Information reading method and printing device

Abstract

To provide an information reading method and printing device that improve user convenience. [Solution] A processor 190 mounted on a multifunction device 100, which includes a scanner 140 for optically reading images, a magnetic head 121 for reading magnetic information, and a transport mechanism 150 for transporting the passbook 30 in a transport direction P1 or P2, is instructed to have the scanner 140 read an image of the passbook 30, acquire a read image of the passbook 30, analyze the read image to detect the magnetic stripe 35 formed on the passbook 30, transport the passbook 30 in a transport direction P1 or P2 using the transport mechanism 150 so that the detected magnetic stripe 35 is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head 121, and execute a process to have the magnetic head 121 read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe 35.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information reading method and a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an apparatus for reading magnetic information recorded on a tape-shaped magnetic stripe formed on a processing medium or writing magnetic information has been known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic recording apparatus including a size detection unit, a recording count calculation unit, a recording execution unit, and a printing execution unit. The size detection unit controls a magnetic head and a magnetic head scanning mechanism to detect the size of the magnetic stripe. The recording count calculation unit calculates the number of times the recording data can be repeatedly recorded based on the received recording data and the size of the magnetic stripe detected by the size detection unit. The recording execution unit executes the recording of the recording data on the magnetic stripe based on the calculation result of the recording count calculation unit. The printing execution unit controls a recording head and a recording head scanning mechanism to execute printing on the posting page of the passbook.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Cited Document 1, in order to cause the size detection unit to detect the size of the magnetic stripe, it is necessary for the user to input in advance the position of the magnetic stripe formed on the processing medium, which is troublesome for the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure provides an information reading method in which a processor mounted on a processing apparatus comprising an image reading unit for optically reading an image, a magnetic head for reading magnetic information, and a transport unit for transporting a processing medium in a first direction, is made to perform an image acquisition step of causing the image reading unit to read an image of the processing medium and to acquire a read image of the processing medium; a detection step of analyzing the read image to detect a magnetic stripe formed on the processing medium; a transport step of causing the transport unit to transport the processing medium in the first direction so that the detected magnetic stripe is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head; and a first reading step of causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe.

[0007] This disclosure provides an information reading method for a processing apparatus comprising a detection unit for detecting the width and length of a processing medium, a magnetic head for reading magnetic information, and a transport unit for transporting the processing medium. The processor mounted on the processing apparatus performs the following steps: a detection step of causing the detection unit to detect the width and length of the processing medium; a transport step of transporting the processing medium to the transport unit so that the magnetic head is positioned at a preset reference position on the processing medium based on the width and length of the processing medium detected by the detection unit; a reading step of causing the magnetic head to read magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe of the processing medium; and a determination step of determining whether or not the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe has been read by the magnetic head. If the determination step determines that the magnetic information has not been read by the magnetic head, the transport step of transporting the processing medium to the transport unit so that the reading position of the magnetic head moves by a preset distance in the transport direction of the transport unit, and the reading step of causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information, are repeated until the determination step determines that the magnetic information has been read.

[0008] This disclosure relates to a printing apparatus comprising: an image reading unit for optically reading an image; a magnetic head for reading magnetic information; a transport unit for transporting a processing medium in a first direction; a printing unit for printing an image on the processing medium; and a control unit that causes the image reading unit to read an image of the processing medium, acquires a read image of the processing medium, analyzes the read image to detect a magnetic stripe formed on the processing medium, and causes the transport unit to transport the processing medium in the first direction so that the detected magnetic stripe is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head, thereby causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe.

[0009] This disclosure relates to a printing apparatus comprising: a detection unit for detecting the width and length of a processing medium; a magnetic head for reading magnetic information; a transport unit for transporting the processing medium; a control unit for causing the detection unit to detect the width and length of the processing medium; for transporting the processing medium to the transport unit so that the magnetic head is positioned at a preset reference position on the processing medium based on the width and length of the processing medium detected by the detection unit; for causing the magnetic head to read magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe of the processing medium; and for determining whether or not the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe has been read by the magnetic head. If the control unit determines that the magnetic information has not been read by the magnetic head, it causes the transport unit to transport the processing medium so that the reading position of the magnetic head moves by a preset distance in the transport direction of the transport unit, and repeats the process of causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information until it is determined that the magnetic information has been read. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the passbook issuance system. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram of a passbook equipped with a magnetic stripe. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for a multifunction printer. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]A flowchart illustrating the operation of the multifunction printer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the starting position where the magnetic head begins reading the magnetic stripe. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration of the passbook issuance system] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of a passbook issuance system 1 to which the present invention is applied. Figure 1 shows the X, Y, and Z axes, which are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis is an axis that extends in the vertical direction. The X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal plane. In the following explanation, the direction along the X axis is considered the left-right direction, and the direction along the Y axis is considered the front-back direction. More specifically, the positive direction along the Z axis is considered the upward direction, the positive direction along the X axis is considered the left direction, and the positive direction along the Y axis is considered the forward direction.

