JP2008243145A - Tag label creation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tag label creation device for easily creating a tag label by using a printing form of an already created printed wireless tag. <P>SOLUTION: This tag label creation device has: a conveying roller 308 for conveying a tag tape 303 having a wireless tag circuit element To-W including an IC circuit part 150 and a tag antenna 151; a print head 305 performing print on the tag tape 303 conveyed by the conveying roller 308; a label-creating antenna 306W transmitting/receiving information to/from the wireless tag circuit element To-W of the tag tape 303 through wireless communication; and a control circuit 311 controlling printing by the print head 305 by use of template information acquired by a wireless tag circuit element To-R provided in the wireless tag label T-R having a print area S with the prescribed print, storing and holding the template information related to a fixed print area Sx available by an operator as print content information through an antenna 306R for a reader. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a tag label producing apparatus used for producing a RFID label that can be read or written from outside via wireless communication.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a compact wireless tag and a reader (reader) / writer having a wireless tag circuit element including 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. An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system that reads / writes information in a contactless manner with a (writing device) has been proposed and is being put into practical use in various fields.

  As a prior art of a tag label producing apparatus for producing a RFID label that is an example of the above-mentioned RFID tag, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1. In this prior art, cartridge information of a cartridge installed using a cartridge holder is acquired, and a plurality of fixed print areas (templates) relating to the print contents of the printing means are handled according to the acquired cartridge information. At least one fixed print area to be displayed is displayed on a display means (display). Thus, it is possible to easily create a label by performing optimum printing on a desired label without performing a troublesome setting operation.

JP 2007-21732 A

  In recent years, with the progress of practical use of the RFID label as described above, the need for a variety of RFID tag labels is increasing. In order to produce such various RFID label labels, the above-described conventional tag label producing apparatus selects and mounts a cartridge suitable for the RFID label to be produced, thereby selecting and specifying a fixed print area. There was a need. For this reason, it is necessary to replace the cartridge every time a RFID label having a different printing mode is created, which requires an operator's trouble.

  The objective of this invention is providing the tag label production apparatus which can produce a tag label easily by diverting or utilizing the printing aspect of the produced RFID tag label with a printing.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is to carry a tag medium on which an RFID circuit element for producing a label having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag antenna for transmitting and receiving information is arranged. Via wireless communication to a conveying means, a printing means for printing on the tag medium conveyed by the conveying means or a print target medium bonded thereto, and the RFID tag circuit element for label production of the tag medium via wireless communication Fixed print area information related to the fixed print area, which is provided on the label producing antenna means for transmitting and receiving information, and the RFID label labeled with a predetermined print on the print area, and which can be used by the operator fixedly as print content information. Information acquisition antenna means for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication with an information acquisition RFID circuit element having an IC circuit section stored therein, and the information acquisition antenna. The information acquisition means for acquiring the fixed print area information from the information acquisition RFID circuit element via the tenor means, and at least the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquisition means, And print control means for controlling printing.

  In the tag label producing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, at the time of producing the tag label, printing is performed by the printing unit on the tag medium or the medium to be printed conveyed by the conveying unit. In addition, information is transmitted to and received from the label producing RFID circuit element of the tag medium via the label producing antenna means, thereby producing a printed RFID tag label.

  Here, the tag label producing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with an information obtaining antenna means, and can transmit / receive information to / from the information obtaining RFID circuit element of the already produced RFID tag label with print. Fixed print area information is stored in the IC circuit portion of the information acquisition RFID circuit element as print content information of the print area of the RFID label. This fixed print area information is acquired by the information acquisition means via the information acquisition antenna means. When the tag label is created, the print control means controls the printing means using the acquired fixed print area information, so that the tag medium can be printed including the fixed print area. .

  The fixed print area is, for example, fixed in advance, and allows the desired print mode to be easily realized in the entire print area by simply setting print information variably in the other parts. is there. In the first invention of the present application, as described above, a new RFID label can be created by diverting or utilizing the fixed printing area of the RFID tag label with print that has been created, and printing with the printing means. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to newly set the printing mode of the entire printing area or to select and specify the fixed printing area every time the label is created. As a result, the burden on the operator required for creation can be greatly reduced, and label creation can be performed easily. In addition, since it is created in the same fixed printing area as the actual RFID label that has already been created, it is possible to easily imagine the printing mode of the RFID tag label that will be created in the future, and it will be easily recognized visually for the operator. it can.

According to a second invention, in the first invention, the information acquisition means receives design information of the fixed print area as the fixed print area information from the information acquisition RFID circuit element via the information acquisition antenna means. And the print control means controls the printing means to perform printing based on the design information of the fixed print area obtained using the design related information. And

  The design information of the fixed print area is acquired using the design related information acquired by the information acquisition means, and the fixed print area of the design corresponding to the acquired design information is printed on the print area of the tag medium by the printing means. Label creation can be performed. Further, since it is not necessary to store the design information itself in the information acquisition RFID circuit element, consumption of the memory capacity of the IC circuit portion can be reduced.

  According to a third invention, in the first invention, the information acquisition means receives design information of the fixed print area as the fixed print area information from the information acquisition RFID circuit element via the information acquisition antenna means. The printing control means controls the printing means so as to perform printing based on the obtained design information.

  The design information of the fixed print area can be acquired by the information acquisition means, and the fixed print area of the design corresponding to the acquired design information can be printed on the print area of the tag medium by the printing means, so that the label can be easily created. Further, since the design information itself is directly stored in the information acquisition RFID circuit element, it is not necessary to acquire design information from a separate storage location, and it is not necessary to prepare a separate storage location such as a data server.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the apparatus-side storage unit that stores information and the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquisition unit can be written to the apparatus-side storage unit. The first write control means is provided.

  In the fourth invention of the present application, fixed printing area information is stored on the apparatus side. Thus, for example, when a tag medium is supplied from a detachable RFID circuit element housing and used, even when the RFID tag circuit element housing is replaced, the same fixed print area information is used as it is. Can be used to create a label.

  A fifth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, there is provided a first read control means for reading the fixed print area information stored in the device-side storage means.

  The fixed print area information stored in the apparatus-side storage means can be read by the first read control means, and a label can be created using this.

  A sixth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third inventions, the wireless tag circuit element housing body capable of supplying the tag medium has a housing body detachable portion.

  By adopting a structure in which the tag medium is supplied from the detachable RFID tag circuit element housing, the consumable tag medium can be replenished smoothly (by replacing the RFID circuit element housing).

  In a sixth aspect based on the sixth aspect, the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquisition unit is written in a storage unit-side storage unit provided in a RFID circuit element storage unit installed in the storage unit installation unit. It is characterized by having a possible second writing control means.

  In the seventh invention of the present application, the fixed print area information is stored on the RFID tag circuit element housing. Thereby, for example, even when the RFID tag circuit element housing is removed and used in another tag label producing apparatus, label production can be performed using the same fixed print area information as it is.

  An eighth invention is characterized in that, in the seventh invention, there is provided a second read control means for reading the fixed print area information stored in the storage body side storage means.

  The fixed print area information stored in the storage body side storage means can be read by the second read control means, and a label can be created using this.

  According to a ninth invention, in the sixth invention, a tag medium detecting means for detecting a type of the tag medium provided in the RFID circuit element housing body installed in the housing body setting section, and the tag medium detecting means And an adaptability determining means for determining the adaptability between the type of the tag medium detected in step 1 and the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquiring means.

  By determining the compatibility between the tag medium side and the fixed print area, in the case of non-conformity, it is possible to take notice of that fact, or to take a predetermined measure such as correcting the print so that it conforms. Become. As a result, it is possible to surely prevent an unfavorable printing mode by performing printing as it is at the time of nonconformity.

  A tenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that in the ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a notification signal generating means for generating a nonconformity notification signal for notifying that when the conformity determination means determines that it is nonconforming.

  Thereby, it can be made to make an operator recognize reliably that it is difficult to produce the label of the same printing aspect.

