Printers and Printing Systems

Abstract

To provide a printer and a printing system which can obtain images including a re-printed image arrayed in the printing data order on a continuous sheet in a constitution in which re-printing of the image whose printing result does not satisfy the standard is performed.SOLUTION: A series of images of a plurality of pieces of printing data are printed on one label L for each image in the printing data order while a continuous sheet P is conveyed in the feeding direction. In parallel with this, the images on the label L are read by a CIS unit 23. When a printing result determined from the read image data is "NG" which means that the printing result does not satisfy the standard, not only the defective image that does not satisfy the standard but also a disposal object image being printed or has been printed located upstream in the feeding direction with respect to the defective image are re-printed on the new label L in the printing data order. A VOID image is printed over an NG label L' printed with the defective image and the label L printed with the disposal object image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to printers and printing systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, one type of printer is known which uses roll paper made of a long continuous paper (backing paper) wound into a roll and prints images on labels (printing areas) arranged in a line along the length of the continuous paper.

[0003] In one example of this type of printer, a scanner is provided, which reads the image printed on the label, and the quality of the print result is judged from the read image data. If the print result is judged to be defective, the continuous paper is rewound and an invalid mark is printed over the image judged to be defective in order to notify the user of the defective print result. The continuous paper is then fed again, and the image judged to be defective is reprinted on the continuous paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-160981 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, if serial numbers are printed on labels in numerical order, when the print result of an image containing serial number "N" (N: an integer equal to or greater than 1) is determined to be defective, an image containing serial numbers "N+1" and after is already printed on the label located between the scanner and the print head. Therefore, if an invalid mark is printed on the label with the image containing serial number "N" printed on it, and then the continuous paper is fed until a blank label reaches the printing position of the print head, and an image containing serial number "N" is reprinted on the blank label, the serial numbers printed on the labels will no longer be consecutive from the downstream side in the feed direction of the continuous paper, making it difficult for users to find the label with the image containing serial number "N" printed on it.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a printer and printing system in which images relating to a series of multiple print data are printed individually in a printing area and images whose print results do not meet a standard are reprinted, resulting in images, including the reprinted images, arranged in the order of the print data on a continuous sheet of paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the printer of the present invention comprises a transport unit that transports continuous paper having a plurality of print areas arranged in the direction in which the print areas are arranged, a printing unit that prints images in the print areas of the continuous paper transported in one direction of the arrangement direction by the transport unit, and a control unit, and the control unit causes the printing unit to perform a series of printings in which images related to a series of a plurality of print data are printed in one print area for each image in the order of the print data, and when the images printed in the print areas are read by a reading unit provided downstream in one direction from the printing unit, and the print result determined from the image data read by the reading unit does not satisfy a standard, causes the printing unit to interrupt the series of printings, and to re-print, in a new print area located upstream in one direction from the printing position by the printing unit, in the order of the print data, an image of the print data corresponding to a defective image whose print result does not satisfy the standard, and an image of the print data corresponding to an image to be discarded that is being printed or has been printed in a print area located upstream in one direction from the print area in which the defective image is printed, and causes the printing unit to overwrite and print a specific image in the print area in which the defective image and the image to be discarded are printed.

