JP3570976B2 - Form processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a form processing device that optically reads characters and symbols described in forms such as various forms and application forms, and prints desired information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the form processing apparatus has been used more and more due to improvements in character recognition technology. For example, for forms such as various slips and application forms used in various fields including banks and government offices, conventionally, a person who processes the forms inputs the contents of the forms to a computer and performs predetermined processing. However, recently, as shown in JP-A-6-107364 and JP-A-11-177784, a character on a document is read using an optical character recognition device, that is, an OCR (Optical Character Reader), and is taken into a computer. The read characters are recognized, and various processes are performed based on the recognized characters.
[0003]
Hereinafter, a conventional form processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
[0004]
The form processing apparatus 101 includes a base 103 on which the form 102 is placed, a hopper 104, take-out rollers 105 and 106, a separator 107, a tension roller 108, a drive roller 109, light sources 110 and 111, a reflector 112, folding mirrors 114 and 115, and a lens. 116, a CCD sensor 117, a transport path 118, a CCD sensor 119, a dot printer head 120, an ink ribbon 121, a platen 122, and a stacker 123.
[0005]
The form bundle in which the forms 102 are stacked is placed on a base 103 which slides up and down and is attached to a hopper 104. The base 103 has a mechanism that moves upward as the form 102 is taken out.
[0006]
The form 102 at the top of the bundle is taken out one by one as the take-out rollers 105 and 106 having a material such as rubber rotate clockwise.
[0007]
When a plurality of forms 102 are taken out by the take-out rollers 105 and 106, the separator 107 prevents the second and subsequent forms 102 from being taken out together with the first form 102.
[0008]
The extracted form 102 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and is conveyed at a constant speed while receiving a conveying force between a pair of rollers, that is, a tension roller 108, and a drive roller 109 connected to a motor (not shown). A plurality of pairs of the rollers 108 and 109 are provided over the entire area of the transport path 118.
[0009]
When the form 102 reaches the reading unit A, reading of information displayed on the surface of the form 102 is started. The reading method is such that light emitted from the light sources 110 and 111 is condensed on the reading unit A by the reflector 112, and when light is applied to the characters of the form 102 at the position of A, the reflected light from the form 102 is turned back by a mirror. The light is folded at 114 and 115, passes through the lens 116, and is imaged by the CCD sensor 117. An optical path from the light sources 110 and 111 to the CCD sensor 117 is referred to as an optical path 113.
[0010]
The information of the form 102 read by the CCD sensor 117 is taken into a computer (not shown), and the data is processed by character recognition.
[0011]
The above-described series of operations is performed continuously while moving the form 102. When reading information on the surface of the form 102, a reduction optical system is usually used.
[0012]
When the form 102 that has passed the reading unit A reaches the reading unit B, reading of information on the back surface of the form 102 is started.
[0013]
In the reading section B, a contact type line CCD sensor 119 is used because there is no space for the reduction optical system. When it is not necessary to read the information on the back side of the form 102, the contact-type line CCD sensor 119 is unnecessary.
[0014]
The form 102 that has passed the reading unit B is transported along the transport path 118. The form 102 conveyed by the conveyance path 118 is recorded by the printer with a mark indicating that information has been read from the form 102. The printer includes a dot printer head 120, an ink ribbon 121, and a platen 122.
[0015]
Predetermined characters such as a reception number or a user-specific number are printed on a form 102 between the ink ribbon 121 and the platen 122. The printed form 102 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow and sent to the stacker 123.
[0016]
Such operations are continuously performed until the form 102 is removed from the base 103, and the form 102 that has been read and printed is stacked on the stacker 123.
[0017]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to print desired information on a form, the conventional form processing apparatus having the above-described configuration performs a series of operations of taking out, transporting, reading information, printing, and stacking a form. There has been a problem that a device for performing the process is complicated, control of each device is required, and the device is enlarged. In addition, for example, it is difficult to operate at low cost because control such as positioning of information reading and printing is complicated. Further, there is a problem that the form is stained by the conveyance.
