JP2017182194A - Control method for authentication device, and control method for printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control method for an authentication device capable of excluding human intermediation in reading of recorded information inside a medium (for example, an ID card) and in reading of recorded information on a medium surface (as a result, a security aspect can be improved).SOLUTION: A control method in an authentication device including: a transportation mechanism transporting a medium; a radio communication section reading information recorded inside the medium by radio; and an optical reading section optically reading information recorded on a surface of the medium, performs reading by the radio communication section in a transportation stop state of the medium after reading execution by the optical reading section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for controlling an authentication apparatus and a method for controlling a printing apparatus, and in particular, can read recorded information inside a medium (for example, an ID card) or read recorded information on the surface of a medium without human intervention. The present invention relates to a method for controlling an authentication apparatus (which can improve security), and a method for controlling a printing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus including a card reader that wirelessly reads an ID card (for example, see Patent Document 1) and an apparatus including an optical reading unit that optically reads character information (for example, see Patent Document 2) are known. .

JP, 2006-015033, A JP-A-5-258100

  However, when the card reader and the optical reading unit are used for authentication, the card reader and the optical reading unit are configured as separate devices that are physically independent as in the above-described prior art, and recording inside the ID card by the card reader is performed. When reading information or reading information recorded on the surface of an ID card by an optical reader is performed by a person, there remains room for fraud such as disguise of ID card writing contents and identity misrepresentation, and there is a problem in terms of security.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can eliminate human intervention in reading recorded information inside a medium (for example, an ID card) and reading recorded information on the surface of the medium (as a result, It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling an authentication device that can improve security.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is recorded on a surface of a medium, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the medium, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded in the medium, and A control method in an authentication apparatus having an optical reading unit for optically reading information, wherein reading by the wireless communication unit is performed in a state where conveyance of the medium is stopped before reading by the optical reading unit. Features.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to eliminate the presence of a person in reading recorded information inside a medium (for example, an ID card) or reading recorded information on the surface of the medium (as a result, security can be improved). A control method can be provided.

  This can be realized by reading the recording information inside the medium and reading the recording information on the medium surface by transporting the medium by the transport mechanism. This is because human intervention can be eliminated.

  Further, according to this aspect, information recorded in the medium can be accurately read from the medium.

  This is because the wireless communication unit reads the information recorded therein not from the transported medium but from the transport stopped medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, another aspect of the present invention provides a transport mechanism that transports a medium, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded in the medium, and a surface recorded on the surface of the medium. A control method in an authentication apparatus having an optical reading unit that optically reads information, wherein after the reading by the optical reading unit, reading by the wireless communication unit is performed in a state where conveyance of the medium is stopped. And

  According to this aspect, it is possible to eliminate the presence of a person in reading recorded information inside a medium (for example, an ID card) or reading recorded information on the surface of the medium (as a result, security can be improved). A control method can be provided.

  This can be realized by reading the recording information inside the medium and reading the recording information on the medium surface by transporting the medium by the transport mechanism. This is because human intervention can be eliminated.

  Further, according to this aspect, information recorded in the medium can be accurately read from the medium.

  This is because the wireless communication unit reads the information recorded therein not from the transported medium but from the transport stopped medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, still another aspect of the present invention provides a transport mechanism that transports a medium, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded in the medium, and a surface recorded on the surface of the medium. A control method in an authentication apparatus having an optical reading unit that optically reads the information, wherein the reading by the wireless communication unit is executed during the reading by the optical reading unit.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to eliminate the presence of a person in reading recorded information inside a medium (for example, an ID card) or reading recorded information on the surface of the medium (as a result, security can be improved). A control method can be provided.

  This can be realized by reading the recording information inside the medium and reading the recording information on the medium surface by transporting the medium by the transport mechanism. This is because human intervention can be eliminated.

  Further, according to this aspect, information recorded in the medium can be quickly read from the medium.

  This is because the wireless communication unit reads the information recorded in the medium from the medium in the conveyance state (during conveyance), not from the medium in the conveyance stop state.

  In order to achieve the above object, still another aspect of the present invention provides a transport mechanism that transports a medium, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded in the medium, and a surface recorded on the surface of the medium. And an optical reading unit that optically reads the read information, wherein the wireless communication unit performs reading while the medium is being discharged after the optical reading unit performs reading. And

  According to this aspect, it is possible to eliminate the presence of a person in reading recorded information inside a medium (for example, an ID card) or reading recorded information on the surface of the medium (as a result, security can be improved). A control method can be provided.

  This can be realized by reading the recording information inside the medium and reading the recording information on the medium surface by transporting the medium by the transport mechanism. This is because human intervention can be eliminated.

  Further, according to this aspect, information recorded in the medium can be quickly read from the medium.

  This is because the wireless communication unit reads the information recorded in the medium from the medium in the conveyance state (during conveyance), not from the medium in the conveyance stop state.

  In order to achieve the above object, still another aspect of the present invention provides a transport mechanism that transports a medium, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded in the medium, and a surface recorded on the surface of the medium. A control method in a printing apparatus having an optical reading unit that optically reads the read information, wherein reading by the wireless communication unit is performed in a state where conveyance of the medium is stopped before reading by the optical reading unit. It is characterized by.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to eliminate the intervention of a person in reading recorded information inside a medium (for example, an ID card) or reading recorded information on the surface of the medium (as a result, security can be improved). A control method can be provided.

  This can be realized by reading the recording information inside the medium and reading the recording information on the medium surface by transporting the medium by the transport mechanism. This is because human intervention can be eliminated.

  Further, according to this aspect, information recorded in the medium can be accurately read from the medium.

  This is because the wireless communication unit reads the information recorded therein not from the transported medium but from the transport stopped medium.

1 is an external perspective view of a dot impact printer in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a printer body. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the printer body. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a magnetic data reading part. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a dot impact printer. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a dot impact printer. It is a figure which shows an example of the MICR information printed on the check. 1 is an external perspective view of a dot impact printer 10A (printer body 11) with an authentication function. FIG. It is a sectional side view of dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of 10 A of dot impact printers with an authentication function. It is a flowchart explaining the authentication process which is the operation example 1 (control method 1) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function. It is a flowchart explaining the authentication process which is the operation example 2 (control method 2) of 10 A of dot impact printers with an authentication function. It is a flowchart explaining the authentication process which is the operation example 3 (control method 3) of 10 A of dot impact printers with an authentication function. It is a flowchart explaining the authentication process which is the operation example 4 (control method 4) of 10 A of dot impact printers with an authentication function.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a dot impact printer as a recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the printer main body 11. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the dot impact printer 10 of FIG.

  A dot impact printer 10 as a recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of recording wires provided in a recording head 18 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) via an ink ribbon (not shown) that is fed out from a ribbon cartridge (not shown). Then, it is pressed against the recording medium S, and dots are formed on the recording surface of the recording medium S, whereby an image including characters is recorded.

  Examples of the recording medium S that can be used in the dot impact printer 10 include a cut medium cut to a predetermined length and a continuous sheet in which a plurality of sheets are connected. As the cut medium, for example, there are a passbook, a postcard, an envelope, and the like in addition to a cut paper and a cut copy paper, and the continuous paper includes continuous copy paper.

  In the present embodiment, a case where an image is recorded on the recording medium S shown in FIG. 1 by the dot impact printer 10 will be described as an example. The recording medium S is a check or bill (hereinafter collectively referred to as a check) issued by a financial institution or the like. This check is a cut sheet on which MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) information MS is partially printed with magnetic ink.

  In the dot impact printer 10, not only a check but also a passbook can be used as the recording medium S. The passbook here is in the form of a booklet in which a plurality of recording sheets are bound, and the inner surface of the booklet is the recording surface. Further, a magnetic stripe is provided at the rear of the surface corresponding to the back cover of the passbook. Various information can be magnetically recorded and read on the magnetic stripe. Normally, the recorded information cannot be optically discriminated including visual discrimination.

