JP2006338388A - Tag tape, tag tape roll, wireless tag cartridge and tag label producing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tag tape which meets needs desired by an operator and by which a wireless tag label whose length is variably set can be produced, a tag tape roll, a wireless tag cartridge and a tag label producing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A tag label producing apparatus 2 is provided with an antenna 14 for transmitting and receiving information between a tag tape holder for attachably and detachably installing a base material tape 101 where the positions of tapes in a longitudinal direction of a plurality of wireless tag circuit elements To1 and To2 arranged in one line in the tap longitudinal direction are arranged so as to at least partially overlap each other between respective wireless tag circuit element strings TT and an IC circuit section 151; a control circuit 30 and a signal processing circuit 22 for generating access information to the IC circuit section 151; a transmitting section 32 of a high frequency circuit for transmitting the generated access information to an antenna 152 and accessing the IC circuit section 151; and a cutter 15 for cutting a tape 110 for a printed tag label carried by carrying and driving force of a pressure bonding roller driving shaft 12 in a tape width direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a tag tape having a RFID circuit element capable of wirelessly communicating information with the outside, a tag tape roll wound with the tag tape, a wireless tag cartridge storing the tag tape, and a tag label producing apparatus having the tag tape roll.

  An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system that reads / writes information in a non-contact manner between a small wireless tag and a reader (reading device) / writer (writing device) is known. The wireless tag circuit element included in the wireless tag includes an IC circuit unit that stores predetermined wireless tag information and an antenna that is connected to the IC circuit unit and transmits and receives information, and the wireless tag is dirty. Even if it is placed in an invisible position, it is possible to access (read / write information) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit section from the reader / writer side, product management, inspection process, etc. Practical use is expected in various fields.

  Such a radio tag is usually formed by providing a radio frequency circuit element on a label-like material, and this tag label is often affixed to a target article or the like for classification and organization of various documents and articles, for example. . In addition, for the management of this wireless tag, it is very convenient to print character information together with the tag itself. In response to this, a tag label producing apparatus that performs both reading / writing of information on a wireless tag and printing on a tag has been proposed.

  For example, a device described in Patent Document 1 is known as such a tag label producing apparatus. In this prior art, a strip-shaped tag tape in which RFID tag circuit elements (RF tags) including an IC circuit unit and a tag side antenna (antenna unit) are arranged at a predetermined interval is fed out from a tag tape roll, and is transported. When printing is carried, predetermined printing information is printed on the surface of the label by the printing means (thermal head), and predetermined RFID tag information generated on the apparatus side corresponding to the printed printing information is printed on the label. It is transmitted to the tag-side antenna of the provided RFID tag circuit element, and is sequentially written in an IC circuit portion (IC chip) connected to the antenna. After that, the printed tag label tape that has been printed and the RFID tag information has been written is cut to a predetermined length to complete the RFID label.

JP 2004-333651 A

  In recent years, with the expansion of the use of wireless tags, a wide variety of uses are desired, and there is a need to create labels with various print modes.

  However, in the above prior art, the length of the label provided with the RFID circuit element is fixedly determined. For this reason, for example, when the number of characters to be printed is small, the margin portion, which is a portion other than the portion to be printed, increases with respect to the label length. Therefore, the operator (user) needs to shorten the label length accordingly. I couldn't respond. On the other hand, for example, when the number of printed characters is large, it has not been possible to meet the operator's need to increase the label length so that all printed characters can be printed with an appropriate size. As described above, the conventional technology cannot create a label having a length corresponding to the operator's needs.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a tag tape, a tag tape roll, a wireless tag cartridge, and a tag label producing apparatus capable of producing a RFID label having a variable length corresponding to the needs of an operator.

  To achieve the above object, a first invention is a tag tape having RFID circuit element arrays arranged in a plurality of rows in the tape width direction, and each RFID circuit element array is an IC circuit for storing information. A plurality of RFID tag circuit elements each having a portion and a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit portion are continuously arranged in a row in the tape longitudinal direction, and the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows are: The tape longitudinal direction positions of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements arranged in a line in the tape longitudinal direction are arranged so as to be shifted from each other so as not to overlap each other.

  In the tag tape of the first invention of the present application, a plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in the tape width direction, and the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements provided in them are arranged between the RFID tag circuit elements. They are staggered so that the direction positions do not overlap each other.

  As a result, for example, a RFID label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element total length) in which the tape is cut to such a length that the RFID tag circuit elements in one row are just accommodated can be created. . Further, the RFID label (the label length in this case> the total length of the RFID circuit element) can be created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position farther than this. In this case, the RFID circuit elements in the other columns other than the one column are divided in the middle (= the RFID circuit element missing body), but the RFID circuit elements in the one column are divided. Since it exists in a complete form (= a complete RFID tag circuit element), at least a wireless communication function is ensured.

  On the other hand, when a new RFID label is created after the RFID label thus created, the cutting position (= the RFID circuit element in the other column is determined by the staggered arrangement of the plurality of RFID circuit element rows as described above. It is possible to reach the front end portion of the RFID tag circuit element in another row (including the one row) different from the other row with a relatively small feeding distance from the (division position). Therefore, it is possible to cut the tape having such a length as to include the terminal portion of the RFID circuit element and create the new RFID tag label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element). Further, as described above, the RFID label (label length in this case> total length of the RFID circuit element) can be created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position further away. In other words, as long as the total length of the RFID circuit element is exceeded, a RFID label having a variable length can be created.

  At this time, as the number of rows of RFID tag circuit elements is increased from 1 row to 2 rows, 2 rows to 3 rows, the amount of RFID tag circuit element displacement in the tape longitudinal direction of each row can be reduced. When producing a wireless tag label, it is possible to reduce a feeding distance until the leading end of the RFID circuit element is reached, thereby reducing waste of the tape.

  As described above, in the first invention of the present application, two or more RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in a staggered pattern so that part of the RFID tag circuit element rows overlaps, compared with a case where at least one RFID tag circuit element row is provided. Thus, it is possible to create a RFID label having a variable length while reducing the waste of the tape and effectively using the tape.

  In order to achieve the above object, the second invention of the present application is a tag tape roll formed by winding a tag tape, the tag tape being connected to an IC circuit unit for storing information and the IC circuit unit. A plurality of RFID circuit elements each having a plurality of RFID circuit elements each having a tag-side antenna are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the tape. The circuit element rows are arranged such that positions of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements arranged in a tape longitudinal direction are shifted so that the RFID tag circuit element rows do not overlap each other. To do.

  In the tag tape roll of the second invention of the present application, a plurality of RFID circuit element rows are arranged in the tape width direction of the tag tape, and the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements provided in them are arranged between the RFID tag circuit elements. The staggered arrangement is such that the longitudinal positions of the tapes are shifted so as not to overlap each other.

  As a result, for example, a RFID label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element total length) in which the tape is cut to such a length that the RFID tag circuit elements in one row are just accommodated can be created. . Further, the RFID label (the label length in this case> the total length of the RFID circuit element) can be created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position farther than this. In this case, the RFID circuit elements in the other columns other than the one column are divided in the middle (= the RFID circuit element missing body), but the RFID circuit elements in the one column are divided. Since it exists in a complete form (= a complete RFID tag circuit element), at least a wireless communication function is ensured.

  On the other hand, when a new RFID label is created by feeding a tag tape from the cutting position after the RFID label thus created, the cutting position (by the staggered arrangement of the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows as described above is used. = The leading edge of the RFID circuit element in another row (including the one row) different from the other row with a relatively small feeding distance from the separation position of the RFID circuit element in the other row) can do. Therefore, it is possible to cut the tape having such a length as to include the terminal portion of the RFID circuit element and create the new RFID tag label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element). Further, as described above, the RFID label (label length in this case> total length of the RFID circuit element) can be created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position further away. In other words, as long as the total length of the RFID circuit element is exceeded, a RFID label having a variable length can be created.

  At this time, as the number of rows of RFID tag circuit elements is increased from 1 row to 2 rows, 2 rows to 3 rows, the amount of RFID tag circuit element displacement in the tape longitudinal direction of each row can be reduced. When producing a wireless tag label, it is possible to reduce a feeding distance until the leading end of the RFID circuit element is reached, thereby reducing waste of the tape.

  As described above, in the second invention of the present application, two or more RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in a staggered pattern so that part of the RFID tag circuit element rows overlaps, compared with a case where at least one RFID tag circuit element row is provided. Thus, it is possible to create a RFID label having a variable length while reducing the waste of the tape and effectively using the tape.

  A third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the tag tape comprises three rows of the RFID tag circuit element rows in a tape width direction.

  By setting the number of RFID tag circuit elements to three, the amount of displacement in the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag circuit elements in each column can be made smaller than two, so a new RFID tag label can be created as described above. Thus, the feeding distance until reaching the front end of the RFID circuit element can be made smaller than in the case of two rows, and the waste of the tape can be further reliably reduced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and the tag tape includes n rows of the RFID tag circuit element rows in the tape width direction, and the RFID tag circuit elements of the n rows Each of the columns has a plurality of the RFID circuit elements arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the tape at a pitch p, and the RFID tag circuit element array of the n columns has a position in the tape longitudinal direction of the plurality of RFID circuit elements. The wireless tag circuit element arrays are arranged so as to partially overlap each other while being shifted by about p / n in the tape longitudinal direction between appropriate RFID circuit element arrays.

  As described above, when a new RFID label is created by extending the tag tape from the cutting position, the n-number RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in a staggered arrangement shifted by approximately p / n in the longitudinal direction of the tape. The leading end of the RFID tag circuit elements in different columns can be reached with a relatively small feeding distance of about p / n corresponding to the number of n from the dividing position of the previous RFID circuit element. As a result, as long as the total length of the RFID circuit element is exceeded, it is possible to create a RFID label whose length is variably set in a plurality of stages according to the number of n, and the larger n is according to the value of n at that time. Tape waste can be prevented and effective use can be achieved.

  According to a fifth invention, in any one of the second to fourth inventions, the tag tape is between the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements in one RFID tag circuit element array among the plurality of RFID tag circuit element arrays. Each RFID circuit element row is arranged so that the IC circuit section in the other RFID tag circuit element row is not arranged in the tape longitudinal direction region corresponding to the tag non-arrangement region.

  As a result, the cutting means can be prevented from being damaged by the high-strength IC circuit portion during the cutting operation, and the durability can be improved.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the tag tape according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the tag tape is arranged in at least one row of RFID tag circuit element rows among the plurality of rows of RFID tag circuit elements. An identifier corresponding to is provided.

  Thereby, the conveyance control for positioning the printing position and the cutting position can be easily performed using the identifier as an index.

  In order to achieve the above object, the seventh invention of the present application stores a tag tape roll formed by winding a tag tape, and creates a tag label using the tag tape fed out from the tag tape roll. A tag cartridge configured to be detachable from the tag tape, wherein the tag tape includes a plurality of RFID circuit elements each including an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit unit Are provided with a plurality of RFID circuit element rows arranged in a row in the tape longitudinal direction, and the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows in the tape longitudinal direction are arranged in the tape longitudinal direction. The RFID tag circuit elements are arranged so that the positions in the longitudinal direction of the tape are shifted so as not to overlap each other between the RFID tag circuit element rows. That.

  In the RFID tag cartridge of the seventh invention of the present application, a plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in the tape width direction of the tag tape provided in the tag tape roll, and the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements provided in them are The RFID tag circuit elements are staggered so that the positions in the tape longitudinal direction are shifted so as not to overlap each other.

  As a result, for example, a RFID label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element total length) in which the tape is cut to such a length that the RFID tag circuit elements in one row are just accommodated can be created. . Further, the RFID label (the label length in this case> the total length of the RFID circuit element) can be created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position farther than this. In this case, the RFID circuit elements in the other columns other than the one column are divided in the middle (= the RFID circuit element missing body), but the RFID circuit elements in the one column are divided. Since it exists in a complete form (= a complete RFID tag circuit element), at least a wireless communication function is ensured.

  On the other hand, when a new RFID label is created by feeding a tag tape from the cutting position after the RFID label thus created, the cutting position (by the staggered arrangement of the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows as described above is used. = The leading edge of the RFID circuit element in another row (including the one row) different from the other row with a relatively small feeding distance from the separation position of the RFID circuit element in the other row) can do. Therefore, it is possible to cut the tape having such a length as to include the terminal portion of the RFID circuit element and create the new RFID tag label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element). Further, as described above, the RFID label (label length in this case> total length of the RFID circuit element) can be created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position further away. In other words, as long as the total length of the RFID circuit element is exceeded, a RFID label having a variable length can be created.

  At this time, as the number of rows of RFID tag circuit elements is increased from 1 row to 2 rows, 2 rows to 3 rows, the amount of RFID tag circuit element displacement in the tape longitudinal direction of each row can be reduced. When producing a wireless tag label, it is possible to reduce a feeding distance until the leading end of the RFID circuit element is reached, thereby reducing waste of the tape.

  As described above, in the seventh invention of the present application, two or more RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in a staggered arrangement so that part of the RFID tag circuit element rows overlaps, compared to a case where only one RFID tag circuit element row is provided. Thus, it is possible to create a RFID label having a variable length while reducing the waste of the tape and effectively using the tape.

