Recording apparatus, conveyance speed determination method, and program

Abstract

To automatically determine an appropriate conveyance speed in a recording apparatus which forms an image and writes data on a label with an RFID tag.SOLUTION: A recording apparatus includes: image forming means for forming images on labels with RFID tags arranged on a sheet; and read / write means for reading / writing data from / to the RFID tags of the labels. The recording apparatus includes: read time acquisition means which executes read processing to read predetermined information from a target RFID tag, while conveying the sheet at a reference speed in a conveyance direction, and acquires the time required for the read processing; write time acquisition means which executes write processing to write data with a predetermined data volume to the target RFID tag and acquires the time required for the write processing; and determination means which determines a conveyance speed of the sheet based on the time required for the read processing and the time required for the write processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device that forms images and writes data on labels with RFID tags arranged on a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known recording device that can form an image on the label surface of a label with a built-in RFID tag and write data to the RFID tag. In this type of recording device, especially when forming an image using an inkjet method, writing data to the RFID tag must be done while the label is being transported. This is because pausing and then resuming transport during a recording operation can cause uneven density before and after the stop, or the tension of the transport belt can change, causing misalignment, which can lead to a deterioration in image quality.

[0003] When writing to an RFID tag while transporting a label, it is necessary to determine the optimum transport speed at which writing can be completed reliably, taking into consideration the communication range of the reader / writer of the recording device, the time required to write data, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses a function that determines the optimum transport speed for an RFID tag from information registered in a database in advance when the user inputs the type and interval of the RFID tag. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 154618 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the function of Patent Document 1 could only automatically determine the transport speed for RFID tags of a type that was registered in the recording device's database, and could not automatically set the transport speed for unregistered RFID tags.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to automatically determine the transport speed in a recording device that forms images and writes data on labels with RFID tags. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The recording device disclosed herein is a recording device equipped with an image forming means for forming an image on labels with RFID tags arranged on a sheet, and a read / write means for reading and writing data to the RFID tags of the labels, and is characterized in that it is equipped with a read time acquisition means for performing a read process to detect a target RFID tag, which is one RFID tag to be processed, while transporting the sheet in a transport direction at a reference speed, and acquiring the time required for the read process, a write time acquisition means for performing a write process to write a predetermined amount of data to the target RFID tag while transporting the sheet in the transport direction at the reference speed, and acquiring the time required for the write process, and a determination means for determining the transport speed of the sheet when forming the image and performing the reading and writing, based on the time required for the read process acquired by the read time acquisition means and the time required for the write process acquired by the write time acquisition means. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, in a recording device that forms images and writes data on RFID tagged labels arranged on a sheet, an appropriate transport speed can be automatically determined. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a recording system. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of a recording apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an RFID tag label. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the printing apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the recording apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between radio wave intensity and a data writable range. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a calibration process. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a narrow pitch calibration process. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram illustrating the start and end positions of a data write range. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of a recording operation. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a conveying speed determination process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] <Recording device configuration> First, the configuration of a recording apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a recording system including a recording apparatus according to this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the general internal configuration of the recording apparatus.

[0012] As shown in the figure, the recording system includes a recording device 100 and a host computer 104, which are communicatively connected to each other via an interface 105. The recording device 100 includes an apparatus main body 101 and a rolled sheet holder 103 into which a roll 200 around which a sheet 200S is wound is loaded. The apparatus main body 101 is provided with an operation panel 102. The operation panel 102 has a display unit formed of an LCD or the like and an input unit formed of a touch panel, buttons, and the like.

[0013] 1 shows an example in which a printer cable is used as the interface 105 connecting the recording device 100 and the host computer 104, but the connection may be via a network such as a LAN. The form of the communication connection may be either wired or wireless.

[0014] The host computer 104 is a computer terminal that supplies job data to the recording device 100, and is configured by a personal computer, a smartphone, a server device, etc. A plurality of host computers 104 may be connected to one recording device 100.

[0015] The recording device 100 performs a recording operation on the sheet 200S based on job data supplied from the host computer 104. The recording operation includes an image forming operation on the labels arranged on the sheet 200S and an operation of reading / writing data from / to the RFID tags embedded in the labels. For example, an item identification code of a predetermined number of digits used in a POS system or a distribution management system that manages product information is recorded on the label surface and written to the RFID tag. The recording device 100 performs the above-mentioned recording operation while transporting the sheet 200S pulled out from the roll 200 by a transport unit 201 shown in FIG. 2.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the sheet 200S pulled out from the roll 200 loaded in the roll sheet holder 103 passes through a guide unit 211 and is supplied to a transport unit 201. The guide unit 211 is a mechanism for restricting the position of the sheet 200S in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet 200S so that it does not exceed a predetermined range. The direction indicated by A in the figure is the positive transport direction. In Fig. 2, the sheet 200S is indicated by a dashed line.

[0017] The transport unit 201 drives the transport roller 202 and the transport belt 207 by a driving force transmitted from a drive motor 206. A fan 208 is provided inside the transport unit 201, and the sheet 200S is attracted to the transport belt 207 by a negative pressure generated by the fan 208. In this state, the transport unit 201 transports the sheet 200S from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction A.

[0018] A leading edge detection sensor 209 is disposed at a predetermined position upstream in the conveying direction from the recording head 210 and the R / W antenna 230. When the leading edge detection sensor 209 detects the introduction of the leading edge of each label arranged on the sheet 200S, it outputs a detection signal to the main controller 501 (FIG. 5). In addition, an encoder that counts the conveying amount of the sheet 200S is provided on, for example, the conveying roller 202.

[0019] The main controller 501 of the recording device 100 manages information on the transport position of each label based on the detection signal obtained from the leading edge detection sensor 209 and the transport amount of the sheet 200S counted by the encoder. The information on the transport position of each label is referred to in the image forming operation by the recording head 210 and the read / write operation by the R / W antenna 230.

[0020] The recording head 210 is held such that the nozzle surface on which a large number of nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged faces the sheet surface conveyed by the conveyance belt 207. An ink tank (not shown) is connected to the recording head 210. The recording apparatus 100 ejects ink from the recording head 210 according to a signal that determines whether ink is to be ejected for each of the plurality of nozzles of the recording head 210. Thereby, an image is formed (recorded) on the conveyed sheet 200S.

[0021] Note that, in the present embodiment, an inkjet recording apparatus using ink as a recording material will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present disclosure is applicable to recording apparatuses of various recording methods, such as electrophotographic methods such as thermal printers (sublimation type, thermal transfer type, etc.), dot impact printers, LED printers, and laser printers.

