Printer, printer control method, and program

Abstract

We provide a printer that more efficiently identifies the optimal antenna position. [Solution] A printer for printing on a printing medium having an RFID tag, comprising: a communication unit for communicating with the RFID tag; and a search unit for searching for a position where communication with the RFID tag is possible by moving the position of the communication unit relative to the RFID tag in the planar direction of the printing medium at predetermined intervals. The search unit has a first mode in which it determines whether or not communication between the communication unit and the RFID tag is successful while moving the position of the communication unit at a first interval; and a second mode in which it determines whether or not communication between the communication unit and the RFID tag is successful while moving the position of the communication unit at a second interval narrower than the first interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer, a control method for a printer, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that transmits and receives information by non-contact communication from an IC chip with identification information written thereon is applied in various fields (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that writes information non-contact to an RFID element and prints on a label paper incorporating the RFID element.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, since the antenna position is specified based on the first position and the last position where communication with the RFID is successful, there are cases where the optimal antenna position cannot be efficiently specified.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems, and an object thereof is to more efficiently specify the optimal antenna position.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printer is provided for reading and writing information to a printing medium having an RFID, comprising: a communication unit that communicates with the RFID; and a control unit that receives radio wave intensity from the RFID while changing the relative position between the RFID and the communication unit, and determines the optimal relative position between the RFID and the communication unit based on a plurality of received radio wave intensity values, wherein the control unit determines the optimal relative position using a weight calculated based on a plurality of radio wave intensity values ​​received from the RFID. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printer can more efficiently determine the optimal antenna position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a control block diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the printing medium. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movable mechanism. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the processes executed by the controller. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the menu screen. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of the best point search process. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of the start screen. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram of the search results display screen. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the search process. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram of the search points in quick mode. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram of the search points in detailed mode. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of search points in detail mode. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram of another example of search points in the detailed mode. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart of the best point determination process. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram showing the acquisition of success or failure information at the point of interest. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart of another embodiment of the best point determination process. [Figure 18] It is an explanatory diagram showing a group of success points in another embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] The printer 1 is of a thermal transfer type that performs printing by heating the ink ribbon R and transferring the ink of the ink ribbon R to the printing medium M. The printing medium M is configured as, for example, a continuous body ML in which a plurality of labels are temporarily attached continuously at a predetermined interval to a strip-shaped backing paper and wound in a roll shape.

[0011] The printing medium M is configured as a RFID medium in which a RFID inlet 110 having an IC chip C and an antenna A conforming to the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) specification is incorporated. Note that the printer 1 can also perform printing on a printing medium that does not have the IC chip C and the antenna A.

[0012] The printer 1 prints variable information such as price, barcode, other product information, management information regarding goods or services, etc. on the printing area of the printing medium M as needed, and writes information corresponding to the variable information into the RFID inlet 110 as electronic data.

[0013] In addition, in this embodiment, as an example of the printing medium M, a label that holds an adhesive on the back surface and can be attached to an object by the adhesive will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be something that is fixed to an object using a fixing part, such as a tag or a list band.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes, for example, a printing mechanism 10, a ribbon supply shaft 20, a ribbon take-up shaft 30, a medium supply shaft 40, a communication unit 50, a movable mechanism 200, an upstream position detection sensor 71, a downstream position detection sensor 72, and a controller 60 as a control unit.

[0015] The printing mechanism 10 includes a head unit 11 and a platen roller 12, and performs printing on the printing medium M and transports the continuous body ML and the ink ribbon R.

[0016] The head unit 11 holds the thermal head 13 in a state where the heating elements of the thermal head 13 are exposed from the lower surface. The platen roller 12 is disposed directly below the thermal head 13 and constitutes a printing unit 15 for printing on the printing medium M together with the thermal head 13.

[0017] The head unit 11 is supported by a support shaft 14 so as to be swingable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1. The head unit 11 can be moved to a head open position where the thermal head 13 is separated from the platen roller 12 and a head close position where the thermal head 13 abuts on the platen roller 12. In FIG. 1, the head unit 11 is in the head close position.

[0018] The ribbon supply shaft 20 holds the ink ribbon R supplied to the printing unit 15 in a roll shape. The ink ribbon R supplied from the ribbon supply shaft 20 to the printing unit 15 is sandwiched between the thermal head 13 and the platen roller 12.

[0019] The media supply shaft 40 holds the continuous material ML supplied to the printing unit 15 in a roll shape. The continuous material ML supplied from the media supply shaft 40 to the printing unit 15 is sandwiched between the thermal head 13 and the platen roller 12 together with the ink ribbon R.

[0020] When the heating element of the thermal head 13 is energized while the printing medium M and ink ribbon R are sandwiched between the thermal head 13 and the platen roller 12, the heat from the heating element transfers the ink from the ink ribbon R to the printing medium M, and printing is performed on the printing medium M. Also, when the platen roller 12 rotates in the forward direction by the platen drive motor (not shown), the continuous material ML and ink ribbon R are transported downstream.

[0021] When the used ink ribbon R rotates due to the gear connection with the platen drive motor, the ribbon winding shaft 30 is wound onto its outer circumference. Furthermore, if the head unit 11 is in the head open position, the ink ribbon R can be fed only by rotating the ribbon winding shaft 30.

