Information processing system, information processing apparatus, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To manage log information about data written in a wireless tag of a printing medium having the wireless tag, in association with print information printed on the printing medium.SOLUTION: An aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including: a printer which issues a printing medium having a wireless tag; and an information processing apparatus which can communicate with the printer. The information processing apparatus stores each piece of a plurality of pieces of print information in association with write data including print identification information for identifying the piece of print information and transmits an issue instruction including the print information and the write data to the printer. The printer writes the write data to the wireless tag and prints the print information on the printing medium on the basis of the issue instruction, and generates log information including a write result and the print identification information included in the write data, in association with the tag identification information. The information processing apparatus associates a piece of print information out of the plurality of pieces of print information, which is associated with the print identification information included in the log information received from the printer, with the log information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to information processing related to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an RFID printer that prints on a label (RFID label) incorporating an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) inlay (hereinafter simply referred to as "inlay") having an IC chip and an antenna is known. In an RFID printer, when printing on a label, data is written (encoded) to the inlay incorporated in the label by an RFID unit such as a reader / writer mounted on the printer (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, it is required to centrally manage, in a server capable of communicating with a printer, log information on what data was actually written to which inlay, in association with the print information printed on the label in which the inlay is incorporated.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to manage log information on data written to a wireless tag of a printing medium having a wireless tag, in association with the print information printed on the printing medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including a printer that issues a printing medium having a wireless tag and an information processing apparatus communicable with the printer. The information processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores each of a plurality of print information in association with write data including print identification information for identifying the print information, and an issue instruction unit that transmits an issue instruction including any one of the plurality of print information and corresponding write data to the printer. The printer includes a first communication unit that performs communication for writing write data to the wireless tag based on the issue instruction, a printing unit that prints print information on the printing medium based on the issue instruction, a control unit that generates log information including a write result indicating whether or not writing to the wireless tag by the first communication unit has been successful and print identification information included in the write data in association with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag, and a second communication unit that transmits the log information to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus further includes a control unit that associates, with the log information, print information associated with print identification information included in the log information received from the printer among the plurality of print information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, log information regarding data written to a wireless tag of a printing medium having a wireless tag can be managed in association with print information printed on the printing medium.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The embodiments described below are not limited to the drawings explained by the brief description of the drawings.

[0010] A first aspect of an aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including a printer that issues a printing medium having a wireless tag and an information processing device communicable with the printer, wherein the information processing device includes a storage unit that stores each of a plurality of printing information in association with writing data including printing identification information for identifying the printing information, and an issuance instruction unit that transmits an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of printing information and corresponding writing data to the printer, the printer includes a first communication unit that performs communication for writing writing data to the wireless tag based on the issuance instruction, a printing unit that prints printing information on the printing medium based on the issuance instruction, a control unit that generates log information including a writing result indicating whether the writing to the wireless tag by the first communication unit was successful and printing identification information included in the writing data in association with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag, and a second communication unit that transmits the log information to the information processing device, and the information processing device further includes a control unit that associates the printing information associated with the printing identification information included in the log information received from the printer among the plurality of printing information with the log information.

[0011] According to the first aspect of an aspect of the present invention, log information regarding data written to the wireless tag of a printing medium having a wireless tag can be associated with the printing information printed on the printing medium. Therefore, in the information processing device, the log information and the printing information for each printing medium can be managed integrally.

[0012] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention further includes a terminal device capable of communicating with the information processing device, and when the print identification information included in the log information received from the printer does not match the print identification information included in any write data stored in the storage unit, the device-side control unit notifies the terminal device of a message. The information processing system according to the first aspect.

[0013] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to make the user of the terminal device recognize that inappropriate print identification information is included in the log information.

[0014] A third aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is such that the storage unit stores each of the plurality of print information in association with write data and user information, and when the print identification information included in the log information received from the printer matches the print identification information included in any write data stored in the storage unit, the device-side control unit associates the corresponding print information and user information with the log information. The information processing system according to the first or second aspect.

[0015] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to extract log information for a specific user.

[0016] A fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is such that the data written to the wireless tag includes information of a plurality of items, and the device-side control unit extracts information of an item corresponding to the user information from among the information of the plurality of items for the log information received from the printer. The information processing system according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, since information of an item corresponding to the user can be extracted from the data written to the wireless tag, the log information can be effectively used for each user.

[0018] A fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is the information processing system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the log information includes at least one of information on the writing time to the wireless tag and printer identification information for identifying the printer.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, since the log information includes information on when and / or where data was written to the wireless tag, sufficient traceability for the issued printed medium can be ensured.