[0008] According to this configuration, in the continuous printing, the continuous paper is transported in one direction of the arrangement direction of the printing areas, and images related to a series of multiple print data are printed in one printing area in the order of the print data. In parallel with the continuous printing, the image in the printing area is read by a reading unit provided downstream in one direction with respect to the printing unit. Then, if the print result determined from the image data read by the reading unit does not meet the standard, not only the image of the print data corresponding to the defective image that does not meet the standard, but also the image of the print data corresponding to the discarded image that is being printed or has been printed upstream of the defective image are reprinted in a new printing area in the order of the print data. In addition, a specific image is printed by overwriting in the printing area where the defective image and the discarded image are printed. As a result, the defective image and the discarded image are no longer images related to the print data. As a result, images arranged in the order of the print data can be obtained on the continuous paper. It should be noted that the present invention can be realized not only in the form of a printer, but also in the form of a printing system including a printer and a specific image printer, for example. In this case, the printer is equipped with a transport unit that transports the continuous paper having multiple printing areas lined up in the arrangement direction of the printing areas, a printing unit that prints an image in the printing area of ​​the continuous paper transported in one direction of the arrangement direction by the transport unit, and a control unit, and the control unit causes the printing unit to perform a series of printings in which images related to a series of multiple print data are printed in one printing area for each image in the order of the print data, and the control unit causes the printing unit to interrupt the series of printings in the case where the images printed in the printing areas are read by a reading unit provided downstream in one direction from the printing unit, and the printing result determined from the image data read by the reading unit does not satisfy the standard, causes the printing unit to interrupt the series of printings and re-print, in a new printing area located upstream in one direction from the printing position by the printing unit, in the order of the print data, an image of the print data corresponding to the defective image whose print result does not satisfy the standard, and an image of the print data corresponding to the discarded image being printed or already printed in the printing area located upstream in one direction from the printing area in which the defective image was printed, and the specific image printer overwrites the specific image in the printing area in which the defective image and the discarded image are printed. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, in a configuration in which images relating to a series of multiple print data are printed individually in a print area and images whose print results do not meet a standard are reprinted, it is possible to obtain images, including the reprinted images, arranged in the order of the print data on a continuous sheet of paper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view diagrammatically illustrating a configuration of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of the electrical configuration of the label printer. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a printing process. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of an inspection process. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a label printer, in which (a) shows the state when printing of the print data for the sixth page has been completed, and (b) shows the state in which the continuous paper is being transported in the retracting direction for VOID printing. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of the label printer, and FIG. 10C shows the state after VOID printing has been performed. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the elapsed time and the number of printed sheets in each of the cases where VOID printing is performed every time an NG judgment is made and where VOID printing is performed collectively. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] <Overall configuration of label printer> 1, the label printer 1 is a device that prints an image on a long continuous sheet of paper P. The printed continuous sheet of paper P is discharged from a discharge opening 12 formed on a side of a housing 11 that forms the outer shell of the label printer 1.

[0013] For the purposes of the following explanation, the front, back, left and right of the label printer 1 are defined as follows: the side where the discharge outlet 12 is formed is defined as the front, the front side is defined as the front side of the label printer 1, and the rear side is defined as the rear side of the label printer 1; the left and right sides when the label printer 1 is viewed from the front side are defined based on the left and right states of the label printer 1. Additionally, the top and bottom are defined when the label printer 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 1 is a cross section of the label printer 1 cut along a cutting line extending in the front-to-rear direction, viewed from the right side.

[0014] The continuous paper P may be die-cut paper with labels L (an example of a print area) attached in a line in the length direction on a long backing paper, or it may be non-fixed length paper (continuous paper) on which a base image that sets print areas at regular intervals has already been printed on the printing surface of a long plain paper, or it may be non-fixed length paper made of plain paper on which no base image has been printed. In die-cut paper, the printing surface opposite the adhesive surface of each label L is the print area. In the following, we will take the example of the continuous paper P being die-cut paper.

[0015] The outlet 12 is a rectangular opening extending in the left-right direction, and connects the inside and outside of the housing 11 with each other.

[0016] A roll holder 13 is provided within the housing 11, which holds the continuous paper P in the form of a roll R. When in the form of a roll R, the continuous paper P is wound around a roll core with the printed surface facing outward. The roll holder 13 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the roll R is held by the roll holder 13 as the roll core is fitted onto the outside of the roll holder 13.

[0017] Additionally, within the housing 11, a direction-changing roller 14 is provided above and behind the roll holder 13. A transport path 15 along which the continuous paper P is transported is provided in front of the direction-changing roller 14. The transport path 15 extends from a position above the direction-changing roller 14 toward the front, and its front end is connected to the discharge opening 12. The continuous paper P is pulled out from the roll R toward the rear side of the direction-changing roller 14, and has its direction changed to the front by being made to follow the circumferential surface of the direction-changing roller 14, and is passed through the transport path 15 toward the discharge opening 12.

[0018] A transport roller 16 (an example of a transport section) that transports the continuous paper P is provided on the transport path 15. The transport roller 16 is disposed in front of and spaced apart from the direction changing roller 14. In addition, a transport roller 17 (an example of a transport section) is disposed behind the discharge port 12 and in front of and spaced apart from the transport roller 16.

