JP2012176523A - Validation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance operator work efficiency by determining whether paper discharge speed of a printer can be followed, and by performing appropriate processing according to the determination result.SOLUTION: This validation device includes: an external connection terminal connected to a printer; a conveyance unit for conveying paper; a reader for reading print information printed on the paper; and a controller for calculating, on the basis of information on conditions for reading the print information, the maximum conveyance speed at which the print information can be verified while conveying the paper, comparing the calculated maximum conveyance speed with the paper discharge speed of the printer, and when it is determined thereby that the print information cannot be verified while the paper is conveyed while following the paper discharge speed of the printer, outputting, to the external connection terminal, a signal for setting the speed at which the paper is ejected from the printer to a value equal to or less than the calculated maximum conveyance speed, and verifying the print information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a verification device that verifies print information by reading print information such as barcodes and characters printed on a print medium.

  In a printer that prints printing information such as barcodes and characters on labels and tags, as a print medium (hereinafter also referred to as “paper”), for example, a predetermined length on a long strip (separator) A label continuum in which labels are temporarily attached at a predetermined interval or a strip-shaped sheet for tag production is used. In addition, in order to verify whether or not the print information is correctly printed on the paper, a verification device that reads the print information printed on the paper using a scanner and verifies the print information is used. Furthermore, printers equipped with such a verification device are also known.

  When printed paper discharged from a printer that prints barcodes on paper is directly inserted into the verification device, the paper transport speed in the verification device automatically follows the paper discharge speed from the printer. It is desirable to make it. Generally, a paper discharge speed in a printer that prints a barcode or the like is in a range from 2 inches / second (about 51 mm / s) to 10 inches / second (about 254 mm / s). In order to verify a barcode or the like printed on a discharged sheet, the sheet conveyance speed in the verification apparatus must also follow the above speed.

  However, in verification of a barcode or the like, it is necessary to decode image data obtained by reading the barcode or the like to generate read data, collate the read data with reference data, and transmit or store the verification result. Therefore, in particular, verification of a two-dimensional code such as a QR code or DataMatrix takes time, and there is a case where a sheet cannot be conveyed at a speed of 10 inches / second. In such a case, the paper discharged from the printer is not smoothly input to the verification device, causing a problem that the paper is curled and the label is peeled off.

  As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a paper feeding device that can keep a paper interval constant even when the paper start position varies when the paper is fed, and such a paper feeding device. A document reading apparatus provided is disclosed. The sheet feeding device includes a sheet storage unit that stacks sheets, a sheet feeding unit that feeds stacked sheets, a separation conveyance unit that separates and conveys the fed sheets one by one, and a separation conveyance unit And detecting means for detecting the leading end position of the paper separated and conveyed, and control means for controlling the conveyance speed for conveying the paper, and the control means conveys the paper based on the detection result of the detection means. The timing for changing the conveyance speed from the first conveyance speed to the second conveyance speed is determined, and the conveyance speed is changed at the timing. However, in a verification device such as a bar code, it is necessary to transport the paper in consideration of the verification time of the bar code or the like, so the paper transport speed cannot always be controlled freely.

JP 2009-249126 A (abstract)

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention provides a verification apparatus that verifies print information by reading print information such as barcodes and characters printed on a print medium by a printer. An object is to determine whether it is possible to verify the print information while following the print medium while conveying the print medium, and to perform an appropriate process according to the determination result, thereby improving the work efficiency of the operator.

  In order to solve the above problems, a verification apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is a verification apparatus that reads print information printed on a print medium by a printer and verifies the print information. External connection terminals used for transmitting and / or receiving signals, a transport unit that transports a print medium on which print information is printed, and optically print information printed on the print medium transported by the transport unit Based on the reading unit that reads and generates an output signal, and information related to the reading condition of the print information, the maximum value of the conveyance speed capable of verifying the print information while conveying the print medium is calculated, and the calculated conveyance By comparing the maximum value of the speed with the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer, the print information is detected while transporting the print medium following the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer. When it is determined that it is impossible to output, a signal for setting the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer to be equal to or less than the maximum value of the calculated transport speed is output to the external connection terminal and generated by the reading unit. And a control unit that verifies print information based on the output signal.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that it is impossible to verify print information while conveying the print medium following the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer, the print medium from the printer The operator can increase the work efficiency of the operator by automatically outputting the output speed of the print medium in the printer by outputting a signal to the external connection terminal to set the discharge speed below the maximum value of the calculated transport speed. it can.

It is the schematic which shows the printing / verification system using the verification apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of verification of a series of labels issued continuously. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the detailed internal structure of the verification apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control part in the verification apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with the peripheral part. It is a figure which shows the change of the reflectance in the image obtained by reading a one-dimensional code along a straight line. It is a figure for demonstrating the definition of the decodability of a one-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows the determination division about each grade determination item of a one-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows the determination division in the comprehensive grade determination of a one-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows the determination division about each grade determination item of a two-dimensional code. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of evaluating the damage of the functional cell of a two-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows the determination classification about each grade determination item of the functional cell of a two-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the barcode used as the premise at the time of examining time required in order to verify various barcodes. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a sheet movement amount and a movement time required when the conveyance speed is 10 inches / second. It is a figure which shows the time required in order to verify various barcodes. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st operation example of the verification apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd operation example of the verification apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same referential mark is attached | subjected to the same component and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a printing / verification system using a verification apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This printing / verification system includes a printer 10 and a verification device 20. The printer 10 prints printing information such as a barcode and characters on a label temporarily attached to the mount or a sheet such as a strip-shaped sheet for tag manufacture. The verification device 20 reads the print information printed on the paper and verifies the print information. It is also possible to connect the printer 10 or the verification device 20 to a personal computer 30 serving as a host.

