Radio frequency tag printer and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a radio frequency label printer and a control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of printing. The control method of the radio frequency label printer comprises the following steps: under the condition that a preset condition is met, judging whether the number n of label issuing tasks to be processed is greater than a reference number N; under the condition that the number n of label issuing tasks to be processed is not greater than the reference number N, processing the RF label by using a first mode; and under the condition that the number n of label issuing tasks to be processed is greater than the reference number N, processing the RF label by using a second mode. By arranging a first antenna and a second antenna respectively at the upstream and downstream of a print head, and selecting a suitable one of the first antenna or the second antenna for radio frequency information read-write operation on different RF labels according to the number n of label issuing tasks to be processed, the printing efficiency of the RF label can be improved without wasting the RF label located between an RFID reader and the print head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more specifically, to an RFID tag printer and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the promotion and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, RFID tags have been increasingly widely used in various fields. RF tag paper is a medium on which multiple RF tags are evenly pasted onto a backing paper. In existing technology, RF tag printers include an RFID reader / writer for reading and / or writing information to the chip of the RF tag, a print head for printing images or characters on the surface of the RF tag, and a sensor for detecting the edge of the RF tag. Along the direction of the tag paper's movement, the sensor, RFID reader / writer, and print head are arranged sequentially at intervals. When the printer is working, the sensor detects the edge position of the RF tag, and the printer controls the tag paper to move forward to the position of the RFID reader / writer, enabling the RFID reader / writer to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the storage area of ​​the RF tag. Then, the printer controls the tag paper to continue moving forward to the position of the print head, so that the print head prints a preset image or character on the surface of the RF tag.

[0003] The applicant discovered that in existing RFID tag printers, when the length of the RF tag is less than the distance between the RFID reader and the print head (i.e., when the space between the RFID reader and the print head can accommodate two or more RF tags), the RFID reader cannot perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag located between the RFID reader and the print head (referred to as the intermediate tag). Therefore, the intermediate tag can only be discarded, resulting in a waste of RF tag paper.

[0004] To address this issue, a solution is provided where an RFID reader is positioned downstream of the print head along the label paper's travel direction. During printer operation, sensors detect the edge position of the RF tag, and the printer controls the label paper to move forward to the RFID reader's location. This allows the RFID reader to read and write radio frequency information onto the RF tag's chip. The label paper then retracts to the print head's position, allowing the print head to print a preset image or character on the RF tag's surface. Finally, the label paper moves forward again to the printer's exit. While this solution solves the problem of RF tag paper waste, printing each RF tag requires feeding, rewinding, and refeeding, resulting in low printing efficiency.

[0005] There is currently no effective solution to the problem of how to improve the printing efficiency of RF labels without wasting RF label paper. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an RF tag printer and its control method, which can avoid wasting RF tag paper and ensure high printing efficiency.

[0007] The embodiments of this application can be implemented as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a control method for an RFID tag printer. The RFID tag printer includes a printhead, a conveying mechanism, and an RFID reader / writer module. The conveying mechanism drives the tag paper forward or backward along the conveying path of the tag paper. The tag paper includes a backing paper and multiple RFID tags evenly pasted on the backing paper. The RFID reader / writer module includes an RFID reader / writer, an antenna switcher, a first antenna, and a second antenna. The RFID reader / writer is electrically connected to the first and second antennas through the antenna switcher. The RFID reader / writer is used to select one of the first and second antennas for wireless communication with the RFID tags through the antenna switcher. The first antenna, the printhead, and the second antenna are arranged sequentially at intervals in the forward direction of the tag paper. The control method for the RFID tag printer includes:

[0009] Under the premise of meeting the preset conditions, determine whether the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than the baseline number N;

[0010] When the number of pending tag issuance tasks n is no greater than the baseline number N, the first mode is used to process the RF tags;

[0011] When the number of pending tag issuance tasks n is greater than the baseline number N, the second mode is used to process the RF tags;

[0012] The first mode uses the first method to process the first to nth RF tags, and the second mode uses the first method to process the first to Nth RF tags, and the second method to process the N+1th to nth RF tags. The first method includes controlling the RFID reader to use a second antenna to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags, and then controlling the print head to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags. The second method includes controlling the RFID reader to use a first antenna to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags, and then controlling the print head to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the first method includes:

[0014] The label paper moves forward for the first time;

[0015] When the RF tag moves into the detection range of the second antenna, the second antenna is used to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag;

[0016] After a successful RF information read / write operation, the label paper is driven to retract so that the RF label moves to the printing position;

[0017] The label paper is driven forward a second time, and the print head is controlled to print on the surface of the RF label during the second advance of the label paper.

