JP2007137035A - Control method of print medium processor and print medium processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform highly reliable print medium processing by easily distinguishing between a print medium from which information of magnetic ink is read out normally through a magnetic ink reader and a print medium from which information of magnetic ink is not read out normally, and to perform higher speed processing by enhancing efficiency of print medium processing. <P>SOLUTION: The control method of a print medium processor is a control method of a print medium processing system 50 equipped with an MICR 13 for reading out magnetic ink characters printed on a check S conveyed along a conveyance path P1, and a discharge tray 60 provided with a plurality of paths for discharging the check S. The control method comprises a step S2 for reading out the magnetic ink characters by means of the MICR 13, a step S4 for judging whether step S2 is performed normally or not, and a step S9 for switching a discharge passage connected with the sheet conveyance path P1 by means of a conveyance path switching plate 64 when a judgment is made at step S4 that the step S2 is performed normally. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control method for a print medium processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as reading and printing information of magnetic ink written on a print medium, and a print medium processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, continuous paper printers that print on continuous paper such as roll paper and issue receipts, admission tickets, other issued tickets, etc., while transporting cut paper such as checks and personal check paper along the transport path Slip printers that perform printing are widely used. Among these printers, a multifunction printer that has both a continuous paper printing function and a cut sheet printing function, and is capable of reading magnetic ink characters and images printed on cut sheets. There is also.

  In general, reading of magnetic ink information (magnetic ink characters) is performed by MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader), and reading of images is performed by an image reading device such as an image scanner. These reading devices are provided facing the conveyance path, and are configured to perform reading processing when slip paper or the like is conveyed to the reading position of each reading device. In addition, a print head is provided on the most downstream side of the conveyance path, and is configured such that the printing process is performed after each reading process is performed.

  When such a multi-function printer is used to process a check on which magnetic ink characters are written, an image printed on the check is first read by an image scanner provided on the uppermost stream of the conveyance path, and then Printing is performed by the print head after the magnetic ink characters printed on the check by MICR are read.

  In addition, a multifunction machine type configured to have a function of determining whether the check is valid or invalid according to the reading result of the magnetic ink character by MICR, and in the case of invalidity, discharge processing is performed without performing printing processing. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-87496 A

  However, the above-described function of determining whether the check is valid or invalid in the multifunction printer is a function based on the premise that the magnetic ink characters printed on the check are normally read by the MICR. It is determined whether the magnetic character data is valid or invalid as check information. That is, the multi-function printer described in Patent Document 1 is not supposed to perform processing when the magnetic ink characters are not normally read by the MICR head.

  For example, MICR may not be able to read the magnetic ink character itself in the case of a folded check or a check in which the area where the magnetic ink character is printed is dirty. In such a case, it is impossible to determine whether the check is valid or invalid, and it is impossible to perform accurate check processing by performing print processing on all the checks conveyed.

  Also, in order to distinguish between checks that were not successfully read magnetic ink characters and checks that were read correctly, refer to the log of the host computer connected to the printer and check the reading results. Must. Therefore, in addition to the check processing by the printer, it is necessary for the user to refer to the log, so that a series of check processing is complicated.

  Therefore, the present invention easily identifies a print medium in which magnetic ink information is normally read by the magnetic ink reader and a print medium in which reading is not normally performed, and performs highly reliable print medium processing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing medium processing apparatus control method and a printing medium processing apparatus capable of increasing the efficiency of the printing medium processing and further increasing the speed.

A control method of a print medium processing apparatus according to the present invention that can solve the above-described problems includes a transport unit that transports a print medium along a transport path, and is printed on the print medium that faces the transport path. A method for controlling a print medium processing apparatus, comprising: a magnetic ink character reader that reads a magnetic ink character; and a plurality of discharge paths through which the print medium is discharged, wherein the magnetic ink is read by the magnetic ink character reader. A magnetic ink reading step for reading characters, a determination step for determining whether or not the magnetic ink reading step has been normally performed, and switching for switching the discharge path that is continuous with the transport path according to the determination result of the determination step And a process.
In addition, a printing medium processing apparatus according to the present invention that can solve the above-described problems is provided with a conveying unit that conveys a printing medium along a conveying path, and is printed on the printing medium provided facing the conveying path. A printing medium processing apparatus comprising: a magnetic ink character reading device that reads magnetic ink characters; and a plurality of discharge paths through which the printing medium is discharged, wherein the magnetic ink character reading device reads the magnetic ink characters. It has a control part which judges whether it was performed normally, and a discharge way change control part which changes the discharge way which continues the above-mentioned conveyance way according to a judgment result of the control part.

  According to the printing medium processing apparatus control method and the printing medium processing apparatus configured as described above, it is determined whether or not the magnetic ink information has been normally read. Therefore, the operation after the determination is performed normally. It can be divided according to the case of failure and the case of failure. That is, since the discharge path for discharging the print medium that has been normally read can be separated from the discharge path for discharging the print medium that has not been normally read, the reading has been normally performed. The print medium and the print medium that has not been read normally can be sorted and easily identified.