  In an eleventh aspect based on the ninth aspect, the tag detected by the tag medium detecting means is the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquiring means when the conformity determining means determines non-conformity. An area changing unit that changes in accordance with the type of the medium, and the printing control unit controls printing by the printing unit using at least the fixed printing area changed by the area changing unit; It is characterized by.

  As a result, even if it is difficult to create a label with the same print mode, a print mode that is as close as possible (for example, a fixed area with the same magnification ratio enlarged / reduced or enlarged / reduced in the width direction or longitudinal direction) ) Label can be created.

  In a twelfth aspect based on any one of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth aspects, the first or second writing control means automatically sequentially outputs the fixed print area information newly acquired by the information acquisition means. In particular, the apparatus side storage means or the storage body side storage means writes and accumulates.

  As a result, the fixed print area information that has been used once in the past can be used by diverting or utilizing it by reading it, and a label can be easily created using the same fixed print area.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, a deletion processing means for deleting at least a part of the accumulated fixed print area information in accordance with the storage state of the apparatus side storage means or the storage body side storage means It is characterized by having.

  As a result, the operator does not need to worry about memory shortage due to accumulation of fixed print area information or write failure due to this.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the deletion processing function by the deletion processing section does not extend to the fixed print area information stored in the device-side storage section or the container-side storage section. It is characterized by having an identifier giving means capable of giving a deletion prevention identifier.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the automatic print-out process from being erroneously performed without knowing the fixed print area information (for example, important information for the operator) that is not particularly desired to be deleted.

  A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the fifth or eighth aspect of the invention, comprising first display signal generating means for generating and outputting a first display signal for displaying the fixed print area corresponding to the fixed print area information. It is characterized by.

  This makes it possible for the operator to visually recognize the fixed print area information that is used or utilized when creating the label.

  In a sixteenth aspect based on the fifteenth aspect, among the plurality of fixed print area information stored in the device-side storage unit or the container-side storage unit, after the reading process by the first or second reading control unit It has a display setting means which can set what preferentially generates the first display signal in the first display signal generating means.

  By displaying specific fixed print area information preferentially among multiple fixed print area information, it is not necessary to select and specify when creating labels by diverting or using it, reducing operational effort be able to.

  In a seventeenth aspect based on the sixteenth aspect, the display setting unit is acquired by the information acquisition unit from among the plurality of fixed print area information stored in the device-side storage unit or the container-side storage unit. The latest one is set as one that preferentially generates the first display signal.

  This eliminates the need for a selection / designation operation when label creation is performed using or utilizing the latest fixed print area information.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, in any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects, the display device has a display unit for displaying the fixed print area corresponding to the first display signal.

  Thereby, without preparing a display device or the like separate from the tag label producing device, it is possible to display the fixed print area information to be used or utilized at the time of label production to the operator.

  In a nineteenth aspect based on any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, the information acquisition antenna means is variably set as print content information by the operator based on the fixed print area information and the fixed print area. Information is transmitted / received by wireless communication to / from an RFID tag circuit element for information acquisition including an IC circuit unit that stores and holds variable print information, and the information acquisition unit is connected to the information acquisition antenna unit. The fixed print area information and the variable print information are acquired from the information acquisition RFID circuit element, and a second display signal for displaying the variable print information acquired by the information acquisition means is generated and output. It has the 2nd display signal production | generation means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  By outputting and displaying only the second display signal corresponding to the variable print information from the second display signal generating means, the amount of output (transmission) data at the time of display can be reduced. As a result, even if the display device provided outside the tag label producing apparatus or the display means provided in the tag label producing apparatus has only a simple display function, only the variable print information is displayed without displaying the fixed print area information. By displaying, it is possible to smoothly create a label using a fixed print area.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, in the nineteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided information input means for inputting new variable print information corresponding to the second display signal, and the print control means corresponds to the fixed print area information. Control of printing by the printing unit is performed using a fixed printing region and the variable printing information input by the information input unit.

  In the twentieth invention of the present application, the variable print information of the RFID label is replaced with new variable print information inputted by the information input means while diverting or utilizing the fixed print area of the RFID tag label with print that has been created. Then, the fixed print area information and the variable print information can be used together to print the entire print area with the printing means, and the label can be easily created.

  According to a twenty-first aspect, in the twentieth aspect, the present invention has an operation means for operating and inputting the new variable print information.

  Accordingly, the operator can input new variable print information to be replaced at the time of label creation without preparing an operation device or the like separate from the tag label creation device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily create a tag label by diverting or utilizing a printing mode of a printed RFID tag label with printing.

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

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a wireless tag generation system 1 having a tag label producing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment.

  1, the RFID tag generating system 1 includes a RFID circuit element To (see FIG. 5 described later) including an IC circuit unit 150 for storing information and a tag antenna 151 connected to the IC circuit unit 150. A tag label producing device 300 having a function as a reader for producing the RFID label T and reading RFID tag information from the RFID circuit element To of the produced RFID label T, and a wired or wireless communication line NW The PC terminal 100 having the display unit 101 and the operation unit 102 is connected to the communication line NW, and the operator is fixed as the printing mode of the RFID label T with print created by the tag label creation device 300. Multiple template information (fixed print area information) that can be used for And a data server 200 that.

  The template information stored in the data server 200 is information representing the print contents of the fixed print area Sx in the print area S of the RFID label T. The fixed print area Sx is set in advance in a fixed manner, and the desired print mode can be easily applied to the entire print area S by simply setting print information variably in other parts (for example, a text print part). (See FIG. 8 described later).

  The tag label producing apparatus 300 has a reader antenna 306R for reading the RFID tag information from the RFID tag circuit element To of the RFID label T on the side surface thereof. The PC terminal 100 includes the display unit 101 and the operation unit 102 as described above, and the user uses the operation unit 102 to refer to the display screen displayed on the display unit 101 and use the operation unit 102 to generate a tag label producing apparatus 300. It is possible to input various commands and information.

  Hereinafter, the RFID label T created by the tag label producing device 300 and the RFID circuit element To provided therein, the RFID label T for reading RFID tag information via the reader antenna 306R, and the RFID provided therein. In order to distinguish from the tag circuit element To, the former is appropriately labeled with the RFID label TW and the RFID tag circuit element To-W (label producing RFID circuit element), and the latter is labeled with the RFID label TR and RFID tag circuit element. It is described as To-R (information acquisition RFID circuit element).

  FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram conceptually showing the overall configuration of the tag label producing apparatus 300. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  In FIG. 2, the tag label producing apparatus 300 has a function as a reader and a wireless tag label producing function as described above. That is, the tag label producing apparatus 300 includes the reader antenna 306R (information acquisition antenna means) and the high-frequency signal that transmit / receive information to / from the external RFID circuit element To-R by radio communication and read RFID tag information. A tag tape roll 304 (which is originally spiral but simplified and concentrically illustrated) is wound around a circuit 301R and a tag tape 303 (tag medium) provided with a RFID circuit element To-W at a predetermined interval. ) And a cartridge holder 351 to which a cartridge 350 can be attached and detached, and a predetermined print in an area corresponding to each RFID circuit element To-W in the tag tape 303 fed out from the tag tape roll 304 in the cartridge 350. A print head 305 (printing means) for carrying out and a carry roller 308 (carrying hand) for carrying the tag tape 303 ) And a RFID circuit element To-W provided in the tag tape 303, a label creating antenna 306W (label creating antenna means) and a high frequency circuit for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication and writing RFID tag information 301W, the cutter 307 that cuts the tag tape 303, which has been printed on the tag tape 303 and written information on the RFID circuit element To-W, into a predetermined length to form the above-described RFID label TW; The communication control unit 309 that controls communication performed with the PC terminal 100 and the data server 200 via the communication line NW, and the RFID tag information (here, the template) read from the RFID tag circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR Non-volatile storage section 310 (device-side storage means) for storing information) and the above high-frequency circuits 301R, 30 W, the print head 305, and a cutter 307, conveying rollers 308, the control circuit 311 by the communication control unit 309, and a tag label producing apparatus 300 overall operations including the storage unit 310 or the like performs control.