  In the following description, of the four sides of the recording medium S, the side that is inserted toward the dot impact printer 10 is the leading end, and the side that faces the leading end is the trailing end.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the dot impact printer 10 includes an upper cover 12, an upper case 13, and a lower case 14 as exterior bodies, and a recording medium S is inserted in front of the upper case 13 and the lower case 14. Or the manual feed port 15 which discharges is opening. The side where the manual feed opening 15 is opened, that is, the left side in FIG. 3 is the front (front) side, and the right side in FIG. 3 is the rear (rear) side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the dot impact printer 10 includes a printer main body 11 covered with an upper cover 12, an upper case 13, and a lower case 14. The upper cover 12, the upper case 13, and the lower case 14 constitute a housing of the present invention. The printer main body 11 includes a lower main body portion 11A and an upper main body portion (not shown) supported by a shaft 11C at a rear end portion of the lower main body portion 11A. The lower main body portion 11A includes an upper case 13 and a lower portion. While being accommodated in the case 14 (FIG. 1), the upper main body is fixed to the upper cover 12 (FIG. 1). When the upper cover 12 is opened, the upper main body rotates about the shaft 11C, and the inside of the printer main body 11 is exposed.

  2 and 3, the printer main body 11 includes a main body frame including a base frame 16, a right side frame 17A, and a left side frame 17B, a recording mechanism section 20 including a recording head 18 and a carriage 19, and Platen 21, first driving roller 22A, first driven roller 22B, second driving roller 23A, second driven roller 23B, third driving roller 124A, third driven roller 124B, front medium guide 24, rear medium guide 25, medium The medium transport mechanism 100 including the transport motor 26 and the drive wheel train 27, the alignment plate 28 for aligning the recording medium S (or ID card S1 described later), and the MICR information MS provided on the recording medium S are read. A magnetic data reading unit 29 having a magnetic head 34 (corresponding to the “magnetic reading unit” in the claims), and MI When the magnetic information processing execution including reading the R information MS, to suppress the floating of the recording medium S, has a media pressure unit 30 that presses from the recording medium S, a.

  At substantially both ends of the base frame 16, a right side frame 17A and a left side frame 17B are erected and fixed. A carriage guide shaft 31 is bridged between the side frames 17A and 17B, and a flat medium front medium guide 24 and a rear medium guide 25 are fixed between the side frames 17A and 17B. A planar platen 21 is arranged between the front medium guide 24 and the rear medium guide 25. A recording head 18 is arranged above the platen 21 so as to face the platen 21.

  The carriage 19 is slidably inserted into the carriage guide shaft 31, and is driven via a timing belt (not shown) by forward or reverse rotation of a carriage drive motor 56 (FIG. 5) that drives the carriage 19. It is guided by the guide shaft 31 and reciprocated. The movement direction of the carriage 19 is the main scanning direction that coincides with the direction indicated by the symbol X in the drawing, that is, the axial direction of the carriage guide shaft 31 and the longitudinal direction of the platen 21. The range of movement (scanning) of the carriage 19 is between the pair of side frames 17A and 17B. Note that a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction X of the carriage 19, that is, a direction indicated by a symbol Y in the figure is a sub-scanning direction.

  While the recording head 18 mounted on the carriage 19 travels in the main scanning direction together with the carriage 19, the recording wire protrudes from a wire protruding portion (not shown) facing the platen 21 at the front end surface thereof to form an ink ribbon. The ink of the ink ribbon is applied to the recording medium S transported between the platen 21 and the recording head 18 to record an image including characters on the recording medium S. The ink ribbon is folded and stored in a ribbon cartridge (not shown) mounted on the main body frame or the carriage 19 and is fed out as the carriage 19 is scanned.

  The platen 21 extends in the traveling direction of the carriage 19 and is formed in a planar shape. Both ends of the platen 21 are urged toward the recording head 18 by an urging spring 49 and are elastically supported. The urging spring 49 is a compression coil spring, and the urging force of the urging spring 49 supports the projecting output of the recording wire during the recording operation of the recording head 18. Further, the platen 21 is provided with an urging spring 49 when the thickness of the recording medium S changes during conveyance of the recording medium S or when the recording medium S having a different thickness is loaded into the printer main body 11. The head is pressed by the tip of the recording head 18 against the force and moves away from the recording head 18. Thus, a constant gap is ensured between the tip of the recording head 18 and the recording surface of the recording medium S regardless of the thickness of the recording medium.

  In the medium transport mechanism 100, the first drive roller 22A and the first driven roller 22B are disposed on the front side of the printer main body 11 with respect to the platen 21 and the recording head 18, and the second drive roller 23A and the second driven roller 23B are provided. The third drive roller 124A and the third driven roller are disposed on the rear side of the printer main body 11 and the front side of the back surface scanner 112 (corresponding to “optical reading unit” in the claims) with respect to the platen 21 and the recording head 18. 124B is arranged on the rear side of the back scanner 112. The first driving roller 22A and the first driven roller 22B are arranged in a vertical direction to make a pair, and the second driving roller 23A and the second driven roller 23B are arranged in a vertical direction to make a pair, a third The driving roller 124A and the third driven roller 124B are arranged in the vertical direction to make a pair.

  The first driving roller 22A, the second driving roller 23A, and the third driving roller 124A are driving rollers that are rotationally driven by the medium transport motor 26 and the driving wheel train 27, and are a first driven roller 22B and a second driven roller 23B. And the third driven roller 124B are respectively driven by the springs 42A, 42B, and 42C with a predetermined pressing force toward the first drive roller 22A, the second drive roller 23A, and the third drive roller 124A. It is. Accordingly, the first driving roller 22A and the first driven roller 22B are rotationally driven in opposite directions, the second driving roller 23A and the second driven roller 23B are rotationally driven in opposite directions, and the third driving roller 124A. And the third driven roller 124B are rotationally driven in directions opposite to each other.

  The back scanner 112 is an optical image sensor that is arranged between the second drive roller 23A and the third drive roller 124A and reads information printed on the back of the recording medium S (or an ID card S1 described later). The front surface scanner 111 is an optical image sensor that is disposed at a position facing the back surface scanner 112 and reads information printed on the surface of the recording medium S (or an ID card S1 described later). Note that the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 include, for example, an irradiation unit (not shown) that irradiates the reading region of the recording medium S with white visible light output from a fluorescent tube or LED, and a main scanning direction (X A plurality of light receiving sensors (not shown) arranged in a line in the direction), and an output unit (not shown) for outputting signals from the light receiving sensors to the gate array 45 (FIG. 5) in a predetermined order. Is done.

  The drive wheel train 27 is disposed outside the right side frame 17A. The drive wheel train 27 includes a motor pinion 51 that is rotatably and integrally fixed to a drive shaft of a medium transport motor 26 that can rotate forward or reverse. The driving force from the motor pinion 51 is transmitted to the second driving gear 53B attached to the second roller shaft 33 of the second driving roller 23A via the reduction gear 52, and further from the second driving gear 53B to the middle. It is transmitted to the first drive gear 53A attached to the first roller shaft 32 of the first drive roller 22A via the gear 54. Further, the rotational force of the second roller shaft 33 of the second drive roller 23A is transmitted to the third roller shaft 134 of the third drive roller 124A by, for example, a drive belt (not shown). Accordingly, the first drive roller 22A, the second drive roller 23A, and the third drive roller 124A shown in FIG. 3 rotate in the same direction, and the recording medium S can be conveyed into the printer main body 11. In other words, the first drive roller 22A, the second drive roller 23A, and the third drive roller 124A shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by reference sign A in the drawing along the sub-scanning direction when the medium transport motor 26 is rotating forward. When the recording medium S is transported into the printer main body 11 and the medium transport motor 26 is reversely rotated, the recording medium S is transported in the direction of discharging from the printer main body 11 as indicated by reference numeral B in the figure. To do.

