a printed material on which the destination is printed, and a pattern for acquiring print pattern data corresponding to the destination based on the received information There is provided a printing apparatus comprising a data acquisition unit and a printing unit that prints the acquired pattern data on a predetermined sheet.
Here, the IC tag is a known IC tag that stores information therein and can read the stored information using a non-contact receiving unit. The printed material is preferably, for example, a business card, but is not limited to this, and any printed material may be used as long as information necessary for destination printing is printed on the surface thereof.

  The printing apparatus according to the present invention includes an information receiving unit that receives information stored in an IC tag, a pattern data acquisition unit that acquires print pattern data corresponding to a destination based on the received information, and the acquired pattern data as predetermined Since the printer has a printing section that prints on other paper, there is no need to enter the destination for destination printing to send the delivery to the destination printed on the printed matter, reducing the burden of destination printing work, Address printing work can be made more efficient.

  The IC tag stores destination information corresponding to the destination, and the information receiving unit includes a non-contact receiving unit that reads the destination information in a non-contact manner with the IC tag when the IC tag is brought close to the IC tag. The data acquisition unit may include a data conversion unit that converts the read destination information into destination pattern data. In this way, since the destination information can be acquired from the IC tag storing the destination information and printed on a predetermined sheet, the burden of the destination printing work on the delivery that has been required to be manually input so far. Can be reduced, and the destination printing work can be made more efficient.

  Here, the communication method between the IC tag and the non-contact receiving unit may be a known communication method regardless of the type as long as the data of the IC tag can be received in a non-contact manner. The distance at which the non-contact receiving unit can read the IC tag is only required to comply with a known IC tag standard, and the range of the distance is not particularly limited. In one example, the communicable distance of the IC tag at a widely used communication frequency of 13.56 MHz is up to 1 meter. Alternatively, if the communication distance is too long, there is a possibility that unintended data may be read, so the distance may be limited to about several centimeters.

  Here, the “destination information” is data including characters and images corresponding to the destination printed on the printed matter, and the characters and images can be converted into pattern data in order to be printed by the printing unit. Data in the required format. “Pattern data” refers to data in a format that can be printed by a printing unit without undergoing conversion processing. “Predetermined paper” refers to paper that is selected by a user for destination printing, for example, for destination printing, and that has at least one condition such as its size, printing position, and paper type. . The printer may be a single-function printer, but is not limited to this as long as it can print, and may be a digital copier, for example.

  The IC tag stores access information for acquiring destination information from a server in which destination information corresponding to the destination is stored, and the information receiving unit is not connected to the IC tag when the IC tag is approached. A non-contact receiving unit that reads access information by contact, and the pattern data acquisition unit accesses a predetermined server on the network based on the read access information and downloads the destination information and the downloaded destination information May be composed of a data conversion unit that converts the data into destination pattern data. In this way, since the information stored in the IC tag need only be data indicating the access destination, even if the IC tag has a restriction on the amount of data that can be stored, the amount of print data obtained thereby is restricted. Absent. By automatically downloading print data from a server on the network such as the Internet, you can use large-capacity text and typeface data, and you can achieve printing that meets various needs.

  Here, if the server is connected to the network and can be accessed from the outside, it stores print data or pattern data, and the device that accessed the server can download the stored data. The form does not matter. The network may be any network as long as a plurality of devices including a printing apparatus and a server are connected and can exchange data with each other, and the Internet is preferable, but is not limited thereto. In this way, printable pattern data is stored in a server connected to a network such as the Internet, thereby making it unnecessary to convert the downloaded print data into a print pattern after downloading. Can do. As a result, the configuration of the printing apparatus can be simplified and the processing time for destination printing can be further shortened.

  The IC tag stores access information for acquiring pattern data from a server in which pattern data corresponding to the destination is stored, and the information receiving unit is not connected to the IC tag when the IC tag is brought closer. The pattern data acquisition unit includes a data transmission / reception unit that accesses a predetermined server on the network and downloads pattern data based on the read access information. May be. In this way, even a printing device that is connected one-to-one with an information terminal such as a personal computer and does not have a connection I / F that connects to a network such as the Internet can be connected to a server on the network via the information terminal. You can access and download print data from the server.