  On the other hand, the PC 100 includes the display unit 101 for displaying various operation / input screens, the operation unit 102 including appropriate buttons, keys, a mouse, and the like for an operator to perform operation inputs, The communication control unit 104 that controls communication performed between the tag label producing apparatus 300 and the data server 200 via the communication line NW, and the entire PC 100 including the display unit 101, the operation unit 102, and the communication control unit 104. And a control circuit 105 for controlling the operation.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300.

  In FIG. 3, a control circuit 311 is a so-called microcomputer, and includes a CPU 311A, a ROM 311B, a RAM 311C, and a circuit control unit 311D that transmits and receives signals to and from the high-frequency circuits 301W and 301R. Signal processing is performed according to a program stored in advance in the ROM 311B while using the storage function. Although not particularly illustrated, the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 has the same configuration and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the tag label producing apparatus 300. Since the high frequency circuits 301W and 301R have the same configuration, the same circuit is shown in FIG. Moreover, the arrows shown in the figure show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  In FIG. 4, the high-frequency circuit 301W (or the high-frequency circuit 301R, which corresponds to the same hereinafter) is connected to the RFID circuit element To-W (or the RFID circuit element To-R via the label producing antenna 306W (or the reader antenna 306R). ) And a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To-W (or the RFID circuit element To-R) received by the label producing antenna 306W (or the reader antenna 306R). Is configured from a receiving unit 313 and a transmission / reception separator 314.

  The transmitting unit 312 is controlled by the control circuit 311 and the crystal resonator 330 that generates a carrier wave for reading the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To-W (or the RFID circuit element To-R). A PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 331 and a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 332 for generating a signal of a predetermined frequency, and the generated carrier wave are modulated based on a signal supplied from the control circuit 311 (in this example, A transmission multiplication circuit 316 that performs amplitude modulation based on the “TX_ASK” signal from the control circuit 311 (in the case of the “TX_ASK signal”, an amplification factor variable amplifier or the like may be used), and the transmission multiplication circuit 316 A transmission for amplifying the modulated wave (in this example, the amplification factor is determined by the “TX_PWR” signal from the control circuit 311). And a signal amplifier 317. The generated carrier wave preferably uses a UHF band, microwave band, or short wave band frequency, and the output of the transmission amplifier 317 is output to the label producing antenna 306W (or via the transmission / reception separator 314). Is transmitted to the reader antenna 306R) and supplied to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To-W (or the RFID circuit element To-R). Note that the RFID tag information is not limited to the signal modulated as described above, but may be only a carrier wave.

  The receiving unit 313 receives the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To-W (or the RFID circuit element To-R) received by the label producing antenna 306W (or the reader antenna 306R) and the generated carrier wave. Of the first band-pass filter 319 for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the reception first multiplier circuit 318, and the first band-pass filter 319 Received by the reception first amplifier 321 that amplifies the output, the first limiter 320 that further amplifies the output of the reception first amplifier 321 and converts it into a digital signal, and the label creation antenna 306W (or the reader antenna 306R). The reflected wave from the generated RFID circuit element To-W (or the RFID circuit element To-R) and the generated phase shifter A reception second multiplication circuit 322 for multiplying the carrier wave whose phase is delayed by 90 ° by 327, a second bandpass filter 323 for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the reception second multiplication circuit 322, and A reception second amplifier 325 for amplifying the output of the second band pass filter 323 and a second limiter 324 for further amplifying the output of the reception second amplifier 325 and converting it to a digital signal are provided. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 320 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 324 are input to the control circuit 311 and processed.

  The outputs of the reception first amplifier 321 and the reception second amplifier 325 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 326 as intensity detection means, and a signal “RSSI” indicating the intensity of those signals is used as a control circuit. 311 is input. In this way, in the tag label producing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment, the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To-W (or the RFID circuit element To-R) is demodulated by IQ orthogonal demodulation.

  In addition, the control circuit 311 transmits / receives information to / from the storage unit 310 through the communication line NW with the PC terminal 100 and the data server 200 by the communication control of the communication control unit 309. Do.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element To-R (or RFID circuit element To-W) provided in the RFID label TR (or RFID label TW). It is. Note that the RFID circuit element To-R and the RFID circuit element To-W have the same functional configuration and will be described using common reference numerals. Moreover, the arrows shown in the figure show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  In FIG. 5, the RFID circuit elements To-R and To-W are connected to the tag antenna 151 for transmitting and receiving signals without contact with the label producing antenna 306W (or the reader antenna 306R) of the tag label producing apparatus 300, The IC circuit unit 150 is connected to the tag antenna 151.

  The IC circuit unit 150 rectifies the interrogation wave received by the tag antenna 151, and a power source for accumulating the energy of the interrogation wave rectified by the rectification unit 152 to serve as a driving power source for the IC circuit unit 150. 153, a clock extraction unit 154 that extracts a clock signal from the interrogation wave received by the tag antenna 151 and supplies the clock signal to the control unit 157 described later, and a memory that functions as an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal The operation of the RFID circuit elements To-R and To-W is controlled through the unit 155, the modulation / demodulation unit 156 connected to the tag antenna 151, the rectification unit 152, the clock extraction unit 154, the modulation / demodulation unit 156, etc. And a control unit 157.

  The modulation / demodulation unit 156 demodulates the communication signal received by the tag antenna 151 from the label production antenna 306W (or the reader antenna 306R) of the tag label production apparatus 300 and based on the return signal from the control unit 157. The interrogation wave received by the tag antenna 151 is modulated and retransmitted as a response wave from the tag antenna 151.

  The control unit 157 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 156, generates a return signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 155, and performs basic control such as returning by the modulation / demodulation unit 156. Execute proper control.

  The clock extraction unit 154 extracts a clock component from the received signal and extracts the clock to the control unit 157, and supplies a clock corresponding to the speed of the clock component of the received signal to the control unit 157.

  The memory unit 155 stores a template ID, which is identification information of the template information, which is design information indicating the print contents (marks, frames, ruled lines, etc.) of the fixed print area Sx of the RFID label T. The template ID is associated with the template information stored in the data server 200, and the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing device 300 uses the template ID read from the RFID label TR to identify the data server 200. By referencing, the corresponding template information can be acquired. In place of the template ID, storage destination information (such as a network address) in which template information is stored may be stored.

  In the RFID tag generating system 1 having the above-described configuration, for example, when creating a plurality of RFID labels used for name tags or when creating RFID tag labels used for managing a plurality of articles with a common affiliation, Create a new RFID label T having the same printing mode as the printed RFID label T that has already been created (for example, in the above example, the RFID label T in which only the printing of the name and the article name is changed without changing the overall printing mode) In this case, the operator first causes the RFID label TR to divert or utilize the printing mode to approach the reader antenna 306R of the tag label producing apparatus 300 to read the template ID. Thereby, the tag label producing apparatus 300 refers to the data server 200 based on the template ID, and acquires the template information of the RFID label TR. The acquired template information is transmitted to the PC terminal 100 and displayed on the display unit 101. When the operator edits a part other than a template (such as a text part, name or article name in the above example) using the operation unit 102 of the PC terminal 100 while referring to the display, the generated print data Is transmitted from the PC terminal 100 to the tag label producing apparatus 300. As a result, in the tag label producing apparatus 300, the corresponding RFID tag information is written to the RFID circuit element To-W, and the RFID label TW with print on which printing based on the received print data is performed is performed. Created.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 when producing the RFID label T.

  First, in step S5, it is determined whether the RFID label T is to be created using a new template or whether the RFID label T is to be created using the template used at the previous label creation. This determination is performed by detecting whether a new creation signal is input from the PC terminal 100 via the communication line NW or a continuous creation instruction signal is input (see step S110 and step S115 in FIG. 7 described later). ). When the continuous creation instruction signal is input from the PC terminal 100, the determination is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S10, the template information used at the time of the previous tag label creation is read from the storage unit 310, and the process proceeds to step S40 described later. On the other hand, if a new creation signal is input from the PC terminal 100, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S15.