[0022] The R / W antenna 230 outputs radio waves for reading (reading) and writing (writing) data to and from RFID tags respectively incorporated in a plurality of labels arranged on the sheet 200S. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an example is shown in which the R / W antenna 230 is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet 200S from the recording head 210, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be provided on the upstream side.

[0023] The sheet 200S on which image formation by the recording head 210 and data writing by the R / W antenna 230 have been performed is discharged outside the apparatus from the sheet discharge port of the apparatus main body 101.

[0024] <Label with RFID tag> Next, the label 302 with an RFID tag and the sheet 200S used as a recording medium in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the sheet 200S. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the label 302.

[0025] 3, roll 200 is formed by winding up a continuous sheet 200S. Sheet 200S is configured by arranging a plurality of labels 302 at equal intervals on substrate 301. Substrate 301 has, for example, a release surface, and labels 302 are removably attached to the release surface via an adhesive layer.

[0026] 4, the label 302 includes an RFID tag 405 therein. The RFID tag 405 is also called an inlay or an inlet. One RFID tag 405 is built into one label 302. The RFID tag 405 includes an IC chip 403 and an antenna 404.

[0027] The IC chip 403 includes a controller and a memory. The controller transmits and receives data to and from the R / W antenna 230 (reader / writer) of the recording device 100 in a predetermined procedure. It also transmits responses to processing requests from the recording device 100. The processing requests include requests to read data from the memory and requests to write data to the memory.

[0028] The memory in the IC chip 403 has areas such as a TID (Tag identifier) ​​memory, an EPC (Electronic product code) memory, a user memory, and a reserved memory. The TID memory is an area where a unique value is written into each RFID tag 405 by the manufacturer when the RFID tag 405 is manufactured. The EPC memory is an area that stores code information for identifying individual RFID tags. The user memory is an area where the user can freely read and write data. The reserved memory is an area for storing password information used in the lock function and the disable (Kill) function.

[0029] <Configuration of the control system of the recording device> 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 100 has a main controller 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an image buffer memory 504, a driver controller 506, etc. Also, a drive circuit 507, a sensor circuit 509, an RFID controller 510, an operation panel 102, etc. are connected to the main controller 501. A head drive circuit 505 is connected to the driver controller 506. The recording apparatus 100 executes a conveying operation of the sheet 200S and a recording operation on the label 302 according to a control signal from the main controller 501.

[0030] The main controller 501 is a control unit that controls the entire recording device 100, and is composed of a CPU. The main controller 501 executes various processes using the RAM 502 as a work area according to the programs stored in the ROM 502. The RAM 502 is a volatile or non-volatile storage area, and is used as a work memory or the like. The ROM 503 is a non-volatile storage area, and stores the control program for the recording device 100, the programs according to this embodiment, and the like. The main controller 501 is connected to the host computer 104 via an interface, and transmits and receives signals to and from the host computer 104.

[0031] The image buffer memory 504 is a memory that stores image data transmitted from the host computer 104. The head drive circuit 505 is a drive circuit that drives a heating element (not shown) in the printhead 210, and is driven under the control of a driver controller 506. The driver controller 506 controls the head drive circuit 505 so as to eject ink from the nozzles of the printhead 210 based on the bitmap data stored in the image buffer memory 504.

[0032] The drive circuit 507 is a drive circuit that drives the transport motor 206 of the transport unit 201, and is controlled by the main controller 501. The sensor circuit 509 performs detection operations of various sensors such as the leading edge detection sensor 209, and transmits the acquired detection signals to the main controller 501. The touch panel and buttons of the operation panel 102 input signals according to operations by the user to the main controller 501. In addition, the main controller 50 also controls display on the LCD.

[0033] The RFID controller 510 communicates in a non-contact manner with the RFID tags 405 in the labels 302 arranged on the conveyed sheet 200S, and reads and writes (R / W) data. The RFID controller 510 is controlled by the main controller 501. Data to be written to the RFID tags 405 is supplied from the host computer 104.

[0034] <Functional configuration of the recording device> Next, the functional configuration of the recording device 100 will be described. 6 is a block diagram showing the functions of the recording device 100. As shown in the figure, the recording device 100 has a data acquisition unit 610, an image forming unit 620, a read / write unit 630, a calibration processing unit 640, a conveying speed determination unit 650, an auto / manual setting unit 660, and the like.

[0035] The data acquisition unit 610 acquires recording data for forming an image on the label 302 and writing data for writing to the RFID tag 405. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the recording data and writing data are supplied from the host computer 104, but data stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) of the recording device 100 may also be acquired.

[0036] In the image forming operation, the recording device 100 records one page of data on one label 302. Therefore, the recording data for the sheet 200S on which the multiple labels 302, 302, ... are arranged includes data for the number of pages corresponding to the number of labels. In the data writing operation, the recording device 100 writes data corresponding to the contents to be recorded on the labels 302, 302, ... to the RFID tags 405, 405, ... of the multiple labels 302, 302, .... Therefore, the writing data for the sheet 200S on which the multiple labels 302 are arranged includes the number of writing data corresponding to the number of labels. However, the data amount (the number of digits of the code in the case of an identification code) of the data to be written on each RFID tag 405, 405, ... is the same in a series of recording operations.

[0037] The image forming unit 620 forms an image on the recording surface of the labels 302 arranged on the sheet 200S based on the recording data acquired by the data acquisition unit 610. When the label 302 to be image-formed (target label) is transported to a predetermined image formation position, the image forming unit 620 ejects ink from the recording head 210 based on the recording data to form an image on the label surface.

[0038] The read / write unit 630 performs a read process to read data from the RFID tags 405 of the labels 302 arranged on the sheet 200S, and a write process to write individual write data to each of the RFID tags 405. More specifically, the write process is performed as a set of inventory process, write process, and verify process. In the write process, a lock process may be performed as necessary, or a pause time may be set to limit the continuous output of radio waves.

[0039] The inventory process is a process for detecting the RFID tag 405 to be written to, and is performed by reading unique information from the RFID tag 405. The write process is a process for specifying the TID and EPC and writing data to be written to the target RFID tag. The verify process is a process for confirming whether the data used for writing matches the data actually written, and is a process for reading the written data from the RFID tag 405 and comparing it with the data used for writing.

[0040] The calibration processing unit 640 executes a calibration process for correctly writing data to the RFID tag 405. It is common for each RFID tag 405 arranged on the sheet 200S to have its own unique information recorded on it. Therefore, for each RFID tag 405, the image information formed on the label 302 and the data to be written must be correctly linked. For this reason, each RFID tag 405 must be recognized one by one, and a calibration process is performed according to the type of RFID tag 405 used.