[0019] With the continuous paper P passing between the rollers of the transport rollers 16, the power generated by the forward rotation of the motor M (see FIG. 2) is transmitted to the transport rollers 16, causing the transport rollers 16 to rotate, transporting the continuous paper P in the feed direction toward the discharge outlet 12 along the transport path 15, which is one of the arrangement directions of the labels L. The transmission path of the driving force of the motor M is also connected to the roll holder 13 (an example of a transport section). The power generated by the reverse rotation of the motor M is transmitted to the roll holder 13, causing the roll holder 13 to rotate in the opposite direction to when the continuous paper P is transported in the feed direction, and the roll R rotates integrally with the roll holder 13, transporting the continuous paper P in the pull-back direction opposite to the feed direction.

[0020] Furthermore, when the continuous paper P transported by the transport rollers 16 decelerates or stops, the roll holder 13 is driven in normal or reverse rotation by the driving force of the motor M so as to adjust the inertial force acting on the roll R. The direction changing roller 14 is configured to apply tension to the continuous paper P between the roll holder 13 and the transport rollers 16, and a mechanism for detecting the magnitude of the tension of the continuous paper P is provided in association with the direction changing roller 14.

[0021] Between the transport rollers 16 and 17, a print head 21 (an example of a printing section), a heater 22, and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) unit 23 (an example of a reading section) are arranged in this order in the feed direction.

[0022] The print head 21 is disposed facing the transport path 15 from above. The print head 21 prints an image, for example, by inkjet recording on the printing surface of the continuous paper P transported along the transport path 15. A position a predetermined distance downstream from the upstream end of the print head 21 in the feed direction (pullback direction) is the printing position of the print head 21, and the print head 21 prints an image on the printing surface of the continuous paper P at the printing position.

[0023] The heater 22 is disposed downstream in the feed direction from the print head 21, facing the transport path 15 from above. The heater 22 heats the continuous paper P after printing by the print head 21, thereby fixing the ink to the continuous paper P.

[0024] The CIS unit 23 is disposed downstream of the print head 21 in the feed direction, facing the conveying path 15 from above. The CIS unit 23 reads the print surface of the continuous paper P conveyed along the conveying path 15. Specifically, the CIS unit 23 has a built-in light source, a rod lens array, and a linear image sensor, not shown, and a line of light is irradiated from the light source onto the print surface of the continuous paper P, and the light reflected by the print surface is incident on the linear image sensor through the rod lens array. As a result, one line of the original is read in the main scanning direction at the reading position of the CIS unit 23. The linear image sensor is configured such that a plurality of imaging elements (image sensors) are arranged in a row in the main scanning direction, and the image data read by each imaging element becomes image data (pixel value) of one pixel. The main scanning direction is a direction that is perpendicular to the feed direction (pullback direction) of the continuous paper P in the conveying path 15 and extends parallel to the conveying path 15.

[0025] <Electrical configuration> As shown in FIG. 2, the label printer 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 31, a read only memory (ROM) 32, and a random access memory (RAM) 33.

[0026] The CPU 31 (an example of a control unit) controls the operations of the print head 21, the heater 22, the CIS unit 23, and the motor M by executing programs for various processes.

[0027] The ROM 32 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The ROM 32 stores programs executed by the CPU 31, various data, and the like.

[0028] The RAM 33 is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and is used as a work area when the CPU 31 executes a program.

[0029] An encoder is provided in association with the motor M, and an encoder signal, which is a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation of the motor M, is input from the encoder to the CPU 31. The RAM 33 is used as a step number counter by the CPU 31. The CPU 31 can grasp the position of the continuous paper P by counting, with the step number counter, the number of pulses of the encoder signal input from the encoder when the motor M is driven in the forward direction and the number of pulses of the encoder signal input from the encoder when the motor M is driven in the reverse direction.

[0030] The label printer 1 includes a USB interface 34. The USB interface 34 is an interface for data communication with a USB device such as a USB memory, and includes a USB connector to which a USB cable is connected and a USB controller that controls the USB connection with the USB device.

[0031] The label printer 1 is also equipped with an operation panel 35. The operation panel 35 includes an operation section operated for various settings, and a display section for displaying information. The operation section and the display section may be provided separately, or may be in the form of a touch panel configured by overlaying an operation section, such as a pressure-sensitive or capacitive transparent film switch, on a display section, such as a liquid crystal display.

[0032] <Printing process> When printing is performed by the label printer 1, for example, a USB memory that stores print data is connected to the USB interface 34 (USB connector). Then, printing of an image related to the print data stored in the USB memory is instructed by pressing a print start button on the operation panel 35. The print data is information such as the position and type of characters and the position of graphics in the image to be printed, written in a page description language.

[0033] When printing is instructed, the CPU 31 starts the printing process shown in FIG.