  A medium edge sensor 47 that detects the presence or absence of the recording medium S in the conveyance path of the recording medium S (or ID card S1 described later) is installed on the front side of the first drive roller 22A. The medium edge sensor 47 is a reflective optical sensor having a light source that emits light toward the transport path and a light receiving unit that detects the reflected light, or a light source that receives light from the light source so as to face the transport path. Is a transmissive optical sensor. The medium edge sensor 47 is a sensor for detecting the insertion of the recording medium S from the manual feed slot 15 and the completion of discharging the recording medium S from the printer main body 11.

  The medium width sensor 55 is mounted on the carriage 19 and is scanned on the platen 21 together with the carriage 19. Accordingly, the position of the recording medium S can be obtained by detecting the recording medium S by the medium width sensor 55 during scanning of the carriage 19 and associating the detected position with the scanning position of the carriage 19.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the magnetic data reading unit 29. The magnetic data reading unit 29 is supported by two magnetic head guide shafts 60 and 61 that are passed in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the printer main body 11 (the arrow X direction in the drawing), and these magnetic head guide shafts 60 and 61. The magnetic head unit 62 reciprocating in the longitudinal direction, the magnetic head driving belt 63 partially fixed to the magnetic head unit 62, and the magnetic head driving belt 63 are rotationally driven to reciprocate the magnetic head unit 62. And a magnetic head drive motor 64. The magnetic head unit 62 includes a magnetic head 34 that scans the MICR information MS of the recording medium S by being driven by the magnetic head driving belt 63. The magnetic head 34 performs magnetic information processing for reading character information recorded in the MICR information MS by scanning the MICR information MS. In the present embodiment, the magnetic head 34 is provided on the manual feed port 15 side of the printer main body 11 and is arranged in series with the recording head 18 in the conveyance direction of the recording medium S.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the dot impact printer 10.

  The dot impact printer 10 includes a CPU 40 that controls the entire dot impact printer 10 based on a control program, an EEPROM 42 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 40, data to be processed, and the like, and is read from the EEPROM 42 by the CPU 40. An interface (I / F) 43 that converts a data format when information is transmitted and received between the RAM 41 that temporarily stores a control program, data, and the like and the host computer 200 that controls the dot impact printer 10 is provided. .

  The recording head 18 and the magnetic head 34 are connected to the CPU 40 via a gate array (G / A) 45. The gate array 45 outputs a drive current to the recording head 18 according to the control of the CPU 40, and causes the recording wire to protrude. Further, the gate array 45 outputs a reading current to the magnetic head 34 when reading magnetic information according to the control of the CPU 40, and digitizes a signal current input from the magnetic head 34 and outputs it to the CPU 40.

  In addition, a medium edge sensor 47, a medium width sensor 55, a front surface scanner 111, and a back surface scanner 112 are connected to the gate array 45. As described above, the medium edge sensor 47 is a sensor that is installed on the front side of the first drive roller 22A (FIG. 3) and detects the leading edge or the trailing edge of the recording medium S. Further, the medium width sensor 55 is mounted on the carriage 19 and is disposed facing the platen 21 along with the wire protruding surface (not shown) of the recording head 18. More specifically, the medium width sensor 55 is a reflective optical sensor including a light source that emits light toward the platen 21 and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected by the light from the light source. The presence or absence of the recording medium S between the platen 21 and the platen 21 is detected. The medium edge sensor 47 and the medium width sensor 55 operate by the drive current input from the gate array 45 and output an analog voltage corresponding to the detection value to the gate array 45. The gate array 45 quantizes the analog voltage input from the medium edge sensor 47 and the medium width sensor 55 to obtain digital data, which is output to the CPU 40.

  The surface scanner 111 reads the information printed on the surface of the recording medium S (or ID card S1 described later) (the surface opposite to the surface on which the MICR information is printed) and supplies the information to the gate array 45. The back scanner 112 reads the information printed on the back surface (the surface on which the MICR information is printed) of the recording medium S (or an ID card S1 described later) and supplies it to the gate array 45. The gate array 45 quantizes the analog voltage supplied from the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 and outputs the quantized digital data to the CPU 40.

  Furthermore, a motor driver 48 is connected to the gate array 45. The motor driver 48 is connected to the medium transport motor 26, the carriage drive motor 56, and the magnetic head drive motor 64, and supplies these motors with drive currents and drive pulses to operate these motors. The motor driver 48 may be connected to an alignment plate motor (not shown) for operating the alignment plate 28 (FIG. 3).

  The CPU 40 controls the recording head 18 and the motor driver 48 via the gate array 45 based on the control program stored in the EEPROM 42 and acquires the detection results of the medium edge sensor 47 and the medium width sensor 55. Then, the CPU 40 drives the medium transport motor 26 to transport the recording medium S in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the symbol Y, drives the carriage driving motor 56 to scan the carriage 19 in the main scanning direction indicated by the symbol X, Further, the magnetic head drive motor 64 is driven to scan the magnetic head unit 62 in the main scanning direction indicated by the symbol X. Further, the CPU 40 controls the gate array 45 to drive the recording head 18 to cause the recording wire to protrude or to perform magnetic information processing by the magnetic head 34.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the dot impact printer 10 will be described.

  When the recording medium S as a check is inserted from the manual feed slot 15 shown in FIG. 1, the recording medium S is sandwiched between the first drive roller 22A and the first driven roller 22B and is in the direction of arrow A to the front of the platen 21. It is conveyed to.

  At this time, in order to correct the inclination (skew) in the conveyance direction of the recording medium S, the alignment plate 28 protrudes into the conveyance path P of the recording medium S (or an ID card S1 described later), and the recording medium S contacts the alignment plate 28. By further transporting in the contact state, the inclination of the recording medium S is corrected and aligned.

  Next, the alignment plate 28 is retracted from the conveyance path P, and the recording medium S is conveyed to a range in which the width can be detected by the medium width sensor 55, the carriage 19 is moved in the main scanning direction, and the medium width sensor 55. Thus, the position of the recording medium S is detected. Subsequently, the recording medium S is conveyed to a position where the MICR information MS can be read by the magnetic data reading unit 29. Thereafter, the magnetic head drive motor 64 of the magnetic data reading unit 29 is driven, and the magnetic head unit 62 is supported by the magnetic head guide shafts 60 and 61 and moves in the main scanning direction indicated by the symbol X. The magnetic head 34 of the unit 62 reads magnetic information from the MICR information MS of the recording medium S. At this time, the position of the recording medium S detected by the medium width sensor 55 is referred to, and an appropriate range is scanned. Information read by the magnetic head 34 is digitized by the gate array 45 and output to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 analyzes the character information based on the data supplied from the gate array 45 and converts it into text information. When the character information recorded as MICR information can be analyzed, the obtained text information is transmitted to the host computer 200.

  Next, the recording medium S is conveyed to the positions of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112. Then, the back surface and the front surface of the recording medium S are optically scanned, and the obtained information is converted into image data as digital data in the gate array 45 and supplied to the CPU 40. At this time, the scanning range is determined based on the detection result of the medium width sensor 55. The CPU 40 transmits the supplied back surface and front surface image data to the host computer 200. The host computer 200 performs settlement by transmitting the transmitted image data from the receiving bank to the paying bank. By the way, when part (or all) of the character information recorded as MICR information cannot be analyzed, the CPU 40 executes character recognition processing based on the image data obtained from the back surface scanner 112, A character string constituting MICR information is converted into corresponding text data. If the character that could not be analyzed in the recognition process by the magnetic head 34 was successfully analyzed, the character that was successfully analyzed is added as a substitute for the character that could not be analyzed, and the obtained text data Is transmitted to the host computer 200.

