Printer, method for controlling a printer, and program for a printer

Abstract

To provide a printer that can efficiently scrutinize an RFID.SOLUTION: A printer for printing on each printing medium including an RFID includes: a radio field strength acquisition part for acquiring a radio field strength from an RFID; and a determination part for determining whether the RFID is normal or not on the basis of the radio field strength acquired by the radio field strength acquisition part and a threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for transmitting and receiving 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 performs non-contact signal transmission and reception and printing on a tag label incorporating a wireless tag circuit element conforming to the RFID specification.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, in a wireless tag circuit element (RFID inlet) conforming to the RFID specification, the communication status varies depending on individual differences, the fixed state to a label or the like, the structure of the printer, etc. For example, although writing to the RFID inlet was successful, an error may occur during subsequent reading. Therefore, it was necessary to inspect the RFID before using it.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems, and an object thereof is to efficiently inspect RFID.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, A plurality of arranged at predetermined intervals in the continuuma radio wave intensity acquisition unit that acquires the radio wave intensity from the RFID, and the radio wave intensity acquisition unit From a plurality of RFID acquired A plurality of a threshold setting unit that sets a threshold based on the radio wave intensity, and based on the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit and the threshold set by the threshold setting unit, A plurality of RFID in the continuum that have acquired the radio wave intensity a determination unit that determines whether it is normal or not, and a printer is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the printer according to one aspect of the present invention, the RFID inspection can be efficiently performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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 as a whole. The printing medium M is configured, for example, as a continuous body ML that is a plurality of labels temporarily attached at predetermined intervals to a strip-shaped backing paper and wound in a roll shape.

[0011] The printing medium M is configured as an RFID medium incorporating an RFID inlay 110 having an IC chip C and an antenna A conforming to the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) specification. 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, barcodes, other product information, and management information regarding articles or services, etc. on the printing area of the printing medium M as needed, and writes information corresponding to the variable information as electronic data for each RFID inlay 110.

[0013] 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, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it may be something that can be fixed to an object using a fixing component 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, 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 performing 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 medium supply shaft 40 holds the continuous medium ML supplied to the printing unit 15 in a roll shape. The continuous medium ML supplied from the medium 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 elements of the thermal head 13 are energized in a state where the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R are sandwiched between the thermal head 13 and the platen roller 12, the ink of the ink ribbon R is transferred to the printing medium M by the heat of the heating elements, and printing on the printing medium M is performed. Further, when the platen roller 12 rotates forward by a platen drive motor (not shown), the continuous medium ML and the ink ribbon R are conveyed to the downstream side.

[0021] When the used ink ribbon R is wound around the outer periphery thereof as the ribbon take-up shaft 30 rotates by the connection of gears with the platen drive motor. When the head unit 11 is in the head open position, only the ink ribbon R can be fed by rotating the ribbon take-up shaft 30.

[0022] Hereinafter, an ink ribbon transfer type printer 1 using a thermal head 13 will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a printer using a thermal color development method in which a printing medium M is thermal paper and printing is performed on the printing medium M by applying heat with the thermal head 13 may be used.

[0023] The upstream position detection sensor 71 includes a transmissive photoelectric sensor or a reflective photoelectric sensor. On the continuous medium ML, position detection eye marks are printed at a predetermined interval (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 unit 15 by detecting the eye mark. The transmissive photoelectric sensor detects the relative position of the printing medium M with respect to the printing unit 15 by detecting a gap (gap) between the printing media M in the continuous medium ML.

[0024] The downstream position detection sensor 72 includes a transmissive photoelectric sensor or a reflective photoelectric sensor and detects the leading position of the continuous medium ML.

[0025] The upstream position detection sensor 71 and the downstream position detection sensor 72 are in a fixed relative position with respect to the position of the printing unit 15, more specifically, the position where the thermal head 13 performs printing on the printing medium M and the position where the platen roller 12 and the thermal head 13 sandwich the continuous medium ML. 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 by detecting the position of the printing medium M. The position detection eye marks printed at a predetermined interval (pitch) corresponding to the printing medium M on the continuous medium ML and the gap between the printing media M in the continuous medium ML serve as a reference for setting the position (print start position) where printing on the printing medium M starts.

[0026] The controller 60 receives, via the input / output interface, print instruction data from an external computer, detection signals from the upstream position detection sensor 71 and the downstream position detection sensor 72, and the like. The controller 60 controls energization of the heating elements of the thermal head 13, energization of each drive motor, energization of the antenna 151 of the communication unit 50, and communication (reading and writing) with the IC chip C of the printing medium M (RFID inlet 110).