[0020] A sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printer that issues a printed medium having a wireless tag, the information processing apparatus including: a storage unit that stores each of a plurality of print information in association with write data including print identification information for identifying the print information; an issuance instruction unit that transmits an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of print information, corresponding write data, to the printer; an acquisition unit that acquires, in association with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag, log information including a write result indicating whether writing to the wireless tag has been successful and print identification information included in the write data, from the printer in response to the issuance instruction; and a control unit that associates the print information associated with the print identification information included in the log information received from the printer, among the plurality of print information, with the log information.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, log information regarding data written to the wireless tag of a printed medium having a wireless tag can be associated with the print information printed on the printed medium. Therefore, in the information processing apparatus, the log information and the print information for each printed medium can be managed in a unified manner.

[0022] A seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is installed in an information processing apparatus that can communicate with a printer that issues a printing medium having a wireless tag and includes a storage unit that stores each of a plurality of pieces of writing data in association with printing information. When installed, a procedure of transmitting an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of pieces of printing information and corresponding writing data to the printer, and a writing result indicating whether writing to the wireless tag has been successful and printing identification information included in the writing data from the printer in response to the issuance instruction A program that causes a computer to execute a procedure of acquiring log information including the log information in association with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag, and a procedure of associating the printing information associated with the printing identification information included in the log information received from the printer among the plurality of pieces of printing information with the log information.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, log information regarding data written to the wireless tag of a printing medium having a wireless tag can be associated with the printing information printed on the printing medium. Therefore, in the information processing apparatus, the log information and the printing information for each printing medium can be managed integrally.

[0024] An eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method between a printer that issues a printing medium having a wireless tag and an information processing apparatus communicable with the printer, wherein the information processing apparatus stores each of a plurality of print information in association with write data including print identification information for identifying the print information, the information processing method comprising: the information processing apparatus transmitting an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of print information and corresponding write data to the printer; the printer performing communication for writing the write data to the wireless tag based on the issuance instruction; the printer printing the print information on the printing medium based on the issuance instruction; the printer generating log information including a write result indicating whether writing to the wireless tag was successful and print identification information included in the write data, in association with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag; the printer transmitting the log information to the information processing apparatus; and the information processing apparatus associating, among the plurality of print information, the print information associated with the print identification information included in the log information received from the printer with the log information.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, log information regarding data written to the wireless tag of a printing medium having a wireless tag can be associated with the print information printed on the printing medium. Therefore, in the information processing apparatus, the log information and the print information for each printing medium can be managed integrally.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. A printer according to an embodiment is an RFID printer that issues a label (an example of a printing medium) in which an inlay (an example of a wireless tag) is incorporated. The printer is communicable with a management server described later and issues a label based on an issuance instruction received from the management server.

[0027] First, the configuration of the printer will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a printer with its interior visible. Referring to FIG. 1, printer 2 includes a control unit 10, an RFID unit 16, a label position detection sensor 17, a platen roller 20, a printing head 21, a paper supply unit 36, a ribbon supply unit 37, and a ribbon take-up unit 38. In FIG. 2, the signal transmission and reception between the control unit 10 and each unit are indicated by dashed lines.

[0028] A roll paper R is loaded in the paper supply unit 36. As shown in FIG. 1, the roll paper R is a continuous paper CP wound in a roll shape. The continuous paper CP includes a strip-shaped backing paper PM and a plurality of labels PL detachably attached at intervals on the backing paper PM. On the surface (front surface) of the backing paper PM where the adhesive surface of the label PL contacts, a release agent such as silicone is coated, enabling the label PL to be easily peeled off. An RFID inlay IL (hereinafter simply referred to as "inlay IL") is incorporated in the label PL. Position detection marks IM indicating the positions of the labels may be formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction on the surface (back surface) of the backing paper PM where the label PL is not pasted.

[0029] The label PL can be made of thermal paper or plain paper. In the case of thermal paper, a thermal coloring layer that colors to a specific color (such as black or red) when reaching a predetermined temperature is formed on its surface. Although not shown, the paper supply unit 36 can also be loaded with a roll paper wound in a roll shape with a label without a backing paper having an adhesive surface coated with an adhesive on the back side of the printing surface.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, in printer 2, as the platen roller 20 rotates, the continuous paper CP is pulled out from the roll paper R, and after printing on each label PL of the continuous paper CP, the labels PL are sequentially discharged from the issuing port 25. A damper 43 is provided on the conveyance path of the continuous paper CP. The damper 43 has a predetermined swing axis and is installed in a swingable state about the predetermined swing axis so as to apply tension to the continuous paper CP.