[0012] The passbook issuance system 1 is a system that reads recorded data from the magnetic stripe 35 of the passbook 30 and records transaction history data showing deposit and withdrawal status on the entry pages of the passbook 30. The passbook issuance system 1 comprises a host device 10 and a multifunction printer 100 connected via a network 20, and is installed at bank counters, etc. The magnetic stripe 35 is a strip-shaped magnetic portion attached to the surface of the passbook 30. For example, the account number and branch number are recorded on the magnetic stripe 35. In this embodiment, the case where the processing medium is a passbook is described, but the processing medium may also be a credit card, passport, point card issued by a store, etc., or medical card issued by a hospital.

[0013] The host device 10 is a control device that controls the multifunction printer 100, and is composed of, for example, a desktop, notebook, or tablet computer.

[0014] The multifunction machine 100 corresponds to a processing device and a printing device. The multifunction machine 100 has, for example, a scanner function, a printing function, an MSR (Magnetic Stripe Reader / Writer) function, and a MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) function. The scanner function is a function of optically reading one side of the passbook 30. The printing function is, for example, a function of printing on the recording surface of the passbook 30 by the SIDM (Serial Impact Dot Matrix) method. The MSR function is a function of reading and writing the recorded data recorded on the magnetic stripe 35 provided on the passbook 30. The MICR function is a function of reading the characters recorded in magnetic ink on the passbook 30.

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a passbook 30 having a magnetic stripe 35. The shape of the passbook 30 is substantially rectangular, and the form of the passbook 30 is a booklet form. Figure 2 shows the state where the passbook 30 is opened. The passbook 30 is inserted into the insertion slot 101 of the multifunction machine 100 so that the cover of the passbook 30 on which the magnetic stripe 35 is formed is at the bottom in the state where the passbook 30 is opened.

[0016] On the cover of the passbook 30, a magnetic stripe 35 extending in the width direction W of the passbook 30 is formed. Figure 2 shows an example in which the magnetic stripe 35 is formed up to both ends in the width direction W of the passbook 30, but the length of the magnetic stripe 35 in the width direction W is arbitrary, and at least one end of the magnetic stripe 35 may have a shape that is not formed up to both ends in the width direction W of the passbook 30. Also, the formation position of the magnetic stripe 35 in the length direction of the passbook 30 is arbitrary.

[0017] The magnetic head 121 records recording data on the magnetic stripe 35 by appropriately reversing the magnetic poles of the magnetic material provided on the surface of the magnetic stripe 35. The recording data recorded on the magnetic stripe 35 corresponds to magnetic information by appropriately reversing the magnetic poles of the magnetic material. The recording data is digital data consisting of "0" and "1", and whether it is "0" or "1" is specified by the period of the reversal of the magnetic poles.

[0018] When a new issue, reissue, carry - over, etc. of the passbook 30 is performed, a command for instructing the recording of the recording data on the magnetic stripe 35 is transmitted from the host device 10 to the multifunction device 100. The recording data includes, for example, information indicating a bank or branch name, an account number, etc.

[0019] Also, FIG. 2 shows the conveyance direction P of the passbook 30 conveyed on the conveyance path 105 and the moving direction Q of the magnetic head 121. The conveyance direction in which the passbook 30 inserted from the insertion port 101 is conveyed is denoted as the conveyance direction P1, and after the processing such as posting in the multifunction device 100 is completed, the conveyance direction for discharging the passbook 30 from the insertion port 101 is denoted as the conveyance direction P2. The conveyance directions P1 and P2 are directions orthogonal to the main scanning direction which is the moving direction of the recording head 131. The conveyance directions P1 and P2 correspond to the first direction. Also, the direction in which the magnetic head 121 is moved to read the recording data recorded on the magnetic stripe 35 is denoted as the moving direction Q1, and the direction in which the magnetic head 121 is moved to return it after the reading of the recording data is completed is denoted as the moving direction Q2. Also, since the moving directions Q1 and Q2 are directions parallel to the main scanning direction, the moving directions Q1 and Q2 are also denoted as the main scanning directions Q1 and Q2. The moving directions Q1 and Q2 correspond to the second direction.

[0020] Also, when the passbook 30 is conveyed in the conveyance direction P1, the side of the passbook 30 located at the leading end in the conveyance direction P1 is called the upper side 31, and the side of the passbook 30 located at the rear end is called the lower side 33.

[0021] [1 - 2. Configuration of the Multifunction Device] The multifunction printer 100 includes a magnetic head 121 and a magnetic head scanning mechanism 123, a first sensor 111, a second sensor 112, a transport mechanism 150, a recording head 131 and a recording head scanning mechanism 133, a platen 139, and a scanner 140.