  The IC tag stores access information for acquiring destination information from a server in which destination information corresponding to the destination is stored, and the information receiving unit is not connected to the IC tag when the IC tag is approached. It consists of a non-contact receiving unit that reads access information by contact, and the pattern data acquisition unit transmits the read access information to an external information terminal and downloads destination information from a server on the network to the information terminal based on the access information The information terminal transmission / reception unit that acquires the downloaded destination information and the data conversion unit that converts the downloaded destination information into destination pattern data may be used. In this way, printable pattern data can be stored in a server connected on a network such as the Internet, and the pattern data can be acquired from the server via the information terminal. As a result, the configuration of the printing apparatus can be further simplified, and the processing for converting the print data into the pattern data is unnecessary, and the processing time for destination printing can be further shortened.

  Here, the information terminal may be a terminal connected to the printing device on the one hand and connected to the network on the other hand, and the form of hardware and software is not limited. For example, a personal computer connected to a network may be used. Alternatively, it may be a portable information terminal that can be connected to the Internet wirelessly.

The IC tag stores access information for acquiring pattern data from a server storing pattern data corresponding to the destination,
The information receiving unit includes a non-contact receiving unit that reads access information in a non-contact manner with the IC tag when the IC tag is brought close to the IC tag.
Information terminal transmission / reception in which the pattern data acquisition unit transmits the read access information to an external information terminal, causes the information terminal to download pattern data from a server on the network based on the access information, and acquires the downloaded pattern data It may consist of parts.

The printed matter may be a business card.
The predetermined paper may be a postcard or a sealed letter. In this way, for example, when sending a postcard or a sealed letter to a partner who has received a printed matter such as a business card, especially when the number of business cards is large, a large amount of time and labor are required according to manual work. By acquiring information from an IC tag embedded in a business card and printing it, these operations can be greatly simplified.

The destination information may include an address, a zip code, and an address.
The destination information may further include typeface information, and the data conversion unit may convert typeface pattern data corresponding to the typeface information. In this way, it is possible to print the destination using a typeface suitable for addressing a postcard or a sealed letter for each destination.
Furthermore, the network may be the Internet.

  Furthermore, the access information includes connection destination information for connecting to a predetermined server on the network and identification information for selecting one data from data stored in the server corresponding to the plurality of printed materials. In addition, the data transmission / reception unit may access a predetermined server based on the connection destination information and download the data corresponding to the printed matter using the identification information. In this way, the data stored in the server can be managed by the ID, so that the data in the server can be easily maintained. For example, even when individual IDs require different contents to be changed, the operation is easy. Alternatively, by managing data for each ID, only necessary data can be downloaded, so that the access time to the server at the time of downloading can be shortened, and the time required for printing work can be shortened. Accordingly, the efficiency of printing work is improved.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The following description will provide a better understanding of the present invention. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following description.
In this embodiment, a case where a printer is applied to the present invention as a printing apparatus will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a digital copying machine or the like.

(Embodiment 1)
First, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  The IC tag 1 shown here is also referred to as “RFID” or “electronic tag”, and “passive type”, “semi-passive type”, “active type” due to the difference in power supply system, and “ Although it may be expressed as “identifier type”, “data carrier type”, etc., in the present invention, these are collectively referred to as IC tag 1.

  As a communication method between the IC tag 1 and the non-contact receiver, power is supplied to the IC tag 1 by electromagnetic induction generated by bringing the IC tag 1 close to the non-contact receiver, and information in the IC tag 1 is stored. Can be transmitted to the non-contact receiver, and the IC tag 1 can generate power by radio waves emitted from the non-contact receiver and transmit information in the IC tag 1 to the non-contact receiver. It may be a method.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system including a printing apparatus having a communication function with an IC tag as an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 2 is configured such that a printed matter in which the IC tag 1 is embedded is brought close to the printing apparatus 2 so that the IC tag 1 and the non-contact receiving unit 5 provided in the printing apparatus 2 are connected. It has a function to communicate automatically. Further, the received content is printed on a sheet.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the printing apparatus 2 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 2 has the operation unit 3 of the printing apparatus 2, the paper detection unit 4 that detects the paper size to be printed, and the printed matter in which the IC tag 1 is embedded approaching the data. A contactless receiving unit 5 that reads by contact, a memory unit 6 that temporarily stores received data, a data conversion unit 7 that converts data read from the memory unit to print character pattern data, and print character pattern data The printing unit 8 is configured. The data control unit 9 controls data transfer among the non-contact receiving unit 5, the memory unit 6, the data conversion unit 7, and the printing unit 8, and processing of each block accompanying the data transfer. The operation unit 3 can be composed of, for example, a display unit using LCD or LED and a key switch. The non-contact receiving unit 5 can be configured by a known wireless communication circuit. The memory unit 6 can be configured using SRAM or DRAM. The printing unit 8 can be configured by an electrophotographic or inkjet print engine. The paper detection unit 4, the data conversion unit 7, and the data control unit 9 are a microcomputer, a control program indicating a processing procedure executed by the microcomputer, a ROM storing a control program, a RAM providing a work area, an input / output circuit, It can consist of