[0022] The following describes an ink ribbon transfer type printer 1 using a thermal head 13, but is not limited to this. For example, the printing medium M may be thermal paper, and the printer may use a thermal color development method in which heat is applied by the thermal head 13 to print on the printing medium M.

[0023] The upstream position detection sensor 71 includes a through-type photoelectric sensor and a reflective photoelectric sensor. Position detection eye marks are printed on the continuum ML at predetermined intervals (pitch) corresponding to the printing medium M. The reflective photoelectric sensor detects the relative position of the printing medium M with respect to the printing section 15 by detecting the eye marks. The through-type photoelectric sensor detects the relative position of the printing medium M with respect to the printing section 15 by detecting the gap between the printing medium Ms on the continuum ML.

[0024] The downstream position detection sensor 72 is equipped with a transmissive photoelectric sensor and a reflective photoelectric sensor, and detects the leading position of the continuum ML.

[0025] The upstream position detection sensor 71 and the downstream position detection sensor 72 have a defined relative position to the position of the printing unit 15, more specifically, the position where the thermal head 13 prints on the printing medium M, and where the platen roller 12 and the thermal head 13 grip the continuum ML. By detecting the position of the printing medium M, the upstream position detection sensor 71 and the downstream position detection sensor 72 can detect the relative position of the printing medium M with respect to the printing unit 15. The eye marks for position detection printed on the continuum ML at predetermined intervals (pitch) corresponding to the printing medium M, and the gaps between the printing mediums M on the continuum ML, serve as a reference for setting the position where printing on the printing medium M begins (printing start position).

[0026] The controller 60 receives print instruction data from an external computer, detection signals from the upstream position detection sensor 71 and the downstream position detection sensor 72, etc., via an input / output interface. The controller 60 also controls the supply of power to the heating element of the thermal head 13, the supply of power to each drive motor, the supply of power to the communication unit 50, and communication (reading and writing) with the IC chip C provided in the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M.

[0027] When printing, the controller 60 aligns the position of the printing medium M to be printed on to the printing start position, as shown in Figure 1, and then executes the printing process. The printing start position is set based on the position of the eye mark of the continuum ML.

[0028] The communication unit 50 has an antenna that sends a signal to the IC chip C of the RFID inlet 110 and receives a response to the signal. The printer 1 is equipped with a movable mechanism 200 for moving the antenna, and is configured so that the relative position of the antenna with respect to the RFID inlet 110 can be moved.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the controller 60 in this embodiment.

[0030] The controller 60 is comprised of, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) 51, ROM (read-only memory) 52, RAM (random access memory) 53, transport control circuit 54, printing control circuit 55, paper detection circuit 57, I / O ports 59, and a power supply unit 61. These are interconnected via a bus 65 and are configured to transmit and receive various types of data from each other.

[0031] The CPU 51 is a computer that comprehensively controls the entire controller 60 and causes each part to perform the necessary processing and control by executing programs stored in the ROM 52. The CPU 51 realizes the functions of each part by executing programs stored in the ROM 52. The various programs executed by the CPU 51 may be stored on non-transient recording media such as CD-ROM or non-volatile memory.

[0032] ROM 52 stores the program that the CPU 51 reads and executes. RAM 53 stores various information necessary for the processing executed by the CPU 51, as well as print data, print format, and registration information necessary for printing.

[0033] The transport control circuit 54 controls the drive motor that drives the platen roller 12 according to the instruction signal from the CPU 51, thereby controlling the rotation / stopping of the platen roller 12. This controls the transport of the continuous ML in the paper transport path.

[0034] The printing control circuit 55 generates a printing signal corresponding to the printing data such as characters, graphics, and barcodes to be printed, supplied from the CPU 51, and supplies the generated printing signal to the thermal head 13, thereby printing on the printing medium M.

[0035] The paper detection circuit 57 detects the parts to be detected, such as eye marks and gaps, on the continuous body ML of the paper transport path based on the information acquired by the upstream position detection sensor 71 and the downstream position detection sensor 72, and sends this information to the CPU 51. Based on the information from the paper detection circuit 57, the CPU 51 controls the transport of the continuous body ML and the ink ribbon R by the transport control circuit 54, and also controls the timing of printing by the thermal head 13 to print at the appropriate position on the printing medium M.

[0036] The IO port 59 is connected to the display unit 28 and the input unit 27, and outputs display data supplied from the CPU 51 to the display unit 28. The IO port 59 also sends operation signals to the CPU 51 corresponding to user operations on the input unit 27. The IO port 59 also transmits and receives information with the communication unit 50 and performs communication (reading and writing) with the IC chip C of the RFID inlet 110.

[0037] The display unit 28 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input unit 27 is composed of a touch panel, buttons, DIP switches, a flash memory interface, a wireless / wired communication interface, etc., provided on the display unit 28.

[0038] The power supply unit 61 monitors the operation of the power switch and switches the power supply to each part on and off based on the operation of the power switch, thereby turning the printer 1 on / off.

[0039] The communication unit 50 is configured, for example, with an antenna 151 and a communication controller 152. The antenna 151 communicates with the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M by outputting a radio signal based on the control of the communication controller 152 and receiving a response to this signal. The communication controller 152 controls the power supply to the antenna 151 based on instructions from the controller 60.