[0034] In the printing process, the CPU 31 reads all print data to be printed from the USB memory into the RAM 33, and temporarily stores the data in the RAM 33 as a series of print data arranged in page order starting from the first page. Then, in response to the start of the printing operation, the CPU 31 reads the print data for the first page from the RAM 33 (S11). The CPU 31 also rotates the motor M in the forward direction. The forward rotation of the motor M rotates the transport rollers 16 and 17, and the continuous paper P is transported in the sending direction.

[0035] In the inspection process described below, if the print result of the image printed on the label L is determined to be "NG," the print data corresponding to the defective image with the print result "NG" and the print data corresponding to an image being printed or already printed on the label L located upstream in the feed direction from the NG label L' on which the defective image is printed (hereinafter referred to as "image to be discarded") are inserted as reprint data at the beginning of the unprinted print data. The CPU 31 determines whether the print data read from RAM 33 is reprint data (S12).

[0036] When the CPU 31 determines that the print data read from RAM 33 is reprint data (S12: YES), it starts counting the number of print data to be printed thereafter (hereinafter referred to as the "print count") (S13). If the print count has already started, a new count of the print count is not started, and the already started count is continued. Then, the CPU 31 controls the print head 21 to print an image of the print data read from RAM 33 on the label L (S14).

[0037] On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the print data read from RAM 33 is not reprint data (S12: NO), it does not start counting the number of prints, but controls the print head 21 to print an image of the print data read from RAM 33 on the label L (S14). Since the print data for the first page is not reprint data, the CPU 31 determines that the print data for the first page is not reprint data, and prints an image of the print data on the label L (S14).

[0038] When the print count has started, the CPU 31 increments (+1) the print count value when an image of the print data read from the RAM 33 is printed on a label L. When the print count has not started, the CPU 31 does not increment the print count value even if an image of the print data read from the RAM 33 is printed on a label L. When the image of the print data read from the RAM 33 is printed, the CPU 31 determines whether the print count has reached a predetermined limit (S15). The limit is set to the number of labels L arranged on the continuous paper P, which corresponds to the minimum value of the transport amount in the rewind direction of the continuous paper P until the back side of the continuous paper P contacts the printed surface of the printed label L when the continuous paper P is rewound onto the roll R, that is, the sum of the distance along the continuous paper P between the printing position of the print head 21 and the roll R and the minimum value of the circumference of the roll R (the circumference of the roll holder 13).

[0039] When the CPU 31 determines that the print count has not reached the limit (S15: NO), it determines whether printing of images of all print data to be printed has been completed (S19). If printing of images of all print data has not been completed (S19: NO), the CPU 31 reads the print data of the next page from the USB memory (S11) and controls the print head 21 to print the image of the print data of the next page (S14).

[0040] As the printing of the image of the print data progresses, reprint data is read from the RAM 33 (S12: YES), counting the number of prints is started (S13), the image of the print data is printed (S14), and when the count value of the number of prints reaches the limit number (S15: YES), the CPU 31 stops counting the number of prints (S16) and resets the count value of the number of prints to 0 (S17). Then, the CPU 31 controls the motor M and the print head 21 to execute VOID printing (S18). In VOID printing, the CPU 31 stops the motor M, which is rotating forward, once and then reverses it by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is set to an amount by which the downstream end in the sending direction of the label L on which a defective image related to the reprint data read from the RAM 33 is printed (hereinafter, the label L on which a defective image is printed is referred to as the "NG label L'") moves to a position that coincides with the printing position of the print head 21 or to a position upstream of the printing position. As a result, the continuous paper P is transported in the return direction until the most upstream NG label L', on which the specific image, the VOID image, has not yet been printed, reaches a position that coincides with the printing position of the print head 21 or a position upstream of the printing position. After that, the CPU 31 stops the motor M once and then rotates it forward. The forward rotation of the motor M transports the continuous paper P again in the sending direction. The CPU 31 then controls the print head 21 so that the VOID image is printed superimposed on the defective image of each NG label L' and each image to be discarded upstream of it.

[0041] After the VOID printing is completed, the CPU 31 judges whether the printing of the images of all the print data to be printed is completed (S19). If the printing of the images of all the print data is not completed (S19: NO), the CPU 31 reads the print data of the next page from the USB memory (S11) and controls the print head 21 to print the image of the print data of the next page (S14).