  In step S15, an inquiry signal for reading information stored in the IC circuit section 150 of the RFID tag circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR is generated via the RF circuit 301R and the reader antenna 306R to generate an inquiry signal. It transmits to the RFID circuit element To-R existing within the communication range via 301R and prompts a reply.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S20, and it is determined whether or not the reply signal returned from the RFID tag circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR in response to the inquiry signal is received via the reader antenna 306R and the high frequency circuit 301R. . If the reply signal is not received from the RFID label TR via the reader antenna 306R, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S15 to repeat the transmission of the inquiry signal again. On the other hand, when the reply signal is received from the RFID label TR via the reader antenna 306R, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S25.

  In step S25, based on the received reply signal, the template ID corresponding to the RFID label TR that has returned the reply signal is read and acquired.

  In the next step S30, it is determined whether or not the template ID has been acquired in step S25. For example, when the operator reads information on the RFID label T in which the template ID is not stored (not created by the tag label creation device 300), the template ID is not acquired, so the determination is not satisfied. Control goes to step S65 described below. Then, a control signal is transmitted to the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 via the communication control unit 309, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 104, and a message indicating that is displayed on the display unit 101 (for example, “the read tag is appropriate. No error "or" No template is stored "etc.). On the other hand, if the template ID can be acquired in step S25, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next step S35.

  In step S35, the data server 200 is accessed via the communication control unit 309, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 104, and template information corresponding to the template ID acquired in step S25 is acquired.

  In the next step S37, the template information acquired in step S35 is stored in the storage unit 310. At this time, if there is template information stored at the time of previous label creation in the storage unit 310, it is updated (that is, only the template information used at the time of the previous label creation is stored in the storage unit 310). )

  In the next step S40, the template information (first display signal) acquired in step S35 is transmitted to the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 via the communication control unit 309, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 104.

  In the next step S45, it is determined whether print data is received from the PC terminal 100 (the control circuit 105) via the communication line NW and the communication control unit 309. This print data is print data created by the operator editing a part other than the template using the operation unit 102 of the PC terminal 100 (see FIG. 7 described later). This step is repeated until print data is received from the PC terminal 100. If received, the process proceeds to the next step S50.

  In step S50, tag writing information to be written to the RFID circuit element To-W of the RFID label TW to be created via wireless communication is created. The tag writing information includes the template ID acquired in step S25 and information on the management target (person, article, etc.) of the RFID label T (information itself or identification information corresponding to the information). included. Note that the tag writing information may be generated by the PC terminal 100 or the data server 200 other than the tag label generating apparatus 300, and received and acquired.

  In the next step S55, based on the print data received from the PC terminal 100 in step S45, the print head 305 performs printing on a predetermined print area of the tag tape 303. Further, the access information is generated by the high frequency circuit 301W and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To-W via the label producing antenna 306W, and the tag writing information created in step S50 is written to the IC circuit unit 150.

  In the next step S60, it is determined whether or not the printing / information writing performed in step S55 has been normally completed. For example, the determination as to whether or not the information writing has been completed normally is performed by generating access information corresponding to a confirmation signal for confirming the contents of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To-W by the high frequency circuit 301W. The tag writing information is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To-W via the label producing antenna 306W and based on the reply signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To-W to be written correspondingly. This is done by determining whether the writing has been completed normally. If the printing / information writing has not ended normally, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step S65. Then, a control signal is transmitted to the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 via the communication control unit 309, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 104, and the display unit 101 displays such a message (for example, “printing ends normally”). Error processing ")" which was not completed "or" Tag writing did not end normally "). On the other hand, if the printing / information writing has been completed normally, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S70.

  In the next step S70, the tag tape 303 is cut by the cutter 307 to produce the RFID label TW having the RFID circuit element To-W. Thereby, this flow is complete | finished.

  According to the above flow, once the template information of the RFID label TR is acquired when the RFID label TW is created using the new template, the information is stored in the storage unit 310. When the RFID label TW is created using the RFID tag, it is possible to easily and continuously produce the label without reading the template information by holding the RFID label TR in the reader antenna 306R each time. ing. Further, since the template information is stored in the storage unit 310, for example, even when the cartridge 350 is replaced in order to change the label width or the label length, the RFID label T is used by using the same template information as it is. -W can be created.

  The procedure of step S25 executed by the control circuit 311 is information acquisition means for acquiring fixed print area information from the information acquisition RFID circuit element via the information acquisition antenna means described in the claims. The procedure of step S55 constitutes a printing control means for controlling printing by the printing means using at least the fixed printing area information acquired by the information acquisition means. Further, the procedure of step S37 constitutes a first writing control means capable of writing the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquisition means into the apparatus side storage means, and the procedure of step S10 is stored in the apparatus side storage means. First read control means for reading fixed print area information is configured. Further, the procedure of step S40 constitutes a first display signal generating means for generating and outputting a first display signal for displaying a fixed print area corresponding to the fixed print area information.

  Further, the above flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. For example, in the above, a template ID as identification information of the template information is stored in the RFID circuit element To-R, acquired in step S25, and the data server 200 corresponds to the template ID in step S35. Although template information was acquired, it is not restricted to this. That is, template information itself (for example, design information itself such as marks, frames, ruled lines, etc.) is stored in the RFID circuit element To-R, and the template information is directly acquired from the RFID circuit element To-R in step S25. (In this case, step S35 is unnecessary). In this way, by directly storing the template information itself in the RFID circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR, it is not necessary to acquire the template information from a separate storage destination such as the data server 200, and the data server 200 can be eliminated.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 when the RFID label T is created.

  First, in step S105, it is determined whether the RFID label T is to be created using a new template or whether the RFID label T is to be created using the template used at the previous label creation. For this determination, for example, while referring to a confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 101 by an operator, a tag label generation instruction using a new template is input via the operation unit 102, or a template at the time of previous generation is used. This is done by detecting whether a tag label creation instruction has been input. When the RFID label T is created using the new template, the determination is satisfied and the process proceeds to the next step S110, and a new creation instruction signal is sent via the communication control unit 104, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 309. It transmits to the tag label production apparatus 300. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S120.

  On the other hand, when the RFID label T is created using the template used last time in step S105, the determination is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S115, and the communication control unit 104, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 309 are used. Then, a continuous production instruction signal is transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S120.

  In step S120, it is determined whether template information is received from the tag label producing apparatus 300 via the communication line NW and the communication control unit 104 (see step S40 in FIG. 6 described above). This step is repeated until template information is received. If received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S125.

  In step S125, a display control signal is output to the display unit 101, and a template based on the template information received in step S120 is displayed.

  In the next step S <b> 130, the operator inputs edit data generated by editing a part other than the template (such as a text part) using the operation unit 102 while referring to the template display.

  In the next step S <b> 135, it is determined whether the operator has finished the editing input and has input a label creation start command via the operation unit 102. If the label production start command is not input, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S130. On the other hand, if a label production start command is input, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S140.

  In step S140, the print data created based on the template information and the editing information input in step S130 is transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300 via the communication control unit 104, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 309. Then, this flow ends.

  The above-mentioned flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-mentioned flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of display by the display unit 101 that has performed template display in step S125. In FIG. 8, the print area S of the RFID label TW to be created is set in advance fixedly and cannot be edited by the operator, and other than the fixed print area Sx. The variable printing area Sr is a portion that can easily realize a desired printing mode in the entire printing area S by setting printing information variably by the operator. In this example, the fixed print area Sx is located at both ends of the label in the longitudinal direction (left and right ends in FIG. 8), and is a RFID label T Ro and a label width indicating that the RFID label T includes the RFID circuit element To. It has a partition line L1 extending in the direction and a partition line L2 extending in the label longitudinal direction at the center in the label width direction. The variable print areas Sr are arranged above and below the partition line L2, respectively, and “department” for prompting the operator to input an affiliation name (company name, department name, etc.) in the upper variable print area Sr. The character “name” for prompting the input of the name is displayed in the lower variable print area Sr.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the RFID label TW created by the tag label creation device 300 by performing the control described above.