[0041] The calibration processing unit 640 has a radio wave strength determination unit 641 and a R / W possible range determination unit 642. In this embodiment, the radio wave strength determination unit 641 attempts to detect the RFID tag 405 while reducing the output radio wave strength from the R / W antenna 230 from a predetermined initial value. Then, it determines the radio wave strength at which reading and writing can be performed for each RFID tag 405 individually.

[0042] The R / W possible range determination unit 642 searches for and determines the range in which reading and writing can be performed individually on the target RFID tag 405 while changing the relative position between the target RFID tag 405 and the R / W antenna 230. The target RFID tag 405 is one RFID tag that is the target of image formation, reading, and writing.

[0043] The range in which each RFID tag 405 can be read individually coincides with the range in which each RFID tag can be written individually. In the following description, the range in which each RFID tag can be read and written individually is referred to as the R / W range.

[0044] The appropriate radio wave strength and R / W possible range also depend on the size and arrangement interval (pitch) of the labels 302. When recording on a different type of sheet 200S, the calibration processing unit 640 needs to perform calibration each time and reset the radio wave strength and R / W possible range.

[0045] 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the output radio wave intensity of the R / W antenna 230 and the communication range. When the output radio wave intensity from the R / W antenna 230 provided in the recording device 100 can be set to three levels, weak, medium, and strong, the dashed line 701 indicates the weak level communication range, the dashed line 702 indicates the medium level communication range, and the dashed line 703 indicates the strong level communication range. In the case of FIG. 7, at the weak level, communication is possible with only one RFID tag 405 as indicated by the dashed line 701. At the medium level, communication is possible with three RFID tags 405 as indicated by the dashed line 702. At the strong level, communication is possible with five RFID tags 405 as indicated by the dashed line 703.

[0046] As described above, it is necessary to narrow down the radio wave strength for reading and writing data from and to each RFID tag 405 individually. On the other hand, it is preferable to make the sheet conveying speed as fast as possible in order to improve the throughput. Therefore, it is preferable to make the R / W possible range as wide as possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, the radio wave strength determination unit 641 attempts to detect the RFID tag 405 while reducing the output radio wave strength from the R / W antenna 230 from the maximum value that can be set in the recording device 100. For example, when the antenna gain is 3 dBi, the maximum value of the radio wave strength output from the R / W antenna 230 is 24 dBm (250 mW), but is not limited to this example. It can be any value within the range specified by law and within the range that can be set in the recording device 100.

[0047] The radio wave intensity determination unit 641 starts detecting the RFID tag 405 when at least one RFID tag 405 is located downstream in the sheet conveying direction from the position of the R / W antenna 230. The radio wave intensity determination unit 641 attempts to detect the RFID tag 405 at a certain radio wave intensity, and if multiple RFID tags 405 are detected, reduces the radio wave intensity by a predetermined increment and retries detection of the RFID tag 405. The increment of the radio wave intensity is arbitrary and can be set to, for example, 1 dBm. Then, the radio wave intensity at which one RFID tag 405 is detected for the first time since detection of the RFID tag 405 starts is determined to be the radio wave intensity for reading and writing.

[0048] This makes it possible to quickly determine the maximum radio wave strength among the radio wave strengths at which reading and writing can be performed individually for each RFID tag 405.

[0049] Furthermore, the R / W possible range determining unit 642 searches for and determines the R / W possible range for the target RFID tag 405 at the radio wave intensity determined by the radio wave intensity determining unit 641 while changing the relative position of the target RFID tag 405 with respect to the R / W antenna 230. Since the position of the R / W antenna 230 is fixed in this embodiment, the relative position between the target RFID tag 405 and the R / W antenna 230 is changed by transporting the sheet 200S. The sheet 200S may be transported intermittently at a predetermined unit distance or continuously.

[0050] The R / W possible range determination unit 642 starts searching the R / W possible range from a relative position where no RFID tag 405 is detected as a starting point. After the search starts, the relative position where one RFID tag 405 is detected for the first time is set as the start position of the R / W possible range. Also, after the search starts and one RFID tag is detected, the relative position where no RFID tag 405 is detected for the first time is set as the end position of the R / W possible range. In this way, the R / W possible range for the RFID tag to be written can be determined.

[0051] Furthermore, the calibration processing unit 640 executes a narrow pitch calibration process for labels with a narrow arrangement interval (pitch) on the sheet 200S. The "pitch" of narrow pitch refers to the arrangement interval of the labels 302 (RFID tags 405) on the sheet 200S. In this specification, a narrow arrangement interval (pitch) refers to an arrangement interval at which multiple RFID tags are detected even if the output radio wave intensity is reduced to the minimum value that can be set in the recording device 100, that is, an arrangement interval at which each RFID tag cannot be detected individually.

[0052] In the narrow pitch calibration process, if the RFID tags cannot be detected individually even after reducing the output radio wave strength from the R / W antenna 230 to a settable minimum value, the radio wave strength determination unit 641 determines the minimum value as the radio wave strength for reading and writing. Furthermore, the R / W possible range determination unit 642 starts searching for the RFID tag 405 with the minimum output radio wave strength, and determines the relative position where the first RFID tag 405 is detected as the start position of the R / W possible range. After that, if multiple RFID tags are detected again, the position where only one RFID tag 405 was detected immediately before moving to that position is determined as the end position of the R / W possible range.

[0053] The conveying speed determination unit 650 determines the conveying speed of the sheet 200S when performing a recording operation. In this embodiment, the conveying speed determination unit 650 includes a read time acquisition unit 651, a write time acquisition unit 652, and a conveying speed calculation unit 653.

[0054] The read time acquisition unit 651 executes a read process (inventory process) for reading predetermined information from the target RFID tag 405 while transporting the sheet in the transport direction at a reference speed, and acquires the time required for the read process. In this embodiment, the reference speed is the lowest speed that can be set in the recording device 100. The time required for the read process includes at least the response time from the start of reading information for identifying the target RFID tag, such as TID information, until a response is obtained.

[0055] The write time acquisition unit 652 executes a write process to write data to the target RFID tag 405 while transporting the sheet 200S in the transport direction at a reference speed, and acquires the time required for the write process. The time required for the write process includes the response time from when data writing starts until a response is obtained (time for the write process), as well as the time required for the lock process, the time required for the verify process, and the downtime required to comply with the continuous output limit of radio waves. Furthermore, the data to be written to the RFID tag 405 when determining the transport speed is the write data to be written in the recording operation, or data of the same amount. For example, when a 13-digit code is written in the recording operation, a 13-digit code is also written when determining the transport speed.