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the data control unit 9 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the data controller 9 initializes the printing apparatus 2 when the printing apparatus 2 is powered on (step S101). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a processing request for the IC tag reception mode from the non-contact receiving unit 5 (step S103). The non-contact receiving unit 5 is configured to request the data control unit 9 to operate in the IC tag receiving mode when the approach of the IC tag 1 is detected. If there is no IC tag reception mode processing request, normal printing processing is performed. If there is a processing request, it is confirmed that a predetermined printing paper is set (step S105). For example, the size and type of printing paper for printing information on the IC tag is predetermined, and if the paper is not set, a warning message prompting replenishment of a predetermined paper is displayed, and the normal printing process is started. To do. On the other hand, if a predetermined sheet is set, the routine proceeds to step S107, and receives data from the IC tag 1 embedded in the printed material using the non-contact receiving unit 5 (step S107). Then, the contents of the received data are checked to confirm whether the reading has been performed normally. When a reception error is detected, a retry process for receiving data from the side IC tag 1 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the data is normally received, the received data is transferred to the data conversion unit 7 and converted into print character pattern data by the data conversion unit 7 (step S111). Here, when a normal data conversion result cannot be obtained due to a data transfer error or the like, the data control unit 9 transfers the received data to the data conversion unit 7 again to perform conversion processing (step S113).

  When the print character pattern data successfully converted by the data conversion unit 7 is obtained, the data control unit 9 transfers the obtained print character pattern data to the print unit 8 (step S115), and uses the print unit 8 Print character pattern data is printed on the set printing paper of a predetermined size and type (step S117).

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the data received from the IC tag 1 is not printed as it is, but the data stored in the server is accessed by accessing the server on the network based on the received data. Then, print information that is information to be printed is downloaded and printed. Here, the network is the Internet. However, the network is not particularly limited to the Internet, and may be a specific LAN or WAN, or a form in which a specific user can access the server using a dedicated line. It may be.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a different configuration of the printing system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 2 automatically communicates between the IC tag 1 and the non-contact receiving unit 5 when the printed matter in which the IC tag 1 is embedded is brought close to the printing apparatus 2. It has a function.

  With all functions, based on the information received from the IC tag 1, the printing apparatus 2 accesses the server 10 on the Internet and downloads the printing information stored in the server 10. Then, the print information downloaded from the server 10 is printed on the paper.

  Here, the means for connecting the printing apparatus 2 to the Internet may be an access means such as ADSL or wireless LAN, but is not limited thereto. The server 10 that stores the print information may be any server that can download the print information from the server, such as a WEB server or an FTP server, but is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the printing apparatus 2 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the printing device 2 is configured such that the operation unit 3 of the printing device 2, the paper detection unit 4 that detects the paper size to be printed, and the printed matter in which the IC tag 1 is embedded are brought close to each other. A non-contact receiving unit 5 that reads the data stored in the tag 1 in a non-contact manner; a network I / F unit 11 that connects to a server 10 on the Internet based on the data received from the IC tag 1 and downloads print information; The memory unit 6 temporarily stores the downloaded data, the data conversion unit 7 that converts the data read from the memory unit 6 into print character pattern data, and the print unit 8 that prints the print character pattern data. .

  The data control unit 9 controls data transfer among the non-contact receiving unit 5, the network I / F unit 11, the memory unit 6, the data conversion unit 7, and the printing unit 8, and processing of each block accompanying the data transfer. .