[0040] The antenna 151 is configured to be movable in the planar direction of the printing medium M (in the transport direction of the printing medium M and in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction) by the movable mechanism 200. This allows the antenna 151 to be moved to a position corresponding to the position of the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M at the printing start position.

[0041] Next, the printing medium M will be described. Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating the continuum ML containing the printing medium M.

[0042] The continuum ML is composed of, for example, a strip-shaped backing 107 and multiple label pieces (printing media M) temporarily attached to the backing 107.

[0043] On the reverse side of the backing sheet 107, an eye mark 109 for position detection is pre-printed at a position corresponding to the leading edge on the downstream side in the transport direction of the printing medium M. A gap 120 is provided between adjacent printing mediums M.

[0044] The eye mark 109 is printed in a darker color (e.g., black) and in a predetermined rectangular shape compared to the backing paper 107. The upstream position detection sensor 71 can set the printing start position by detecting the position of the eye mark 109, taking advantage of the fact that the eye mark 109 is darker in color than the backing paper 107.

[0045] The gap 120 has high transparency because it is only as thick as the backing paper 107 compared to the area where the printing medium M is present. The upstream position detection sensor 71 and the downstream position detection sensor 72 can set the printing start position by detecting the position of the gap 120, taking advantage of the high transparency of the gap 120.

[0046] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the RFID inlet 110 is located near the center of the transport direction of the printing medium M.

[0047] The RFID inlet 110 is configured, for example, with an IC chip C and an antenna A. The IC chip C of the RFID inlet 110 starts operating when antenna A receives a signal output from antenna 151 of the communication unit 50, and outputs a response to this signal via antenna A.

[0048] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the antenna 151 and the movable mechanism 200 of the communication unit 50 in this embodiment.

[0049] The movable mechanism 200 includes an X-axis moving section 201X and a Y-axis moving section 201Y, which are each composed of a stepping motor and a ball screw, respectively, in the transport direction of the printing medium M (hereinafter also referred to as the "X-axis direction") and in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "Y-axis direction").

[0050] The movable mechanism 200 can move the antenna 151 to any position on the printing medium M by driving the stepping motors of the X-axis movement unit 201X and the Y-axis movement unit 201Y, respectively, based on instructions from the controller 60.

[0051] The X-axis movement section 201X of the movable mechanism 200 is configured to move in 25 steps at 1 mm intervals in the X-axis direction, for example, and the Y-axis movement section 201Y is configured to move in 29 steps at 1 mm intervals in the Y-axis direction. The antenna 151 can move to each point in a grid consisting of 25 × 29 steps within a preset search range, for example.

[0052] The operation of the printer 1 configured as described above will now be explained. In this embodiment, the printer 1 reads and writes data recorded in the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M, and also prints on the printing medium M.

[0053] Here, the position of the RFID inlet 110 on the printing medium M may differ due to variations in the manufacturing plant of the continuous material ML and differences in specifications among manufacturers. In response to this, the position of the antenna 151 can be adjusted by the movable mechanism 200 so that when the printing medium M is in the printing start position, the position of the antenna 151 corresponds to the position of the RFID inlet 110.

[0054] Conventionally, the movable mechanism 200 was manually moved to a communication-enabled position by monitoring the communication status with the RFID inlet 110. With this method, the antenna 151 had to be moved every time the continuous ML of the printing medium M was replaced. Furthermore, even if communication between the antenna 151 and the RFID inlet 110 was successful, it did not necessarily mean that the antenna 151 was set to the optimal communication position.

[0055] In this embodiment, the system is configured to search for the "communication position," which is the best point for the antenna 151, based on the success or failure of communication with the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M, and then move the antenna 151 to the "communication position" obtained based on the search results. The best point indicates the communication position of the antenna 151 that is estimated to be optimal for the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M at the printing start position, and is determined by the process described below.

[0056] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the process performed by the controller 60 in this embodiment. First, the controller 60 displays a menu screen (see Figure 6) on the display unit 28 and waits for user input (step S10). When the controller 60 detects that the user has entered an instruction via the input unit 27, it proceeds to step S20.

[0057] In step S20, the controller 60 determines whether the user has selected "New Search" on the menu screen shown in Figure 6. If "New Search" is selected, the process proceeds to step S50. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0058] In step S30, the controller 60 determines whether the user has selected "Past History Information" on the menu screen shown in Figure 6. If "Past History Information" is selected, the process proceeds to step S50. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S40.

[0059] Past history information refers to information about the best point determined by the best point search process in the past (e.g., label type, RFID inlet type, coordinates of the best point, antenna signal strength, etc.), which can be read from the recording area and reused. For example, if a continuum ML is changed to another type and then returned to the original continuum ML, the best point search process can be shortened by reusing the information about the best point on the printing medium M of the original continuum ML.

[0060] In step S40, the controller 60 determines whether the user has selected a distribution file (tag model information) on the menu screen shown in Figure 6. If a distribution file is selected, the process proceeds to step S50. Otherwise, the process returns to step S10 and is repeated.

