JP2020203396A - Code verification device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a code verification device capable of setting a printing parameter for printing a code symbol correctly read onto a sheet to a printer, and a program.SOLUTION: A code verification device according to the embodiment includes: a read part which reads a plurality of code symbols a printer has printed on a sheet in a plurality of different printing parameters; a specifying part which specifies one code symbol that can properly read the code symbol from the code symbols read by the read part; and a first output part outputting to the printer a printing parameter of the code symbol specified by the specifying.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a code verification device.

A printer that prints a code symbol such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code on a sheet of paper such as a label may have different print qualities for printing the printed code symbol depending on the type of paper used for printing. For example, if the thickness of the paper to be printed (hereinafter referred to as "paper thickness") is thick, the code may be printed thick. A code symbol printed thick may not be read correctly by a code reader that reads the code symbol (print quality is poor).

Therefore, the code verification device verifies whether the code symbol printed by the printer can be read correctly (whether the proper print quality is maintained). Then, when the code verification device determines that the printed code symbol cannot be read correctly, it notifies an error.

However, with the conventional code verification device, it is difficult to set the print parameters (print density and paper transport speed) for printing the code symbol that can be read correctly on the paper in the printer.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a code verification device capable of setting print parameters in a printer for printing a code symbol that can be correctly read on paper.

The code verification device of the embodiment has a reading unit that reads a plurality of code symbols printed on paper by a printer with a plurality of different printing parameters, and one that can appropriately read the code symbol from the code symbol read by the reading unit. A specific unit that specifies a code symbol and a first output unit that outputs a print parameter of the code symbol specified by the specific unit to the printer are provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system including a code verification machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of a printer, a code verifier, and a light transmittance detector. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the printer. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the light transmittance detector. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the code verification device. FIG. 6 is a memory map showing the configuration of the print range master. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of printer control processing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the light transmittance detector. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the code verification device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the code verification device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the code verification device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a barcode is printed as an example of a code symbol. A barcode is a combination of a plurality of black lines and white lines arranged in parallel, and is a code symbol indicating code information of an article or the like. Further, in the embodiment, a label will be used as an example of the paper. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system including a code verification machine according to an embodiment. The system includes a printer 1, a light transmittance detector 3, and a code verification device 5. The printer 1 and the code verification device 5 are electrically connected by the communication line T2. The printer 1 and the code verification device 5 transmit and receive information via the communication line T2. Further, the code verification device 5 and the light transmittance detector 3 are electrically connected by the communication line T1. The code verification device 5 and the light transmittance detector 3 transmit and receive information via the communication line T1.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configurations of the printer 1, the code verification device 5, and the light transmittance detector 3 and their mutual arrangement.

The printer 1 prints information on the surface of the label L and issues it. The printer 1 is equipped with a label winding 29 in which the label L attached to the mount is wound in a roll shape. The printer 1 also includes a print head 21 and a platen 24. The platen 24 is made of rubber and is rotatable. The print head 21 includes heat generating elements 211 arranged in a line, and urges the heat generating elements 211 toward the platen 24. The heat generating element 211 has a half-moon shape, and the arc side abuts on the label L. Further, the printer 1 includes a mounting shaft 26 for mounting the ink ribbon 25 impregnated with the ink for thermal transfer and wound around the ink ribbon 25, and a winding shaft 27 for winding the used ink ribbon 25. The printer 1 sandwiches the label L and the ink ribbon 25 between the heat generating element 211 and the platen 24 due to the urging force of the heat generating element 211 on the platen 24.

As the platen 24 rotates, the label L pulled out from the label winding 29 and the ink ribbon 25 mounted on the mounting shaft 26 are conveyed. The print head 21 heats the heat generating element 211 to dissolve the ink impregnated in the ink ribbon 25, transfers it onto the label L to be conveyed, and prints information. The information printed on the label L includes a barcode. The label L on which the information is printed is issued to the outside of the printer 1 from the issuing port 28 in the direction of the arrow P.

The printer 1 adjusts the average applied voltage by adjusting the period of the voltage applied to the heat generating element 211, and adjusts the print density of the barcode printed on the label L. The printer 1 prints a bar code having a high print density by shortening the period of the voltage applied to the heat generating element 211. The printer 1 prints a bar code having a low print density by lengthening the period of the voltage applied to the heat generating element 211.

