Printer, printer control method and program

Abstract

To prevent a first printing medium from being wasted in issuing a plurality of printing media having RFID inlays respectively.SOLUTION: A printer according to one embodiment of the present invention issues printing media having RFID inlays respectively. The printer comprises: a platen roller that conveys the printing media; a printing head having a heating part, which performs printing on the printing media while making the heating part and the platen roller hold the printing media; radio antennas that are arranged closer to a downstream side of a conveyance path for the printing media than the heating part of the printing head; a reader-writer that makes communication with the RFID inlays of the printing media through the radio antennas; and a control part that performs control so that the reader-writer makes communication with the RFID inlays of the printing media, at a communication position where the printing media are conveyed by a predetermined amount in a conveying direction from a position where printing on the printing media is started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers are known that print on labels incorporating an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) inlay (hereinafter simply referred to as an "inlay") having an IC chip and an antenna. When printing on a label with such a printer, a reader / writer mounted on the printer reads and writes data from and to the inlay incorporated in the label. To read and write data from and to the inlay, the reader / writer is connected to an RFID antenna that transmits and receives radio waves. In conventional printers, the RFID antenna is located upstream of the position where the heating element of the print head is formed in the label transport path (see FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2020-157521 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the RFID antenna is located upstream of the label transport path based on the position where the heating element of the print head is formed (heating element position) as in conventional printers, the first label may be wasted. This problem will be explained below.

[0005] Usually, when printing each of a number of consecutively arranged labels, the printer waits with the print start position of the first label positioned at the heating element position of the print head, and when printing each label, the printer reads and writes data from the inlay of each label before printing. Here, if the RFID antenna is located upstream of the heating element position, it is necessary to reversely feed the label so that the first label is in an appropriate position for reading and writing data from the inlay. However, when the first label is reversely fed, especially in the case of a label with a small pitch (short length in the conveying direction), the leading edge of the first label may fall off from the heating element position of the print head. If the RFID antenna could be positioned close to the heating element position in the label conveying path, it would be possible to prevent the leading edge of the first label from falling off from the heating element position of the print head, but due to the structure of the print head, it is difficult to bring the RFID antenna close enough to the heating element position. For this reason, in the past, the first label was wasted without being printed, and the second label was printed. This problem is particularly likely to occur in the case of small pitch labels or when the RFID antenna is located far from the heating element.

[0006] In addition, for the second and subsequent labels, each label needs to be conveyed backwards to read and write data from the inlay, but if the RFID antenna is located away from the heating element, the distance the label needs to be conveyed backwards to read and write data becomes longer, lowering throughput. As mentioned above, due to the structure of the print head, it is difficult to bring the RFID antenna close enough to the heating element, so there is a limit to how much throughput can be improved.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent the first sheet of print medium from going to waste when multiple sheets of print medium each having an RFID inlay are issued in sequence. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a printer that issues print media having an RFID inlay, comprising: A platen roller for transporting a print medium; a print head having a heat generating section made up of a plurality of heat generating elements arranged in a line, and printing on a print medium while holding the print medium between the heat generating section and the platen roller; a wireless antenna disposed downstream of the heat generating portion of the print head along a transport path of the print medium; a reader / writer that communicates with the RFID inlay of the print medium via the wireless antenna; a control unit that controls the reader / writer to communicate with an RFID inlay of the print medium at a communication position where the print medium is conveyed a predetermined distance in a conveyance direction from a print start position of the print medium; It is a printer equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, when multiple sheets of print media each having an RFID inlay are issued in sequence, it is possible to prevent the first sheet of print media from going to waste. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a printer according to one embodiment with an internal view. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a printing section of a printer according to an embodiment when a print head unit is in an open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a label support mechanism of the printer according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a label support mechanism of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for mounting an RFID antenna in a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment in which an RFID antenna is attached to a ribbon adjustment plate, and FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a printer according to an embodiment with the interior visible, showing the wiring path between the RFID antenna and the reader / writer. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of conveyance control of the printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of conveyance control of the printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of conveyance control of the printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a data acquisition procedure for determining a communication position in a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates an example communication data set recorded in the data acquisition procedure shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 14 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a communication location after the data acquisition procedure shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 16] 14 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a communication location after the data acquisition procedure shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates data acquisition results and communication locations for an exemplary label. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 illustrates data acquisition results and communication locations for an exemplary label. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates data acquisition results and communication locations for an exemplary label. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 illustrates data acquisition results and communication locations for an exemplary label. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The embodiments described below are not limited to the drawings which are illustrated by the brief description of the drawings.

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention is a printer that issues a print medium having an RFID inlay, comprising: A platen roller for transporting a print medium; a print head having a heat generating section made up of a plurality of heat generating elements arranged in a line, and printing on a print medium while holding the print medium between the heat generating section and the platen roller; a wireless antenna disposed downstream of the heat generating portion of the print head along a transport path of the print medium; a reader / writer that communicates with the RFID inlay of the print medium via the wireless antenna; a control unit that controls the reader / writer to communicate with an RFID inlay of the print medium at a communication position where the print medium is conveyed a predetermined distance in a conveyance direction from a print start position of the print medium; It is a printer equipped with.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the print medium is conveyed toward the wireless antenna downstream of the heat generating unit on the conveying path of the print medium before communication is performed, so that the first print medium does not fall off the print medium. Therefore, when multiple print media each having an RFID inlay are issued in sequence, it is possible to prevent the first print medium from being wasted.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention is a printer according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit controls the printing medium to be transported upstream after communicating with an RFID inlay on the printing medium using the reader / writer, and controls the printing medium to be printed from a printing start position.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, after communication with the RFID inlay, printing is performed on the entire area of ​​the print medium from the print start position, thereby obtaining good print quality.

[0016] In a third aspect of the present invention, the control unit is the printing medium is made to wait such that a clamping position, where the printing medium is clamped between the heat generating portion and the platen roller, coincides with a printing start position of the printing medium; The printer according to the second aspect, when issuing the printing medium, transports the printing medium downstream of a transport path, communicates with an RFID inlay on the printing medium using the reader / writer, and then transports the printing medium upstream and controls so that printing is performed on the printing medium from a printing start position.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, after communication with the RFID inlay, printing is performed on the entire area of ​​the print medium from the print start position, thereby obtaining good print quality.