  In FIG. 9, the RFID label TW has an RFID circuit element To-W inside, and a printing area S composed of the fixed printing area Sx and the variable printing area Sr is formed on the surface thereof. Yes. Here, in step S130 of FIG. 7, the operator inputs “B Industrial Co., Ltd. XXX Development Department” as the company name and department name in the variable printing area Sr where the characters “department” are displayed. An example of the RFID label TW that is printed and created by inputting “Taro Hotta” as a name in the variable printing area Sr displaying the characters “name” is shown.

  In the above, the template ID stored in the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To-R is the information acquisition RFID circuit element via the information acquisition antenna means described in the claims. This corresponds to the design-related information associated with the design information of the fixed print area as the fixed print area information acquired from the above.

  In the tag label producing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment configured as described above, printing is performed by the print head 305 on the tag tape 303 conveyed by the conveying roller 308 when the tag label is produced. In addition, information is transmitted to and received from the RFID circuit element To-W of the tag tape 303 via the label producing antenna 301W, thereby producing a RFID label TW with a print.

  Here, the tag label producing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment is provided with a reader antenna 306R, and information can be transmitted / received to / from the RFID circuit element To-R of the RFID tag label T-R that has already been produced. The IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR has a template information which is information indicating the print contents of the fixed print area Sx in the print area S of the RFID label TR. A template ID which is identification information is stored. This template ID is acquired by the control circuit 311 (specifically, the procedure of step S25 executed by the control circuit 311) via the reader antenna 306R, and the template information corresponding to this template ID is acquired from the data server 200. The Then, at the time of creating the above-described tag label, the control circuit 311 (specifically, the procedure of step S55 executed by the control circuit 311) controls the print head 305 using the acquired template information to fix the tag label. Printing including the printing area Sx can be performed on the tag tape 303.

  The fixed print area Sx is fixed in advance, and a desired print mode can be easily realized in the entire print area S only by the operator variably setting print information in other portions. It is. In the present embodiment, as described above, printing is performed with the print head 305 by using or utilizing the fixed printing area Sx of the printed RFID label TR with the print, and a new RFID label TW is created. be able to. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to newly set the printing mode of the entire printing area S or to select and specify the fixed printing area Sx each time a label is created. As a result, the burden on the operator required for creation can be greatly reduced, and label creation can be performed easily. Further, since it is created in the same fixed printing area Sx as the actual RFID label T already created, the printing mode of the RFID label T to be created can be easily imagined, and visually for the operator. Easy to understand

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the template ID corresponding to the template information (or storage destination information in which the template information is stored) is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To-R of the tag label TR. As a result, the template information of the fixed print area Sx is acquired using the template ID acquired in the control circuit 311 (specifically, the procedure of step S25 executed by the control circuit 311), and the design corresponding to the acquired template information is obtained. By printing the fixed print area Sx in the print area of the tag tape 303 with the print head 305, the RFID label TW can be easily created. Further, since it is not necessary to store the template information itself, which is design information, in the RFID circuit element To-R, consumption of the memory capacity of the IC circuit unit 150 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the template information is stored in the storage unit 310 provided on the tag label producing apparatus 300 side. Thereby, even when the cartridge 350 is replaced, the RFID label can be created using the same template information as it is.

  Further, particularly in the present embodiment, the tag label producing apparatus 300 includes a cartridge holder 351 to which a cartridge 350 capable of supplying the Teg tape 303 can be attached and detached. In this manner, by using the structure in which the tag tape 303 is supplied from the detachable cartridge 350 and used, the replenishment of the tag tape 303 which is a consumable item can be smoothly performed by replacing the cartridge 350.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the acquired template information is transmitted from the tag label producing apparatus 300 to the PC terminal 100, and a template based on the template information is displayed on the display unit 101. As a result, template information that is diverted or utilized when creating a label can be visually recognized for the operator.

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

(1) When Template Information is Stored on the Cartridge Side FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram conceptually showing the overall configuration of the tag label producing apparatus 300 of this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 2 described above. Components similar to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  In this modification, a cartridge 350 having a cartridge RFID circuit element (hereinafter referred to as “cartridge tag” as appropriate) To-C is detachably attached to the cartridge holder 351 of the tag label producing apparatus 300. The tag label producing apparatus 300 includes a cartridge tag antenna 306C for transmitting / receiving information to / from the cartridge tag To-C (storage body side storage means) by wireless communication, and reading and writing the wireless tag information, While switching between the cartridge tag antenna 306C and the label producing antenna 306W, information is transmitted and received by wireless communication between the cartridge tag To-C and the RFID tag circuit element To-W provided in the tag tape 303, respectively. A high-frequency circuit 301WC capable of writing wireless tag information.

  FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the high-frequency circuit 301WC, and corresponds to FIG. 4 described above. Portions similar to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  The high frequency circuit 301WC includes an antenna switch circuit 341 that is switched by a control circuit 311. The antenna switch circuit 341 is a switch circuit using a well-known high-frequency FET or diode, and connects one of the antennas 306W and 306C to the transmission / reception separator 314 by a selection signal from the control circuit 311.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 of the present modification when producing the RFID label T, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. Steps similar to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  First, in step S5, similarly to the above-described FIG. 6, it is determined whether the RFID label T is created using a new template or the RFID label T is created using the template used at the previous label creation. When creating a label using the template at the previous label creation, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S10A. In this step S10A, the access information is generated by the high frequency circuit 301WC, transmitted to the RFID circuit element To-C via the cartridge tag antenna 306C, and the tag writing information (here, the template information) stored in the IC circuit unit 150. ). And it moves to below-mentioned step S40. On the other hand, when creating a label using a new template, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S15.

  Steps S15 to S35 are the same as in FIG. 6 described above. The template ID is read from the RFID circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR, and the template information corresponding to the template ID is read from the data server 200 and acquired. .

  In the next step S37A, the access information is generated by the high frequency circuit 301WC, transmitted to the RFID circuit element To-C via the cartridge tag antenna 306C, and the acquired template information is written to the IC circuit unit 150.

  The subsequent step S40 and subsequent steps are the same as those in FIG. Note that the procedure of step S37A includes the storage-unit-side storage means provided in the RFID tag circuit element storage body installed in the storage body installation portion, with the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquisition means described in the claims. The second writing control means that can write to the recording medium is configured, and the procedure of step S10A constitutes the second reading control means for reading the fixed printing area information stored in the storage body side storage means.

  Further, the above flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  In the modification described above, template information is stored on the cartridge side. Thus, for example, even when the cartridge 350 is removed and used in another tag label producing apparatus 300, label production can be performed using the same template information as it is.

(2) When the type of cartridge is detected and conformity is determined The label length and the label width of the RFID label T produced by the tag label producing apparatus 300 are the type of the cartridge 350 (the tape of the tag tape 303 built in the cartridge 350). Width, the arrangement interval of the RFID circuit elements To-W, etc.). Therefore, the print data created by the PC terminal 100 after editing by the operator may not be able to be printed because the width and length do not match depending on the type of the cartridge 350. In this modification, it is determined whether or not the print data created by the PC terminal 100 is compatible with the mounted cartridge 350.

  Since the configuration of the tag label producing apparatus 300 and the like according to this modification is the same as that shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the description thereof is omitted. In this modification, the cartridge tag To-C provided in the cartridge 350 includes information on the type of cartridge (the tape width of the tag tape 303 built in the cartridge 350, the arrangement interval of the RFID circuit elements To-W). (Hereinafter referred to as “cartridge information”) is stored.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 of the present modification when producing the RFID label T, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. Steps similar to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  Steps S5 to S45 are the same as in FIG. 6 described above. When a label is created using a new template, the template ID is read from the RFID circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR, and this template is read. The template information corresponding to the ID is read from the data server 200 and acquired. Then, the template information is stored in the storage unit 310 and transmitted to the PC terminal 100. When print data is received from the PC terminal 100, the process proceeds to the next step S46.

