WO2006109523A1

WO2006109523A1 - Printer

Info

Publication number: WO2006109523A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/305958
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hidehiko Kawamura
Original assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sato
Priority date: 2005-03-30
Filing date: 2006-03-24
Publication date: 2006-10-19
Also published as: JP2006272842A

Abstract

A printer in which double issue and issue of a defective label are prevented by printing and issuing the last label thereby notifying a defective label. A fanfold sheet (3) is conveyed by a platen (6) and after data is written on an RFID tag put into a label constituting the fanfold sheet (3) by an RFID read/write section (10), predetermined print data is printed by a thermal head (5) and then the label is cut by means of a cutter (12) and issued. When the RFID tag is not put into the label or when data cannot be written because the RFID tag is defective, the label is printed with a predetermined message and issued. The RFID tag is detected even when the paper ends, data is written on the RFID tag, if printing is possible, then printing is performed and the label is issued.

Description

Specification

Printing device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a printing apparatus used when issuing a label with an RFID tag.

Background art

Conventionally, in a printer as a printing apparatus, fan hold paper (folding continuous paper) has been used, and the pitch of the label of the fan hold paper (the leading edge of the label and other labels adjacent to the label). (Distance between the leading edge) force When the distance is greater than the distance between the position detection sensor that detects the label of the fan hold paper label and the thermal head that prints the specified print data on the label After the position detection sensor detects that there is no paper, if the fan hold paper is transported in the transport direction by a predetermined reference distance and there is no label, an error occurs as a paper end, and printing processing is It was stopped. For this reason, an error may occur as a paper end for the last label during printing or without printing, and the last label may be wasted.

[0003] Therefore, for example, when the end sensor detects the last label to which continuous label strength is also supplied, the print head prints predetermined print data on the last label under the control of the control unit, and the printing is performed. Save the data and ask the user if the last label was printed successfully. When the user visually checks the last label and the last label is not printed correctly and reprinting is instructed as unusable, the stored print data is controlled under the control of the control unit. The continuous printing force of the label that has been read out and newly loaded by the print head is printed on the supplied label, and if it cannot be printed normally, it can be reprinted quickly with a simple operation. There is one that can be used (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-347284

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention [0004] However, in the background art, the RFID tag is sandwiched between the RFID label and the last label! In the case of V, which was not possible, there was no function when printing and informing the operator that the label was invalid.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and when the RFID tag is not sandwiched between the last label or when the RFID tag cannot be written, the label is invalid. By notifying the operator, such as by printing, the RFID tag is sandwiched and the label or the label cannot be written. The label with the RFID tag sandwiched is invalidated to suppress double issuance and issue a defective label. It is intended to be able to suppress this.

Means for solving the problem

The printing apparatus according to claim 1 is a printing apparatus that prints predetermined print data and records predetermined data on a predetermined medium loaded in a state in which a predetermined number can be continuously supplied. A medium conveying means; a printing means for printing print data on the medium conveyed by the conveying means; a data recording means for recording data on the medium conveyed by the conveying means; and detecting the end of the medium. Detecting means that detects when the end of the medium is detected by the detecting means, a first determining means that determines whether or not the data can be recorded on the last medium, and printing on the last medium. The data recording means records the data on the last medium according to the second judgment means for judging whether or not the data can be printed and the judgment results by the first and second judgment means. And printing means Comprises a control means for controlling the printing data to be printed on the last medium and an issuing means for cutting and issuing the medium.

If the first determination unit determines that data cannot be recorded on the medium, the printing unit prints a predetermined message indicating that the medium is invalid for the medium. Can be.

The invention's effect

[0007] According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, when an RFID tag is sandwiched, or when writing to the RFID tag is impossible, an invalid label is printed and notified to the operator. Because of this, it is possible to prevent double label issuance and defective label issuance.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a processing procedure when a normal RFID tag is sandwiched in the last label.

[Fig.4] The RFID tag is sandwiched in the last label! /, But if the RFID tag is defective and writing is not possible, and the RFID tag is sandwiched, the processing procedure is shown FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining termination processing.