[0018] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control unit is The print medium is kept waiting at the communication position; The printer according to the second aspect, when issuing the printing medium, communicates with an RFID inlay on the printing medium using the reader / writer, and then controls the printing medium to be transported upstream and printing on the printing medium from a printing start position.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, after communication with the RFID inlay, printing is performed on the entire area of ​​the print medium from the print start position, thereby obtaining good print quality.

[0020] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control unit is the printing medium is made to wait such that a clamping position, where the printing medium is clamped between the heat generating portion and the platen roller, coincides with a printing start position of the printing medium; When issuing the print medium, printing is performed on the print medium while transporting the print medium downstream of a transport path; When the print medium is in the communication position, the reader / writer communicates with the RFID inlay of the print medium; The printer according to the first aspect is controlled so that printing is performed on the print medium while the print medium is transported further downstream on the transport path.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since it is not necessary to transport the print medium in the reverse direction after the reader / writer has communicated with the RFID inlay, throughput is improved.

[0022] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a printer according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit temporarily stops transport of the printing medium when the printing medium reaches the communication position.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the reader / writer can stably communicate with the RFID inlay at the communication position.

[0024] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the control unit is conveying the print medium to each of a plurality of positions spaced apart at predetermined intervals along a conveying direction in sequence, increasing the transmission output of the electromagnetic waves by the reader / writer at each position in sequence at predetermined intervals, and determining whether or not communication is possible between the RFID inlay of the print medium and the reader / writer; A printer according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein if, based on the result of the communication possibility determination, the reader / writer is able to communicate with the RFID inlay at a minimum transmission output and at a predetermined number of consecutive positions, the central position of the predetermined number of consecutive positions is set as the communication position.

[0025] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, stable communication can be performed between an RFID inlay and a reader / writer, and it is possible to prevent erroneous writing of data to an RFID inlay of a printing medium other than the printing medium to be communicated with.

[0026] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a printer that performs printing on a print medium while clamping the print medium between a platen roller that transports a print medium having an RFID inlay and a heat generating unit consisting of a plurality of heat generating elements arranged in a line, and that has a wireless antenna that is arranged downstream of the heat generating unit in a print medium transport path, the method comprising the steps of: conveying the print medium from a print start position of the print medium to a communication position which is a position of a predetermined distance along a conveyance direction; When the print medium is in the communication position, a reader / writer communicates with the RFID inlay of the print medium via the wireless antenna; A printer control method comprising the steps of:

[0027] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the print medium is conveyed toward the wireless antenna downstream of the heat generating unit on the conveying path of the print medium before communication is performed, so that the first print medium does not fall off the print medium. Therefore, when multiple print media each having an RFID inlay are issued in sequence, it is possible to prevent the first print medium from being wasted.

[0028] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a printer that prints on a print medium having an RFID inlay while sandwiching the print medium between a platen roller that transports the print medium and a heat generating unit that is made up of a plurality of heat generating elements arranged in a line, and that, when installed in a printer that has a wireless antenna that is arranged downstream of the heat generating unit in a transport path of the print medium, can provide the following to a computer: A step of transporting the print medium from a print start position of the print medium to a communication position which is a position of a predetermined amount along a transport direction; When the print medium is in the communication position, a reader / writer communicates with the RFID inlay of the print medium via the wireless antenna; This is a program that executes the above.

[0029] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the print medium is conveyed toward the wireless antenna downstream of the heat generating unit on the conveying path of the print medium before communication is performed, so that the first print medium does not fall off the print medium. Therefore, when multiple print media each having an RFID inlay are issued in sequence, it is possible to prevent the first print medium from being wasted.

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the external appearance of a printer 1 according to an embodiment. For ease of explanation, XYZ coordinates are defined below as shown in Figure 1. That is, +X and -X respectively indicate the left-right direction of the printer 1, +Y and -Y respectively indicate the front-rear direction of the printer 1, and +Z and -Z respectively indicate the up-down direction of the printer 1. An issuing port 5 for issuing (discharging) printed labels is provided in a front cover 2 on the front side of the printer 1. An open cover 6 is attached to one side of the printer 1 by two hinges 7 so that it can be opened and closed freely in the vertical direction.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a side view of the main parts of the printer 1 with the inside visible, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the printing section 11 when the print head unit 13 is in an open state. Inside the printer 1, there are arranged a paper supply unit 10 located at the rear, a printing unit 11 located at the front, and an ink ribbon unit 12 located above.

[0032] The paper supply unit 10 is loaded with roll paper R. As shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper R is a continuous paper CP wound into a roll. The continuous paper CP includes a strip-shaped backing paper PM and a plurality of labels PL removably attached to the backing paper PM at intervals. The surface (front side) of the backing paper PM that comes into contact with the adhesive surface of the labels PL is coated with a release agent such as silicone, making it possible to easily peel off the labels PL. An RFID inlay IL (hereinafter simply referred to as "inlay IL") is incorporated in the labels PL. The surface (back side) of the backing paper PM to which the labels PL are not attached may be formed with position detection marks IM at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction to indicate the position of the labels. The labels PL may be made of thermal paper or plain paper. In the case of thermal paper, a thermal coloring layer is formed on the surface of the paper, which changes color to a specific color (black, red, etc.) when a predetermined temperature range is reached. Although not shown, the paper supply unit 10 can also be loaded with roll paper, which is a roll of linerless labels with an adhesive surface formed by applying an adhesive to the back side of the printing surface.

[0033] The paper supply unit 10 includes a support shaft 10a and a roll guide 10b, and holds the roll paper R and supplies the continuous paper CP paid out from the roll paper R to the printing unit 11. The support shaft 10a supports the roll paper R in a freely rotatable state. The roll guide 10b is installed in a freely movable state along the axial direction of the support shaft 10a so that its position can be changed according to the width of the roll paper R.