[0018] In an optional implementation, the second method includes:

[0019] When the RF tag moves into the detection range of the first antenna and the RFID reader is idle, control the RFID reader to use the first antenna to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag.

[0020] After a successful RF information read / write operation, the label paper is driven forward. When the RF label moves to the printing position, the print head is controlled to print on the surface of the RF label.

[0021] In an optional implementation, the second method further includes:

[0022] If the first antenna fails to read or write radio frequency information to the RF tag, the tag paper is driven forward to move the RF tag into the detection range of the second antenna, and the second antenna is used to read or write radio frequency information to the RF tag.

[0023] If the radio frequency information reading and writing operation of the RF tag is successfully performed using the second antenna, drive the tag paper backward to move the RF tag to the printing position;

[0024] Control the label paper to move forward and control the print head to print on the surface of the RF label as the label paper moves forward.

[0025] In an optional implementation, the second method further includes:

[0026] If the radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag using the first antenna and the second antenna in sequence fail, drive the tag paper to retract so that the RF tag moves to the printing position;

[0027] Control the label paper to move forward and, during the label paper's movement, control the print head to print a void mark on the surface of the RF label.

[0028] In an optional implementation, the reference number N is the number of RF tags that can be accommodated within the spacing Lpr1 between the printhead and the first antenna.

[0029] In an optional implementation, the reference quantity N is [(Lpr1+Lg) / (Lb+Lg)] rounded up or the reference quantity N is [(Lpr1) / (Lb+Lg)] rounded up.

[0030] In an optional implementation, the preset conditions include:

[0031] The RFID tag printer has not performed a print job after being powered on, or the RFID tag printer has not performed a print job after the label paper has been changed.

[0032] In an optional implementation, a prompt message is output after a radio frequency information read / write operation fails.

[0033] Secondly, this application provides an RFID tag printer, including a printhead, a conveying mechanism, an RFID reader / writer module, and a controller. The conveying mechanism drives the tag paper forward or backward along the conveying path of the tag paper. The tag paper includes a backing paper and a plurality of RF tags evenly pasted on the backing paper. The RFID reader / writer module includes an RFID reader / writer, an antenna switcher, a first antenna, and a second antenna. The RFID reader / writer is electrically connected to the first and second antennas through the antenna switcher. The RFID reader / writer is used to select one of the first and second antennas for wireless communication with the RF tags through the antenna switcher. The first antenna, the printhead, and the second antenna are arranged sequentially at intervals along the forward direction of the tag paper. The printhead, the conveying mechanism, and the RFID reader / writer module are all electrically connected to the controller, which is configured as follows:

[0034] Under the premise of meeting the preset conditions, determine whether the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than the baseline number N;

[0035] When the number of pending tag issuance tasks n is no greater than the baseline number N, the first mode is used to process the RF tags;

[0036] When the number of pending tag issuance tasks n is greater than the baseline number N, the second mode is used to process the RF tags;

[0037] The first mode uses the first method to process the first to nth RF tags, and the second mode uses the first method to process the first to Nth RF tags, and the second method to process the N+1th to nth RF tags. The first method includes controlling the RFID reader to use a second antenna to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags, and then controlling the print head to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags. The second method includes controlling the RFID reader to use a first antenna to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags, and then controlling the print head to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags.

[0038] The beneficial effects of the RFID tag printer and its control method provided in this application include:

[0039] The control method for an RFID tag printer provided in this application includes determining whether the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than a reference number N when preset conditions are met; if the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed is not greater than the reference number N, processing the RF tags in a first mode; and if the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than the reference number N, processing the RF tags in a second mode. By setting a first antenna and a second antenna upstream and downstream of the print head respectively, a suitable antenna is selected from the first antenna or the second antenna to perform RF information read / write operations on different RF tags according to the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed. When the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed is not greater than the reference number N, using the second antenna located downstream of the print head to perform RF information read / write operations on n RF tags ensures that RF tags are not wasted. When the number of pending tag issuance tasks, n, is greater than the baseline number N, a second antenna located downstream of the printhead is used to perform radio frequency (RF) information read / write operations on the first N RF tags, ensuring that no RF tags are wasted. A first antenna located upstream of the printhead is used to perform RF information read / write operations on the (N+1)th to (n)th RF tags, allowing these tags to move to the printing position for printing after the first antenna successfully performs the RF information read / write operation without reversing, thus improving printing efficiency. Therefore, the RF tag printer provided in this application embodiment can improve RF tag printing efficiency without wasting RF tags located between the RFID reader and the printhead.