  The verification device 20 is not integrated with the printer 10 and can be installed in any place. Even when a plurality of types of printers 10 are used, it is possible to verify print information printed on a print medium by the printers 10 using a single verification device 20.

  In the following, a case where a label temporarily attached to a mount is used as the paper 1 and a barcode is printed on the label will be described as an example. In the present application, the “bar code” includes not only a normal bar code (one-dimensional code) but also a two-dimensional code such as a QR code or DataMatrix.

  In the printer 10, the paper 1 is rotatably supported on a paper supply shaft 11 provided in a housing of the printer 10 as roll paper wound in a roll shape. The paper 1 drawn out from the paper supply shaft 11 is supplied between the platen roller 12 and the thermal head 13 and is conveyed by the rotation of the platen roller 12.

  As the label, for example, thermal paper that develops a specific color (such as black or red) when a certain temperature region is reached is used. By supplying an electrical signal based on the print data to the thermal head 13, the heating element of the thermal head 13 generates heat, and a barcode is printed on the label. The printed paper 1 is discharged to the outside from a paper discharge port formed in the housing of the printer 10. The paper 1 discharged from the printer 10 may be directly inserted into the verification device 20 or may be inserted into the verification device 20 after being cut once.

  The verification device 20 includes a transport unit including an upstream transport unit 21, an intermediate transport unit 22, and a downstream transport unit 23 having a plurality of transport rollers, and a barcode printed on the paper 1 transported by the transport unit. A scanner unit 24 that generates an output signal, a marking unit 25 that stamps a label in which a verification error has occurred, and a control unit 26 that controls the operation of each unit of the verification device 20. Further, the verification apparatus 20 may include an external connection terminal (Extra terminal) 27 connected to the printer 10 via a cable. The external connection terminal 27 is used for transmitting and / or receiving signals with the printer 10.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, when the paper 1 discharged from the printer 10 is directly inserted into the verification device 20, the paper conveyance speed in the verification device 20 is set to the paper discharge speed from the printer 10. It is desirable to make it follow automatically. Generally, a paper discharge speed in a printer that prints a barcode or the like is in a range from 2 inches / second (about 51 mm / s) to 10 inches / second (about 254 mm / s). In order to verify a barcode or the like printed on a discharged sheet, the sheet conveyance speed in the verification apparatus must also follow the above speed.

  However, for example, in barcode verification, it is necessary to decode image data obtained by reading a barcode to generate read data, check the read data against reference data, and transmit or store the verification result. Therefore, verification of the two-dimensional code takes time, and the paper may not be conveyed at a speed of 10 inches / second. In such a case, the paper 1 discharged from the printer 10 is not smoothly input to the verification device 20, and the paper 1 is curled and the label is peeled off.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the paper 1 discharged from the printer 10 is directly inserted into the verification device 20, the control unit 26 of the verification device 20 uses the paper 1 based on the information related to the barcode reading condition. By calculating the maximum value of the conveyance speed at which the barcode can be verified while conveying the paper, and comparing the calculated maximum value of the conveyance speed with the discharge speed of the paper from the printer 10, It is determined whether it is possible to verify the barcode while conveying the paper 1 following the discharge speed.

  When the control unit 26 determines that it is impossible to verify the print information while conveying the paper 1 following the paper discharge speed from the printer 10, the control unit 26 calculates the paper discharge speed from the printer 10. A printer discharge speed setting signal that is set to be equal to or less than the maximum value of the transport speed is output to the external connection terminal 27. When the printer 10 receives the printer discharge speed setting signal from the external connection terminal 27 of the verification device 20, the printer 10 decreases the paper discharge speed according to the printer discharge speed setting signal. Thereby, even if an operator does not operate, the discharge speed of the paper from the printer 10 and the conveyance speed of the paper in the verification device 20 are adjusted appropriately.

  Alternatively, when the paper 1 discharged from the printer 10 is once cut and then inserted into the verification device 20, the control unit 26 of the verification device 20 conveys the paper 1 based on the information regarding the barcode reading conditions. The maximum value of the conveyance speed capable of verifying the barcode is calculated, and when the paper discharge speed from the printer 10 is input using the operation unit, the calculated maximum value of the conveyance speed is calculated by the printer. 10 to determine whether it is possible to verify the barcode while conveying the paper 1 following the paper discharge speed from the printer 10 by comparing with the paper discharge speed from the printer 10. The display unit or the sound generation unit is controlled so as to notify the user. Thereby, the operator can determine whether or not the sheet 1 discharged from the printer 10 may be directly inserted into the verification device 20.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a verification example of a series of labels issued continuously. The sheet 1 is configured by temporarily attaching eight labels 3 to a mount 2 so as to be peeled off. The scanner unit 24 sequentially reads the eight barcodes 4 printed on each of the eight labels 3 and generates an output signal. These barcodes 4 have a barcode number No. 1-8 shall be attached | subjected.

  The control unit 26 shown in FIG. 1 generates image data representing an image of the read barcode based on the output signal of the scanner unit 24, decodes the image data, and reads the content of the read barcode. The barcode 4 printed on the label 3 is verified by generating read data representing (numbers and characters) and comparing the read data with reference data representing the content of the barcode to be originally printed. .

  When a verification error occurs (when the scanner unit 24 cannot read the barcode or the verification result is NG), the control unit 26 prints the barcode where the verification error has occurred. The marking unit 25 is controlled so as to stamp the label. As a result, the marking unit 25 impresses the “unusable” stamp 5 on the label on which the barcode (barcode number No. 2) in which the verification error has occurred is printed.

  FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a detailed internal structure of the verification apparatus shown in FIG. In addition to the upstream conveyance unit 21 to the external connection terminal 27 described above, the verification device 20 includes a sound generation unit 28, an insertion unit 40, a lower conveyance guide plate 51, an upper conveyance guide plate 52, and an insertion. A sensor 53, an upstream side movement detection unit 54, a downstream side movement detection unit 55, a label position detection unit 56, a motor 57, an encoder 58, a belt 59, a display unit 73, and an operation unit 74 are included. It is out. Here, the insertion unit 40, the upstream conveyance unit 21 to the downstream conveyance unit 23, and the lower conveyance guide plate 51 to the belt 59 constitute a conveyance unit that conveys a sheet.