Explanation of symbols

[0009] 1 label

2 RFID tag

3 Fan hold paper (folding continuous paper)

4 Auxiliary roller

5 Sa ~~ Manore head,

6 Platen roller (platen)

7 Ribbon supply section

8 Ribbon trimming department

9 Position detection sensor

10 RFID read / write section

11 Cutter sensor

12 Katsuta

20 Control unit

21 CPU

22 ROM 24 Motor controller

25 Stepping motor

26 Print controller

27 Position detection sensor controller

28 Cutter sensor controller

29 Cutter control unit

30 RFID read / write controller

31 External interface

32 interface

33 Input section

34 Display

100 label printer

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an embodiment of a label printer to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the label printer 100 includes a control unit 20 that controls each unit and a fan hold paper with RFID (Radio Frequency-Identification) tag (hereinafter referred to as fan hold paper) 3 on the printing surface. Stepping not shown (not shown) driven by control of the thermal head 5 for printing predetermined print data, the auxiliary roller 4 for guiding the thermal head 5 to the thermal head 5 while sandwiching the fan-hold paper 3 from both sides freely. A platen roller that rotates by the rotational driving force of the motor to convey the fan hold paper 3 and presses the fan hold paper 3 against the thermal head 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as “platen” as appropriate) 6 and an ink ribbon are supplied. Ribbon supply unit 7, ribbon take-up unit 8 that winds up an ink ribbon, light emitting unit that emits predetermined light, and a fan fan of light emitted from the light emitting unit It consists of a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the paper sheet 3 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light (the amount of light received per unit time). A position detection sensor 9 for detecting an identification mark (black rectangular mark) formed by printing on the back side of the fan-hold paper 3 based on the amount of light received by the light-receiving section and a fan-hold paper 3 Read / write data to / from RFID tag 2 sandwiched between each label 1 The RFID read / write unit 10 that emits light, the light emitting unit that emits predetermined light, and the reflected light from the fan hold paper 3 of the light emitted from the light emitting unit are received, and an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light is received. Based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit are arranged on the back side of the fan hold paper 3, and an identification mark formed by printing on the back side of the fan hold paper 3 is detected. A cutter sensor 11 that cuts the fan hold paper 3 at a predetermined timing, and a cutter 12 that issues the label 1 as a label 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the embodiment of FIG. As shown in the figure, the control unit 20 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 that stores a predetermined control program and various setting data, and a CPU that operates according to the control program stored in the ROM 22 and controls each unit. (Central Processing Unit) 21, RAM (Random Access Memory) 23 that stores various data necessary for the CPU 21 to operate, and motor control that rotates the stepping motor 25 by supplying pulse signals to the stepping motor 25 The control signal corresponding to the print data such as the character 24, the character to be printed, and the barcode supplied from the CPU 21 and the barcode is generated, and the control signal is supplied to the thermal head 5 to perform the printing operation. Under the control of the print control unit 26 and the CPU 21, the light emitting unit of the position detection sensor 9 is controlled to emit light, and the electrical signal output from the light receiving unit is received and converted into digital data. The position detection sensor control unit 27 that supplies the position detection data to the CPU 21 and the light emission unit of the cutter sensor 11 under the control of the CPU 21 to emit light and receive the electrical signal output from the light reception unit The cutter sensor control unit 28 that converts the data into the following data and supplies it to the CPU 21 as position detection data, the cutter control unit 29 that controls the cutter 12 and cuts the fan hold paper 3 at a predetermined timing, and the RFID read / write unit 10 In addition, an RFID read / write control unit 30 that reads and writes data from and to the RFID tag 2 sandwiched between the fan hold paper 3, an external interface 31, and an interface 32 are provided.

[0012] Further, the control unit 20 includes an input unit 33 for inputting various data and commands, and a display unit 34 for displaying input data input from the input unit 33 and various information. Connected through 32. Input data input from the input unit 33 is supplied to the CPU 21 via the interface 32 and corresponds to various information displayed on the display unit 34. Display data to be displayed is supplied from the CPU 21 via the interface 32. In addition, various data and commands can be transmitted / received to / from various devices such as a personal computer (not shown) connected to the outside via the external interface 31.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. Fig. 3 (a) to Fig. 3 (c) show the processing procedure when a normal RFID tag 2 (which can read and write data) is sandwiched between the last label 1 of the fan hold paper 3. The Fig. 4 (d) and Fig. 4 (e) show the processing procedure when the RFID tag 2 is sandwiched between the last label 1 and the RFID tag 2 cannot be written because of a defect. The FIG. 4 (f) to FIG. 4 (i) show the processing procedure in the case where the RFID tag 2 is sandwiched between the last label 1!