[0040] The RFID tag printer provided in this application embodiment can be used to implement the above-described control method, thus possessing the characteristics of saving label paper and high printing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an RFID tag printer in one embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a control method for an RFID tag printer according to one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a first method in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the initial forward movement of the label paper in one embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the detection range of the first RF tag reaching the second antenna in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the first RF tag moving to the printing position in one embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a first flowchart of the second method in one embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the detection range of the fourth RF tag reaching the first antenna in one embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the detection range of the seventh RF tag reaching the first antenna in one embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a second flowchart of a second method in one embodiment of this application.

[0052] Icons: 101-Print head; 102-Glue roller; 103-First antenna; 104-Second antenna; 105-Sensor; 110-Controller; 111-RFID reader / writer; 112-Antenna switcher; 113-Motor; 121-Discharge port; 122-Label paper roll; 123-Label paper; 212-First RF tag; 222-Second RF tag; 232-Third RF tag; 242-Fourth RF tag; 252-Fifth RF tag; 262-Sixth RF tag; 272-Seventh RF tag; 282-Eighth RF tag; 292-Ninth RF tag; Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0054] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0058] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0059] To avoid wasting label paper, in related RFID tag printers, the RFID reader / writer module is positioned downstream of the print head in the label paper's forward direction. The RF tag between the print head and the RFID reader / writer module first moves to the RFID reader / writer module for reading / writing, then moves back to the print head for printing, thus avoiding RF tag waste. However, this method results in each RF tag undergoing a forward-backward-forward process, leading to low printing efficiency. Therefore, related RFID tag printers and their control methods struggle to balance printing efficiency and label paper conservation.

[0060] Therefore, this application provides an RFID tag printer and its control method, which compares the number of tag issuance tasks with a reference number and uses different modes to print under different circumstances, thereby maximizing printing efficiency without wasting tag paper.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an RFID tag printer in one embodiment of this application. For ease of explanation, Figure 1 Only the parts relevant to the embodiments of this application are shown. Figure 1As shown, the RFID tag printer provided in this embodiment is used to process label paper 123 with RF tags. The label paper 123 is a continuous medium on which multiple RF tags are uniformly pasted on a backing paper, and adjacent RF tags have a fixed width gap. The RFID tag printer includes a printhead 101, a conveying mechanism, an RFID reading / writing module, and a sensor 105.

[0062] In this embodiment, the printhead 101 is used to print images or characters on the surface of the RF tag. The printhead 101 can be a thermal printhead or an inkjet printhead. In this embodiment, the printhead 101 is a thermal printhead.

[0063] The conveying mechanism is used to drive the label paper 123 forward or backward along the conveying path of the label paper 123. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a portion of the label paper 123 is wound into a label paper roll 122 and housed within the RFID label printer. The label paper 123, released from the label paper roll 122, enters the transport path and can move forward or backward under the drive of the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism includes a rubber roller 102 and a motor 113, wherein the motor 113 and the rubber roller 102 are connected by a drive mechanism to drive the rubber roller 102 to rotate. In this embodiment, the rubber roller 102 is positioned opposite to the print head 101, supporting the label paper 123 and applying frictional force to the label paper 123 as it rotates. By controlling the counterclockwise or clockwise rotation of the output shaft of the motor 113, the rubber roller 102 can be driven to rotate forward or backward, thereby driving the label paper 123 to move forward or backward. In this embodiment, the distance that the conveying mechanism drives the label paper 123 to move can be precisely controlled. For example, the motor 113 is a stepper motor. By controlling the rotation angle of the output shaft of the motor 113, the moving distance of the label paper 123 can be controlled, so that the RF label can accurately reach the required position.

[0064] The RFID reader / writer module includes an RFID reader / writer 111, an antenna switcher 112, a first antenna 103, and a second antenna 104. The RFID reader / writer 111 is electrically connected to the first antenna 103 and the second antenna 104 via the antenna switcher 112. The RFID reader / writer 111 is used to select one of the first antenna 103 and the second antenna 104 for wireless communication with the RF tag. When the RFID reader / writer 111 uses the first antenna 103 for communication, an electromagnetic signal is generated around the first antenna 103. The RFID reader / writer 111 can then wirelessly communicate with the antenna of the RF tag that enters the detection range of the first antenna 103, thereby reading information such as the ID stored in the RF tag's chip, or writing information to the RF tag's chip. When the RFID reader / writer 111 uses the second antenna 104 for communication, an electromagnetic signal is generated around the second antenna 104. The RFID reader / writer 111 can then wirelessly communicate with the antenna of the RF tag that enters the detection range of the second antenna 104, thereby reading information such as the ID stored in the RF tag's chip, or writing information to the RF tag's chip.