Further, in the control method of the print medium processing apparatus having the above configuration, the print medium processing apparatus includes a discharge path switching plate that switches a discharge path continuous with the transport path, and the switching step is a determination result of the determination step. Preferably, it is a step of switching the discharge path continuous with the transport path by changing the direction of the discharge path switching plate according to the above.
The print medium processing apparatus having the above-described configuration further includes a discharge path switching plate that switches a discharge path continuous with the transport path, and the discharge path switching control unit switches the discharge path according to a determination result of the control unit. It is preferable to switch the discharge path continuous with the transport path by changing the direction of the plate.

  According to such a configuration, by changing the direction of the discharge path switching plate, the discharge path that is continuous with the transport path is switched, so that the print medium that has been read normally and the print that has not been read correctly are printed. The medium can be easily sorted.

Further, in the control method of the print medium processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, when the switching step determines that the magnetic ink reading step has been normally performed in the determining step, the information read in the magnetic ink reading step is converted into information. Accordingly, it is preferable to switch the discharge path continuous with the transport path.
Further, in the print medium processing apparatus having the above configuration, there are three or more discharge paths, and the discharge path switching control unit determines that the control unit has read the magnetic ink characters normally. In addition, it is preferable to switch the discharge path continuous with the transport path in accordance with information read by the magnetic ink character reader.

  According to such a configuration, the print medium on which the magnetic ink characters have been normally read is not only distinguished from the print medium on which the read has not been normally performed, but is also classified into information on the read magnetic ink characters. Accordingly, the discharge path can be further divided and discharged. Accordingly, the conveyed print medium can be discharged by being divided into at least three discharge paths.

  In the printing medium processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the length from the reading position by the magnetic ink character reading apparatus to the discharge path is longer than the length in the conveyance direction of the printing medium.

  According to such a configuration, after the reading process by the magnetic ink reader is completed, the discharge path can be switched before the leading end in the transport direction of the print medium reaches the discharge path. After determining whether the print medium is correct, it is possible to determine a discharge path through which the print medium should be discharged. That is, the reliability of print medium processing is improved.

In the control method of the print medium processing apparatus having the above configuration, an image reading apparatus that reads an image of the print medium is provided facing the conveyance path, and the switching step includes the determination result of the determination step and the image reading. Preferably, the step is a step of switching the discharge path that is continuous with the transport path in accordance with a determination result obtained by determining whether or not the image has been normally read by the apparatus.
Further, the print medium processing apparatus having the above configuration includes an image reading apparatus that faces the conveyance path and reads an image of the print medium, and the control unit normally reads the image by the image reading apparatus. The discharge path switching control unit is continuous with the transport path in accordance with a determination result of magnetic ink character reading and a determination result of image reading by the control unit. It is preferable to switch the discharge path.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to sort the print media corresponding to the determination result of the magnetic ink character reading and the determination result of the image reading. For example, it is possible to separate a printing medium that only reads magnetic ink characters from a printing medium that only reads images normally, and only when the reading process was abnormal last time, such as when performing a re-reading process. Therefore, the print medium processing can be speeded up.

  According to the control method and the print medium processing apparatus of the present invention, a print medium in which information of magnetic ink is normally read by a magnetic ink reader and a print medium in which reading is not normally performed Since the user can easily identify, it is possible to perform printing medium processing with high efficiency and reliability without performing complicated sorting work.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a method for controlling a print medium processing apparatus and a print medium processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, a print medium processing system including a host computer and a composite processing apparatus connected to be communicable with the host computer is taken as an example of the print medium processing apparatus, and its structure and control operation are specifically described. I will explain it.

  The internal structure of the composite processing apparatus in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a combined processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view of the combined processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a view of the combined processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a paper transport path, and FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the combined processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the composite processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a check S to be loaded in an ASF (Auto Sheet Feeder) 3 serving as a paper feeding unit formed in a housing 1 a. While being conveyed along the paper conveyance path P1, it is configured to be able to read a double-sided image on the check S, read a magnetic ink character on the check S, and print on the check S. Further, the composite processing apparatus 1 is configured to be able to read double-sided images on the card C while transporting the card C inserted from the card insertion slot 20 along the paper transport path P2 formed in the housing 1a. Has been.

  Further, the composite processing apparatus 1 includes a roll paper storage unit 30a (see FIG. 4) that stores roll paper in a lower portion of a roll paper cover 30 provided in a central portion surrounded by the paper transport path P1 in the housing 1a. Is provided. The roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit 30 a can be printed by the carriage 14. The printed roll paper is discharged from the roll paper discharge port 31 to the outside of the combined processing apparatus 1.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the composite processing apparatus 1 is configured such that a validation paper can be inserted from a validation insertion port 40 opened above the linear portion on the downstream side of the paper transport path P1, and the validation paper is Is also configured to be capable of printing.

  That is, the composite processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a composite multi-function printer that has an image reading function and a magnetic ink character reading function and can print on the check S, roll paper, and validation paper.

(Internal structure of host computer and multi-processing device)
First, a specific structure of the composite processing apparatus 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the paper transport path P1 for transporting the check S has a substantially U-shape, and the paper transport path P2 for transporting the card C can transport the rigid card C. As shown in FIG.