[0014] Here, E is the identification symbol for the last label 1, and the identification symbol for the second label 1

(E—l), and the third label 1 identification symbol from the end is (E—2). Then, the identification symbol of the label 1 at the end of the fan hold paper 3 is (E + 1). Label 1 of this identification symbol (E + 1) cannot be used because it is usually cut halfway.

[0015] Further, the identification mark formed at a predetermined position on the back surface of the fan hold paper 3 corresponding to the tip of the label 1 of the identification symbol (E + 1) (the end closer to the thermal head 5). The identification symbol is (M + 1), the identification symbol of the identification mark formed on the back side of the fan hold paper 3 corresponding to the tip of the label 1 of the identification symbol (E) is (M), and the identification symbol The identification mark of the identification mark (M-1) and the label of the identification mark (E-2) formed at a predetermined position on the back side of the fan hold paper 3 corresponding to the tip of the label 1 of (E-1) The identification mark of the identification mark formed at a predetermined position on the back surface of the fan hold paper 3 corresponding to the tip of 1 is (M-2).

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3 (a), when the fan hold paper 3 is first conveyed in the conveyance direction (left direction in Figs. 1 and 3), the label 1 of the identification symbol E is detected by the position detection sensor 9. An identification mark M corresponding to is detected. At a predetermined timing before and after that, the RFID tag 2 sandwiched in the label 1 of the identification symbol (E-1) approaches immediately below the RFID read / write unit 10 and is controlled by the CPU 21 to the RFID read / write control unit 30. Controlled RFID read / write unit 10 Communication with the RFID tag 2 corresponding to another symbol (E-1) is attempted, and it is determined whether data can be read from and written to the RFID tag 2.

As a result, when it is determined that data can be read and written to the RFID tag 2 corresponding to the identification symbol (E-1), the RFID read / write control unit 30 controls the RFID read. The write unit 10 writes predetermined data to the RFID tag 2 corresponding to the identification symbol (E-1).

[0018] Next, in order to cut the label 1 of the identification symbol (E-2), under the control of the CPU 21, the stepping motor 25 is driven to rotate by the control of the motor control unit 24, and the platen 6 is rotated. Unhold paper 3 is transported in the transport direction, and the identification symbol (M-1) formed on the leading edge of label 1 of the identification symbol (E-1) next to label 1 of the identification symbol (E-2) is identified. The mark is moved to just below the cutter 1 2.

The CPU 21 can recognize that the identification mark of the identification symbol (M-1) has moved onto the cutter sensor 11 based on the output signal from the cutter sensor 11. Therefore, by transporting the fan hold paper 3 by the distance between the cutter sensor 11 and the cutter 12, the fan hold paper 3 is placed so that the identification mark (M-1) is located immediately below the cutter 12. Can be transported.

Next, under the control of the CPU 21, the cutter 12 is driven by the control of the cutter control unit 29, and the label 1 of the identification symbol (E-2) is cut. As a result, predetermined data is written to the RFID tag 2 and a label 1 having predetermined print data printed on the printing surface of the label 1 is issued. Since the data writing to the RFID tag 2 of the label 1 of the identification symbol (E-2) and the printing process to the printing area of the label 1 have already been completed, the description thereof is omitted.

Next, positioning for printing on the label 1 of the identification symbol (E-1) is performed. That is, the fan hold paper 3 is transported so that the tip of a predetermined printing area on the printing surface of the label 1 with the identification symbol (E-1) is located immediately below the thermal head 5.

The positioning for printing can be performed as follows, for example. After the position detection sensor 9 detects the identification mark (M-1) identification mark, the current position of the identification mark (M-1) identification mark is obtained based on the distance the fan hold paper 3 is conveyed. Based on the current position of the identification symbol (M-1), the printing area of label 1 of the identification symbol (E-1) Calculate the transport direction and transport distance for moving the tip of the head directly below the thermal head 5. Then, the front end of the printing area of the label 1 of the identification symbol (E-1) is moved directly below the thermal head 5 by transporting the fan hold paper 3 by the distance calculated in the transport direction.