  The insertion unit 40 includes an insertion guide 41, an insertion sensor 42, a motor 43, belts 44 and 46, a rotation roller 45, conveyance rollers 47 and 49, a conveyance belt 48, and a guide roller 50. . The insertion guide 41 is a part that guides the sheet when the sheet printed by the printer 10 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into the verification device 20. It includes a paper guide 41a that can move in the direction.

  The insertion sensor 42 is provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the insertion guide 41, detects the inserted paper, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 26. When a sheet is inserted into the insertion unit 40, the control unit 26 controls the motor 43 to rotate the rotation shaft 43a. The rotation of the rotating shaft 43 a is transmitted to the rotating roller 45 via the belt 44 and further transmitted to the transport roller 47 via the belt 46. As a result, the transport belt 48 connecting the transport rollers 47 and 49 is sent, so that the paper inserted into the insertion portion 40 is sandwiched and transported between the transport belt 48 and the guide roller 50.

  The sheet conveyed by the insertion unit 40 is inserted between the lower conveyance guide plate 51 and the upper conveyance guide plate 52. The insertion sensor 53 is provided in the immediate vicinity of the insertion unit 40 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, detects the conveyed paper, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 26. When receiving the detection signal from the insertion sensor 53, the control unit 26 controls the motor 57 that drives the upstream transport unit 21 to the downstream transport unit 23 so as to transport the paper.

  The lower conveyance guide plate 51 has a plurality of conveyance openings and a plurality of detection openings. The plurality of transport rollers 21 a of the upstream transport unit 21, the plurality of transport rollers 22 a of the intermediate transport unit 22, and the plurality of transport rollers 23 a of the downstream transport unit 23 pass through the plurality of transport openings, and the lower transport guide plate 51. Projecting upward. The plurality of detection rollers 54a of the upstream side movement detection unit 54 and the plurality of detection rollers 55a of the downstream side movement detection unit 55 protrude above the lower conveyance guide plate 51 through a plurality of detection openings.

  The upper conveyance guide plate 52 is also formed with a plurality of conveyance openings and a plurality of detection openings. The plurality of transport rollers 21b of the upstream transport unit 21, the plurality of transport rollers 22b of the intermediate transport unit 22, and the plurality of transport rollers 23b of the downstream transport unit 23 are connected to the upper transport guide plate 52 through a plurality of transport openings. It protrudes downward. Further, the plurality of detection rollers 54b of the upstream side movement detection unit 54 and the plurality of detection rollers 55b of the downstream side movement detection unit 55 protrude below the upper conveyance guide plate 52 through a plurality of detection openings.

  The transport roller 21a and the transport roller 21b are disposed so as to face each other and contact each other. Similarly, the transport roller 22a and the transport roller 22b are disposed so as to be opposed to each other, and the transport roller 23a and the transport roller 23b are disposed so as to be opposed to each other.

  The transport rollers 21a to 23a are driven by a motor 57 via a belt, a torque limiter, and an idle gear (not shown). These components also constitute a transport unit. When the paper discharged from the printer 10 shown in FIG. 1 is directly inserted into the verification device 20, the torque limiter adjusts the paper transport speed in the verification device 20 to the paper discharge speed from the printer 10. This is to limit the tension applied to.

  When transporting the paper inserted from the insertion unit 40, first, in the upstream transport unit 21, the transport roller 21a contacts the paper from below in the figure, and the transport roller 21b contacts the paper from above in the figure. In response to the driving force of the motor 57, the transport roller 21a rotates to transport the paper in the downstream direction (left direction in FIG. 3).

  The intermediate transport unit 22 is downstream in the transport direction with respect to the upstream transport unit 21 and is downstream in the transport direction from the position where the scanner unit 24 reads the print information printed on the sheet (the position indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 3). It is provided in the vicinity on the side. In the intermediate transport unit 22, the transport roller 22 a contacts the paper from below in the figure, the transport roller 22 b contacts the paper from the top in the figure, and the transport roller 22 a rotates by receiving the driving force of the motor 57. The paper is conveyed in the downstream direction. By providing the intermediate conveyance unit 22 at such a position, the flatness of the sheet at the position indicated by the arrow A can be improved, and the printing information can be read with high accuracy by the scanner unit 24.

  The downstream transport unit 23 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the intermediate transport unit 22 and on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the marking unit 25. In the downstream side conveyance unit 23, the conveyance roller 23a contacts the sheet from the lower side in the figure, the conveyance roller 23b contacts the sheet from the upper side in the figure, and the conveyance roller 23a rotates by receiving the driving force of the motor 57. The sheet is conveyed in the downstream direction. By providing the downstream side conveyance unit 23 at such a position, it is possible to improve the flatness of the sheet at the marking position and perform the marking well.

  The upstream side movement detection unit 54 is disposed closest to the upstream side conveyance unit 21 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and includes detection rollers 54a and 54b and a pulley 54c. The downstream side movement detection unit 55 is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the intermediate conveyance unit 22 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and includes detection rollers 55a and 55b and a pulley 55c. The encoder 58 includes a pulley 58c.

  In the upstream side movement detection unit 54, the detection roller 54a contacts the paper from the lower side in the figure, and the detection roller 54b contacts the paper from the upper side in the figure, so that the detection rollers 54a and 54b rotate when the paper is conveyed. To do. Similarly, in the downstream side movement detection unit 55, when the detection roller 55a contacts the sheet from the lower side in the figure and the detection roller 55b contacts the sheet from the upper side in the figure, the detection roller 55a and the detection roller 55a and 55b rotates.