[0031] The platen roller 20 is connected to the motor 19 and is installed in a state where it can rotate in the forward and reverse directions along with the operation of the motor 19. Based on the control signal from the control unit 10 to the motor 19, the platen roller 20 rotates while sandwiching the continuous paper CP together with the print head 21 during printing. When the continuous paper CP is plain paper, the platen roller 20 rotates while sandwiching the continuous paper CP and the ink ribbon RB coated with printing ink together with the print head 21 during printing. In this case, the ink ribbon RB is conveyed from the ribbon supply unit 37 and wound up by the ribbon take-up unit 38. Note that the ribbon take-up unit 38 is rotationally driven by the motor 19.

[0032] The print head 21 includes a plurality of heating resistors (heating elements) that generate heat when energized, and performs printing on the label PL of the continuous paper CP based on the control signal from the control unit 10. These plurality of heating resistors are arranged side by side along the width direction of the continuous paper CP (the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the continuous paper CP).

[0033] A label position detection sensor 17 for detecting the end of each label PL in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper CP is installed in the conveyance path of the continuous paper CP. The detection result (output signal) of the label position detection sensor 17 is sent to the control unit 10 and used for the conveyance control of the continuous paper CP. In one embodiment, the label position detection sensor 17 is a light transmission type sensor having a light emitting element arranged on one of the upper and lower sides of the conveyance path of the continuous paper CP and a light receiving element arranged on the other of the upper and lower sides of the conveyance path. The label position detection sensor 17 is arranged upstream of the print head 21 and can detect the label PL. The label position detection sensor 17 detects the end of each label PL in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper CP based on the fact that there is a difference in the light reception intensity between the light transmitted through the label PL and the backing paper PM and the light transmitted only through the backing paper PM when the light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element. In one embodiment, the label position detection sensor 17 is an optical reflection type sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the presence or absence of a position detection mark IM on the back surface of the continuous paper CP. In this case, when the light receiving element receives the reflected light reflected from the back surface of the continuous paper CP when the light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected from the back surface of the continuous paper CP, the light reflected by the position detection mark IM on the back surface of the continuous paper CP and the light reflected by the portion other than the position detection mark IM on the back surface of the continuous paper CP are detected. Based on the difference in the received light intensity, the end portions of the respective labels PL in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper CP are detected.

[0034] An RFID unit 16 is installed in the conveyance path of the continuous paper CP. The RFID unit 16 (an example of the first communication unit) reads data from the inlay IL of each label PL of the continuous paper CP being conveyed or writes data to the inlay IL of each label PL based on a control signal from the control unit 10. An RFID antenna is fixed to the printing head 21 and is electrically connected to the RFID unit 16.

[0035] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a label log system including a printer and a management server will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the label log system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the label log system 1 includes a printer 2 and a management server 5. In the label log system 1, the printer 2 and the management server 5 can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW is not limited, but for example, a wireless or wired LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network) mobile communication network, or the Internet. The terminal device 3 is not essential in the label log system 1 but can communicate with the management server 5. The terminal device 3 remotely instructs the management server 5 so that the management server 5 transmits an issuance instruction to the printer 2. For example, when an administrator inputs to the terminal device 3, the management server 5 is configured to transmit a label issuance instruction to the printer 2.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 10 of the printer 2 includes a control section 11 (an example of a printer-side control section), a storage 12, a motor control circuit 13, a head control circuit 14, a real-time clock (RTC) 15, a communication section 18, an RFID interface (I / F) 26, and a sensor interface (I / F) 27. The control section 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read only memory), and a RAM (Random access memory), and controls various operations of the printer 2. The ROM, which is a non-volatile memory, stores firmware and an RFID log application. The firmware and the RFID log application are executed, for example, when the printer 2 is started up. The RAM is a memory for temporarily storing data when each program is executed. The control section 11 generates log data including a write result indicating whether the writing to the inlay IL by the RFID unit 16 has been successful and EPC (Electronic Product Code) data included in the data written to the inlay IL, and associates the log data with a TID (an example of tag identification information) for identifying the inlay IL. The EPC data is an international standard identification code defined by GS1, and is, for example, a code for identifying an article to which a label is to be attached. In the present embodiment, the EPC data can be used as print identification information for identifying, for example, print data printed on a label to be attached to an individual article.

[0037] The RFID log application is a program for generating log data (an example of log information) for each label PL in cooperation with the firmware when each label PL is issued. The log data includes a TID for identifying the inlay IL of the label PL, EPC data (an example of written data) written in the EPC area of the inlay IL, and a write result indicating whether the writing has been successful. The RFID logging application may include information such as the printer name (e.g., model, etc.) of Printer 2 and the installation location of Printer 2 (e.g., a specific factory or floor where Printer 2 is installed, etc.).