  The paper transport path P1 and the paper transport path P2 are common at a portion corresponding to the bottom portion of the U-shape of the paper transport path P1. In the following description, this common part is referred to as an intermediate conveyance path M. Various reading devices are provided in the intermediate conveyance path M. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper portion of the sheet conveyance path P1 above the intermediate conveyance path M is covered with a conveyance path cover 1b that constitutes a part of the housing 1a. The transport path cover 1b protects various reading devices disposed along the intermediate transport path M by covering them from the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet conveyance path P1 is configured by a conveyance unit 2c defined between the outer guide 2a and the inner guide 2b, and the check S is conveyed along the conveyance unit 2c. . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, an ASF 3 capable of loading a plurality of checks S is provided on the upstream side of the sheet conveyance path P1. The check S is inserted into the paper transport path P1 through the ASF 3 from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4, and the plurality of checks S loaded in the ASF 3 are separated one by one and sent out into the paper transport path P1.

In the sheet conveying path P1, as a conveying means for conveying the check S, the sheet conveying roller 6 on the upstream side of the intermediate conveying path M, the intermediate conveying roller 16 in the intermediate conveying path M, and the downstream side of the intermediate conveying path M In addition, a second transport roller 7 and a discharge roller 8 are provided in front of the paper exit. The sheet conveying roller 6 includes a driving roller 6a and a pressing roller 6b disposed to face the driving roller 6a via the sheet conveying path P1. The second transport roller 7 includes a drive roller 7a and a pressing roller 7b disposed to face the drive roller 7a via the paper transport path P1.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate conveying roller 16 includes a lower pressing roller 16a disposed below the sheet conveying path P1, an upper pressing roller 16b disposed above the lower pressing roller 16a, and an intermediate conveying path. An upper presser roller 16a and a lower presser roller 16b are disposed through M and a drive roller 17 is disposed so as to face the presser roller.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the check S sent out from the ASF 3 into the paper transport path P1 is transported in the intermediate transport path M by the paper transport roller 6, the intermediate transport roller 16, and the second transport roller 7, and is discharged. 8 is discharged from the discharge port 4 in the direction of arrow B. Here, regarding the intermediate transport roller 16, if the width (height) of the check S is shorter than a predetermined length, the lower presser roller 16b and the driving roller 17 contribute to the transport of the check S, while the width of the check S is a predetermined length. If it is more than that, the check S is conveyed by both the upper pressing roller 16 a and the lower pressing roller 16 b and the driving roller 17.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sheet transport path P <b> 2 includes an intermediate transport path M, and a card insertion slot 20 and a card reverse path 21 communicating with both ends thereof.

  The upper presser roller 16a is attached above the reference height L2 of the paper transport path P2, and the card C transported into the intermediate transport path M is transferred to the intermediate transport path by the upper presser roller 16a and the drive roller 17. It is conveyed in M.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the card reverse path 21 is formed by linear guides 21 a and 21 b formed along the left extension line of the intermediate transport path M. In the vicinity of the end 21c of the card reverse path 21, a forward / reverse conveyance roller 22 is provided. The forward / reverse conveyance roller 22 conveys the card C conveyed from the intermediate conveyance path M so as to protrude from the end 21c of the card reverse rotation path 21 for a predetermined length, and again the card C protruding from the end 21c. Transport to the intermediate transport path M.

  As described above, the composite processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to convey the check S to the U-shaped sheet conveyance path P1 and convey the card C to the linear sheet conveyance path P2.

Next, various reading devices arranged in the intermediate conveyance path M will be described by taking a check reading process as an example. First, the configuration of the check S, which is one of the print media that are actually read by various reading devices arranged in the intermediate conveyance path M, will be described.
5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of the check S that is one of the printing media of the composite processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 5A is a front view of the check S, and FIG. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing another example of the back side printing of the check S. FIG.

  The check S has a rectangular shape, and a magnetic ink character recording area 71 on which magnetic ink characters are printed is formed along the lower edge of the surface. Information such as an account number of the check S is described here. ing. In addition, on the surface of the check S, a written area 72 on which printed matters such as a payee, date, and amount of money are printed is formed. On the other hand, in the upper corner of the back surface 74 of the check S, an endorsement area 73 is printed with endorsement items necessary for the store receiving the check, such as the shopper's authentication number, date, and amount of money used. Is formed. Further, a lower surface printing area 75 is formed at the lower corner of the back surface 74 of the check S to print predetermined print items when magnetic ink characters and images are read normally. Note that the positions of the print areas 73 and 75 are merely examples, and printing may be performed at other positions.

  In the intermediate conveyance path M, an image reading apparatus 11 and a second image reading apparatus 12 for reading images are installed on both sides of the intermediate conveyance path M in a state shifted in the conveyance direction. Each of the sheet image reading device 11 and the second image reading device 12 is a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type scanner.

  The sheet image reading device 11 and the second image reading device 12 irradiate light on one surface of the check S or the card C conveyed on the intermediate conveyance path M, and a plurality of lights reflected on the check S or the card C. Light is received through a light receiving element (photoelectric conversion element), and the received light is converted into an electrical signal to acquire an image for one line. In the present embodiment, the sheet image reading device 11 obtains a two-dimensional image of the check S by sequentially reading the back image of the check S and the second image reading device 12 sequentially reading the surface image of the check S line by line. To do.

  A magnetic ink character reader (hereinafter referred to as MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader)) 13 for reading magnetic ink characters is installed below the drive roller 17. The MICR 13 is a sensor for reading a magnetic ink character printed on the surface of the check S. The MICR 13 performs reading in a state where the check S is pressed against the surface of the MICR 13 by a pressing lever disposed so as to face the MICR 13 via the intermediate conveyance path M. In the present embodiment, information such as an account number of the check S is configured to read the magnetic ink character recording area 71 printed with magnetic ink characters.