[0065] Sensor 105 is used to detect the edges of RF tags, such as the leading and trailing edges. Since adjacent RF tags have a fixed gap, and the light reflectivity and light transmittance of the RF tags and the backing paper are different, the edge of the RF tag can be determined by the output signal of sensor 105. Along the direction of travel of the label paper 123 (i.e....) Figure 1 As shown in the direction from the label roll 122 to the RF label outlet 121, the sensor 105, the first antenna 103, the print head 101, and the second antenna 104 are arranged in sequence at intervals.

[0066] The printer also includes a controller 110, a FLASH memory, and a RAM memory. The FLASH memory stores the label length Lb, gap length Lg, distance Lpr1 between the print head 101 and the first antenna 103, distance Lpr2 between the print head 101 and the second antenna 104, and distance Lps between the print head 101 and the sensor 105. The FLASH memory also stores the printer's control program. The RAM memory temporarily stores received label issuance tasks, the forward or backward distance of the label paper 123, etc. By storing the aforementioned length and distance values, and with the sensor 105 detecting the edge of the RF label, the current position of the RF label and the distance it needs to move to reach the target position can be accurately determined, allowing the RF label to precisely reach the corresponding position for processing.

[0067] The printhead 101, conveying mechanism, RFID reader / writer module, and sensor 105 are all electrically connected to the controller 110, which controls the operation of each module and mechanism in the RFID tag printer. For example, the controller 110 controls the output shaft of the motor 113 to rotate, thereby driving the label paper 123 to move; the controller 110 controls the RFID reader / writer 111 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag through the first antenna 103 or the second antenna 104; the controller 110 is also used to position the RF tag according to the output signal of the sensor 105, such as moving the RF tag to the printing position before printing each RF tag; the controller 110 is also used to receive tag issuance tasks from the host or server, and parse the data and instructions of the tag issuance tasks, read the data stored in the chip of the RF tag according to the instructions, generate printing data for printing on the surface of the RF tag, and generate data for writing to the chip of the RF tag. The printing data can be the original printing data received by the controller 110, or it can be a combination of the original printing data and the data read by the RFID reader / writer 111 from the chip of the RF tag.

[0068] In this application, the controller 110 is configured to: determine whether the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than a reference number N when preset conditions are met; if the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is not greater than the reference number N, process the RF tags using the first mode; if the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than the reference number N, process the RF tags using the second mode. For a detailed description of the above steps, please refer to the following introduction to the control method of the RFID tag printer.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a control method for an RFID tag printer according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the control method includes the following steps:

[0070] Step S10: If the preset conditions are met, determine whether the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than the baseline number N. If the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is not greater than the baseline number N, proceed to step S11; otherwise, proceed to step S12.

[0071] Optionally, the tag issuance tasks to be processed are the tag issuance tasks in the buffer. One tag issuance task corresponds to one RF tag, and the number of tag issuance tasks in the buffer represents the number of tags to be processed by the RF tag printer. Each tag issuance task includes a start command, an RF data read command and / or an RF data write command, a print command, and an end command. When preset conditions are met, the number of tag issuance tasks to be processed in the buffer can be obtained by querying the number of start commands or end commands stored in the buffer, that is, the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed.

[0072] Optionally, the reference number N is the number of RF tags that can be accommodated within the spacing Lpr1 between the printhead 101 and the first antenna 103.

[0073] Optionally, if the space between the printhead 101 and the first antenna 103 can accommodate exactly M RF tags, then N equals M; if the space between the printhead 101 and the first antenna 103 can accommodate M RF tags but cannot accommodate M+1 RF tags, then N equals M+1. Optionally, the base quantity N is [(Lpr1+Lg) / (Lb+Lg)] or [(Lpr1) / (Lb+Lg)] rounded up; that is, when the result of [(Lpr1+Lg) / (Lb+Lg)] or [(Lpr1) / (Lb+Lg)] is an integer, the base quantity N is that integer; when the result of [(Lpr1+Lg) / (Lb+Lg)] or [(Lpr1) / (Lb+Lg)] is not an integer, the base quantity N is the smallest integer greater than [(Lpr1+Lg) / (Lb+Lg)] or the smallest integer greater than [(Lpr1) / (Lb+Lg)]. When changing to a different type of label paper 123, the base quantity N needs to be reset according to the label length Lb and the gap length Lg. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the space between the printhead 101 and the first antenna 103 can accommodate exactly three RF tags, therefore, the reference number N equals 3.