[0018]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and has as its object to provide a form processing apparatus which is small in size, has good operability, and has a complicated mechanism for transporting a form, and does not require control. I do.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a form processing device of the present invention includes:
A form placement unit having light transmissivity capable of placing the form, so that the information description surface of the form in which the information to be read is described contacts,
A light source that irradiates light to the information recording surface of the form via the form placement unit from the opposite side to the form,
A mirror for reflecting the reflected light obtained from the information writing surface of the form,
An information reading unit that receives the reflected light and reads the information;
A carriage mounted with the light source and the mirror and moving so as to keep a constant optical path length from the form to the information reading unit;
A moving mechanism for moving the carriage along a moving path provided in a direction in which the information is read;
A printing unit configured to print on the other surface of the form placed on the form placement unit based on the information read by the information reading unit.
That is, by reading the information from the form by moving the optical system without transporting the form, recording of the read information is performed by the printing unit attached to the cover.
[0020]
In addition, when the form is not on the form placement unit, since there is no need for printing, the presence / absence of the form is detected by the form placement state detection unit mounted in or near the printing unit before printing is performed. You can also. This form placement state detection unit may be any type of device such as a reflection type optical sensor or a transmission type optical sensor as long as it can detect the presence or absence of a form.
[0021]
When printing is performed on the form by the printing unit, the form placement unit may be a platen. With such a configuration, a platen is separately required in the case of a conventional dot printer, but the form placing portion for placing the form can also be used as the platen.
[0022]
Further, the position where the printing unit is attached to the cover may be a reference position side on which the form is placed, or an open / close support point side of the cover. With such a configuration, the load at the time of opening and closing the cover can be reduced by setting the installation position of the printing unit to the open / close support point side, and the life of the apparatus can be extended.
[0023]
Further, when the form processing device is used upright (without placing the form placing portion horizontally), a positioning portion is provided so that the form position is not shifted at a reference position where the form is placed, and the cover is provided. A stopper can be provided so that the document does not move during reading. With such a configuration, the mounting place of the apparatus can be reduced, and the reading operation and the recording operation can be performed accurately without malfunction.
[0024]
The operation and control of the form processing apparatus can be performed by operation / operation switches provided on the form processing apparatus itself, or can be remotely controlled from a personal computer or the like. If external operation / control means such as a personal computer is used, information desired by the user can be more easily recorded in a form.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0027]
FIG. 1A is a plan view of a form processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the form processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C is a side view of the form processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0028]
The form processing device 1 includes a housing 2 and a cover 4 on which a printer 3 (printing unit) is placed. The cover 4 is rotatably connected to the housing 2 by hinges 5 and 6, and one surface of the cover 4 can be in contact with one surface of the housing 2 (form placement portion).
[0029]
The housing 2 includes an optical unit, a carriage, and a moving mechanism inside, and a glass table 7 (form placement unit) having light transmittance is provided on a surface of the outer surface that is in surface contact with the cover 4. . A form 8 is placed on one surface of the glass table 7 and an optical unit is provided on the other surface.
[0030]
The optical section includes light sources 9 and 10 for irradiating the form 8 with light from the side opposite to the form 8 via the glass table 7 and a reflected light from the form 8 via the glass table 7 to the CCD sensor 11 (information reading section). ), A lens 16 for condensing the reflected light, a CCD sensor 11 for receiving the condensed light and reading the information of the form 8, and carriages 17 and 18.
[0031]
The carriage includes a first carriage 17 and a second carriage 18. The first carriage 17 has light sources 9 and 10 and a return mirror 12 mounted thereon, and the second carriage 18 has a return mirror 13 and 14 mounted thereon. . The first and second carriages 17 and 18 move so as to keep the optical path length between the form 8 and the CCD sensor 11 constant.
[0032]
As the moving mechanism, a mechanism in which the moving speed between the first carriage 17 and the second carriage 18 is set to 2: 1 in order to keep the optical path length from the form 8 to the CCD sensor 11 constant is used. As a method of setting the moving speed at a ratio of 2: 1, a method using a moving pulley or a method in which the diameters of drive pulleys connected to the first carriage 17 and the second carriage 18 are designed to be 2: 1 are used. There is a way.