  In step S46, access information is generated by the high frequency circuit 301WC and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To-C via the cartridge tag antenna 306C, and the cartridge information stored in the IC circuit unit 150 is read.

  In the next step S47, the print data received from the PC terminal 100 and the cartridge information acquired in step S46 are compared and collated to determine suitability. For example, if the fixed print area Sx based on the read template information is too large, or the text input by the operator is too long, the entire area of the print data can be printed on the tag tape 303 of the mounted cartridge 350. If it is impossible to create a label, the determination is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S65, and the display unit 101 displays that effect (for example, “print data is too large” “replace cartridge”). Etc.) is performed. On the other hand, if all of the received print data can be printed without any problem and label creation is possible, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S50.

  Step S50 and subsequent steps are the same as those in FIG. Note that the procedure of step S47 described above is the suitability for determining the suitability between the type of tag medium detected by the tag medium detecting means described in the claims and the fixed print area information obtained by the information obtaining means. The determination unit is configured, and the procedure of step S65 configures a notification signal generation unit that generates a non-conformance notification signal for notifying that when the compatibility determination unit determines that it is non-conforming. In addition, when the control signal transmitted to the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 in step S65 is determined to be non-conforming by the conformity determining means, it corresponds to a non-conforming notification signal for notifying that effect.

  Further, the above flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. For example, the procedure of step S46 may be performed before step S5.

  In the above description, the high-frequency circuit 301WC and the cartridge tag antenna 306C constitute tag medium detection means for detecting the type of tag medium provided in the RFID tag circuit element storage body installed in the storage body installation section. The tag medium detection means is not limited to the one using the cartridge tag To-C. For example, a detection sensor that mechanically or optically reads a detector provided in the cartridge 350 may be used. .

  In the modification described above, the compatibility between the cartridge 350 (tag tape 303) side and the fixed print area Sx is determined, and in the case of non-conformity, the fact is notified and the operator adapts the cartridge 350. It is possible to take measures such as exchanging for what to do. As a result, it is possible to surely prevent an unfavorable printing mode by performing printing as it is at the time of nonconformity. In addition, the operator can be surely recognized that it is difficult to create a label having the same printing mode.

  In the above modification, the operator is notified in the case of nonconformity. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and appropriate region changing means (for example, one procedure executed by the control circuit 311 in the case of nonconformity, not shown). ) May be used to change the area of the print data corresponding to the type of the cartridge 350 (tag tape 303). The change referred to here is, for example, enlargement / reduction of the same magnification ratio of the fixed print region Sx and variable print region Sr, enlargement / reduction in the width direction or longitudinal direction thereof, and the like. In this case, even if it is difficult to create a label with the same print mode, a print mode that is as close as possible (for example, the same magnification ratio enlargement / reduction of the print area or the enlargement / reduction of the width direction or the longitudinal direction) ) Label can be created.

(3) When all used template information is accumulated In the above embodiment, only the template information used last time is stored in the storage unit 310 so that it can be used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the RFID label TR All the template information read and acquired from is written and accumulated in the storage unit 310, and when a new template is not used, the operator can display a list of them and select and use a desired template. Also good.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 of the present modification when producing the RFID label T, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. Steps similar to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the flow of this modification, when creating a label using a new template, the template information corresponding to the template ID read from the RFID circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR is stored in step S37B. 310 is stored. At this time, unlike the above-described embodiment, in this modification, the template information is accumulated one after another without being updated.

  Then, when creating a label using previously used template information (that is, using template information stored in the storage unit 310), the determination in step S5 is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S10B.

  In step S10B, the template information accumulated from the storage unit 310 is read out. At this time, a part of the accumulated template information (for example, template name and thumbnail information) is read out.

  In the next step S11, a control signal is transmitted to the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 via the communication control unit 309, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 104, and the template information read in step S10B is displayed on the display unit 101. Display a list (for example, a list of template names or a list of thumbnails). This prompts the operator to select a template.

  In the next step S12, whether or not a template has been selected by the operator, whether or not a selection signal from the operation unit 102 has been input via the communication control unit 104, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 309 is determined. Determine by. When selection is made, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

  In step S13, template information related to the selected template is read from the storage unit 310 and acquired. Other procedures are the same as those in FIG.

  The above-mentioned flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-mentioned flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  According to the modified example described above, the template information that has been used once in the past can be used by diverting or utilizing the template information by reading it from the storage unit 310, and a label can be easily created using the same template.

  In this modification, template information is accumulated one after another in the storage unit 310, so that the storage capacity of the storage unit 310 may be full. In preparation for such a case, the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 310 is monitored, and an appropriate deletion processing unit (for example, one procedure executed by the control circuit 311 when the capacity is almost insufficient. The template information accumulated by () may be deleted. At this time, one (or two or more) of the plurality of template information may be deleted, or a part of the data of one template information may be deleted. This eliminates the need for the operator to worry about memory shortage due to the accumulation of template information and writing failure due to this. The template information may be compressed instead of being deleted.

  Further, in the above case, there is a case where it is not desired to delete frequently used template information or the like. In preparation for such a case, an identifier for preventing deletion of specific information among a plurality of template information stored in the storage unit 310 by an appropriate identifier assigning means (for example, one procedure executed by the control circuit 311; not shown). (Flag etc.) may be given. Thus, it is possible to prevent the template information (for example, important information for the operator) that is not particularly desired to be deleted from being erroneously automatically deleted without knowing it.

(4) When displaying default template information In the above embodiment, first, the operator selects whether to use a new template or a previously used template. When the template information read from -R is not new, the template information read from the storage unit 310 is displayed on the PC terminal 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is preferentially set (default setting) in advance. You may make it display the template to be used.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 of the present modification when producing the RFID label T, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. Steps similar to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  First, in step S35A, default template information is read from the storage unit 310. For more information on default settings, see

  The next steps S40 to S75 are the same as those in FIG. 6 described above. When the read template information is transmitted to the PC terminal 100 and print data is received from the PC terminal 100, printing and wireless tags based on the print data are performed. Information is written, the tag tape 303 is cut, and the RFID label TW is created.

  Thereafter, a default setting process (details will be described later) is performed in step S200, and this flow is terminated.

  The above-mentioned flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-mentioned flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S200.

  First, in step S210, a control signal is transmitted to the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 via the communication control unit 309, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 104, and whether or not the template default setting is changed for the operator. A confirmation screen for requesting confirmation is displayed, and in response to this, the operator determines whether or not to change the default setting by detecting the selection signal. If the default setting is not changed, this flow ends. On the other hand, when changing the default setting, the process proceeds to the next step S220.

  In step S220, all template information stored in the storage unit 310 is read out. At this time, a part of the stored template information (for example, template name and thumbnail information) is read out.

  In the next step S230, a control signal is transmitted to the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 via the communication control unit 309, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 104, and the template information read in step S220 is displayed on the display unit 101. Display a list (for example, a list of template names or a list of thumbnails). This prompts the operator to select a template.

  In the next step S240, whether or not a template has been selected by the operator, whether or not a selection signal from the operation unit 102 has been input via the communication control unit 104, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 309 is determined. Determine by. When selection is made, the process proceeds to the next step S250.

  In step S250, the template information related to the selected template is set as a default by setting a flag, for example. Then, this routine ends. In this way, the default setting of the template is performed.

  The procedure of step S250 in the above flow is performed by the first or second reading control unit among the plurality of fixed printing area information stored in the apparatus-side storage unit or the storage unit-side storage unit described in the claims. A display setting unit that can set the first display signal generating unit to preferentially generate the first display signal after the reading process is configured.