[0056] Continuous output of radio waves is regulated by law, for example, in the case of a 920MHz band passive electronic tag system, the maximum transmission time is set at 4 seconds, and the pause time after transmission is set at 50ms or more. Note that such regulations differ depending on the country or region, so it is necessary to set a pause time that corresponds to the regulation.

[0057] The conveying speed calculation unit 653 calculates the conveying speed of the sheet 200S when performing the image forming operation and the read and write operations, according to the time required for the read process acquired by the read time acquisition unit 651 and the time required for the write process acquired by the write time acquisition unit 652. Specifically, the conveying speed of the sheet 200S is determined (calculated) by dividing the distance L in the conveying direction in the R / W possible range determined by the calibration process by the total time of the time T1 required for the read process and the time T2 required for the write process. The conveying speed calculation unit 653 determines the conveying speed by the following formula (1). Conveying speed = L / ( T1 + T2 ) (1)

[0058] An auto / manual setting unit 660 accepts a selection between an auto mode in which the conveying speed is automatically determined, and a manual mode in which the user specifies the conveying speed. In the auto mode, the conveying speed is determined by the conveying speed determination unit 650. In the manual mode, the user specifies the conveying speed.

[0059] Even if the user specifies a transport speed in the manual mode, if the specified speed is equal to or faster than the transport speed determined by the transport speed determination unit 650, the transport is controlled to be performed at the transport speed determined by the transport speed determination unit 650. This prevents a problem in which data writing to the RFID tag 405 is not completed in time when the user manually inputs a transport speed, and makes it possible to set a transport speed at which writing is reliably possible.

[0060] <Calibration process> Next, the calibration process will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the processes shown in each flowchart are realized by calling a program stored in ROM 502 by main controller 501, developing the program in RAM 503, and executing the program by main controller 501. In the following description, the symbol "S" means a step.

[0061] The main controller 501 of the recording apparatus 100 starts the process shown in this flowchart, for example, when the roll 200 is loaded onto the roll sheet holder 103 or when a command to perform calibration is input by the user.

[0062] The calibration process starts from a state where multiple RFID tagged labels 302 are present in the vicinity of the R / W antenna 230. The general flow of the process is to first gradually reduce the radio wave strength and determine the output radio wave strength of the R / W antenna 230 that can detect (read) only one RFID tag 405. Next, the sheet 200S is transported little by little to change the position of the RFID tag relative to the R / W antenna 230, and the start position of the range (R / W possible range) in which only one RFID tag 405 can be detected is determined, and then the end position is determined.

[0063] As described above, the process of writing data to the RFID tag 405 includes a read process of reading unique information from the RFID tag 405. Therefore, a read process is performed to detect the RFID tag. In this embodiment, since the RFID tag 405 is accessed while the sheet 200S is being transported, the output of the R / W antenna 230 is set as strong as possible to search for the R / W possible range so as to widen the communication range as much as possible.

[0064] In S801, after the leading edge of the leading label 302 is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 209, the main controller 501 conveys at least one label 302 until it is positioned downstream in the sheet conveying direction from the position of the R / W antenna 230. This is because the calibration process is started in a state where multiple RFID tags 405 are present in the vicinity of the R / W antenna 230.

[0065] In S 802 , the main controller 501 sets the output of the R / W antenna 230 to the maximum value that can be set in the recording device 100 . In S803, the main controller 501 attempts a read process to detect the RFID tag 405. The main controller 501 transmits a request to the RFID tag 405 to obtain EPC information.

[0066] In S804, the main controller 501 determines whether or not the RFID tag 405 has been detected. If the main controller 501 receives a response to the read process, i.e., EPC information, from the RFID tag 405, it determines that the RFID tag 405 has been detected, and if the main controller 501 does not receive EPC information, it determines that the RFID tag 405 has not been detected. If the RFID tag 405 has been detected (S804; Yes), the process proceeds to S805. If the RFID tag 405 has not been detected (S804; Yes), the process proceeds to S808.

[0067] In S805, the main controller 501 judges whether or not two or more RFID tags have been detected. If two or more pieces of EPC information have been received, it is judged that two or more pieces have been detected (S805; Yes). This means that the currently set output radio wave strength is too high, so the process proceeds to S806. If two or more pieces have not been detected (S805; No), that is, if only one piece has been detected, the process proceeds to S810.

[0068] In S806, the main controller 501 reduces the output of the R / W antenna 230 by one step. One step is a unit increment that can be set by the recording device 100, and may be an arbitrary increment such as 1 dBm.

[0069] In S807, the main controller 501 determines whether the radio wave output set in S806 is the minimum value that can be set in the recording device 100. If the minimum value has not been reached (S807; No), the process returns to S803 and the read process (detection) of the RFID tag 405 is retried at the radio wave intensity set in S806.

[0070] If the radio wave output set in S806 is the minimum value of radio wave intensity that can be set in the recording device 100 (S807; Yes), this means that there is no section in which the RFID tags 405 can be read individually. In this case, the process proceeds to S816, where the process transitions to narrow-pitch calibration processing. Details of narrow-pitch calibration processing will be described later.

[0071] When only one RFID tag 405 is detected, in S810, the main controller 501 determines whether the leading edge flag is set ON. The leading edge flag is a flag that is set ON when the sheet 200S is transported to a position where the radio wave strength becomes appropriate and a search for the R / W possible range can be started. Once the sheet 200S is transported to a position where "no detection" occurs once after the sequence starts, the leading edge flag is set ON in S808, and then the process proceeds to S809. If the "no detection" state has never occurred since the start of this flowchart, the leading edge flag is OFF.

[0072] If the leading edge flag is not set to ON (S810; NO), that is, even if only one RFID tag 405 is detected in the read process, if the leading edge flag is not set to ON, that position is not necessarily the start of the R / W possible range. Therefore, proceed to S809.

[0073] In S809, the main controller 501 conveys the sheet in the conveying direction by a predetermined unit distance Δd. The unit distance Δd may be any distance. In this embodiment, the unit distance Δd of sheet conveyance is set to 1 mm. Then, the process returns to S803, and the read process is retried.

[0074] If only one RFID tag 405 is detected in the read process and the leading edge flag is set to ON (S810; YES), the process proceeds to S811. In S811, the main controller 501 determines the current transport position of the RFID tag 405 as the start position of the R / W possible range and stores it in the RAM 503. In this way, the main controller 501 can determine the position where only one RFID tag is first detected after starting a search as the start position of the R / W possible range. In addition, the main controller 501 determines the radio wave strength where only one RFID tag is first detected after starting a search as the radio wave strength for reading and writing.