  A carriage 14 is arranged between the second transport roller 7 and the discharge roller 8 in a linear region along the paper transport path P1 so as to be movable along a straight line portion of the paper transport path P1. . The carriage 14 is provided with a print head 19 having a plurality of ink nozzles for ejecting ink. According to an instruction from the host computer 110, a check is made by ejecting ink from the plurality of ink nozzles of the print head 19. Endorsing S, printing on validation paper, or printing on roll paper.

Next, the paper detector provided in the paper transport path P1 will be described.
The paper transport path P1 is provided with four paper detectors: an ASF detector (paper feed detector) 9, a TOF (Top Of Form) detector 10, a validation detector 26, and a discharge detector 28. ing. These detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 are optical paper detectors, for example, and are configured to detect the presence or absence of paper on the front surface of each detector.

  The ASF detector 9 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge opening of the ASF 3 and detects the check S sent out from the ASF 3. The TOF detector 10 is provided at an intermediate portion between the ASF 3 and the image reading device 11 and detects a check S sent to the image reading device 11.

  The validation detector 26 is provided in a linear portion on the downstream side of the second transport roller 7 and configured to detect whether or not the validation paper inserted from the validation insertion port 40 is inserted. The discharge detector 28 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 4 and detects the check S discharged from the discharge port 4.

  A card detector 25 that detects the card C is provided in the paper transport path P2. The card detector 25 is provided in the vicinity of the card insertion slot 20 and detects the card C inserted from the card insertion slot 20.

  Next, the discharge tray connected to the sheet conveyance path P1 of the composite processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the discharge tray connected to the paper transport path P1, the image reading devices 11 and 12, the MICR 13, and the carriage 14.

  The discharge tray 60 is detachably attached in the vicinity of the conveyance path end portion 27 of the sheet conveyance path P1 of the composite processing apparatus 1. The discharge tray 60 of the present embodiment is subjected to reading processing by various reading devices provided facing the paper conveyance path P1 and printing processing by the print head 19 provided on the downstream side, and a discharge roller unit (not shown). ) To accommodate the check S discharged. In addition, the discharge tray 60 accommodates the check S sent out in a vertical position from the conveyance path terminal portion 27 in a vertical position.

  The outer shape of the discharge tray 60 is mainly composed of an inner guide plate 61, an intermediate guide plate 62, and an outer guide plate 63. The inner guide plate 61 and the intermediate guide plate 62 form a first discharge path X, and A second discharge path Y is formed by the guide plate 62 and the outer guide plate 63. A discharge path switching plate 64 for opening or closing the entrance of the first discharge path X or the entrance of the second discharge path Y is rotatably provided on the conveyance path terminal end 27 side of the intermediate guide plate 62 so as to be transported. The front end portion of the path switching plate 64 is configured to be substantially located at the transport path end portion 27.

  The direction of the discharge path switching plate 64 in the present embodiment is changed depending on whether or not the reading process of the magnetic ink characters printed on the check S and the image of the check S by various reading devices has been normally performed. , And has a role of switching the discharge path continuous with the paper transport path P1.

  The carriage 14 moves within a movable range L3 along a guide shaft 30 provided in parallel with the linear portion in the transport direction of the paper transport path P1, and ejects ink from a plurality of ink nozzles of the print head 19. Print on the back of the check S. FIG. 6 shows a state where the carriage 14 is at the print start position 19a, but the standby position (home position) of the carriage 14 is set to another position. When printing on the check S, the carriage 14 is transported at a predetermined transport speed while the carriage 14 is positioned at the print start position 19a, and the check S is a straight line in the transport direction of the paper transport path P1. There is a case where the carriage 14 moves at a predetermined moving speed in a state where the carriage 14 is located. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which printing is performed while the carriage 14 remains in the print start position 19a.

  In this embodiment, the length of the check S in the conveyance direction is L1, and the entrance of the first discharge path X or the second discharge path from the reading start position 13b of the MICR 13 disposed downstream of the image reading devices 11 and 12 is used. When the conveyance length up to the entrance of Y (up to the tip of the discharge path switching plate 64) is L2, L1 <L2.

  With this configuration, after the reading by the MICR 13 is finished, before the leading end of the check S in the transport direction reaches the entrance of the first discharge path X or the entrance of the second discharge path Y, the discharge path switching plate 64 Since the direction can be changed to switch the discharge path continuous with the paper transport path P1, it is possible to determine the discharge path where the check S should be discharged after judging whether the reading by the MICR 13 is correct. Therefore, it is possible to provide the print medium processing system 50 with high check processing reliability.

  Next, print medium processing for the check S in the print medium processing system of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of the print medium processing system 50 of the present embodiment.

  The print medium processing system 50 includes a host computer 110 and a composite processing apparatus 1 that is communicably connected to the host computer 110. The host computer 110 includes a control unit 111 serving as a control center, and controls the overall operation of the print medium processing system 50. In the present embodiment, the control unit 111 analyzes the magnetic ink character data and the image data transmitted from the composite processing apparatus 1 and determines whether reading by the MICR 13 and the image reading apparatuses 11 and 12 has been performed normally. Then, a command corresponding to the determination result is generated, and the command is transmitted to the composite processing apparatus 1.