[0034] The printing section 11 includes a print head unit 13, a support stand 14 arranged below the print head unit 13, and a damper 15, and performs printing on the labels PL of the continuous paper CP. The print head unit 13 is installed inside the printer 1 in a state in which it can be opened and closed freely, as described below. When the print head unit 13 is in a closed state, a paper passage route is formed between the print head unit 13 and the support base 14. The paper passage route is connected to the issue port 5 (see FIG. 1). A head lock lever 16 that maintains the closed state of the print head unit 13 is mounted on the support base 14. When the head lock lever 16 is operated, the closed state of the print head unit 13 is released and the front part of the print head unit 13 is lifted as shown in Figure 3, causing the print head unit 13 to open (move away from the platen roller 23). The damper 15 is disposed in a state in which it can freely swing so as to apply tension to the web paper CP.

[0035] 2 and 3, the continuous paper CP is transported from the damper 15 through the label support mechanism 70, and is discharged from the issuing port 5 (FIG. 1) after printing. The label support mechanism 70 is installed upstream of the thermal head 18 (an example of a print head) and the platen roller 23 in the transport path of the continuous paper CP.

[0036] The ink ribbon unit 12 includes a ribbon supply unit 12a and a ribbon winding unit 12b, and supplies and winds up the ink ribbon RB coated with printing ink. The ribbon supply unit 12a supports the ink ribbon RB wound in a roll so that it can rotate freely. The ribbon winding unit 12b winds up and collects the ink ribbon RB after printing. When the ink ribbon RB is to be used, the ink ribbon RB pulled out from the ribbon supply unit 12a is passed under the print head unit 13 and wound up by the ribbon winding unit 12b. The ribbon supply unit 12a and the ribbon take-up unit 12b are connected (attached) to an inner wall 102 of the housing of the printer 1.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, a ribbon adjustment plate 66 (an example of a ribbon adjustment section) is provided in front of the thermal head 18 in the print head unit 13. The ribbon adjustment plate 66 is fixed to an internal frame (not shown) by a pair of screws 664 that pass through long holes (long holes 665 in Fig. 7) formed at both ends. By loosening each of the screws 664, the ribbon adjustment plate 66 can be moved up and down or tilted left and right, thereby adjusting the tension (tension) of the ink ribbon RB.

[0038] In the printer 1, the continuous paper CP fed from the roll paper R in the paper supply unit 10 is transported via the damper 15 to the paper route between the print head unit 13 and the support table 14, and on the way there, the labels PL of the continuous paper CP are printed. At this time, the thermal head 18 prints on each label PL of the continuous paper CP while holding the continuous paper CP and the ink ribbon RB between the heat generating part 18L and the platen roller 23. After the printing process, the continuous paper CP is discharged from the printer 1 through the issuing port 5.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 2, a label presence detection sensor 64 is installed near the issuing port 5 of the printer 1. The label presence detection sensor 64 is disposed downstream of the thermal head 18 and is capable of detecting the label PL issued (discharged) from the issuing port 5. The label presence detection sensor 64 is a light reflection type sensor, but can also be configured as a light transmission type sensor. The detection result (output signal) of the label presence detection sensor 64 is used to control the transport of the continuous paper CP.

[0040] Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned printing unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the print head unit 13 is supported on a main frame (not shown) of the printer 1 so that the print head unit 13 can freely swing (i.e., open and close) around the X axis on a swing shaft S1 provided at the rear.

[0041] On the underside (surface facing the paper feed route) of the print head unit 13, a thermal head 18 is installed with its heat generating portion 18L facing the paper feed route. The heat generating portion 18L of the thermal head 18 is formed of a glaze layer that protrudes a predetermined amount (for example, several tens of μm) from the substrate of the thermal head 18, includes a plurality of heat generating resistors (heating elements) that generate heat when energized, and performs printing on the label PL of the continuous paper CP. The plurality of heat generating resistors are aligned and arranged along the width direction of the continuous paper CP (direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the continuous paper CP).

[0042] A pair of engagement claws 19 (see FIG. 3) are provided on the underside of the front side of the print head unit 13 so as to sandwich the thermal head 18. Behind the engagement claws 19 on the print head unit 13, pins 20 are provided which protrude outward from both side surfaces of the print head unit 13.

[0043] The print head unit 13 is biased in the open direction by a torsion spring (not shown) attached to the pivot shaft S1, but is maintained in the closed state by a pair of locking claws 22 of the support base 14 being respectively caught on a pair of pins 20 on the lower part of the print head unit 13. When the print head unit 13 is in the closed state, a pair of engagement claws 19 of the print head unit 13 are fitted into both ends of the rotation shaft of the platen roller 23. When the head lock lever 16 is operated rearward, the lock claw 22 moves rearward in conjunction with the head lock lever 16 and disengages from the pin 20. When the lock claw 22 disengages from the pin 20, the print head unit 13 automatically opens due to the biasing force of the torsion spring, as shown in Figure 3.