[0075] After the start position of the R / W possible range is determined, the main controller 501 then searches for the end position of the R / W possible range. In S812, the main controller 501 continues to attempt detection (read processing) of the RFID tag 405 from the position where only one RFID tag 405 was detected. After determining the start position, the next position where no RFID tag is detected is determined to be the read end position.

[0076] In S813, the main controller 501 determines whether or not the RFID tag 405 has been detected. If the main controller 501 receives a response to the read process, i.e., EPC information, from the RFID tag 405, it determines that there has been detection, and if there has been no EPC information, it determines that there has been no detection. If there has been detection (S813; YES), the RFID tag is still within the R / W possible range, so the process proceeds to S814. If there has been no detection (S813; NO), this means that the RFID tag is outside the R / W possible range, so the process proceeds to S815.

[0077] In S814, the main controller 501 transports the sheet in the transport direction by a predetermined unit distance Δd. The unit distance Δd may be set to any value based on the configuration of the transport unit of the recording device 100 and the arrangement interval of the labels on the sheet 200S. In this embodiment, it is set to 1 mm, for example. In the calibration process, the sheet may be transported as an intermittent transport in which transport of the unit distance Δd and stopping are repeated, or as a continuous transport without stopping. In the case of continuous transport, the processes of S812 to S813 may be performed each time the sheet advances by Δd during transport.

[0078] In S815, the main controller 501 determines the current transport position of the RFID tag 405 as the end position of the R / W possible range and stores it in the RAM 503. In this way, the main controller 501 starts searching the R / W possible range and sets the position where only one RFID tag 405 is detected for the first time as the start position of the R / W possible range. After that, the main controller 501 can determine the position where the RFID tag 405 is no longer detected as the end position of the R / W possible range. Then, the calibration process shown in this flowchart ends.

[0079] In the above-mentioned flowchart, the R / W possible range (start end position and end end position) may be determined as the relative position between the R / W antenna 230 and the target RFID tag 405. In this embodiment, the position information based on the position of the leading edge detection sensor 209 and the conveyance amount of the sheet by the encoder is stored as the start end position and end end position. However, the position information from the R / W antenna 230 may be determined by another sensor or conveyance amount detection means and may be stored as the R / W possible range (start end position and end end position).

[0080] The above calibration process makes it possible to identify the radio wave strength at which each RFID tag 405 can be individually accessed and the range in which data can be read and written. In particular, because the procedure involves attempting to detect RFID tags 405 while gradually reducing the output radio wave strength from the maximum value, it is possible to efficiently and quickly determine the maximum radio wave strength at which each RFID tag 405 can be individually accessed. Also, because the read / write range can be identified while the tag is being transported, the calibration process can be completed quickly.

[0081] <Calibration process for narrow pitch> Next, the calibration process for narrow pitch will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The processes shown in the respective flowcharts are started when multiple RFID tags 405 are detected even if the output radio wave intensity from the R / W antenna 230 is set to the minimum value in the calibration process shown in Fig. 8. When the narrow pitch calibration process is started, the leading edge flag is set to OFF.

[0082] In S901, the main controller 501 attempts to detect the RFID tag 405 (read the EPC information) while conveying the sheet 200S, similarly to the above-mentioned calibration process.

[0083] In S902, the main controller 501 determines whether two or more or only one RFID tag 405 has been detected. If two or more RFID tags 405 have been detected (S902; YES), the process proceeds to S903.

[0084] In S903, the main controller 501 sets the leading edge flag to ON. In S904, the main controller 501 transports the sheet in the transport direction by a unit distance Δd. The unit distance Δd is, for example, 1 mm. Then, the process returns to S901 and the read process is performed again.

[0085] In S902, if only one RFID tag is detected (S902; NO), the process proceeds to S905. In S906, the main controller 501 determines the current transport position of the RFID tag 405 as the start position of the R / W possible range and stores it in the RAM 503. In this way, in the narrow pitch calibration process, after starting the search for the RFID tag 405 at the minimum radio wave strength, the position where only one RFID tag is detected for the first time is determined as the start position of the R / W possible range. Note that when transitioning to the narrow pitch calibration process, the main controller 501 determines the minimum radio wave strength that can be set in the recording device 100 as the radio wave strength for reading and writing.

[0086] After the start position of the R / W possible range has been determined, the main controller 501 then searches for the read end position.

[0087] In S907, the main controller 501 continues to attempt the read process from the position where only one RFID tag 405 was detected. Then, when multiple RFID tags 405 are detected, the main controller 501 sets a position that is a unit distance Δd back from that position as the read end position. In S908, the main controller 501 judges whether it has detected two or more or only one RFID tag 405. If it has detected only one (S908; NO), it is still within the R / W possible range, so the process proceeds to S909.

[0088] In S909, the main controller 501 conveys the sheet in the conveying direction by a unit distance Δd. The unit distance Δd is, for example, 1 mm. Then, the process returns to S907, and the read process (detection of the RFID tag 405) is performed again.

[0089] If two or more RFID tags 405 are detected (S908; YES), this means that the RFID tag 405 is outside the R / W range, and the process proceeds to S910. In S910, the main controller 501 determines the position Δd before (in the negative transport direction) the position where two or more sheets are detected as the end position of the R / W possible range, and stores this in the RAM 503. Then, the narrow pitch calibration process shown in this flowchart ends.

[0090] By the above calibration process, the start and end positions of the range in which reading and writing can be performed can be specified for each RFID tag 405, even for RFID tags 405 with narrow pitches.

[0091] 8, the unit distance Δd of sheet transport may be set to any value based on the configuration of the transport unit of the recording device 100 and the arrangement interval of the labels on the sheet 200S. The sheet may be transported intermittently by repeating transport of the unit distance Δd and stopping, or may be transported continuously without stopping. In the case of continuous transport, the processes of S901 to S902, S905, S907 to S908, and S910 may be performed each time the sheet advances Δd during transport.

[0092] 8 and 9 may be performed once for the same type of RFID tagged label. That is, for the RFID tag 405 that has been calibrated once, information that can identify the type of RFID tag 405 (e.g., TID information) is stored in a non-volatile memory or the like together with the calibration result. Then, if the same TID information is detected again after the sheet is replaced, the stored calibration result may be used without performing the calibration process.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining R / W possible ranges 1000, 1020 determined by the calibration process and radio field strengths 1010, 1030 for reading and writing.