  The composite processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment mainly includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a flash ROM 103, a discharge path switching control unit 99, a magnetic ink character reading control unit 104, a print control unit 105, a conveyance control unit 106, and a paper detector control unit 107. The image reading control unit 108 and the communication interface 109 are connected to each other via the bus 100 so that data communication is possible.

  The CPU 101 is a control center of the composite processing apparatus 1, and controls the overall operation of the composite processing apparatus 1 by executing firmware stored in the flash ROM 103 in response to a command from the host computer 110.

  The RAM 102 is a volatile memory provided as a temporary storage area of the composite processing apparatus 1. The RAM 102 is a data buffer for the operation of the CPU 101, a reception buffer for temporarily storing various commands transmitted from the host computer 110, the image reading apparatus 11, 12 functions as an image data buffer for temporarily storing image data read by the image data 12 and magnetic ink character data read by the MICR 13, and a print buffer for storing print data.

  The flash ROM 103 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory provided as a data storage area of the composite processing apparatus 1, and mainly stores firmware for operating the CPU 101 and various setting values related to the composite processing apparatus 1. As described above, the CPU 101 controls the complex processing apparatus 1 by executing the firmware stored in the flash ROM 103 while referring to various setting values stored in the flash ROM 103.

  The discharge path switching control unit 99 determines whether the control unit 111 of the host computer 110 has successfully read the image areas 72 and 73 of the check S by the MICR 13 and the image reading devices 11 and 12. The discharge path switching plate 64 is configured to operate in accordance with a command generated according to the result and transmitted to the combined processing apparatus 1. The check S can be guided to the discharge path to be discharged by rotating the discharge path switching plate 64 to the entrance side of the discharge path to be closed in accordance with the command transmitted to the composite processing apparatus 1.

  The magnetic ink character reading control unit 104 is a driver that performs driving control of the MICR 13. Specifically, in response to an instruction from the CPU 101, a reading sampling pulse output to the MICR 13 is generated, and a digital signal of magnetic ink characters read by the MICR 13 is transferred to the RAM 102. Thereby, the magnetic ink character data printed on the check S is generated in the RAM 102. The generated magnetic ink character data is sequentially transmitted to the host computer 110, and the control unit 111 determines whether or not the data is normally read.

  The print control unit 105 is a driver that performs drive control of the carriage 14 and the print head 19. Specifically, the print control unit 105 drives the print head 19 while driving the carriage 14 according to the print data, and ejects ink from the print head 19 to the check S, roll paper, or validation paper. Then, an image is formed on the corresponding print medium. In the present embodiment, the control unit 111 of the host computer 110 determines whether or not the image areas 72 and 73 of the check S have been normally read by the MICR 13 and the image reading devices 11 and 12, and according to the determination result. The printing operation is performed according to the command generated and transmitted to the composite processing apparatus 1.

  The conveyance control unit 106 is a driver that controls conveyance of the check S, card C, roll paper, and validation paper. In the case of the check S, the transport control unit 106 drives a stepping motor (not shown) to rotate the ASF 3 and the various transport rollers 6, 7, 8, 16 to transport the check S along the paper transport path P1. In the case of the card C, the stepping motor is similarly driven to drive the intermediate conveyance roller 16 and the forward / reverse conveyance roller 22 to convey the card C along the paper conveyance path P2.

  The paper detector control unit 107 is a detector driver that drives the ASF detector 9, the TOF detector 10, the validation detector 26, the discharge detector 28, and the card detector 25. Specifically, the paper detector 107 generates a paper detection sampling pulse output to each of the paper detectors 9, 10, 25, 26, and 28.

  The image reading control unit 108 is an image reading driver that performs reading control of the image reading device 11 and the image reading device 12. The image reading control unit 108 outputs a trigger signal for reading to each of the image reading devices 11 and 12, AD-converts the electrical signal generated by each light receiving element in each of the image reading devices 11 and 12, and Each line is buffered, and the buffered digital signal for one line is transferred to the RAM 102. Thereby, the two-dimensional image data of the check S and the card C are generated in the RAM 102. The generated image data is transmitted to the host computer 110, and the control unit 111 determines whether the image data is normally read.

  The communication interface 109 is a communication control unit that performs communication with the host computer 110, and includes a USB interface, a serial interface, and the like. Various commands transmitted from the host computer 110 are transferred to the RAM 102 via the communication interface 109, and status signals (signals indicating the state of the composite processing apparatus 1) generated by the CPU 101, magnetic ink character data, and images are displayed. Data is transmitted to the host computer 110 via the communication interface 109.

  Hereinafter, a control method for the print medium processing apparatus according to the present embodiment and a first form of print medium processing performed by the print medium processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first form of print medium processing on the check S in the print medium processing system 50.

  When the check S is conveyed to the reading start position 13b of the MICR 13 (step S1: Yes), the magnetic ink character reading control unit 104 drives the MICR 13 to print the magnetic ink character printed on the magnetic ink character recording area 71 of the check S. A magnetic ink reading process is performed (step S2). The read information is sequentially converted into a digital signal, and the converted magnetic ink character data is transmitted to the host computer 110 via the communication interface 109 (step S3).