  Further, the above flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  According to the above-described modification, specific template information is preferentially displayed among a plurality of template information, so that it is not necessary for the operator to select or specify when creating a label by diverting or utilizing it. The operation labor can be reduced. Note that the template default setting is not limited to after label creation is completed, as described above. For example, when template information is stored in the storage unit 310, when read from the storage unit 310, or when displayed on the display unit 101 of the PC terminal 100 Etc. may be performed at any time.

  In the above modification, the default setting is performed by selecting the desired template by the operator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the time when read and acquired from the RFID label TR (that is, stored in the storage unit 310). It is also possible to automatically set the latest to the default. This eliminates the need for the selection / designation operation when creating or labeling using the latest template information.

(5) When variable area information is stored in a tag In the above embodiment, a template ID is stored in the RFID circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR, and acquired based on the template ID. The template information is displayed on the PC terminal and the operator edits the text. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, text information which is information of the variable print area Sr is stored together with the template ID in the RFID circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR, and the label circuit element To-R is used to create a label. Only the text information read and acquired may be displayed on the PC terminal, and the operator may edit the text.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 of the present modification when producing the RFID label T, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. Steps similar to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. As described above, in the present modification, the RFID tag circuit element To-R of the RFID tag label TR stores text information (variable printing information) that is information of the variable printing area Sr together with the template ID.

  Steps S5 to S20 are the same as in FIG. 6 described above, and in order to create the RFID label T using the new template, an inquiry signal is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To-R of the RFID label TR, It is determined whether or not the returned reply signal has been received. If the reply signal is received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S25A.

  In step S25A, based on the received reply signal, the template ID corresponding to the RFID label TR that has returned the reply signal and the text information that is information of the variable print area Sr are read and acquired.

  The next steps S30 to S37 are the same as those in FIG. 6 described above, and the data server 200 is searched to obtain template information corresponding to the template ID and stored in the storage unit 310.

  In the next step S40A, the text information (second display signal) acquired in step S25A is transmitted to the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 via the communication control unit 309, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 104.

  In the next step S45A, it is determined whether or not text data edited from the PC terminal 100 (the control circuit 105) is received via the communication line NW and the communication control unit 309. This print data is text data created by editing the text information transmitted in step S40A by the operator using the operation unit 102 of the PC terminal 100. This step is repeated until text data is received from the PC terminal 100. If received, the process proceeds to the next step S47.

  In step S47, the print data is generated by combining the text data received from the PC terminal 100 in step S45A and the template information acquired in the previous step S35.

  The subsequent step S50 and subsequent steps are the same as in FIG. 6 described above, and printing based on the print data generated in step S47 and writing of the RFID tag information are performed, and the tag tape 303 is cut to create the RFID label TW. I do.

  The procedure of step S40A in the above flow constitutes a second display signal generating means for generating and outputting a second display signal for displaying variable print information acquired by the information acquiring means described in the claims. The procedure of step S45A constitutes an information input means for inputting new variable print information corresponding to the second display signal.

  Further, the above flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 105 of the PC terminal 100 of the present modification when creating the RFID label T, and corresponds to FIG. 7 described above. Steps similar to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Steps S105 to S115 are the same as in FIG. 7 described above. When the RFID label T is created using a new template, a new creation instruction signal is transmitted to the tag label creating apparatus 300, and the template used last time is used. When the RFID label T is created, a continuous creation instruction signal is transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S120A.

  In step S120A, it is determined whether text information is received from the tag label producing apparatus 300 via the communication line NW and the communication control unit 104 (see step S40A in FIG. 17 described above). This step is repeated until the text information is received. If the text information is received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S125A.

  In the next step S125A, a display control signal is output to the display unit 101 to display the text information received in step S120A.

  In the next step S130A, the operator inputs edit data generated by editing the text using the operation unit 102 while referring to the text display. An example of display by the display unit 101 during text data editing in step S125A and step S130A is shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B described later.

  In the next step S <b> 135, it is determined whether the operator has finished the editing input and has input a label creation start command via the operation unit 102. An example of display by the display unit 101 at this time is shown in FIG. If the label production start command is not input, the determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S130A. On the other hand, if a label production start command is input, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S140A.

  In step S140A, the text data that has been edited by the operator is transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300 via the communication control unit 104, the communication line NW, and the communication control unit 309. Then, this flow ends.

  The above-mentioned flow is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-mentioned flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  According to the modification described above, only the text information as the variable print information is output from the tag label producing apparatus 300 and displayed on the PC terminal 100, so that the output (transmission) data amount at the time of display is reduced. Can be reduced. As a result, the tag label is created when the display device provided outside the tag label creation device 300 has only a simple display function (unlike the PC terminal 100), or in the case of a so-called stand-alone shown in a modified example (6) described later. Even when displaying with simple display means possessed by the apparatus itself, it is possible to smoothly create a label using a template by displaying only text information without displaying template information.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the above-described effect. FIGS. 19A and 19B show the above-described case where a display unit capable of performing only simple display of only two lines of text is used, for example. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in step S125A and step S130A, and FIG.19 (c) is a figure which similarly shows an example of the display in said step S135A.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B are display examples when the operator edits “department”, which is variable printing information, to “B Kogyo Co., Ltd.” and “name” to “Taro Hotta”. FIG. 19C shows an example of an input screen for a label creation start command. In this case, if the operator inputs “2”, the determination in step S135 in FIG. 18 is not satisfied and the process returns to step S130A. If the operator inputs “1”, the determination in step S135 is satisfied and the process returns to step S140A. Move.

  In the above modification, text information has been described as an example of variable print information edited by the operator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and design information such as marks, frames, and ruled lines may be used as variable print information.

(6) In the case where the tagal creation device alone has all the functions In other words, the tag label creation device 300 ′ having all the functions of the PC terminal 100 and the data server 200 in the above embodiment (so-called stand-alone type) may be used. Good. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20, the tag label producing apparatus 300 ′ includes a database 355 that functions as a data server, for example, a storage unit such as a hard disk, a display unit 356 (display unit) that performs various displays, and an operator. Is provided with an operation unit 357 (operation means) for performing operation input.

  The contents of control performed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 ′ having the above-described configuration are the same as those in the above-described embodiments and modifications, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  According to this modification, it is possible to display template information to be used or utilized at the time of label creation to the operator without preparing a display device or the like separate from the tag label creation device. Further, the operator can input text information as new variable print information to be replaced at the time of label production without preparing an operation device or the like separate from the tag label production device.

(7) Others In the above description, the case where the RFID label T is created by cutting the printed tag label tape 303 after printing and access to the RFID circuit element To by the cutter 307 has been described. Not limited. That is, in the case where a label mount (so-called die-cut label) previously separated into a predetermined size corresponding to the label is continuously arranged on the tape fed out from the roll, even if it is not cut by the cutter 307, After the tape is discharged from the discharge port, the RFID label ticket 1 may be created by peeling off only the label mount (the one with the already accessed RFID circuit element To and the corresponding printing) from the tape. The present invention is also applicable to such a case.

  Further, the above description has been given taking as an example the case where the tag tape is wound around the reel member to form a roll, and the cartridge 350 containing the roll is mounted on the cartridge holder 351 and the tag tape is fed out. Not limited to this. For example, a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet in which at least one RFID circuit element To is arranged (the one formed by cutting a tape wound around a roll and cutting it to an appropriate length) Are stacked in a predetermined storage unit (for example, stacked in a tray shape) to form a cartridge, and the cartridge is attached to the cartridge holder on the tag label producing apparatus side, and is transported and transported from the storage unit. Then, the RFID label T may be created by printing and writing.

  Further, a configuration in which a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet is transported one by one from the outside of the tag label producing apparatus by a predetermined feeder mechanism and supplied into the tag label producing apparatus is also conceivable. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  Further, in the above description, the tag tape 303 (printed tape layer (not shown) provided in the tag tape) is a method for printing (a type in which bonding is not performed), but the base tape provided with the RFID circuit element To. You may apply this invention to the system which prints on the cover film different from 303, and bonds these together.