[0074] Under preset conditions, the controller 110 determines whether the number n of pending label issuance tasks is greater than the baseline number N. Optionally, the RFID label printer has not performed a printing task after being powered on, or the RFID label printer has not performed a printing task after the label paper 123 has been replaced. In other words, the preset conditions are that the RFID label printer performs a printing task for the first time after being powered on, or the RFID label printer performs a printing task for the first time after the media has been replaced.

[0075] Specifically, the number of tag issuance tasks in the buffer can be compared with the baseline number N. If the number of tag issuance tasks in the buffer is greater than the baseline number N, then step S12 is executed; otherwise, step S11 is executed.

[0076] Step S11: Process the RF tag using the first mode.

[0077] The first mode is to use the first method to process the first to nth RF tags; that is, to use the first method to process the RF tags corresponding to all pending tag issuance tasks.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first method includes controlling an RFID reader 111 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on an RF tag using a second antenna 104, and then controlling a print head 101 to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tag. In other words, in the first method, the label paper 123 is controlled to move in a forward, backward, forward manner. During the first forward movement of the label paper 123, the RFID reader 111 uses the second antenna 104 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the chip of the RF tag, and during the second forward movement of the label paper 123, the print head 101 is controlled to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tag. In this application, for ease of description, the first to the nth RF tags arranged sequentially from downstream to upstream along the forward direction of the label paper 123 are named first RF tag 212, second RF tag 222, ... up to the nth RF tag; for example, this application involves nine RF tags, namely first RF tag 212, second RF tag 222, third RF tag 232, fourth RF tag 242, fifth RF tag 252, sixth RF tag 262, seventh RF tag 272, eighth RF tag 282 and ninth RF tag 292.

[0079] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a first method in one embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the steps of the first method include:

[0080] S111, drives the label paper forward for the first time.

[0081] Taking the first RF tag 212 as an example, when performing the tag issuance task, the controller 110 controls the conveying mechanism to drive the tag paper 123 forward for the first time so that the first RF tag 212 reaches the detection range of the second antenna 104.

[0082] S112, when the RF tag moves into the detection range of the second antenna, the second antenna is used to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag.

[0083] Taking the first RF tag 212 as an example, when the first RF tag 212 reaches the detection range of the second antenna 104, the controller 110 controls the RFID reader 111 to communicate with the antenna of the first RF tag 212 using the second antenna 104 to perform radio frequency information read / write operations on the chip of the first RF tag 212. The radio frequency information read / write operations include reading data from the chip of the RF tag, writing data to the chip of the RF tag, or both reading data from and writing data to the chip of the RF tag.

[0084] S113, after a successful RF information read / write operation, drives the label paper to retract so that the RF label moves to the printing position.

[0085] Taking the first RF tag 212 as an example, the RFID reader 111 uses the second antenna 104 to perform radio frequency information read / write operations on the chip of the first RF tag 212. After the radio frequency information read / write operation is successful, the control conveying mechanism drives the tag paper 123 to retreat, so that the first RF tag 212 moves to the printing position. It should be understood that when the RF tag is in the printing position, the print head 101 can perform a printing operation on the RF tag. Optionally, the RFID reader 111 is configured to send a success code to the controller 110 after completing the radio frequency information read / write operation. When the controller 110 receives the success code, it determines that the radio frequency information read / write operation is successful. Further, the RFID reader 111 is configured to send a failure code to the controller 110 after the radio frequency information read / write operation fails. When the controller 110 receives the failure code, it determines that the radio frequency information read / write operation has failed.

[0086] S114 drives the label paper forward a second time, and controls the print head to print on the surface of the RF label during the second forward movement of the label paper.

[0087] In this embodiment, the controller 110 controls the conveying mechanism to drive the label paper 123 forward for the second time. During the second forward movement of the label paper 123, the controller controls the print head 101 to print the set image and text on the RF label. The set image and text to be printed are determined by the printing data.

[0088] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the initial forward movement of the label paper 123 in one embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the detection range of the first RF tag 212 reaching the second antenna 104 in one embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the first RF tag 212 moving to the printing position in one embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figures 4 to 6 The reference quantity N = 3 is calculated and determined based on the tag length Lb, the gap length Lg, and the distance Lpr1 between the print head 101 and the first antenna 103. For example... Figure 4As shown, when sensor 105 detects the leading edge of the fifth RF tag 252, controller 110 can determine that the first RF tag 212 is located below the print head 101 based on the tag length Lb, gap length Lg, and distance Lps between print head 101 and sensor 105, that is, the first RF tag 212 is the first tag.