Further, the printer 1 adjusts the transport speed of the label L with respect to the print head 21 (hereinafter, the transport speed of the label L is simply referred to as “transport speed”) by adjusting the rotation speed of the platen 24. When the rotation speed of the platen 24 is increased in the printer 1, the transfer speed of the label L with respect to the print head 21 is increased. As the transport speed of the label L increases, the black line of the barcode printed on the label L becomes thicker and the white line becomes relatively thinner. On the other hand, in the printer 1, when the rotation speed of the platen 24 is slowed down, the transport speed of the label L with respect to the print head 21 is slowed down. When the transport speed of the label L becomes slow, the black line of the barcode printed on the label L becomes thin and the white line becomes relatively thick.

The printer 1 issues a plurality of labels L on which a barcode is printed by combining a plurality of types of print densities and transfer speeds. The print density and the transfer speed are collectively referred to as "print parameters". The print parameter range refers to the print density range and the transport speed range.

The printer 1 includes an issue port 28 that issues a printed label L. Then, the code verification device 5 is arranged adjacent to the position downstream in the arrow P direction of the issuing port 28. The code verification device 5 is a device that verifies the print quality of the barcode printed on the issued label L. The code verification device 5 includes a reading unit 58 (see FIG. 5) having image sensors arranged in a row in a direction orthogonal to the arrow P direction.

The reading unit 58 reads the bar code printed on the label issued from the issuing port 28 in a line unit in a direction orthogonal to the arrow P direction. The code verification device 5 connects the read information in units of one line in the direction of the arrow P to generate the information of the barcode printed on the label L.

The code verification device 5 measures the ratio of the widths of the black line and the white line in the barcode based on the generated barcode information. When the proportion of black lines is large, it indicates that the print density of the label is dark. When the proportion of white lines is large, it indicates that the print density of the label is low. The code verification device 5 stores in advance the type of barcode printed on the label L, and the code verification device 5 stores the ratio of the measured widths of the black line and the white line and the stored barcode. By comparing the ratio of the width of the black line and the width of the white line that are appropriate for each type, it is judged whether or not the print quality of the read barcode is appropriate. Since the appropriate ratio of the black line and the white line is determined by the type of the barcode, the code verification device 5 is used when the ratio of the width of the white line of the barcode is within the determined ratio range. It is determined that the print quality of the barcode printed on the label L is appropriate.

Further, in the code verification device 5, for the labels L printed on a plurality of labels L printed by the printer 1, each of which has a different print density and a transport speed, the bar code printed on which label L has an appropriate print quality. Determine if there is. For example, it is assumed that all the barcodes printed on the three labels L are included in the range of appropriate quality. An appropriate bar code is printed on the first label L, although the transport speed and the print density are not optimal. For the second label L, the transport speed is faster than that of the first label L, and the print density is darker than that of the first label (black lines are thicker and the proportion of black lines is larger than that of white lines). The code is printed (although it is still within the proper density range). For the third label L, the transport speed is slower than that of the first label L, and the print density is thinner than that of the first label (black lines are thinner and the proportion of black lines is less than that of white lines). The bar code is printed at a high density. The bar code printed on the first label L has a large proportion of black lines, but can be read almost appropriately. The bar code printed on the second label L has a thicker black line than the first bar code and the reading rate is worse. Instead, it does not take as long as the first label L to print the second label L. The bar code printed on the third label L has a smaller proportion of black lines than the first bar code, resulting in an optimum proportion of black lines. Therefore, the reading rate is higher than that of label 1. Instead, it takes a lot of time to print the third label L.

In such a case, the code verification device 5 of the embodiment usually determines that the barcode printed on the first label L is an appropriate barcode. This is because the barcode printed on the first label L still has an appropriate print density, and it does not take a long time to issue the first label L.

Further, the code verification device 5 changes the barcode to be printed within the range of appropriate print quality, if necessary. When emphasizing the print quality, the code verification device 5 changes the barcode having a higher print quality (for example, the barcode printed on the third label L) to an appropriate barcode. On the other hand, when emphasizing the transport speed, the code verification device 5 changes the barcode printed on the label having a high transport speed (for example, the barcode printed on the second label L) to an appropriate barcode. To do.