[0038] Storage 12 stores log data sets. The log data set includes log data generated corresponding to one or more labels PL. As will be described later, the log data corresponding to each label PL is transmitted to the management server 5 for batch management in the management server 5. For example, it can be temporarily recorded in the RAM (an example of a storage unit) of the control unit 11 until a confirmation message is received in the management server 5. When Printer 2 is powered off in a state where a confirmation message cannot be received, the log data recorded in the RAM is sent to Storage 12 and can be saved as a log data set for retransmission after the next power-on.

[0039] The motor control circuit 13 includes a drive circuit that drives the motor 19 based on a control signal sent from the firmware. The control signal includes, for example, information regarding the conveyance amount of the continuous paper CP. The head control circuit 14 (an example of a printing unit) includes an image buffer and controls, based on a control signal (e.g., a strobe signal, etc.) sent from the firmware, to selectively pass current through a plurality of heating elements included in the print head 21 according to the print data, and prints information on the label. The real-time clock 15 is a circuit that generates digital data of time and sequentially supplies it to the control unit 11. The communication unit 18 (an example of a second communication unit) is a communication interface that communicates with the management server 5. The communication protocol between the communication unit 18 and the management server 5 is not limited. The communication unit 18 receives an issuance instruction from the management server 5 and transmits the log data to the management server 5 under the control of the control unit 11.

[0040] The RFID interface 26 is an interface between the control unit 10 and the RFID unit 16, and transmits control signals for reading and writing from the firmware to the RFID unit 16. Based on the control signals, the RFID interface 26 receives the TID read from the inlay IL from the RFID unit 16 and transmits data to be written (referred to as "EPC data") to the EPC area of the inlay IL to the RFID unit 16. The sensor interface 27 receives the output signal of the label position detection sensor 17, converts it into a digital value, and transmits it to the control unit 11. The firmware of the control unit 11 controls the conveyance of the continuous paper CP based on the output signal of the label position detection sensor 17.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the management server 5 includes a control unit 51 (an example of a device-side control unit), a storage 52, and a communication unit 53. The control unit 51 has a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. For example, in the control unit 51, the server program stored in the ROM is executed to control various operations of the management server 5. The storage 52 (an example of a storage unit) stores an issuance instruction database (issuance instruction DB) and a log database (log DB). The issuance instruction database and the log database are appropriately accessed by the server program.

[0042] The communication unit 53 is a communication interface for communicating with each of the printer 2 and the terminal device 3. The control unit 51 (an example of an issuance instruction unit) transmits a label issuance instruction to the printer 2 via the communication unit 53. The issuance instruction includes print data to be printed on each label and data (EPC data) to be written to the EPC area of the inlay IL of each label. As will be described later, the control unit 51 associates the print data associated with the EPC data included in the log data received from the printer 2 among the plurality of print data in the issuance instruction database with the log data received from the printer 2.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows an example of the data configuration of the issuance instruction database stored in the storage 52 of the management server 5. Each record of the issuance instruction database shown in Fig. 3 includes the values of the fields of "user ID", "user name", "EPC data", and "print data". Each record corresponds to one label. The user ID is identification information for identifying a user. Here, the "user" is an issuer such as an individual or a company that issues labels. The issuance instruction database manages the labels to be issued for each issuer who issues labels. The user name is a name for identifying the user who is the issuer of the label. In the example of Fig. 3, it is shown by a URL corresponding to the user name. The "EPC data" is the data to be written in the EPC area of the inlay of the corresponding label, and is an example of print identification information for identifying the print data. The "print data" is the data (an example of print information) to be printed on the corresponding label.

[0044] Next, with reference to Fig. 4, the issuance process executed when the printer 2 receives an issuance instruction from the management server 5 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the issuance process executed by the control unit 11 of the printer 2. The control unit 11 executes the issuance process in cooperation with the firmware and the RFID log application. In Fig. 4, the processes executed by the firmware and the RFID log application respectively are described so as to be clear.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 4, when the printer 2 receives an issuance instruction from the management server 5, the firmware of the control unit 11 acquires the issuance instruction (step S2). The issuance instruction includes the print data to be printed on the label and the EPC data to be written in the inlay of the label, etc. The firmware causes the continuous paper to be conveyed until the inlay of the label to be issued reaches an appropriate default position for communicating with the RFID unit 16, and reads the TID from the inlay (step S4). Next, the firmware writes the EPC data included in the issuance instruction to the EPC area of the inlay (step S6), and performs a verification process (step S8). Note that in step S6, after writing the data, a process of locking and protecting the EPC area may be performed.

[0046] In the verification process in step S8, data is read from the EPC area of the inlay, and it is verified whether the read data matches the EPC data included in the issuance instruction. In the verification process, the firmware determines that the write result is "success" if the data matches, and determines that the write result is "failure" if the data does not match. Next, the firmware generates log data (step S10). The log data generated in step S10 includes the TID read in step S4, the data read from the EPC area of the inlay in the verification process of step S8 (an example of read information), a value indicating the write result in the verification process of step S8 (a value corresponding to "success" or "failure"), and the like. When the writing in step S6 is performed normally, the data read from the EPC area of the inlay in the verification process matches the EPC data included in the issuance instruction. The log data generated in step S10 is passed to the RFID log application.