  In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the tag tape comprises three rows of the RFID tag circuit element rows in the tape width direction.

  By setting the number of RFID tag circuit elements to three, the amount of displacement in the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag circuit elements in each column can be made smaller than two, so a new RFID tag label can be created as described above. Thus, the feeding distance until reaching the front end of the RFID circuit element can be made smaller than in the case of two rows, and the waste of the tape can be further reliably reduced.

  According to a ninth invention, in the seventh invention, n is an integer of 2 or more, and the tag tape includes n rows of the RFID tag circuit element rows in the tape width direction, and the RFID tag circuit elements of the n columns Each of the columns has a plurality of the RFID circuit elements arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the tape at a pitch p, and the RFID tag circuit element array of the n columns has a position in the tape longitudinal direction of the plurality of RFID circuit elements. The wireless tag circuit element arrays are arranged so as to partially overlap each other while being shifted by about p / n in the tape longitudinal direction between appropriate RFID circuit element arrays.

  As described above, when a new RFID label is created by extending the tag tape from the cutting position, the n-number RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in a staggered arrangement shifted by approximately p / n in the longitudinal direction of the tape. The leading end of the RFID tag circuit elements in different columns can be reached with a relatively small feeding distance of about p / n corresponding to the number of n from the dividing position of the previous RFID circuit element. As a result, as long as the total length of the RFID circuit element is exceeded, it is possible to create a RFID label whose length is variably set in a plurality of stages according to the number of n, and the larger n is according to the value of n at that time. Tape waste can be prevented and effective use can be achieved.

  In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the tag tape according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the tag tape is between the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements in one RFID tag circuit element array among the plurality of RFID tag circuit element arrays. Each RFID circuit element row is arranged so that the IC circuit section in the other RFID tag circuit element row is not arranged in the tape longitudinal direction region corresponding to the tag non-arrangement region.

  As a result, the cutting means can be prevented from being damaged by the high-strength IC circuit portion during the cutting operation, and the durability can be improved.

  An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the arrangement according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, wherein the tag tape is arranged in each RFID circuit element array in at least one RFID tag circuit element array among the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements. An identifier corresponding to the position is provided.

  Thereby, the conveyance control for positioning the printing position and the cutting position can be easily performed using the identifier as an index.

  In order to achieve the above object, the twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows in which a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements are continuously arranged in one row in the tape longitudinal direction. The RFID tag circuit element row is arranged such that the tape longitudinal direction positions of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements arranged in one row in the tape longitudinal direction are at least partially overlapped with each other. A tag tape holder for detachably installing, an apparatus side antenna for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication between an IC circuit unit provided in the RFID circuit element, and the RFID circuit element Access information generating means for generating access information to the IC circuit unit, and the access information generated by the access information generating means via the device-side antenna Non-contact information transmitting means for transmitting to the tag-side antenna provided in the RFID circuit element and accessing the IC circuit portion, driving means for generating a conveyance driving force for the tag tape, The tag tape transported by the transport driving force of the driving means remains at least one of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements provided in the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows without being cut. And a cutting means for cutting in the tape width direction at such a portion and generating a tag label including the at least one RFID circuit element.

  In the tag label producing apparatus, a tag tape that is detachably installed using a tag tape installation holder is fed out by a driving means, and the access information generated by the access information generating means is provided in the RFID tag circuit provided in the tag tape Information is transmitted from the information transmitting means to the tag side antenna of the element, and the IC circuit unit is accessed. Thereafter, the tag tape is cut by the cutting means, and a tag label is generated.

  Thus, when producing a tag label from a tag tape, in the tag label producing apparatus of the 11th invention of the present application, a tag tape installed using a tag tape installation holder has a plurality of RFID circuit element arrays in the tape width direction. Are arranged in a staggered manner so that the positions in the longitudinal direction of the tape do not overlap with each other.

  Thus, for example, first, a RFID label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element total length) is prepared by cutting the tape with a cutting means to a length that just accommodates the RFID tag circuit elements in one row. be able to. Further, the RFID label (the label length in this case> the total length of the RFID circuit element) can be created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position farther than this. In this case, the RFID circuit elements in the other columns other than the one column are divided in the middle (= the RFID circuit element missing body), but the RFID circuit elements in the one column are divided. Since it exists in a complete form (= the complete RFID tag circuit element), at least the communication function with the device-side antenna via radio is ensured.

  On the other hand, when the tag tape is drawn out from the cutting position by the driving means after the RFID label thus created, the cutting is performed by the staggered arrangement of the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows as described above. The front end portion of the RFID circuit element in another row (including the one row) different from the other row at a relatively small feeding distance from the position (= the dividing position of the RFID circuit element in the other row) Can be reached. Therefore, it is possible to cut the tape having such a length as to include the terminal portion of the RFID circuit element and create the new RFID tag label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element). Further, as described above, the RFID label (label length in this case> total length of the RFID circuit element) can be created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position further away. In other words, as long as the total length of the RFID circuit element is exceeded, a RFID label having a variable length can be created.

  At this time, as the number of rows of RFID tag circuit elements is increased from 1 row to 2 rows, 2 rows to 3 rows, the amount of RFID tag circuit element displacement in the tape longitudinal direction of each row can be reduced. When producing a wireless tag label, it is possible to reduce a feeding distance until the leading end of the RFID circuit element is reached, thereby reducing waste of the tape.

  As described above, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the two or more RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in a staggered pattern so that part of the RFID tag circuit element rows overlaps, compared with a case where at least one RFID tag circuit element row is provided. Thus, it is possible to create a RFID label having a variable length while reducing the waste of the tape and effectively using the tape. )

  A thirteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that in the twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided printing means for printing in a predetermined printing area of the tag tape.

  Thereby, the RFID tag label with a printing provided with the printing can be created.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the cutting means cuts the IC circuit portions of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements provided in the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows of the tag tape. It has the cutting control means which controls so that it may not.

  As a result, the cutting means can be prevented from being damaged by the high-strength IC circuit portion during the cutting operation, and the durability can be improved.

  A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the wireless tag according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the tag to be provided in the next tag label is created after the tagging unit generates a single tag label after cutting. It has a drive control means for controlling the drive means so that the cutting means can be cut at a cutting position having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the circuit element.

  Each time one tag label is generated, the positioning of the next tag label with respect to the RFID tag circuit element is performed by the driving means so that the cutting position is in a predetermined positional relationship, thereby simplifying and simplifying the subsequent positioning control. be able to.

  A sixteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that in any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects of the invention, a label length setting means for setting the length in the tape longitudinal direction of the tag label to be created is provided.

  As a result, for example, a fixed-length label can be created in addition to a function of creating a RFID label with a variable length, and convenience can be improved in response to various needs of users.

  In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the twelfth to sixteenth aspects, after the access information is transmitted by the information transmitting unit, the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element transmits the access information according to the transmitted access information. The received response signal is received by the device side antenna via the tag side antenna in a non-contact manner, and is read, and the RFID tag circuit to which information is to be written based on the response signal read by the information receiving unit Tag specifying means for specifying an element, wherein the information transmitting means transmits the access information to the tag-side antenna of the RFID circuit element to be written with the information specified by the tag specifying means. Information writing is performed on the IC circuit portion of the circuit element.

  As a result, a response signal from the RFID circuit element (RFID circuit element defective body) in which a part of the antenna is damaged or missing according to the cutting position of the cutting means, and a normal RFID circuit element (RFID circuit element) It is possible to identify the response signal from the complete body and accurately recognize and specify the latter as the information writing target.

  In an eighteenth aspect based on the seventeenth aspect, the tag specifying means has a maximum signal level among the plurality of response signals when the information receiving means reads the response signals from the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements. The RFID circuit element that has transmitted the response signal is identified as the RFID circuit element that is the information writing target, and the information transmitting means accesses the RFID circuit element other than the RFID circuit element that is the information writing target. A dormancy signal or invalidation signal as the access information generated by the information generation means is transmitted, and the RFID circuit element is made dormant or invalidated.

  By making the devices other than the identified RFID circuit element dormant or invalidated, erroneous writing to RFID circuit elements other than the RFID circuit element to which information is written can be surely prevented.

  In a nineteenth aspect based on the seventeenth aspect, the tag specifying means, when the information receiving means reads the response signals from a plurality of the RFID tag circuit elements, within a predetermined time, The RFID circuit element that has transmitted one response signal is identified as the RFID circuit element to be written with the information, and the information transmitting means is connected to the RFID circuit element other than the RFID circuit element to be written with the information, A dormancy signal or an invalidation signal as the access information generated by the access information generation means is transmitted, and the RFID circuit element is made dormant or invalidated.

  As a result, even if a plurality of RFID circuit elements with relatively high response signal reception strength are included, such as when creating a long label, the tag to be written within a predetermined time After that, writing is performed, and after that, even if the received signal strength is high, dormancy or invalidation ensures reliable writing to RFID tag circuit elements other than the RFID tag circuit element to which information is to be written. Can be prevented.

  In order to achieve the above object, the twentieth invention of the present application includes at least one RFID circuit element complete body including an IC circuit section storing predetermined information and a tag side antenna connected to the IC circuit section, At least one RFID tag circuit element deficient body in which at least a part of the tag side antenna is lost and an information storage function or an information transmission / reception function is reduced as compared with the one RFID tag circuit element complete body; It has a tape base material on which one RFID tag circuit element complete body and the at least one RFID tag circuit element deficient body are arranged, and an adhesive layer for attachment provided on the back side of the tape base material. To do.

  In the RFID label of the twentieth aspect of the present invention, at least one RFID circuit element complete body and at least one RFID circuit element defect body in which at least a part of the tag side antenna is missing are arranged on a tape substrate, and further An adhesive material layer for pasting is provided on the back side.

  The RFID label having such a structure has, for example, a plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows arranged in the tape width direction, and the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements provided in the RFID tag circuit elements are arranged between the RFID tag circuit elements in the tape longitudinal direction. It can be created using tag tapes that are staggered so that their positions do not overlap each other.

  When such a tag tape is used, a RFID label (in this case, the label length≈the RFID tag circuit element total length) is prepared by cutting the tape to a length that just accommodates one row of RFID circuit elements. However, if the RFID label (in this case, the label length> the total length of the RFID circuit element) is created by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position farther than this, the RFID tag label of the above-described mode is created. can do. At this time, RFID tag circuit elements in other columns than the one column are divided in the middle to form RFID tag circuit element defects, and the RFID circuit elements in the first column are completely divided without being divided. The RFID tag circuit element complete body is formed in such a manner that at least a communication function via wireless communication is ensured.

  On the other hand, when creating a new RFID label next to the RFID label created in this way by feeding out the tag tape from the cutting position, the above-described zigzag arrangement of a plurality of RFID tag circuit element arrays, The front end of the RFID circuit element in another row (including the one row) different from the other row with a relatively small feeding distance from the cutting position (= the dividing position of the RFID circuit element in the other row) Can reach the department. Therefore, a tape having a length including the terminal portion of the RFID circuit element is cut, and a new RFID label whose label length is substantially equal to the entire length of the RFID circuit element, It is also possible to produce a RFID label having a label length larger than the total length of the RFID circuit element by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position. In other words, as long as the total length of the RFID circuit element is exceeded, a RFID label with a variable length is created.

  At this time, as the number of rows of RFID tag circuit elements is increased from 1 row to 2 rows, 2 rows to 3 rows, the amount of RFID tag circuit element displacement in the tape longitudinal direction of each row can be reduced. When producing a wireless tag label, it is possible to reduce a feeding distance until the leading end of the RFID circuit element is reached, thereby reducing waste of the tape.

  As described above, in the RFID label according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, at the time of producing the tag label, at least one tag tape is arranged in a staggered arrangement in which two or more RFID tag circuit element arrays partially overlap. Compared to a case where only a row of RFID circuit element columns is provided, it is possible to create a RFID label having a variable length while reducing the waste of the tape and effectively using the tape.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to create a RFID label having a variable length corresponding to the needs of an operator.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual configuration diagram showing a detailed structure of the tag label producing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the device body 8 of the tag label producing device 2 is provided with a cartridge holder portion (a tag tape holder, not shown) as a recess, and a cartridge 100 (wireless tag cartridge) is provided in this holder portion. Removably attached.

  The apparatus main body 8 includes the cartridge holder portion into which the cartridge 100 is fitted and a casing 9 constituting the outer shell, and a print head (thermal head) 10 as printing means for performing predetermined printing (printing) on the cover film 103. And the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 11 that drives the ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film (printed tape) 103, and the cover film 103 and the base tape 101 (tag tape) are bonded together and printed. A UHF band or the like between the pressure roller driving shaft (driving means) 12 for feeding out from the cartridge 100 as the tag label tag tape 110 and the RFID circuit element To (provided later) provided in the tag label tag tape 110 with print. Antenna (device side antenna) that transmits and receives signals by wireless communication using high frequency of 14), a cutter (cutting means) 15 for cutting the printed tag label tag tape 110 into a predetermined length at a predetermined timing to generate a label-like RFID label T (details will be described later), and the wireless communication The RFID circuit element To is set and held in a predetermined access area facing the antenna 14 during signal transmission and reception, and a pair of transport guides 13 for guiding the tape 110 (= RFID label T) after cutting. Have.