[0022] The front of the multifunction printer 100 is provided with an insertion slot 101 for inserting the passbook 30 into the printer 100. The passbook 30 is inserted manually through the insertion slot 101.

[0023] The passbook 30 inserted through the insertion opening 101 is transported along the transport path 105 in the transport direction P1 or P2 by the transport mechanism 150. The transport mechanism 150 comprises a first transport roller 151, a first driven roller 153, a second transport roller 155, and a second driven roller 157. The transport mechanism 150 corresponds to the transport section.

[0024] The first transport roller 151 and the first driven roller 153 are positioned behind the magnetic head 121 and in front of the recording head 131 in the transport direction P1. The first transport roller 151 and the first driven roller 153 are positioned opposite each other across the transport path 105. The first driven roller 153 is biased by the first transport roller 151 with a predetermined pressing force, and the first transport roller 151 and the first driven roller 153 are driven to rotate in opposite directions. As a result, the passbook 30 is transported in the transport direction P1 or P2.

[0025] The second transport roller 155 and the second driven roller 157 are positioned behind the scanner 140 in the transport direction P1. The second transport roller 155 and the second driven roller 157 are positioned opposite each other across the transport path 105. The second driven roller 157 is biased by the second transport roller 155 with a predetermined pressing force, causing the second transport roller 155 and the second driven roller 157 to rotate in opposite directions. This allows the passbook 30 to be transported in the transport direction P1 or P2.

[0026] The magnetic head 121 is moved in directions Q1 and Q2 by the magnetic head scanning mechanism 123, and recorded data is recorded on the magnetic stripe 35 that has been transported to the reading position of the magnetic head 121 by the transport mechanism 150, or recorded data is read from the magnetic stripe 35. The reading position of the magnetic head 121 is the position of the magnetic head 121 in the transport direction P1 or P2.

[0027] The first sensor 111 is an insertion sensor that detects the passbook 30 inserted through the insertion slot 101. The second sensor 112 is used to detect the length L of the passbook 30 in the transport directions P1 and P2. The second sensor 112 also detects when the alignment of the passbooks 30 is complete. The second sensor 112 is composed of multiple sensors that detect the presence or absence of a passbook 30 abutting against an alignment plate (not shown). The second sensor 112 is composed of light-transmitting sensors and is arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The second sensor 112 includes a light-emitting part such as an LED and a light-receiving part such as a phototransistor facing each other across the transport path 105. The control unit 170 determines whether the inclination of the passbook 30 in the main scanning directions Q1 and Q2 is within an acceptable range based on the number and arrangement of the second sensors 112 that have detected the leading edge of the passbook 30. The second sensor is a detector.

[0028] Furthermore, the recording head scanning mechanism 133 is equipped with a third sensor 113. The third sensor 113 moves along the platen 139 with the recording head scanning mechanism 133 and is used to measure the edge of the passbook 30 in the main scanning directions Q1 and Q2, which are the directions of movement of the recording head 131, and the width W of the passbook 30 in the same directions. The third sensor 113 is a detector. Therefore, the second sensor 112 and the third sensor 113 correspond to detection units that detect the width and length of the processing medium.

[0029] The recording head scanning mechanism 133 is driven by a carriage motor 137 that drives the recording head scanning mechanism 133, is guided by a carriage guide shaft (not shown), and reciprocates in the main scanning directions Q1 and Q2.

[0030] As the recording head 131 moves in the main scanning directions Q1 and Q2 together with the recording head scanning mechanism 133, it extends a recording wire from its tip surface to strike the ink ribbon, thereby adhering the ink from the ink ribbon to the passbook 30 being transported between the platen 139 and the recording head 131, and recording characters and images on the passbook 30.

[0031] The scanner 140 corresponds to the image reading unit. The scanner 140 optically reads the image on the surface of the passbook 30 on which the magnetic stripe 35 is formed, and outputs the read image result to the control unit 170.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the multifunction printer 100. The control unit 170 is connected to the communication interface 110, the first sensor 111, the second sensor 112, the third sensor 113, the magnetic information processing unit 125, the head driver 135, the scanner 140, the motor driver 145, and the display unit 200. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as I / F.

[0033] The communication interface 110 is a communication interface that performs communication with the host device 10, for example, in accordance with the Ethernet standard. The communication interface 110 includes a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable and an interface circuit for processing the signals transmitted through the connector. Ethernet is a registered trademark.

[0034] When reading magnetic data, the magnetic information processing unit 125 processes the analog waveform signal output from the magnetic head 121, converts it into digital data, and outputs the converted digital data to the control unit 170.