[0042] As the printing of the images of the print data for each page progresses, when the CPU 31 determines that printing of the images of all the print data has been completed (S19: YES), the printing process ends.

[0043] <Inspection process> In response to the start of printing an image on the label L, the CPU 31 starts the inspection process shown in FIG.

[0044] In the inspection process, the CPU 31 judges the print results starting from the image of the first page of print data (S21). Specifically, when the label L on which the image of the first page of print data is printed approaches the reading position of the CIS unit 23, the CPU 31 controls the CIS unit 23 to have the CIS unit 23 read the image printed on the label L. Then, the CPU 31 judges from the data read by the CIS unit 23 (read data) whether the print result of the image is "OK" that satisfies a predetermined standard, or "NG" that the print result does not meet the predetermined standard. For example, if the image includes a barcode symbol, the CPU 31 checks from the read data whether the optical characteristics of the barcode symbol (reflectance, reflection density, PCS (Print Contrast Signal) value, etc.) meet the JIS standard (Japanese Industrial Standard). If the optical characteristics of the barcode symbol meet the JIS standard, CPU 31 determines that the print result of the image including the barcode symbol is "OK," and if the optical characteristics of the barcode symbol do not meet the JIS standard, CPU 31 determines that the print result of the image including the barcode symbol is "NG."

[0045] If the CPU 31 has not determined that the print result of the image on the label L is "NG" (S22: NO), that is, if it has determined that the print result is "OK", it determines whether inspection of the images of all the print data printed on the label L by the printing process has been completed (S24).

[0046] On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the print result of the image on the label L is "NG" (S22: YES), it uses as reprint data the print data corresponding to the defective image whose print result has been determined to be "NG" and the print data corresponding to an image to be discarded that is being printed or has been printed on a label L that is located upstream in the feeding direction from the NG label L' on which the defective image is printed, and inserts the reprint data at the beginning of the unprinted print data so that the reprint data is read out in page order from RAM 33 before the unprinted print data (S23).Then, the CPU 31 determines whether inspection of images of all the print data printed on the label L by the printing process has been completed (S24).

[0047] As the determination of the print results progresses, when the CPU 31 determines that the inspection of images of all print data has been completed (S24: YES), the print process ends.

[0048] <Label printer operation> Through the printing process and inspection process, the label printer 1 operates, for example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The operations shown in Figures 5 and 6 are for a case where the print target is print data of six pages in total, the limit number is seven or more, and the print result of the image of the second page of the print data is "NG."

[0049] In this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the print result of the image of the print data of the second page is determined to be "NG", the image of the print data of the sixth page is printed on the label L, and the adjacent label L upstream in the feed direction relative to the label L is a blank label L on which no image of the print data is formed. When the print result of the image of the print data of the second page is determined to be "NG", the print data corresponding to the defective image whose print result is determined to be "NG" and the print data corresponding to the discarded image being printed or printed on the label L located upstream in the feed direction from the NG label L' on which the defective image is printed, that is, the print data from the second page to the sixth page, are set as reprint data. At this time, since printing of the print data of the sixth page has already been completed and there is no unprinted print data, the print data from the second page to the sixth page are stored in the RAM 33 so as to be read out from the RAM 33 in this order.

[0050] Thereafter, the print data for the second to sixth pages are read out from the RAM 33 in this order, and the images of the print data for the second to sixth pages are reprinted on the blank labels L in order, starting from the blank labels L adjacent to the label L on which the discard target image is printed upstream in the feed direction.

[0051] After reprinting the images of the print data for pages 2 to 6, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the NG label L' on which the defective image, which is the image of the print data for page 2, is printed, is pulled back to a position where printing by the print head 21 is possible. Then, as shown in Fig. 6(c), a VOID image is printed and superimposed on the defective image of the NG label L' and the discarded image printed on the label L upstream of the NG label L' in the feed direction. The VOID image is preferably a pattern, such as a black and white checkerboard, that makes the defective image and the discarded image unrecognizable.

[0052] The image of the print data for the second page, which is a defective image, is reprinted on the label L adjacent in the upstream direction to the label L on which the image of the print data for the sixth page is printed, and images of the print data for the seventh page and after are printed on the label L upstream in the feed direction of the label L on which the defective image was reprinted.

[0053] If the print data contains seven or more pages, after the images of the print data from pages two to six, i.e., the defective images and images to be discarded, are reprinted, no VOID printing is performed, and the images of the print data from page seven onwards are printed. However, if the limit is six or less, VOID printing is performed after the defective images and images to be discarded are reprinted, and after the VOID printing, the images of the print data for the new pages are printed.