[0089] When the RFID tag printer is powered on and performs its first printing task, or when the RFID tag printer performs its first printing task after changing the label paper 123 and detects that the label issuance task in the buffer is 2, the controller 110 controls the conveying mechanism to drive the label paper 123 forward for the first time, so that the first RF tag 212 reaches the detection range of the second antenna 104. Figure 5 As shown, when the first RF tag 212 reaches the detection range of the second antenna 104, the controller 110 controls the RFID reader 111 to communicate with the antenna of the first RF tag 212 using the second antenna 104 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the chip of the first RF tag 212; after the radio frequency information reading and writing operation on the first RF tag 212 is successfully performed, the controller 110 controls the conveying mechanism to drive the label paper 123 backward so that the first RF tag 212 moves to the printing position. Figure 6 As shown, when the first RF tag 212 reaches the printing position, the label paper 123 is driven to move forward for the second time. During the second forward movement of the label paper 123, the print head 101 is controlled to print on the surface of the first RF tag 212.

[0090] After processing the first RF tag 212, the second RF tag 222 is processed in the same way.

[0091] If the number of pending tag issuance tasks n is greater than the baseline number N, proceed to step S12.

[0092] Step S12: Process the RF tag using the second mode.

[0093] The second mode is to use the first method to process the first to Nth RF tags, and the second method to process the (N+1)th to nth RF tags.

[0094] In this embodiment, since the reference data N is 3, the (N+1)th RF tag is the fourth RF tag 242. In one scenario, when the RF tag printer performs a printing task for the first time after powering on, or when the RF tag printer performs a printing task for the first time after changing the media, and the tag issuance task in the buffer is found to be 7, the first method is used to process the first to third RF tags, and the second method is used to process the fourth to seventh RF tags.

[0095] The first method for processing the first to third RF tags can be referred to the description of step S11, and will not be repeated here. The second method involves controlling the RFID reader 111 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags using the first antenna 103, and then controlling the print head 101 to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags. Unlike the first method, in the second method, the RF tags processed use the first antenna 103 for radio frequency information reading and writing operations. Along the direction of the label paper 123, the first antenna 103 is located upstream of the print head 101. Under preset conditions, the (N+1)th to (n)th RF tags will not be located between the first antenna 103 and the print head 101. Therefore, during the processing of the (N+1)th to (n)th RF tags, the RF tags can be moved forward into the detection range of the first antenna 103 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations. After successfully completing the radio frequency information reading and writing operation, there is no need to retreat to the printing position; instead, the tags move forward to the printing position. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the (N+1)th to (n)th RF tags is higher. Furthermore, the RFID tag printer in this embodiment is equipped with an RFID reader 111, a first antenna 103, a second antenna 104, and an antenna switcher 112, which saves on printer costs compared to setting two RFID readers and two antennas.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a first flowchart of a second method in one embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the second method includes the following steps:

[0097] In step S201, when the RF tag advances into the detection range of the first antenna and the RFID reader is in an idle state, the controller controls the RFID reader to use the first antenna to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag.

[0098] The second method will be illustrated below using the processing of the fourth RF tag 242 as an example. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection range of the fourth RF tag 242 reaching the first antenna 103 in one embodiment of this application. Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, during the first and second forward movements of the first RF tag 212, the fourth RF tag 242 is able to reach the detection range of the first antenna 103. Since the RFID reader 111 performs radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the chip of the first RF tag 212 through the second antenna 104 when the first RF tag 212 moves forward for the first time, the RFID reader 111 is in a busy state; while the RFID reader 111 is in an idle state when the first RF tag 212 moves forward for the second time, the controller 110 controls the RFID reader 111 to use the first antenna 103 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the chip of the fourth RF tag 242.

[0099] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the detection range of the seventh RF tag 272 reaching the first antenna 103 in one embodiment of this application. It should be noted that... Figure 9 As shown, for the seventh RF tag 272, when the fourth RF tag 242 reaches the printing position, the seventh RF tag 272 enters the detection range of the first antenna 103. Therefore, when the print head 101 prints the fourth RF tag 242, the RFID reader 111 is also in an idle state. At this time, the RFID reader 111 uses the first antenna 103 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the seventh RF tag 272.

[0100] Step S203: After the radio frequency information read / write operation is successful, drive the label paper forward. When the RF label moves to the printing position, control the print head to print on the surface of the RF label.

[0101] After the third RF tag 232 completes processing, when the fourth RF tag 242 successfully completes the RF information read / write operation, the controller 110 controls the fourth RF tag 242 to move to the printing position, and the controller 110 controls the print head 101 to print the set image and text on the surface of the fourth RF tag 242. Optionally, in step S203, after the RF tag moves to the printing position, the label paper 123 is driven forward and printing is performed on the surface of the RF tag (such as the fourth RF tag 242) during the forward movement of the label paper 123.