[0047] Next, the firmware executes a printing process (an example of the first process) (step S12). In the printing process, image data is created based on the print data included in the issuance instruction, and printing is performed on the label to be issued while conveying the continuous paper based on the image data. In parallel with the firmware executing the printing process, the RFID log application modifies the log data passed from the firmware (step S14), and executes a process of recording the modified log data in the memory (that is, the RAM in the control unit 11) (an example of the second process) (step S16).

[0048] An example of the change in the log data in step S14 is shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows an example of the data configuration of the log data (log data before change) generated by the firmware in step S10 of FIG. 4 and passed from the firmware to the RFID log application, and the log data after change changed by the RFID log application. In the example shown in FIG. 5, for the log data before change, identification information ("ID") for identifying the log data added by the RFID log application, the writing time of the EPC data ("time"), the printer name of printer 2 ("printer name"), the serial number of printer 2 ("printer S / N"), the installation location of printer 2 ("printer installation location"), the IP (Internet Protocol) address of printer 2 ("printer IP address"), and the MAC (Media Access Control) address of printer 2 ("printer MAC address") are shown. Not all of these pieces of information are essential, but with the information added to the log data (additional information), in addition to the information on what data was written to which inlay (TID) in the log data, information on when and / or where and which printer it was written on is added.

[0049] The printer name, serial number, IP address, and MAC address of printer 2 are an example of printer identification information for identifying printer 2. By adding the printer identification information to the log data, it becomes possible to identify the printer that issued the label based on the log data. That is, it is possible to identify where the EPC data was written to which inlay (TID) based on the log data.

[0050] The additional information shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example. For example, it is sufficient if at least one of the serial number, installation location, IP address, and MAC address of the printer 2 is included in the log data. By including at least one of the serial number, installation location, IP address, and MAC address of the printer 2 in the log data, the printer that issued the label based on the log data can be specifically identified. That is, the changed log data is data including at least any one of the serial number, installation location, IP address, and MAC address of the printer 2 for the log data before the change for each TID.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4 again, in one embodiment, at least a part of the process of changing and recording the log data in steps S14 and S16 by the RFID log application of the control unit 11 and the printing process in step S12 by the firmware of the control unit 11 are executed in parallel. In one embodiment, the RFID log application starts adding or changing the log data so that the above additional information is included before the printing process for the label by the firmware ends, and records the changed log information in the RAM. Preferably, before the printing process for the label to be processed by the firmware ends, the process of changing and recording the log data in steps S14 and S16 by the RFID log application is completed. When the process of changing and recording the log data in steps S14 and S16 by the RFID log application is completed before the printing process for the label to be processed by the firmware ends, the throughput of label issuance does not decrease. Even when the process of changing and recording the log data in steps S14 and S16 by the RFID log application is not completed before the printing process for the label to be processed by the firmware ends, the log data can be efficiently generated by executing it in parallel with the printing process.

[0052] By executing steps S2 to S16 in the issuing process, one label is issued and log data is generated and recorded. The RFID log application may transmit the log data to the management server 5 each time the modified log data shown in FIG. 5 described above is generated, or may transmit the log data to the management server 5 each time the log data corresponding to a predetermined number of labels (for example, 10 to 50 labels) is accumulated. The printer 2 temporarily stores the issuing instructions sequentially received from the management server 5 in the RAM of the control unit 11. The firmware sequentially retrieves and processes the issuing instructions stored in the RAM.

[0053] When the log data corresponding to a predetermined number of labels is accumulated, the RFID log application transmits the modified log data shown in FIG. 5 described above to the management server 5 (step S18). When the management server 5 can receive the log data (that is, when the transmission of the log data is successful), it transmits a confirmation message ACK to the printer 2. Therefore, when the RFID log application receives the confirmation message ACK from the management server 5 in response to the transmission of the log data in step S18 (step S20), it deletes the log data from the RAM of the control unit 11 (step S22). By deleting the log data when the transmission of the log data is successful, the storage area of the memory in the printer 2 can be effectively utilized.

[0054] The RFID log application does not delete the log data when it does not receive the confirmation message ACK, but may retransmit the log data to the management server 5 when it does not receive the confirmation message ACK within a predetermined time after transmitting the log data. An example of the case where the confirmation message ACK is not transmitted from the management server 5 is when the management server 5 stops functioning due to a failure. In that case, the confirmation message ACK is transmitted after the management server 5 is restored.