[0061] The distribution file, provided at the time of factory shipment of the continuum ML, contains information regarding the best point as tag model information for the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M of the continuum ML (e.g., label type, RFID inlet type, coordinates of the best point (X-axis position, Y-axis position), antenna radio wave output strength (write strength, read strength), etc.). The user can shorten the best point search process by storing the distribution file in the storage area of ​​the printer 1 via a memory card or wireless communication, and obtaining the best point information from the distribution file.

[0062] If a new search is selected in step S20, if historical information is selected in step S30, or if a distribution file is selected in step S40, the process proceeds to step S50 to execute a best-point search process that searches for the best position of the antenna 151 relative to the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M. Details of the best-point search process will be described later in Figure 7.

[0063] After the best point search process in step S50, the controller 60 acquires the best point of the antenna 151 as the "communication position". At this time, the radio wave output strength of the antenna 151 at the best point is also acquired. The controller 60 associates the acquired "communication position" and "radio wave output strength" and temporarily stores them in the memory area of ​​the RAM 53 (step S60).

[0064] Next, the process moves to step S70, where the controller 60 uses the movable mechanism 200 to move the antenna 151 to the optimal "communication position". At this time, the radio wave output strength of the antenna 151 may be set.

[0065] This process moves the antenna 151 to the best possible position, thereby setting the antenna 151 to the most appropriate location for communication with the RFID inlet 110.

[0066] Figure 6 shows the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28 in step S10. The menu screen displays, for example, a "New Search" key for selecting "Execute New Search," a "Past History Information" key for selecting "Past History Information," a "Distribution File" key for selecting "Distribution File," and information on the currently set antenna 151. The "New Search" key also includes a selection key to choose between quick mode and detailed mode for the search mode. The search modes are explained in Figure 7.

[0067] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the best point search process in this embodiment, showing the details of the process in step S50 of Figure 6.

[0068] When a new search is selected by the user, the search unit executes the process shown in this flowchart. The search unit is a hypothetical configuration in which the controller 60 reads a program stored in ROM 52 or the like to search for the best point.

[0069] First, the search unit displays a start screen (see Figure 8) on the display unit 28, which shows the current position of the antenna 151, the radio wave output strength, etc. (step S110).

[0070] The search unit determines whether the user has pressed the start key on the start screen (step S120). If the start key has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S190, where the controller 60 determines whether the user has pressed the cancel key on the start screen.

[0071] If the cancel key is pressed, the process according to this flowchart ends and the process returns to step S10 in Figure 5. If the cancel key is not pressed, the process returns to step S110 and is repeated.

[0072] If the input unit 27 detects that the start key has been pressed in step S120, the search unit proceeds to step S130, where the movable mechanism 200 moves the antenna 151 to a predetermined position and executes a search process to determine whether communication with the RFID inlet 110 has been successful. Details of the search process are explained in the flowchart of Figure 10.

[0073] The printer 1 of this embodiment has two search modes: "Quick Mode (First Mode)" and "Detailed Mode (Second Mode)". "Quick Mode" is a mode that performs processing faster (in a shorter time) by reducing the number of search points (making them sparse). "Detailed Mode" is a mode that takes more time than Quick Mode, but performs a more detailed search by increasing the number of search points as much as possible (making them dense).

[0074] The user selects which mode to use for the search via the menu screen shown in Figure 6.

[0075] Next, the process moves to step S140, where the search unit performs a best point determination process to determine the best point for the RFID inlet 110 based on the processing results of S130. The details of the best point determination process are explained in the flowchart in Figure 10.

[0076] After the best point determination process, the system proceeds to step S150, where the search unit displays the results of the best point determination process, namely the location of the best point and the radio wave output strength at the best point, on the search result display screen (see Figure 9).

[0077] Next, the search unit determines whether the user has pressed the re-search key on the search results display screen (step S160). If the re-search key has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S170, where the controller 60 determines whether the user has pressed the exit key on the search results display screen. If the exit key has not been pressed, the process returns to step S160.

[0078] If the exit key is pressed, the process according to this flowchart ends and the system returns to the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0079] Figure 8 shows the start screen displayed on the display unit 28 in step S110. The start screen displays, for example, the current position of the antenna 151 (X axis, Y axis), the size of the RFID inlet 110, and the radio wave output strength of the signal output by the antenna 151. A default value (recommended value) for the radio wave output strength is pre-set, but increase and decrease keys are provided so that the radio wave output strength can be varied by the user. Furthermore, the start screen also has, for example, a cancel key and a start key.

[0080] Figure 9 shows the search result display screen displayed on the display unit 28 in step S150 of Figure 7.

[0081] The search results display screen shows, for example, the location of the best point of antenna 151, unique information of RFID inlet 110, the radio output signal of antenna 151, and the radio signal strength (RSSI value) of RFID inlet 110. The RSSI value is shown, for example, by a bar graph, and the color of the graph changes depending on the strength of the signal. Furthermore, the search results display screen has, for example, an exit key and a re-search key.

[0082] The user can refer to the search results screen and perform a re-search if necessary. For example, if the RSSI value is determined to be higher or lower than the desired value, the user can operate the re-search key to return to the start screen in Figure 8 and manually change the radio wave output strength of antenna 151.

[0083] Furthermore, the search result display screen shown in Figure 9 may be configured to display information at a search point in real time on the display unit 28 each time the success or failure of communication at a search point is determined in the process described below.

[0084] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the search process in step S130 of Figure 7.