[0035] The head driver 135 drives the recording head 131 according to the control of the control unit 170, and the recording head 131 forms characters and images on the passbook 30. The recording head 131 and the head driver 135 correspond to the printing unit.

[0036] The motor driver 145 controls the transport motor 159 and the carriage motors 127 and 137 according to the control of the control unit 170.

[0037] The display unit 200 is equipped with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, and displays an image based on image data generated by the control unit 170. For example, the image displayed on the display unit 200 may be an image showing the detection result of the magnetic stripe 35 provided on the passbook 30. Alternatively, the display unit 200 may be configured as a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. In this case, the display unit 200 functions as an operation unit.

[0038] The control unit 170 is a computer device comprising a storage unit 180 and a processor 190.

[0039] The memory unit 180 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). RAM is used for temporary storage of various data. For example, RAM is used as the arithmetic area of ​​the processor 190. ROM stores control programs 185 that control the operation of the processor 190, as well as various setting data.

[0040] The processor 190 is an arithmetic processing unit that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The processor 190 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, the processor 190 may consist of part or all of the memory unit 180, or an SoC integrated with other circuits. The processor 190 may also consist of a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that performs predetermined arithmetic processing. Additionally, the processor 190 may be configured with all its functions implemented in hardware, or it may be configured using programmable devices.

[0041] [1-3. Operation of the control unit] Next, the operation of the control unit 170 will be described. First, the control unit 170 performs a registration process. The registration process involves detecting the position of the magnetic stripe 35 formed on the passbook 30 and the range of the recorded data recorded on the magnetic stripe 35, and storing information indicating the detected position of the magnetic stripe 35 and the range of the recorded data in the storage unit 180.

[0042] The registration process may be initiated, for example, by the user operating a predetermined button on an operation unit (not shown), causing the control unit 170 to execute the registration process. The operation unit that receives user input may be implemented by configuring the display unit 200 as a touch panel. Furthermore, if the first and second transport quantities, described later, are not stored in the storage unit 180, and the insertion of the passbook 30 is detected, the registration process may be initiated.

[0043] When the control unit 170 detects that the passbook 30 has been inserted into the insertion slot 101 using the first sensor 111, it drives the first transport roller 151 and the second transport roller 155 to transport the passbook 30 in the transport direction P1 and transport it to the reading position of the scanner 140.

[0044] When the passbook 30 is transported to the reading position of the scanner 140, the control unit 170 instructs the scanner 140 to read an image of the passbook 30. The scanner 140 reads the image of the passbook 30 and outputs the read image to the control unit 170.

[0045] The control unit 170 analyzes the image read from the scanner 140 to detect areas where magnetic stripes 35 are formed. The control unit 170 determines that black areas with an area greater than or equal to a preset size are areas where magnetic stripes 35 are formed. The areas that the control unit 170 determines to be areas where magnetic stripes 35 are formed will be referred to as detected areas below.

[0046] When the control unit 170 detects a detection area, it controls the drive of the transport motor 159 so that the detection area is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head 121. The reading position of the magnetic head 121 is the position of the magnetic head 121 in the transport direction P1 or P2.

[0047] When the detection area is transported to the reading position of the magnetic head 121, the control unit 170 drives the carriage motor 127 to move the magnetic head 121 in the main scanning direction Q1 or Q2, and reads the recorded data recorded on the magnetic stripe 35.

[0048] When the magnetic head 121 reads the recorded data, the control unit 170 acquires the first transport amount and the second transport amount.

[0049] The first transport amount is, for example, the amount of rotation of the transport motor 159, which represents the amount of transport from the moment the first sensor 111 detects the insertion of the passbook 30 into the insertion slot 101. It is the amount of rotation of the transport motor 159 to transport the passbook 30 from the position where the magnetic stripe 35 is formed to the reading position of the magnetic head 1211. The control unit 170 stores the acquired first transport amount in the storage unit 180.

[0050] The second transport amount indicates the amount of movement required to move the magnetic head 121 in the main scanning direction Q1 or Q2 in order to read the recorded data recorded on the magnetic stripe 35. The magnetic stripe 35 does not record data across the entire width of the passbook 30, and moving the magnetic head 121 across the entire width of the passbook 30 would involve unnecessary movements that would prevent the reading of recorded data. For this reason, the rotational speed of the carriage motor 127 after the recorded data has been read is acquired as the second transport amount, and the acquired second transport amount is stored in the storage unit 180.

[0051] The control unit 170 stores the first and second transport amounts in the storage unit 180, and when the insertion of a new passbook 30 into the insertion slot 101 is detected, it reads the recorded data on the magnetic stripe 35 using the first and second transport amounts according to a command received from the host device 10. The control unit 170 reads the recorded data and transmits it to the host device 10, or prints history data showing deposit and withdrawal status on the entry page of the passbook 30.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 170 reads the recorded data from the magnetic stripe 35 using the first and second transport amounts, but if it fails to read the recorded data, it displays error information indicating the reading failure on the display unit 200. For example, if the user inserts the passbook 30 upside down, it may fail to read the recorded data. For this reason, the control unit 170 displays error information indicating that it failed to read the recorded data on the display unit 200.