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the data control unit 9 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the data control unit 9 initializes the printing apparatus 2 when the printing apparatus 2 is turned on (step S <b> 201). Then, it is determined whether there is a processing request for the IC tag reception mode from the non-contact receiving unit 5 (step S203). The non-contact receiving unit 5 is configured to request the data control unit 9 to operate in the IC tag receiving mode when the approach of the IC tag 1 is detected. If there is no processing request for the IC tag reception mode, normal printing processing is performed. If there is a processing request, it is confirmed that a predetermined printing paper is set (step S205). If the predetermined paper is not set, a warning message for prompting the replenishment of the predetermined paper is displayed, and the normal printing process is started. On the other hand, if a predetermined sheet is set, the routine proceeds to step S107, and receives data from the IC tag 1 embedded in the printed material using the non-contact receiving unit 5 (step S207).

  Next, the data control unit 9 accesses the server 10 on the Internet based on the received data (step S209). Then, the print information stored in the server 10 is downloaded (step S211). After the download is completed, it is confirmed whether the print information has been downloaded normally (step S213). When it is determined that the download is not normally performed due to a communication error or the like, a retry process is performed to download the print information from the side server 10 again.

  On the other hand, when the data is normally received, the received data is transferred to the data conversion unit 7 and converted into print character pattern data by the data conversion unit 7 (step S215). Here, when a normal data conversion result cannot be obtained due to a data transfer error or the like, the data control unit 9 transfers the received data again to the data conversion unit 7 to perform conversion processing (step S217).

  When the print character pattern data successfully converted by the data conversion unit 7 is obtained, the data control unit 9 transfers the obtained print character pattern data to the print unit 8 (step S219), and uses the print unit 8 Print character pattern data is printed on the set printing paper of a predetermined size and type (step S221).

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the information stored in the IC tag 1 of the second embodiment selects the data to be downloaded from the connection destination information indicating the access destination of the server 10 and a plurality of print information stored in the server 10 It consists of an ID for

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in the IC tag 1. In the IC tag 1, the connection destination information necessary for accessing the server 10 on the Internet and the ID 12 for downloading the information corresponding to the IC tag 1 out of the print information stored in the server 10 are written. It is. Here, the connection destination information is specifically an IP address, a URL, or the like, which is information necessary for connecting to a server on the Internet.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the data control unit 9 shown in FIG. The data control unit 9 reads the ID and connection destination information stored in the IC tag 1 of FIG. 7, acquires the print information stored in the server 10 based on the read information, and uses the acquired print information as the print unit 8. To print. As shown in FIG. 8, the data controller 9 initializes the printing apparatus 2 when the printing apparatus 2 is powered on (step S301). Then, it is determined whether there is a processing request for the IC tag reception mode from the non-contact receiving unit 5 (step S303). The non-contact receiving unit 5 is configured to request the data control unit 9 to operate in the IC tag receiving mode when the approach of the IC tag 1 is detected. If there is no processing request for the IC tag reception mode, normal printing processing is performed. If there is a processing request, it is confirmed that a predetermined printing paper is set (step S305). If the predetermined paper is not set, a warning message for prompting the replenishment of the predetermined paper is displayed, and the normal printing process is started. On the other hand, when a predetermined sheet is set, the routine proceeds to step S107, and receives data from the IC tag 1 embedded in the printed material using the non-contact receiving unit 5 (step S307). The received data from the IC tag 1 includes an ID 12 and connection destination information 13 as shown in FIG. Then, the contents of the received data are checked to confirm whether or not the reading has been normally performed (step S309). When a reception error is detected, a retry process for receiving data from the side IC tag 1 is performed.

  Next, the data control unit 9 accesses the server 10 on the Internet based on the connection destination information included in the received data (step S311). Then, after connecting to the server 10, the ID 12 is further transferred to the server 10 (step S 313), and it is confirmed that a successful transfer response is sent from the server 10 (step S 315). Here, in order to make the server 10 determine the success or failure of the transfer, for example, the network I / F 11 adds a checksum to the transmitted ID, and the server 10 sends the check result to the printing apparatus 2. You may make it return. When a communication failure response is sent due to a communication error or the like, the data control unit 9 performs a retry process for transferring the ID to the server 10 again.

  On the other hand, when a response indicating successful transfer is received from the server 10, the data control unit 9 downloads print information corresponding to the transferred ID among the plurality of print information stored in the server 10 (step S317). After the download is completed, it is confirmed whether the print information has been downloaded normally (step S319). When it is determined that the download is not normally performed due to a communication error or the like, a retry process is performed to download the print information from the side server 10 again.