[0044] The platen roller 23 transports the continuous paper CP fed from the paper supply unit 10 along the paper passage route to the issuing port 5 (see FIG. 1). The platen roller 23 is installed on the upper part of the support base 14 in a state in which it can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and rotates together with the thermal head 18 while clamping the continuous paper CP during printing. When the continuous paper CP is plain paper, the platen roller 23 rotates during printing while sandwiching the continuous paper CP and the ink ribbon RB together with the thermal head 18. In this case, the ink ribbon RB is transported from the ribbon supply unit 12a via ribbon rollers 121, 122 (see FIG. 3) provided in the print head unit 13, and is taken up by the ribbon take-up unit 12b.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the label support mechanism 70 is disposed on the support base 14 . FIG. 4 shows perspective views of the label support mechanism 70 in both the narrow label guide position and the wide label guide position. 4, the label support mechanism 70 has a label support section 71, a sensor assembly 72, and a label guide section 73. The label support section 71 has a support surface 711 that supports the continuous paper CP facing the platen roller 23 from below. The sensor assembly 72 is attached to the label support part 71 in a state in which it can be slid in the width direction of the continuous paper CP, and has a light transmission type sensor and a reflective type sensor built in. The label guide part 73 is attached to the sensor assembly 72, and serves to pinch the continuous paper CP transported toward the platen roller 23 between itself and the support surface 711 of the label support part 71, and to guide the continuous paper CP from above. A reader / writer 91, which will be described later, is built into the label supporting mechanism 70. The reader / writer 91 is provided for writing data to an inlay IL incorporated in the label PL, or for reading data from the inlay IL.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-section of the sensor assembly 72 and the label guide unit 73 when the label support mechanism unit 70 is cut in a plane perpendicular to the paper surface of the transported continuous paper CP and extending in the width direction (X direction) of the continuous paper CP. 5, the label guide portion 73 is attached to the sensor assembly 72. A small gap g1 is formed between the lower surface of the label guide portion 73 and the support surface 711 of the label support portion 71, and this gap g1 becomes the transport path for the continuous paper CP. The label support part 71 is provided with a guide protrusion 712 and a guide groove 713 in the longitudinal direction, which engage with the sensor assembly 72. The sensor assembly 72 is capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the width direction of the continuous paper CP) while engaging with the guide protrusion 712 and the guide groove 713 of the label support part 71 according to the label width used. The sensor assembly 72 has a structure in which a swinging part 721 at the top and a sliding part 722 at the bottom are swingably connected by a swinging shaft 723. The sliding part 722 is engaged with a guide protrusion 712 and a guide groove 713 of the label support part 71 and is slidable in the longitudinal direction. The swinging part 721 is swingable about the swinging shaft 723 from a position shown in FIG. 5 in which it is close to the sliding part 722 (the position when the printer 1 is in operation) in a direction away from the sliding part 722 (i.e., counterclockwise in FIG. 5), thereby allowing a new continuous paper CP to be set in the printer 1.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor assembly 72 has a built-in label position detection sensor 74. The label position detection sensor 74 includes a light emitting element 621 and a light receiving element 622. The light emitting element 621 is disposed on the swinging portion 721, and the light receiving element 622 is disposed on the sliding portion 722. The light emitting element 621 and the light receiving element 622 face each other. Since the transport path of the ink ribbon RB is above the label guide portion 73, the light emitting element 621, which is above the light receiving element 622, is disposed between the transport path of the ink ribbon RB and the transport path of the continuous paper CP. When the light receiving element 622 receives the light emitted from the light emitting element 621, the light transmission sensor 62 detects the end of each label PL in the transport direction of the continuous paper CP based on the difference in the received light intensity between the light transmitted through the label PL and the backing paper PM and the light transmitted only through the backing paper PM. The detection result (output signal) of the label position detection sensor 74 is used for transport control of the continuous paper CP.

[0048] Next, the arrangement of the RFID antenna 311 (an example of a wireless antenna) that transmits electromagnetic waves to the inlay IL incorporated in each label PL of the continuous paper CP transported within the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for mounting the RFID antenna 311 in the printer 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the antenna assembly 31 includes an RFID antenna 311, a wiring 312, and a pair of mounting members 313. The wiring 312 is connected to one end of the RFID antenna 311 and is for electrically connecting to a reader / writer 91, which will be described later. The pair of mounting members 313 are members for improving workability when assembling the antenna assembly 31 to the antenna case 32.

[0049] The antenna case 32 is a member for housing the antenna assembly 31. As described below, the antenna case 32 is attached to the ribbon adjustment plate 66. As shown in Fig. 6, the antenna case 32 has an elongated case main body 321 and three protruding parts 322 protruding upward from the case main body 321. An engagement claw 322c is formed on the upper end of the protruding part 322.

[0050] The case body 321 has a generally U-shaped cross section in order to receive the antenna assembly 31 from one side. The case body 321 is formed with a pair of openings 3211 for respectively receiving a pair of mounting members 313 of the antenna assembly 31. Inside the case body 321, a mounting surface 3212 for mounting the RFID antenna 311 is formed, and a stopper 3213 for abutting against the RFID antenna 311 and the mounting member 313 to position the antenna assembly 31 in the X direction is provided. Inside the case body 321, a plurality of pressing portions 3214 for pressing the RFID antenna 311 from above, and a plurality of press-in portions 3215 for press-in the wiring 312 are provided. When the antenna assembly 31 is attached to the antenna case 32 , the antenna assembly 31 is held by the antenna case 32 and does not move relative to the antenna case 32 .

[0051] The antenna case 32 that holds the antenna assembly 31 is attached to the rear surface of the ribbon adjustment plate 66, as shown in Fig. 7A. The ribbon adjustment plate 66 has a flat portion 661 extending laterally, and a groove portion 662 that is formed by bending the lower end of the flat portion 661. Three holes 663 are formed in the flat portion 661. The antenna case 32 is attached to the ribbon adjustment plate 66 by the three engagement claws 322c of the antenna case 32 engaging with the three holes 663, respectively, and by a part of the case body 321 of the antenna case 32 engaging with the groove portion 662 (see Fig. 7B).

[0052] FIG. 7B shows a cross section of the printer 1 near the RFID antenna 311 with the RFID antenna 311 installed. As shown in FIG. 7B, the RFID antenna 311 is disposed downstream of the heat generating portion 18L of the thermal head 18 in the transport path of the web paper CP, and on the label printing surface side of the transported web paper CP. The reason why the RFID antenna 311 is disposed on the label printing surface side of the continuous paper CP is as follows. When the label PL is attached to a conductive material such as metal, a metal sheet may be provided on the adhesive layer side of the inlay IL to prevent the electromagnetic waves for the inlay IL from being canceled. In this case, the label PL is configured such that the inlay IL and the thermal layer are laminated in this order on the upper surface side of the base material, and the metal sheet (e.g., an aluminum sheet) and the adhesive layer are laminated in this order on the lower surface side of the base material. Therefore, the RFID antenna 311 is disposed on the label printing surface side of the continuous paper CP so that communication with the inlay IL by electromagnetic waves radiated from the RFID antenna 311 is possible.