  On the other hand, the apparatus main body 8 also processes the signal read from the RFID circuit element To and the RF circuit 21 for accessing (reading or writing) the RFID circuit element To via the antenna 14. A signal processing circuit 22 for the above, a cartridge motor 23 for driving the ribbon take-up roller driving shaft 11 and the tape feeding roller driving shaft 12 described above, a cartridge driving circuit 24 for controlling the driving of the cartridge motor 23, and A printing drive circuit 25 that controls energization to the print head 10, a solenoid 26 that drives the cutter 15 to perform a cutting operation, a solenoid drive circuit 27 that controls the solenoid 26, and the base tape 101. A detection sensor 19 for detecting the positioning mark PM (identifier, details will be described later) Information (tag attribute parameters such as the number of RFID tag circuit element rows in the base tape 101, the arrangement interval of RFID tag circuit elements To, the tape width) provided in the detected part 190 (details will be described later) provided in the cartridge 100 For controlling the overall operation of the tag label producing apparatus 2 via the sensor 20 for detecting information, etc., and the high frequency circuit 21, the signal processing circuit 22, the cartridge drive circuit 24, the print drive circuit 25, the solenoid drive circuit 27, etc. The control circuit 30 includes a storage device 200 made of, for example, a non-volatile hard disk and provided with a database, an operation unit 210 that can be input by the operator, and a display unit 220 that performs a predetermined display for the operator.

  The control circuit 30 is a so-called microcomputer, and although not shown in detail, is composed of a central processing unit such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is stored in advance in the ROM while using a temporary storage function of the RAM. Signal processing is performed according to the program. In addition, a first mark counter MCa and a second mark counter MCb are provided for positioning during conveyance (detailed functions will be described later).

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the cartridge 100.

  In FIG. 2, a cartridge 100 includes a casing 100A, a first roll 102 (tag tape roll) around which the strip-shaped base tape 101 disposed in the casing 100A is wound, and the base tape 101. A second roll 104 around which the transparent cover film 103 having the same width as that wound is wound, and a ribbon supply side roll 111 for feeding out the ink ribbon 105 (thermal transfer ribbon, but not required when the cover film is a thermal tape); The ribbon take-up roller 106 for winding the ribbon 105 after printing, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are pressed and bonded to form the tag tag 110 for a printed tag label in the direction indicated by the arrow A. (= Also functioning as a tape feed roller).

  The first roll 102 includes a plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows in which a plurality of RFID circuit elements To are continuously arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the tape at predetermined equal intervals around the reel member 102a. Provided (refer to FIGS. 3A and 3B described later for details), the base tape 101 is wound.

  In this example, the base tape 101 has a four-layer structure (see a partially enlarged view in FIG. 2), from the side wound inside (right side in FIG. 2) to the opposite side (left side in FIG. 2), An adhesive layer 101a made of an appropriate adhesive material, a colored base film 101b (tape base material) made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), an adhesive layer 101c made of an appropriate adhesive material, and a release paper 101d are laminated in this order. ing.

  In FIG. 2, the encircled portion is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement area of each RFID circuit element To. As shown in the figure, in this region, an antenna (antenna unit) 152 for transmitting and receiving information is integrally provided on the back side (left side in FIG. 2) of the base film 101b, and the information is connected so as to be connected thereto. Is formed, and the RFID circuit element To is constituted by these.

  The adhesive layer 101a for later bonding the cover film 103 is formed on the front side (right side in FIG. 2) of the base film 101b, and the RFID circuit element is formed on the back side (left side in FIG. 2) of the base film 101b. The release paper 101d is bonded to the base film 101b by the adhesive layer 101c provided so as to enclose To. The release paper 101d is one that can be adhered to the product or the like by the adhesive layer 101c when the RFID label T finally completed in a label shape is attached to a predetermined product or the like by peeling it off. It is.

  On the back side (left side in FIG. 2) of the release paper 101d, a positioning mark PM for positioning the tag tape 110 for tag label with print is provided by, for example, printing. That is, the detection sensor 19 detects the positioning mark PM, and uses the detection result to perform positioning at the time of transporting the tape for various uses such as cutting and printing.

  The second roll 104 has the cover film 103 wound around a reel member 104a. The cover film 103 fed out from the second roll 104 has a ribbon 105 driven by a ribbon supply side roll 111 and a ribbon take-up roller 106 arranged on the back side thereof (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape 101). When pressed by the print head 10, it is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103.

  The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the pressure roller 107 are driven by the driving force of the cartridge motor 23 (see FIG. 1 described above), for example, a pulse motor provided outside the cartridge 100, and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 11 and the tape. By being transmitted to the feed roller drive shaft 12, it is rotationally driven.

  In the cartridge 100 configured as described above, the base tape 101 fed out from the first roll 102 is supplied to the pressure roller 107. On the other hand, the cover film 103 fed out from the second roll 104 is ink driven by a ribbon supply side roll 111 and a ribbon take-up roller 106 arranged on the back side thereof (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape 101). The ribbon 105 is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 when pressed by the print head 10.

  When the cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge holder portion of the apparatus main body 8 and a roll holder (not shown) is moved from the separation position to the contact position, the cover film 103 and the ink ribbon 105 are moved to the print head 10 and the platen roller. The base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between the pressure roller 107 and the sub-roller 109. The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the pressure roller 107 are rotationally driven in synchronization with the directions indicated by the arrows B and D by the driving force of the cartridge motor 23, respectively. At this time, the tape feed roller drive shaft 12 is connected to the sub roller 109 and the platen roller 108 by a gear (not shown), and as the tape feed roller drive shaft 12 is driven, the pressure roller 107, the sub roller 109, Then, the platen roller 108 rotates, and the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102 and supplied to the pressure roller 107 as described above. On the other hand, the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104 and the plurality of heating elements of the print head 10 are energized by the print drive circuit 25. As a result, a print R (see FIG. 6 described later) is printed on the back surface of the cover film 103. Then, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 after the printing are bonded and integrated by the pressure roller 107 and the sub roller 109 to form a tag tape 110 for a printed tag label, which is carried out of the cartridge 100. Is done. The ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 11.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view of the base tape 101 viewed from the direction E in FIG. 2 showing the positional relationship between the positioning mark PM and the RFID circuit element To. In FIG. 3, the base tape 101 includes a RFID circuit element array TT in which RFID circuit elements To are arranged at a predetermined interval (pitch) p in the tape longitudinal direction (vertical direction in the figure) in the tape width direction. There are n columns (n ≧ 2 integers, here, RFID tag circuit element columns TT1 and TT2 are two columns, so n = 2).

  The two RFID tag circuit element rows TT1 and TT2 include the RFID tag circuit element To1 belonging to one RFID tag circuit element row TT1 and the RFID tag circuit element To2 belonging to the other RFID tag circuit element row TT2. Are staggered so that the positions in the tape longitudinal direction (vertical direction in the figure) are not overlapped with each other.

  In this example, in particular, in the above-described zigzag arrangement, the RFID circuit element rows TT1, TT2 are arranged such that the RFID tag circuit elements To1, To2 have a tape longitudinal direction position of about p / n in the tape longitudinal direction (in this example, Since n = 2, they are arranged so as to partially overlap each other while being shifted by p / 2). The pitch deviation amounts pp1 and pp2 at this time are both substantially equal to p / 2 as described above, but in detail, in order to avoid the cutter 15 from cutting the IC circuit unit 151, in one example (in this example, (Pitch deviation amount pp1) is slightly larger than p / 2, and the other side (pitch deviation amount pp2 in this example) is slightly smaller than p / 2 (in FIG. 3, this pp1 and The difference from pp2 is exaggerated). Thereby, for example, the IC circuit portion To2 in the other RFID tag circuit element row TT2 is arranged in the tape longitudinal direction region corresponding to the tag non-arrangement area between the RFID tag circuit elements To1 and To1 in one RFID circuit element row TT1. On the contrary, the IC circuit portion To1 in the RFID circuit element array TT1 is not positioned in the tape longitudinal direction area corresponding to the tag non-arrangement area between the RFID circuit elements To2 and To2 in the RFID circuit element array TT2. It has become.

  Further, the two positioning marks PM1 and PM2 are provided on the base tape 101 in correspondence with the two RFID circuit element arrays TT1 and TT2, respectively. The positioning mark PM1 corresponds to the arrangement position of each RFID circuit element To1 provided in one RFID circuit element row TT1, and is used during printing or cutting in association with the RFID circuit element To1. This is for giving a positioning reference position PL1 (shown virtually by a broken line in the figure) and a relative position (relative distance) in the transport direction with reference to the positioning reference position PL1. Similarly, the positioning mark PM2 corresponds to the arrangement position of each RFID circuit element To2 provided in the other RFID circuit element row TT2, and is used when printing or cutting corresponding to the RFID circuit element To2 is performed. This is for giving a positioning reference position PL2 during transportation (shown virtually by a broken line in the figure) and a relative position (relative distance) in the transportation direction with reference to the positioning reference position PL2. The positioning marks PM1 and PM2 and the positioning reference positions PL1 and PL2 are positioned at the tape longitudinal direction positions corresponding to the arrangement positions of the corresponding RFID circuit elements To1 and To2, respectively. As a result, the positioning marks PM1 and PM2 The same positional relationship is repeated in the longitudinal direction of the tape, and the positioning reference positions PL1 and PL2 are in a staggered positional relationship in the longitudinal direction of the tape as described above.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the high-frequency circuit 21. In FIG. 4, the high-frequency circuit 21 receives a transmission unit 32 that transmits a signal to the RFID circuit element To through the antenna 14 and a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To that is received by the antenna 14. The unit 33 and the transmission / reception separator 34 are configured.

The transmitting unit 32 generates a carrier wave for accessing (reading or writing) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To, a crystal resonator 35, and a PLL (Phase
The generated carrier wave is modulated on the basis of a signal supplied from the signal processing circuit 22 (Locked Loop) 36 and VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 37 (in this example, a “TX_ASK” signal from the signal processing circuit 22 A transmission multiplication circuit 38 (amplitude modulation based on the above) (however, in the case of amplitude modulation, an amplification factor variable amplifier or the like may be used), and a modulation wave modulated by the transmission multiplication circuit 38 is sent from the control circuit 30 to “TX_PWR”. And a variable transmission amplifier 39 that determines and amplifies the amplification factor according to the signal. The generated carrier wave preferably uses a frequency in the UHF band or the microwave band, and the output of the transmission amplifier 39 is transmitted to the antenna 14 via the transmission / reception separator 34 to be a RFID circuit element. It is supplied to the IC circuit section 151 of To.

  The reception unit 33 is necessary from the reception first multiplication circuit 40 that multiplies the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 14 and the generated carrier wave, and the output of the reception first multiplication circuit 40. A first bandpass filter 41 for extracting only a signal in a wide band, a reception first amplifier 43 for amplifying the output of the first bandpass filter 41, and a digital signal obtained by further amplifying the output of the reception first amplifier 43. A first limiter 42 that converts the signal into a signal, a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 14, and a carrier wave that has been generated and delayed by 90 ° in phase by the phase shifter 49 are received. A second multiplying circuit 44, a second bandpass filter 45 for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the received second multiplying circuit 44, and the second band A reception second amplifier 47 that amplifies the output of the pass filter 45 and a second limiter 46 that further amplifies the output of the reception second amplifier 47 and converts it into a digital signal are provided. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 42 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 46 are input to the signal processing circuit 22 and processed.

  The outputs of the reception first amplifier 43 and the reception second amplifier 47 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 48, and a signal “RSSI” indicating the strength of these signals is input to the signal processing circuit 22. It has become so. In this way, in the tag label producing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To is demodulated by IQ orthogonal demodulation.

  In the above, an example in which the conveyance guide 13 is held in the access area and accessed (read or written) with respect to the tag tag 110 for the printed tag label that is moving in accordance with the printing operation has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above access may be performed in a state where the tag tape 110 for tag label with print is stopped at a predetermined position and held by the conveyance guide 13.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sensor 20.

  In FIG. 5, in this example, the sensor 20 has a concavo-convex shape by biasing and contacting the contact 20B with the spring member 20A against the identifiers (cartridge side identifiers) 190A to 190C of the detected portion 190 having the concavo-convex shape. It is a mechanical switch to detect, and a detection signal is output to the control circuit 30 from the contact 20B arranged corresponding to each uneven part.

  These identifiers 190 </ b> A to 190 </ b> C indicate communication parameters (frequency of radio wave used for wireless communication, communication protocol, transmission output, etc.) and tag attribute parameters ( Parameter information regarding the tape width of the base tape 101, the arrangement interval p of the RFID circuit elements To, the sensitivity of the RFID circuit elements To, the memory capacity of the IC circuit portion, and the like. Note that the communication parameters and the tag attribute parameters are all the same (common) for all the RFID circuit elements To provided in one cartridge.

  The control circuit 30 can know the parameter information in the cartridge 100 from the detection signal of the contact 20B indicating the uneven state of the identifiers 190A to 190C.