[0053] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction printer 100. The operation of the multifunction printer 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 4. First, the control unit 170 determines whether or not the passbook 30 has been inserted into the slot 101 (step S1). Based on the sensor data from the first sensor 111, the control unit 170 determines whether or not the passbook 30 has been inserted into the slot 101. If the control unit 170 determines that the passbook 30 has not been inserted into the slot 101 (step S1 / NO), it returns to the determination in step S1.

[0054] When the control unit 170 determines that the passbook 30 has been inserted into the insertion slot 101 (step S1 / YES), it drives the transport motor 159 to drive the first transport roller 151 and the second transport roller 155, transporting the passbook 30 to the reading position of the scanner 140. The control unit 170 then causes the scanner 140 to read the image of the passbook 30 (step S2). At this time, the control unit 170 causes the second sensor 112 and the third sensor 113 to detect the width W and length L of the passbook 30 as it moves along the transport path 105 (step S3). Step S2 corresponds to the image acquisition step.

[0055] Next, the control unit 170 analyzes the image read by the scanner 140 to detect the magnetic stripe 35 (step S4) and identifies the detection area of ​​the magnetic stripe 35 in the passbook 30. Step S4 corresponds to the detection step.

[0056] Next, the control unit 170 drives the transport motor 159 to transport the passbook 30 in the transport direction P2, and transports the detected area of ​​the detected magnetic stripe 35 to the reading position of the magnetic head 121 (step S5). Step S5 corresponds to the transport step.

[0057] Next, the control unit 170 drives the carriage motor 127 to move the magnetic head 121 in the main scanning direction Q1 or Q2, causing the magnetic head 121 to read the recorded data on the magnetic stripe 35 (step S6). Step S6 corresponds to the first reading step.

[0058] Next, the control unit 170 determines whether or not it succeeded in reading the recorded data (step S7). If the control unit 170 fails to read the recorded data (step S7 / NO), it displays an error message on the display unit 200 (step S8). Step S8 corresponds to the display step.

[0059] Furthermore, if the control unit 170 successfully reads the recorded data (step S7 / YES), it acquires the first transport amount, which is the transport amount of the transport motor 159, and the second transport amount, which is the transport amount of the carriage motor 127 (step S9). The control unit 170 stores the acquired first transport amount and second transport amount in the storage unit 180 (step S10). Step S9 corresponds to the transport amount acquisition step. Also, step S10 corresponds to the registration step.

[0060] Next, the control unit 170 displays on the display unit 200 that the recorded data has been successfully read (step S11), and transmits the read recorded data to the host device 10 (step S12).

[0061] Subsequently, when the insertion of the passbook 30 into the insertion slot 101 is detected by the first sensor 111, the control unit 170 transports the passbook 30 based on the first transport amount stored in the storage unit 180. Then, the control unit 170 drives the magnetic head 121 based on the second transport amount stored in the storage unit 180 to read the recorded data formed on the magnetic stripe 35. This operation corresponds to the second reading step.

[0062] [2. Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the operation of the multifunction device 100 when the multifunction device 100 is equipped with a scanner 140 was explained. In this second embodiment, the operation of the multifunction device 100 when the multifunction device 100 is not equipped with a scanner 140 will be explained.

[0063] Figure 6 shows the starting position F at which the magnetic head 121 of the second embodiment begins reading the magnetic stripe 35. In the second embodiment, the control unit 170 detects the width W and length L of the passbook 30 based on the sensor data from the second sensor 112 and the third sensor 113. Next, based on the detected width W and length L of the passbook 30, the control unit 170 transports the passbook 30 so that the starting position F for reading the magnetic head 121 is at the left end of the passbook 30, moved a predetermined distance from the bottom edge 33 towards the top edge 31, as shown in Figure 6. Subsequently, if the magnetic head 121 fails to read the recorded data, the control unit 170 transports the passbook 30 so that the reading position for the magnetic head 121 is a predetermined distance closer to the top edge 31 than the previous position. The control unit 170 repeats this operation until the magnetic head 121 successfully reads the recorded data from the magnetic stripe 35 of the passbook 30.

[0064] The operation of the control unit 170 in the second embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. First, the control unit 170 determines whether or not the passbook 30 has been inserted into the slot 101 (step T1). If the control unit 170 determines that the passbook 30 has not been inserted into the slot 101 (step T1 / NO), it returns to the determination in step T1.