[0053] Next, a preferred method of connecting the RFID antenna 311 and the reader / writer 91 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a side view of a portion of the printer 1 with the interior visible, similar to Fig. 2. The RFID antenna 311 and the reader / writer 91 are not actually visible from the side, but are shown visible for the purpose of explanation. Fig. 8 shows a wiring path when the RFID antenna 311 and the reader / writer 91 are connected via a relay board. As described above, the RFID antenna 311 is disposed adjacent to the ribbon adjustment plate 66, and the reader / writer 91 is built into the label support mechanism 70, so it is necessary to electrically connect the RFID antenna 311 and the reader / writer 91 with wiring. The RFID antenna 311 and the reader / writer 91 may be directly connected with a single wiring, but connecting the two via a relay board improves workability. As shown in Fig. 8, relay board 24 is fixed to support plate 171 of print head unit 13. One end of wiring 312 is connected to RFID antenna 311, and connector 312c attached to the other end is connected to a connector (not shown) of relay board 24. One end of wiring 912 is connected to reader / writer 91, and connector 912c attached to the other end is connected to a connector (not shown) of relay board 24. Wiring that electrically connects wiring 312 and wiring 912 is mounted on relay board 24. In this configuration, when connecting RFID antenna 311 and reader / writer 91, the connector 312c and connector 912c are inserted into relay board 24, which improves workability compared to the case where RFID antenna 311 and reader / writer 91 are connected with a single wire.

[0054] Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 9, the control unit 8 of the printer 1 includes a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, an input interface (I / F) 84, a display control unit 85, a motor controller 86, a head controller 87, a sensor interface (I / F) 88, a reader / writer interface (I / F) 89, and a communication bus 90. Although not shown, a control unit constituting the control unit 8 of the printer 1 is built into the printer 1.

[0055] The CPU 81 loads firmware stored in the ROM 82 into the RAM 83 and executes it to realize various functions of the printer 1 . The firmware controls the transport of the continuous paper CP based on the output signals of the label position detection sensor 74 and the label presence / absence detection sensor 64. The firmware also records the data that the reader / writer 91 reads from the inlay IL, and transmits data to be written by the reader / writer 91 to the inlay IL of each label via the reader / writer interface 89 to the reader / writer 91. The input interface 84 is an interface that receives operational inputs made to the input buttons 3 and transmits the inputs to the CPU 81. The display control unit 85 causes the display panel 4 to display an image based on the display data received from the CPU 81. The motor controller 86 includes a drive circuit that drives the motor 9 based on a control signal sent from the firmware. The control signal includes, for example, information related to the transport amount of the continuous paper CP. The head controller 87 includes an image buffer and controls the flow of current selectively to multiple heating elements included in the heating section 18L 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 88 receives output signals from the label position detection sensor 74 and the label presence / absence detection sensor 64 , converts them into digital values, and transmits them to the CPU 81 . The reader / writer interface 89 is an interface between the control unit 8 and the reader / writer 91, and transmits instruction signals for reading and writing from the firmware to the reader / writer 91. The reader / writer interface 89 receives read data from the reader / writer 91, and transmits data to be written to the inlay IL to the reader / writer 91.

[0056] Next, an example of a label transport method when the printer 1 issues a label PL will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Each of Figures 10 to 12 shows the position of the heat generating part 18L of the print head (heating element position), the detection position of the label position detection sensor 74, and the positional relationship of the RFID antenna 311 in each state along the time series of the continuous paper (including the first label PL#1, the second label PL#2, ...). As described above, the RFID antenna 311 is disposed downstream of the transport path of the continuous paper CP from the heat generating portion 18L of the thermal head 18. Therefore, when a plurality of labels PL are produced in sequence, the label transport method shown in any one of Figs. 10 to 12 can prevent the first label PL from being wasted.

[0057] (I) First example of label transport method (Fig. 10) Referring to FIG. 10, in the first example, when printing each label on continuous paper, the printer 1 waits with the print start position of the first label PL#1 positioned at the heating element position (state ST11), and when printing each label, it writes data to the inlay of each label before printing. In this state, the printer 1 receives print data from a host computer (not shown) and starts issuing labels. First, the printer 1 transports the first label PL#1 in the forward direction F (downstream) to a communication position where communication with the inlay IL of the first label PL#1 is performed via the RFID antenna 311 (state ST12). Because the distance between the heating element position and the reference position of the RFID antenna 311 (for example, the center position of the RFID antenna 311 in the transport direction) is known, the transport amount from state ST11 to state ST12 (referred to as the "optimum offset amount") is determined in advance so as to optimize the reading and writing of data from and to the inlay IL. In state ST12, after writing data to the inlay IL of the first label PL#1, the continuous paper CP is transported in the reverse direction (upstream) and the printing start position of the first label PL#1 is positioned at the heating element position, as in state ST11 (state ST13), and then printing is performed on the first label PL#1 (state ST14). 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 74 detects the end of each label and transports the continuous paper CP by a predetermined amount according to the distance from the position of the label position detection sensor 74 to the heating element position.

[0058] According to the first example of the label conveying method, when writing data to the inlay IL of the first label PL#1, the label is conveyed in the forward direction from the standby position (position in state ST11), so it is possible to issue the first label PL#1 without it falling off from the heating element position. Therefore, the first label PL#1 is not wasted. In the first example of the label conveying method, after communication with the inlay IL, printing is performed on the entire area of ​​the label PL from the print start position, so good print quality is obtained.

[0059] (II) Second example of label transport method (Fig. 11) 11, in the second example, when printing each label on the continuous paper, the printer 1 makes the first label PL#1 wait at the communication position (i.e., the position where the RFID antenna 311 and the inlay IL of the first label PL#1 communicate) (state ST21). When printing each label, the printer 1 writes data to the inlay of each label and then prints. In state ST21, the printer 1 receives print data from a host computer (not shown) and starts issuing labels. First, in state ST21, the printer 1 writes data to the inlay IL of the first label PL#1, then transports the continuous paper CP in the reverse direction (upstream) until the print start position of the first label PL#1 is located at the heating element position (state ST22), and then prints the first label PL#1 while transporting it in the forward direction F (state ST23). After that, the printer 1 further transports the continuous paper CP in the forward direction F and causes the second label PL#2 to wait at the communication position. The printing of the second label PL#2 and subsequent labels is similar to that of the first label. When each label is positioned at the communication position, the label position detection sensor 74 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 74 to the known communication position.

[0060] According to the second example of the label conveying method, there is no need to convey the first label PL#1 from the standby position when writing data to the inlay IL, and the continuous paper CP does not fall off from the heating element position even when conveyed in reverse for printing. Therefore, it is possible to print the first label PL#1, and the first label PL#1 is not wasted. In the second example of the label conveying method, good print quality is obtained because printing is performed on the entire area of ​​the label PL from the print start position after communication with the inlay IL.