[0054] <Action and effect> As described above, while the continuous paper P is transported in the feeding direction, a series of images of a plurality of print data are printed on one label L for each image in the order of the print data. In parallel with this series of printing, the image of the label L is read by the CIS unit 23 provided downstream in one direction from the print head 21. Then, when the print result determined from the image data read by the CIS unit 23 is "NG" that does not meet the standard, not only the image of the print data corresponding to the defective image that does not meet the standard, but also the image of the print data corresponding to the discarded image that is being printed or has been printed and is located upstream in the feeding direction from the defective image are reprinted on a new label L in the order of the print data. In addition, a VOID image is printed by overwriting on the NG label L' on which the defective image is printed and the label L on which the discarded image is printed. As a result, the defective image and the discarded image are no longer images related to the print data. As a result, it is possible to obtain the label L on which the image of the print data is printed, arranged in the order of the print data.

[0055] Furthermore, after reprinting the images of the print data corresponding to the defective image and the discarded image, a VOID image is printed by overwriting on the label L on which the defective image and the discarded image are printed. As a result, if a plurality of print results are judged to be "NG" before the number of prints reaches the limit, after reprinting the images of the print data corresponding to the defective images whose print results are judged to be "NG" and the images of the print data corresponding to the discarded images upstream in the feed direction of each defective image, it is possible to collectively overwrite and print a VOID image on the label L on which each defective image and the upstream discarded images are printed. As a result, it is not necessary to transport the continuous paper P upstream in one direction to overwrite and print a VOID image every time a defective image whose print result does not meet the criteria appears, improving printing efficiency.

[0056] For example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 7, if the print results of three images are judged to be "NG" (NG judgement) before the print count reaches the limit, the images of the print data corresponding to the defective images and the images to be discarded are reprinted and VOIDs are printed on the defective images and the images to be discarded, then each time VOID printing is performed, the transport of the continuous paper P is stopped, transported in the pullback direction, stopped, and transported in the forward direction, so it takes time to obtain the limited number of images (the total number of print data if the limited number is greater than the total number of print data to be printed) in the order of the print data. In contrast, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 7, in a configuration in which VOID printing is performed collectively, the transport of the continuous paper P is stopped, transported in the pullback direction, stopped, and transported in the forward direction only once, and the transport speed in the pullback direction can be made faster than the transport speed in the forward direction, so the time until the limited number of images is obtained in the order of the print data can be shortened compared to a configuration in which VOID printing is performed each time NG is judged.

[0057] The limit number is set to the number of labels L placed on the continuous paper P at a length corresponding to the minimum transport amount in the rewind direction of the continuous paper P until the back side of the continuous paper P contacts the printed surface of the printed label L when the continuous paper P is rewound onto the roll R. As a result, even when the continuous paper P is rewound onto the roll R for VOID printing, the continuous paper P does not overlap the printed label L, so that even if the image (ink) printed on the label L is not dry, the occurrence of offset, in which the image printed on the printed surface is transferred to the back side of the continuous paper P, and the printed surface can be prevented from being stained with ink.

[0058] Furthermore, because the image of the print data corresponding to the defective image is reprinted on a new label L adjacent to the label L that is located furthest upstream in the feed direction among the labels L on which the image to be discarded is printed, it is possible to prevent a blank label L from being produced between the label L on which the image to be discarded is printed and the label L on which the image of the print data corresponding to the defective image is reprinted. As a result, it is possible to prevent labels L from being wasted and reduce the running costs of the label printer 1.

[0059] In the inspection process, if the print result of an image is judged to be "NG", a VOID image is printed on top of the image already printed upstream in the feed direction of the defective image whose print result is judged to be "NG" as a discard target image, and therefore the judgment of the print result may be skipped. This can eliminate the waste of reading the discard target image scheduled to be reprinted by the CIS unit 23.

[0060] <Modification> Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

[0061] For example, if the print result of an image reprinted on label L is again "NG", a VOID image may be printed on top of the defective image whose print result has again been determined to be "NG", and the defective image may be reprinted a third time on a new label L.

[0062] 6 shows an example in which the VOID image is printed so as to overlap the entirety of the defective image and the image to be discarded, but the VOID image may be printed so as to overlap a part of the defective image and the image to be discarded. For example, in order to make a specific part, such as a part where a barcode is printed in the defective image, unreadable, the VOID image may be printed so as to overlap that specific part.