[0085] The search unit initializes the system after transferring information such as the success or failure of the search point and radio wave output strength, currently stored in the memory area, to the area where past history information is stored (step S210). At this point, the search unit moves the antenna 151 to the home position using the movable mechanism 200. The home position can be set, for example, to the starting end of the X-axis and the center of the Y-axis (for example, search point D in Figures 11 and 12).

[0086] Next, the system moves to step S220, where the search unit attempts to communicate with the RFID inlet 110 at the current search point (home position in the first search) and determines whether the communication is successful. If communication with the RFID inlet 110 is successful, the system obtains the radio wave output strength of the antenna 151 at the current search point and the radio wave strength (RSSI value) received from the RFID inlet 110, and records information such as the coordinate position of the search point, the success or failure of the communication, the radio wave output strength, and the RSSI value into the recording area of ​​the RAM 53.

[0087] Next, the process moves to step S230, where the search unit moves the antenna 151 in the X-axis direction (for example, arrow E in Figure 11) to the next search point. In detailed mode, the interval between search points can be set to be small, while in quick mode, the interval between search points can be set to be larger than in detailed mode.

[0088] Next, the process moves to step S240, where the search unit determines whether it has reached the end of the search points in the X-axis direction. If it has reached the end of the X-axis direction, the process moves to step S250, where the search unit moves the antenna 151 to the search point in the Y-axis direction (for example, arrow F in Figure 11). If the search has already been completed, the antenna may be moved to the next adjacent search point (arrow G in Figure 11).

[0089] Next, the process moves to step S260, where the search unit determines whether the success or failure of communication has been determined at all search points within the pre-set search range for the printing medium M. That is, the search unit determines whether the success or failure of communication has been determined at the search points pre-set in the Y-axis and X-axis directions. If it determines that it has not been completed, the process returns to step S220, and for example, the search points are moved in the X-axis direction, and the determination is made one by one.

[0090] Once the success or failure of communication at all search points has been determined, the process using this flowchart ends, and the process returns to the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0091] The search unit performs a search process to determine whether communication between the RFID inlet 110 and the antenna 151 is successful or not at multiple search points within a pre-set search range for the printing medium M.

[0092] Figure 11 shows an example of successful or unsuccessful communication at a search point in quick mode, and Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of successful or unsuccessful communication at a search point in detailed mode. In the figures, X indicates a search point where communication failed (failure point), and ○ indicates a search point where communication was successful (success point).

[0093] In the quick mode shown in Figure 11, for example, a grid of 35 search points (7 points in the X-axis direction and 5 points in the Y-axis direction) can be set within a pre-set search range for the printing medium M. In contrast, in the detailed mode shown in Figure 12, for example, a grid of 300 search points (20 points in the X-axis direction and 15 points in the Y-axis direction) can be set within a pre-set search range for the printing medium M.

[0094] In quick mode, the search process can be performed quickly by widening the spacing between search points and placing fewer (sparser) search points. On the other hand, in detailed mode, the accuracy of the search results can be improved by narrowing the spacing between search points and placing more (dense) search points.

[0095] In the examples in Figures 11 and 12, the search begins at search point D, which is the home position, and moves along the X-axis from the start to the end, as shown by arrow E. When the end of the X-axis is reached, the search moves to the next search point along the Y-axis, as shown by arrow F. Then, the search returns along the X-axis from the end to the start, and when the start of the X-axis is reached, as shown by arrow G, the search moves to the next search point, skipping the home position along the Y-axis, and then moves along the X-axis from the end to the start.

[0096] In this way, for example, the search unit can determine the success or failure of communication at each search point on a two-dimensional plane by moving the antenna 151 from its home position in a spiral pattern in the X-axis and Y-axis directions (spiral type).

[0097] Note that the search operation for search points is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 11 and 12. Figures 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams showing other examples of the search operation for search points.

[0098] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the home position can be set to the ends of the X and Y axes (search point Q), and the search can be performed by moving in the direction of the X axis from search point Q, then moving to the side of the Y axis at the end of the X axis, and then returning to the X axis to perform the search again (zigzag type).

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the home position is set to the starting point of the X-axis and the center of the Y-axis (search point D). The search is performed by moving in the direction of the X-axis from this search point D, moving next to the Y-axis at the end of the X-axis, and then moving back in the direction of the X-axis, moving in a spiral pattern as described above (region H). Next, the Y-axis is moved upwards, and the search is performed by moving in the direction of the X-axis, moving next to the Y-axis at the end of the X-axis, and then moving back in the direction of the X-axis, performing the search in a zigzag pattern (region I). Once the end of the Y-axis is reached, the search may be performed in the region on the opposite side of region H (region J) and similarly in a zigzag pattern (combined type). Alternatively, the home position may be set to the center of the X-axis and Y-axis. In this way, the search unit can determine the best point by changing the home position and combining the above-described multiple search operations.

[0100] Furthermore, if the RFID inlet 110 on the printing medium M shown in Figure 3 is located towards the leading or trailing end of the printing medium M, the best point may not be found within the search range set by the search points shown in Figures 11 and 12. In such cases, the search range may be moved by feeding the printing medium M in the transport direction or by backfeeding it, and the best point may be identified by executing the processes S130 to S140 in Figure 7.