[0061] (III) Third example of label transport method (Fig. 12) Referring to FIG. 12, in the third example, when each label on the continuous paper is printed, the printer 1 makes the first label PL#1 wait with the print start position located at the heating element position (state ST31) as in the first example. In the third example, when printing each label, the printer 1 prints the label partway, writes data to the inlay, and then prints the remaining part. That is, when printing the first label PL#1, the printer 1 prints the first label PL#1 partway while transporting the continuous paper CP in the forward direction F (downstream) from state ST31. The printer 1 stops transporting the continuous paper CP when the first label PL#1 is in the communication position (state ST32) and writes data to the inlay IL of the first label PL#1. Next, the printer 1 prints the remaining part of the first label PL#1 while transporting the continuous paper CP further in the forward direction F (state ST33). The printing of the second label PL#2 and each subsequent label is similar to that of the first label. When the print start position of each label is positioned at the heating element position, the label position detection sensor 74 detects the end 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 74 to the heating element position. After printing of the first label PL#1 is completed, printing of the second label PL#2 may be started without stopping the transport of the continuous paper CP.

[0062] According to the third example of the label conveying method, when writing data to the inlay IL of the first label PL#1, it is only necessary to convey the label PL#1 in the forward direction from the standby position, so that the first label PL#1 can be issued without falling off from the heating element position. Therefore, the first label PL#1 is not wasted. In the third example of the label conveying method, there is no need to convey the label PL in the reverse direction after the reader / writer communicates with the inlay IL, so throughput is improved. In the third example of the label conveying method, conveyance of the continuous paper CP may or may not be stopped in state ST32. Since the time required to write data to the inlay is short, data can be written to the inlay while conveying the continuous paper CP before and after the communication position. Stopping conveyance of the continuous paper CP in state ST32 has the advantage that the reader / writer can stably communicate with the RFID inlay at the communication position.

[0063] As described with reference to the first to third examples of the label conveying method, the control unit 8 controls the reader / writer 91 to communicate with the inlay IL of the label PL at the communication position conveyed by the optimal offset amount in the conveying direction from the print start position of the label PL. In each of the above examples of the label conveying method, the case where writing is performed on the inlay of the label has been described, but reading of data from the inlay of the label may be performed before or after the timing of writing.

[0064] As described above, in the printer 1 described above, the RFID antenna 311 is disposed downstream of the heat generating portion 18L of the thermal head 18 in the transport path of the continuous paper CP. Therefore, when writing data to the inlay of the first label, the leading edge of the first label does not fall off from the heating element position of the print head. In other words, since the RFID antenna 311 is disposed downstream of the heating element position of the thermal head 18, it is not necessary to transport the continuous paper CP in the reverse direction when writing data to the inlay of the first label, and it is possible to prevent the first label from falling off from the heating element position. Therefore, the first label can be printed without waste.

[0065] 7 shows an example in which the RFID antenna is disposed on the ribbon adjustment plate, the RFID antenna can be disposed in other locations, such as at the tip of the thermal head 18, near a cutter (not shown) if the cutter is disposed downstream of the thermal head 18, or at the issuing port 5.

[0066] Next, a method for determining the optimum offset amount (the transport amount from the label printing start position to the communication position (the position where the inlay communicates with the reader / writer via the RFID antenna)) will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. To determine the optimal offset amount, first, data (communication data) relating to communication results under various conditions is obtained, and then a predetermined program is executed based on the obtained communication data.

[0067] The procedure for acquiring data regarding the communication result will be described below. 13 is a diagram explaining a method of transporting the continuous paper CP when acquiring communication data. State MS1 shows the state before data acquisition, in which the label PL is set. In this example, in state MS1, the heating element position is at the printing start position for label PL#1. Next, the continuous paper CP is transported to a position where the leading edge of the label PL coincides with the RFID antenna (state MS2). The transport amount at this time is determined based on the detection result of the label position detection sensor 74. Note that when a sensor is used to detect the position detection mark IM of the label PL and the transport amount is based on the detection result of the sensor, the leading edge of the label PL does not necessarily coincide with the RFID antenna in state MS2. Communication data begins from state MS2. Communication data is acquired by transporting the continuous paper CP 1 mm at a time, stopping it, and changing the transmission output of the electromagnetic waves from the reader / writer 91 within a specified range at each position to acquire the result of whether communication between the reader / writer and the RFID antenna is possible. Communication data is either "WRITE OK" (data can be written), "READ ONLY" (data can only be read), or communication is not possible (data cannot be written or read). Note that the transmission output required to write data is usually greater than the transmission power required to read data, so if the communication data is "WRITE OK", data can also be read.

[0068] The control unit 8 records the acquired communication data in a communication data set (see FIG. 14). As shown in Figure 14, the communication data set records communication data in a matrix, with the data acquisition position (mm) from the start of data acquisition as columns and the transmission output (dBm) of the RFID antenna as rows. Communication data is indicated by ● (WRITE OK) or ◯ (READ ONLY) depending on the communication result. Any place that is not recorded means that data cannot be written or read. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the continuous paper CP is transported at 1 mm intervals, and the transmission output of the RFID antenna is changed at each data acquisition position between 0 and 24 dBm in 1 dBm increments, but this is not the only example. The interval between adjacent data acquisition positions (1 mm in Fig. 14) and the amount of change in transmission output (1 dBm in Fig. 14) can be changed as appropriate.

[0069] State MS2 in Fig. 13 corresponds to the case where the data acquisition position in Fig. 14 is "0 mm". When the data acquisition position is "0 mm", communication data is acquired at each of the transmission outputs of 0, 1, 2, ..., 24 dBm, and then the continuous paper CP is transported 1 mm and when the data acquisition position is "1 mm", communication data is acquired at each of the transmission outputs of 0, 1, 2, ..., 24 dBm, and so on. Then, when the data acquisition position reaches a predetermined maximum value (100 mm in the example of Fig. 14) (state MS3 in Fig. 13), data acquisition ends.