Next, under the control of the CPU 21, the stepping motor 25 is driven by the control of the motor control unit 24 to convey the fan hold paper 3, and the thermal head 5 is driven by the control of the printing control unit 26. Predetermined print data is printed on the print area of label 1 of the identification symbol (E-1). Thereafter, when the fan hold paper 3 is conveyed while performing printing processing, the position detection sensor 9 detects the identification mark of the identification symbol (M + 1).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the RFID read / write control unit 3 under the control of the CPU 21 at a predetermined timing before and after the identification mark (M + 1) is detected by the position detection sensor 9. The RFID read / write unit 10 controlled to 0 attempts communication with the RFID tag 2 of the label 1 with the identification symbol E, and determines whether or not the data can be read and written.

As a result, if it is determined that data can be read and written, the RFID read / write unit 10 controlled by the RFID read / write control unit 30 under the control of the CPU 21 performs the RFID tag of the label 1 with the identification symbol E Data is written to 2.

Next, in order to cut the label 1 of the identification symbol (E-1), the stepping motor 25 is driven to rotate by the motor control unit 24 under the control of the CPU 21, the platen 6 is rotated, and the fan hold Paper 3 is transported and the identification mark with identification symbol M moves to the cutter position directly below cutter 12. Next, under the control of the CPU 21, the cutter 12 is driven by the control of the cutter control unit 29, and the label 1 of the identification symbol (E-1) is cut and issued.

[0027] Next, positioning for printing in the printing area of the printing surface of the label 1 with the identification symbol E is performed. The positioning for printing can be performed as follows, for example. After the position detection sensor 9 detects the identification mark M identification mark, the current position of the identification mark M identification mark M is obtained based on the distance the fan hold paper 3 is transported. Based on the position, the transport direction and transport distance for moving the leading end of the printing area of the label 1 with the identification symbol E directly below the thermal head 5 are calculated. Then, the fan hold paper 3 is conveyed by a distance calculated in the conveyance direction to recognize it. Move the tip of the printing area of label 1 labeled with another symbol E directly under thermal head 5.

Next, under the control of the CPU 21, the stepping motor 25 is driven by the control of the motor control unit 24 to rotate the platen 6, the fan hold paper 3 is conveyed, and the control of the print control unit 26 is used. The thermal head 5 is driven and predetermined print data is printed on the print area of the label 1 with the identification symbol E. Thereafter, when the fan hold paper 3 is conveyed while performing the printing process, the paper end is detected by the position detection sensor 9.

[0029] At this time, the RFID read / write unit 10 cannot communicate with the RFID tag 2 and the identification mark is not detected. Therefore, the CPU 21 determines that a paper end has occurred, and the display unit 34 On the other hand, the display data power corresponding to the message indicating that a paper end error has occurred is supplied via the S interface 32, and the message is displayed on the display unit 34.

[0030] Next, referring to FIG. 4 (d) and FIG. 4 (e), the force that the RFID tag 2 is sandwiched between the last label 1 and the processing when the RFID tag 2 cannot be written because it is defective Explain the procedure.

[0031] Since RFID tag 2 sandwiched between label 1 of identification symbol (E—1) has successfully written data, label 1 of identification symbol (E—1) is normally Printing is issued (Fig. 4 (d)). On the other hand, since the RFID tag 2 sandwiched between the label 1 of the identification symbol E cannot normally write data, the thermal head 5 controlled by the print control unit 26 under the control of the CPU 21 causes RFID to be written. After a message indicating that the label cannot be written to tag 2 is printed, label 1 with identification symbol E is issued (Fig. 4 (e))

Accordingly, the operator can easily visually recognize that the label 1 of the identification symbol E is a defective label that cannot be written to the RFID tag 2.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 (f) to 4 (i), the processing procedure in the case where the RFID tag 2 is sandwiched between the last label 1 will be described.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4 (f), under the control of the CPU 21, under the control of the RFID read / write control unit 30, the RFID read / write unit 10 is attached to the RFID tag 2 sandwiched between the labels 1 of the identification symbol E. Data is written to it. Next, control of the motor control unit 24 under the control of the CPU 21 The stepping motor 25 is driven to rotate, the platen 6 is rotated and the fan hold paper 3 is conveyed, and the thermal head 5 is driven under the control of the print control unit 26, so that the predetermined print data is labeled with the identification symbol E. Printed in the print area of 1 print side.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4 (h), the fan hold paper 3 is conveyed as it is, and under the control of the CPU 21, the cutter 12 is driven and cut by the control of the cutter control unit 29, and the label of the identification symbol E is displayed. 1 is issued.