  The control unit 111 of the host computer 110 determines whether or not the received magnetic ink character data can be recognized as character data corresponding to information such as an account number, and the magnetic ink characters are normally read by the MICR 13. A determination step of determining whether or not has been performed is performed (step S4). If it is determined that the operation has been normally performed, a “discharge path (Y) closing command” for closing the discharge path Y in order to discharge the check S to the discharge path X is generated (step S5), and transmitted to the composite processing apparatus 1 (step S5). S7).

  The discharge path switching plate control unit 99 determines whether or not the received command is a “discharge path (Y) closing command” (step S8), and determines that it is a “discharge path (Y) closing command”. A switching step of closing the discharge path Y is performed by rotating the discharge path switching plate 64 to the entrance side of the discharge path Y to be performed (step S9). As a result, the discharge path X is switched to the discharge path through which the check S is actually discharged continuously with the paper transport path P1. If the discharge path Y is already closed at this time, it is not necessary to operate the discharge path switching plate 64.

  When the discharge path Y is closed, the printing control unit 105 performs a printing process for performing normal printing such as date and serial number on the back surface printing area 75 as shown in FIG. 5B (step S10). Next, the transport control unit 106 transports the check S to the discharge tray 60, the leading end of the check S in the transport direction comes into contact with the discharge path switching plate 64, the discharge direction is changed, and the magnetic ink character reading is normally performed. The check S is discharged to the discharge path X where only the performed check S is discharged (step S11).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that reading by the MICR 13 has not been performed normally (step S4: No), the “discharge path (X) closing command” for closing the discharge path X in order to discharge the check S to the discharge path Y. Is generated (step S6) and is transmitted to the composite processing apparatus 1 (step S7). Note that even when reading by the MICR 13 cannot be performed and data is not generated in step S2 or step S3, the “discharge path (X) closing command” is generated in step S6.

  If it is determined that the command received in step S8 is not a discharge path (Y) closing command (a discharge path (X) closing command) (step S8: No), the discharge path is switched to the entrance side of the discharge path X to be closed. A switching step for closing the discharge path X is performed by rotating the plate 64 (step S12). As a result, the discharge path Y is switched to the discharge path through which the check S is actually discharged continuously with the paper transport path P1. If the discharge path X is already closed at this time, it is not necessary to operate the discharge path switching plate 64.

  When the discharge path X is closed, the printing control unit 105 performs a printing process for performing normal printing such as date and serial number on the back surface printing area 75 as shown in FIG. 5B (step S13). Next, the conveyance control unit 106 conveys the check S to the discharge tray 60, so that the check S is discharged straight to the discharge path Y where only the check S in which the magnetic ink characters have not been correctly read is discharged. (Step S14).

  Thus, according to the first form of print medium processing, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the magnetic ink has been read normally. If the reading is performed normally, only the check S that has been normally read is discharged to the discharge path X, and if not, only the check S that has not been normally performed is discharged. It is configured to discharge to the discharge path Y to be discharged. Accordingly, since the check S in which the magnetic ink is normally read and the check S in which the magnetic ink is not normally performed are automatically sorted, it is not necessary for the user to identify the check S and the reliability is high. It is possible to perform check processing and speed up a series of check processing.

  Next, a second form of print medium processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a conveyance path P1 to which a discharge tray having three discharge paths is connected. FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating a print medium processing on a check S in the print medium processing system 50. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd form. In FIG. 10, a circled 1 portion indicates that processing is continued at the same circled 1 location in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, a print medium process when a discharge tray 80 having three or more discharge paths is employed will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the discharge tray 80 is mainly configured by an inner guide plate 81, a first intermediate guide plate 82, a second intermediate guide plate 83, and an outer guide plate 84. The discharge path x is formed by the first intermediate guide plate 82, the discharge path y is formed by the first intermediate guide plate 82 and the second intermediate guide plate 83, and the discharge path z is formed by the second intermediate guide plate 83 and the outer guide plate 84. Is formed. A discharge path switching plate 85 and a discharge path y or a discharge path z for closing the entrance of the discharge path x or the discharge path y are provided on the first intermediate guide plate 82 and the second intermediate guide plate 83 on the conveyance path end portion 27 side. A discharge path switching plate 87 for closing the entrance is provided rotatably.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the check S is conveyed to the reading start position of the image reading devices 11 and 12 (step S21: Yes), the image reading control unit 108 drives the image reading devices 11 and 12 to check the check S. The back image and the front image are read (step S22). The read information is sequentially converted into a digital signal, and the converted image data is transmitted to the host computer 110 via the communication interface 109 (step S23).

  Next, when the check S is transported to the reading start position 13b of the MICR 13 (step S24: Yes), the magnetic ink character reading control unit 104 drives the MICR 13 to print on the magnetic ink character recording area 81 of the check S. A magnetic ink reading step for reading magnetic ink characters is performed (step S25). The read information is sequentially converted into a digital signal, and the converted magnetic ink character data is transmitted to the host computer 110 via the communication interface 109 (step S26).

  The control unit 111 of the host computer 110 determines whether or not the received magnetic ink character data can be recognized as character data corresponding to information such as an account number, and the magnetic ink characters are normally read by the MICR 13. A determination step is performed to determine whether or not the image has been normally read (step S27). If it is determined that the image has been normally read (step S27: Yes), it is determined whether or not the image reading device 11 or 12 has read the image normally. (Step S28). Note that the determination in step S28 may be based on whether or not the image data can be acquired by the image reading devices 11 and 12, but the authentication number of the check S that the control unit 111 has in advance, the payee, In contrast to information such as date, it may be determined whether the image has been read normally.