[0065] When the control unit 170 determines that the passbook 30 has been inserted into the insertion slot 101 (step T1 / YES), it drives the transport motor 159 to transport the passbook 30 to the transport path 105, and detects the width W and length L of the passbook 30 using the second sensor 112 and the third sensor 113 (step T2). Step T2 corresponds to the detection step.

[0066] When the control unit 170 detects the width W and length L of the passbook 30, it drives the transport motor 159 so that the reading position of the magnetic head 121 is at a predetermined position on the passbook 30, based on the detected width W and length L of the passbook 30 (step T3). Step T3 corresponds to the transport step. That is, as shown in Figure 6, the transport motor 159 is driven so that the starting position F where the magnetic head 121 of the second embodiment begins to read the magnetic stripe 35 is at the left end of the passbook 30, and has been moved a predetermined distance from the bottom edge 33 to the top edge 31.

[0067] Next, the control unit 170 moves the magnetic head 121 in the width directions Q1 and Q2 of the passbook 30 and reads the recorded data recorded on the magnetic stripe 35 (step T4). Step T4 corresponds to the reading step.

[0068] Next, the control unit 170 determines whether the reading of the recorded data by the magnetic head 121 was successful (step T5). Step T5 corresponds to the determination step. If the reading of the recorded data was unsuccessful (step T5 / NO), the control unit 170 determines whether the position where the magnetic head 121 has moved a predetermined distance toward the upper edge 31 of the passbook 30 from the position where it was previously read is outside the range of the passbook 30 (step T6).

[0069] If the control unit 170 moves the magnetic head 121 a predetermined distance toward the upper edge 31 of the passbook 30 from the position it previously read, and the resulting position is outside the range of the passbook 30 (step T6 / YES), it displays an error message on the display unit 200 (step T8).

[0070] Furthermore, if the position where the magnetic head 121 has moved a predetermined distance toward the top edge 31 of the passbook 30 from the position where it was previously read is not outside the range of the passbook 30 (step T6 / NO), the control unit 170 transports the passbook 30 (step T7). The control unit 170 transports the passbook 30 so that the left edge of the passbook 30, where the magnetic head 121 has moved a predetermined distance toward the top edge 31 of the passbook 30 from the position where it was previously read, is at the reading position of the magnetic head 121 (step T7). After that, the control unit 170 moves the passbook 30 in the width directions Q1 and Q2 while reading the recorded data recorded on the magnetic stripe 35 (step T4).

[0071] Furthermore, if the magnetic head 121 successfully reads the recorded data (step T5 / YES), the control unit 170 obtains the first transport amount, which is the transport amount of the transport motor 159, and the second transport amount, which is the transport amount of the carriage motor 127 (step T9). The control unit 170 stores the obtained first transport amount and second transport amount in the storage unit 180 (step T10).

[0072] Next, the control unit 170 displays on the display unit 200 that the recorded data has been successfully read (step T11), and transmits the read recorded data to the host device 10 (step T12).

[0073] [3. Other Embodiments] The embodiments described above are preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0074] The various functional units of the multifunction device 100 shown in Figure 1 represent a functional configuration realized through the cooperation of hardware and software, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. Therefore, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each functional unit be implemented individually, and it is certainly possible to have a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, some of the functions realized by software may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0075] Furthermore, the processing units in the flowcharts shown in Figures 4 and 5 are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the multifunction printer 100. The present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units shown in the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5. In addition, the processing of the multifunction printer 100 can be further divided into more processing units depending on the processing content, or a single processing unit can be divided to include even more processing. Also, the processing order in the flowcharts above is not limited to the examples shown.

[0076] [4. Summary of this disclosure] A summary of this disclosure is provided below. (Note 1) An information reading method comprising: causing a processor mounted on a processing apparatus comprising an image reading unit for optically reading an image, a magnetic head for reading magnetic information, and a transport unit for transporting a processing medium in a first direction, to perform an image acquisition step of causing the image reading unit to read an image of the processing medium and to acquire a read image of the processing medium; a detection step of analyzing the read image to detect a magnetic stripe formed on the processing medium; a transport step of causing the transport unit to transport the processing medium in the first direction so that the detected magnetic stripe is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head; and a first reading step of causing the magnetic head to read magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe.

[0077] According to this system, the image of the processing medium is read, the read image is analyzed to detect the magnetic stripe, and the processing medium is transported by a transport unit so that the detected magnetic stripe is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head. Therefore, the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe can be read by the magnetic head without the user having to input the position of the magnetic stripe. This improves user convenience.

[0078] (Note 2) The information reading method according to Appendix 1, further comprising: causing the processor to perform a transport amount acquisition step of acquiring a first transport amount of the transport unit based on the formation position of the magnetic stripe on the processing medium when the magnetic information is read by the first reading step; a registration step of storing the acquired first transport amount in a storage unit provided in the processing device; and a second reading step of transporting the processing medium according to the first transport amount stored in the storage unit and causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information when the processing medium is inserted into the processing device.