[0033]
The moving mechanism is configured to move the first carriage 17 and the second carriage 18 along a moving path such as a guide rail extending in the moving direction of the light sources 9 and 10 that emit light to irradiate the form 8, and the first carriage 17 and the second carriage 18. And a drive source such as a motor for moving the two carriages 18 on the movement path. The moving direction refers to a direction in which information displayed on the form 8 is read, and is a longitudinal direction of the form 8 in this embodiment.
[0034]
The printer 3 includes an optical sensor 19 (form placement state detection unit) for detecting the placement state of the form 8 that can be placed on the glass table 7, specifically, the presence or absence of the form 8 on the glass table 7, A printer fixing plate 20 for fixing the cover 3 to the cover 4 is provided.
[0035]
The printer 3 is attached to the printer fixing plate 20 by fixing means such as screws. A method of fixing the printer 3 to the cover 4 is as follows. A part of the cover 4 is cut out so that the printer 3 and the printer fixing plate 20 can be embedded, and the printer fixing plate 20 is fixed and fixed in the cut-out portion. The printer 3 is positioned with respect to the printer 20.
[0036]
The printer 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2A, a front view of the printer according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B, a plan view of the printer according to the first embodiment.
[0037]
A rubber belt 23 is stretched between two pulleys 21 and 22 arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. Characters 24 such as alphanumeric characters and symbols are engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber belt 23 (on the periphery of the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the pulleys 21 and 22) for each individual character.
[0038]
The ink roll 25 is arranged in contact with the rubber surface of the rubber belt 23 on which the characters 24 are formed. Form holders 26 and 27 may be provided as appropriate by protruding a portion of the printer 3 that comes into contact with the form 8 (form holders are described in the second embodiment).
[0039]
A hammer 28 provided in an inner peripheral space of the rubber belt 23 in contact with the rubber belt 23 is attached to a hammer holder 29. The hammer holder 29 is provided with a through hole through which the rail 29 passes. The rail 30 is provided between the pulleys 21 and 22 in a substantially linear shape.
[0040]
Further, as shown in the perspective view of the first embodiment in FIG. 3, magnetic portions 31 and 32 such as iron are buried in the edge portion of the cover 4 at the position where it comes into contact with the housing 2. Magnet stoppers 33 and 34 are provided at positions of the housing 2 facing the magnetic body portions 31 and 32 in a state where the cover 4 is closed so as to contact the glass base 7.
[0041]
The operation of the first embodiment having such a configuration will be described.
[0042]
(0) The form processing apparatus 1 is placed on, for example, a desk 35.
[0043]
(1) Open the cover 4 supported by the hinges 5 and 6 so as to be freely rotatable. (Moved to the state of the dashed line 36 in FIG. 1 (c))
(2) The form 8 is placed so that the surface (one surface side) of the form 8 faces down (contacts with the glass base 7) so as to be in contact with the glass base 7. The surface of the form 8 indicates a surface on which information to be read (information to be read) is described.
[0044]
At this time, one end of each of the four corners of the form 8 is aligned with the origin P. This is because the forms 8 have various sizes (A, B plates, postcard sizes, and other sizes outside the fixed form). By determining the origin P, it is possible to efficiently read information or print information on the form 8 of all sizes that can be processed.
[0045]
(3) The cover 4 is closed (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 (c)) to fix the form 8, and start reading information on the surface of the form 8.
[0046]
When the cover 4 and the housing 2 come into contact with each other by the magnetic force acting between the magnetic portions 31, 32 and the magnets 33, 34, the movement of the form at the time of reading is suppressed.
[0047]
The first carriage 17 on which the light sources 9 and 10 and the return mirror 12 are mounted and the second carriage 18 on which the return mirrors 13 and 14 are mounted are moved at a predetermined speed in the direction of the arrow (in FIG. 1B). Thus, the information displayed on the form 8 is read.