  On the other hand, when the data is normally received, the received data is transferred to the data conversion unit 7 and converted into print character pattern data by the data conversion unit 7 (step S321). Here, when a normal data conversion result cannot be obtained due to a data transfer error or the like, the data control unit 9 transfers the received data to the data conversion unit 7 again to perform conversion processing (step S323).

  When the print character pattern data successfully converted by the data conversion unit 7 is obtained, the data control unit 9 transfers the obtained print character pattern data to the printing unit 8 (step S325), and uses the printing unit 8 The print character pattern data is printed on the set printing paper of a predetermined size and type (step S327).

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a server that is accessed based on connection destination information stored in the IC tag 1 embedded in the business card and an example of print information stored in the server when the printed material is a business card. FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, the server 10 includes a company name, a company address, a department name, a personal name, a title, and a typeface used for printing, which are described in the printed matter in which the IC tag 1 is embedded. Information is written, and the information is sorted and stored in the server 10 by IDs 12 having different values for each individual.

  For example, if the server tag ID “0001” is written in the IC tag 1, the server A is connected to the server A on the Internet as shown in FIG. 9B, and the information is downloaded from the storage device at the address 0001 of the server A. To do. When the server tag ID: 0550 is written in the IC tag, the server B is accessed and information is downloaded from address 0550 of the server B.

  In the above example, ID12 is a four-digit numerical value, but this can be set according to the storage capacities of the IC tag 1 and the server 10, and is not limited.

  Further, typeface information (line typeface, Mincho type, etc.) that is most suitable for printing, and special character information (font) that is not generally used can be downloaded from the server 10. As a result, the address can be printed accurately even if the last character or the like includes characters or fonts that are not supported by the printing apparatus. It is also possible for the person who gave the business card to specify the typeface that he / she wants to use for his / her address and store it in the server 10 as typeface information in advance.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment according to the invention will be described. In this embodiment, a mode in which a printing apparatus accesses a server via an information terminal apparatus to which the printing apparatus is connected will be described.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the printing system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the printing apparatus 2 detects that the printed matter in which the IC tag 1 is embedded is brought close to the printing apparatus 2, and automatically communicates with the non-contact receiving unit 5. It has a function of receiving data of the IC tag 1.

  Further, the data received from the IC tag 1 is transferred to the information terminal 14 to which the printing device 2 is connected, and connected to the server 10 on the Internet via the information terminal 14. Then, the printing device 2 acquires the printing information downloaded from the server 10 via the information terminal 14 and prints it on a sheet.

  Here, the information terminal 14 only needs to be capable of downloading information by connecting to the Internet. For example, a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, and the like are collectively referred to as the information terminal 14.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the printing apparatus 2 used in the system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the printing apparatus 2 senses that the operation unit 3, the paper detection unit 4 that detects the paper size to be printed, and the printed matter in which the IC tag 1 is embedded are brought close to the IC tag. 1 is connected to the information terminal 14 by the information cable 16 and communicates with the information terminal 14 and a server on the Internet via the information terminal 14. / F unit 15, memory unit 6 that temporarily stores downloaded data, data conversion unit 7 that converts data read from the memory unit into print character pattern data, and print unit 8 that prints print character pattern data Consists of.

  The data control unit 9 performs data transfer between the non-contact receiving unit 5, the information terminal I / F unit 15, the memory unit 6, the data conversion unit 7, and the printing unit 8, and processing of each block accompanying the data transfer. Control.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the data control unit 9 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the data control unit 9 initializes the printing apparatus 2 when the printing apparatus 2 is powered on (step S401). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a processing request for the IC tag reception mode from the non-contact receiving unit 5 (step S403). The non-contact receiving unit 5 is configured to request the data control unit 9 to operate in the IC tag receiving mode when the approach of the IC tag 1 is detected. If there is no processing request for the IC tag reception mode, normal printing processing is performed. If there is a processing request, it is confirmed that a predetermined printing paper is set (step S405). If the predetermined paper is not set, a warning message for prompting the replenishment of the predetermined paper is displayed, and the normal printing process is started. On the other hand, when a predetermined sheet is set, the routine proceeds to step S407, and receives data from the IC tag 1 embedded in the printed material using the non-contact receiving unit 5 (step S407). Then, the contents of the received data are checked to confirm whether or not the reading has been normally performed (step S409). When a reception error is detected, a retry process for receiving data from the side IC tag 1 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the data is normally received, the received connection destination information 13 and ID 12 are transferred from the information terminal I / F unit 15 to the information terminal 14 via the information cable 16 (step S411), and the transfer from the information terminal 14 is successful. Is confirmed to be sent (step S413). When a communication failure response is sent due to a communication error or the like, the data control unit 9 performs a retry process of transferring the connection destination information 13 and the ID 12 to the information terminal 14 again.