Further, the light transmittance detector 3 is arranged immediately after the label L issuance direction of the code verification device 5 (downstream side in the arrow P direction). The light transmittance detector 3 detects the paper thickness of the label L issued from the issuing port 28 and the length in the arrow P direction (hereinafter, simply referred to as “label length”). The light transmittance detector 3 includes a light emitting unit 37 and a light receiving unit 38. The light emitting unit 37 is located on one side of the label L to be transported (lower side of the label L to be transported in the embodiment of FIG. 2). Further, the light receiving unit 38 is located on the other side of the label L to be conveyed (upper side of the label L to be conveyed in the embodiment of FIG. 2) at a position facing the light emitting unit 37. That is, the label L is conveyed between the light emitting unit 37 and the light receiving unit 38.

The light emitting unit 37 emits light toward the light receiving unit 38. The light receiving unit 38 receives the light emitted by the light emitting unit 37. When the label L passes through the path Q where the light emitted by the light emitting unit 37 is received by the light receiving unit 38, the light passes through the label L and is received by the light receiving unit 38. Light is attenuated to some extent as it passes through the label L. Therefore, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 38 is small while the label L is passing through the path Q, and is large when the label L is not passing through the path Q. Further, the amount of light that is attenuated when passing through the label L varies depending on the paper thickness of the label L. When the paper thickness of the label L is thin, the amount of attenuated light is small (that is, the light transmittance is relatively large). Therefore, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 38 is relatively large. On the other hand, when the paper thickness of the label L is thick, the amount of attenuated light is large. Therefore, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 38 is small (that is, the light transmittance is small).

In this way, the light transmittance detector 3 measures the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 38 (light transmittance) (to be exact, the level of the output that the light receiving unit 38 receives and outputs the light). By measuring), it is detected whether the label L is passing on the light path Q. Further, the light transmittance detector 3 can detect the paper thickness of the passing label L.

Further, the light transmittance detector 3 detects the transport time of the label L transported along the path Q. That is, the label L having a long label length of the label L has a long time of being located in the route Q. On the other hand, the label L having a short label length of the label L has a short time of being located in the route Q. Therefore, the label length of the label L can be measured by measuring the time for the label L to pass through the route Q. The time for the label L to pass through the path Q can be measured by measuring the time for the attenuated light received by the light receiving unit 38. In this way, the light transmittance detector 3 can measure the label length of the label L. The light transmittance detector 3 outputs the obtained data of the paper thickness and the label length of the label L to the code verification device 5 as the output of the light receiving unit 38. For the label L having a long label length, the temperature rise of the heat generating element 211 can be set slowly. On the other hand, the label L having a short label length needs to be set so that the temperature of the heat generating element 211 rises sharply.

The code verification device 5 has a range of bar code printing parameters (print density range and transport speed) to be printed by the printer 1 based on the label L paper thickness and label length data input from the light transmission detector 3. The range of) is specified and transmitted to the printer 1. The range of print parameters that can print a barcode with appropriate quality is empirically known from the paper thickness and label length of the label L, and the printer 1 performs test printing of the barcode within that range. For example, when printing a barcode on a label L with a thick paper thickness, it is not possible to print a barcode of appropriate quality at a very high printing density and a very fast transport speed. Therefore, the printer 1 is made to test-print a plurality of types of barcodes in the range of print parameters in which the print density is relatively low and the transport speed is relatively slow.

From here, the hardware of the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the printer 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a memory unit 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is the control subject. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 develops programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and memory unit 14 are connected to each other via a bus 15. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 form the control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes the control process of the printer 1, which will be described later, by operating the CPU 11 according to the control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14 and expanded in the RAM 13.

The RAM 13 includes a print data unit 131 and a test print range unit 132. The print data unit 131 stores data to be printed on the label. The test print range unit 132 stores the range of the print density and the transport speed at which the bar code is test-printed on the label L.

The memory unit 14 is composed of an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a flash memory, and the like, and maintains the stored contents even when the power supply is cut off. The memory unit 14 includes a control program unit 141 and a print quality data unit 142. The control program unit 141 stores a control program for controlling the printer 1. The print quality data unit 142 stores appropriate print parameters for the printer 1 to print a barcode.