[0048]
In this case, the light emitted from the light sources 9 and 10 passes through the glass table 7, enters the form 8, is reflected by the form 8, enters the folding mirror 12 via the glass table 7, and returns to the folding mirrors 13, 14 and 15. The light is incident on the lens 16 while being reflected by the light source, condensed and imaged, and is incident on the CCD sensor 11.
[0049]
The moving speed of the first carriage 17 and the second carriage 18 is set at a ratio of 2: 1 in order to keep the optical path length 37 from the form 8 to the CCD sensor 11 constant, that is, the moving speed of the second carriage 18 is Assuming that the moving speed of the first carriage 17 is V, the first carriage 17 is moved at a speed of (1/2) V. Therefore, although not shown here, a mechanism is provided so that the first carriage 17 and the second carriage 18 move at a speed of 2: 1.
[0050]
After the operation of closing the cover 4, the optical sensor 26 detects whether or not the form 8 is placed on the glass table 7. The form 8 is not placed on the glass table 7, is significantly displaced from the desired arrangement position (reading and printing operations are not possible), or the form 8 is placed upside down (information If the information to be read is not located at the reading position), a warning is issued to the user by light, sound, or the like, and the user is prompted to place the form 8 on the glass table 7 again.
[0051]
If it is not necessary to print the information on the back side of the form 8, the processing can be performed by using a means (for example, a button) which is provided in the form processing apparatus 1 and which does not require printing. It is also possible to select printing by setting the no-print mode.
[0052]
(4) When the reading of the information on the front side of the form 8 is completed, the desired information is printed at a predetermined position on the back surface of the form 8 stopped on the glass base 7 based on the read information. The information to be printed refers to various types of information necessary for processing, such as whether or not the form 8 is read by the optical system, a classification display such as classification, a serial number, and the like.
[0053]
In addition, since desired information is printed on the back surface of the form 8, the reading operation and the recording operation can be performed without moving the form and without performing positioning or the like. In addition, since a transport path for transporting the form 8 is not required, the operation can be easily performed without increasing costs and increasing the size. Further, if the printing on the back side of the form 8 is information that is not directly related to the information on the front side such as the serial number and the presence or absence of reading (it is not necessary to display), it is possible to prevent the information from being confused with the contents described on the front side. There are also advantages that can be. Further, it is not necessary to provide a special blank area for recording for the processor on the front surface, and the back side having a margin in the blank area as compared with the front surface can be utilized.
[0054]
Hereinafter, the printing method will be described in more detail.
[0055]
The direction in which information is printed on the form 8 is the direction of the arrow a in FIG. The initial position (in the printable area) of the hammer holder 29 is near the pulley 22.
[0056]
The hammer 28 moves by one character from the pulley 22 toward the pulley 21 (in the direction of arrow a) and stops, and after stopping, prints the desired character. After printing, after moving one character in the direction a and stopping, the desired character is printed.
[0057]
When printing a character, the rubber belt 23 rotates in the direction of the arrow b (in FIG. 2A), and the character to be printed out of the plurality of characters 24 engraved on the rubber belt 23 is located at the hammer position of the hammer 28. Keep spinning until it comes. When the desired character 24 reaches the hammer position of the hammer 28, the rotation of the pulleys 21 and 22 is stopped.
[0058]
After that, the hammer 28 instantly jumps out toward the form 8 and returns to the original position instantly, so that the character 24 on the rubber belt 23 between the hammer 28 and the form 8 comes into contact with the form 8 instantaneously and is printed. Is done.
[0059]
Next, the hammer holder 29 moves on the rail 30 in the direction a by one character pitch. During this time, the pulleys 21 and 22 are rotated counterclockwise until the next character 24 to be printed comes before the hammer 28, thereby rotating the rubber belt 23 in the direction of arrow b.
[0060]
Next, when the character 24 to be printed comes to the hammer position of the hammer 28, the rotation of the pulleys 21 and 22 is stopped. Then, the next character 24 is printed on the form 8 by the hammer 28 adjacent to the previously printed character 24.