[0027] When performing printing, as shown in FIG. 1, the controller 60 executes the printing process in a state where the position of the printing medium M to be printed is aligned with the printing start position. The printing start position is set based on the position of the timing mark of the continuous body ML.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of the controller 60 of the present embodiment.

[0029] The controller 60 includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) 51, a ROM (read only memory) 52, a RAM (random access memory) 53, a conveyance control circuit 54, a printing control circuit 55, a paper detection circuit 57, an IO port 59, and a power supply unit 61. These are interconnected via a bus 65 and are configured to be able to transmit and receive various data to and from each other.

[0030] The CPU 51 is a computer that comprehensively controls the entire controller 60 by executing the programs stored in the ROM 52 and causes each part to execute required processing and control. The CPU 51 realizes the functions of each part described with reference to FIG. 4 by executing the programs stored in the ROM 52. Various programs executed by the CPU 51 may use those stored in a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a non-volatile memory.

[0031] The ROM 52 stores a program that the CPU 51 reads and executes. The RAM 53 stores various information necessary for the processes executed by the CPU 51, printing data, print formats, registration information, etc. necessary for printing.

[0032] The conveyance control circuit 54 controls a drive motor that drives the platen roller 12 in accordance with an instruction signal from the CPU 51, thereby controlling the rotation / stop of the platen roller 12. As a result, the conveyance of the continuous medium ML on the paper conveyance path is controlled.

[0033] The printing control circuit 55 generates a printing signal corresponding to 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 performing printing on the printing medium M.

[0034] The paper detection circuit 57 detects detected portions such as timer marks and gaps in the continuous medium ML on the paper conveyance path based on information acquired by the upstream position detection sensor 71 and the downstream position detection sensor 72, and sends the information to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 controls the conveyance of the continuous medium ML and the ink ribbon R by the conveyance control circuit 54 based on the information from the paper detection circuit 57, and controls the printing timing by the thermal head 13 to perform printing at an appropriate position on the printing medium M.

[0035] 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. Also, the IO port 59 sends an operation signal corresponding to an operation on the input unit 27 by the user to the CPU 51. Further, the IO port 59 transmits and receives information to and from the communication unit 50, and communicates (reads and writes) with the IC chip C of the RFID inlet 110.

[0036] The display unit 28 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input unit 27 is constituted by a touch panel provided on the display unit 28, buttons, DIP-SW, etc.

[0037] The power supply unit 61 monitors the pressing operation on the power switch, and turns on / off the power of the printer 1 by switching between the implementation and stop of power supply to each unit based on the operation of the power switch.

[0038] The communication unit 50 includes, for example, an antenna 151 and a communication controller 152. The antenna 151 outputs a radio wave signal based on the control of the communication controller 152, and communicates with the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M. The communication controller 152 controls the power supply to the antenna 151 based on the instruction of the controller 60.

[0039] Next, the printing medium M will be described. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a continuum ML including the printing medium M.

[0040] The continuum ML is composed of, for example, a strip-shaped backing sheet 107 and a plurality of label pieces (printing medium M) temporarily attached on the backing sheet 107.

[0041] On the back side of the backing sheet 107, a position detection eye mark 109 is printed in advance at a position corresponding to the leading end on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the printing medium M. A gap 120 is provided between adjacent printing media M.

[0042] The eye mark 109 is printed in a predetermined rectangular shape in a dark color (for example, black) compared to the backing sheet 107. The upstream position detection sensor 71 can set the printing start position by detecting the position of the eye mark 109 using the fact that the eye mark 109 is darker than the backing sheet 107.

[0043] Since the gap 120 has only the thickness of the backing sheet 107 compared to the location where the printing medium M exists, the transmittance is high. 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 using the fact that the transmittance of the gap 120 is high.

[0044] The RFID inlay 110 is provided, for example, near the center in the conveyance direction of the printing medium M.

[0045] The RFID inlay 110 is configured to include, for example, an IC chip C and an antenna A. When the antenna A of the RFID inlay 110 receives a signal output from the antenna 151 of the communication unit 50, the IC chip C of the RFID inlay 110 starts operating and outputs a response to this signal via the antenna A.

[0046] Next, the operation of the printer 1 configured as described above will be described. The printer 1 of the present embodiment performs printing on the printing medium M and also reads data recorded in the RFID inlay 110 of the printing medium M and writes data to the RFID inlay 110. The printer 1 is configured such that, for example, when the printing medium M is at the printing start position, the antenna 151 of the communication unit 50 is at a position corresponding to the RFID inlay 110. Therefore, printing processing can be executed after communicating with the RFID inlay 110 in a state where the printing medium M is at the printing start position.