[0079] According to this, a first transport amount is obtained in the transport unit based on the position where magnetic information is formed on the magnetic stripe, and the obtained first transport amount is stored in the storage unit. Then, when a processing medium is inserted into the processing unit, the processing medium is transported according to the first transport amount stored in the storage unit, and the magnetic information can be read by the magnetic head. This improves user convenience.

[0080] (Note 3) The information reading method described in Appendix 2, wherein the transport amount acquisition step acquires a second transport amount for transporting the magnetic head in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction based on the reading result of the magnetic information obtained by the first reading step, the registration step stores the second transport amount in the storage unit, and the second reading step transports the magnetic head in the second direction by the second transport amount to read the magnetic information.

[0081] According to this, the second transport amount in the second direction for transporting the magnetic head is stored in the memory unit. Then, when the processing medium is inserted into the processing device, the magnetic head is transported according to the second transport amount stored in the memory unit, and the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe is read. As a result, the magnetic head is not made to read areas of the magnetic stripe where no magnetic information is recorded, thus shortening the processing time.

[0082] (Note 4) The information reading method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the processing device includes a display unit, and the processor performs a display step of displaying error information on the display unit when it is unable to read the magnetic information with the magnetic head.

[0083] According to this system, if the magnetic head is unable to read the magnetic information, error information will be displayed on the display unit. This allows the user to be notified of the occurrence of an error.

[0084] (Note 5) Information reading method comprising: causing a processor mounted on a processing device comprising a detection unit for detecting the width and length of a processing medium, a magnetic head for reading magnetic information, and a transport unit for transporting the processing medium; causing a processor mounted on a processing device to cause the detection unit to detect the width and length of the processing medium; transporting the processing medium to the transport unit so that the magnetic head is positioned at a preset reference position on the processing medium based on the width and length of the processing medium detected by the detection unit; reading the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe of the processing medium to be read by the magnetic head; and determining whether or not the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe has been read by the magnetic head; and if the determination step determines that the magnetic information has not been read by the magnetic head, the transport step of transporting the processing medium to the transport unit so that the reading position of the magnetic head moves by a preset distance in the transport direction of the transport unit, and the reading step of causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information, are repeated until the determination step determines that the magnetic information has been read.

[0085] According to this, a determination step is performed to determine whether or not the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe has been read by the magnetic head. If the magnetic information has not been read by the magnetic head, a transport step is performed in which the processing medium is transported to the transport unit so that the reading position of the magnetic head moves by a predetermined distance in the transport direction of the transport unit, and a reading step is performed in which the magnetic head reads the magnetic information. This is repeated until the determination step determines that the magnetic information has been read. As a result, the magnetic head can read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe without the user having to input the position of the magnetic stripe. This improves user convenience.

[0086] (Note 6) A printing apparatus comprising: an image reading unit for optically reading an image; a magnetic head for reading magnetic information; a transport unit for transporting a processing medium in a first direction; a printing unit for printing an image on the processing medium; and a control unit that causes the image reading unit to read an image of the processing medium, acquires a read image of the processing medium, analyzes the read image to detect a magnetic stripe formed on the processing medium, and causes the transport unit to transport the processing medium in a first direction so that the detected magnetic stripe is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head, thereby causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe.

[0087] According to this system, the image of the processing medium is read, the read image is analyzed to detect the magnetic stripe, and the processing medium is transported by a transport unit so that the detected magnetic stripe is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head. Therefore, the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe can be read by the magnetic head without the user having to input the position of the magnetic stripe. This improves user convenience.

[0088] (Note 7) A printing apparatus comprising: a detection unit for detecting the width and length of a processing medium; a magnetic head for reading magnetic information; a transport unit for transporting the processing medium; a control unit for causing the detection unit to detect the width and length of the processing medium; for transporting the processing medium to the transport unit so that the magnetic head is positioned at a preset reference position on the processing medium based on the width and length of the processing medium detected by the detection unit; for causing the magnetic head to read magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe of the processing medium; and for determining whether or not the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe has been read by the magnetic head, wherein if the control unit determines that the magnetic information has not been read by the magnetic head, it causes the transport unit to transport the processing medium so that the reading position of the magnetic head moves by a preset distance in the transport direction of the transport unit, and repeats the process of causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information until it is determined that the magnetic information has been read.