[0063] The print head 21 is not limited to a configuration that prints images using an inkjet recording method, but may be configured to print images on the printing surface of the continuous paper P using a thermal transfer method, or may be configured to print images using an electrophotographic method.

[0064] Also, an image inspection device equipped with a control unit (including a CPU) having functions similar to those of the CIS unit 23 and the CPU 31 relating to the inspection process may be attached externally to the label printer 1. Also, the functions relating to the inspection process of the CIS unit 23 and the CPU 31 may be added as an option to a label printer that does not have the functions of the image inspection device according to the present invention.

[0065] The printing of the VOID image may be performed by a VOID image printer externally attached to the label printer 1, instead of by the print head 21. That is, the continuous paper P discharged from the discharge port 12 of the label printer 1 may be received by the VOID image printer, and a print head provided in the VOID image printer may print a VOID image on the label L on which the defective image and the image to be discarded are printed, superimposed on the defective image and the image to be discarded.

[0066] For example, in the above embodiment, each process is executed by the CPU 31. However, the label printer 1 may be provided with a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs may cooperate to execute each process.

[0067] In addition, various design modifications can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1: Label printer 13: Roll holder 16, 17: Transport roller 21: Print head 23: CIS Unit 31: CPU L: Label P: Continuous paper

Claims

1. a conveying section that conveys a continuous sheet of paper having a plurality of print areas arranged in a direction in which the print areas are arranged; a printing unit that prints an image in the printing area of ​​the continuous paper that is transported in one of the arrangement directions by the transport unit; A control unit, The control unit is causing the printing unit to perform a series of printings in which images related to a series of a plurality of print data are printed in one of the print areas for each image in the order of the print data; when the image printed in the printing area is read by a reading unit provided downstream in the one direction from the printing unit, and the printing result determined from the image data read by the reading unit does not satisfy the standard, the printing unit interrupts the series of printing and causes the printing unit to reprint, in the order of the print data, an image of the print data corresponding to a defective image whose printing result does not satisfy the standard, and an image of the print data corresponding to an image to be discarded that is being printed or has been printed in the printing area located upstream in the one direction from the printing area in which the defective image was printed, in a new printing area located upstream in the one direction from the printing position by the printing unit; A printer in which, after reprinting images of the printing data corresponding to the defective image and the image to be discarded, the transport unit transports the continuous paper in the other direction opposite to the one direction in the arrangement direction until the defective image is located upstream of the printing position in the one direction, and then, while transporting the continuous paper in the one direction, the printing unit prints a specific image by overwriting the printing area in which the defective image and the image to be discarded are printed.

2. 2. The printer of claim 1, The control unit, after the number of images printed from reprinting the image of the print data corresponding to the defective image reaches a limited number, causes the printing unit to overwrite and print the specific image in the printing area in which the defective image and the image to be discarded are printed.

3. 3. The printer according to claim 1, The control unit causes the printing unit to reprint an image of the printing data corresponding to the defective image in a new printing area adjacent to the most upstream printing area located most upstream in the one direction of the printing area in which the image to be discarded is printed.

4. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit instructs the reading unit to skip reading the image to be discarded.

5. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The printer further comprises the reading unit.

6. A printer; A printing system including a specific image printer, The printer includes: a conveying section that conveys a continuous sheet of paper having a plurality of print areas arranged in a direction in which the print areas are arranged; a printing unit that prints an image in the printing area of ​​the continuous paper that is transported in one of the arrangement directions by the transport unit; A control unit, The control unit is causing the printing unit to perform a series of printings in which images related to a series of a plurality of print data are printed in one of the print areas for each image in the order of the print data; when the image printed in the printing area is read by a reading unit provided downstream in the one direction from the printing unit, and the printing result determined from the image data read by the reading unit does not satisfy the standard, the printing unit interrupts the series of printing and causes the printing unit to reprint, in the order of the print data, an image of the print data corresponding to a defective image whose printing result does not satisfy the standard, and an image of the print data corresponding to an image to be discarded that is being printed or has been printed in the printing area located upstream in the one direction from the printing area in which the defective image was printed, in a new printing area located upstream in the one direction from the printing position by the printing unit; The specific image printer is A printing system that overwrites and prints a specific image in the printing area in which the defective image and the image to be discarded are printed.

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