  On the other hand, when a response indicating successful transfer is received from the information terminal 14, it waits for reception of print information from the information terminal 14.

  On the other hand, the information terminal 14 connects to the server 10 on the Internet according to the received connection destination information 13 (step S471), and corresponds to the transferred ID among the plurality of print information stored in the server 10. Print information is downloaded and received (step S473). Then, the print information received from the server 10 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 (step S475).

  The data control unit 9 of the printing apparatus 2 that has received the print information from the information terminal 14 (step S421) checks whether the print information has been normally received (step S423). When it is determined that the download is not normally performed due to a communication error or the like, a retry process is performed to download the print information from the side server 10 again.

  When it is confirmed that the print information has been normally received, the data control unit 9 transfers the received print information to the data conversion unit 7 (step S425), and the data conversion unit 7 converts the print information into print character pattern data. Here, when a normal data conversion result cannot be obtained due to a data transfer error or the like, the data control unit 9 transfers the received data to the data conversion unit 7 again to perform conversion processing (step S427).

  When the print character pattern data successfully converted by the data conversion unit 7 is obtained, the data control unit 9 transfers the obtained print character pattern data to the print unit 8 (step S429), and uses the print unit 8 Print character pattern data is printed on the set printing paper of a predetermined size and type (step S431).

(Embodiment 6)
Next, a sixth embodiment according to the invention will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the print information stored in the server 10 is printed after being converted by the data conversion unit, but can be printed by the printing unit without the server 10 being converted by the data conversion unit. Various pattern data may be stored. In this way, it is not necessary to convert the print data downloaded by the printing apparatus 2.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the printing apparatus 2 corresponding to the printing system in which the data converted into the server 10 is stored. As shown in FIG. 13, the printing apparatus 2 receives data in response to an operation unit 3, a paper detection unit 4 that detects a paper size to be printed, and a printed matter in which the IC tag 1 is embedded. Non-contact receiving unit 5 for non-contact reading, information terminal 14 connected by information cable 16, information terminal I / F unit 15 for downloading pattern data on the Internet via information terminal 14, and downloaded data temporarily The memory unit 6 stores the data and the printing unit 8 directly prints the data read from the memory unit 6.

  The data control unit 9 controls the data transfer among the non-contact receiving unit 5, the information terminal I / F unit 15, the memory unit 6, the data conversion unit 7, and the printing unit 8, and the processing of each block accompanying the data transfer. To do.

  The server 10 stores a plurality of types of print data expanded in accordance with print target paper such as postcards and envelopes, is notified of the paper selected by the printer 2, and returns print data suitable for the notified paper. .

  As a result, the destination can be printed with an appropriate layout in accordance with the correct break of the address and the paper size.

(Embodiment 7)
In this embodiment, a business card as an example of a printed material in which the IC tag 1 is embedded will be described.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the IC tag 1 is embedded in a business card 17 as a printed matter. Here, as long as the IC tag 1 is not exposed on the surface of the business card, it may be embedded in the center or may be embedded in any of the four corners. It is embedded in any one of the locations indicated by broken lines in FIG. Further, on the surface of the business card, as shown in FIG. 14B, the business card 17 has a company name, department name, company address, company telephone number and fax number, personal name and title, and personal e-mail address. Is printed.

(Embodiment 8)
In this embodiment, an example of printing based on data acquired from the IC tag 1 embedded in the business card of FIG. 15 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a print example in which the contents of the IC tag 1 embedded in the business card shown in FIG. 14 are printed on the postcard 18 and the sealed letter 19 using the printing apparatus 2.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the data conversion unit 7 of the printing apparatus 2 is configured to expand the print information acquired based on the data of the IC tag 1 in a layout according to the paper size to be printed, and perform printing. Yes. Alternatively, when already developed pattern data is stored in the server 10, a plurality of pattern data is stored in a layout corresponding to the printing paper, and the pattern data corresponding to the paper selected on the printing apparatus 2 side. Will be downloaded.