  The sensor 20 as the detection means is not limited to a mechanical switch, and may be another method, for example, a sensor using light reflection. In this case, for example, a light emitting diode that emits light in response to a signal from the control circuit 30 and a phototransistor that receives reflected light in each identifier of the light emission and outputs a corresponding detection signal to the control circuit 30 can be configured. . Further, as a further developed optical sensor, various barcodes (including one-dimensional and two-dimensional) are described on the surface of the release paper of the cartridge 100 or the base tape 101 and provided on the apparatus main body 8 side of the tag label producing apparatus 2. A configuration of reading with a reading device is also possible.

  In addition to the mechanical switch and the optical sensor, the main body of the cartridge 100 is provided with a RFID tag circuit element for detecting parameter data (an RFID tag circuit element for cartridge), and an antenna provided on the main body 8 of the tag label producing apparatus 2. A configuration for reading is also possible.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element To. In FIG. 6, the RFID circuit element To includes an antenna 14 that transmits and receives signals in a non-contact manner using a high frequency such as a UHF band with the antenna 14 on the tag label producing apparatus 2 side, and the antenna 152 that is connected to the antenna 152. IC circuit portion 151.

  The IC circuit unit 151 includes a rectification unit 153 that rectifies the carrier wave received by the antenna 152, and a power supply unit 154 that accumulates energy of the carrier wave rectified by the rectification unit 153 and serves as a driving power source for the IC circuit unit 151. A clock extraction unit 156 that extracts a clock signal from the carrier wave received by the antenna 152 and supplies the clock signal to the control unit 155; a memory unit 157 that functions as an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal; and the antenna 152 And a control unit 155 for controlling the operation of the RFID circuit element To through the rectification unit 153, the clock extraction unit 156, the modulation / demodulation unit 158, and the like.

  The modem 158 demodulates the communication signal received from the antenna 14 of the tag label producing apparatus 2 received by the antenna 152, and modulates and reflects the carrier wave received from the antenna 152 based on the response signal from the controller 155. To do.

  The control unit 155 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 158, generates a return signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 157, and performs basic control such as returning by the modulation / demodulation unit 158. Execute proper control.

  Here, as described above, the most significant feature of the present invention is that each RFID circuit element To1 and each RFID circuit element To2 are staggered in the longitudinal direction of the tape in the two RFID circuit element arrays TT1 and TT2. The tag tape 110 for printed tag labels created using the base tape 101 in the array is cut at an appropriate position to produce a RFID label.

  7 (a) and 7 (b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the cutting position of such a base tape 101, and are views (in other words, base tapes) seen from the opposite side of FIG. 3 described above. 101 is a view substantially corresponding to the surface view of FIG. In the illustrated example, for example, in FIG. 7A, from the base tape 101, between the cutting line CL1 and the cutting line CL1A, between the cutting line CL1 and the cutting line CL1B, and between the cutting line CL1 and the cutting line CL1C, RFID labels T1, T2, and T3 of three types of lengths can be created. For example, in FIG. 7B, between the cutting line CL2 and the cutting line CL2A, cutting is performed from the base tape 101. Two types of RFID label T4, T5 having a length between the line CL2 and the cutting line CL2B can be created.

  FIGS. 8A to 8C show examples of the RFID label T formed after the writing of information on the RFID circuit element To and the cutting of the tag tape 110 for printed tag labels are completed as described above. It is a top view showing the detailed structure of RFID label T1, T2, T3 among RFID label T1-T5 corresponding to said example.

  8A to 8C, each RFID label T1 to T3 includes at least one RFID tag circuit element complete body (one that RFID tag circuit element To1 or To2 remains intact without being lost) and at least one RFID tag label T1 to T3. Two RFID tag element missing bodies (at least a part of the antenna 152 is missing due to the cutting, and the information storage function or the information transmission / reception function is lowered as compared with the RFID tag circuit element complete body).

  That is, the RFID label T1 includes one RFID tag circuit element complete body To1 (shown in the upper part of the figure), a part of the antenna 152 remaining (shown in the lower left part of the figure) Ta1 The IC circuit portion 151 is provided with a RFID circuit element missing body Ta2 (shown on the right side of the lower stage in the drawing) in which a part of the 152 is missing and the IC circuit portion 151 is almost completely left. The RFID label T2 includes the RFID circuit element complete body To1 (shown on the upper left side in the drawing), the RFID tag circuit element deficient body Tb1 (shown on the upper right side in the drawing) with only a part of the antenna 152 remaining, and one of the antennas 152. The RFID tag circuit element deficient body Tb2 (shown on the left side of the lower stage in the figure) and the RFID tag circuit element complete body To2 (shown on the right side of the lower stage in the figure) are provided. The RFID label T3 includes two RFID circuit element complete bodies To1 and To1 (shown in the upper left and middle of the figure respectively) and a part of the antenna 152 remaining (shown in the upper right of the figure). Tc1, a part of the RFID tag circuit element Tc2 (shown on the left side in the lower part of the figure) where only a part of the antenna 152 remains, and two RFID tag circuit element complete bodies To2 and To2 (shown in the middle and right side of the lower part of the figure) It has.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8 showing the cross-sectional structure of the RFID labels T1 to T3. Each RFID label T1 to T3 has a five-layer structure in which the cover film 103 is added to the four-layer structure described in FIG. 2, and the opposite side (lower in FIG. 9) from the cover film 103 side (upper in FIG. 9). Side), the cover film 103, the adhesive layer 101a, the base film 101b, the adhesive layer 101c (adhesive material layer for attachment) and the release paper 101d constitute five layers. As described above, the RFID circuit element To including the antenna 152 provided on the back side of the base film 101b is provided in the adhesive layer 101c, and printing R (wireless tag T1,. The characters “AB”, “ABC”, and “ABCD” are printed on T2 and T3, respectively. Further, as described above, the positioning mark PM is provided on the surface of the release paper 101d by, for example, printing (not shown in FIG. 9).

  FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are top views showing the detailed structures of the RFID labels T4 and T5, respectively. 10A and 10B, like the RFID label T1 to T3, the RFID label T4 has a part of the antenna 152 missing and the IC circuit portion 151 remains almost completely (on the left side of the upper stage in the figure). RFID tag circuit element defect Td1 (only) shown, RFID tag circuit element defect Td2 (shown on the upper right in the figure) with only a portion of the antenna 152 remaining, and one RFID tag circuit element complete (as shown in the lower figure) It is equipped with To2. The RFID label T5 has a portion of the antenna 152 missing, and the IC circuit portion 151 is almost completely left (shown on the left and right sides of the upper part of the figure), respectively, and RFID tag element missing bodies Te1 and Te2 (shown on the left side of the lower part of the figure). ) One RFID circuit element complete body To2 and an RFID circuit element defect Te3 in which only a part of the antenna 152 remains (shown on the right side in the lower part of the figure) are provided. Since the RFID tag labels T4 and T5 have substantially the same cross-sectional structure as that of the RFID tag labels T1 to T3, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 11 shows the production of the RFID label T having the various arrangements described above, that is, the tag tape 110 for tag labels printed by attaching the base tape 101 while carrying the cover film 103 and carrying out predetermined printing with the print head 10. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 30 when the tag label 110 for printed tag labels is cut to form the RFID label T.

  In FIG. 11, for example, when the tag label producing apparatus 2 is turned on via a power switch (not shown), this flow is started. First, in step S5, after initialization of various variables, coefficients, etc., a display signal for displaying an appropriate initial screen is output to the display means 220, and the initial screen is displayed.

  Thereafter, in step S10, based on the detection result of the detected portion 190 provided in the cartridge 100 by the sensor 20, information corresponding thereto (number of RFID tag circuit element rows in the base tape 101, RFID tag circuit element To). Tag attribute parameter information such as an arrangement interval (pitch) p and tape width, communication frequency information such as a frequency used during wireless communication, a communication protocol, and the like.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15, and the operator inputs or edits information to be printed on the RFID label T by the print head 10 or information to be written on the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T via the operation means 210. Determine whether there was. If there is an input operation or an editing operation, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S20 to perform a predetermined calculation process corresponding to the operation (and the calculation result is stored in predetermined storage means as print information or write information). If necessary, a display signal corresponding to the display means 220 is output and displayed, and the process proceeds to step S25. If there is no input operation or editing operation, the determination in step S15 is not satisfied, and the process directly proceeds to step S25.

  In step S <b> 25, it is determined whether the operator has performed an operation for setting the label length of the RFID label T via the operation unit 210. If there is such an operation, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S30. If there is no label length setting operation, the determination in step S25 is not satisfied, and the routine goes to step S50 described later.

  In step S30, the label length setting process is performed based on the manual operation of the operator via the operation unit 210, or the label length setting process is performed by a predetermined automatic setting operation described later. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, it is determined whether or not there has been a setting operation for various other settings related to the RFID label T (for example, when a front margin is provided on the front side in the transport direction or setting of character decoration for printing) via the operation unit 210. . If there is such an operation, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S55. After various corresponding processes and a display signal corresponding to the display means 220 are output as necessary, display is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S60. . If the setting operation is not performed, the determination in step S50 is not satisfied, and the process directly proceeds to step S60.

  In step S <b> 60, it is determined whether the operator has performed an operation for creating the RFID label T via the operation unit 210. If the operation has been performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S70. In response to the input or editing of the print information and write information in steps S15 and S20, the print head 10 performs predetermined printing and wirelessly. Information is written to the tag circuit element To to create the RFID label T, and the process returns to step S15 to repeat the same procedure. If there is no label production operation in step S60, the determination in step S60 is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S15 and the same procedure is repeated.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the label length setting process in step S30 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, as described above, the tag label 110 for printed tag label is cut at an appropriate position (relatively freely) to create a variable-length RFID tag T. The start position is determined based on the positioning reference positions PL1 and PL2 based on the positioning marks PM1 and PM2. In the example of this embodiment, regardless of the cutting position of the tag label 110 for printed tag label when the RFID label T created last time is cut, it is always cut to the positioning reference position PL1 or PL2 close to the cutting position. First, the tape 110 is transported (that is, from the previous cutting position to that position is an extra portion) until 15 comes to face (= until the sensor 19 detects the positioning mark PM1 or PM2). Then, from the positioning reference position PL1 or PL2, the cutting position of the tag tape 110 for printed tag label corresponding to the label length is calculated according to how long the operator wants the label length, and the cutting position If it is not appropriate, it will be optimized (described later).

  In FIG. 12, in this example, the sensor 19 detects the positioning mark PM1 when it is transported a little from the cutting position at the time of the previous label creation, and the positioning reference position PL1 that the cutter 15 is facing is the current position. It shows a state selected and set as a reference position for label length setting at the time of label creation. The label length desired by the operator is counted from the positioning reference position PL1 to set the cutting position.

  At this time, the minimum length Lmin that can be set as the label length by the operator is, for example, from the meaning of including at least one RFID circuit element To in order to ensure communication performance, the arrangement interval of the RFID circuit elements To (Pitch) p. Alternatively, it may be a tape length direction dimension Lx (see FIG. 12) of the RFID circuit element To itself, which is slightly smaller than this. Further, the maximum length Lmax that can be set as the label length is, for example, a predetermined length (3p that is three times the pitch p in the example) that is a limit on the processing capability of the tag label producing apparatus 2. Good. That is, in this example, as a major premise, a label length setting between p and 3p must be set. On the other hand, if the cutter 15 cuts the IC circuit portion 151 of the RFID circuit element To1 or To2, the cutting edge may be damaged by the high-strength IC circuit portion 151 during the cutting operation. It is preferable to avoid 151. In this embodiment, in particular, from this point of view, when the cutting position corresponding to the label length setting by the operator is the position of the IC circuit 151, this is avoided (resetting the label length). .

  Based on the above conditions, among the label length setting examples shown in FIG. 12, the label lengths L1, L3, L5, and L6 are set appropriately, but the label lengths L2, L4, and L7 remain unchanged, and the cutting position is the RFID circuit element. Since it is the To1 or To2 IC circuit section 151, the setting is inappropriate, and the optimization is performed so as to cut a portion that is not the position of the IC circuit section 151 by shortening or expanding. Although illustration and detailed explanation are omitted, the positioning mark PM2 is detected by the sensor 19 at a time when it is slightly transported from the cutting position at the time of the previous label production, and the positioning reference position at which the cutter 15 is directly facing at this time The same applies when PL2 is selected and set as a reference position for setting the label length at the time of label production this time.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure for setting the label length in step S30 of FIG. 11 based on the basic concept described above. In FIG. 13, first, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the operator has performed an operation for selecting the label length automatic setting mode via the operation unit 210. If there is such an operation, the determination is satisfied (after setting an appropriate automatic setting mode flag), the process proceeds to step S43, corresponding to the print characters input or edited in the above-described steps S15 and S20, The length of the RFID label T created by a known method (for example, based on the number of characters and the number of fonts) is determined, and this flow ends.

  If the automatic setting mode selection operation is not performed in step S31, the determination is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S32, and a display signal for displaying a predetermined label length setting screen on the display unit 220 is output to display the display. In step S33, the label length value input by the operator through the operation unit 210 is input in accordance with the display.