[0094] Fig. 10(a) is a diagram assuming the normal calibration process shown in Fig. 8. The range in which only one RFID tag is detected, that is, the R / W possible range 1000 in which each RFID tag can be identified and read and written, is shown by a dashed line. The conveying direction of the sheet 200S is the direction of the arrow A.

[0095] A range in which only one of the multiple RFID tags 405a, 405b, and 40c arranged on the sheet 200S transported from the upstream side in the transport direction can be read is an R / W possible range 1000. For example, focusing on RFID tag 405b, the position where RFID tag 405b reaches the R / W possible range 1000 is a start position 1001, and the position immediately before it leaves the R / W possible range is an end position 1002. In other words, the start position 1001 is the boundary from a position where not a single sheet is detected to a position where only one sheet can be detected. Also, the end position 1002 is the position immediately before the position where not a single sheet is detected from a position where one sheet can be detected individually.

[0096] FIG. 10B is a diagram assuming the calibration process for the narrow pitch shown in FIG. 9. When the labels are arranged at a narrow pitch, even if the R / W range of the first RFID tag 405a is within the R / W range of the second RFID tag 405b. It can be seen that the R / W range 1020 in which individual RFID tags can be identified and read and written is narrower than the range 1000 in FIG. 10A. The start position 1021 is the position where the RFID tags 405 of the label conveyed from the upstream are detected as two, but one tag can be detected individually, and the end position 1022 is immediately before the position where the two tags are detected as two, but not one.

[0097] <Recording Processing> Next, the flow of the recording process that is executed in a state where the radio field intensity and the range in which R / W is possible have been determined by the calibration process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of the recording process.

[0098] In the recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the conveying speed of the sheet 200S can be selected from either an auto mode or a manual mode. In the auto mode, the main controller 501 determines an optimal conveying speed according to the R / W possible range and the amount of write data determined by the calibration process shown in Fig. 8 or 9. In the manual mode, the main controller 501 accepts a conveying speed designated by the user.

[0099] The process shown in this flowchart begins when the recording device 100 receives the recording data and RFID write data sent from the host computer 104. In S1101, the main controller 501 receives recording data and RFID write data (hereinafter referred to as data to be written). The main controller 501 stores the received recording data in the image buffer memory 504, and stores the data to be written in the RAM 503.

[0100] In S1102, the main controller 501 executes a conveying speed determination process, which will be described later.

[0101] In S1103, the main controller 501 determines whether the automatic mode or the manual mode is set. If the automatic mode is set (S1103; YES), the process proceeds to S1104. If the manual mode is set (S1103; NO), the process proceeds to S1105.

[0102] In S1104, the main controller 501 conveys the sheet 200S at the conveying speed determined in the conveying speed determination process in S1102.

[0103] In S1105, the main controller 501 determines whether the speed designated in the manual mode is equal to or lower than the speed determined in the conveying speed determination process. If the designated speed is equal to or lower than the speed determined in the conveying speed determination process (S1105; YES), the process proceeds to S1106. In S1106, the main controller 501 starts transport at the specified speed.

[0104] If the specified speed exceeds the speed determined in the transport speed determination process (S1105; NO), the process proceeds to S1107. In S1107, the main controller 501 notifies the user that the speed is inappropriate (an error notification), and ends this flowchart.

[0105] After conveyance starts, the main controller 501 executes image formation operations and data writing operations according to position information managed for each label 302 (page) by the leading edge detection sensor 209 and the encoder. In the following description, the label on which the image formation and data writing are performed is referred to as the target label.

[0106] In S1108, the main controller 501 determines whether the label leading edge position of the target label has reached the predetermined image forming position. If the label leading edge position of the target label has reached the image forming position (S1108; YES), the process proceeds to S1109. If the label leading edge position of the target label has not reached the image forming position (S1109; NO), the process returns to S1108 and continues monitoring the label leading edge position of the target label.

[0107] In S1109, the main controller 501 executes an image forming operation using the print head 210 in accordance with the print data.

[0108] In S1110, the main controller 501 determines whether the RFID tag 405 of the target label, i.e., the target RFID tag 405, has reached the start position of the R / W possible range determined by the calibration process. If the target RFID tag 405 has reached the start position of the R / W possible range (S1110; YES), proceed to S1111. If the target RFID tag 405 has not reached the start position of the R / W possible range (S1110; NO), return to S1110 and monitor the label tip position of the target label.

[0109] In S1111, the main controller 501 executes a write process to the target RFID tag 405. As described above, the write process includes the inventory process, the write process, and the verify process, and therefore performs both reading and writing.

[0110] For the purpose of explaining each step in the flowchart, the image formation process and the process of writing data to the RFID tag 405 are described as being performed in that order, but in reality, the respective processes are performed in parallel. Also, if the R / W antenna 230 is located upstream of the recording head 210 in the transport direction, it will reach the start position of the R / W possible range before reaching the image formation position. In that case, the process of writing data to the RFID tag 405 is performed either prior to the image formation process or in parallel.

[0111] In S1112, the main controller 501 checks whether the image forming process and data writing process have been performed up to the last page. If the image forming process and data writing process of the last page have not been completed (S1112; NO), the process returns to S1108. If the image forming process and data writing process of the last page have been completed (S1112; YES), the process proceeds to S1113. In S1113, the main controller 501 stops the conveyance of the sheet 200S and ends the printing operation shown in this flowchart.

[0112] <Transport speed determination process> Next, the conveying speed determination process executed in S1102 will be described with reference to FIG. The amount of data to be written to the RFID tag 405 is arbitrary. Therefore, the communication time required for writing data differs depending on the amount of data to be written that the user desires. Therefore, data is actually written to any one (e.g., the first) label 302, and an appropriate conveying speed is determined based on the processing time. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transport speed determination process.

[0113] In S1201, the main controller 501 sets the radio wave intensity for reading and writing determined in the calibration process of FIG. 8 or FIG. In S1202, the main controller 501 sets the first RFID tag 402 as the target RFID tag, and conveys the sheet at the minimum conveying speed until it reaches the start position of the R / W possible range.

[0114] In S1203, the main controller 501 judges whether the target RFID tag has reached the start position of the R / W possible range. If the target RFID tag has reached the start position of the R / W possible range (S1203; YES), the process proceeds to S1204. If the target RFID tag has not reached the start position of the R / W possible range (S1203; NO), the main controller 501 continues to monitor the position of the target RFID tag.