  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.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a wireless tag generation system having a tag label producing apparatus of the present embodiment. It is a whole block diagram showing notionally the whole structure of a tag label production apparatus. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed function of the control circuit of a tag label production apparatus. It is a functional block diagram showing the structure of the control system of a tag label production apparatus. It is a block diagram showing an example of a functional structure of the said RFID tag circuit element with which the RFID tag label was equipped. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a tag label production apparatus when producing a wireless tag label. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a PC terminal when producing a wireless tag label. It is a figure showing an example of the display by the display part which performed template display in step S125. It is a figure showing an example of the external appearance of the RFID tag label produced with the tag label production apparatus. It is a whole block diagram showing notionally the whole structure of the tag label production apparatus in the modification in the case where template information is memorize | stored in the cartridge side. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional composition of the high frequency circuit in the modification in the case of memorizing template information on the cartridge side. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit of the tag label producing device when producing a RFID label in a modification in which template information is stored on the cartridge side. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit of the tag label producing device when producing a RFID label in a modification in which the compatibility is determined by detecting the type of cartridge. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a tag label production apparatus when producing | generating a RFID label in the modification in the case where all the used template information is accumulate | stored. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a tag label production apparatus, when producing | generating a RFID label in the modification in the case of displaying the template information set by default. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S200. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a tag label production apparatus, when producing | generating a RFID label in the modification in the case of storing variable area information in a tag. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of PC terminal, when producing a RFID tag label in the modification in the case of storing variable area information in a tag. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in step S125A and step S130A, and an example of the display in step S135A when the display means which can perform only the simple display of only two lines of text is used. It is a whole block diagram which represents notionally the whole structure of the tag label production apparatus in the modification in case a tagral production apparatus single unit has all the functions.

Explanation of symbols

150 IC circuit unit 151 Tag antenna 300 Tag label producing device 303 Tag tape (tag medium)
305 Print head (printing means)
306R Reader antenna (information acquisition antenna means)
306W Label creation antenna (label creation antenna means)
308 Conveying roller (conveying means)
310 Storage unit (device-side storage means)
350 Cartridge 351 Cartridge Holder 356 Display Unit (Display Unit)
357 operation unit (operation means)
S Print area Sx Fixed print area TR RFID tag To-C Cartridge tag (storage body side storage means)
To-R RFID circuit element (RF tag circuit element for information acquisition)
To-W RFID circuit element (RFID tag circuit element for label production)

Claims (21)

A transport means for transporting a tag medium in which an RFID circuit element for producing a label having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag antenna for transmitting and receiving information is disposed;
Printing means for performing printing on the tag medium transported by the transporting means or a printing medium bonded to the tag medium;
Label producing antenna means for transmitting and receiving information via wireless communication to the label producing RFID circuit element of the tag medium;
Information acquisition provided with an IC circuit unit that is provided on a RFID label that has been printed on a print area and that stores fixed print area information related to a fixed print area that can be used by an operator as print content information. Information acquisition antenna means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the wireless tag circuit element by wireless communication;
Information acquisition means for acquiring the fixed print area information from the information acquisition RFID circuit element via the information acquisition antenna means;
A tag label producing apparatus comprising: at least a printing control unit that controls printing by the printing unit using the fixed printing region information acquired by the information acquisition unit. In the tag label producing apparatus according to claim 1,
The information acquisition means includes
Via the information acquisition antenna means, from the information acquisition RFID circuit element, obtains design related information associated with the design information of the fixed print area as the fixed print area information,
The print control means includes
A tag label producing apparatus, wherein the printing unit is controlled so as to perform printing based on design information of the fixed printing area acquired using the design related information. In the tag label producing apparatus according to claim 1,
The information acquisition means includes
Via the information acquisition antenna means, from the RFID circuit element for information acquisition, obtain design information of the fixed print area as the fixed print area information,
The print control means includes
A tag label producing apparatus, wherein the printing unit is controlled so as to perform printing based on the acquired design information. In the tag label production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Device-side storage means for storing information;
A tag label producing apparatus, comprising: a first writing control unit capable of writing the fixed printing area information acquired by the information acquiring unit into the apparatus-side storage unit. In the tag label production apparatus according to claim 4,
A tag label producing apparatus comprising first reading control means for reading out the fixed printing area information stored in the apparatus-side storage means. In the tag label production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An apparatus for producing a tag label, comprising: a storage body installation unit that can attach and detach a wireless tag circuit element storage body capable of supplying the tag medium. In the tag label producing apparatus according to claim 6,
And a second writing control unit capable of writing the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquisition unit into a storage unit side storage unit provided in a RFID circuit element storage unit installed in the storage unit installation unit. Tag label making device. In the tag label production apparatus according to claim 7,
A tag label producing apparatus comprising second reading control means for reading the fixed printing area information stored in the storage body side storage means. In the tag label producing apparatus according to claim 6,
Tag medium detection means for detecting the type of the tag medium provided in the RFID circuit element storage body installed in the storage body installation unit;
A tag label producing apparatus, comprising: compatibility determination means for determining compatibility between the type of the tag medium detected by the tag medium detection means and the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquisition means . In the tag label production apparatus according to claim 9,
A tag label producing apparatus, comprising: a notification signal generating means for generating a non-conformance notification signal for notifying that when the conformity determination means determines non-conformity. In the tag label production apparatus according to claim 9,
Area change means for changing the fixed print area information acquired by the information acquisition means in accordance with the type of the tag medium detected by the tag medium detection means when it is determined as non-conformity by the compatibility determination means Have
The print control means includes
A tag label producing apparatus characterized by controlling printing by the printing means using at least the fixed printing area changed by the area changing means. In the tag label production apparatus according to any one of claims 4, 5, 7, and 8,
The first or second writing control means is
The fixed label area information newly acquired by the information acquisition means is automatically and sequentially written and accumulated in the apparatus side storage means or the storage body side storage means. The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 12,
A tag label producing apparatus comprising: deletion processing means for deleting at least a part of the accumulated fixed print area information in accordance with a storage state of the apparatus side storage means or the container side storage means. In the tag label production apparatus according to claim 13,
An identifier providing unit capable of assigning a deletion prevention identifier for preventing the deletion processing function by the deletion processing unit from reaching the fixed print area information stored in the device-side storage unit or the container-side storage unit; The tag label production apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the tag label producing apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 8,
A tag label producing apparatus, comprising: a first display signal generating means for generating and outputting a first display signal for displaying the fixed print area corresponding to the fixed print area information. The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
Among the plurality of fixed print area information stored in the device-side storage unit or the storage-unit-side storage unit, the first display signal generation unit preferentially performs the reading process after the reading process by the first or second reading control unit. A tag label producing apparatus comprising: a display setting unit capable of setting what generates a first display signal. The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
The display setting means includes
Of the plurality of fixed print area information stored in the device-side storage unit or the storage-unit-side storage unit, the first display signal is generated preferentially with the latest time acquired by the information acquisition unit. A tag label producing apparatus, characterized in that it is set as to be performed. The tag label producing device according to any one of claims 15 to 17,
A tag label producing apparatus comprising display means for displaying the fixed print area corresponding to the first display signal. The tag label producing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
The information acquisition antenna means includes:
Between the fixed print area information and the RFID tag circuit element for information acquisition provided with the IC circuit unit storing and holding the variable print information variably set by the operator based on the fixed print area as the print content information , Send and receive information via wireless communication,
The information acquisition means acquires the fixed print area information and the variable print information from the information acquisition RFID circuit element via the information acquisition antenna means,
A tag label producing apparatus comprising: a second display signal generating unit that generates and outputs a second display signal for displaying the variable printing information acquired by the information acquiring unit. The tag label producing device according to claim 19,
Information input means for inputting new variable print information corresponding to the second display signal;
The print control means includes
A tag label producing apparatus that controls printing by the printing unit using the fixed printing region corresponding to the fixed printing region information and the variable printing information input by the information input unit. The tag label producing device according to claim 20,
An apparatus for producing a tag label, comprising operation means for operating and inputting the new variable print information.

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