The control unit 100 is connected to the operation unit 17, the display unit 18, the ribbon transfer unit 19, the label transfer unit 20, and the print head 21 via the bus 15 and the controller 16. The operation unit 17 is a key for operating the printer 1 including the quality inspection key 171. The quality inspection key 171 is operated when inspecting the print quality related to the barcode printing of the printer 1. The display unit 18 displays information to the operator who operates the printer 1. The ribbon transport unit 19 is a drive unit that rotates the take-up shaft 27 in the direction of winding the ink ribbon 25. The label transport unit 20 is a drive unit that rotates the platen 24 in order to transport the label L in the direction of the arrow P. Based on the print data stored in the print data unit 131, the print head 21 applies a voltage to the heat generating element 211 to print information including a barcode on the label L.

Further, the control unit 100 is connected to the communication I / F 23 via the bus 15. The communication I / F 23 can send and receive information to and from the code verification device 5 via the communication line T2.

From here, the hardware of the light transmittance detector 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the light transmittance detector 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the light transmittance detector 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 is the control body. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 develops programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and memory unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 constitute the control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes the control process of the light transmittance detector 3, which will be described later, by operating the CPU 31 according to the control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and expanded in the RAM 33.

The memory unit 34 is composed of an SSD, an HDD, a flash memory, and the like, and maintains the stored contents even when the power supply is cut off. The memory unit 34 includes a control program unit 341. The control program unit 341 stores a control program for controlling the light transmittance detector 3.

The control unit 300 connects the light emitting unit 37 and the light receiving unit 38 via the bus 35 and the controller 36. The light emitting unit 37 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits light. The light receiving unit 38 is a sensor that receives the light emitted by the light emitting unit 37. When the light receiving unit 38 receives light, it outputs electric power having a voltage corresponding to the amount of the received light. The light receiving unit 38 outputs more electric power as the amount of light received increases.

Further, the control unit 300 connects to the communication I / F 39 via the bus 35. The communication I / F 39 can send and receive information to and from the code verification device 5 via the communication line T1.

From here, the hardware of the code verification device 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the code verification device 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the code verification device 5 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a memory unit 54, and the like. The CPU 51 is the control body. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 develops programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and memory unit 54 are connected to each other via a bus 55. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 form the control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 executes the control process of the code verification device 5, which will be described later, by operating the CPU 51 according to the control program stored in the ROM 52 or the memory unit 54 and expanded in the RAM 53.

The RAM 53 includes a label information unit 531, an appropriate print parameter storage unit 532, and a barcode storage unit 533. The label information unit 531 stores the paper thickness and length of the label L received from the light transmittance detector 3. The appropriate print condition storage unit 532 stores appropriate print parameters for printing a barcode on the label L mounted on the printer 1. The barcode storage unit 533 stores the barcode information read by the reading unit 58, which will be described later.

The memory unit 54 is composed of an SSD, an HDD, a flash memory, and the like, and maintains the stored contents even when the power supply is cut off. The memory unit 54 includes a control program unit 541 and a print range master 542. The control program unit 541 stores a control program for controlling the light transmittance detector 3. The print range master 542 stores a range of parameters for test printing corresponding to the paper thickness and the label length. The print range master 542 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The control unit 500 connects to the operation unit 57, the reading unit 58, and the display unit 61 via the bus 55 and the controller 56. The operation unit 57 is a keyboard including a speed-oriented key 571, a quality-oriented key 572, and a transmission key 573. The speed-oriented key 571 is a key for printing the label L at a higher transfer speed within the range of appropriate quality. When the speed-oriented key 571 is operated, the transport speed is increased and the print density of the barcode becomes darker within the range of appropriate quality. The quality-oriented key 572 is a key for making the print density of the barcode thinner and slowing down the transport speed accordingly. When the quality-oriented key 572 is operated, the transport speed becomes slow and the print density of the barcode becomes light within the range of appropriate quality. The transmission key 573 is a key for transmitting the print parameter related to the barcode of appropriate quality to the printer 1. The display unit 61 displays information to the operator.

The reading unit 58 includes image sensors arranged in a row. The image sensor reads the bar code printed on the label conveyed in the arrow P direction line by line in the direction orthogonal to the arrow P direction. All the read bar code information for each line is stored in the bar code storage unit 533. Therefore, it is stored in the bar code storage unit 533 as a connected bar code.