[0055] Next, the processing between the printer 2 and the management server 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing the processing of the label log system 1. The management server 5 sends an issuance instruction to the printer 2 (step S30), and the printer 2 that has received the issuance instruction executes the issuance process shown in FIG. 4 (step S32). Step S30 is continuously performed for each label to be issued. The printer 2 executes the issuance process based on the received issuance instruction and transmits log data corresponding to a predetermined number of labels (the changed log data shown in FIG. 5) to the management server 5 (step S34). When the management server 5 can receive the log data from the printer 2, it sends a confirmation message ACK to the printer 2 (step S36). When the printer 2 receives the confirmation message ACK from the management server 5, it deletes the log data transmitted in step S34.

[0056] Next, the management server 5 executes the processes of steps S38 to S44. This process is executed, for example, by a server program in the control unit 51. The control unit 51 performs EPC matching processing using the log data (the changed log data shown in FIG. 5) acquired from the printer 2 in the process of step S34 described above (step S38). In the EPC matching process, it is determined whether the EPC data included in the changed log data corresponding to each label shown in FIG. 5 matches the EPC data included in the record of the issuance instruction database (FIG. 3) that is the basis of the issuance instruction used in the process of step S30. When the EPC data included in the log data matches the EPC data included in any record of the issuance instruction database (step S40: YES), the control unit 51 determines whether there is already a record of the same EPC data in the log database (step S41). Here, the fact that there is already a record of the same EPC data in the log database in step S41 means that two or more labels with the same EPC data written on the inlay have been issued by the printer 2. The issuance of two or more labels with the same EPC data written on the inlay may occur, for example, when the printer cover is opened during label issuance by the printer 2. When there is already a record of the same EPC data in the log database (step S41: YES), the control unit 51 notifies a warning message to the administrator terminal such as the terminal device 3 (step S44). By notifying the warning message, the administrator can be made aware that two or more labels with the same EPC data have been issued.

[0057] When there is no record of the same EPC data in the log database (step S41: NO), the control unit 51 adds a record corresponding to the log data to be processed to the log database (step S42). The log database is, for example, the issuance instruction database (Figure 3) with the modified log data acquired from the printer 2 added thereto. This addition of the record is performed by searching the issuance instruction database for a record including the EPC data in the log data received from the printer 2 in the issuance instruction database, and associating the data group (user ID, user name, print data, etc.) included in the corresponding record in the issuance instruction database with the log data received from the printer 2. That is, from the viewpoint of EPC matching, the record in the issuance instruction database corresponding to the log data received from the printer 2 is specified, and the specified record and the log data received from the printer 2 are combined to add a record to the log database.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows an example of the data configuration of the log database. Each record of the log database shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by adding the user ID, user name, and printing data of the issue instruction database shown in FIG. 3 to the log data received from the printer 2. That is, in one embodiment, the control unit 51 associates a record including the EPC data included in the log data received from the printer 2 among the plurality of records in the issue instruction database with the log data received from the printer 2. For example, when the EPC data included in the log data received from the printer 2 is "2345xxxxx" as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 51 identifies a record including the same EPC data among the plurality of records in the issue instruction database (FIG. 3). The control unit 51 creates the first record of the log database in FIG. 7 by associating the user ID, user name, and printing data included in the identified record with the log data received from the printer 2. By associating not only the printing data but also the user ID and user name, it becomes possible to extract a record corresponding to a specific issuer from the log database.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6 again, when the EPC data included in the log data does not match the EPC data included in any record of the issue instruction database (step S40: NO), it means that log data that does not match the issue instruction has been generated in the printer 2. In that case, the control unit 51 notifies a warning message to the administrator terminal such as the terminal device 3 (step S44). By notifying the warning message, the administrator can be made aware that the log data contains inappropriate EPC data. In the EPC matching process in step S38, instead of using the issue instruction database (FIG. 3), a log database (FIG. 7) created by combining the above-described issue instruction database (FIG. 3) with the modified log data (FIG. 5) acquired from the printer 2 may be used.

[0060] As described above, in the label log system 1, in the printer 2, in addition to the writing result indicating whether or not the writing of data to the inlay was successful, log data is generated in association with the TID of the inlay so as to include information on when and / or where the data was written. The control unit 11 of the printer 2 executes a process of controlling to print print data on the label, executes a process of generating log data, and executes at least a part of these two processes in parallel. Therefore, in the printer 2, log data regarding the data written to the label can be efficiently generated.