[0102] Figure 10 This is a second flowchart of a second method in one embodiment of this application. Figure 10 As shown, further, after step S201, the second method also includes:

[0103] In step S205, if the operation of reading and writing radio frequency information of the RF tag using the first antenna fails, the tag paper is driven forward to move the RF tag into the detection range of the second antenna, and the second antenna is used to perform the operation of reading and writing radio frequency information of the RF tag.

[0104] If the RFID reader 111 fails to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag using the first antenna 103, that is, the controller 110 receives the failure code sent by the RFID reader 111, the RFID reader 111 will use the second antenna 104 to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag again, thereby improving the reliability of RF tag radio frequency information reading and writing.

[0105] Step S207: If the radio frequency information reading and writing operation on the RF tag is successfully performed using the second antenna, drive the tag paper backward to move the RF tag to the printing position.

[0106] When the RFID reader 111 completes the reading and writing operation of the RF tag radio frequency information using the second antenna 104, the RFID reader 111 sends a success code to the controller 110. After receiving the success code, the controller 110 controls the conveying mechanism to drive the tag paper 123 backward so that the RF tag moves to the printing position.

[0107] Step S209: Control the label paper to move forward and control the print head to print on the surface of the RF label during the label paper's movement.

[0108] When the RF tag reaches the printing position, the controller 110 controls the conveying mechanism to drive the label paper 123 forward, and at the same time controls the print head 101 to print the set image and text on the surface of the RF tag.

[0109] Alternatively, the second method also includes:

[0110] If both attempts to read and write RF information to the RF tag using the first antenna 103 and the second antenna 104 fail, the tag paper 123 is driven backward to move the RF tag to the printing position. The tag paper is then controlled to advance forward 123, and during this advance, the print head 101 is controlled to print a void mark on the surface of the RF tag. By printing a void mark on the RF tag where the RF information read / write operation has failed, the user is alerted that the RF tag is invalid.

[0111] Optionally, the control method for the RFID tag printer further includes outputting a prompt message after a failure of the RFID information read / write operation. For example, if a failure occurs when using the first antenna 103 and / or the second antenna 104 to perform an RFID information read / write operation on the RFID tag, the controller 110 controls the RFID tag printer to output an audible or textual prompt message indicating the failure of the RFID information read / write operation. Optionally, the RFID tag printer may issue an alarm message via a buzzer, or display a textual message indicating the failure of the RFID information read / write operation on a display.

[0112] In summary, this application provides a control method for an RFID tag printer, including determining whether the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than a reference number N when preset conditions are met; if the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed is not greater than the reference number N, processing the RF tags using a first mode; and if the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than the reference number N, processing the RF tags using a second mode. By setting a first antenna 103 and a second antenna 104 upstream and downstream of the print head 101 respectively, a suitable antenna can be selected from the first antenna 103 or the second antenna 104 to perform RF information read / write operations on different RF tags according to the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed. When the number n of tag issuance tasks to be processed is not greater than the reference number N, using the second antenna 104 located downstream of the print head 101 to perform RF information read / write operations on n RF tags ensures that RF tags are not wasted. When the number of pending tag issuance tasks n is greater than the baseline number N, the second antenna 104, located downstream of the print head 101, performs radio frequency information read / write operations on the first N RF tags, ensuring that no RF tags are wasted. The first antenna 103, located upstream of the print head 101, performs radio frequency information read / write operations on the (N+1)th to the nth RF tags, allowing the (N+1)th to the nth RF tags to move to the printing position for printing after the first antenna 103 successfully performs the radio frequency information read / write operation, without having to retreat, thus improving printing efficiency. Therefore, the RF tag printer provided in this embodiment can improve RF tag printing efficiency without wasting RF tags located between the RFID reader / writer 111 and the print head 101.

[0113] The RFID tag printer provided in this application embodiment can be used to implement the above-described control method, thus possessing both the advantages of saving label paper 123 and high printing efficiency.