  When the control unit 111 determines that the image reading by the image reading devices 11 and 12 has been performed normally (step S28: Yes), the control unit 111 closes the discharge paths y and z to discharge the check S to the discharge path x. A “discharge path (y) (z) closing command” is generated (step S29) and transmitted to the multi-processing apparatus 1 (step S30). On the other hand, if it is determined that the image reading by the image reading devices 11 and 12 has not been performed normally (step S28: No), the discharge paths x and z are closed in order to discharge the check S to the discharge path y. (X) (z) Close command ”is generated (step S31) and transmitted to the multi-processing apparatus 1 (step S30). If it is determined that the reading by the MICR 13 has not been performed normally (step S27: No), the “discharge path (x) (y) closing command is closed to close the discharge paths x and y in order to discharge the check S to the discharge path z. Is generated (step S32), and is transmitted to the composite processing apparatus 1 (step S30).

  It should be noted that step S27 for determining whether or not magnetic ink characters have been normally read and step S28 for determining whether or not image reading has been normally performed are reversed in order of processing. It doesn't matter. Further, there is a case where reading by MICR 13 cannot be performed and data is not generated at step S25 or S26, or an image reading itself by image reading devices 11 and 12 is not performed and data is not generated at step S22 or step S23. The process of step S31 or step S32 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the discharge path switching control unit 99 determines whether or not the received command is a “discharge path (y) (z) closing command” (step S31), and “discharge path (y)”. (Z) A switching step for closing the discharge paths y and z is performed by rotating the discharge path switching plates 85 and 87 to the respective entrance sides of the discharge paths y and z to be closed when it is determined that the command is “close command”. (Step S32). When the discharge paths y and z are closed, the printing control unit 105 performs a printing process for performing normal printing such as date and serial number on the back surface printing area 75 as shown in FIG. 5B (step S33). Next, the conveyance control unit 106 conveys the check S to the discharge tray 80, and the leading end of the check S in the conveyance direction comes into contact with the discharge path switching plate 85 to change the discharge direction. The check S is discharged to the discharge path x where only the check S that has been normally read is discharged (step S34).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the command received in step S30 is not the discharge path y, z closing command (“discharge path x, z closing command” or “discharge path x, y closing command”) (step S31: No). It is determined whether or not the received command is a “discharge path (x) (z) closing command” (step S35), and if it is determined that it is a “discharge path (x) (z) closing command”, the discharge to be closed A switching step of closing the discharge paths x and z is performed by turning the discharge path switching plates 85 and 87 to the respective entrance sides of the paths x and z (step S36). When the discharge paths x and z are closed, the printing control unit 105 performs a printing process for performing normal printing such as date and serial number on the back surface printing area 75 as shown in FIG. 5B (step S37). The conveyance control unit 106 conveys the check S to the discharge tray 80, and the check S is discharged straight into the discharge path y where only the check S for which image reading has not been normally performed is discharged (step S38).

  If it is determined in step S35 that the command is not the “discharge path (x) (z) closing command” (“discharge path x, y closing command”) (step S35: No), the discharge paths x and y to be closed are determined. A switching step of closing the discharge paths x and y is performed by turning the discharge path switching plates 85 and 87 to the respective entrance sides (step S39). When the discharge paths x and y are closed, the printing control unit 105 performs a printing process for performing normal printing such as date and serial number on the back surface printing area 75 as shown in FIG. 5B (step S40). When the transport control unit 106 transports the check S to the discharge tray 80, the leading end of the check S in the transport direction comes into contact with the discharge path switching plate 87 and the discharge direction is changed, so that the magnetic ink characters are not read normally. The check S is discharged to the discharge path z where only the check S is discharged (step S41).

  As described above, according to the second form of the print medium processing, both the reading of the back and front images of the check S and the reading of the magnetic ink characters printed on the magnetic ink character recording area 71 were normally performed. The check S, the check S in which the reading of the magnetic ink characters was performed normally but the reading of the image was not performed normally, and the check S in which the reading of the magnetic ink characters was not performed normally, respectively. Since they are discharged to different discharge paths x, y, and z, it is possible to easily identify three types of checks and to perform check processing with higher reliability.

  Next, a third form of print medium processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of the third form of the print medium processing on the check S in the print medium processing system 50. The third form is a process of switching the discharge path according to the information of the magnetic ink character data read in the reading process, and is a process in which only a part of the second form is changed. The description regarding is omitted.

  If it is determined in step S27 that the magnetic ink characters have been normally read by the MICR 13 (step S27: Yes), the classification of the read magnetic ink character data is determined (step S51). Here, the classification judgment of the magnetic ink character data refers to, for example, the account number obtained from the magnetic ink character data to determine whether it is an account number of the own bank (class A) or an account number of another bank (class B). Or determining information classified according to the type of account.

  If it is determined that the classification is A in step S51, a “discharge path (y) (z) closing command” for closing the discharge paths y and z in order to discharge the check S of the company bank to the discharge path x is generated (step S51). S29). On the other hand, if it is determined that the classification is B in step S51, a “discharge path (x) (z) closing command” is generated that closes the discharge paths x and z in order to discharge the check S of another company's bank into the discharge path y. (Step S31).