[0115] In S1204, the main controller 501 performs a read process (inventory process) on the target RFID tag 405. A response to the read process should be obtained at this position. The main controller 501 measures the time from the start of the read process to the response. In S1205, the main controller 501 measures the time from the start of the read process to the response, and stores this as the time T1 required for the read process in the RAM 503. If no response to the read request is obtained by the time the end position is reached, image formation and writing to the RFID tag are disabled.

[0116] In S1206, the main controller 501 writes the write data to the target RFID tag. In S1207, the main controller 501 determines whether or not a response has been received from the target RFID tag. If a response has been received, the process proceeds to S1208.

[0117] In S1208, the main controller 501 measures the time T2 from the start of the write process to obtaining a response, and stores this in the RAM 503 as the time T2 required for the write process. Then, the process proceeds to S1211. The time required for the write process includes the time required to actually write data to the RFID tag, as well as the lock process and verify process as necessary. Furthermore, the downtime required to limit the continuous output of radio waves may be included in the time T2 required for the write process.

[0118] In S1209, the main controller 501 judges whether or not the end position of the R / W possible range has been reached before a response is obtained from the RFID tag 405. If the end position has been reached before a response is obtained (S1209; YES), this means that writing cannot be completed in time even at the minimum transport speed, so the process proceeds to S1210. In S1210, the main controller 501 determines that transport and writing are not possible, and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0119] If the target RFID tag has not reached the end position of the R / W range (S1209; NO), the process returns to S1207 and waits for a response from the RFID tag. When a response is received, the main controller 501 acquires the time T1 required for the read process and the time T2 required for the write process in the processes up to S1208.

[0120] In S1211, the main controller 501 determines the transport speed for performing the recording operation (image forming operation and data writing operation). The transport speed can be determined based on the distance L from the starting position to the ending position, the read response time T1, and the write response time T2, according to formula (1). Conveying speed = L / ( T1 + T2 ) (1)

[0121] The conveying speed determined by formula (1) is a theoretical value. When actually incorporating it into a product, it is preferable to determine the conveying speed taking into consideration a margin including various errors. The conveying speed margin is, for example, about 5% of the conveying speed calculated in S1211. In this case, a value that is about 95% of the conveying speed calculated by formula (1) is set as the actual conveying speed.

[0122] In S1212, the main controller 501 conveys the labels backward to a position where recording (image formation) on the leading label is possible in order to start the recording operation, and then ends this flow chart.

[0123] As described above, the recording device 100 of this embodiment uses a calibration process to specify the radio wave strength at which each RFID tag 405 can be accessed individually and the R / W range in which data can be read and written. In particular, because the procedure involves gradually reducing the output radio wave strength while attempting to detect the RFID tag 405, the maximum radio wave strength at which one RFID tag 405 can be accessed can be efficiently determined.

[0124] Furthermore, the time required to actually write data to be written to the RFID tag 405 within the radio wave strength and R / W range determined by the calibration process is measured, and the transport speed is determined, so data can be reliably written. This makes it possible to output a product at an optimal transport speed, and as a result, image formation and data writing can be performed with maximum throughput even for unknown types of RFID tagged labels.

[0125] In the processing procedure of this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the conveying speed is determined during the production process of the first label when job data including data to be written to the RFID tag 405 is received, but the timing for determining the conveying speed is not limited to this timing. The conveying speed determination process may be executed, for example, during a calibration process before data to be written is acquired from the host computer 104. In that case, read and write processes may be performed using any data of the maximum data size that can be written to the RFID tag being used, and the conveying speed may be determined based on the time required for the read and write processes.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the transport speed is determined using the radio wave strength and the R / W possible range determined by the calibration process, but the radio wave strength and the R / W possible range determined by other methods may be used. For example, the transport speed may be determined using the radio wave strength and the R / W possible range input by the user.

[0127] In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical ideas disclosed in this application, and it will be understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0128] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0129] The disclosure of the above-described embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0130] (Configuration 1) A recording device comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a label with an RFID tag arranged on a sheet; and a read / write unit that reads and writes data from the RFID tag of the label, a read time acquisition means for executing a read process for detecting a target RFID tag, which is one RFID tag to be processed, while conveying the sheet in a conveyance direction at a reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the read process; a write time acquisition means for executing a write process for writing a predetermined amount of data to the target RFID tag while conveying the sheet in a conveyance direction at the reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the write process; a determination means for determining a conveying speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing the image based on the time required for the read process acquired by the read time acquisition means and the time required for the write process acquired by the write time acquisition means; A recording device comprising:

[0131] (Configuration 2) 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference speed is a minimum speed among transport speeds that can be set in the recording apparatus.

[0132] (Configuration 3) The recording device described in configuration 1 or 2, wherein the determination means determines as the conveying speed of the sheet a value obtained by dividing the distance in the conveying direction within the range in which the reading and writing can be performed for each RFID tag individually by the sum of the time required for the read process and the time required for the write process.

[0133] (Configuration 4) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the read time acquisition means starts the read process when the target RFID tag reaches a starting position of the range in which the RFID tag can be read and written individually for each of the RFID tags.

[0134] (Configuration 5) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 and 4, characterized in that the write time acquisition means starts the write process when the read process is completed, and determines the transport speed by the determination means when the write process ends before the RFID tag individually reaches an end position of the range in which it can be read and written.

[0135] (Configuration 6) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the time required for the read process includes at least a response time from starting to read information capable of identifying the target RFID tag from the target RFID tag to obtaining a response.

[0136] (Configuration 7) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the time required for the write process includes at least one of the response time from when writing of the specified amount of data begins to when a response is obtained, the time required for lock processing, the pause time, and the time required for verify processing.

[0137] (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring recording data for forming the image and writing data for writing to the RFID tag, A recording device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the data to be written in the write process executed by the write time acquisition means is the write data acquired by the acquisition means, or data of the same data amount as the write data.

[0138] (Configuration 9) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the data written in the write process executed by the write time acquisition means is any data having a maximum data size that can be written to the RFID tag.

[0139] (Configuration 10) 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the transport speed including a margin.

[0140] (Configuration 11) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, further comprising a setting means for setting either the conveying speed determined by the determination means or a speed specified by a user as the conveying speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing the image.

[0141] (Configuration 12) The setting means is The recording device described in configuration 11, characterized in that if the speed specified by the user is equal to or lower than the conveying speed determined by the determination means, the speed specified by the user is set as the conveying speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing.

[0142] (Configuration 13) 12. The recording apparatus according to configuration 11, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an error when the speed specified by the user is higher than the transport speed determined by the determination unit.