  When the scanning process by the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 is completed, the recording medium S is conveyed to a recording position on the platen 21. Based on the magnetic information read by the magnetic data reading unit 29, for example, the check has been used on the recording surface of the recording medium S while the recording head 18 and the carriage 19 move in the main scanning direction. Record information indicating that it is present.

  In the recording operation by the recording head 18, one line is recorded by the recording wire of the recording head 18 while the recording head 18 travels leftward or rightward in the main scanning direction, and this one-line recording is performed. Each time, each of the rollers 22A, 22B, 23A and 23B transports the recording medium S in the direction of arrow A by a predetermined length (for example, a normal line), and these operations are repeated.

  Finally, the recording medium S is conveyed in the direction of arrow B by the first drive roller 22A and the first driven roller 22B, and the recording medium S is discharged from the manual feed port 15.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed when a check is inserted as the recording medium S into the dot impact printer 10. The CPU 40 provided in the dot impact printer 10 first records the alignment plate 28 when the recording medium S is inserted into the manual feed slot 15 and the leading edge of the recording medium S is detected by the medium edge sensor 47 (step S10; Yes). The media S is projected into the transport path P of the medium S, and the medium transport motor 26 is operated to execute the alignment process (step S11). Thereby, the inclination (skew) in the transport direction of the recording medium S is corrected and aligned, and the alignment of the leading end of the recording medium S is executed.

  Next, the CPU 40 determines whether the detected recording medium S is a check or a passbook (step S12). Here, the CPU 40 may acquire information transmitted from the host computer 200 and determine the type of the recording medium S based on this information, or may use the medium edge sensor 47 or the medium width sensor 55. The position of the leading edge or side edge of the recording medium S may be detected, and the type of the recording medium S may be determined based on the position or size. Alternatively, based on the position of the leading edge or side edge of the recording medium S detected using the medium edge sensor 47 or the medium width sensor 55, the magnetic head 34 tries to read the MICR information MS. The type of the recording medium S may be determined by determining whether or not is at a predetermined position. In the present embodiment, the CPU 40 receives information for specifying the type (check or passbook) of the recording medium S from the host computer 200, and information on the size of the check when the recording medium S is a check. The information about the position where the MICR information MS is recorded and the information about the transport distance are acquired, and it is determined based on these information whether it is a check or a passbook.

  If the recording medium S is a check (step S12; Yes), the CPU 40 determines whether or not a MICR information read command has been received from the host computer 200 (step S13). If the CPU 40 determines that the MICR information read command has been received (step S13; Yes), the CPU 40 proceeds to step S14.

  Here, the CPU 40 receives a MICR information read command from the host computer 200 when acquiring information for specifying the type (check or passbook) of the recording medium S to be read in step S12. May be. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, information on offset distances dx1, dx2, dy1, dy2 from four sides of the recording medium S of MICR information MS, and an alignment position by the alignment plate 28 To the transport distance Y1 until the MICR information MS reaches a position readable by the magnetic data reading unit 29, and the transport distance Y2 until the leading edge of the recording medium S reaches the front scanner 111 and the back scanner 112. Information and information regarding the transport distance Y3 until the trailing edge of the recording medium S reaches the front surface scanner 111 and the rear surface scanner 112 are received. The information acquired from the host computer 200 is not limited to the above example, but other information may be acquired, or other information may be acquired instead of the above information.

  Then, the CPU 40 retracts the alignment plate 28 from the transport path P and transports the recording medium S by the medium transport mechanism 100 until at least the front end of the recording medium S reaches just below the medium width sensor 55, and then the carriage drive motor. 56 (FIG. 5) is driven to scan the carriage 19 in the main scanning direction, and the position in the width direction of the recording medium S is detected based on the output signal from the medium width sensor 55 and the position of the carriage 19 in the main scanning direction. (Step S14). More specifically, in the Y direction of the recording medium S, the leading edge is aligned by the alignment process in step S11, but the alignment in the X direction is not performed (the recording medium S is manually inserted). Since the position is unknown, the paper edge positions X1 and X2 (see FIG. 7) in the X direction are detected by the process of step S13. The paper end positions X1 and X2 detected in this way are stored in the RAM 41.

  Further, the CPU 40 monitors the output signal of the medium end sensor 47 while the recording medium S is conveyed by the medium conveying mechanism 100, and detects the rear end position of the recording medium S (step S15).

  Next, the CPU 40 moves the recording medium S to the medium transport mechanism based on the information Y1 received from the host computer 200 (the transport distance until the MICR information MS reaches a position readable by the magnetic data reading unit 29). It is conveyed by 100 (step S16).

  As a result, the MICR information MS of the recording medium S is conveyed to a position where it can be read by the magnetic data reading unit 29 (step S14). Thereafter, the CPU 40 calculates scan ranges (X1 + dx1) to (X2−dx2) based on the paper end positions X1 and X2 detected in step S13 and the offset distances dx1 and dx2 received in step S12.

  It should be noted that the actual scanning range has a margin D in consideration of the influence of errors and the like, so that it is wider than the above-described scanning range ((X1 + dx1-D) to (X2-dx2 + D)) (however, D <Dx1, dx2) may be set.

  The CPU 40 drives the magnetic head drive motor 64 of the magnetic data reading unit 29, and the magnetic head unit 62 is supported by the magnetic head guide shafts 60 and 61 to move within the scanning range in the main scanning direction indicated by the symbol X. (Step S17), the magnetic head 34 of the magnetic head unit 62 reads the magnetic information processing for the MICR information MS of the recording medium S (Step S18). At this time, the CPU 40 detects the presence position of the MICR information MS in the main scanning direction based on the output signal from the magnetic head 34 and the position of the magnetic head 34 in the main scanning direction, and as an offset distance based on the actual measurement value. dx1 ′ and dx2 ′ are obtained. Instead of obtaining dx1 'and dx2' as offset distances, the location of MICR information MS may be obtained directly. The obtained offset distances dx1 'and dx2' are stored in the RAM 41. On the other hand, information (MICR information) read by the magnetic head 34 is digitized by the gate array 45 and output to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 analyzes the character information based on the data supplied from the gate array 45 and converts it into text information (step S19).

  The CPU 40 determines whether or not there is a character that cannot be analyzed in the analysis process of the MICR information MS in step S19 (step S20). If there is a character that cannot be analyzed (step S20; Yes), the process proceeds to step S21, and otherwise (step S20; No), the process proceeds to step S26. For example, if the information obtained in the analysis process in step S19 is “01? 3456789” and the third character (in this example, “?”) Cannot be analyzed, In S20, it is determined Yes and the process proceeds to step S21.

  Next, the CPU 40 receives the recording medium S from the front surface scanner 111 and the rear surface scanner 112 based on the information received in step S13 regarding the transport distance Y2 until the leading edge of the recording medium S reaches the front surface scanner 111 and the rear surface scanner 112. Is moved to a readable position (step S21).