  Thus, according to the third form of print medium processing, not only the discharge path is divided according to the success or failure of reading magnetic ink characters and the success or failure of reading images, but also according to the contents of the read magnetic ink character data. It is possible to divide the discharge path. If more discharge paths are provided, the contents of the read magnetic ink character data can be classified into various types of checks S and discharged by dividing them into three or more classifications.

  It should be noted that if the host computer 110 is set so that the check S processing is performed again when the magnetic ink characters are not read correctly or the image is not read correctly. It is conceivable that the character printed at the time of reading overlaps the first printed character. Therefore, in the second and subsequent readings, it is preferable to change the printing position in the back surface printing area 75.

  In the above embodiment, the print medium processing apparatus 50 is described as an embodiment of the print medium processing apparatus. The print medium processing system 50 includes the host computer 110 and the composite processing apparatus 1 communicably connected to the host computer 110. However, for example, the magnetic ink character reading control unit 104 of the multi-processing apparatus 1 has a function of determining whether or not the magnetic ink character reading is performed normally, and determines whether or not the image reading is performed normally. If the image reading control unit 108 is configured to have a function, the composite processing apparatus 1 alone can provide the control method and the print medium processing apparatus of the print medium processing apparatus according to the present invention.

1 is a perspective view showing a composite processing apparatus used in a control method for a print medium processing apparatus and a print medium processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the combined processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet conveyance path in the combined processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is the schematic diagram seen from the upper surface which shows the internal structure of the compound processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the structure of the check S which is one of the printing media of the composite processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is the schematic diagram which showed the positional relationship of the discharge tray of 1st form, and MICR. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the print medium processing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st form of the printing medium process to the check S in the printing medium processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is the schematic diagram which showed the positional relationship of the discharge tray of 2nd and 3rd form, and MICR. It is a flowchart which shows a part of 2nd form of the printing medium process to the check S in the printing medium processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of 2nd form of the printing medium process to the check S in the printing medium processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of 3rd form of the printing medium process to the check S in the printing medium processing apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1: composite processing device 11, 12: image reading device, 13: MICR, 14: carriage, 19: print head, 50: print medium processing system, 71: MICR recording area, 72: front writing area, 73: end writing area 74: reverse side of check, 60, 80: discharge tray, 99: discharge path switching plate control unit, 104: magnetic ink character reading control unit, 105: printing control unit, 108: image reading control unit, 110: host computer, S: check, P1, P2: paper transport path

Claims (9)

Conveying means for conveying the print medium along the conveying path;
A magnetic ink character reader that reads the magnetic ink characters that are provided facing the transport path and printed on the print medium;
A control method of a print medium processing apparatus comprising a plurality of discharge paths through which the print medium is discharged,
A magnetic ink reading step of reading the magnetic ink characters by the magnetic ink character reader;
A determination step of determining whether or not the magnetic ink reading step is normally performed;
A control method for a print medium processing apparatus, comprising: a switching step of switching the discharge path continuous with the transport path in accordance with a determination result of the determination step. A control method for a print medium processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The print medium processing apparatus has a discharge path switching plate that switches a discharge path continuous with the transport path,
The switching step is a step of switching the discharge path continuous with the transport path by changing the direction of the discharge path switching plate according to the determination result of the determination step. Control method. A control method for a print medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The switching step is a step of switching the discharge path continuous with the transport path according to the information read in the magnetic ink reading process when it is determined in the determining step that the magnetic ink reading process is normally performed. A control method for a print medium processing apparatus, wherein: A method for controlling a print medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image reading device for reading an image of the print medium is provided facing the conveyance path;
The switching step is a step of switching the discharge path continuous with the conveyance path according to the determination result of the determination step and the determination result of determining whether or not the image reading by the image reading apparatus has been performed normally. A control method for a print medium processing apparatus. Conveying means for conveying the print medium along the conveying path;
A magnetic ink character reader that reads the magnetic ink characters that are provided facing the transport path and printed on the print medium;
A print medium processing apparatus comprising a plurality of discharge paths through which the print medium is discharged,
A control unit for determining whether or not the magnetic ink character reading by the magnetic ink character reading device has been normally performed;
A print medium processing apparatus comprising: a discharge path switching control section that switches the discharge path continuous with the transport path in accordance with a determination result of the control section. The print medium processing apparatus according to claim 5,
A discharge path switching plate for switching a discharge path continuous with the transport path;
The discharge path switching control unit switches the discharge path continuous with the transport path by changing the direction of the discharge path switching plate according to the determination result of the control unit. . The print medium processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
There are three or more discharge paths,
The discharge path switching control unit is continuous with the transport path according to information read by the magnetic ink character reading device when the control unit determines that the magnetic ink character has been read normally. A print medium processing apparatus, wherein the discharge path is switched. A print medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
A printing medium processing apparatus, wherein a length from a reading position by the magnetic ink character reading device to the discharge path is longer than a length in a conveyance direction of the printing medium. The print medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
An image reading device that is provided facing the conveyance path and reads an image of the print medium;
The control unit is set to determine whether or not the image reading by the image reading apparatus has been normally performed;
The discharge path switching control unit switches the discharge path continuous with the conveyance path according to a determination result of magnetic ink character reading and a determination result of image reading by the control unit. apparatus.

Images