[0101] Figure 15 is a flowchart of the best point determination process in step S140 of Figure 7.

[0102] In this embodiment, the best point determination process calculates a "score" for each search point based on the success or failure of communication information at each search point. The search point with the highest score is determined as the optimal communication position (best point) for the antenna 151 to the RFID inlet 110.

[0103] The score is calculated by, for example, referring to the success or failure of communication information of surrounding search points for each search point, and processing it as follows:

[0104] In step S310, the search unit acquires communication success / failure information for the search points currently stored in the memory area and arranges it on a two-dimensional plane (see Figure 16). The search unit sets, for example, any one search point as a "point of interest".

[0105] Next, the process moves to step S320, where the search unit determines whether the point of interest is a success point or not. If it is a failure point, the process moves to step S450, where "0" is added to the score of the point of interest to update the score. After that, the process moves to step S390.

[0106] If the search unit determines in step S320 that it is a successful point, it proceeds to step S330 to obtain success / failure information for search points adjacent to the point of interest. As an example, it obtains success / failure information for the search point directly above the point of interest (indicated by the black circle) shown in Figure 16.

[0107] The search unit proceeds to step S340 to determine whether the adjacent point obtained in step S330 is a success point. If it is a failure point, the search unit proceeds to step S460 and updates the score.

[0108] If the search unit determines in step S340 that it is a success point, it proceeds to step S350 and updates the score by adding a positive value (for example, "+1") to the score of the point of interest.

[0109] Next, the search unit proceeds to step S360, where it selects another search point that is further adjacent to the adjacent point selected in step S330. As an example, it acquires communication success / failure information for the search point located to the right of the point of interest shown in Figure 16 (to the lower right of the aforementioned adjacent point of interest). That is, as shown in Figure 16, it acquires success / failure information while moving the search points in a spiral pattern around the point of interest.

[0110] Here, the search unit determines whether another search point is the "outermost" point (step S370). The "outermost" point is the outermost search point in the set of search points, and in Figure 16, it indicates the upper or lower end in the X-axis direction, or the right or left end in the Y-axis direction.

[0111] If the search unit finds another search point at the outermost perimeter, it proceeds to step S380. If it does not find another search point at the outermost perimeter, it returns to step S340 and repeats the process of determining whether the other search point is a success point or not. If it is a failure point, the search unit proceeds to step S460 and updates the score. In other words, the search unit records the number of success points up to the appearance of a failure point. If it is a success point, the search unit proceeds to step S350 and adds a positive value (+1) to the score of the point of interest.

[0112] If another search point is on the outermost edge, the search unit proceeds to step S380 and updates the score by subtracting from the score of the point of interest (adding a negative value (e.g., "-0.2") to the score). The reason for subtracting from the score is to control the system so that the score of points closer to the center is higher, because if the point of interest is close to the edge of the printing medium M, there are fewer success points in the surrounding area.

[0113] Next, in step S390, the search unit changes the point of interest to another search point. Specifically, it sets the search point adjacent to the point of interest set in step S310 in the X-axis direction as the point of interest. If the point of interest is at the end of the X-axis direction, it sets the search point adjacent to it in the Y-axis direction as the point of interest.

[0114] Next, the search unit proceeds to step S400 and determines whether the aforementioned processing has been performed for all points of interest. If the processing for all points has not been completed, it returns to step S320 and repeats the process.

[0115] If the search unit has processed all search points as points of interest, it proceeds to step S410 to select the "best point" with the highest score from among the search points. If there are multiple best points with the same score, for example, the best point closest to the pre-set home position is selected. Alternatively, the point with the higher RSSI value may be selected as the best point. Alternatively, the best point closest to the current position of antenna 151 may be selected.

[0116] In this way, a search unit is configured, which is a hypothetical configuration that calculates the best position for antenna 151 based on communication success / failure information at multiple search points.

[0117] In this embodiment, when the printing medium M is considered as a two-dimensional plane, a score is calculated for each search point set on the two-dimensional plane by selecting surrounding search points in a spiral pattern and weighting them. The score of a search point is weighted higher the more success points there are around it. In other words, the search point with the highest score, that is, the search point with the largest area occupied by success points around it, is considered the best point.

[0118] By determining the optimal point in this way, it is possible to determine the communication position of the antenna 151 that is optimal for communication with the RFID inlet 110.

[0119] As shown in Figure 15, the search unit calculates a score by weighting it based on whether or not it is a success point. However, it may also be configured to calculate the best score by adding the strength of the RSSI value at the success point as a weight to the score.

[0120] In this embodiment, the printer 1 used to set the best point of the antenna 151 may be a different printer from the printer 1 used to perform each process. For example, the best point of the antenna 151 can be determined in advance at a factory or service center using a continuum ML for best point setting, and prepared as a distribution file. Then, in the menu screen shown in Figure 6, the distribution file can be stored in the RAM 53 of the printer 1 installed at the usage location, and with a continuum ML of the same specifications loaded, it can be used to search for the position of the antenna 151 or set as the best point directly.