  Then, the CPU 40 performs optical reading of the MICR information MS (step S22), and proceeds to step S23. In step S22, the CPU 40 simultaneously reads the back surface and the front surface of the recording medium S by the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 while the recording medium S is transported in the sub-scanning direction by the medium transport mechanism 100, and converts it into an image signal. To the gate array 45. Subsequently, the CPU 40 stops scanning based on the information related to the transport distance Y3 received in step S12 until the trailing edge of the recording medium S reaches the front surface scanner 111 and the rear surface scanner 112. At this time, the range in the X direction in which the recording medium S is read by the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 is determined based on the positions X1 and X2 in the width direction detected in step S13. That is, the gate array 45 acquires only the signal output from the light receiving unit in the range corresponding to the position in the width direction, and acquires the signal output from the light receiving unit only for the period specified by the transport distance Y2 to Y3. To do. The transport distance Y3 may be obtained based on values obtained from the leading edge and the trailing edge of the recording medium S detected by the medium edge sensor 47. That is, Y3 may be obtained by obtaining a difference value between the transport distances of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the recording medium S detected by the medium edge sensor 47 and adding the difference value to Y2.

  The gate array 45 quantizes the image signal, converts it into image data as digital data, and supplies the image data to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 stores the obtained image data in the RAM 41. Note that the image data of the check stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 in step S26 described later. The host computer 200 performs settlement by transmitting the transferred information from the receiving bank to the paying bank. That is, instead of transporting and processing the actual check, electronic check is executed by converting the check face information into image data and transmitting it to the host computer of the payment bank from the receiving bank.

  In step S23, the CPU 40 executes character analysis processing based on the image data read by the back surface scanner 112 in step S22. Specifically, the CPU 40 obtains the MICR information MS from the image data based on dx1 ′ and dx2 ′ as the actually measured offset distance acquired in the process of step S15 and dy1 and dy2 received in step S13. An area included is specified, image data included in the area is extracted, and analysis processing is executed on the extracted image data. The analysis process can use a process generally known as an OCR process. By such processing, in the previous example, for example, “012345678?” Is obtained as the analysis result. In this example, the last character (in this example, “?”) Has failed to be analyzed.

  Next, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the character that could not be analyzed in step S19 has been successfully analyzed (step S24), and if successful (step S24; Yes), the process proceeds to step S25. In the case (step S24; No), the process proceeds to step S29.

  In the previous example, in the analysis process in step S19, the character that could not be analyzed (the third character “2”) has been successfully analyzed, and the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the CPU 40 integrates the analysis results in step S19 and step S23. That is, the CPU 40 obtains “012345789” by integrating “01? 3456789” obtained from the analysis result in step S19 and “012345678?” Obtained from the analysis result in step S23.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the analysis of the unanalyzable character has failed, the process proceeds to step S29, where the CPU 40 notifies the host computer 200 that an error has occurred and ends the process.

  Next, the CPU 40 transmits the MICR information MS obtained by the analysis processing to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43, and also reads both sides of the recording medium S read by the reading processing of step S22 and stored in the RAM 41. Is sent to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 (step S26).

  Here, the CPU 40 waits until receiving an execution command for the endorsement printing from the host computer 200 (step S27). When the execution command for the endorsement printing is received, the medium transport motor 26 is reversed to record the recording medium S. And the carriage drive motor 56 and the recording head 18 are driven, and the end printing is performed on the back surface of the recording medium S to indicate the completion of processing (step S28). When the endorsement printing is completed, the CPU 40 further rotates the medium transport motor 26 and discharges the recording medium S from the manual feed port 15.

  At this time, without discharging the recording medium S, the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 scan the entire front and back surfaces of the recording medium S again to generate image data on the check face that has been processed. The image data may be transmitted from the receiving bank to the host computer of the payment bank, so that electronic settlement based on the final processed image may be executed. In this case, the reliability and legitimacy of the settlement is ensured by using the image data as data indicating that the check has been processed.

  In the above description, the case where a check is inserted as the recording medium S has been described. However, when a bankbook is inserted as the recording medium S, the following processing is executed. That is, if it is determined in step S12 that the detected recording medium S is a passbook (not a check), the CPU 40 carries the transport in response to an instruction from the host computer 200 to execute processing related to the passbook. After correcting the inclination of the passbook in the path P by the alignment plate 28, the recording medium S is conveyed by the medium conveying mechanism 100, the magnetic head driving motor 64 of the magnetic data reading unit 29 is driven, and the magnetic head 34 performs the recording medium. Magnetic reading and / or writing of information on the magnetic stripe of S is executed (step S31). Further, the CPU 40 records an image including characters by the recording head 18 on the recording surface of the recording medium S as a passbook (step S32), and ejects the recording medium S from the manual feed slot 15 by the medium transport mechanism 100 (step S32). (S33) This process is terminated.

  Next, a dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function obtained by adding an authentication function to the dot impact printer 10 having the above configuration will be described.

  Hereinafter, the difference from the dot impact printer 10 having the above configuration will be mainly described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a dot impact printer 10A (printer body 11) with an authentication function. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the dot impact printer 10 </ b> A with an authentication function includes a short-range wireless communication device 70 (wireless communication unit).

  The short-range wireless communication device 70 is a non-contact type wireless communication unit that wirelessly (non-contact) reads information recorded (stored) in the ID card S1 (medium) in advance. The communication device main body 70a and the antenna 70b are configured. The short-range wireless communication device main body 70a and the antenna 70b are connected by a communication cable (not shown).

  The near field communication device main body 70a is, for example, an RFID reader / writer or an NFC reader / writer, and is disposed on the bottom surface of the lower case 14, for example.

  The ID card S1 is an IC card having a built-in memory (not shown) in which information to be read wirelessly (contactlessly) by the short-range wireless communication device 70 is stored (not shown), for example, an RFID card or an NFC card. Consists of. The short-range wireless communication device 70 wirelessly reads information recorded in advance in the ID card S1 accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Examples of information recorded in advance in the ID card S1 (memory) include a name, a date of birth, an identification number, and a face photograph (image data). The state in which the ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing) means that the ID card S1 is taken into the dot impact printer 10A (housing), that is, the rear end of the ID card S1. Is a state in which the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing).

  In addition, information that is optically read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 (optical reading unit) is recorded (printed) in advance on the front surface (or back surface) of the ID card S1. At least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 (optical reading unit) optically reads information recorded in advance on the surface of the ID card S1 accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Examples of information recorded in advance on the front surface (or back surface) of the ID card S1 include name, date of birth, identification number, and face photograph (image data). The information recorded on the front surface (or back surface) of the ID card S1 and the information recorded in the ID card S1 (memory) may be the same (completely identical) or may be partially different. It is good (some are the same).

  The printing unit (recording head 18, carriage 19, carriage guide shaft 31, carriage drive motor 56, timing belt, etc.), short-range wireless communication device 70 (wireless communication unit), front surface scanner 111, and rear surface scanner 112 (optical reading unit) As shown in FIG. 9, they are arranged side by side along the transport path P (transport path) of the ID card S1.

  After the ID card S1 is inserted from the manual feed slot 15 and aligned by the alignment plate 28, the ID card S1 is drawn into the dot impact printer 10A (housing) from the alignment position by the medium transport mechanism 100 (transport mechanism). It is conveyed until it reaches a position where it can be read by the distance wireless communication device 70. The position that can be read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 is such that the rear end of the ID card S1 does not protrude from the manual feed slot 15, and the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). It is the position that will be in the state.

  The short-range wireless communication device 70 wirelessly (contactlessly) reads information recorded in the inside (memory) of the ID card S1 that has reached a position readable by the short-range wireless communication device 70. The short-range wireless communication device 70 may read all of the information recorded in the ID card S1 (memory) or a part of the information recorded in the ID card S1 (memory) (for example, , Identification number only).

  The antenna 70b is a non-contact type antenna for receiving information recorded in the ID card S1, and is located above the ID card S1 that has reached a position readable by the short-range wireless communication device 70, for example, It is arranged in a fixed state on a frame (not shown) extending in the scanning direction X. The antenna 70b is disposed, for example, downstream of the alignment plate 28 (medium alignment unit). It is desirable that the center of the antenna 70b and the center of the ID card S1 that has reached a position readable by the short-range wireless communication device 70 coincide with each other in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 9). It may be slightly shifted in the direction (left-right direction in FIG. 9).