[0089] According to this, a determination step is performed to determine whether or not the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe has been read by the magnetic head. If the magnetic information has not been read by the magnetic head, a transport step is performed in which the processing medium is transported to the transport unit so that the reading position of the magnetic head moves by a predetermined distance in the transport direction of the transport unit, and a reading step is performed in which the magnetic head reads the magnetic information. This is repeated until the determination step determines that the magnetic information has been read. As a result, the magnetic head can read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe without the user having to input the position of the magnetic stripe. This improves user convenience. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1…Passbook Issuance System, 10…Host Device, 20…Network, 30…Passbook, 31…Top Edge, 33…Bottom Edge, 35…Magnetic Stripe, 100…Multifunction Printer, 101…Insertion Slot, 105…Carrier Path, 110…Communication I / F, 110…Communication Interface, 111…First Sensor, 112…Second Sensor, 113…Third Sensor, 121…Magnetic Head, 123…Magnetic Head Scanning Mechanism, 125…Magnetic Information Processing Unit, 127…Carriage Motor, 131…Recording Head, 133…Recording Head Scanning mechanism, 135...head driver, 137...carriage motor, 139...platen, 140...scanner, 145...motor driver, 150...transport mechanism, 151...first transport roller, 153...first driven roller, 155...second transport roller, 157...second driven roller, 159...transport motor, 170...control unit, 180...storage unit, 185...control program, 190...processor, 1211...magnetic head, L...length, W...width, P...transport direction, Q...movement direction.

Claims

1. A processor mounted on a processing device comprising an image reading unit for optically reading an image, a magnetic head for reading magnetic information, and a transport unit for transporting a processing medium in a first direction, The image acquisition step involves having the image reading unit read the image of the processing medium and obtaining the read image of the processing medium. A detection step involves analyzing the read image to detect a magnetic stripe formed on the processing medium, A transport step in which the transport unit transports the processing medium in the first direction so that the detected magnetic stripe is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head, A first reading step involves causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe, A method for reading information to execute the process.

2. The aforementioned processor, When the magnetic information is read by the first reading step, a transport amount acquisition step is performed to acquire a first transport amount of the transport unit based on the formation position of the magnetic stripe on the processing medium, A registration step in which the acquired first transport amount is stored in a storage unit provided by the processing device, When the processing medium is inserted into the processing apparatus, the processing medium is transported according to the first transport amount stored in the storage unit, and the magnetic head is made to read the magnetic information in a second reading step. The information reading method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps.

3. The transport amount acquisition step acquires a second transport amount for transporting the magnetic head in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, based on the reading result of the magnetic information obtained in the first reading step. The registration step involves storing the second transport quantity in the storage unit. The information reading method according to claim 2, wherein the second reading step involves transporting the magnetic head in the second direction by the second transport amount to read the magnetic information.

4. The processing apparatus includes a display unit, The aforementioned processor, The information reading method according to claim 1, further comprising a display step of displaying error information on the display unit if the magnetic head is unable to read the magnetic information.

5. A processor mounted on a processing device comprising a detection unit for detecting the width and length of a processing medium, a magnetic head for reading magnetic information, and a transport unit for transporting the processing medium, A detection step in which the detection unit detects the width and length of the processing medium, A transport step in which the processing medium is transported to the transport unit so that the magnetic head is positioned at a preset reference position on the processing medium, based on the width and length of the processing medium detected by the detection unit, A reading step in which the magnetic head reads magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe of the processing medium, The procedure involves performing a determination step of determining whether or not the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe has been read by the magnetic head, If the determination step determines that the magnetic information has not been read by the magnetic head, the method for reading information is to repeat the following steps until the determination step determines that the magnetic information has been read: a transport step in which the processing medium is transported to the transport unit so that the reading position of the magnetic head moves by a predetermined distance in the transport direction of the transport unit, and a reading step in which the magnetic head is read by the magnetic head.

6. An image reading unit that reads images optically, A magnetic head that reads magnetic information, A conveying unit that conveys the processing medium in a first direction, A printing unit that prints an image onto the processing medium, The image reading unit reads the image of the processing medium, and the read image of the processing medium is acquired. The read image is analyzed to detect the magnetic stripe formed on the processing medium. The transport unit transports the processing medium in the first direction so that the detected magnetic stripe is positioned at the reading position of the magnetic head. A control unit that performs a process to cause the magnetic head to read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe, A printing device equipped with the following features.

7. A detection unit for detecting the width and length of the processing medium, A magnetic head that reads magnetic information, A transport unit for transporting the processing medium, The detection unit is made to detect the width and length of the processing medium. Based on the width and length of the processing medium detected by the detection unit, the processing medium is transported to the transport unit so that the magnetic head is positioned at a preset reference position on the processing medium. The magnetic head is made to read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe of the processing medium. The system includes a control unit that determines whether or not the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe has been read by the magnetic head, Printing apparatus, wherein if the control unit determines that the magnetic information has not been read by the magnetic head, it causes the transport unit to transport the processing medium so that the reading position of the magnetic head moves by a predetermined distance in the transport direction of the transport unit, and repeats the process of causing the magnetic head to read the magnetic information until it is determined that the magnetic information has been read.

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