Further, the control unit 500 connects to the communication I / F 59 and the communication I / F 60 via the bus 55. The communication I / F 59 can send and receive information to and from the light transmittance detector 3 via the communication line T1. The communication I / F60 can send and receive information to and from the printer 1 via the communication line T2.

From here, the print range master 542 will be described. The print range master 542 stores the range of the print density and the transport speed for performing test printing of the barcode corresponding to the paper thickness and the label length of the label L. In the embodiment, for the sake of brevity, the paper thickness is set to two types, "thin" and "thick", and the label length is set to two types, "long" and "short". That is, "label L with thin paper thickness and long label length", "label L with thin paper thickness and short label length", "label L with thick paper thickness and long label length", and "label L with thick paper thickness and short label length". The print density and the transport speed are stored for each of the four types of labels L.

The print range master 542 has a print density unit 5421 and a transfer speed unit 5422. The print density unit 5421 stores the range of the print density of the barcode for test printing in association with each of the paper thickness and the label length. The transport speed unit 5422 stores the range of the transport speed of the label L for test printing in association with each of the paper thickness and the label length. The print density is divided into 21 stages from the lightest -10 to the darkest 10. Further, the transfer speed is divided into 2 ips (inch per second (2 inches are conveyed per second)) to 10 ips.

For example, when a bar code is test-printed on "label L with thin paper thickness and long label length", the print density is 5 to 10, and the transport speed is 8 ips or 10 ips. Further, when the barcode is test-printed on the "label L having a thin paper thickness and a short label length", the printing density is 0 to 5, and the transport speed is 6 ips or 8 ips. Further, when the barcode is test-printed on the "label L having a thick paper thickness and a long label length", the print density is −5 to 0 and the transport speed is 4 ips or 6 ips. Further, when the barcode is test-printed on the "label L having a thick paper thickness and a short label length", the print density is −10 to −5 and the transport speed is 2 ips or 4 ips.

When the control unit 500 determines that the label L is "a label L with a thin paper thickness and a long label length" based on the output of the light receiving unit 38 of the light transmittance detector 3, the print density of the bar code for test printing is set. 5 to 10 are extracted, and 8 ips and 10 ips are extracted as transport speeds. When the control unit 500 determines that the label L has a thin paper thickness and a short label length based on the output of the light receiving unit 38 of the light transmittance detector 3, the print density of the bar code for test printing is set. 0 to 5 are extracted, and 6 ips and 8 ips are extracted as transport speeds. When the control unit 500 determines that the label L has a thick paper thickness and a long label length based on the output of the light receiving unit 38 of the light transmittance detector 3, it is used as the print density of the bar code for test printing. -5 to 0 is extracted, and 4 ips and 6 ips are extracted as transport speeds. When the control unit 500 determines that the label L is "thick paper and short label length" based on the output of the light receiving unit 38 of the light transmittance detector 3, the print density of the bar code to be test-printed is set. -10 to -5 are extracted, and 2 ips and 4 ips are extracted as the transport speed.

From here, the control of the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the printer 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 100 of the printer 1 determines whether the quality inspection key 171 has been operated (S11). When it is determined that the quality inspection key 171 has been operated, the control unit 100 issues the label L from the issuing port 28 (S12). The issued label L is conveyed to the code verification device 5 and the light transmittance detector 3.

Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the range of the print parameters for printing the barcode has been received from the code verification device 5 (S13). Wait until the print parameter range for printing the label code is received (No in S13), and when it is determined that the print parameter range for printing the label code is received (Yes in S13), the control unit 100 determines. The range of the received print parameters is stored in the test print range unit 132, and the print head 21 is driven to print the bar code on the label L with the print density and the transport speed of each combination of the stored print parameter ranges. (S14). For example, when the received print density is 0 to 5 and the received transport speeds are 6 ips and 8 ips, the control unit 100 sets the transport speed to 6 ips and print density 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 A label L with a bar code printed in the above 6 patterns is issued. Further, the control unit 100 issues a label L on which a barcode is printed in 6 patterns of print densities 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for a transport speed of 8 ips. The control unit 100 issues a total of 12 patterns of labels L. The barcode data to be printed in S14 may be stored in advance by the printer 1, and when the print data is stored in the print data unit 131, the barcode data included in the print data is stored. It may be printed. Further, in the process of S14, when issuing the label L on which the barcode is test-printed, the printer 1 outputs the print parameter related to the barcode to the code verification device 5. The code verification device 5 stores the print parameters related to the printing in association with the read barcode.

Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not an appropriate print parameter has been input from the code verification device 5 (S15). Wait until the proper print parameter is input from the code verification device 5 (No in S15), and when it is determined that the proper print parameter is input from the code verification device 5 (Yes in S15), the control unit 100 , The received appropriate print parameter is stored in the print quality data unit 142 (S16). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation is not the operation of the quality inspection key 171 (No in S11), the control unit 100 determines whether the print data unit 131 stores print data including the barcode data to be printed on the label L. Judgment (S21). The print data is received from, for example, a personal computer (not shown) connected to the printer 1. When it is determined that the print data is stored in the print data unit 131 (Yes in S21), the control unit 100 determines whether the print quality data unit 142 stores the appropriate print parameters (S22). .. When it is determined that the print quality data unit 142 stores the appropriate print density and the transport speed (Yes in S22), the control unit 100 drives the print head 21 and stores the print data unit 131. Printing is performed on the label L based on the printed data (S23). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

Further, when it is determined that the print data is not stored in the print data unit 131 (No in S21), and when it is determined that the appropriate print parameters are not stored in the print quality data unit 142 (No in S22). ), The control unit 100 returns to S11.

From here, the control of the light transmittance detector 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the light transmittance detector 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 300 of the light transmittance detector 3 sets the label L by the label L issued from the issuing port 28 reaching the path Q and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 37 being attenuated. It is determined whether or not it has been detected (S31). Waiting until the label L was detected (No in S31), and when it was determined that the label L was detected (Yes in S31), the control unit 300 attenuated from the light receiving unit 38 according to the paper thickness of the label L. The output of the level (level indicating the degree of paper thickness) is output to the code verification device 5 (S32). Further, the control unit 300 continuously outputs the output from the light receiving unit 38 whose level is attenuated according to the paper thickness of the label L to the code verification device 5 while the label L passes through the path Q (S32). ). The continuous output time represents the label length. Then, the control unit 300 returns to S31.

From here, the functional configuration of the code verification device 5 will be described. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the code verification device 5. The control unit 500 of the code verification device 5 is stored in the control program unit 541 and changes according to the control program expanded in the RAM 53 to change the specific unit 501, the first output unit 502, the narrowing unit 503, and the second output unit 504. It functions as a unit 505.

The specifying unit 501 identifies one bar code that can properly read the bar code from the plurality of bar codes read by the reading unit 58. Specifically, the specific unit 501 measures the ratio of the black line to the white line with respect to the barcode stored in the reading barcode storage unit 533 by the reading unit 58. This process is performed on all labels L issued by test printing the barcode. Then, the specific unit 501 specifies one barcode in which the measured ratio of the black line and the white line is appropriate.

The first output unit 502 outputs the printing parameters of the barcode specified by the specific unit 501 to the printer 1. Specifically, the first output unit 502 sets a print parameter related to the print density applied to the printing of the barcode specified by the specific unit 501 and a print parameter related to the transport speed of the label L specified by the specific unit 501. Output to printer 1.

The narrowing-down unit 503 narrows down the range of barcode printing parameters to be printed by the printer 1 based on the information related to the input paper thickness and label length of the label L. Specifically, the narrowing-down unit 503 inputs the output from the light receiving unit 38 of the light transmittance detector 3 and determines the paper thickness and label length of the label L. Then, the narrowing-down unit 503 extracts a range of print parameters stored in the print range master 542 corresponding to the determined paper thickness and label length of the label L from the print parameters (print density and transport speed). To do.

The second output unit 504 outputs the range of print parameters narrowed down by the narrowing-down unit 503 to the printer 1. Specifically, the second output unit 504 outputs the print density range and the transport speed range extracted by the narrowing-down unit 503 to the printer 1.