  Thereafter, in step S34, it is determined whether or not the value of the label length manually input in step S33 is equal to or greater than the predetermined minimum length Lmin. As described above, the minimum length Lmin can be determined from, for example, the arrangement interval (pitch) p of the RFID circuit elements To acquired in step S10. If the set value is smaller than the minimum length Lmin, the determination in step S34 is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S35 to output an error display signal to the display means 220 to display the corresponding error, and return to step S32 to perform the same procedure. repeat. If it is not less than the minimum length Lmin, the determination at step S34 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S36.

  In step S36, it is determined whether or not the value of the label length manually input in step S33 is equal to or less than the predetermined maximum length Lmax described above. As described above, the maximum length Lmax can be set to a predetermined limit length determined from the processing capability of the tag label producing apparatus 2, for example. If it is larger than the maximum length Lmax, the determination in step S36 is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S37 to output an error display signal to the display means 220 to display the corresponding error, and the process returns to step S32 and the same procedure is repeated. If it is less than or equal to the maximum length, the determination at step S36 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S38.

  In step S38, the method described above with reference to FIG. 12 according to the tag attribute parameter information (including the pitch p of the RFID circuit element To etc.) acquired based on the detection result of the sensor 20 input in the previous step S10. Thus, the cutting position at which cutting is performed by the cutter 15 with the setting as it is is calculated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S39, and it is determined whether or not the cutting position of the cutter 15 calculated in step S38 is the position of the IC circuit unit (chip) 151 of the RFID circuit element To1 or To2.

  If the cutting position is out of the position of the IC circuit unit 151 (in the case of the label length settings L1, L3, L5, and L6 in FIG. 12 described above), the determination in step S39 is not satisfied and the current setting is appropriate. This flow is terminated. If the cutting position is at the position of the IC circuit unit 151 (as in the case of the label length settings L2, L4, and L7 in FIG. 12 described above), the determination in step S39 is satisfied, and the current setting is inappropriate. It is regarded and it moves to step S40.

  In step S40, in order to avoid disconnection of the IC circuit unit 151, in order to allow the operator to select whether or not the label length setting is longer than the current setting, a corresponding display signal is generated and output to the display unit 220. Make selection display. In response to this, it is determined whether or not it has been understood that the selection result input by the operator via the operation means 210 is longer than the current setting. If the operator agrees to increase the length, the determination in step S40 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S41, where a predetermined length (for example, a length longer than the size of the IC circuit unit) is added to the current label length setting. The new set label length is set, and this flow is terminated. If the operator does not understand the lengthening (desired to shorten), the determination in step S40 is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S42, and a predetermined length (for example, of the IC circuit unit) is set based on the current label length setting. Subtract (length greater than the size) to obtain a new set label length, and this flow is terminated.

  14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the concept of the tag label creation processing in step S70 shown in FIG. In this procedure, the tag label 110 for printed tag label is cut to create the RFID label T so as to have the label length set in step S30. First, after printing, information is written to the RFID circuit element To. And finally cut. The initial print start position is determined based on the positioning reference positions PL1 and PL2 described above. In the example of this embodiment, the cutter 15 is directly facing the positioning reference position PL1 (see FIG. 14A). ), The position where the print head 10 directly faces in a state where the tape 110 is fed by a predetermined distance (see FIG. 14B) is set as a print start reference position PT1. Then, printing is started while transporting the tape from the print start reference position PT1 (see FIG. 14C), and when all the printing is completed, the transport is stopped (see FIG. 15A), and the antenna 14 Wireless communication is performed with respect to a predetermined RFID circuit element To1, and information is written to the IC circuit 151 (see FIG. 15B). Thereafter, the tape is further transported until the cutter 15 is directly opposed to the scheduled cutting position CL1 corresponding to the label length set in step S30. When reaching the scheduled cutting position CL1, the transport is stopped, and the cutter 15 is used to perform cutting. Complete RFID label equal to length.

  Although illustration and detailed description are omitted, the tape 110 is fed with the positioning reference position PL2 as a reference to determine the printing start reference position PT2, and printing is started from here to start the IC circuit of the predetermined RFID circuit element To2. The same applies to the case where information is written in the part 151 and the cutter 15 performs cutting at the planned cutting position CL2.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the tag label creation process in step S70 of FIG. 11 based on the basic concept described above. In FIG. 16, first, in step S300, reference positioning processing (= conveyance cueing) is performed for positioning during tape conveyance in a series of tag label creation processing (details will be described later, see FIG. 14A described above).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S71, where the printing information stored by the input operation or the editing operation in step S15 and step S20 of FIG. 11 described above is read and the print length is calculated (in this case, separately input via the operation means 210). The character font, the font, the presence / absence of a line break, etc. may be referred to as appropriate).

  Then, the process proceeds to step S72, and it is determined whether or not the label length automatic setting mode is selected in the label setting process in step S30 described above. Specifically, it may be determined whether or not the automatic setting mode flag is set in step S31 shown in FIG. If the automatic setting mode is selected, this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S75 described later. If the automatic setting mode is not set (= in the case of the manual setting mode), the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S73.

  In step S73, it is determined whether or not the label length set in the label length setting process in step S30 in FIG. 11 described in detail with reference to FIG. 13 is greater than or equal to the print length calculated in step S71. If the label length is less than the print length (because the print will protrude from the label), the determination is not satisfied, and a signal for displaying the corresponding error message is generated and output to the display means 220. The display is performed, and this flow is finished. If the label length is greater than or equal to the print length, the determination at step S73 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S75.

  In step S75, print image information is developed and generated on a print buffer (not shown) provided in the control circuit 30 based on the print length setting and the label length setting, and is temporarily stored. At this time, the corresponding image display may be previewed on the display means 220.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S400, while the base tape 101, the cover film 103, and the tag label 110 for tag label with print attached thereto are conveyed, the print developed on the print buffer in the above step S75 on the cover film 103. Printing corresponding to the image information is performed by the print head (= printing process, details will be described later, see FIGS. 14B, 14C and 15A described above).

  In step S500, an inquiry signal for obtaining a response is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To, and the response is input and stored in steps S15 and S20 of FIG. The write information is transmitted, and the information is written to the IC circuit unit 151 (tag information write processing, details will be described later, see FIG. 15B described above).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S76, and similarly to step S72, it is determined whether or not the label length automatic setting mode is selected in the label setting process in step S30 described above (the specific method is the same as in step S72). If the automatic setting mode is selected, this determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S79 described later. If the automatic setting mode is not set (= in the case of the manual setting mode), the determination is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S77. Move.

  In step S77, the position of the tape in the transport direction at this time (the tape has already been driven in the transport direction in the printing process in step S400. See FIG. 18 described later) is the label set in step S30 (manually). Determine if the length has been reached. The determination at this time is made based on the count value of the mark counter, and is made based on whether or not the count value that increases as the tape is conveyed reaches a value corresponding to the label length (details will be described later). If the label length has been reached, the process proceeds to step S78 to be described later. If the label length has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S600A, and after performing the corresponding tape feed (conveyance) process (refer to FIG. 22 described later for details), the process proceeds to step S78.

  In step S79, where the determination in step S76 is satisfied, the label length value automatically set in step S43 in FIG. 13 is set to a predetermined minimum length Lmin (for example, a wireless tag) as in step S34 in FIG. It is determined whether it is equal to or greater than the arrangement interval of the circuit elements To. If the set value is smaller than the minimum length Lmin, the determination in step S79 is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S600B to perform a corresponding tape feed (conveyance) process (see FIG. 22 described later for details), and then proceeds to step S80. If the set value is equal to or greater than the minimum length Lmin, the determination at step S79 is satisfied, and the process directly proceeds to step S80.

  In step S80, as in step S38 and step S39 of FIG. 13, the tag attribute parameter information (of the RFID circuit element To) obtained based on the detection result of the sensor 20 input in step S10 shown in FIG. In accordance with (including the pitch p and the like), the cutting position to be cut by the cutter 15 with the setting as it is is calculated by the method described above with reference to FIG. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the calculated cutting position of the cutter 15 is the position of the IC circuit part (chip) 151 of the RFID circuit element To1 or To2.

  If the cutting position deviates from the position of the IC circuit unit 151, the determination in step S80 is not satisfied, and the current setting is regarded as appropriate, and the process proceeds to step S78. If the cutting position is at the position of the IC circuit unit 151, the determination in step S80 is satisfied, the current setting is regarded as inappropriate, and the process proceeds to step S600C to perform a corresponding tape feed (conveyance) process. After (see FIG. 22 described later for details), the process proceeds to step S78. The tape feed process may be performed in the reverse direction (return direction) instead of the forward direction (feed direction). Alternatively, the display unit 220 may appropriately display which one to select and the operator may select and input a corresponding operation via the operation unit 210.

  In step S78, a control signal is output to the solenoid drive circuit 27 to energize the solenoid 26, thereby driving the cutter 15, and cutting the tag tape 110 for tag label with print at the position in the transport direction at this time (described above). FIG. 15 (c)). As a result, the RFID label T (see FIGS. 8A to 8C and FIGS. 10A and 10B) having written information to a predetermined RFID circuit element To and corresponding printing completed. Completed and separated from the tape 110 and taken out of the tag label apparatus 2 from the outlet 16.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the reference positioning process shown in step S300 of FIG. In FIG. 17, first, in step S310, based on the detection signal from the sensor 19, any of the current positioning marks PM1, PM2 is detected (the sensor 19 and the positioning marks PM1, PM2 are facing each other). ). If it is in the said detection state, determination will be satisfy | filled and it will move to the below-mentioned step S340. If it is not in the detection state, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S320.

  In step S320, a control signal is output to the cartridge driving circuit 24, and the pressure roller 107 is rotated by a predetermined minimum unit by the driving force of the cartridge motor 23. Thereby, the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102 and supplied to the pressure roller 107, and the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104. As a whole, the base tape 101, the cover film 103, and these are The pasted tag label 110 for tag label which has been bonded is conveyed by a predetermined minimum unit (1 dot).

  Thereafter, in step S330, as in step S310, based on the detection signal from the sensor 19, it is determined whether or not any of the positioning marks PM1 and PM2 is currently being detected. If it is in the said detection state, determination will be satisfy | filled and it will move to step S340. If it is not in the detection state, the determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S320 and the same procedure is repeated.

  In step S340, the count value of the first mark counter MCa provided in the control circuit 30 is reset (for example, initialized to “0000”), and this flow ends.

  According to the above flow, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the sensor 19 detects the positioning mark PM1 or PM2 while carrying one dot at a time from the cutting position at the time of the previous label creation. If the positioning mark PM1 is detected, the positioning reference position PL1 that the cutter 15 is directly facing at that time is selected and set as the reference position for the label length setting at the time of label production this time. (Or when the positioning mark PM2 is detected, the positioning reference position PL2 that is directly facing the cutter 15 at that time is selected and set as the reference position for setting the label length at the time of label production). The positioning reference position PL1 (or positioning reference position PL2) is used as the tape transport reference position. It starts counting at the first mark counter MCa later, the reference positioning process is completed. FIG. 14A is a diagram corresponding to the state at this time.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the printing process shown in step S400 of FIG. First, in step S410, a control signal is output to the cartridge drive circuit 24 in the same manner as in step S320 described above, and the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the pressure roller 107 are rotationally driven by a predetermined minimum unit by the driving force of the cartridge motor 23. Thereby, the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102 and supplied to the pressure roller 107, and the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104. As a whole, the base tape 101, the cover film 103, and these are The tag tag tape 110 for printed tag label that has been pasted together is conveyed by a predetermined minimum unit (1 dot) from the positioning reference position PL1 or PL2 that has been positioned in step S300.

  Thereafter, in step S420, the count value of the second mark counter MCb is increased by a predetermined minimum unit (+1) in accordance with the tape feed in step S410. The second mark counter MCb is an integration counter that is not reset after the power is turned on, for example.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S430, and based on the count value in step S420, the print head 10 is in a state of facing the print start reference position PT1 as shown in FIG. 14B (= print head search). Is completed). If the print head 10 has reached the print start reference position PT1, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S440. If it has not reached, the determination is not satisfied, the process returns to step S410, and the tape feed (conveyance) of the minimum unit is repeated until the print head 10 reaches the print start reference position PT1. FIG. 14B shows a state where the print start reference position PT1 is reached in this way.

  In step S440, a control signal is output to the print drive circuit 25, and the print head 10 prints a predetermined minimum unit (1 dot) of the print image information developed on the print buffer in the previous step S75. The process moves to S450.

  In step S450, as in step S410, a control signal is output to the cartridge drive circuit 24, and the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the pressure roller 107 are rotated by a predetermined minimum unit by the driving force of the cartridge motor 23, thereby causing the base material to rotate. The tape 101, the cover film 103, and the tag tape for tag label 110 with print are further conveyed by a predetermined minimum unit (1 dot).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S460, and similarly to step S420, the count value of the second mark counter MCb is increased by a predetermined minimum unit (+1) in accordance with the tape feed in step S450.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S462, and based on the value of the second mark counter Mcb incremented in the above step S450, the cutter 15 is preliminarily moved by the operator at the front end in the tape feeding direction at the position in the tape transport direction at this time. It is determined whether or not it is a position facing the cutting position of the front end when the predetermined dimension is set as an unnecessary part to be cut (= front end) (in other words, the rear end position of the front end).