[0061]
By repeating such an operation for the number of characters to be printed, one line is printed. Note that the form reading apparatus 1 normally prints only one line, and ends the processing.
[0062]
Here, the supply of ink will be described.
[0063]
Since the ink roll 25 is in contact with the characters 24 engraved on the rubber belt 23 with a predetermined contact force, the ink is supplied to each character 24 every time the pulleys 21 and 22 rotate so that clear printing can be performed. It can be carried out. The replacement of the ink roll 25 can be easily performed because the ink roll 25 has a structure capable of being removed.
[0064]
In the first embodiment as described above, the form processing apparatus 1 can be reduced in size without performing complicated mechanisms and controls, and operability can be improved (simplified).
[0065]
In addition, since the form 8 does not move along the transport path, unnecessary force is not applied to the form 8, and the form 8 itself does not suffer from pain such as rolling or dirt.
[0066]
Further, since it is not necessary to change various settings (transport speed, reading timing, etc.) for each size of the form 8, processing can be performed quickly without depending on the size of the form 8. Will decrease. For example, when the customer is arranged at a counter such as a bank, a customer's report can be input to a computer in front of the customer and processed.
[0067]
Further, by mounting the printer 3 in the vicinity of the fulcrum position of the cover 4 (the side surface on which the hinges 5 and 6 of the form processing apparatus 1 are provided), it is possible to reduce the load of the force required to open and close the cover 4.
[0068]
In addition, since desired characters are printed with the rubber stamp engraved on the rubber belt 23, the impact of the hammer 28 at the time of printing is absorbed by the rubber stamp. For this reason, the size of the printer 3 can be reduced as compared with the dot printer, and printing can be performed directly on the form 8 placed on the glass base 7 without increasing the strength of the glass base 7. It becomes possible.
[0069]
Therefore, unlike the conventionally used dot printer, a platen is not required, which contributes to downsizing of the form processing apparatus 1.
[0070]
When the printer 3 breaks down, only the main body of the printer 3 can be removed from the cover 4 and exchanged, so that the maintenance is good.
[0071]
Next, a configuration of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0072]
In the following embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0073]
The feature of the second embodiment is that a means for preventing displacement between the printer 3 and the form 8 is provided.
[0074]
FIG. 4 is a front view (with the cover 4 opened) of the form processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0075]
On a surface of the cover 4 which comes into contact with the form 8, a form retainer 38 made of resin, insane cloth or the like is provided except for an area where the printer 3 is placed. In addition, the printer 3 is provided with form holders 26 and 27 made of resin or ignorant cloth so as to be in contact with the form 8. The surface of the form holder 38 and the form holders 26 and 27 are formed and provided so as to be on the same plane.
[0076]
With such a configuration, when the information of the form 8 is read by the optical system, or when the printer 3 records the predetermined information on the form 8, the form retainer 38 and the form retainers 26 and 27 at least prevent malfunction. The form 8 can be held so as not to move.
[0077]
In the second embodiment as described above, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the form 8 at the time of the information reading operation or the information recording operation, reduce the resetting of the placement state by the user, and reduce the processing efficiency. Can be improved.
[0078]
Next, a configuration of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0079]
A feature of the third embodiment is that the printer 3 is mounted by rotating the printer 3 by 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the first embodiment.
[0080]
FIG. 5A is a plan view of a form processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a front view of the form processing apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5C is a side view of the form processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0081]
The arrangement of the printer 3 on the cover 4 is provided by rotating the printer 3 by 90 degrees counterclockwise as compared with the first embodiment.
[0082]
The printing area of the form 8 can be changed by setting the printing direction of the printer 3 to the left and right direction in FIG.
[0083]
Next, a configuration of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0084]
A feature of the fourth embodiment is that the form processing apparatus 1 is set up (with the glass stand 7 in a substantially vertical direction).