[0061] Also, in the label log system 1, the management server 5 has an issue instruction database referred to in the label issue instruction, and sequentially transmits print data and EPC data corresponding to each record of the issue instruction database to the printer 2 for each label to be issued. The management server 5 sequentially receives the log data corresponding to the issued label, and associates the log data received from the printer 2 using the EPC data included in the log data received from the printer 2 with the issue instruction database. Therefore, in the management server 5, the log data and the print data for each label can be centrally managed without transmitting the print data for each label from the printer 2 to the management server 5. By centrally managing the log data and the print data in association with each other in the management server 5, sufficient traceability is ensured for the issued RFID label. Therefore, a manufacturer or a distributor who attaches and distributes an RFID label to an article can, for example, surely prove that the encoding has been performed in the case where the RFID label cannot be read, and can timely clarify the print information printed on the label in the case where the article with the label attached is lost.

[0062] In the above label log system 1, the management server 5 determines whether the EPC data included in the log data received from the printer 2 matches any of the multiple EPC data included in the issuance instruction database. If the log data contains EPC data that is not included in the issuance instruction, it means that the printer 2 has written inappropriate EPC data to the inlay of the label. Therefore, by performing the above determination, it is possible to determine whether the printer 2 has appropriately written the EPC data, and it is possible to guarantee unique EPC data for each label. In one embodiment, when the management server 5 records the log data received from the printer 2 in the log database, it determines whether the EPC data included in the log data matches the EPC data included in any of the log data already recorded in the log database. The fact that the EPC data included in the log data matches the EPC data included in any of the log data already recorded in the log database means that two or more labels with the same EPC data written to the inlay have been issued. By issuing a warning in that case, it is possible to more reliably guarantee unique EPC data for each label.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the write data to be written to the inlay is EPC data has been described, but it is not limited thereto. Since the inlay includes a USER area that can be freely written by the user, the write data may include, in addition to the EPC data, data to be written to the USER area (USER data). Since the user can freely set the data format of the USER data, in one embodiment, the USER data is composed of information on a plurality of items associated with the user name or user ID. For example, if the user is a retailer, the USER data can be composed of information on items such as the product ID (JAN code, etc.) of the product, the expiration date, and the content volume. If the user is a pharmaceutical company, the USER data can be composed of information on items such as the product ID of the product, the expiration date, the pharmaceutical classification, and the ingredients. If the user is a manufacturer, the USER data can be composed of items such as the ID of the article, the manufacturing date, and the lot number.

[0064] The management server 5 may extract information on items corresponding to the user ID from the USER data in the log data received from the printer 2 and record it in the log database. For example, the management server 5 records information such as the expiration date of the product in each record of the log database in FIG. 7. As a result, even if the format of the log data transmitted from the printer 2 to the management server 5 is the same, the data recorded in the log database can be changed for each user, so that the user can effectively utilize the log database. Also, the printer 2 may edit the changed log data shown in FIG. 5 above according to, for example, the user ID included in the issuance instruction, and transmit the edited log data to the management server 5, or transmit the edited log data for each food with an expiration date or for each article to the management server 5. Thereby, for example, using the log data edited according to each user or the information of the USER data, the management server 5 can collectively manage the log data written on each label and the print data.

[0065] One embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the following procedures when installed in a management server 5 that is communicable with a printer 2 and has an issuance instruction database that stores each of a plurality of EPC data in association with print data. (I) A procedure of transmitting an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of print data in the issuance instruction database and the corresponding write data to the printer 2 (II) A procedure of acquiring, in association with the TID, log data including a write result indicating whether the writing to the inlay has been successful and the EPC data included in the write data from the printer 2 in response to the issuance instruction (III) A procedure of associating the print data associated with the EPC data included in the log data received from the printer 2 among the plurality of print data with the log data

[0066] One embodiment is an information processing method between a printer 2 that issues a printing medium having an inlay and a management server 5 capable of communicating with the printer 2. The management server 5 stores each of a plurality of print data in association with write data including an EPC that identifies the print data. This information processing method performs the following processes. That is, the management server 5 transmits an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of print data and the corresponding write data to the printer 2. Based on the issuance instruction, the printer 2 performs communication for writing the write data to the inlay. Based on the issuance instruction, the printer 2 prints the print data on the printing medium. The printer 2 generates log data including a write result indicating whether the writing to the inlay was successful and an EPC included in the write data, in association with a TID that identifies the inlay. The printer 2 transmits the log data to the management server 5. The management server 5 associates the print data associated with the EPC included in the log data received from the printer 2 among the plurality of print data with the log data.

[0067] As described above, embodiments of the information processing system, information processing apparatus, program, and information processing method of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Also, various improvements and changes are possible to the above embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0068] The processing of the printer 2 and the management server 5 described above is only an example. At least a part of the processing of the printer 2 described above may be executed in the management server 5, or at least a part of the processing of the management server 5 described above may be executed in the printer 2. At least a part of the functions realized in the printer 2 may be realized in the management server 5, or at least a part of the functions realized in the management server 5 may be realized in the printer 2. That is, the functions may be appropriately distributed between the printer 2 and the management server 5. In the above-described embodiment, the management server 5 is described as having an issuance instruction database and a log data set. However, this is not the only case, and the issuance instruction database and the log data set may be stored in a database server provided separately from the management server. In that case, the processing for each database is performed in cooperation between the management server and the database server.