  When the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S465, where the cutter 15 is driven by outputting a control signal to the solenoid drive circuit 27 and energizing the solenoid 26 to drive the cutter 15 at this point (ie, the front end cut position). The tag tape 110 for printed tag labels is cut. As a result, the tape front end set in advance by the operator is cut and separated from the tape 110 and taken out from the carry-out port 16 to the outside of the tag label device 2. When determination of step S462 is not satisfy | filled, it moves to below-mentioned step S470.

  Note that if it is not necessary to cut and remove the front end part in particular, step S462 and step S465 may be omitted (the previous FIG. 14 corresponds to the case where the front end part cutting and removal is omitted, and the front end part is cut off). If there is a removal procedure, it corresponds to, for example, between FIG. 14 (b) and FIG. 14 (c)).

  Then, the process proceeds to step S470, and it is determined whether the print image information developed on the print buffer in the previous step S75 still remains (whether there is unprinted data). If the print image information remains, the determination is satisfied, the process returns to step S440, and the same minimum unit printing and tape feed are repeated until printing of all the print image information is completed. FIG. 14C shows a state in which printing is progressing in this way. If there is no unprinted print image information, the determination in step S470 is not satisfied, and this flow is terminated. FIG. 15A shows the printing end state.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the tag information writing process shown in step S500 of FIG. First, in step S100, a predetermined inquiry signal is transmitted to the RFID circuit elements To1 and To2 that are within the communication range and the communication function is not lost (effective), and the RFID circuit element that responds from the corresponding response signal The tag ID (identification information) of To is acquired (refer to FIG. 20 described later for details).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S510, and it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of tag IDs acquired in step S100. When there are a plurality of RFID circuit elements To1 or To2 effective in the communication range and there are a plurality of response signals, this determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S520, and the received signal level of the response signal is the maximum among them. Is selected and specified as the RFID circuit element to be written, and the process proceeds to Step S200 described later. On the other hand, if there is only one RFID circuit element To1 or To2 effective in the communication range and only one response signal, the RFID circuit element is selected and specified as a write target, and the process goes to step S200. Move.

  In step S200, the predetermined information to be written read in steps S15 and S20 in FIG. 11 is written to the RFID circuit element To to be written specified in step S520 or S530, and after the writing, the RFID circuit Locking is performed so that communication with the element To is not performed (refer to FIG. 15 described later for details). The previous FIG. 15B shows this state.

  Thereafter, in step S540, the “Kill” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, a “Kill” signal is generated in the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to all the RFID circuit elements To in the communication range via the high frequency circuit 21, and the communication function of the RFID circuit element To that has received this is provided. To lose. At this time, the RFID circuit element To in which information is written in step S200 is locked at this time so that information cannot be written (see step S280 described later). Will not be lost. Thereby, the writing of the RFID tag information to one RFID circuit element To to be written is completed, and this flow is finished.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the tag ID reading process in step S100 shown in FIG. First, in step S110, a variable K that counts the number of retries when there is no response from the RFID circuit element To is initialized to zero.

Thereafter, in step S120, a “Scroll ID” command (or a “Ping” command for obtaining a response) for reading out information stored in the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To in a form along predetermined communication parameters or the like is issued. Output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, the signal processing circuit 22 uses “Scroll” as access information.
An “ID” signal (or “Ping” signal) is generated and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To within the communication range via the high frequency circuit 21 to prompt a reply.

  Next, in step S130, a reply signal (including a tag ID) transmitted from the RFID circuit element To corresponding to the “Scroll ID” signal or the like is received via the antenna 14, and the high frequency circuit 21 and the signal processing circuit are received. 22 to capture.

  Next, in step S140, it is determined using a known error detection code (CRC code; Cyclic Redundancy Check, etc.) whether or not there is an error in the reply signal received in step S130.

  If the determination is not satisfied, the process moves to step S150, and 1 is added to K. Further, in step S160, K is a predetermined number of retries set in advance (in this example, 5 times. Other times may be set as appropriate). It is determined whether or not. If K ≦ 4, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S120 and the same procedure is repeated. If K = 5, the process proceeds to step S170, where an error display signal is output to the display means 220 to display a reading failure (error), and this flow is terminated. In this way, even if reading is unsuccessful, retry is performed up to a predetermined number of times (in this example, 5 times).

  When the determination in step S140 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S145, and the received signal strength detected by the RSSI circuit 48 of each signal received in step S130 is stored in an appropriate storage unit. Thereby, the reading of the tag ID from the valid RFID circuit element To existing within the communication range is completed, and this flow is finished.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the tag information writing process in step S200 shown in FIG. First, in step S205, variables M and N for counting the number of retries when there is no response from the RFID circuit element To are initialized to zero.

  Thereafter, in step S 210, an “Erase” command for initializing information stored in the memory unit 157 of the RFID circuit element To to be written is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, an “Erase” signal as access information is generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID tag circuit element To to be written through the high frequency circuit 21 to initialize the memory unit 157.

  Next, in step S 215, a “Verify” command for confirming the contents of the memory unit 157 is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, a “Verify” signal as access information is generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To as an information write target via the high frequency circuit 21 to prompt a reply. Thereafter, in step S2200, the reply signal transmitted from the RFID tag circuit element To to be written in response to the “Verify” signal is received via the antenna 14 and taken in via the high frequency circuit 21 and the signal processing circuit 22.

  Next, in step S225, based on the reply signal received in step S220, information in the memory unit 157 of the RFID tag circuit element To to be written is confirmed, and whether or not the memory unit 157 has been initialized normally. Determine.

  If the determination is not satisfied, the process moves to step S230, 1 is added to M, and it is further determined in step S235 whether M = 5. If M ≦ 4, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S210 and the same procedure is repeated. If M = 5, the process proceeds to step S240, where an error display signal is output to the display means 220, the corresponding writing failure (error) display is performed, and this flow is terminated. In this way, even if initialization is not successful, retry is performed up to five times.

  If the determination in step S225 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S250, and a “Program” command for writing the desired data to be written (input in step S15 or step S20 described above) to the memory unit 157 is output to the signal processing circuit 22. To do. Based on this, a “Program” signal (= the write information) as access information is generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To as the information write target via the high-frequency circuit 21, and is stored in the memory unit 157. Information is written.

  Thereafter, in step S 255, the “Verify” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, a “Verify” signal as access information is generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To as an information write target via the high frequency circuit 21 to prompt a reply. Thereafter, in step S260, a reply signal transmitted from the RFID tag circuit element To to be written corresponding to the “Verify” signal is received via the antenna 14 and taken in via the high frequency circuit 21 and the signal processing circuit 22.

  Next, in step S265, based on the reply signal received in step S260, the information stored in the memory unit 157 of the RFID circuit element To is confirmed, and the transmitted predetermined information is stored in the memory unit 157. It is determined whether or not it has been stored normally.

  If the determination is not satisfied, the process moves to step S270, 1 is added to N, and it is further determined in step S275 whether N = 5. If N ≦ 4, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S250 and the same procedure is repeated. In the case of N = 5, the process proceeds to the above-described step S240, and the writing failure (error) display corresponding to the display means 220 is similarly performed, and this flow is finished. In this way, even if information writing is not successful, retry is performed up to five times.

  If the determination in step S265 is satisfied, the process moves to step S280, and a “Lock” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, a “Lock” signal is generated in the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To as an information write target via the high frequency circuit 21, and writing of new information to the RFID circuit element To is prohibited. Is done. Thereby, the writing of the RFID tag information to the RFID circuit element To to be written is completed, and this flow is finished.

  With the above routine, desired information can be written in the IC circuit portion 151 of the RFID tag circuit element To to be written.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tape feed process shown in steps S600A, S600B, and S6600C of FIG. In FIG. 22, first, in step S610, a control signal is output to the cartridge drive circuit 24 in the same manner as in steps S320 and S410, and the pressure roller 107 is rotated by a predetermined minimum unit by the driving force of the cartridge motor 23. Thereby, the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102 and supplied to the pressure roller 107, and the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104. As a whole, the base tape 101, the cover film 103, and these are The pasted tag label 110 for tag label which has been bonded is conveyed by a predetermined minimum unit (1 dot).

  Thereafter, in step S620, similarly to step S420, the count value of the first mark counter MCa is increased by a predetermined minimum unit (+1) in accordance with the tape feed in step S610.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S630, and it is determined whether or not the count value in step S620 has reached a predetermined value. In the case of the tape feed process in step S600A in FIG. 16, the determination at this time is reset in the reference positioning process in step S300 in FIG. 16 (see step S340 in FIG. 17), and then the tape in the print process in step S400. The count value of the first mark counter increased by the feed operation (see step S410 and step S450) is referred to. Then, it is determined whether or not the count increase value has reached a value corresponding to the tag label length set in step S30 (has been conveyed by the set label length). In the case of step S600B, similarly to the above, the count increase value has reached the value corresponding to the predetermined minimum length Lmin described in step S79 (for example, transported by a distance approximately equal to the arrangement interval of the RFID circuit elements To). Determine whether or not) In the case of step S600C, the count increment value has reached the predetermined length for avoiding the cutting of the IC circuit unit 151 described in step S41 (for example, a length longer than the size of the IC circuit unit) in the same manner as described above. Or not.

  If the determination in step S630 is satisfied, it is considered that the tape transport for the respective target distances is finished, and this flow is finished. If the determination is not satisfied, the process returns to step S610, and the same minimum unit tape feed (conveyance) is repeated until the determination is satisfied.

  In the above, the control circuit 30 and the signal processing circuit 22 are connected to the IC circuit unit access information (“Scroll ID” signal, “Ping” signal, “Program” signal, “Erase” signal described later). , “Verify” signal, etc.), and the transmission unit 32 of the high-frequency circuit 21 transmits the access information generated by the access information generation unit in a contactless manner via the device-side antenna. Information transmitting means for transmitting to the tag side antenna provided in the element and accessing the IC circuit unit is configured.

  Further, after the reception unit 33 of the high frequency circuit 21 transmits the access information by the information transmission unit, a response signal transmitted from the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element according to the transmitted access information is sent via the tag side antenna. An information receiving means for receiving and reading with a device-side antenna without contact is configured. Further, Steps S510 to S530 of the control flow shown in FIG. 19 executed by the control circuit 30 constitute tag specifying means for specifying the RFID circuit element to which information is written based on the response signal read by the information receiving means. .

  Further, Step S39 to Step S42 shown in FIG. 13 executed by the control circuit 30 and Step S80 and Step S600C shown in FIG. 16 correspond to disconnection control means for controlling so as not to disconnect the IC circuit part of the RFID circuit element. To do. 16 executed by the control circuit 30 (specifically, steps S310 to S340 shown in FIG. 17) is performed by the cutting means to generate one tag label, and then to create the next tag label, It corresponds to a drive control means for controlling the drive means so that the cutting means can be cut at a predetermined cutting position with respect to the RFID circuit element to be provided in the tag label. Further, step S30 of FIG. 11 (specifically, steps S31 to S43 of FIG. 13) executed by the control circuit 30 corresponds to a label length setting means for setting the length of the tag label in the tape longitudinal direction.

  As described above, in the tag label producing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, when producing the RFID label T, the base tape 101 and the printed cover film 103 are pressure-bonded by the pressure roller 107 and the sub-roller 109. The tag label 110 for printed tag label is generated, and the access information generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and the high frequency circuit 21 is transmitted to the antenna 152 of the RFID circuit element To via the antenna 14, and the RFID tag circuit element To Access to information of the IC circuit unit 151 (information writing in this example, information reading in a modification described later) is performed. After that, the tag label tag tape 110 with print is cut by the cutter 15, and a tag label T having a predetermined length is generated.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the RFID label T is produced from the tag label 110 for printed tag label as described above, the base tape 101 has a plurality of RFID circuit element arrays TT1, TT2 in the tape width direction. The plurality of RFID circuit elements To1 and To2 provided for them are arranged in a staggered manner so that the positions in the longitudinal direction of the tape do not overlap with each other (see FIG. 3 etc.). ).

  Thus, for example, the RFID label having the tag label 110 for printed tag label cut by the cutter 15 to a length just enough to accommodate one RFID circuit element To1 or To2 in one RFID circuit element array TT1 or TT2. T (for example, the RFID label T1 shown in FIG. 8A or the RFID label T4 shown in FIG. 10B) can be created. Further, the RFID label T can be produced by cutting the tape at an appropriate cutting position farther than this (for example, the RFID labels T2 and T3 shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C and FIG. RFID label T5 shown in b)).

  At this time, the RFID circuit element To2 or To1 in the RFID circuit element row TT2 or TT1 on the other side is divided in the middle thereof (the RFID circuit element missing body Ta1, in FIGS. 8A to 8C). Ta2, Tb1, Tb2, Tc1, Tc2 and RFID tag circuit element missing bodies Td1, Td2, Te1, Te2, Te3, etc. in FIGS. 10A and 10B) are at least one RFID circuit element To1, To2. Since it exists in a complete form without being divided (= the complete RFID tag circuit element), at least the communication function with the antenna 14 via radio is ensured.