[0085]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a form processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a reference position of the form processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0086]
FIG. 6 shows a state in which the form processing apparatus 1 is carried on the side of a desk 35, for example. The same applies to a case where the form processing apparatus 1 is placed on the desk 35 such that the glass table 7 is substantially vertical.
[0087]
Magnet stoppers 33 and 34 are embedded near the edge of the cover 4 and in contact with the housing 2. A magnetic body such as iron is provided at the position of the cover 4 where the stoppers 33 and 34 come into contact.
[0088]
Further, in the present embodiment, the angle formed by cover 4 and glass base 7 is not less than 0 degrees (the state in which cover 4 is closed and cover 4 is in contact with glass base 7) and not more than 90 degrees. It is appropriately designed by using a coil spring or the like. The opening / closing angle of the cover 4 can be set as appropriate, and can be designed according to the usage environment of the user, for example, 10, 30, 45, or 60 degrees.
[0089]
In the fourth embodiment as described above, since the cover 4 and the housing 2 are fixed by the magnetic force, the cover 4 is easily opened at the time of opening (at the time of placing a form, re-placing a form, or taking out a form). Can be placed and taken out, and at the time of reading and recording operations, the movement of the form is suppressed by the necessary holding force (close contact). For this reason, processing efficiency can be improved.
[0090]
In addition, since the opening angle of the cover 4 is within 90 degrees, an angle that is easy for the user to use can be used, and the risk of falling from the place where the form is placed or taken out when the form is placed or taken out is suppressed. it can. Further, by installing the form processing apparatus 1 on the side of the desk 35, the installation area can be reduced.
[0091]
Next, the reference position P will be described with reference to FIG.
[0092]
When the form 8 is arranged on the glass table 7 so as to match the reference position P, the glass table 7 is formed with a step with the edge 39 of the housing 2 (one surface of the housing 2). That is, the surface of the glass stand 7 is a concave portion, and the edge 39 is a convex portion.
[0093]
Since the form 8 can be placed in contact with the side surfaces 40 and 41 of the concave portion, the form 8 can be easily placed on the reference position P, and can be easily arranged at a predetermined position for performing reading and recording operations. A series of operations of placing, reading, and recording can be performed efficiently. Note that the position can be more easily adjusted by providing the point P at an angle in the plane of the glass stand 7 so as to be closest to the ground.
[0094]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0095]
The feature of the fifth embodiment is that the information printed on the form 8 is recorded using the ink 42 which is invisible in the visible light region. Except that the type of the ink 42 is different, the configuration and operation of the first embodiment are the same.
[0096]
The ink 42 is held in the ink roll 25, and the ink 42 can be supplied by rotating the pulleys 21 and 22 so that the ink roll 25 contacts all the characters 24.
[0097]
The ink 42 has a characteristic that it is substantially invisible in a visible light region and is made visible only when light of a predetermined wavelength, for example, ultraviolet light is irradiated on the ink 42. The ink 44 is formed by mixing a dye, a solvent, and a binder. For the dye, for example, eurobium, which is substantially invisible in the visible light region, emits and becomes visible when irradiated with ultraviolet light (wavelength of about 350 nm), is used. As the solvent, for example, water or ethanol is used. In addition, an acrylic resin, a rosin-based resin, a styrene-based resin, a polyvinyl-based resin, and a phosphorus-based organic compound are used as the binder. Further, a cationic compound may be added to the ink 42.
[0098]
When reading the printed information from the form 8 on which desired information is printed using the ink 42, the information on the back side of the form 8 is irradiated with ultraviolet light using a reading device having a separate ultraviolet light source. To read information.
[0099]
Further, an optical sensor for measuring the amount of ink 42 in the ink storage unit 43 that supplies the ink 42 to the ink roll 25 is provided in or near the ink storage unit 43, and the remaining amount of the ink 42 is reduced. In this case, the user can be warned by emitting light or sound to replenish the ink, or a message can be sent to an electronic device such as a personal computer that controls the operation of the form processing apparatus 1 to warn the user. If an optical sensor cannot be provided, measure the number of prints with a counter and warn the user to replenish the ink 42 if the value on the counter reaches a value at which the ink 42 should be replenished. You can also.