At this time, since the RFID tag 2 is not sandwiched between the label 1 of the identification symbol (E + 1), the RFID read / write unit 10 communicates with the label 1 of the identification symbol (E + 1). I can't. CPU21 does not have RFID tag 2 sandwiched in label 1 of the identification symbol (E + 1)! , Or the data cannot be read or written, and a bad RFID tag 2 is caught! /.

[0037] Therefore, the RFID tag 2 is sandwiched by the thermal head 5 controlled by the print control unit 26 under the control of the CPU 21! / Incorrect or data cannot be read / written! /, Defective label Is printed in the printing area of the printing surface of the label 1 with the identification symbol (E + 1), and then cut by the cutter 12, and the label 1 with the identification symbol (E + 1) is issued.

Next, termination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S1, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the paper end has occurred based on the position detection data supplied from the position detection sensor 9.

[0039] As a result, if it is determined that a paper end has occurred and no, the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that a paper end has occurred, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S2, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is print data to be printed. As a result, if it is determined that there is no print data, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is print data, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S 3, under the control of the CPU 21, predetermined print data is printed on the print area of the printing surface of the label 1 by the thermal head 5 controlled by the print control unit 26, and the RFID read / write control unit 30 Predetermined data is written to the RFID tag 2 sandwiched between the labels 1 by the controlled RFID read / write unit 10. Then CP Under the control of U21, the cutter 12 is driven by the control of the cutter controller 29 at a predetermined timing based on the detection signal supplied from the cutter sensor controller 28, and the label 1 is cut and issued.

[0042] In step S4, whether print data is printed and data is written to the RFID tag 2 for all labels 1, and issuance of all labels 1 is completed. Is determined. As a result, if it is determined that all labels 1 have not been issued, the process returns to step S1, and the processes after step S1 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that all labels 1 have been issued, this process ends.

On the other hand, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the RFID tag 2 is sandwiched between the labels 1. As a result, if it is determined that the RFID tag 2 is sandwiched between the labels 1, the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the RFID tag 2 is not sandwiched between the labels 1, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S 6, it is determined whether or not the print data can be normally printed on the label 1. That is, it is determined whether or not the label 1 is normal and is not broken in the middle. As a result, if it is determined that the label 1 is normal and can be printed normally, the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the label 1 is not normal and cannot be printed normally, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0045] In step S7, print data for the last label 1 and data for the RFID tag 2 are written. Then, label 1 is cut by cutter 12 and issued.

On the other hand, in step S8, when the RFID tag 2 is not sandwiched between the last label 1 under the control of the CPU 21, a message indicating that is printed by the thermal head 5 controlled by the print control unit 26. After being cut by the cutter 12 controlled by the cutter control unit 29, it is discharged.

[0047] Also, if the last label 1 is cut off in the middle and the print data cannot be printed normally, the last label 1 has been cut and ejected, and a paper send has occurred. Is displayed on the display unit 34. At that time, with the defective label It is possible to print a predetermined message or the like indicating that it is present on the printing area of the printing surface of the last label 1.

[0048] As described above, when the last label 1 is normal, even after a label end error occurs, after printing the last label 1 and writing data to the RFID tag 2, Label 1 can be cut and issued. As a result, the R FID tag 2 of the last label 1 can be prevented from being wasted.

In the above-described embodiment, for example, the force described in the example of printing that a defective label is an invalid label, such as easy to visually recognize a defective label, is not limited to this! Of course, “no printing”, that is, it is possible to make the operator recognize that the label is defective by not printing any necessary information.

[0050] Needless to say, the configurations and operations of the above-described embodiment are examples, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A printing apparatus that prints predetermined print data on a predetermined medium loaded in a state in which a predetermined number can be continuously supplied and records the predetermined data,

Conveying means for conveying the medium;

A printing means for printing the print data on the medium conveyed by the conveying means;

Data recording means for recording the data on the medium conveyed by the conveying means;

Detecting means for detecting an end of the medium;

A first determination unit that determines whether or not the data can be recorded on the last medium when the end of the medium is detected by the detection unit; and A second determination means for determining whether or not the print data can be printed;

In accordance with each determination result by the first and second determination means, the data recording means records the data on the last medium, and the printing means records the print data on the last medium. Control means for controlling to print,

Issuing means for cutting and issuing the medium;

A printing apparatus comprising:

[2] When the first determination unit determines that the data cannot be recorded on the medium, the printing unit indicates that the medium is invalid with respect to the medium. Print a given message

The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: