Printer, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To increase extendability or flexibility when a printing medium having an RFID inlay is used.SOLUTION: A printer according to one embodiment of the invention issues printing media each having an RFID inlay. The printer includes: an RFID unit which communicates with the RFID inlay of the printing medium; and a control unit which controls the RFID unit so that the RFID unit reads first data included in a first memory region of multiple memory regions included in the RFID inlay and writes first data or second data based on the first data into a second memory region, which is different from the first memory region, of the multiple memory regions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer that issues a print medium having an RFID inlay, an information processing method using the printer, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known printers that print on labels incorporating an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) inlay (hereinafter simply referred to as "inlay") that has an IC chip and an antenna. With such printers, data is written to the inlay incorporated in the label when printing on the label. Conventionally, data written to a printer is data that is stored in advance in the printer's memory.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a label printer that writes data to a wireless tag (corresponding to the above-mentioned inlay) attached to label paper. This label printer is configured to write tag data for inputting the selling price and the like into a POS terminal or the like when issuing labels to be affixed to products to be displayed and sold in a store, into the wireless tag, and the tag data is stored in the printer's memory. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-088837 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the IC chip included in the inlay stores data such as code information for identifying the inlay and code information for identifying the product to which the label is attached. By using this data or data based on this data when writing the data to the inlay, there is room for increasing the scalability and flexibility of operations when distributing products to which the label is attached.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to increase the scalability or flexibility when utilizing print media having RFID inlays. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a printer that issues print media having an RFID inlay, comprising: an RFID unit for communicating with an RFID inlay of the print medium; a control unit that controls the RFID unit to read first data, which is data included in a first memory area among a plurality of memory areas included in the RFID inlay, and to write the first data or second data based on the first data to a second memory area, which is different from the first memory area among the plurality of memory areas; It is a printer equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0008] Certain aspects of the present invention allow for increased scalability or flexibility when utilizing print media having RFID inlays. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a label issuing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration inside a housing of a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a label printed by a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]1 is a schematic block diagram of a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of conveyance control of the printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the label issuing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the label issuing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a printer according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The embodiments described below are not limited to the drawings which are illustrated by the brief description of the drawings.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention is a printer that issues a print medium having an RFID inlay, comprising: an RFID unit for communicating with an RFID inlay of the print medium; a control unit that controls the RFID unit to read first data, which is data included in a first memory area among a plurality of memory areas included in the RFID inlay, and to write the first data or second data based on the first data to a second memory area, which is different from the first memory area among the plurality of memory areas; It is a printer equipped with.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the scalability or flexibility when using print media having an RFID inlay.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus includes a platen roller that transports the print medium, In the printer described in the first aspect, the control unit controls the platen roller to transport the printing medium from a print start position where printing on the printing medium begins to a communication position where the RFID unit communicates with the RFID inlay on the printing medium, and to return the printing medium to the print start position after reading the first data from the RFID inlay.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the print medium is configured to return to the print start position after the first data is read, so that the first data or the second data can be written to the RFID or printed on the print medium thereafter, thereby increasing the flexibility in using the print medium having the RFID inlay.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention is a printer described in the second aspect, wherein the control unit controls the platen roller to transport the printing medium from the printing start position to the communication position after the printing medium returns to the printing start position, and to return the printing medium to the printing start position after writing the second data to the RFID inlay.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first data or the second data can be printed on a print medium after being written to an RFID.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a communication device, comprising: The printer according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the communication unit transmits the first data read from the first memory area to the information processing device and receives the second data from the information processing device.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of a certain aspect of the present invention, an external information processing device can create second data to be written to an RFID inlay based on the first data, thereby further increasing the scalability or flexibility when using a printing medium having an RFID inlay.

[0019] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a printer described in any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit, after writing the second data to the second memory area, reads out data contained in at least a portion of the multiple memory areas and records it as log data.

[0020] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the contents written in the RFID inlay of the print medium are recorded, so that traceability of each print medium is ensured.

[0021] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a printer described in any one of the fifth aspects, wherein the control unit reads out data contained in one or more memory areas selected in advance by a user from among the multiple memory areas and records it as the log data.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, only data required by the user can be recorded.

[0023] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a method for implementing the present invention, comprising: In the printer described in the sixth aspect, when the user area is selected from the multiple memory areas, the control unit determines, based on user input, an address range of a predetermined size within the user area that can be recorded as the log data.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the data to be recorded is limited from the data in the user area, thereby reducing the time required to record log data each time a print medium is issued, thereby improving the throughput of issuing print media.

[0025] An eighth aspect of the present invention is an information processing method by a printer that issues a print medium having an RFID inlay, the method comprising: reading, using an RFID unit, first data contained in a first memory area among a plurality of memory areas included in the RFID inlay; using the RFID unit to write the first data or second data based on the first data to a second memory area among the multiple memory areas that is different from the first memory area.

[0026] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the scalability or flexibility when using print media having an RFID inlay.

[0027] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a printer that issues a print medium having an RFID inlay, reading, using an RFID unit of the printer, first data contained in a first memory area among a plurality of memory areas contained in the RFID inlay; using the RFID unit to write the first data or second data based on the first data into a second memory area, which is different from the first memory area, among the plurality of memory areas; It is a program that causes a computer to execute the above.

[0028] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the scalability or flexibility when using print media having an RFID inlay.

[0029] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a schematic system configuration of a label issuing system 1 according to an embodiment. 1, a printer 2 and a host computer 5 (an example of an information processing device) can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW is not limited to a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The host computer 5 is illustrated as, for example, a laptop-type information processing terminal, but is not limited to this and may be a tablet-type terminal or a smartphone. As described below, the printer 2 is a label printer that issues labels, and issues labels in response to a request from the host computer 5. The external configuration of the printer 2 shown in Figure 2 is merely illustrative, and includes, for example, a display panel 22 and input buttons 28. The issuing port 23 is the location from which labels are issued (ejected).

[0031] The printer 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration inside the housing of the printer 2. As shown in FIG. 2, roll paper R is loaded on the support shaft 29 of the printer 2. The roll paper R is a continuous paper CP wound in a roll shape. As shown in FIG. 3A, the continuous paper CP includes a strip-shaped backing PM and a plurality of labels PL removably attached to the backing PM at intervals. An adhesive is applied to the back side (the side opposite to the printed side) of the label PL to form an adhesive surface. The surface (front side) of the backing PM that contacts the adhesive surface of the label PL is coated with a release agent such as silicone, making it possible to easily peel the label PL from the backing PM. An RFID inlay IL (hereinafter simply referred to as "inlay IL") is incorporated in the label PL. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 3A, the inlay IL is composed of an IC chip C and an antenna AN formed in a predetermined pattern and connected to the IC chip C. The inlay IL is also called a "wireless tag." Although not shown, the support shaft 29 can also be loaded with roll paper on which linerless labels, each having an adhesive surface formed by applying an adhesive to the reverse side of the printing surface, are wound in a roll shape.

[0032] 2, the printer 2 is provided with a platen roller 24 that is rotated by a motor 45. As the platen roller 24 rotates, the continuous paper CP can be pulled out from the roll paper R loaded on a support shaft 29 and transported through the printer 2. A thermal head 25 is disposed opposite the platen roller 24. The thermal head 25 has a heating portion in which a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) are arranged in a line along the width direction of the continuous paper CP (a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the continuous paper CP). The printer 2 prints on each label PL of the continuous paper CP while the label PL is sandwiched between the platen roller 24 and the thermal head 25. The platen roller 24 is rotatable in both the forward and reverse directions, so that the continuous paper CP can be transported in both the forward direction F and the reverse direction.

[0033] A label position detection sensor 27 is provided upstream of the thermal head 25 in the transport direction of the continuous paper CP. The label position detection sensor 27 is a light transmission sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element that face each other with the transported continuous paper CP in between. When the light receiving element receives light emitted from the light emitting element, the label position detection sensor 27 detects the end of each label PL in the transport direction of the continuous paper CP based on the difference in received light intensity between the light that has passed through the label PL and the backing paper PM and the light that has passed only through the backing paper PM. The detection result (output signal) of the label position detection sensor 27 is used for transport control of the continuous paper CP.

[0034] An RFID antenna 26 is provided near the position where the platen roller 24 and the thermal head 25 clamp the label PL. The RFID antenna 26 is an antenna for communicating with an inlay IL incorporated in the label PL. A control unit 30 is disposed within the housing of the printer 2, and a reader / writer 39 (an example of an RFID unit), which will be described later, is provided within the control unit 30. When reading data from the inlay IL or writing data to the inlay IL, electromagnetic waves are sent out from the RFID antenna 26 under the control of the reader / writer 39. After data is written to the inlay IL of the label PL and printing is performed on the label PL, the label PL is discharged to the outside of the printer 2 through the issuing port 23 (FIG. 1). As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 2, the control unit 30 is electrically connected to the thermal head 25, the motor 45, the label position detection sensor 27, and the RFID antenna .

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3B, the memory included in the IC chip C of the inlay IL has a USER area, a TID area, an EPC area, and a RESERVED area. The USER area (an example of a user area) is an area available to users, and is a large-capacity data area compared to other areas. The TID area stores a tag identifier (TID), which is unique identification data written by the manufacturer when the wireless tag is manufactured, and is an area that cannot be written by the user. The EPC area includes a UII area, a PC area, and an AFI area. The UII area is an area that the user can freely read and write, and stores the EPC. The EPC is an identification code that is written to radio tags standardized by GS1. One example of an EPC is the SGTIN. The SGTIN is a product identification code, the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN; includes the GS1 company code and product item code), to which a serial number has been added. The PC area stores the PC. PC (Protocol Control) is control information for communication. The AFI area stores the AFI (Application Family Identifier). The AFI is data that indicates the application of the wireless tag (for example, data that indicates whether it is used for a product or reusable packaging material) and is specified by ISO / IEC. The RESERVED area stores a kill password used to disable the wireless tag, an access password for reading / writing, and the like.

[0036] Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 2 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 30 of the printer 2 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an input interface (I / F) 34, a display control unit 35, a motor controller 36, a head controller 37, a sensor interface (I / F) 38, a reader / writer 39, a communication interface (I / F) 40 (an example of a communication unit), and a communication bus 41.

[0037] The CPU 31 loads firmware stored in the ROM 32 into the RAM 33 and executes it to realize various functions of the printer 2 . The firmware controls the transport of the continuous paper CP based on the output signal of the label position detection sensor 27. The firmware also records the data that the reader / writer 39 reads from the inlay IL as log data, and transmits to the reader / writer 39 the data that the reader / writer 39 should write in the inlay IL of each label. The display control unit 35 causes the display panel 22 to display an image based on the display data received from the CPU 31. The display panel 22 includes an input means such as a touch panel. The input interface 34 is an interface that receives operational input via the input buttons 28 or the touch panel, and transmits the input to the CPU 31 . The motor controller 36 includes a drive circuit that drives the motor 45 based on a control signal sent from the firmware. The control signal includes, for example, information regarding the amount of transport of the continuous paper CP in the forward or reverse direction. The head controller 37 includes an image buffer, and controls the flow of current selectively to multiple heating elements included in the heating portion of the thermal head 18 in accordance with the print data, based on a control signal (e.g., a strobe signal) sent from the firmware. The sensor interface 38 receives the output signal of the label position detection sensor 27 , converts it into a digital value, and transmits it to the CPU 31 . The reader / writer 39 receives instruction signals for reading and writing from the firmware, transmits data read from the inlay IL (read data) to the CPU 31, and receives data to be written to the inlay IL (write data) from the CPU 31. When communicating with the inlay IL, the reader / writer 39 controls the RFID antenna 26 so that an electromagnetic wave of a predetermined intensity is emitted from the RFID antenna 26 at the timing when the label PL including the inlay IL to be communicated with is transported to a predetermined communication position.

[0038] Next, control when labels are issued in the label issuing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of transport control when one label is printed by the printer 2. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processes (label printing process) of the printer when printing one label. The label printing process shown in Fig. 6 is performed by executing firmware in the control unit 30.

[0039] When issuing a label, the control unit 30 of the printer 2 controls the reader / writer 39 to read data contained in one of multiple memory areas (see FIG. 3B) included in the inlay and write the data to a memory area other than the memory area from which it was read. For example, when issuing a label, the control unit 30 controls the reader / writer 39 to write the EPC (an example of first data) stored in the EPC area (an example of a first memory area) of the inlay to the USER area (a second memory area) of the inlay. At this time, the data written to the USER area of ​​the inlay may be the EPC, or may be data based on the EPC (an example of second data), such as data in which new information is added to the EPC. By writing the EPC to the USER area, for example, when an article with a label affixed thereto is distributed or handed over to a subsequent process, it is only necessary to access the USER area to read the EPC, which has the advantage of increasing the expandability or flexibility of label usage.

[0040] The flow when printing one label will be explained below with reference to states ST11 to ST16 showing the transport state of the continuous paper CP in Fig. 5 and steps S2 to S16 in Fig. 6. In addition, in the explanation with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, an example will be explained in which the EPC read from the EPC area of ​​the inlay IL is written to the USER area. Figure 5 shows the position of the heating part of the thermal head 25 (heating element position), the position of the label position detection sensor 27, and the positional relationship along the conveying direction of the RFID antenna 26 in each state along the time series of the continuous paper CP (including the first label PL#1, the second label PL#2, ...).

[0041] As shown in state ST11 in Fig. 5, before issuing a label, the printer 2 waits with the print start position of the first label PL#1 positioned at the heating element position. When a read command is received from the host computer 5 in this state (step S2 in Fig. 6: YES), the control unit 30 controls the reader / writer 39 to execute tag offset and read the EPC from the EPC area of ​​the inlay IL (step S4 in Fig. 6).

[0042] Here, the tag offset means that the label to be processed (label PL#1 in ST11 of FIG. 5) is transported in the forward or reverse direction to be placed in the optimal position (communication position) for the inlay IL to communicate with the RFID antenna 26. The transport amount (i.e., the offset amount) at this time is set in advance. In the printer 2 illustrated in FIG. 2, the RFID antenna 26 is located upstream of the transport path of the continuous paper CP with respect to the heating element position of the thermal head 25, so the continuous paper CP is transported in the reverse direction as shown in state ST12. When the label PL#1 is in the communication position, an electromagnetic wave is sent from the RFID antenna 26 to read the EPC from the EPC area of ​​the inlay IL. The control unit 30 stores the read EPC in the RAM 33. After that, the control unit 30 controls the platen roller 24 so that the print start position of the label PL#1 is again located at the heating element position (i.e., the label PL#1 is returned to the print start position) (state ST13 of FIG. 5, step S6 of FIG. 6).

[0043] Next, when a write command is received from the host computer 5 (step S8 in FIG. 6: YES), the control unit 30 controls the reader / writer 39 to execute tag offset again and write the EPC stored in the RAM 33 to the USER area of ​​the inlay IL (state ST14 in FIG. 5, step S10 in FIG. 6). In one embodiment, the data written to the inlay IL (EPC in this example) is read and recorded as log data in a buffer in the control unit 30 (step S12 in FIG. 6). After that, the control unit 30 controls the platen roller 24 so that the print start position of label PL#1 is again positioned at the heating element position (i.e., returns label PL#1 to the print start position) (state ST15 in FIG. 5, step S14 in FIG. 6). Finally, the control unit 30 executes printing on label PL#1 (state ST16 in FIG. 5, step S16 in FIG. 6).

[0044] As described above, one label is printed. The printing of the second label PL#2 and each subsequent label is performed in the same manner as the first label. When the print start position of each label is positioned at the heating element position, the label position detection sensor 27 detects the edge of each label and transports the continuous paper CP a predetermined amount according to the distance from the position of the label position detection sensor 27 to the heating element position.

[0045] In one embodiment, data read from the inlay IL of label PL#1 in state ST12 of Fig. 5 may be processed on the host computer 5 side, and then in state ST14, the processed data on the host computer 5 side may be written to the inlay IL. This can further increase the scalability or flexibility when using the issued label. The label issuing process in such an embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence chart of Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, the same processes as those in the flowchart of Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. In the following explanation, as in Fig. 6, an example will be explained in which an EPC is read from the EPC area of ​​the inlay IL.

[0046] 7, when the control unit 30 of the printer 2 reads the EPC from the EPC area of ​​the inlay IL in step S6, it transmits the read data (read data; EPC in this example) to the host computer 5 (step S7a). The host computer 5 performs data processing on the received read data (step S7b). The content of the data processing is not limited, but an example of this is the addition of code information to the read data (EPC). As mentioned above, the EPC contains a product item code, but when distributors such as retailers affix issued labels to goods to manage them, they may want to add unique identification information for managing the goods (for example, when performing in-store marking). In such cases, adding code information (for example, 4-digit or 8-digit information) to the read EPC, or extracting a certain number of digits of data that the user wants to use from the EPC, increases the scalability or flexibility of using the issued label. In the above example, the read data is an EPC, but if the read data is a TID, a specific unique code of the TID may be extracted to create processed data.

[0047] The host computer 5 transmits a write command including the data processed in step S7b (processed data) to the printer 2 (step S8). Upon receiving the write command, the control unit 30 of the printer 2 executes tag offset and controls the reader / writer 39 to write the processed data included in the write command to the USER area of ​​the inlay IL (step S10). The subsequent processing is the same as that shown in Fig. 6. In step S16, the control unit 30 may perform control so as to print the processed data received in step S8 on a label.

[0048] 6 and 7, the printer 2 may return the log data stored in the buffer to the host computer 5. This makes it easier for the user to manage the labels that have been issued and also the items to which the labels are affixed, based on the log data received by the host computer 5. The processing between the host computer 5 and the printer 2 in such an embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence chart in FIG.

[0049] 8, the host computer 5 transmits a return-transmission enable command to the printer 2 in advance (step S20). The return-transmission enable command is a command for enabling the return of log data on the printer 2 side. Next, one or more label issuance processes are performed between the host computer 5 and the printer 2 (step S22). The label issuance process is as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows the label issuance process when one label is issued, but in FIG. 8, this label issuance process is performed continuously the number of times desired by the user. At this time, log data for one label is accumulated in a buffer of the control unit 30 every time a label is issued. The amount of log data that can be stored in the buffer may be limited (for example, log data equivalent to 100 labels). In this case, when the amount of log data stored in the buffer reaches the maximum amount that can be stored, the oldest log data in the buffer is overwritten with newly acquired log data.

[0050] When the one or more label issuance processes are completed, the host computer 5 transmits a log data return request command to the printer 2 (step S24). In response to the return request command, the control unit 30 of the printer 2 collectively transmits the log data corresponding to the one or more labels accumulated by the one or more label issuance processes back to the host computer 5 (step S26). The host computer 5 saves the log data in storage or the like (step S28).

[0051] The log data acquired from the inlay IL in step S12 in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 may be all data written in the inlay IL, or may be data preselected by the user in the inlay IL. In other words, the control unit 30 may read data contained in at least a part of the memory areas of the inlay IL and record it as log data. This ensures the traceability of each label issued.

[0052] Fig. 9 shows the procedure by which a user selects data to be acquired from the inlay IL as log data on the display panel 22 of the printer 2. Screen G1 in Fig. 9 is a screen for setting the RFID of the printer 2. Screen G1 is configured so that a list of items including item 201 ("RFID log") and item 202 ("RFID data record") can be displayed by scrolling using scroll button sb.

[0053] Item 201 on screen G1 is an item for setting when returning log data to the host computer 5, and a check box 203 can be checked or unchecked depending on the user's operation. If there is a check mark in checkbox 203, when a log data return request command (step S24 in FIG. 8) is received, in step S26, the log data stored in the buffer for multiple labels is returned to the host computer 5 in chronological order from oldest to newest. In this case, the buffer is cleared after the log data is returned. If there is no check mark in checkbox 203, when a log data return request command is received, the log data for the most recent label is returned to the host computer 5, but the buffer is not cleared after the log data is returned. Note that all log data is erased when the printer 2 is turned off, regardless of whether there is a check mark or not.

[0054] In the screen G1, an item 202 is an item for selecting data to be acquired from the inlay IL as log data. The screen G1 shows a state in which EPC and TID (EPC / TID) are selected as log data. When the item 202 is operated, the screen changes from G1 to G2. The screen G2 is a screen for selecting data to be acquired from the inlay IL as log data by a user operation from a data list consisting of any one of data (EPC, TID, USER, PC, AFI) that can be acquired from the inlay IL as log data, or a combination of two or more of them. Note that "USER" means data stored in the USER area (see FIG. 3B). The data list displayed on screen G2 can be changed by operating scroll button sb. Currently, EPC and TID are selected as log data, so a check mark 204 is placed next to "EPC / TID." If the confirm button 205 is operated after selecting any data or a combination of two or more data from this data list, the data that can be acquired from the inlay IL as log data will be changed. In other words, the printer 2 reads out data contained in one or more memory areas selected in advance by the user from among multiple memory areas and records it as log data, so that it is possible to record only the data that the user requires. It should be noted that selecting any data from the data list on screen G2 is substantially equivalent to selecting one or more memory areas from among the multiple memory areas of the inlay IL.

[0055] When "USER" is selected from the data list displayed on screen G2, screen G3 in FIG. 10 is displayed. Screen G3 is a screen for setting the RFID of printer 2 like screen G1, but differs from screen G1 in that item 206 ("logging start address") and item 207 ("logging size") are added. When "USER" or a combination of data including "USER" is selected, it is possible to determine an address range of a predetermined size that can be recorded as log data by user operation of the logging start address and logging size. The USER area is a data area with a large capacity compared to other areas, but by specifying the logging start address and logging size, the data in the USER area that is to be logged is limited. Therefore, the time required to record log data each time a label is printed is shortened, and the throughput of label printing is improved.

[0056] 9 and 10, an example has been described in which the data obtainable from the inlay as log data is selected, and the address range for obtaining log data from the USER area is determined by operating the printer 2, but this is not limiting. Instead of operating the printer 2, the settings may be made in a write command from the host computer 5 (step S8 in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0057] Although the embodiment of the printer of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the above embodiment can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, data that can be stored as log data is not limited to data read from the inlay. The log data may include received signal strength indication (RSSI) when the read data is received, or, if a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the control unit 30 or the RFID antenna 26 is provided, information on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor may be included. When linerless labels are used, the label position detection sensor may be configured as a light reflective sensor that detects a position detection mark for each label that is disposed on the back side of the linerless label. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Label issuing system 2. Printer 22...Display panel 23…Issue port 24...Platen roller 25…Thermal head 26…RFID antenna 27...Label position detection sensor 28...Input button 29…Support shaft 30…Control unit 31: CPU, 32: ROM, 33: RAM, 34: input interface, 35: display control unit, 36: motor controller, 37: head controller, 38: sensor interface, 39: reader, 40: communication interface, 40, 41: communication bus 45…Motor 5. Host computer CP...Continuous paper, PM...Backing paper, PL...Label, IL...RFID inlay, R...Roll paper NW…Network

Claims

1. 1. A printer that issues print media having an RFID inlay, comprising: an RFID unit for communicating with an RFID inlay of the print media; a control unit that controls the RFID unit to read first data, which is data included in a first memory area among a plurality of memory areas included in the RFID inlay, and to write the first data or second data based on the first data to a second memory area among the plurality of memory areas that is different from the first memory area; A printer equipped with

2. a platen roller for transporting the print medium; the control unit controls the platen roller to transport the print medium from a print start position where printing on the print medium is started to a communication position where the RFID unit communicates with the RFID inlay of the print medium, and to return the print medium to the print start position after reading the first data from the RFID inlay.

2. The printer according to claim 1.

3. the control unit controls the platen roller so as to transport the print medium from the print start position to the communication position after the print medium has returned to the print start position, and to return the print medium to the print start position after writing the second data to the RFID inlay.

3. The printer according to claim 2.

4. A communication unit that communicates with an external information processing device, the communication unit transmits the first data read from the first memory area to the information processing device, and receives the second data from the information processing device. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. After writing the second data to the second memory area, the control unit reads data included in at least a part of the memory areas of the plurality of memory areas and records the data as log data. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the control unit reads data included in one or more memory areas selected in advance by a user from among the plurality of memory areas, and records the data as the log data.

6. The printer according to claim 5.

7. the plurality of memory areas includes a user area available to a user; when the user area is selected from the plurality of memory areas, the control unit determines, based on a user input, an address range of a predetermined size within the user area that can be recorded as the log data.

7. The printer according to claim 6.

8. 1. A method of processing information by a printer issuing a print medium having an RFID inlay, comprising: reading, using an RFID unit, first data contained in a first memory area among a plurality of memory areas included in the RFID inlay; writing the first data or second data based on the first data into a second memory area, which is different from the first memory area, among the plurality of memory areas, using the RFID unit; An information processing method comprising:

9. When installed in a printer that issues print media having an RFID inlay, reading, using an RFID unit of the printer, first data contained in a first memory area among a plurality of memory areas contained in the RFID inlay; using the RFID unit to write the first data or second data based on the first data to a second memory area, which is different from the first memory area, among the plurality of memory areas; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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