  A belt 59 is hung on the pulleys 54c, 55c, and 58c. Therefore, when at least one of the pulleys 54c and 55c rotates, the rotation propagates to the pulley 58c. The encoder 58 is a rotary encoder, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 26 based on the rotation of the pulley 58c.

  The label position detection unit 56 preferably includes both a reflection type photosensor and a transmission type photosensor. The reflective optical sensor detects a position detection mark (eye mark) printed corresponding to the label position on at least one surface of the paper, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 26. The transmissive optical sensor detects a difference in light transmittance between a region where a label exists and a region where no label exists on the paper, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 26.

  When the reflection type photosensor is used, the lower sensor 56a or the upper sensor 56b is configured by a reflection type photosensor. On the other hand, when a transmissive photosensor is used, the lower sensor 56a is configured by a light emitting unit or a light receiving unit of the transmissive photosensor, and the upper sensor 56b is configured by a light receiving unit or a light emitting unit of the transmissive photosensor. The

  The scanner unit 24 is a reading unit that optically reads a barcode printed on a sheet and generates an output signal by scanning the conveyed sheet. For example, the scanner unit 24 includes an illumination unit and an optical sensor unit. The optical sensor unit reads a barcode printed on a sheet illuminated by the illumination unit, and generates an output signal. An image sensor such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor can be used as the optical sensor unit. An output signal generated by the scanner unit 24 is output to the control unit 26.

  The marking unit 25 is a stamping unit that stamps a label on which a barcode on which a verification error has occurred is printed under the control of the control unit 26. If the scanner unit 24 cannot read the barcode or if the barcode read by the scanner unit 24 is different from the barcode to be printed, the barcode is printed. A label such as “impossible” or “NG” is applied to the label. The marking unit 25 may perform marking using a laser or an ink jet, or may perform marking by cutting out a part of a sheet or opening a hole. Furthermore, when a verification error occurs or when an operation error occurs, the control unit 26 may cause the sound generation unit 28 to generate a sound (message or buzzer sound).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control unit in the verification apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 26 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 60, a ROM (read only memory) 61, a flash RAM (random access memory) 62, a paper detection control circuit 63, and the like. , Pitch detection control circuit 64, drive control circuit 65, encoder control circuit 66, interface (IF) 67, setting unit 68, scan control circuit 69, verification unit 70, marking control circuit 71, audio Circuit 72. These are connected to each other via a bus line.

  The ROM 61 stores software (control program) for causing the CPU 60 to perform various processes. The CPU 60 controls the paper detection control circuit 63 to the audio circuit 72 according to a control program stored in the ROM 61. The flash RAM 62 serving as a storage unit stores reference data representing the contents of print information that should be printed.

  The reference data is stored in advance in the flash RAM 62 by using a portable external storage medium such as a memory card, USB memory, flexible disk, MO, MT, CD-R / W, DVD-R / W, or DVD-RAM. Stored in Alternatively, the reference data may be stored in the flash RAM 62 via the interface 67 from the personal computer 30.

  The sheet detection control circuit 63 controls the insertion sensor 42 so as to detect whether or not a sheet has been inserted into the insertion unit 40, and also detects whether or not a sheet has been inserted into the verification apparatus main body. 53 is controlled. The pitch detection control circuit 64 obtains the position of the label temporarily attached to the mount (position in the longitudinal direction of the paper) based on the detection signal output from the label position detection unit 56, and the label position detection unit 56 The distance from the detection of a label to the detection of the next label is obtained as the label pitch.

  The drive control circuit 65 controls the motor 43 so as to convey the sheet when the sheet is inserted into the insertion unit 40, and conveys the sheet when the sheet is inserted into the verification apparatus main body. The motor 57 is controlled. The encoder control circuit 66 obtains the sheet movement amount or the conveyance speed based on the detection signal output from the encoder 58. The sheet moving amount or the conveyance speed obtained by the encoder control circuit 66 may be fed back to the control of the motors 43 and 57 by the drive control circuit 65.

  The CPU 60 is connected to the display unit 73 and the operation unit 74 via the interface 67. The display unit 73 displays, for example, a liquid crystal panel that displays an operation message or the like based on a signal supplied from the CPU 60, a light-emitting diode that displays that a barcode is being read, and that a verification error has occurred. And a light emitting diode.

  The operation unit 74 is used, for example, for setting operation keys such as a start key used for operating the verification device 20 and internal setting information (verification target information, operation setting contents of the verification device, and the like). It includes an internal setting information setting key and a numeric keypad used for inputting the paper discharge speed from the printer.

  The setting unit 68 stores the internal setting information set using the operation unit 74 or the personal computer 30 in the flash RAM 62. The setting unit 68 reads internal setting information from the flash RAM 62. The CPU 60 controls each unit of the verification device 20 according to the internal setting information.

  The internal setting information of the verification device 20 includes, for example, the paper size, the paper position, the printing information reading position on the paper, the type of barcode that is the printing information, as information (reading condition information) relating to the printing information reading conditions. Contains information about barcode size, number of barcodes, etc. The reading condition information preferably includes at least information on the position of the barcode, the type of barcode, and the barcode size. The CPU 60 determines the barcode reading range on the sheet based on the reading condition information, calculates the barcode verification time, and further determines the barcode speed at which the barcode can be verified while conveying the sheet. The maximum value (for example, 9 inches / second) is calculated.

  When the paper discharged from the printer is directly inserted into the verification device 20, the encoder is set so that the paper is not loosened by setting the paper conveyance speed in the verification device 20 to be equal to or higher than the paper discharge speed from the printer. The sheet conveyance speed measured by the control circuit 66 becomes equal to the sheet discharge speed from the printer. The CPU 60 can verify the barcode while transporting the paper following the paper discharge speed from the printer by comparing the calculated maximum value of the transport speed with the paper discharge speed from the printer. It is determined whether or not there is.

  When it is determined that the barcode can be verified while conveying the paper following the paper discharge speed (for example, 8 inches / second) from the printer, the CPU 60 uses the paper in the verification device 20. Is set to be 3% faster than the paper discharge speed from the printer 10, so that the paper transport speed automatically follows the paper discharge speed from the printer 10 without relaxing the paper.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that it is impossible to verify the barcode while conveying the paper following the paper discharge speed (for example, 10 inches / second) from the printer, the CPU 60 A printer discharge speed setting signal for setting the discharge speed of the paper to be equal to or less than the maximum value of the calculated transport speed (for example, 8 inches / second) is output to the external connection terminal 27. When the printer receives the printer discharge speed setting signal from the external connection terminal 27 of the verification device 20, the printer decreases the paper discharge speed to, for example, 8 inches / second according to the printer discharge speed setting signal.

  However, depending on the printer, the paper discharge speed or the like cannot be controlled from the outside. Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that it is impossible to verify the print information while conveying the paper following the discharge speed of the paper from the printer, the CPU 60 determines the paper discharged from the printer. In order to directly insert the image into the verification device 20, the display unit 73 is controlled so as to notify that the discharge speed of the paper from the printer needs to be reduced below the maximum value of the calculated conveyance speed, or the audio circuit The sound generation unit 28 may be controlled via 72. For example, the display unit 73 may display “Please set the paper discharge speed from the printer to XX or lower”.

  Alternatively, instead of using the reading condition information set using the operation unit 74 or the personal computer 30, the verification device 20 actually reads a plurality of barcodes and sets the reading condition information based on the result. Anyway. For example, in the reading condition setting mode, the scan control circuit 69 controls the scanner unit 24 so as to read the barcode printed on the paper transported by the transport unit in the maximum scan range. The CPU 60 detects a reading range corresponding to the barcode printed on the paper based on the output signal of the scanner unit 24, and stores the detected reading range in the flash RAM 62 as reading condition information.

  When the paper discharged from the printer is once cut and then inserted into the verification device 20, the paper conveyance speed in the verification device 20 is used to verify the print information regardless of the paper discharge speed from the printer. It can be set automatically or manually according to the time required (self-running). The CPU 60 calculates the maximum conveyance speed at which the barcode can be verified while conveying the paper, based on the information related to the barcode reading condition.

  In this case, when the paper discharge speed from the printer is input using the operation unit 74, the CPU 60 compares the calculated maximum conveyance speed with the paper discharge speed from the printer. The display unit 73 or the audio circuit 72 is controlled so as to determine whether or not the barcode can be verified while conveying the sheet following the sheet discharge speed from the printer, and to notify the determination result. .

  In the verification mode, the scan control circuit 69 controls the scanner unit 24 to perform a barcode reading operation when a sheet is conveyed. In particular, the scan control circuit 69 controls the scanner unit 24 so that the barcode reading operation is performed in the reading range designated by the CPU 60. Thereby, the barcode verification operation can be performed efficiently.

  The verification unit 70 generates image data representing an image of the read barcode based on the output signal of the scanner unit 24, decodes the image data, and reads the content (numbers and characters) of the barcode. Is generated. At that time, the verification unit 70 determines whether or not the scanner unit 24 can read the barcode based on whether or not the barcode can be decoded. Further, the verification unit 70 compares the generated read data with reference data representing the content of the barcode to be originally printed stored in the flash RAM 62 and determines the barcode grade. Further, the verification unit 70 transmits verification data regarding the verified barcode to the personal computer 30 or saves the verification data in a verification file stored in the flash RAM 62.

  The marking control circuit 71 controls the marking unit 25 so as to stamp a label on which a barcode on which a verification error has occurred is printed. Thereby, the marking unit 25 performs a stamp such as “impossible” or “NG” on the label on which the barcode on which the verification error has occurred is printed. The audio circuit 72 causes the audio generator 28 to generate audio (message or warning sound) when a verification error occurs or when an operation error occurs.

  Here, in the items (verification data) that can be verified in the barcode verification, the determination result as to whether or not the barcode could be read, the collation result of the read data, and the barcode could be read. The determination result of the print quality (grade) in the case is included.

  In the case of a one-dimensional code, grade determination items include, for example, contrast, modulation, defect, and the number of readable lines (for example, the number of readable lines in 10 lines). In the case of a two-dimensional code, for example, contrast, axial non-uniformity, unused error correction, and functional cell damage may be mentioned.

  The grade determination result of the one-dimensional code in the verification unit 70 includes, for example, the type of barcode, read data, Rmin grade, SC grade, ECmin grade, MOD grade, DEF grade, V grade, and overall Grade and a verification date may be included.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a change in reflectance in an image obtained by reading a one-dimensional code along a straight line. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the position on the straight line, and the vertical axis represents the reflectance (%).

In order to read the barcode, it is desirable that the minimum reflectance Rmin is 50% or less of the maximum reflectance Rmax.
Rmin ≦ Rmax × 50%
The overall threshold is (Rmin + Rmax) / 2.

The symbol contrast SC is defined as the difference between the highest reflectance Rmax and the lowest reflectance Rmin.
SC = Rmax−Rmin

The minimum edge contrast ECmin is defined as the minimum value among the differences between the reflectance Rs ′ of the space portion and the reflectance Rb ′ of the bar adjacent to the space portion.
ECmin = MIN (Rs′−Rb ′)
Here, MIN (x) represents the minimum value of the variable x.

The modulation MOD is defined as a value obtained by dividing the minimum edge contrast ECmin (position of the edge 4) by the symbol contrast SC.
MOD = ECmin / SC

The defect DEF is defined as a value obtained by dividing the maximum width ERNmax (position of the element 7) of the reflectance variation of the bar by the symbol contrast SC.
DEF = ERNmax / SC

As shown in FIG. 6, when the position of each bar varies as shown in FIG. 6, the width of the remaining space in the width W of one module (the smallest unit that determines the width of the bar and space of the barcode) (the smaller one). Is divided by 0.5W.
V = a / 0.5W (when a ≦ b)
V = b / 0.5W (when a> b)

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing determination categories for each grade determination item of the one-dimensional code, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing determination categories in the overall grade determination of the one-dimensional code. Each grade determination item is given a score of 4 to 0 according to the classification as shown in FIG. Further, the average AVE of 10 lines is obtained for each grade determination item, and the average AVE values are classified into grades A to D and F according to the classification as shown in FIG. Here, the lowest grade among the grades determined for the plurality of grade determination items is set as the overall grade.

  In FIG. 8, grade A is the highest quality, the most reliable, and the quality that the barcode reader can read the barcode by scanning the symbol only once. Grade B is a quality that can be read in one scan line in most cases or read by rescanning. Grade C is of a quality that can be read by increasing the number of rescans compared to grade B. Grade D is a quality that can be read by passing a plurality of scanning lines through a symbol, but there are symbols that cannot be read by a barcode reader. Grade F is a quality that is likely to fail in reading.

  The grade determination result of the two-dimensional code (QR code) in the verification unit 70 includes, for example, the type of barcode, read data, SC grade, D (horizontal) grade, D (vertical) grade, AN It includes a grade, a UEC grade, and a general grade, and may further include a verification date and time.

The symbol contrast SC is defined as the difference between the white reflectance Rmax and the black reflectance Rmin.
SC = Rmax−Rmin

The expansion / contraction D of the cell is defined as the expansion / contraction degree of the width of the white region when the white region and the black region of the timing cell are adjacent to each other in two directions of the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). Defined. That is, the width W (%) of the white region is allowed to be (50 ± 15)% on the basis of the case where the width of the white region is 50% and the width of the black region is 50%. The expansion / contraction D of the cell is defined as the ratio of the error of the width W (%) of the white area to the margin 15%.
D = (W-50%) / 15%

The axial non-uniformity AN is defined by the following equation when the average cell size in the X-axis direction is X _AVG and the average cell size in the Y-axis direction is Y _AVG .
AN = ABS (X _AVG -Y _AVG ) / {(X _AVG + Y _AVG ) / 2}
Here, ABS (x) represents the absolute value of the variable x.

The unused error correction UEC is defined by the following equation when the measured error correction number is _NEC and the maximum possible error correction number is N _MAX .
UEC = 1-N _EC / N _MAX

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing determination categories for each grade determination item of the two-dimensional code. Each grade determination item is given a score of 4 to 0 according to the classification as shown in FIG. Furthermore, grade determination may be performed for damage to functional cells.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for evaluating the damage of the functional cell of the two-dimensional code. For the three cutout symbols A1, A2, and A3, the number A of cells in which white or black is inverted is counted. Grade determination is performed for each of the cutout symbols A1, A2, and A3.

Also, the horizontal and vertical timing cells B1, B2, counts the number B of cells white or black is inverted, the ratio of the number of cells relative to the number N _TC of one side of the timing cell B b (%) is calculated The
b = B / N _TC x 100%
The grade determination is performed for each of the timing cells B1 and B2.

Furthermore, all of the alignment pattern, the number C of cells white or black is inverted is counted, the percentage c (%) of the number C of cells to the number N _AP of the total cell alignment pattern is calculated.
c = C / N _AP x 100%

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the determination classification for each grade determination item of the functional cell of the two-dimensional code. Each grade determination item is given a score of 4 to 0 according to the classification as shown in FIG. In the above, the lowest grade among the grades determined for the plurality of grade determination items is the overall grade. In grade determination, A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0.

  Next, consider the time required to verify various bar codes. Below, as shown in FIG. 12, the case where the small label on which various barcodes were printed is arrange | positioned with the pitch of 9 mm along the longitudinal direction of the base_sheet | mounting_paper is demonstrated.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the sheet movement amount and the movement time required when the conveyance speed is 10 inches / second. In FIG. 13, the horizontal axis represents the amount of paper movement (mm), and the vertical axis represents the movement time (ms). As shown in FIG. 13, since the moving time while the sheet moves 9 mm is about 35.4 ms, in order to maintain the conveyance speed of 10 inches / second (about 254 mm / s), one barcode is used. Verification is required within about 35 ms.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the time required to verify various bar codes. The verification time in the verification unit 70 shown in FIG. 4 is a time for decoding image data obtained by reading one barcode, a time for checking the read data with reference data, and a time for transmitting or storing the verification result. Is included.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when verifying a QR code (version 1) with a cell pitch of 0.25 mm, the verification time is 32 ms, and when verifying DataMatrix of 14 × 14 cells with a cell pitch of 0.25 mm. The verification time is 40 ms, and when a 16-digit barcode (one-dimensional code) is verified with a cell pitch of 0.15 mm, the verification time is 24 ms. Therefore, it can be seen that when the DataMatrix is verified, the conveyance speed of 10 inches / second (about 254 mm / s) cannot be maintained.

  Next, a first operation example of the verification apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the verification apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the first operation example, the verification device 20 is connected to the printer 10 and used.

  In step S11, the operator connects the external connection terminal 27 of the verification apparatus 20 to the printer 10 via a cable. In step S12, the operator sets the verification apparatus 20 to the power-on state and operates the operation unit 74 to prevent the sheet 1 from being relaxed. Initialize to seconds. The CPU 60 displays a message “please pass the label” on the display unit 73.

  In step S <b> 13, when the operator directly inserts the paper 1 discharged from the printer 10 into the verification device 20, the paper detection control circuit 63 supplies the paper to the insertion unit 40 based on the detection signal output from the insertion sensor 42. The drive control circuit 65 determines that the sheet is inserted, and drives the motor 43 so that the sheet is conveyed by the conveyance belt 48. Further, when the sheet is inserted into the verification apparatus body, the sheet detection control circuit 63 determines that the sheet has been inserted into the verification apparatus body based on the detection signal output from the insertion sensor 53, and the drive control circuit 65 drives the motor 57 so as to convey the sheet by the upstream conveyance unit 21 to the downstream conveyance unit 23.

  The CPU 60 detects the paper discharge speed from the printer 10 based on the paper movement amount or the conveyance speed obtained by the encoder control circuit 66. Further, under the control of the CPU 60, the scan control circuit 69 controls the scanner unit 24 so as to read the barcode printed on the paper conveyed by the conveyance unit in the maximum scan range. The scanner unit 24 reads an image and generates an output signal.

  In step S <b> 14, the CPU 60 is based on the label position and pitch obtained by the pitch detection control circuit 64, the sheet movement amount or conveyance speed obtained by the encoder control circuit 66, and the output signal of the scanner unit 24. The reading condition information relating to the position, type, size, number, and the like of the barcode is detected, and the reading range for performing the barcode reading operation on the paper 1 is designated.

  In step S <b> 15, the CPU 60 calculates a barcode verification time based on the reading condition information, and further calculates a maximum conveyance speed at which the barcode can be verified while the sheet 1 is being conveyed.

  In step S <b> 16, the CPU 60 compares the calculated maximum conveyance speed with the sheet discharge speed from the printer 10, thereby tracking the barcode 1 while conveying the sheet 1 following the sheet discharge speed from the printer 10. It is determined whether or not it is possible to verify. If it is determined that the barcode can be verified while conveying the paper 1 following the paper discharge speed from the printer 10, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is impossible to verify the barcode while conveying the paper 1 following the paper discharge speed from the printer 10, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S <b> 17, the CPU 60 supplies a printer discharge speed setting signal for setting the paper discharge speed from the printer 10 to the calculated maximum value of the conveyance speed or less (preferably 95% or less of the maximum value) to the external connection terminal 27. By outputting, the paper discharge speed from the printer 10 is set low. In general bar code printers, the paper discharge speed cannot be set freely, and one speed can be selected from among five or ten stages. Even when printing is not being performed, the paper discharge speed can be selected. As described above, in the case of a printer in which the paper discharge speed can be set in stages, the paper discharge speed from the printer can be set to be equal to or less than the maximum value of the calculated transport speed.
If it is determined that the barcode cannot be verified while conveying the paper 1 following the paper discharge speed from the printer 10, the operation of the printer 10 via the external connection terminal 27 is performed. Can be stopped.

  In step S <b> 18, the CPU 60 measures the sheet discharge speed from the printer 10 based on the sheet movement amount or the conveyance speed obtained by the encoder control circuit 66, and determines the sheet conveyance speed in the verification device 20 from the printer 10. By setting the sheet discharge speed 3% faster than the sheet discharge speed, the sheet conveyance speed in the verification device 20 is automatically made to follow the sheet discharge speed from the printer 10 without relaxing the sheet 1.

  In step S19, the scan control circuit 69 causes the scanner unit 24 to scan the label in the designated reading range, so that the scanner unit 24 reads the barcode and generates an output signal.

  In step S <b> 20, the verification unit 70 verifies the barcode based on the output signal of the scanner unit 24 and transmits the verification data to the personal computer 30 or stores it in the flash RAM 62. The marking control circuit 71 controls the marking unit 25 to perform imprinting such as “impossible” or “NG” on the label on which the barcode on which the verification error has occurred is printed.

  Based on the detection signal output from the label position detection unit 56, the CPU 60 determines whether there is a label to be verified next. Next, when there is a label to be verified, the above verification operation is repeated. On the other hand, when the verification of the barcode printed on the series of labels temporarily attached to the mount is completed and there is no label to be verified next, the sheet is ejected and the process ends.

  Next, a second operation example of the verification apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the verification apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the second operation example, the verification device 20 is used without being connected to the printer 10.

  In step S <b> 21, the operator turns on the verification device 20 and operates the operation unit 74 to initialize the paper conveyance speed in the verification device 20 to 6 inches / second. The CPU 60 displays a message “please pass the label” on the display unit 73.

  In step S <b> 22, the operator inserts the mount (temporarily cut) on which the three labels, on which the barcodes are printed by the printer 10, are inserted into the verification device 20, thereby verifying the three labels. Let 20 read. Under the control of the CPU 60, the scan control circuit 69 controls the scanner unit 24 so as to read the barcode printed on the paper transported by the transport unit in the maximum scan range. The scanner unit 24 reads an image and generates an output signal.

  In step S <b> 23, the CPU 60 is based on the label position and pitch obtained by the pitch detection control circuit 64, the sheet movement amount or conveyance speed obtained by the encoder control circuit 66, and the output signal of the scanner unit 24. The reading condition information relating to the position, type, size, number, and the like of the barcode is detected, and the reading range for performing the barcode reading operation on the paper 1 is designated.

  In step S <b> 24, the CPU 60 calculates a barcode verification time based on the reading condition information, and further calculates a maximum conveyance speed at which the barcode can be verified while the sheet 1 is being conveyed.

  When the operator inputs the print speed (paper discharge speed) in the printer 10 by operating the operation unit 74 in step S25, the CPU 60 sets the calculated maximum conveyance speed from the printer 10 in step S26. By comparing with the discharge speed of the paper, it is determined whether the barcode can be verified while conveying the paper 1 following the discharge speed of the paper from the printer 10, and the determination result is notified. Thus, the display unit 73 or the audio circuit 72 is controlled.

  If it is determined that the print information can be verified while conveying the paper 1 following the paper discharge speed from the printer 10, the CPU 60 removes the paper 1 discharged from the printer 10. You may control the display part 73 or the audio | voice circuit 72 to notify that it can insert directly in the verification apparatus 20. FIG. For example, the display 73 may display that “paper can be input from the printer”.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is impossible to verify the print information while conveying the paper 1 following the paper discharge speed from the printer 10, the CPU 60 removes the paper 1 discharged from the printer 10. In order to insert directly into the verification device 20, a notification is made that the discharge speed of the paper from the printer 10 needs to be lowered to the calculated maximum value of the transport speed (preferably, 95% or less of the maximum value). The display unit 73 or the audio circuit 72 may be controlled. For example, the display unit 73 may display “Please set the paper discharge speed from the printer to XX or lower”. Thereby, in step S27, the operator sets the paper discharge speed from the printer 10 to be low so as to be equal to or less than the maximum value of the calculated transport speed. In general bar code printers, the paper discharge speed can be selectively set from among five or ten levels. Even when printing is not being performed, the paper discharge speed can be set. Thus, in the case of a printer in which the paper discharge speed can be set in stages, it is possible to set the paper discharge speed from the printer to be equal to or less than the maximum value of the calculated transport speed.

  In step S28, the operator initially sets the sheet conveyance speed in the verification apparatus 20 to 10 inches / second, and directly inserts the sheet discharged from the printer 10 into the verification apparatus.

  In step S <b> 29, the CPU 60 measures the sheet discharge speed from the printer 10 based on the sheet movement amount or the conveyance speed obtained by the encoder control circuit 66, and determines the sheet conveyance speed in the verification device 20 from the printer 10. By setting the sheet discharge speed 3% faster than the sheet discharge speed, the sheet conveyance speed in the verification device 20 is automatically made to follow the sheet discharge speed from the printer 10 without relaxing the sheet 1.

  In step S30, the scan control circuit 69 causes the scanner unit 24 to scan the label within the designated reading range, so that the scanner unit 24 reads the barcode and generates an output signal.

  In step S <b> 31, the verification unit 70 verifies the barcode based on the output signal of the scanner unit 24 and transmits the verification data to the personal computer 30 or stores it in the flash RAM 62. The marking control circuit 71 controls the marking unit 25 to perform imprinting such as “impossible” or “NG” on the label on which the barcode on which the verification error has occurred is printed.

  Based on the detection signal output from the label position detection unit 56, the CPU 60 determines whether there is a label to be verified next. Next, when there is a label to be verified, the above verification operation is repeated. On the other hand, when the verification of the barcode printed on the series of labels temporarily attached to the mount is completed and there is no label to be verified next, the sheet is ejected and the process ends.

1 ... paper,
2 ... Mount,
3 ... label,
4 ... Barcode,
5 ... Stamp
10 ... Printer,
11 ... paper supply shaft,
12 ... Platen roller,
13 ... Thermal head,
20 ... verification device,
21 ... Upstream conveying section,
21a, 21b ... conveying rollers,
22: Intermediate transport section,
22a, 22b ... conveying rollers,
23 ... Downstream conveying section,
23a, 23b ... conveying rollers,
24. Scanner part,
25. Marking part,
26: control unit,
27: External connection terminal,
28 ... the sound generator,
30 ... Personal computer,
42 ... Insertion sensor,
43 ... motor,
53 ... Insertion sensor,
56: Label position detection unit,
56a ... lower sensor,
56b ... Upper sensor,
60 ... CPU,
61 ... ROM,
62: Flash RAM,
63: Paper detection control circuit,
64... Pitch detection control circuit,
65 ... drive control circuit,
66. Encoder control circuit,
67… Interface,
68. Setting section,
69 ... scan control circuit,
70 ... verification section,
71 ... marking control circuit,
72. Audio circuit,
73 ... display section,
74 ... operation unit,

Claims (5)

A verification apparatus that verifies print information by reading print information printed on a print medium by a printer,
An external connection terminal used for transmitting and / or receiving signals with the printer;
A transport unit that transports a print medium on which print information is printed;
A reading unit that optically reads print information printed on a print medium conveyed by the conveyance unit to generate an output signal;
Based on the information relating to the print information reading condition, the maximum value of the conveyance speed capable of verifying the print information while conveying the print medium is calculated, and the calculated maximum value of the conveyance speed is calculated from the printer. If it is determined that it is impossible to verify the print information while conveying the print medium following the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer by comparing with the discharge speed of the printer, the print from the printer A control unit that outputs a signal for setting a discharge speed of the medium to be equal to or less than the maximum value of the calculated conveyance speed to the external connection terminal, and verifies print information based on an output signal generated by the reading unit;
A verification apparatus comprising:   The control unit controls the conveyance unit so as to convey the print medium discharged from the printer without looseness, and obtains the discharge rate of the print medium from the printer by measuring the conveyance speed in the conveyance unit. The verification device according to claim 1. A verification apparatus that verifies print information by reading print information printed on a print medium by a printer,
A transport unit that transports a print medium on which print information is printed;
A reading unit that optically reads print information printed on a print medium conveyed by the conveyance unit to generate an output signal;
Based on the information about the print information reading condition, the maximum value of the conveyance speed capable of verifying the print information while conveying the print medium is calculated, and the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer is calculated using the operation unit. When input, the maximum value of the calculated conveyance speed is compared with the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer, thereby printing while conveying the print medium following the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer. It is determined whether or not the information can be verified, the display unit or the sound generation unit is controlled to notify the determination result, and the print information is verified based on the output signal generated by the reading unit. A control unit for performing
A verification apparatus comprising:   When the control unit determines that it is impossible to verify print information while conveying the print medium following the print medium discharge speed from the printer, the print medium discharged from the printer is Controlling the display unit or the sound generation unit to notify that it is necessary to drop the discharge speed of the print medium from the printer below the maximum value of the calculated conveyance speed in order to insert directly into the verification device; The verification apparatus of any one of Claims 1-3.   5. The verification device according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the print information reading condition includes at least information relating to a barcode position, a barcode type, and a barcode size.

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