[0070] When the acquisition of the communication data is completed, the control unit 8 executes a process for determining an optimum offset amount (optimum offset amount determination process) based on the obtained communication data set. Figures 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the process for determining the optimum offset amount. In the optimum offset amount determination process, first, the optimum WRITE position, which is the optimum position when writing data to the inlay, and the optimum WRITE power, which is the optimum transmission power by the RFID antenna when writing data, are determined. Next, the optimum READ power, which is the optimum transmission power when reading data from the inlay, and the optimum offset amount are determined.

[0071] 15 and 16, the WRITE optimum position is a variable that is finally determined from the data acquisition position of the communication data set. The WRITE optimum power and the READ optimum power are variables that are finally determined from the transmission power of the communication data set. Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit 8 first outputs WRITE (P W) to "0" (dbm) (step S2), and the data acquisition position to "0" (mm) (step S4). Next, the control unit 8 focuses on the row in the communication data set where the transmission output is 0 dBm, and judges whether or not ● (WRITE OK) is recorded in N consecutive locations between the data acquisition position of 0 mm and a predetermined maximum value (MP_max; 100 mm in the example of FIG. 18) (steps S6 to S10). N is not limited, but can be set to any value between 6 to 10 mm, for example, and is typically 8 mm. If ● (WRITE OK) is not recorded in N consecutive locations, the control unit 8 sets the transmission output (WRITE output) in the communication data set to a predetermined maximum output value (P W As long as the line does not exceed the maximum value (MP_max; 24 dBm in the example of Figure 18), attention is focused on the line where the line has been increased by 1 dBm (steps S12, S14), and it is again determined whether ● (WRITE OK) has been recorded in N consecutive locations between the data acquisition position of 0 mm and the predetermined maximum value (MP_max) (steps S6 to S10). In this manner, the control unit 8 sequentially focuses on rows in the communication data set in which the transmission power (WRITE power) has been increased by 1 dBm each time, and if ● (WRITE OK) is recorded in N consecutive locations (step S6: YES), the control unit 8 determines the transmission power at that time as the optimum WRITE power (step S16). Furthermore, the control unit 8 determines the center position of the N data acquisition positions when it is determined in step S6 that ● (WRITE OK) is recorded in N consecutive locations as the optimum WRITE position (MP_best) (step S16).

[0072] In Fig. 16, steps S18 to S30 are processes for determining the optimum READ output. Writing data to the inlay and reading data from the inlay are performed without moving the label including the inlay to be processed, so the optimum WRITE position (MP_best) determined in step S16 is used as the basis for reading data.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 16, the control unit 8 first outputs READ (P R) to "0" (dbm) (step S18), and sets the data acquisition position to the optimum WRITE position (MP_best) (step S20). Next, the control unit 8 focuses on the row in the communication data set where the transmission output is 0 dBm, and judges whether or not a ● (WRITE OK) or a ◯ (READ ONLY) is recorded for N consecutive data acquisition positions from the optimum WRITE position (steps S22 to S26). If a ● (WRITE OK) or a ◯ (READ ONLY) is not recorded for N consecutive positions, the control unit 8 sets the transmission output (READ output) in the communication data set to a predetermined maximum output value (P R The system then focuses on the row where the gain has been increased by 1 dBm as long as it does not exceed the maximum gain (_max) (steps S28, S30), and again determines whether the data acquisition position has a ● (WRITE OK) or a ◯ (READ ONLY) recorded for N consecutive positions from the optimum WRITE position (steps S22 to S26). In this manner, the control unit 8 sequentially focuses on rows in the communication data set in which the transmission output (READ output) has been increased by 1 dBm, and if a ● (WRITE OK) or ◯ (READ ONLY) is recorded in N consecutive locations from the optimum WRITE position (step S22: YES), it sets the transmission output at that time as the optimum READ output (step S32).

[0074] Finally, the control unit 8 calculates and records the optimal offset amount (step S40). The optimal offset amount (OFFSET) is calculated by adding the known distance from the print start position on the transport path to the RFID antenna to the optimal WRITE position (MP_best) (see FIG. 13).

[0075] 15 and 16, the optimum offset amount, i.e., the communication position, is determined so that writing is performed at the center position of N locations (e.g., 8 mm) when continuous writing is possible in the transport direction. Here, the transport stop position of the continuous paper CP, the attachment position of the inlay IL to the label PL, or the attachment position of the label position detection sensor 74 may have an accumulated error in the transport direction of, for example, about ±3 to 4 mm. Even in this case, since the communication position is set to, for example, the center position of the writable range of 8 mm (when N=8), stable communication can be performed between the inlay IL and the reader / writer 91. In addition, the optimum WRITE output is defined as the minimum transmission power when it is possible to write to N consecutive locations in the transport direction, which makes it possible to prevent data from being written by mistake to labels adjacent to the label that is the subject of communication. In the above-mentioned optimum offset amount determination process, the position where N consecutive ● (WRITE OK) are recorded is searched for from the data acquisition position of "0" (mm), so the communication position can be set as close as possible to the print start position. This shortens the transport distance required for writing and printing data, improving throughput.

[0076] The optimum offset amount determination process may be performed for each of a plurality of types of labels incorporating various inlays, and the optimum offset amount may be determined in advance for each type of label and stored in the memory of the control unit 8. In this case, the printer 1 is configured to allow the user to select one of the plurality of types of labels. The control unit 8 sets the optimum offset amount corresponding to the type of label selected by the user, and controls the conveyance so as to write data to the inlay at the communication position corresponding to the set optimum offset amount. The optimum offset amount determination process may be executed after the printer 1 receives a label issuance request from a host computer (not shown). In this case, the control unit 8 executes the transport process shown in Fig. 13 before printing the label to acquire communication data, and executes the optimum offset amount determination process based on the acquired communication data set. Next, when printing the label, the control unit 8 controls the transport so as to write data to the inlay at the communication position corresponding to the optimum offset amount determined by the optimum offset amount determination process executed after receiving the label issuance request.