  On the other hand, when a new RFID label T is created after the RFID label T thus created by further extending the tag label 110 for tag labels printed from the current cutting position, a plurality of RFID tag circuit element arrays as described above are used. With the staggered arrangement of TT1 and TT2, it is possible to reach the tip of a new (undamaged) RFID circuit element To1 or To2 that is not divided with a relatively small feeding distance from the current cutting position (FIG. 16). The reference positioning process shown in step S300 of FIG. 14 (see the positioning reference position PL1 in FIG. 14A). Therefore, after that, the tag label tag tape 110 with print is cut to such a length as to include the terminal part of the undamaged RFID circuit element To1 or To2 that has arrived, and one RFID circuit element To is similarly provided as described above. Including new RFID label T (equivalent to the above-described tag labels T1, T4), and long RFID tag T (equivalent to the above-described tag labels T2, T3, T5, T6) cut at an appropriate cutting position further away Stuff). In other words, as long as the total length (≈pitch p) of the RFID circuit element To is exceeded, the RFID label T having a variable length can be created.

  At this time, the greater the number of RFID circuit element rows TT1, TT2,..., The smaller the amount of RFID tag circuit element To in the tape in the longitudinal direction of the tape can be reduced. When this is done, the feeding distance (distance X shown in FIG. 14) until the tip of the next unbroken RFID circuit element To is reached can be reduced, and the waste of the tape can be reduced.

  FIG. 23 (a) and FIG. 23 (b) are conceptual explanatory diagrams for easily showing an example of this effect. In this example, as shown in FIG. 23 (a), after the RFID label T-1 having one unbroken RFID tag circuit element To-a in one RFID tag circuit element row is created, In order to produce the RFID label T-2 having the ruptured RFID circuit element To-a, a relatively long distance L1 must be transported, and the tape for this distance is wasted. On the other hand, when two rows of RFID tag circuit element rows are provided as shown in FIG. 23B, one unbroken RFID tag circuit in the one side (upper side in the drawing) row of RFID tag circuit element rows. After producing the RFID label T-3 with the element To-b, the next time to produce the RFID label T-4 with the unbreakable RFID circuit element To-c, it is considerably shorter than the distance L1. It can be seen that transporting the distance L2 is sufficient, and the amount of wasted tape is much less than in the case of FIG.

  As described above, in the tag label producing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, a plurality of RFID tag circuit element arrays TT1 and TT2 are arranged in a staggered pattern so that at least one RFID tag circuit element array overlaps. Compared to the case where only TT is provided, the RFID label T having a variable length can be created while reducing the waste of the tape and effectively using the tape.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, at the time of cutting by the cutter 15, the control circuit 30 performs the IC circuit of the RFID circuit element To in steps S39 to S42 shown in FIG. 13 and steps S80 and S600C shown in FIG. By controlling so as not to cut the portion 151, the cutter 15 can be prevented from being damaged by the high-strength IC circuit portion 151 during the cutting operation, and the durability of the cutter 15 can be improved. Particularly in this case, when the setting is made to be shorter than the initial set length in order to avoid the IC circuit unit 151 in step S42 in FIG. 13, conversely, it is longer than the initial set length as in step S41 or step S600C in FIG. As compared with the case where the label length is reset, there is an effect that the label length can be surely kept within a predetermined range (without departing from the label length assumed by the operator). On the other hand, when setting a length longer than the initial set length as in step S41 of FIG. 13 or step S600C of FIG. 16, conversely, when setting a length shorter than the initial set length as in step S42 above. Compared with this, there is an effect that it is possible to reliably avoid a part of the print from being chipped or the distance between the cut portion and the print from becoming excessively small and to ensure the print area.

  Further, particularly in the present embodiment, the control circuit 30 generates a single RFID label T by executing the reference positioning process of step S300 shown in FIG. 16 (specifically, steps S310 to S340 shown in FIG. 17). Each time it is performed, the cueing is performed so that the RFID tag circuit element To of the next tag label T has a predetermined positional relationship, so that the subsequent positioning control can be easily and simplified.

  Further, particularly in the present embodiment, the control circuit 30 performs label length setting processing shown in step S30 in FIG. 11 (specifically, steps S31 to S43 in FIG. 13), and sets the length in the tape longitudinal direction of the tag label to be created. Set. Accordingly, for example, in addition to the function of creating the RFID label T with a variable length, a fixed-length label can be created, and convenience can be improved in response to various user needs.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, by specifying the RFID circuit element To as the information writing target in steps S510 to S530 of the flow shown in FIG. 19, the information is written to the specified RFID circuit element To, A RFID circuit element deficient body (for example, a RFID circuit element deficient body Ta2 in FIG. 8A or a wireless tag in FIG. 10A) in which a part of the antenna 152 is damaged or missing depending on the cutting position of the cutter 15. The response signal from the circuit element defect Td1 and the RFID tag circuit element defect Te1, Te2 etc. in FIG. 10B) and the response signal from the normal RFID tag circuit element (complete RFID tag circuit element) It is possible to identify and accurately recognize and specify the latter as an information writing target. In addition, particularly in the above-described embodiment, when response signals from a plurality of RFID circuit elements To are read, in step S520 of FIG. 19, the response signal having the maximum signal level is selected from among the plurality of response signals. The transmitted RFID circuit element To is identified as the RFID circuit element To to which information is to be written, and in step S540, a “Kill signal” is transmitted to the other RFID circuit elements To and invalidated. Accordingly, there is an effect that it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous writing to the RFID tag circuit element To other than the RFID circuit element To to which information is written.

  Further, in the base tape 101 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, in a plurality of RFID circuit element arrays TT1, TT2, a plurality of RFID circuit elements To1, To1 in the RFID circuit element array TT1 are used. The IC circuit portion 151 of the RFID circuit element To2 in the RFID circuit element array TT2 is not arranged in the tape longitudinal direction area (area S1 in FIG. 3) corresponding to the tag non-arrangement area, or the RFID circuit The IC circuit of the RFID circuit element To1 in the RFID circuit element array TT1 in the tape longitudinal direction area (area S2 in FIG. 3) corresponding to the tag non-arrangement area between the plurality of RFID circuit elements To2 and To2 in the element array TT2. The RFID tag circuit element rows TT1, TT2 are arranged so that the portion 151 is not arranged. As a result, the cutter 15 is damaged by the IC circuit portion 151 of the strong RFID circuit element To2 when the region S1 is cut by the cutter 15 for producing the RFID label T having at least the RFID circuit element To1. The cutter 15 is damaged by the IC circuit portion 151 of the RFID circuit element To1 having a high strength when the region S2 is cut by the cutter 15 for producing the RFID label T including the RFID circuit element To2 at least. As a result, the durability of the cutter 15 can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical idea. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(1) When three RFID tag circuit element rows are provided In the above embodiment, two RFID tag circuit element rows TT1 and TT are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in the tape width direction. More than one row may be provided. As described above, the greater the number of RFID circuit element rows TT1, TT2,..., The smaller the amount of RFID tag circuit To shift in the tape longitudinal direction of each row can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the feeding distance (distance X shown in FIG. 14) until reaching the front end of the next unbroken RFID tag circuit element To at the time of creation, thereby reducing the waste of the tape.

  FIG. 24 is a conceptual explanatory diagram for explaining this, and corresponds to FIG. 23 described above. FIG. 24 (a) shows the above-mentioned FIG. 23 (a) again, and FIG. 24 (b) shows the above-mentioned FIG. 23 (b) again. As described above, when two RFID tag circuit element arrays are provided as shown in FIG. 24B, one unbroken RFID tag circuit in the RFID circuit element array on one side (upper side in the figure) After the RFID label T-3 having the element To-b is created, the transport distance required when the RFID label T-4 having the unbreakable RFID circuit element To-c is created is shown in FIG. The distance L2 is shorter than the distance L1 of 24 (a). However, when three RFID tag circuit element arrays are provided as shown in FIG. 24C, one unbroken RFID tag circuit element To-d in the RFID circuit element array on one side (upper side in the figure). After producing the RFID label T-5 having the above-mentioned, in order to produce the RFID label T-6 having the unbreakable RFID circuit element To-e, the distance L3 shorter than the distance L2 is conveyed. It can be seen that the tape is wasted and much less than in the case of FIG. In this case, the RFID circuit elements To of the adjacent RFID circuit element rows TT do not necessarily have to be shifted in order, and as shown in FIG. The tag circuit element array (including the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements To-e) and the lower RFID tag circuit element array (including the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements To-f) may be replaced. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

As a result, the configuration of the above embodiment and this modification is summarized as follows. The RFID tag circuit element rows TT1, TT2,... The tag circuit element rows TT are arranged so as to partially overlap each other while being shifted in the tape longitudinal direction (especially by substantially p / n in the concept of the above embodiment). With such a configuration, when a new RFID label T is created by feeding the tape from the current cutting position, the n-number RFID tag circuit element rows TT are staggered in the tape longitudinal direction. Therefore, with a relatively small feeding distance according to the number of n from the current position where the RFID circuit element To is separated (in particular, about p / n in the concept of the embodiment), The tip of the RFID circuit element To can be reached. As a result, as long as the total length of the RFID circuit element To exceeds the total length, the RFID label T whose length is variably set in a plurality of stages corresponding to the number of n can be created, and n is determined according to the value of n at that time. It can be seen that the larger the size is, the more the tape can be wasted and the more effective it can be.
(2) Case where RFID tag circuit elements are arranged obliquely In the above description, any RFID tag circuit element To in any RFID tag circuit element row TT is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tape. Further, it may be arranged obliquely with a certain angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tape. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a modification example.

  25 (a) to 25 (c), FIG. 25 (a) shows a case where the RFID circuit element To is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tape in the same manner as described above (as described above, Since the minimum length Lmin of the label length can be set to the tape length direction dimension Lx of the RFID circuit element To), in this case, Lmin is relatively large as shown in the figure. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25B, when the RFID circuit element To is disposed obliquely with an angle θ from the longitudinal direction of the tape, the minimum label length Lmin ′ = Lmin × cos θ is obtained. It can be made smaller than (a) (in other words, a shorter RFID label T can be created). Note that the inclination angles at this time do not have to be the same for all RFID tag circuit element rows, and the value of θ may be different for each row, as shown in FIG. The direction of inclination may be reversed (in this example, a “C” shape).

(3) When printing and writing are performed in parallel In the above-described embodiment, the RFID tag circuit of the tag tape 110 for printed tag label generated by being pasted to the base tape 101 after the printing on the cover film 103 is completed. Although information writing is performed on the element To, the present invention is not limited to this, and printing and information writing may be performed in parallel.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tag label creation process in step S70 of FIG. 11 executed by the control circuit 30 in such a modification, and corresponds to FIG. 16 of the above embodiment. In the flow of FIG. 26, a printing / tag information writing process procedure of step S700 is newly provided in place of the printing process procedure of step S400 in FIG. 16 and the subsequent tag information writing process procedure of step S500. This is different from FIG.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S700 of FIG. The same steps as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

  In FIG. 27, first, in step S710, a flag Fr = 0 indicating that information writing to the RFID circuit element To has been completed is initialized.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410 similar to FIG. 18, a control signal is output to the cartridge drive circuit 24, the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the pressure roller 107 are rotated by a predetermined minimum unit, and the tapes 101, 103, 110 are predetermined. Is conveyed by the minimum unit (1 dot). In step S420, the count value of the second mark counter MCb is increased by a predetermined minimum unit (+1) in response to the tape feed in step S410. Then, the process proceeds to step S430, and the count value in step S420 is set. Based on this, it is determined whether the print cueing has been completed. If the print cueing has not been completed, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S410 and the same procedure is repeated. If the print cueing is completed, the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S440, a control signal is output to the print drive circuit 25, and a predetermined minimum unit (1 dot) of the print image information is printed by the print head 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S720.

  In step S720, it is determined whether or not the flag Fr is 1. Initially, initialization is performed in the previous step S710 and Fr = 0, so the determination is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S100 similar to that in the above embodiment, and the wireless function is within the communication range and the communication function is not lost (effective). A predetermined inquiry signal is transmitted to the tag circuit element To, and the tag ID of the RFID circuit element To responding from the corresponding response signal is acquired.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S730, and it is determined whether or not the reception intensity of the response signal (detected by the RSSI circuit 48) when the tag ID is acquired in step S100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the predetermined value has not been reached, it is considered that the RFID circuit element To has not yet reached a position close to the antenna 14 suitable for information writing (for example, a position directly facing the antenna 14), and the determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S100. Repeat the same procedure. If it has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the position near the antenna 14 (for example, a position facing almost directly) is reached, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S200.

  In step S200, as in the above embodiment, predetermined information to be written is written to the RFID tag circuit element To that has already been specified, and communication to the RFID circuit element To is not performed after the writing. Lock to.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S740, where the above-described flag Fr is set to 1 indicating written, and the process proceeds to step S450 similar to the above embodiment.

  In step S450, as in the above embodiment, a control signal is output to the cartridge drive circuit 24, the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the pressure roller 107 are rotationally driven by a predetermined minimum unit, and the base tape 101, the cover film 103, and The tag label 110 for printed tag label is further conveyed by a predetermined minimum unit (1 dot). Thereafter, in step S460, the count value of the second mark counter MCb is increased by a predetermined minimum unit (+1) in accordance with the tape feed in step S450, as in the above embodiment. Then, the process proceeds to step S470, and it is determined whether there is unprinted data as in the above embodiment. If unprinted data remains, the determination is satisfied, the process returns to step S440, and the same procedure is repeated until printing of all print image information is completed.