  Next, an operation example 1 (control method 1) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process that is an operation example 1 (control method 1) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function.

  In the first operation example, as will be described below, the wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication device 70) is configured to stop the conveyance of the ID card before the reading by the optical reading unit (the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112). From S1, information recorded (stored) in advance is read wirelessly (non-contact).

  The following processing is mainly realized by the CPU 40 executing a predetermined program (control program or the like) read from the EEPROM 42 to the RAM 41.

  First, the CPU 40 executes alignment processing (step S40). Specifically, the CPU 40 receives an instruction to start authentication from the host computer 200, and the ID card S1 is inserted into the manual feed slot 15, and the leading edge of the ID card S1 is detected by the medium edge sensor 47. Then, the alignment plate 28 is projected into the conveyance path P (conveyance path) of the ID card S1, and the medium conveyance motor 26 is operated to execute the alignment process. As a result, the inclination (skew) in the conveyance direction of the ID card S1 is corrected and aligned, and the leading edge of the ID card S1 is aligned.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes a paper feed process (step S42). Specifically, the CPU 40 retracts the alignment plate 28 from the conveyance path P, and pulls the ID card S1 from the alignment position into the dot impact printer 10A (housing) by the medium conveyance mechanism 100 to perform short-distance wireless communication. It is conveyed until it reaches a position that can be read by the apparatus 70. The ID card S1 that has reached a position that can be read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 does not protrude from the manual feed slot 15 at the rear end, and is entirely accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Stop in the state (conveyance stop state).

  Next, the CPU 40 executes an ID card reading process (step S44). This ID card reading process is executed in a state where the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Specifically, the CPU 40 determines whether or not a command for reading the ID card S1 has been received from the host computer 200. If it is determined that the command has been received, the CPU 40 determines whether the command is received from the ID card S1 in the transport stop state. The information previously recorded (stored) is read wirelessly (non-contact) by the short-range wireless communication device 70. Note that the determination as to whether or not a command for reading the ID card S1 has been received from the host computer 200 may be omitted.

  As described above, in the first operation example, before the reading is performed by the optical reading unit (the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112), the reading by the wireless communication unit (the short-range wireless communication device 70) is performed in the conveyance stop state of the ID card S1. To do.

  The CPU 40 stores information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 in the RAM 41. The information stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 at a predetermined timing.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes a scan reading process (step S46). This scan reading process is also executed in a state where the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Specifically, the CPU 40 determines whether or not a scan command has been received from the host computer 200, and if it is determined that the command has been received, the front side scanner 111 and the back side of the ID card S1 are transferred by the medium transport mechanism 100. The ID card S1 is transported until it reaches a position readable by at least one of the scanners 112, and further, the ID card S1 is transported in the sub-scanning direction by the medium transport mechanism 100, and at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the rear surface scanner 112 is used. At least one of the front and back surfaces of S1 is read, converted into an image signal, and supplied to the gate array 45. Note that the determination of whether or not a scan command has been received from the host computer 200 may be omitted.

  The gate array 45 quantizes the image signal, converts it into image data as digital data, and supplies the image data to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 stores the obtained image data in the RAM 41. The information stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 at a predetermined timing.

  The host computer 200 executes various processes based on information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 and information read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 transferred from the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function. To do.

  For example, it is assumed that the information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 and the information read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 are both identification numbers. In this case, the host computer 200 determines whether or not both match, and as a result, when it is determined that they match, a display (not shown) connected to the host computer 200 is displayed, for example, indicating that the authentication has been established. On the other hand, if it is determined that the two do not match, it is conceivable that a display indicating that the authentication is not established is displayed on the display.

  Further, for example, a case is assumed where the information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 and the information read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 are both facial photographs. In this case, both face photographs are displayed side by side on a display (not shown) connected to the host computer 200, for example, and the operator determines whether or not they match, and the determination result is connected to the host computer 200. It is also conceivable to input from an input device such as a keyboard.

  Further, for example, a database connected to the host computer 200 by associating (associating) information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 with information read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 It is also conceivable to store them in the storage unit.

  Then, the CPU 40 executes a paper discharge process (step S48). That is, the CPU 40 further rotates the medium transport motor 26 and discharges the ID card S1 from the manual feed slot 15.

  According to the first operation example, it is possible to eliminate human intervention in reading the recording information inside the ID card S1 and the recording information on the surface of the ID card S1 (as a result, it is possible to improve security). A control method of 10A (authentication apparatus) can be provided.

  This can be realized by reading the recording information inside the ID card S1 and reading the recording information on the surface of the ID card S1 by conveying the ID card S1 by the medium conveying mechanism 100 (conveying mechanism). This is because it is possible to eliminate human intervention when reading recorded information or reading recorded information on the surface of the ID card S1.

  Moreover, according to this operation example 1, the information recorded in the ID card S1 can be accurately read.

  This is because the short-range wireless communication device 70 (wireless communication unit) reads information recorded therein from the ID card S1 in the transport stop state, not from the ID card S1 in the transport state.

  Next, an operation example 2 (control method 2) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process that is an operation example 2 (control method 2) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function.

  In the second operation example, as will be described below, the wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication device 70) performs the reading stop by the optical reading unit (the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112), and then the ID card S1 in the conveyance stopped state. Then, the information recorded (stored) in advance inside is read wirelessly (non-contact).

  Hereinafter, differences from the operation example 2 (control method 2) of the dot impact printer 10A with the authentication function will be mainly described, and the description of the same operations will be appropriately omitted.

  The following processing is mainly realized by the CPU 40 executing a predetermined program (control program or the like) read from the EEPROM 42 to the RAM 41.

  First, the CPU 40 executes an alignment process (step S50). Specifically, the CPU 40 receives an instruction to start authentication from the host computer 200, and the ID card S1 is inserted into the manual feed slot 15, and the leading edge of the ID card S1 is detected by the medium edge sensor 47. Then, the alignment plate 28 is projected into the conveyance path P (conveyance path) of the ID card S1, and the medium conveyance motor 26 is operated to execute the alignment process. As a result, the inclination (skew) in the conveyance direction of the ID card S1 is corrected and aligned, and the leading edge of the ID card S1 is aligned.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes a paper feed process (step S52). Specifically, the CPU 40 retracts the alignment plate 28 from the transport path P, and pulls the ID card S1 from the alignment position into the dot impact printer 10A (housing) by the medium transport mechanism 100.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes a scan reading process (step S54). This scan reading process is executed in a state where the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Specifically, the CPU 40 determines whether or not a scan command has been received from the host computer 200, and if it is determined that the command has been received, the front side scanner 111 and the back side of the ID card S1 are transferred by the medium transport mechanism 100. The ID card S1 is transported until it reaches a position readable by at least one of the scanners 112, and further, the ID card S1 is transported in the sub-scanning direction by the medium transport mechanism 100, and at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the rear surface scanner 112 is used. At least one of the front and back surfaces of S1 is read, converted into an image signal, and supplied to the gate array 45. Note that the determination of whether or not a scan command has been received from the host computer 200 may be omitted.

  The gate array 45 quantizes the image signal, converts it into image data as digital data, and supplies the image data to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 stores the obtained image data in the RAM 41. The information stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 at a predetermined timing.