The change unit 505 changes the print parameter of the barcode specified by the specific unit 501 to another print parameter. Specifically, when the speed-oriented key 571 is operated, the change unit 505 sets the print parameter specified by the specific unit 501 to another print parameter that is within the range of appropriate print quality and emphasizes the transport speed. Change to. Further, when the quality-oriented key 572 is operated, the print parameter specified by the specific unit 501 is changed to another print parameter that is within the range of appropriate print quality and emphasizes print density. More specifically, when the speed-oriented key 571 is operated, the changing unit 505 transfers the print parameters specified by the specific unit 501 from the plurality of barcodes read by the reading unit 58 by one level faster (1 level). Emphasis on transport speed) Change to print parameters. The quality of the print density is lowered by that amount (the black line becomes thicker), but the changed print density is still within the range of the appropriate quality. Further, when the quality-oriented key 572 is operated, the change unit 505 changes the print parameter specified by the specific unit 501 to a print parameter in which the print density is reduced by one (the print density is emphasized). Then, the quality of the print density is improved (the black line becomes thinner), but the transport speed is reduced accordingly.

For example, it is assumed that the specific unit 501 specifies the barcode printed on the first label L. In this case, when the speed-oriented key 571 is operated, the change unit 505 changes the appropriate barcode and print parameter from the print parameter of the barcode printed on the first label L to the second label L. Change to the print parameter of the printed barcode. When the quality-oriented key 572 is operated, the change unit 505 prints an appropriate barcode and print parameter on the third label L from the print parameter of the barcode printed on the first label L. Change to the print parameter of the specified barcode. When the appropriate barcode printing parameter is changed by the changing unit 505, the first output unit 502 outputs the changed barcode printing parameter to the printer 1.

From here, the control of the code verification device 5 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the code verification device 5. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 500 of the code verification device 5 determines whether the output from the light receiving unit 38 of the light transmittance detector 3 is input (S41). When it is determined that the output from the light receiving unit 38 of the light transmittance detector 3 is input (Yes in S41), the control unit 500 carries the label based on the input output from the light receiving unit 38. The paper thickness and label length of L are extracted (S42). Specifically, the code verification device 5 previously detects the strength and weakness of the output of the plurality of light receiving units 38, the time for detecting the label L, the strength and weakness of the output, and the label L in the memory unit 54. The paper thickness and label length of the label L associated with the time are stored. The control unit 500 extracts the pairing of the paper thickness and the label length of each label L associated with the degree of the output intensity of the input light receiving unit 38 and the time when the label L is detected.

Next, the narrowing-down unit 503 determines the print range of the test print associated with the paper thickness and label length of the extracted label L from the print range master 542 based on the paper thickness and label length of the extracted label L. Narrow down (S43). Then, the second output unit 504 outputs the range of the print parameters (print density and transport speed) narrowed down by the narrowing-down unit 503 to the printer 1 (S44). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S41.

Further, when it is determined that the input is not the output from the light receiving unit 38 of the light transmittance detector 3 (No in S41), the control unit 500 uses the printing parameters of the printer 1 on a plurality of labels L. It is determined whether or not the printed test prints of a plurality of types of barcodes have been read (S51). When it is determined that the test prints of a plurality of types of barcodes have been read (Yes in S51), the specific unit 501 identifies one barcode that can be appropriately read from the plurality of barcodes read by the reading unit 58 (Yes). S52). At this time, the specific unit 501 specifies the print parameter of the barcode specified by the specific unit 501 as the print parameter related to the barcode when the printer 1 prints the test barcode. Then, the control unit 500 displays the image of the specified barcode and the print parameters related to the barcode on the display unit 61 (S53). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S41.

Further, when it is determined that the test print of the barcode is not read (No in S51), it is determined whether the transmission key 573 has been operated (S61). When it is determined that the transmission key 573 has been operated (Yes in S61), the first output unit 502 outputs the print parameter of the barcode specified by the specific unit 501 to the printer 1 (S62). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S41.

If it is determined that the transmission key 573 is not operated (No in S61), the control unit 500 determines whether the speed-oriented key 571 has been operated (S71). When it is determined that the speed-oriented key 571 has been operated (Yes in S71), the changing unit 505 emphasizes the transport speed of the print parameters specified by the specific unit 501 within the range of appropriate print quality. Change to print parameters (S72). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S61 and waits for the transmission key 573 to be operated.

If it is determined that the operation of the speed-oriented key 571 is not performed (No in S71), the control unit 500 determines whether the quality-oriented key 572 has been operated (S73). When it is determined that the quality-oriented key 572 has been operated (Yes in S73), the changing unit 505 puts emphasis on the print density within the range of the appropriate print quality with the print parameters specified by the specific unit 501. Change to print parameters (S74). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S61 and waits for the transmission key 573 to be operated.