[0100]
In the fifth embodiment as described above, since the information printed using the ink 42 is not specified to a third party, the confidentiality can be improved. In addition, since the ink 42 is invisible in the visualization area, the appearance due to the dirt due to the ink 42 and the like does not become visible.
[0101]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0102]
The feature of the sixth embodiment is that an ink 44 which is mixed with a dye (coloring material) and visualized in a visible light region is used as the ink printed on the form 8.
[0103]
The ink 44 is composed of the ink 42 and a dye mixed with the ink 42, and the appearance (shade) of the ink 44 is such that it is more visible than the ink 42 and less visible than the black ink. As the dye, for example, a dye that emits red light in a visible light region is used. It should be noted that the emission color of the ink 44 in the visible light region and the emission color of the ink 44 when the ultraviolet light is irradiated can be set as appropriate even if they are different or the same.
[0104]
The sixth embodiment described above is slightly inferior to the fifth embodiment in terms of confidentiality and dirt, but does not irradiate the printed information with ultraviolet light while maintaining a certain aesthetic appearance. In both cases, the user can immediately grasp the information. For this reason, when reading printed information, it is less necessary to read information with a reading device having an ultraviolet light source, and work efficiency is improved.
[0105]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0106]
A feature of the seventh embodiment is that the light sources 9 and 10 have different wavelengths.
[0107]
For example, the light source 9 as the first light source is, for example, a white light source having a wavelength for reading information recorded on the surface of the form 8 in advance, and the light source 10 as the second light source is the ink 42 printed on the back surface of the form 8. Ultraviolet fluorescent lamp (UV lamp) having a wavelength (for example, a wavelength of about 350 nm) for reading the information.
[0108]
When reading information on the front side of the form 8, only the light source 9 emits light, and when reading information printed on the back side of the form 8, only the light source 10 emits light to read each information. The read information is displayed on a display connected to a personal computer or the like. When the information printed by the ink 42 is irradiated with the ultraviolet light from the light source 10, for example, the ink 42 having a peak at 620 nm emits reddish color and can be read by the CCD sensor 11.
[0109]
In the seventh embodiment as described above, the form processing device 1 for printing desired information on the back side of the form 8 and a reading device having an ultraviolet light source for reading information printed on the back side of the form 8 Since it is not necessary to dispose the apparatus and the apparatus separately, it contributes to a reduction in arrangement area and an improvement in processing efficiency.
[0110]
Next, the configuration of an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0111]
A feature of the eighth embodiment is that the ink 45 that is visible in the visible light region and the ink 42 that is invisible in the visible region are used for printing on the form 8.
[0112]
For example, when printing information that requires confidentiality (for example, a serial number, a character or a symbol that identifies a customer, or a character or a symbol that specifies an amount), the ink 42 is used, and information that does not have confidentiality (for example, The ink 45 is used to print the date and time or the person in charge of processing.
[0113]
An ink roll 46 containing the ink 42 is provided so as to be in contact with the rubber belt 23. An ink roll 25 containing the ink 45 is provided so as to be in contact with the rubber belt 23.
Further, an ink removing roller 47 for removing the ink 42 or the ink 45 from the rubber belt 23 is provided so as to be in contact with the rubber belt 23.
[0114]
When printing on the form 8 using the ink 45, only the ink roller 25 is in contact with the rubber belt 23 and the ink 45 is supplied to the rubber belt 23. Next, when printing on the form 8 using the ink 42, the ink roller 25 is moved so as to be out of contact with the rubber belt 23, and the ink removing roller 47 for wiping the ink 45 adhered on the rubber belt 23. Is in contact with the rubber belt 23. The rubber belt 23 is rotated at least once while the ink removing roller 47 is in contact with the rubber belt 23 to remove the ink 45 on the rubber belt 23. Then, after the ink removing roller 47 is moved from the rubber belt 23 so as to be in a non-contact state, the ink roller 46 is moved so as to be in contact with the rubber belt 23 to supply the ink 42 to the rubber belt 23 and use the ink 42. Printing on the form 8 is started. The operation control of the ink rollers 25 and 46 and the ink removal roller 47 is performed by a control device (not shown). The printing operation is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0115]
In this manner, printing is performed by using the ink 42 or the ink 45 depending on the confidentiality of information to be printed on the back surface of the form 8.