[0121] In step S360 of the best point determination process, the search does not necessarily have to be spiral-shaped; other search operations may be performed. For example, the score may be set while moving the Y-axis to which the point of interest belongs one step at a time in the X-axis direction, and when it reaches the end of the Y-axis, it may move to the next Y-axis, and this may be repeated. Alternatively, the movement may be rectangular in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0122] Figure 17 is a flowchart of the best point determination process in another embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 15 described above, the best point is determined by weighting the search point that occupies the largest area of ​​successful points on the two-dimensional plane of the printing medium M.

[0123] In contrast, in another embodiment shown in Figure 17, a set of successful points is captured as a two-dimensional image, and a group of successful points is extracted. The group of successful points with the largest area is selected from this group, and the center point of the selected group of successful points is designated as the best point.

[0124] In the flowchart of Figure 17, when the best point determination process is started, first, in step S510, the search unit acquires all the communication success / failure information for the search points currently stored in the memory area and places it on a two-dimensional plane.

[0125] Next, the search unit determines whether there are enough success points.

[0126] For example, if there are no adjacent success points, or if the number of success points is less than 10% of the total number of search points, or if the success points do not meet the pre-set criteria, it is determined that there are not enough success points. In this case, the process proceeds to step S560, where the search unit displays on the display unit 28 that it is not possible to calculate the best point based on the success / failure information of the current search points, and terminates the process according to this flowchart.

[0127] If it is determined that there are enough success points, the process proceeds to step S530, where the search unit extracts a set of success points where adjacent success points exist as a "success point group".

[0128] Next, the process moves to step S540, where the search unit selects the largest success point group if multiple success point groups have been extracted. The largest success point group is the success point group with the most success points, i.e., the success point group with the largest area.

[0129] Next, the process moves to step S550, where the search unit determines the best point as the center coordinates of the largest selected set of success points, or more specifically, the center point (centroid) when the set of success points is considered as a two-dimensional plane. This method also makes it possible to determine the best point from the acquired set of success points.

[0130] Figure 18 shows a success point cluster in another embodiment.

[0131] The example shown in Figure 18 illustrates a case where three success point groups (success point group S, success point group T, and success point group U) have been extracted. The search unit selects success point group S, which has the largest area. The search unit then searches for the center coordinates of success point group S and determines the center point as the best point.

[0132] As described above, according to this embodiment, the printer 1 prints on a printing medium M having an RFID inlet 110 and comprises a communication unit 50 that communicates with the RFID inlet 110, and a search unit that moves the position of the communication unit 50 relative to the RFID inlet 110 and searches for a position where communication with the RFID inlet 110 is possible. The search unit is configured to determine whether communication between the RFID inlet 110 and the communication unit 50 is successful at multiple positions relative to the RFID inlet 110, and to identify the communication position between the RFID inlet 110 and the communication unit 50 based on a region that includes multiple positions where communication is determined to be successful.

[0133] According to this, the communication position with the communication unit 50 is determined based on an area that includes multiple locations where communication with the RFID inlet 110 was successful. This allows the antenna 151 to be set to the most appropriate position for communication with the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M at the printing start position. Therefore, it becomes possible to efficiently determine the optimal communication position with the RFID inlet 110 depending on the type of RFID inlet 110 embedded in the printing medium M and individual differences in the printer 1 that prints on the printing medium M.

[0134] Furthermore, the search unit sets the search point that occupies the most success points in its vicinity as the communication location within a region that includes multiple locations where communication with the RFID inlet 110 has been successful. This makes it possible to efficiently identify the optimal communication location with the RFID inlet 110, depending on the type of RFID inlet 110 embedded in the printing medium M and individual differences in the printer 1 that prints on the printing medium M.

[0135] Furthermore, the search unit moves the antenna 151 of the communication unit 50 in a spiral or rectangular shape from a preset position to search for a position where communication with the RFID inlet 110 is possible. This makes it possible to efficiently identify the optimal communication position with the RFID inlet 110 depending on the type of RFID inlet 110 embedded in the printing medium M and individual differences in the printer 1 that prints on the printing medium M.

[0136] Furthermore, the search unit assigns greater weight to locations where communication was successful, based on the number of adjacent locations where successful communication was determined. Based on this weighting, it identifies the communication location between the RFID inlet 110 and the communication unit 50. This makes it possible to efficiently identify the optimal communication location with the RFID inlet 110, depending on the type of RFID inlet 110 embedded in the printing medium M and individual differences in the printer 1 that prints on the printing medium M.

[0137] Furthermore, the search unit stores the communication location (information of the best point) between the identified RFID inlet 110 and the communication unit 50, and uses the stored communication location (information of the best point included in past history information or tag model information) to set the communication location of the communication unit 50. This makes it possible to efficiently identify the optimal communication location with the RFID inlet 110, for example, even when the printing medium M is replaced with another type.

[0138] Furthermore, the search unit extracts the area of ​​a region containing multiple locations where communication was successful, and identifies the communication location between the RFID inlet 110 and the communication unit 50 based on the center coordinates of the region with the largest area. This allows for the efficient identification of the optimal communication location with the RFID inlet 110 by setting the best point from the set of successful points.