According to such an embodiment, the code verification device 5 is based on a reading unit 58 that reads a plurality of barcodes printed on paper by the printer 1 with different printing parameters, and a plurality of barcodes read by the reading unit 58. It includes a specific unit 501 that specifies one barcode that can properly read the barcode, and a first output unit that outputs print parameters related to the barcode specified by the specific unit 501 to the printer 1. Therefore, the print parameters related to the appropriate barcode can be output to the printer 1. The printer 1 in which the appropriate print parameters output by the code verification device 5 are input can print a correctly readable barcode on the label L by setting the appropriate print parameters in the printer.

Further, according to the embodiment, a narrowing-down unit 503 that narrows down the range of barcode printing parameters to be test-printed by the printer 1 based on the input label L paper thickness and label length, and a narrowing-down unit 503 that narrows down the printing parameters. It is provided with a second output unit that outputs the range of the above to the printer 1. Therefore, the printer 1 is made to perform only the test printing of the barcode within the range suitable for the paper thickness and the label length. Therefore, the printer 1 is not allowed to perform bar code test printing with unnecessary printing parameters that are not suitable for the paper thickness and label length.

Further, according to the embodiment, the change unit 505 that changes the print parameter of the barcode specified by the specific unit 501 to another print parameter is further provided, and the first output 502 unit is the print parameter changed by the change unit 505. The print parameters of are output to the printer 1. Therefore, it is possible to have the printer 1 print a barcode that is close to the desired print quality or transport speed while ensuring the print quality of the barcode.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

For example, in the embodiment, the print parameter is data indicating the print density and the transport speed. However, not limited to this, the print parameter may be data of either print density or transport speed.

Further, in the embodiment, the barcode has been described as an example of the code symbol. However, the code symbol is not limited to this, and may be a symbol such as a two-dimensional code or a two-dimensional bar code.

Further, in the embodiment, the narrowing-down unit 503 is set to test-print a barcode in which the printing parameters are narrowed down. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the bar code may be test-printed without narrowing down the printing parameters by the narrowing-down unit 503. That is, the narrowing down portion 503 is not an essential requirement.

Further, in the embodiment, the label L has been used as an example of the paper. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the paper may be paper other than label L (for example, receipt paper).

Further, in the embodiment, the narrowing-down unit 503 narrows down the range of print parameters based on the data of the paper thickness and the label length of the label L. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the range of print parameters may be narrowed down based on, for example, the paper thickness data of the label L.

1 Printer 3 Light transmission detector 5 Code verification device 17 Operation unit 18 Display unit 37 Light emitting unit 38 Light receiving unit 57 Operation unit 58 Reading unit 61 Display unit 100 Control unit 131 Print data unit 132 Test print range unit 142 Print quality data unit 171 Quality inspection key 300 Control unit 500 Control unit 501 Specific unit 502 First output unit 503 Narrowing unit 504 Second output unit 505 Change unit 531 Label information unit 532 Appropriate print condition storage unit 533 Bar code storage unit 542 Print range master 571 Focus key 572 Quality focus key 573 Send key

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-156161

Claims (6)

A reader that reads multiple code symbols printed on paper by the printer with multiple different print parameters,
From the code symbol read by the reading unit, a specific unit that identifies one code symbol that can properly read the code symbol, and a specific unit.
A first output unit that outputs the print parameters of the code symbol specified by the specific unit to the printer, and
Code verification device equipped with. A narrowing section that narrows down the range of print parameters of the plurality of code symbols to be printed by the printer based on the input thickness information of the paper.
A second output unit that outputs the range of print parameters narrowed down by the narrowing unit to the printer, and
The code verification device according to claim 1, further comprising. Further, a changing part for changing the printing parameter of the code symbol specified by the specific part to another printing parameter is provided.
The first output unit outputs the print parameters changed by the change unit to the printer.
The code verification device according to claim 1 or 2. The reading unit reads a plurality of code symbols printed on paper with each combination of a plurality of types of print densities and a plurality of types of transport speeds within the range of the print parameters.
The code verification device according to claim 3. The change part changes to a print parameter that prints with higher quality than the specified code symbol.
The code verification device according to claim 3 or 4. The changing part changes to a printing parameter that prints at a higher speed than the specified code symbol.
The code verification device according to claim 3 or 4.

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