  On the other hand, if the writing has already been completed in the previous step S720, since the flag Fr = 1 in the previous “step S740”, the determination in step S720 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S540 similar to the above embodiment. In step S540, the "Kill" command is output to the signal processing circuit 22, and the generated "Kill" signal is transmitted to all the RFID circuit elements To in the communication range via the high frequency circuit 21 and received. The communication function of the RFID circuit element To is lost. After step S540 is completed, the process proceeds to step S450 described above.

  Also in this modified example configured as described above, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

(4) Constant Label Length Mode In the above, in the automatic mode in which the determination in step S31 of the flow shown in FIG. 13 is satisfied, the label length of the RFID label T is automatically variably set to match the print character data, while step S31. In the manual mode in which this determination is not satisfied, the operator manually inputs and sets each label length each time a label is created. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, you may make it provide "constant label length mode" which always produces the RFID label T of the label length of a fixed length. The fixed length value in this case may be uniquely determined to be a predetermined fixed value, but the fixed value itself may be set by the operator via the operation means 210. In this case, in the setting value (fixed value) by the operator, it is determined that the cutting position becomes the IC circuit portion 151 position of the RFID circuit element To as in step S39 in FIG. 13 and step S80 in FIG. When this is done, it may be set shorter than the initially set fixed length in order to avoid the IC circuit unit 151 as in step S42 in FIG. 13, or initially as in step S41 or step S600C in FIG. It may be set longer than the set fixed length. Alternatively, the display unit 220 may appropriately display which one to select and the operator may select and input a corresponding operation via the operation unit 210.

(5) Other aspects of tag tape As described above, the base tape 101 as the tag tape is wound around the reel member 102a to form the roll 102, and the roll 102 is arranged in the cartridge 100 to form the base. Although the case where the tape 101 is fed out has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet in which a plurality of effective (unbroken) RFID circuit elements are arranged is set to an appropriate length after feeding out the tape wound around the roll. (Including those formed by cutting) are stacked in a predetermined storage unit to form a cartridge, and the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder on the tag label producing apparatus 2 side, and is transported and conveyed from the storage unit for printing and writing. And the tag label T may be created.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the cartridge system, and a structure in which the roll 102 is directly attached to the tag label device 2 side, or a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet is transferred from the outside of the tag label device 2 by a predetermined feeder mechanism to tag label. A configuration for supplying the apparatus 2 is also conceivable. In these cases, the same effects as in the above embodiment are obtained.
(6) Others (a) Positioning mark PM In the above embodiment, a positioning mark is provided on the back surface (release paper 101d) of the base tape 101 corresponding to each of the two rows of RFID tag circuit element rows TT1, TT2. Both PM1 and positioning mark PM2 are provided, which makes it possible to easily perform transport control for positioning the printing position and cutting position using the mark as an index, regardless of which is used as a reference. It is not limited to this. That is, if the relative positional relationship between the RFID circuit element arrays TT1, TT2 is predetermined or the relationship can be obtained separately, only one of the positioning marks PM1, PM2 is provided, and the other is omitted. The position corresponding to the positioning mark PM2 may be calculated by the control circuit 30 based on the relative positional relationship. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

(B) Case where only information reading is performed In the above description, the case where information writing is performed in the IC circuit portion 151 of the RFID circuit element To has been described as an example. The present invention may be applied to a tag label producing apparatus for the RFID label T provided with the element To. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  It is assumed that the “Scroll ID” signal, “Ping” signal, “Erase” signal, “Verify” signal, “Program” signal, and the like used above conform to the specifications established by EPC global. EPC global is a non-profit corporation established jointly by the International EAN Association, which is an international organization of distribution codes, and the United Code Code Council (UCC), which is an American distribution code organization. Note that signals conforming to other standards may be used as long as they perform the same function.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

It is a conceptual block diagram showing the detailed structure of the tag label production apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the detailed structure of a cartridge. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the base tape viewed from the direction E in FIG. 2. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed function of a high frequency circuit. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a structure of a sensor. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of a wireless tag circuit element. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the cutting position of a base tape. It is a top view showing the detailed structure of a wireless tag label. It is a cross-sectional view by the IX-IX cross section in FIG. It is a top view showing the detailed structure of a wireless tag label. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the concept of the label length setting process of step S30 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of label length setting of step S30 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the concept of the tag label production process of step S70 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the concept of the tag label production process of step S70 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tag label production process of step S70 of FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the reference | standard positioning process shown to step S300 of FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the printing process shown to step S400 of FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tag information writing process shown in step S500 of FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tag ID reading process of step S100 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tag information writing process of step S200 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tape feed process shown to step S600A of FIG. 16, step S600B, and step S6600C. It is a conceptual explanatory drawing for expressing an example of the tape waste prevention effect in an easy-to-understand manner. It is a conceptual explanatory drawing showing an example of the effect of the tape waste prevention in the modification which provides three RFID tag circuit element rows. It is a figure showing the modification which has arrange | positioned the RFID tag circuit element diagonally. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tag label production process of step S70 which the control circuit performs in the modification which performs printing and writing in parallel. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of said step S700 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

2 Tag label production device 10 Print head (printing means)
12 Pressure roller drive shaft (drive means)
14 Antenna (device side antenna)
15 Cutter (cutting means)
22 Signal processing circuit (access information generating means)
30 Control circuit (access information generating means)
32 Transmitter (information transmission means)
33 Receiving part (information receiving means)
100 cartridge (wireless tag cartridge)
101 Base tape (tag tape)
102 1st roll (tag tape roll)
151 IC circuit section 152 Antenna (tag side antenna)
PM1, PM2 Positioning mark T RFID tag label To1, To2 RFID tag circuit element TT1, TT2 RFID tag circuit element array

Claims (20)

A tag tape having a RFID circuit element array arranged in a plurality of rows in the tape width direction,
Each RFID circuit element array includes a plurality of RFID circuit elements each having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit section, arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the tape. And
The plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged so that the RFID longitudinal circuit positions of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements arranged in the tape longitudinal direction are shifted so that the RFID tag circuit element rows do not overlap each other. A tag tape characterized by A tag tape roll formed by winding a tag tape,
The tag tape is a wireless tag circuit in which a plurality of RFID circuit elements each having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit section are continuously arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the tape. Multiple element rows are provided in the tape width direction,
These RFID tag circuit element rows in a plurality of rows are arranged so that the positions in the tape longitudinal direction of the RFID tag circuit elements arranged in a row in the tape longitudinal direction are shifted so that the RFID tag circuit element rows do not overlap each other. A tag tape roll characterized by In the tag tape roll according to claim 2,
The tag tape roll is provided with three rows of the RFID circuit element rows in the tape width direction. In the tag tape roll according to claim 2,
n is an integer of 2 or more,
The tag tape includes the RFID tag circuit element rows in n rows in the tape width direction,
Each of the n rows of RFID tag circuit element rows has a plurality of the RFID tag circuit elements arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the tape at a pitch p,
The n RFID tag circuit element arrays partially overlap each other while the plurality of RFID tag circuit element positions in the tape longitudinal direction are shifted by about p / n in the tape longitudinal direction between the appropriate RFID tag circuit element arrays. And a tag tape roll characterized by being arranged on the surface. In the tag tape roll according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The tag tape is connected to another wireless region in a tape longitudinal direction region corresponding to a non-tag placement region between the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements in one RFID tag circuit element row among the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows. A tag tape roll, wherein each RFID tag circuit element row is arranged so that the IC circuit part is not arranged in the tag circuit element row. In the tag tape roll according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The tag tape roll includes an identifier corresponding to an arrangement position of each RFID circuit element in at least one RFID tag circuit element array among the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements. A wireless tag cartridge configured to be detachable from a tag label producing apparatus that houses a tag tape roll configured by winding a tag tape and creates a tag label using the tag tape fed out from the tag tape roll. ,
The tag tape is a wireless tag circuit in which a plurality of RFID circuit elements each having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit section are continuously arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the tape. Multiple element rows are provided in the tape width direction,
These RFID tag circuit element rows in a plurality of rows are arranged so that the positions in the tape longitudinal direction of the RFID tag circuit elements arranged in a row in the tape longitudinal direction are shifted so that the RFID tag circuit element rows do not overlap each other. The RFID tag cartridge is characterized by that. The wireless tag cartridge according to claim 7,
The tag tape includes the RFID tag circuit element rows in three rows in the tape width direction. The wireless tag cartridge according to claim 7,
n is an integer of 2 or more,
The tag tape includes the RFID tag circuit element rows in n rows in the tape width direction,
Each of the n rows of RFID tag circuit element rows has a plurality of the RFID tag circuit elements arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the tape at a pitch p,
The n RFID tag circuit element arrays partially overlap each other while the plurality of RFID tag circuit element positions in the tape longitudinal direction are shifted by about p / n in the tape longitudinal direction between the appropriate RFID tag circuit element arrays. The RFID tag cartridge is characterized in that the RFID tag cartridge is arranged. The wireless tag cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The tag tape is connected to another wireless region in a tape longitudinal direction region corresponding to a non-tag placement region between the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements in one RFID tag circuit element row among the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows. Each RFID tag circuit element row is arranged so that the IC circuit section in the tag circuit element row is not arranged. The wireless tag cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 10,
The tag tape includes an identifier corresponding to an arrangement position of each RFID circuit element in at least one RFID tag circuit element array among the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements. A plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows in which a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements are continuously arranged in a tape longitudinal direction are provided in a tape width direction, and the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows are arranged in a tape longitudinal direction. A tag tape holder for detachably installing a tag tape arranged such that a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements have a tape longitudinal direction position at least partially overlapping each other between each RFID circuit element row; ,
A device-side antenna that transmits and receives information by wireless communication with an IC circuit unit provided in the RFID circuit element;
Access information generating means for generating access information to the IC circuit part of the RFID circuit element;
The access information generated by the access information generating means is transmitted to the tag-side antenna provided in the RFID circuit element in a non-contact manner via the device-side antenna, and information transmission for accessing the IC circuit unit Means,
Drive means for generating a transport driving force for the tag tape;
At least one RFID circuit element is not cut among the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements provided in the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows on the tag tape conveyed by the conveyance driving force of the driving means. A tag label producing apparatus comprising: cutting means for cutting in a tape width direction at a remaining part and generating a tag label having the at least one RFID circuit element. The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 12,
A tag label producing apparatus comprising printing means for printing on a predetermined printing area of the tag tape. In the tag label producing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13,
It has a cutting control means for controlling the cutting means so as not to cut the IC circuit portions of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements provided in the plurality of RFID tag circuit element rows of the tag tape. Tag label making device. The tag label producing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14,
After cutting by the cutting means to generate one tag label, the next tag label is created at a cutting position that has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the RFID circuit element to be provided in the tag label. A tag label producing apparatus comprising drive control means for controlling the drive means so that the cutting means can be cut. The tag label producing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15,
A tag label producing apparatus comprising a label length setting means for setting a length in a tape longitudinal direction of the tag label to be produced. The tag label producing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16,
After the access information is transmitted by the information transmitting means, a response signal transmitted from the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element in response to the transmitted access information is contactlessly transmitted via the tag antenna. Information receiving means for receiving and reading by the side antenna;
Based on the response signal read by the information receiving means, has a tag specifying means for specifying the RFID circuit element for writing information,
The information transmitting unit transmits the access information to the tag-side antenna of the RFID tag circuit element to be written that is identified by the tag identifying unit, and writes information to the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element. Tag label making device characterized by The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 17,
The tag specifying means, when the information receiving means reads the response signal from the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements, the RFID circuit element that has transmitted the response signal having the maximum signal level among the plurality of response signals. Identify the RFID tag circuit element as the information writing target,
The information transmission means transmits a dormancy signal or an invalidation signal as the access information generated by the access information generation means to the RFID circuit elements other than the RFID circuit element to which the information is written, A tag label producing apparatus characterized in that a tag circuit element is made dormant or invalidated. The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 17,
The tag specifying means, when the information receiving means reads the response signals from a plurality of the RFID circuit elements, a RFID circuit that has transmitted one response signal among the plurality of response signals within a predetermined time Identify the element as the RFID tag circuit element to which the information is written,
The information transmission means transmits a dormancy signal or an invalidation signal as the access information generated by the access information generation means to the RFID circuit elements other than the RFID circuit element to which the information is written, A tag label producing apparatus characterized in that a tag circuit element is made dormant or invalidated. At least one RFID tag circuit element complete body including an IC circuit unit storing predetermined information and a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit unit;
At least one RFID tag circuit element deficient body in which at least a part of the tag-side antenna is deficient and an information storage function or information transmission / reception function is reduced compared to the one RFID tag circuit element complete body;
A tape base material on which the at least one RFID circuit element complete body and the at least one RFID circuit element defect body are disposed;
A wireless tag label comprising: an adhesive material layer for attachment provided on the back side of the tape base material.

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