[0047] The RFID inlay 110 is adjusted, for example, to have an appropriate signal strength at the time of shipment from the manufacturing factory. Conventionally, after writing data to the RFID inlay 110, the printer 1 determines whether the writing was successful or failed by verifying the written data.

[0048] However, due to the RFID inlay 110 being attached to the printing medium M in a fixed state, aging, etc., there are variations in the signal strength between the printer 1 and the RFID inlay 110. Also, variations occur in the positions of the RFID inlay 110 and the antenna 151 of the communication unit 50 depending on the manufacturing factory or manufacturer of the printing medium M or the continuous medium ML.

[0049] Therefore, there may be cases where writing to the RFID inlay 110 is not performed normally, or where, despite normal writing, abnormal reading occurs later. When writing is not performed normally, it can be detected in the above-described verification process. However, in the past, it has not been possible to predict in advance that abnormal reading may occur when writing has been performed normally.

[0050] Therefore, the printer 1 of the present embodiment is configured as follows so that it can determine whether the RFID inlay 110 is normal based on the radio wave intensity (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of each RFID inlay 110 provided in the printing medium M.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the controller 60 of the present embodiment. The functional block diagram shown in FIG. 4 shows an overview of the function for determining whether the RFID inlay 110 in the present embodiment is normal as a virtual unit, and does not necessarily mean a physical configuration. The actual operations of each part will be described in detail after FIG. 6.

[0052] The controller 60 includes, for example, a radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81, a threshold setting unit 82, a determination unit 83, and a display control unit 84.

[0053] The radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 acquires the RSSI value of the RFID inlay 110 provided in the printing medium M in a state where the continuous medium ML is loaded in the printer 1. The process of the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 is executed, for example, according to a user's instruction.

[0054] The threshold setting unit 82 analyzes the RSSI value acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 and sets a threshold that serves as an index for determining whether the RFID inlay 110 is normal. The process of the threshold setting unit 82 is executed, for example, after the RSSI value of the RFID inlay 110 is acquired.

[0055] The discrimination unit 83 discriminates whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal or not using the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit 82. The process of the discrimination unit 83 is executed, for example, when printing on the printing medium M.

[0056] The display control unit 84 causes the display unit 28 to display the RSSI value acquired from the RFID inlet 110 by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the RSSI value of the RFID inlet 110 displayed on the display unit 28 by the display control unit 84.

[0057] The display control unit 84 causes the display unit 28 to display the RSSI value acquired from the RFID inlet 110 in a display mode as shown in FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 5, in addition to the current value acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81, if the display control unit 84 has already calculated an average value and a threshold value from the previously acquired RSSI values by the threshold value setting unit 82, these pieces of information may also be displayed simultaneously. Thereby, it is possible to easily let the user grasp how much difference there is between the current value and the average value or the threshold value.

[0058] The radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81, the threshold value setting unit 82, the discrimination unit 83, and the display control unit 84 may be provided, for example, in one printer 1, or each unit may be provided in a different printer 1. For example, using the continuous medium ML in the printer 1, the threshold value may be set by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 and the threshold value setting unit 82. In this case, thereafter, the set threshold value is stored in the RAM 53 of another printer 1, another continuous medium ML having the same specifications as this continuous medium ML is loaded into another printer 1, and then the discrimination unit 83 may discriminate whether the RFID inlet 110 of the continuous medium is normal or not.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81. With the continuous medium ML loaded in the printer 1, the controller 60 displays a menu on the display unit 28. When the controller 60 detects that an instruction to execute the radio wave intensity acquisition process has been input from the menu displayed on the display unit 28 via the input unit 27, the controller 60 executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0060] As a prerequisite for the processing of the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81, the leading end of the continuous medium ML is inserted to the printing start position (the position sandwiched between the platen roller 12 and the thermal head 13 of the printing unit 15).

[0061] The radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 transmits a signal to the RFID inlay 110 of the printing medium M at the position via the communication unit 50. The RFID inlay 110 outputs a signal in response to the transmitted signal. When receiving the response from the RFID inlay 110, the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 acquires the radio wave intensity (RSSI value) of the signal received via the communication unit 50 (step S110).

[0062] Next, the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 associates the acquired RSSI value with a series of numbers from the head position of the printing medium M in the continuous medium ML or the unique number of the RFID inlay 110, and stores it in the RAM 53 (step S120).

[0063] Next, the controller 60 operates the platen roller 12 to convey the next printing medium M (the printing medium M on the upstream side in the conveyance direction) to the printing start position (step S130).