[0143] (Configuration 14) a radio wave intensity determining means for detecting the RFID tag while reducing an output radio wave intensity from an antenna of the read / write means from an initial value, and determining a radio wave intensity at which the reading and writing can be performed for each of the RFID tags, 14. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the radio wave intensity at which the reading and writing are performed is determined by the radio wave intensity determination means.

[0144] (Configuration 15) A range determination unit is further provided for searching and determining the readable and writable range for the target RFID tag while changing the relative position between the target RFID tag and an antenna, The recording device described in configuration 14, wherein the determination means determines as the sheet transport speed a value obtained by dividing the distance in the transport direction in the range determined by the range determination means by the sum of the time required for the read process and the time required for the write process.

[0145] (Configuration 16) 16. The recording device according to configuration 15, wherein the range determining means performs the search at the radio wave strength determined by the radio wave strength determining means.

[0146] (Configuration 17) 17. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the sheet is a continuous sheet that can be wound into a roll.

[0147] (Configuration 18) A method for determining a conveying speed in a recording device including an image forming unit that forms an image on labels with RFID tags arranged on a sheet, and a read / write unit that reads and writes data from the RFID tags of the labels, comprising: A step of performing a read process for detecting a target RFID tag, which is one RFID tag to be processed, while conveying the sheet in a conveying direction at a reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the read process; Executing a write process for writing a predetermined amount of data to the target RFID tag while conveying the sheet in a conveying direction at the reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the write process; determining a conveying speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing the image based on a time required for the read process and a time required for the write process; A method for determining a conveying speed, comprising:

[0148] (Configuration 19) A control unit of a recording device including an image forming unit that forms an image on labels with RFID tags arranged on a sheet, and a read / write unit that reads and writes data from the RFID tags of the labels, a read time acquisition means for executing a read process for detecting a target RFID tag, which is one RFID tag to be processed, while conveying the sheet in a conveyance direction at a reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the read process; a write time acquisition means for executing a write process for writing a predetermined amount of data to the target RFID tag while transporting the sheet in a transport direction at the reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the write process; a determination means for determining a conveying speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing the image, based on the time required for the read process acquired by the read time acquisition means and the time required for the write process acquired by the write time acquisition means; A program to function as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 100 Recording device 200S Seat 210 Recording head 230 R / W Antenna

Claims

1. A recording device comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a label with an RFID tag arranged on a sheet; and a read / write unit that reads and writes data from the RFID tag of the label, a read time acquisition means for executing a read process for detecting a target RFID tag, which is one RFID tag to be processed, while conveying the sheet in a conveyance direction at a reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the read process; a write time acquisition means for executing a write process for writing a predetermined amount of data to the target RFID tag while transporting the sheet in a transport direction at the reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the write process; a determination means for determining a conveying speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing the image based on the time required for the read process acquired by the read time acquisition means and the time required for the write process acquired by the write time acquisition means; A recording device comprising:

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference speed is a minimum speed among transport speeds that can be set in the recording apparatus.

3. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines as the transport speed of the sheet a value obtained by dividing the distance in the transport direction within the range in which the reading and writing can be performed individually for each RFID tag by the sum of the time required for the read process and the time required for the write process.

4. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the read time acquisition means starts the read process when the target RFID tag reaches a start position of the range in which the RFID tag can be read and written individually from each of the RFID tags.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the write time acquisition means starts the write process when the read process is completed, and determines the transport speed by the determination means when the write process ends before the end position of the range in which the read and write can be performed for each RFID tag individually is reached.

6. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the time required for the read process includes at least a response time from when reading of information capable of identifying the target RFID tag is started from the target RFID tag to when a response is obtained.

7. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the time required for the write process includes at least one of the response time from when writing of the specified amount of data begins to when a response is obtained, the time required for lock processing, the pause time, and the time required for verify processing.

8. The image forming apparatus further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring recording data for forming the image and writing data for writing to the RFID tag, 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the data written in the write process executed by the write time acquisition means is the write data acquired by the acquisition means, or data having the same data amount as the write data.

9. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data written in the write process executed by the write time acquisition means is any data having a maximum data size that can be written to the RFID tag.

10. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the transport speed including a margin.

11. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting means for setting either the transport speed determined by the determination means or a speed specified by a user as the transport speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing the image.

12. The setting means is A recording apparatus as described in claim 11, characterized in that if the speed specified by the user is equal to or lower than the transport speed determined by the determination means, the speed specified by the user is set as the transport speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing.

13. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an error when the speed specified by the user is higher than the transport speed determined by the determination unit.

14. a radio wave strength determination means for attempting to detect the RFID tag while reducing an output radio wave strength from an antenna of the read / write means from an initial value, and determining a radio wave strength at which the reading and writing can be performed for each of the RFID tags, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radio wave intensity at which the reading and writing are performed is determined by the radio wave intensity determining means.

15. a range determining means for searching and determining the readable and writable range for the target RFID tag while changing the relative position between the target RFID tag and an antenna; The recording device according to claim 14, characterized in that the determination means determines as the transport speed of the sheet a value obtained by dividing the distance in the transport direction in the range determined by the range determination means by the sum of the time required for the read process and the time required for the write process.

16. 16. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the range determining means performs the search at the radio wave intensity determined by the radio wave intensity determining means.

17. 17. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is a continuous sheet that can be wound into a roll.

18. A method for determining a conveying speed in a recording device including an image forming unit that forms an image on a label with an RFID tag arranged on a sheet, and a read / write unit that reads and writes data from the RFID tag of the label, the method comprising: A step of performing a read process for detecting a target RFID tag, which is one RFID tag to be processed, while conveying the sheet in a conveying direction at a reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the read process; executing a write process for writing a predetermined amount of data to the target RFID tag while conveying the sheet in a conveying direction at the reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the write process; determining a conveying speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing the image based on a time required for the read process and a time required for the write process; A method for determining a conveying speed, comprising:

19. A control unit of a recording device including an image forming unit that forms an image on labels with RFID tags arranged on a sheet, and a read / write unit that reads and writes data from the RFID tags of the labels, a read time acquisition means for executing a read process for detecting a target RFID tag, which is one RFID tag to be processed, while conveying the sheet in a conveyance direction at a reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the read process; a write time acquisition means for executing a write process for writing a predetermined amount of data to the target RFID tag while transporting the sheet in a transport direction at the reference speed, and acquiring a time required for the write process; a determination means for determining a conveying speed of the sheet when forming the image and reading and writing the image, based on the time required for the read process acquired by the read time acquisition means and the time required for the write process acquired by the write time acquisition means; A program to function as a

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