[0077] 17 to 20 are diagrams showing data acquisition results (visualization of the communication data set in FIG. 14) and communication positions for the labels of the first to fourth examples, respectively. The labels PLex1 to PLex4 of the first to fourth examples each have an inlay of a different shape (an antenna AN and an IC chip C are shown in each figure). Each figure shows the communication data set and the position of the inlay at the communication position corresponding to the optimal offset amount determined by the optimal offset amount determination process. In each example, N=8, and when ● (WRITE OK) is recorded continuously for 8 mm in the communication data set, the center position of that 8 mm section is set as the communication position. Also, in each example, the distance from the heating element position to the RFID antenna position is 7.5 mm. In each example, the communication position of the inlay is the position where the tip of the inlay is downstream of the RFID antenna position in the transport direction. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, it can be seen that the communication position (the distance in the transport direction based on the heating element position) differs depending on the type of label.

[0078] One embodiment is a method for controlling a printer 1 including steps (i) and (ii). (i) Transporting the label PL from the print start position of the label PL to a communication position, which is a predetermined distance along the transport direction. (ii) When the label PL is in the communication position, the reader / writer 91 communicates with the inlay IL of the label PL via the RFID antenna 311.

[0079] One embodiment is a program that, when installed in the printer 1, causes a computer to execute the above steps (i) and (ii).

[0080] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Printer 2. Front cover 3...Enter button 4. Display panel 5…Issue port 6…Open cover 7…Hinge 8...Control section 81: CPU, 82: ROM, 83: RAM, 84: input interface, 85: display control unit, 86: motor controller, 87: head controller, 88: sensor interface, 89: reader / writer interface, 90: communication bus 9…Motor 10...Paper supply section 10a...Support shaft, 10b...Roll guide 11...Printing section 12...Ink ribbon section 12a... ribbon supply section, 12b... ribbon take-up section, 121, 122... ribbon rollers 13...Print head unit 14...Support stand 15…Damper 16...Head lock lever 17,171...Support plate 18…Thermal head, 18L…Heater 19…Engagement claw 20…Pin 22...Lock claw 23...Platen roller 24...Relay board 31...Antenna assembly 311...RFID antenna, 312...wiring, 312c...connector, 313...assembly member 32…Antenna case 321: case body; 322: protrusion; 322c: engagement claw 35...Head mechanism 39…Head cover 42...Operation unit 64...Label presence detection sensor 66…Ribbon adjustment plate 661: Flat portion; 662: Groove portion; 663: Hole; 664: Screw; 665: Slot 70...Label support mechanism 71: label support portion, 73: label guide portion, 74: label position detection sensor 91...Reader / writer 912…Wiring, 912c…Connector CP...Continuous paper, PM...Backing paper, PL...Label, IL...RFID inlay, IM...Position detection mark, RB...Ink ribbon, R...Roll paper S1: Swing axis

Claims

1. 1. A printer that issues print media having an RFID inlay, comprising: A platen roller for transporting a print medium; a print head having a heat generating section made up of a plurality of heat generating elements arranged in a line, and printing on a print medium while holding the print medium between the heat generating section and the platen roller; a wireless antenna disposed downstream of the heat generating portion of the print head along a transport path of the print medium; a reader / writer that communicates with the RFID inlay of the print medium via the wireless antenna; a control unit that controls the reader / writer to communicate with an RFID inlay of the print medium at a communication position where the print medium is transported a predetermined distance in a transport direction from a print start position of the print medium; A printer equipped with

2. the control unit controls the print medium to be conveyed upstream after communicating with the RFID inlay of the print medium by the reader / writer, and controls the print medium to be printed from a print start position.

2. The printer according to claim 1.

3. The control unit is the printing medium is made to wait such that a clamping position, where the printing medium is clamped between the heat generating portion and the platen roller, coincides with a printing start position of the printing medium; When issuing the print medium, the print medium is transported downstream of a transport path, and the reader / writer communicates with an RFID inlay of the print medium, and then the print medium is transported upstream and controlled to print on the print medium from a print start position.

3. The printer according to claim 2.

4. The control unit is The print medium is kept waiting at the communication position; When issuing the print medium, the reader / writer communicates with the RFID inlay of the print medium, and then controls the print medium to be transported upstream and to print on the print medium from a print start position.

3. The printer according to claim 2.

5. The control unit is the printing medium is made to wait such that a clamping position, where the printing medium is clamped between the heat generating portion and the platen roller, coincides with a printing start position of the printing medium; When issuing the print medium, printing is performed on the print medium while transporting the print medium downstream of a transport path; When the print medium is in the communication position, the reader / writer communicates with an RFID inlay of the print medium; controlling the printing medium to be printed while being transported further downstream of the transport path; 2. The printer according to claim 1.

6. The control unit temporarily stops the transportation of the print medium when the print medium reaches the communication position.

6. The printer according to claim 5.

7. The control unit is conveying the print medium to each of a plurality of positions spaced apart at predetermined intervals along a conveying direction in sequence, increasing the transmission output of the electromagnetic waves by the reader / writer at each position in sequence at predetermined intervals, and determining whether or not communication is possible between the RFID inlay of the print medium and the reader / writer; If the reader / writer is able to communicate with the RFID inlay at a minimum transmission output and at a predetermined number of consecutive positions based on the result of the communication possibility determination, the center position of the predetermined number of consecutive positions is determined as the communication position. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for controlling a printer including a platen roller that transports a print medium having an RFID inlay, a heat generating unit that is made up of a plurality of heat generating elements arranged in a line, and a wireless antenna that is arranged downstream of the heat generating unit in a transport path of the print medium, the method comprising: conveying the print medium from a print start position of the print medium to a communication position which is a position of a predetermined distance along a conveyance direction; When the print medium is in the communication position, communicating with the RFID inlay of the print medium via the wireless antenna by a reader / writer; A method for controlling a printer including:

9. When the printer is installed in a printer having a platen roller that conveys a print medium having an RFID inlay, a heat generating unit that is made up of a plurality of heat generating elements arranged in a line and that prints on the print medium while sandwiching the print medium, and a wireless antenna that is arranged downstream of the heat generating unit in the print medium conveyance path, the printer is provided with the following: A step of transporting the print medium from a print start position of the print medium to a communication position which is a position of a predetermined amount along a transport direction; a step of communicating with an RFID inlay of the print medium via the wireless antenna by a reader / writer when the print medium is in the communication position; A program that executes the following.

Images