[0139] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be applied, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention includes the following embodiments. Embodiment 1 A printer that prints on a printing medium having RFID, A communication unit that communicates with the RFID, The system includes a search unit that moves the position of the communication unit relative to the RFID and searches for a position where communication with the RFID is possible, The search unit, The success or failure of communication between the RFID and the communication unit is determined at multiple locations relative to the RFID, and the communication location between the RFID and the communication unit is identified based on the region including the multiple locations where the communication was determined to be successful. Printer. Embodiment 2 The printer according to Embodiment 1, The search unit moves the communication unit in a spiral or rectangular shape from a predetermined position to search for a position where communication with the RFID is possible. Printer. Embodiment 3 The printer according to Embodiment 2, The search unit identifies the communication location between the RFID and the communication unit based on a weighting system that increases the weight of locations where successful communication was determined to occur in adjacent locations, among a plurality of locations where successful communication was determined to occur. Printer. The printer according to Embodiment 2, The search unit identifies the center of the region containing multiple locations where the communication was determined to have been successful as the communication location between the RFID and the communication unit. Printer. Embodiment 5 A printer according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, The search unit, The communication location between the identified RFID and the communication unit is stored, and the communication location with the communication unit is identified based on the stored communication location. Printer. Embodiment 6 A printer according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, The search unit extracts the area of ​​a region that includes multiple locations where the communication was determined to have been successful, and identifies the communication location between the RFID and the communication unit based on the center of the region with the largest area. Printer. Embodiment 7 A method for controlling a printer that prints on a printing medium having RFID, The printer comprises a communication unit that communicates with the RFID, and a search unit that moves the position of the communication unit relative to the RFID and searches for a position where communication with the RFID is possible. The success or failure of communication between the RFID and the communication unit is determined at multiple locations relative to the RFID. Based on the region including multiple locations where the communication was determined to have been successful, the communication location between the RFID and the communication unit is identified. How to control the printer. Embodiment 8 A program executable by the computer of a printer that prints on a printing medium having RFID, The printer comprises a communication unit that communicates with the RFID, and a search unit that moves the position of the communication unit relative to the RFID and searches for a position where communication with the RFID is possible. The success or failure of communication between the RFID and the communication unit is determined at multiple locations relative to the RFID. Based on the region including multiple locations where the communication was determined to have been successful, the communication location between the RFID and the communication unit is identified. A program that causes the computer to execute a procedure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1. Printer 10 Printing mechanism 11 Head Unit 12 Platen Roller 13 Thermal Head 14 Support shaft 15 Printing section 20 Ribbon supply shafts 27 Input section 28 Display section 30 Ribbon winding shafts 40 Media supply shaft 50 Communications Department 51 CPU 52 ROM 53 RAM 54 Transport control circuit 55 Printing control circuit 57 Paper detection circuit 59 I / O ports 60 Controllers 61 Power supply section 65 Bus 71 Upstream position detection sensor 72 Downstream position detection sensor 107 Mounting board 109 Eye Mark 110 RFID Inlet 120 gap 151 Antenna 152 Communication Controller 200 Movable mechanism 201X X-axis moving part 201Y Y-axis moving part A Antenna C IC chip M Print media ML continuum

Claims

1. A printer that reads and writes information to a printing medium having RFID, A communication unit that communicates with the RFID, The system includes a control unit that receives radio wave intensity from the RFID while changing the relative position between the RFID and the communication unit, and determines the optimal relative position between the RFID and the communication unit based on a plurality of received radio wave intensity values, The control unit determines the optimal relative position using weights calculated based on the multiple radio wave intensities received from the RFID. Printer.

2. A printer according to claim 1, The control unit performs the weighting based on the strengths and weaknesses of multiple radio wave intensities received from the RFID. Printer.

3. A printer according to claim 1, The control unit receives a first radio wave intensity from the RFID at a first relative position, and receives one or more second radio wave intensity from the RFID at one or more second relative positions adjacent to the first relative position. The weighting is performed based on the first radio wave intensity and one or more second radio wave intensity values. Printer.

4. A printer according to claim 1, The control unit determines whether communication with the RFID is successful at a first relative position, and determines whether communication with the RFID is successful at one or more second relative positions adjacent to the first relative position. Based on the success or failure of communication at the first relative position and one or more of the second relative positions, the optimal relative position is determined. Printer.

5. A printer according to claim 1, The control unit determines whether communication with the RFID is successful at a first relative position, and determines whether communication with the RFID is successful at one or more second relative positions adjacent to the first relative position. Among the multiple first relative positions where communication was successful, the first relative position with the largest number of second relative positions where communication was successful is identified as the optimal relative position. Printer.

6. A method for controlling a printer that reads and writes information to a printing medium having RFID, The printer comprises a communication unit that communicates with the RFID, and a control unit that receives radio wave intensity from the RFID while changing the relative position between the RFID and the communication unit, and determines the optimal relative position between the RFID and the communication unit based on a plurality of received radio wave intensity values. The optimal relative position is determined using a weight calculated based on the multiple radio wave intensities received from the RFID. How to control the printer.

7. A computer program executable by a printer that reads and writes information to a printing medium having RFID, The printer comprises a communication unit that communicates with the RFID, and a control unit that receives radio wave intensity from the RFID while changing the relative position between the RFID and the communication unit, and determines the optimal relative position between the RFID and the communication unit based on a plurality of received radio wave intensity values. The procedure involves causing the computer to perform a step to determine the optimal relative position using weights calculated based on multiple radio wave intensities received from the RFID. program.

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