[0114] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an RFID tag printer, characterized in that, The RFID tag printer includes a printhead, a conveying mechanism, and an RFID reader / writer module. The conveying mechanism drives the label paper forward or backward along its conveying path. The label paper includes a backing paper and multiple RFID tags evenly pasted on the backing paper. The RFID reader / writer module includes an RFID reader / writer, an antenna switcher, a first antenna, and a second antenna. The RFID reader / writer is electrically connected to the first antenna and the second antenna through the antenna switcher. The RFID reader / writer is used to select one of the first antenna and the second antenna to wirelessly communicate with the RFID tag through the antenna switcher. The first antenna, the printhead, and the second antenna are arranged sequentially at intervals along the forward direction of the label paper. The control method of the RFID tag printer includes: Under the premise of meeting the preset conditions, determine whether the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than the baseline number N; If the number of tag issuance tasks n to be processed is not greater than the baseline number N, the first mode is used to process the RF tags; If the number of pending tag issuance tasks n is greater than the baseline number N, the second mode is used to process the RF tags; The first mode involves using a first method to process the first to nth RF tags, while the second mode involves using the first method to process the first to Nth RF tags and using the second method to process the (N+1)th to nth RF tags. The first method includes controlling the RFID reader to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags using the second antenna, and then controlling the print head to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags. The second method includes controlling the RFID reader to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags using the first antenna, and then controlling the print head to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags.

2. The control method for an RFID tag printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first method includes: The label paper is driven forward for the first time; When the RF tag advances into the detection range of the second antenna, the second antenna is used to perform radio frequency information read and write operations on the RF tag; After the radio frequency information read / write operation is successful, the label paper is driven to retract so that the RF label moves to the printing position; The label paper is driven forward a second time, and the print head is controlled to print on the surface of the RF label during the second forward movement of the label paper.

3. The control method for an RFID tag printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second method includes: When the RF tag advances into the detection range of the first antenna and the RFID reader is in an idle state, the RFID reader is controlled to use the first antenna to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tag; After the radio frequency information read / write operation is successful, the label paper is driven forward. When the RF label moves to the printing position, the print head is controlled to print on the surface of the RF label.

4. The control method for an RFID tag printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second method also includes: If the first antenna fails to read or write radio frequency information to the RF tag, the tag paper is driven forward to move the RF tag into the detection range of the second antenna, and the second antenna is used to read or write radio frequency information to the RF tag. If the radio frequency information read / write operation on the RF tag is successfully performed using the second antenna, the tag paper is driven to retract so that the RF tag moves to the printing position; Control the label paper to advance and control the print head to print on the surface of the RF label during the advance of the label paper.

5. The control method for an RFID tag printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second method also includes: If both attempts to read and write radio frequency information on the RF tag using the first antenna and the second antenna fail, the tag paper is driven to retract so that the RF tag moves to the printing position. Control the label paper to advance and, during the advance of the label paper, control the print head to print a void mark on the surface of the RF label.

6. The control method for an RFID tag printer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The reference quantity N is the number of RF tags that can be accommodated within the distance Lpr1 between the printhead and the first antenna.

7. The control method for an RFID tag printer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The reference quantity N is either [(Lpr1+Lg) / (Lb+Lg)] rounded up or [(Lpr1) / (Lb+Lg)] rounded up.

8. The control method for an RFID tag printer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The preset conditions include: The RFID tag printer has not performed a printing task after being powered on, or the RFID tag printer has not performed a printing task after the label paper has been replaced.

9. The control method for an RFID tag printer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, A prompt message is output after the radio frequency information read / write operation fails.

10. An RFID tag printer, characterized in that, The system includes a printhead, a conveying mechanism, an RFID reader / writer module, and a controller. The conveying mechanism drives the label paper forward or backward along its conveying path. The label paper includes a backing paper and multiple RF tags evenly pasted on the backing paper. The RFID reader / writer module includes an RFID reader / writer, an antenna switcher, a first antenna, and a second antenna. The RFID reader / writer is electrically connected to the first and second antennas via the antenna switcher. The RFID reader / writer is used to select one of the first and second antennas for wireless communication with the RF tags via the antenna switcher. The first antenna, the printhead, and the second antenna are arranged sequentially at intervals along the forward direction of the label paper. The printhead, the conveying mechanism, and the RFID reader / writer module are all electrically connected to the controller, which is configured as follows: Under the premise of meeting the preset conditions, determine whether the number n of the tag issuance tasks to be processed is greater than the baseline number N; If the number of tag issuance tasks n to be processed is not greater than the baseline number N, the first mode is used to process the RF tags; If the number of pending tag issuance tasks n is greater than the baseline number N, the second mode is used to process the RF tags; The first mode involves using a first method to process the first to nth RF tags, while the second mode involves using the first method to process the first to Nth RF tags and using the second method to process the (N+1)th to nth RF tags. The first method includes controlling the RFID reader to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags using the second antenna, and then controlling the print head to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags. The second method includes controlling the RFID reader to perform radio frequency information reading and writing operations on the RF tags using the first antenna, and then controlling the print head to perform printing operations on the surface of the RF tags.

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