[0116]
In the eighth embodiment described above, the user can immediately understand whether desired information has already been printed on the back surface of the form 8 while maintaining confidentiality and aesthetic appearance.
[0117]
It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.
[0118]
For example, the printer may have an ink jet printer of a type in which an ink cartridge and a print head are integrated, attached to a cover. In this case, the same function can be satisfied only by providing a mechanism for moving the print head by the number of characters to be printed. Also, when the thermal transfer printer is attached to the cover, similar effects can be obtained only by providing a mechanism for moving the print head, similarly to the case of the ink jet printer. The magnetic force is used by the magnetic body and the stopper, but the form placed between the cover and the form processing apparatus main body only needs to be in close contact with the cover and the form processing apparatus main body. A method of pressing against the processing apparatus body may be used. Further, an ink which is invisible in a visible light region may be used in an ink jet recording system or a thermal transfer recording system. Also, a form processing apparatus using a dot printer can print desired information without soiling the form by using the ink for the ink ribbon.
[0119]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the operability of printing desired information on a form can be facilitated while reducing the size of the apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view, a front view, and a side view of a form processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view and a front view of the printer according to the first embodiment of the form processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the form processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front view of a form processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view, a front view, and a side view of a form processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a form processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a reference position in a form processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a plan view and a front view of a printer according to a fifth embodiment of the form processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view and a front view of a printer according to an eighth embodiment of the form processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a conventional form processing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Form reader
2 Case
3 Printer (printing unit)
4 Cover
5,6 hinge
7 glass stand (form placing table)
8 forms
9,10 Light source (optical part)
11 CCD sensor (optical part)
12, 13, 14, 15 Folding mirror (optical part)
16 lens (optical part)
17 1st carriage (carriage)
18 Second carriage (carriage)
19 Optical sensor
20 Printer fixing plate
21,22 pulley
23 Rubber belt
24 characters
25, 46 ink roll
26,27 Form holder
28 Hammer
29 Hammer holder
30 rails
31, 32 Magnetic part
33, 34 Stopper
35 desks

Claims (7)

A form placement unit having light transmissivity capable of placing the form, so that the information description surface of the form in which the information to be read is described contacts,
A light source that irradiates light to the information recording surface of the form via the form placement unit from the opposite side to the form,
A mirror for reflecting the reflected light obtained from the information writing surface of the form,
An information reading unit that receives the reflected light and reads the information;
A carriage mounted with the light source and the mirror and moving so as to keep a constant optical path length from the form to the information reading unit;
A moving mechanism for moving the carriage along a moving path provided in a direction in which the information is read;
And a printing unit for printing on the other side of the form placed on the form placement unit based on the information read by the information reading unit. 2. The form processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a form placement state detection unit that detects a placement state of the form on the form placement unit is provided in the printing unit. The desired information is printed on the form by the printing unit only when a form is placed on the form placement unit and the information is read by the information reading unit. The form processing device according to 1. The form placement part is embedded in a housing in which the mirror, the light source, and the carriage are built, and a surface on which a form is placed on the form placement part is embedded with the form placement part. The form processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the form processing apparatus is lower than a surface of the housing. The information printed on the form by the printing unit is printed using ink that is substantially invisible in a visible light region and is visualized by irradiating ultraviolet light. The form processing device according to any one of the above. The form processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing unit includes the ink and ink that can be visualized in a visible light region. The light source includes a plurality of light sources having different wavelengths, the first light source is a light source that emits light in a visible light region, and the second light source is a light source that emits light in an ultraviolet light region. Item 2. The form processing device according to Item 1.

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