  Next, the CPU 40 transports the ID card S <b> 1 that has been read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 by the medium transport mechanism 100 until it reaches a position where it can be read by the short-range wireless communication device 70. The ID card S1 that has reached a position that can be read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 does not protrude from the manual feed slot 15 at the rear end, and is entirely accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Stop in the state (conveyance stop state)

  Next, the CPU 40 executes an ID card reading process (step S56). This ID card reading process is also executed in a state where the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Specifically, the CPU 40 determines whether or not a command for reading the ID card S1 has been received from the host computer 200. If it is determined that the command has been received, the CPU 40 determines whether the command is received from the ID card S1 in the transport stop state. The information previously recorded (stored) is read wirelessly (non-contact) by the short-range wireless communication device 70. Note that the determination as to whether or not a command for reading the ID card S1 has been received from the host computer 200 may be omitted.

  As described above, in the second operation example, after the reading by the optical reading unit (the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112), the reading by the wireless communication unit (the short-range wireless communication device 70) is performed in the conveyance stop state of the ID card S1. Do.

  The CPU 40 stores information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 in the RAM 41. The information stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 at a predetermined timing.

  In the host computer 200, based on the information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 and the information read by at least one of the front scanner 111 and the back scanner 112 transferred from the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function, Various similar processes are executed.

  Then, the CPU 40 executes a paper discharge process (step S58). That is, the CPU 40 further rotates the medium transport motor 26 and discharges the ID card S1 from the manual feed slot 15.

  According to the second operation example, the same effect as the first operation example can be obtained.

  Next, an operation example 3 (control method 3) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process that is an operation example 3 (control method 3) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function.

  In the third operation example, as described below, the wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication device 70) performs the ID card S1 in the transport state during execution of reading by the optical reading unit (the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112). Then, the information recorded (stored) in advance inside is read wirelessly (non-contact).

  Hereinafter, the difference from the operation example 1 (control method 1) of the dot impact printer 10A with the authentication function will be mainly described, and the description of the same operation will be appropriately omitted.

  First, the CPU 40 executes an alignment process (step S60). Specifically, the CPU 40 receives an instruction to start authentication from the host computer 200, and the ID card S1 is inserted into the manual feed slot 15, and the leading edge of the ID card S1 is detected by the medium edge sensor 47. Then, the alignment plate 28 is projected into the conveyance path P (conveyance path) of the ID card S1, and the medium conveyance motor 26 is operated to execute the alignment process. As a result, the inclination (skew) in the conveyance direction of the ID card S1 is corrected and aligned, and the leading edge of the ID card S1 is aligned.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes a paper feed process (step S62). Specifically, the CPU 40 retracts the alignment plate 28 from the transport path P, and pulls the ID card S1 from the alignment position into the dot impact printer 10A (housing) by the medium transport mechanism 100.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes an ID card reading process (step S64). This ID card reading process is executed during conveyance of the ID card S1 to the scan position, that is, before the scan reading process (step S66) or in parallel with the scan reading process.

  This scan reading process is executed in a state where the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Specifically, the CPU 40 transports the ID card S1 by the medium transport mechanism 100 until it reaches a position readable by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112, and further, the ID card S1 is transported by the medium transport mechanism 100. At least one of the front surface and the back surface of the ID card S1 is read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 while being conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, converted into an image signal, and supplied to the gate array 45.

  The gate array 45 quantizes the image signal, converts it into image data as digital data, and supplies the image data to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 stores the obtained image data in the RAM 41. The information stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 at a predetermined timing.

  As described above, the CPU 40 executes the ID card reading process in a state where the ID card S1 is being transported (transport state) (step S64). This ID card reading process is executed in a state where the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Specifically, the CPU 40 wirelessly (contactlessly) reads information recorded (stored) in advance from the ID card S1 in the transport state by the short-range wireless communication device 70. It should be noted that information recorded (stored) in advance from the ID card S1 in the transported state by starting the short-range wireless communication device 70 in advance at a predetermined timing prior to step S64 and setting it in a readable state. Can be read.

  As described above, in the third operation example, during the reading execution by the optical reading unit (the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112), the reading by the wireless communication unit (the short-range wireless communication device 70) is performed in the transport state of the ID card S1. Do.

  The CPU 40 stores information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 in the RAM 41. The information stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 at a predetermined timing.

  In the host computer 200, based on the information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 and the information read by at least one of the front scanner 111 and the back scanner 112 transferred from the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function, Various similar processes are executed.

  Then, the CPU 40 executes a paper discharge process (step S68). That is, the CPU 40 further rotates the medium transport motor 26 and discharges the ID card S1 from the manual feed slot 15.

  According to the third operation example, it is possible to eliminate human intervention in reading the recording information inside the ID card S1 and the recording information on the surface of the ID card S1 (as a result, the security can be improved). A control method of 10A (authentication apparatus) can be provided.

  This can be realized by reading the recording information inside the ID card S1 and reading the recording information on the surface of the ID card S1 by conveying the ID card S1 by the medium conveying mechanism 100 (conveying mechanism). This is because it is possible to eliminate human intervention when reading recorded information or reading recorded information on the surface of the ID card S1.

  Moreover, according to this operation example 3, the information recorded in the ID card S1 can be quickly read.

  This is because the short-range wireless communication device 70 (wireless communication unit) reads information recorded therein from the ID card S1 in the transport state (during transport), not from the ID card S1 in the transport stop state. Is.

  Next, an operation example 4 (control method 4) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process that is an operation example 4 (control method 4) of the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function.

  In this operation example 4, as will be described below, the wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication device 70) is in the process of discharging the ID card S1 after being read by the optical reading unit (front surface scanner 111 and back surface scanner 112). Information recorded (stored) in advance inside the ID card S1 in the transport state is read wirelessly (non-contact).

  Hereinafter, the difference from the operation example 1 (control method 1) of the dot impact printer 10A with the authentication function will be mainly described, and the description of the same operation will be appropriately omitted.

  First, the CPU 40 executes an alignment process (step S70). Specifically, the CPU 40 receives an instruction to start authentication from the host computer 200, and the ID card S1 is inserted into the manual feed slot 15, and the leading edge of the ID card S1 is detected by the medium edge sensor 47. Then, the alignment plate 28 is projected into the conveyance path P (conveyance path) of the ID card S1, and the medium conveyance motor 26 is operated to execute the alignment process. As a result, the inclination (skew) in the conveyance direction of the ID card S1 is corrected and aligned, and the leading edge of the ID card S1 is aligned.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes a paper feed process (step S72). Specifically, the CPU 40 retracts the alignment plate 28 from the transport path P, and pulls the ID card S1 from the alignment position into the dot impact printer 10A (housing) by the medium transport mechanism 100.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes a scan reading process (step S74). This scan reading process is executed in a state where the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Specifically, the CPU 40 transports the ID card S1 by the medium transport mechanism 100 until it reaches a position readable by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112, and further, the ID card S1 is transported by the medium transport mechanism 100. At least one of the front surface and the back surface of the ID card S1 is read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 while being conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, converted into an image signal, and supplied to the gate array 45.

  The gate array 45 quantizes the image signal, converts it into image data as digital data, and supplies the image data to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 stores the obtained image data in the RAM 41. The information stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 at a predetermined timing.

  Next, the CPU 40 executes an ID card reading process (step S76). This ID card reading process is executed before the paper discharge process (step S78) or in parallel with the paper discharge process.

  Thus, in a state where the ID card S1 is being conveyed for paper discharge (conveyance state), the CPU 40 executes the ID card reading process (step S76). This ID card reading process is executed in a state where the entire ID card S1 is accommodated in the dot impact printer 10A (housing). Specifically, the CPU 40 reads information recorded (stored) in advance from the ID card S1 in the transported state wirelessly (non-contact) by the short-range wireless communication device 70. It should be noted that the information recorded (stored) in advance from the ID card S1 in the transported state by starting the short-range wireless communication device 70 in advance at a predetermined timing before step S76 and making it ready for reading. Can be read.