  In addition to the above embodiments, it is obvious that there can be various modifications of the present invention. Such variations are not to be construed as not belonging to the features and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims of this invention.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system including a printing device having a communication function with an IC tag as an embodiment of the present invention. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the printing apparatus 2 in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the printing apparatus 2 of FIG. 1 performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example from which the structure of the printing system which concerns on this invention differs. (Embodiment 2) It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the printing apparatus 2 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the printing apparatus 2 in FIG. 4. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information stored in the IC tag. (Embodiment 3) It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process of the printing apparatus 2 which reads the information of IC tag 1 shown in FIG. 7, and prints based on the read information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the server accessed by the connection destination information stored in IC tag 1, and the information stored in the server. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of a structure of the printing system which concerns on this invention. (Embodiment 5) It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the printing apparatus 2 used for the system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the printing apparatus 2 of FIG. 10 performs. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a printing apparatus 2 when converted data is stored in a server 10. FIG. (Embodiment 6) It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the IC tag 1 was embedded in the business card 17 as printed matter. (Embodiment 7) FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a print example when the contents of the IC tag 1 embedded in the business card shown in FIG. 14 are printed on a postcard 18 and a sealed letter 19 using the printing apparatus 2. (Embodiment 8)

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 IC tag 2 Printing apparatus 3 Operation part 4 Paper detection part 5 Non-contact receiving part 6 Memory part 7 Data conversion part 8 Printing part 9 Data control part 10 Server 11 Network I / F
12 ID
13 Connection destination information 14 Information terminal 15 Information terminal I / F section 16 Information cable 17 Business card 18 Postcard 19 Sealed letter

Claims (12)

An information receiving unit for receiving information stored in the IC tag from an IC tag embedded in the printed matter whose destination is printed;
A pattern data acquisition unit that acquires print pattern data corresponding to the destination based on the received information;
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the acquired pattern data on a predetermined sheet. The IC tag stores destination information corresponding to the destination,
The information receiving unit comprises a non-contact receiving unit that reads destination information in a non-contact manner with the IC tag when the IC tag is brought close to the IC tag,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern data acquisition unit includes a data conversion unit that converts the read destination information into destination pattern data. The IC tag stores access information for acquiring destination information from a server storing destination information corresponding to the destination;
The information receiving unit includes a non-contact receiving unit that reads access information in a non-contact manner with the IC tag when the IC tag is brought close to the IC tag.
The pattern data acquisition unit accesses a predetermined server on the network based on the read access information and downloads the destination information, and a data conversion unit converts the downloaded destination information into destination pattern data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The IC tag stores access information for obtaining pattern data from a server storing pattern data corresponding to the destination,
The information receiving unit includes a non-contact receiving unit that reads access information in a non-contact manner with the IC tag when the IC tag is brought close to the IC tag.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern data acquisition unit includes a data transmission / reception unit that accesses a predetermined server on the network based on the read access information and downloads the pattern data. The IC tag stores access information for acquiring destination information from a server storing destination information corresponding to the destination;
The information receiving unit includes a non-contact receiving unit that reads access information in a non-contact manner with the IC tag when the IC tag is brought close to the IC tag.
The pattern data acquisition unit transmits the read access information to an external information terminal, causes the information terminal to download destination information from a server on the network based on the access information, and acquires and downloads the destination information The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a data conversion unit that converts the downloaded destination information into destination pattern data. The IC tag stores access information for obtaining pattern data from a server storing pattern data corresponding to the destination,
The information receiving unit includes a non-contact receiving unit that reads access information in a non-contact manner with the IC tag when the IC tag is brought close to the IC tag.
Information terminal transmission / reception in which the pattern data acquisition unit transmits the read access information to an external information terminal, causes the information terminal to download pattern data from a server on the network based on the access information, and acquires the downloaded pattern data The printing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a portion.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printed matter is a business card.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined sheet is a postcard or a sealed letter.   6. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the destination information includes an address, a zip code, and an address. The destination information further includes typeface information;
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the data conversion unit converts the data into typeface pattern data corresponding to typeface information.   The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the network is the Internet. The access information includes connection destination information for connecting to a predetermined server on the network and identification information for selecting one data from data stored in the server corresponding to the plurality of printed materials,
The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the data transmission / reception unit accesses a predetermined server based on connection destination information, and downloads data corresponding to the printed matter using identification information.

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