Explanation of Signs

[0069] 1…Label Log System 2…Printer 10…Control Unit 11…Control Section 12…Storage 13…Motor Control Circuit 14…Head Control Circuit 15…Real-Time Clock 16…RFID Unit 17…Label Position Detection Sensor 18…Communication Section 19…Motor 20…Platen Roller 21…Printing Head 25…Issuance Port 26…RFID Interface 27…Sensor Interface 36…Paper Feeding Section 37…Ribbon Feeding Section 38…Ribbon Take-Up Section 43…Damper 3…Terminal Device 5…Management Server 51…Control Section 52…Storage 53… Communication section CP… Continuous paper, PM… Mounting board, PL… Label, IL… RFID inlay, IM… Position detection mark, NW… Network, RB… Ink ribbon, R… Roll paper

Claims

1. An information processing system including a printer that issues a printing medium having a wireless tag and an information processing apparatus that can communicate with the printer, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores each of a plurality of pieces of printing information in association with writing data including printing identification information for identifying the printing information, and an issuance instruction unit that transmits an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of pieces of printing information and corresponding writing data to the printer, wherein the printer includes a first communication unit that performs communication for writing writing data to the wireless tag based on the issuance instruction, a printing unit that prints printing information on the printing medium based on the issuance instruction, a printer-side control unit that generates log information including a writing result indicating whether writing to the wireless tag by the first communication unit was successful and printing identification information included in the writing data, in association with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag, and a second communication unit that transmits the log information to the information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus further includes a device-side control unit that associates, with the log information, printing information associated with the printing identification information included in the log information received from the printer among the plurality of pieces of printing information, An information processing system.

2. further including a terminal device that can communicate with the information processing apparatus, wherein when the printing identification information included in the log information received from the printer does not match any of the printing identification information included in the writing data stored in the storage unit, the device-side control unit notifies the terminal device of a message, The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. wherein the storage unit stores each of the plurality of pieces of printing information in association with writing data and user information, and when the printing identification information included in the log information received from the printer matches any of the printing identification information included in the writing data stored in the storage unit, the device-side control unit associates the corresponding printing information and user information with the log information, The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. wherein the data written to the wireless tag includes information on a plurality of items, and the device-side control unit extracts, from among the information on the plurality of items, information on an item corresponding to user information with respect to the log information received from the printer, The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. The log information includes at least one of information on the writing time to the wireless tag and printer identification information for identifying the printer. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printer that issues a printing medium having a wireless tag, a storage unit that stores each of a plurality of pieces of print information in association with write data including print identification information for identifying the print information; an issuance instruction unit that transmits an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of pieces of print information and corresponding write data to the printer; an acquisition unit that acquires, in association with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag, log information including a write result indicating whether writing to the wireless tag has been successful and print identification information included in the write data, from the printer in response to the issuance instruction; a control unit that associates print information associated with the print identification information included in the log information received from the printer among the plurality of pieces of print information with the log information; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

7. When installed in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printer that issues a printing medium having a wireless tag and including a storage unit that stores each of a plurality of pieces of write data in association with print information, a procedure for the information processing apparatus to transmit an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of pieces of print information and corresponding write data to the printer; a procedure for the information processing apparatus to acquire, in association with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag, log information including a write result indicating whether writing to the wireless tag has been successful and print identification information included in the write data, from the printer in response to the issuance instruction; a procedure for the information processing apparatus to associate print information associated with the print identification information included in the log information received from the printer among the plurality of pieces of print information with the log information; A program for causing a computer to execute the above.

8. An information processing method between a printer that issues a printing medium having a wireless tag and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the printer, wherein the information processing apparatus stores each of a plurality of pieces of print information in association with write data including print identification information for identifying the print information, and the information processing method includes: the information processing apparatus transmitting an issuance instruction including any one of the plurality of pieces of print information and corresponding write data to the printer; The printer performs communication for writing write data to the wireless tag based on the issuance instruction, The printer prints print information on the printing medium based on the issuance instruction, The printer generates log information including a write result indicating whether the writing to the wireless tag was successful and print identification information included in the write data, and associates the log information with tag identification information for identifying the wireless tag, The printer transmits the log information to the information processing apparatus, The information processing apparatus associates, among the plurality of print information, the print information associated with the print identification information included in the log information received from the printer with the log information, Information processing method.

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