  As described above, in the fourth operation example, the reading by the wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication device 70) is performed while the ID card S1 is being discharged after the reading is performed by the optical reading unit (the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112). This is performed while the card S1 is being conveyed.

  The CPU 40 stores information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 in the RAM 41. The information stored in this way is transferred to the host computer 200 via the I / F 43 at a predetermined timing.

  In the host computer 200, based on the information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 and the information read by at least one of the front scanner 111 and the back scanner 112 transferred from the dot impact printer 10A with an authentication function, Various similar processes are executed.

  According to the fourth operation example, the same effect as the third operation example can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to eliminate human intervention in reading recorded information inside the ID card S1 and reading recorded information on the surface of the ID card S1 (as a result, security is improved). It is possible to provide a method for controlling the dot impact printer 10A (printing apparatus or authentication apparatus) with an authentication function.

  First, the short-range wireless communication device 70 (wireless communication unit), the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 (optical reading unit) are arranged side by side along the transport path P of the ID card S1, and the ID Reading of the recording information inside the card S1 and reading of the recording information on the surface of the ID card S1 can be realized by carrying the ID card S1 by the medium carrying mechanism 100 (conveying mechanism), and therefore reading the recording information inside the ID card S1. This is because it is possible to eliminate human intervention when reading recorded information on the surface of the ID card S1.

  Secondly, the recording information inside the ID card S1 is read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 (wireless communication unit), and the recording information on the surface of the ID card S1 is read by the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 (optical reading unit). Since the ID card S1 is stored in the dot impact printer 10A (housing), a person is involved in reading the recording information inside the ID card S1 and reading the recording information on the surface of the ID card S1. This is due to the fact that can be physically excluded.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the dot impact printer 10 (the manual feed port 15, the medium transport mechanism 100, the surface scanner) when reading the recording information inside the ID card S1 and reading the recording information on the surface of the ID card S1. 111 and back scanner 112, casing, conveyance path P, etc.) can be used, and this configuration need not be prepared separately, and an authentication function (authentication device) can be realized at low cost and space saving.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously improve security and save space (effective use of desktop space).

  In the above-described embodiment, an instruction to start authentication and a reading instruction for the ID card S1 are received from the host computer 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dot impact printer 10 may be provided with an input unit such as an operation panel (not shown) to receive (acquire) these commands input from the input unit.

  In the above embodiment, the information read by the short-range wireless communication device 70 and the information read by at least one of the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112 are transferred to the host computer 200 and transferred by the host computer 200. Although various processes have been described based on the information, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various processes may be executed based on the information by the dot impact printer 10 </ b> A without being transferred to the host computer 200.

  In the above embodiment, (1) a wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication device 70), (2) an optical reading unit (front surface scanner 111 and back surface scanner 112), and (3) a printing unit (recording head 18, carriage 19). , Carriage guide shaft 31, carriage drive motor 56, timing belt, etc.), (4) medium impact unit (alignment plate 28, etc.), (5) medium impact mechanism 100 (transport mechanism), etc. Although the example to which the invention is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the present invention may be applied to an authentication apparatus including the above (1), (2), and (5), or the present invention may be applied to a dot impact printer including the above (1) to (3) and (5). The present invention may be applied, the present invention may be applied to a dot impact printer including the above (1), (2), (4), and (5), or the present invention may be applied to other dot impact printers. May be applied.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication device 70), a printing unit (recording head 18, carriage 19, carriage guide shaft 31, carriage drive motor 56, timing belt, etc.) The configuration in which the optical reading units (the front surface scanner 111 and the back surface scanner 112) are arranged in this order along the transport path P of the ID card S1 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication device 70), a printing unit (recording head 18, carriage 19, carriage guide shaft 31, carriage drive motor 56, timing belt, etc.), an optical reading unit (front surface scanner 111 and back surface scanner 112). ) May be arranged in an appropriate order along the transport path P of the ID card S1.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the dot impact printer 10A has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to printers other than dot impact such as thermal and inkjet.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the medium is the ID card S1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another medium may be used.

  The above embodiment is merely an example in all respects. The present invention is not construed as being limited by the description of the above embodiment. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Dot impact printer, 10A ... Dot impact printer with an authentication function, 11 ... Printer main body, 11A ... Lower main body part, 11C ... Shaft, 12 ... Upper cover, 13 ... Upper case, 14 ... Lower case, 15 ... Manual feed opening , 16 ... Base frame, 17A ... Right side frame, 17B ... Left side frame, 18 ... Recording head, 19 ... Carriage, 20 ... Recording mechanism, 21 ... Platen, 22A ... First drive roller, 22B ... First driven roller , 23A ... second drive roller, 23B ... second driven roller, 24 ... forward medium guide, 25 ... rear medium guide, 26 ... medium transport motor, 27 ... drive train wheel section, 28 ... alignment plate, 29 ... magnetic data reading 30, medium presser, 31, carriage guide shaft, 32, first roller shaft, 33, second roller shaft, 34, magnetism Head, 40 ... CPU, 41 ... RAM, 42 ... EEPROM, 42A ... Spring, 42B ... Spring, 42C ... Spring, 43 ... I / F, 45 ... Reading gate array, 47 ... Media edge sensor, 48 ... Motor driver, 49 ... Biasing spring, 51 ... Motor pinion, 52 ... Deceleration gear, 53A ... First drive gear, 53B ... Second drive gear, 54 ... Intermediate gear, 55 ... Media width sensor, 56 ... Carrying drive motor, 60 ... Magnetic head Guide shaft, 61 ... Magnetic head guide shaft, 62 ... Magnetic head unit, 63 ... Magnetic head drive belt, 64 ... Magnetic head drive motor, 70 ... Short-range wireless communication device, 70a ... Short-range wireless communication device main body, 70b ... Antenna , 100 ... Medium transport mechanism, 111 ... Front scanner, 112 ... Back scanner, 124A ... Third drive roller 124B ... third driven roller, 134 ... third roller shaft, 200 ... host computer, D ... margin, MS ... MICR information, P ... conveyance path, S ... recording medium, S1 ... ID card, X ... main scanning direction, X1 Paper end position, X2 Paper end position, Y1 Transport distance, Y2 Transport distance, Y3 Transport distance, dx1 Offset distance, dx1 ′ Offset distance, dx2 Offset distance

Claims (5)

A transport mechanism for transporting the medium;
A wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded inside the medium;
An optical reading unit for optically reading information recorded on the surface of the medium;
A control method in an authentication device having
A method for controlling an authentication apparatus in which reading by the wireless communication unit is performed in a state where conveyance of the medium is stopped before reading by the optical reading unit. A transport mechanism for transporting the medium;
A wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded inside the medium;
An optical reading unit for optically reading information recorded on the surface of the medium;
A control method in an authentication device having
A method for controlling an authentication apparatus, wherein reading by the wireless communication unit is performed in a state where conveyance of the medium is stopped after performing reading by the optical reading unit. A transport mechanism for transporting the medium;
A wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded inside the medium;
An optical reading unit for optically reading information recorded on the surface of the medium;
A control method in an authentication device having
A method for controlling an authentication apparatus that performs reading by the wireless communication unit during execution of reading by the optical reading unit. A transport mechanism for transporting the medium;
A wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded inside the medium;
An optical reading unit for optically reading information recorded on the surface of the medium;
A control method in an authentication device having
A method for controlling an authentication apparatus that performs reading by the wireless communication unit during ejection of the medium after reading by the optical reading unit. A transport mechanism for transporting the medium;
A wireless communication unit that wirelessly reads information recorded inside the medium;
An optical reading unit for optically reading information recorded on the surface of the medium;
A control method in a printing apparatus having
A control method for a printing apparatus, in which reading by the wireless communication unit is performed in a state where conveyance of the medium is stopped before reading by the optical reading unit.

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