[0064] When the printing medium M is conveyed, it is determined whether the next printing medium M exists, that is, whether it is the end of the continuous medium ML (step S140).

[0065] When the next printing medium M exists, the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 returns to step S110, transmits a signal to the next printing medium M via the communication unit 50, and acquires the signal intensity (RSSI value) of the received signal from the RFID inlet 110 with respect to the signal. The acquired RSSI value is stored in the RAM 53 in association with a series of numbers from the leading position of the printing medium M in the continuous medium ML or the unique number of the RFID inlet 110.

[0066] Note that the display control unit 84 may display the RSSI value acquired from the RFID inlet 110 in step S110 on the display unit 28 (see FIG. 5). At this time, when the average value and threshold value described later have already been calculated, these may be displayed.

[0067] In step S140, when it reaches the end of the continuous medium ML and the next printing medium M does not exist, the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. When the printer 1 has a rewinding function for the continuous medium ML, the controller 60 may operate the platen roller 12 to convey the printing medium M in the reverse direction and rewind the continuous medium ML.

[0068] Note that in the process shown in FIG. 6, the RSSI values are acquired for all the printing media M temporarily attached to the continuous medium ML, but it is not limited to this. For example, the RSSI values of several to several tens of printing media M may be acquired.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the process executed by the threshold setting unit 82. After the RSSI values for a plurality of printing media M are stored by the process of the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81, the threshold setting unit 82 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] The process of the threshold setting unit 82 shown in FIG. 7 may be executed immediately after the process of the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81, or may be executed when it is detected that an instruction from the user is input via the input unit 27 from the menu displayed on the display unit 28.

[0071] First, the threshold setting unit 82 extracts the maximum value and the minimum value from all the acquired RSSI values, and calculates the average value (step S210).

[0072] Next, the threshold setting unit 82 calculates a threshold that serves as an index for determining whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal from the minimum value and the average value (step S220). Then, the calculated threshold is stored in the RAM 53 (step S230).

[0073] Here, the threshold will be described. For the RFID inlet 110, a range of radio wave intensities for appropriately performing reading and writing is defined in advance. When the RSSI value of the RFID inlet 110 is out of this range (especially when it is below), normal reading and writing cannot be performed, so the writing fails.

[0074] On the other hand, even within the specified range, an RFID inlet 110 with a radio wave intensity close to the lower limit of the specification may complete the writing normally. However, such an RFID inlet 110 may have problems such as being unable to read data during reading or being unable to hold data over a long period of time.

[0075] Therefore, by setting a radio wave intensity with a margin with respect to the lower limit of the specified range as the threshold, it is possible to discriminate an RFID inlet 110 in which such problems may occur.

[0076] The threshold is determined, for example, by taking a normal distribution with the maximum value, the minimum value, and the average value, and setting the threshold so that a portion corresponding to the lower several percent becomes NG. Or, a value within several percent from the specified range of the radio wave intensity of the RFID inlet 110 may be determined as the threshold.

[0077] The threshold can be increased or decreased according to the operation. For example, in an application where the usage period of the RFID inlet 110 is short, since there is no need to hold data over a long period, the threshold can be set relatively loosely (close to the lower limit of the specified value).

[0078] On the other hand, in the case of critical operations where data loss is not allowed or when it is necessary to store data in the RFID inlet 110 over a long period, the threshold value can be set relatively strictly (farther from the lower limit of the specified value).

[0079] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the process executed by the discrimination unit 83.

[0080] First, the discrimination unit 83 determines whether to execute a process (also called a "filter function") of discriminating whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal based on the set threshold value (S300). Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 can be executed at a predetermined cycle (for example, 10 ms).

[0081] For example, the discrimination unit 83 obtains an instruction from the user to enable or disable the filter function from the menu displayed on the display unit 28. If the user's instruction is valid, the process proceeds to step S310 and continues. If the user's instruction is invalid, the process according to this flowchart is not performed. In other words, without determining whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal based on the threshold value, the printing process based on the printing command and the writing process of the RFID inlet 110 are executed. In this way, when the filter function is disabled by the user, the speed of the printing process is improved because the determination of whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal is not performed.

[0082] Next, the discrimination unit 83 discriminates whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal based on the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit 82.

[0083] As described above, the processing of the discrimination unit 83 may be performed by a printer different from the printer 1 that performs the processing of the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 and the threshold setting unit 82. For example, the threshold is set in advance using the continuous medium ML at a factory or a service center. Thereafter, the set threshold may be stored in the RAM 53 of the printer 1 installed at the place of use by wireless communication, a memory card, or the like, and the following processing may be executed with the continuous medium ML of the same specification loaded.

[0084] The discrimination unit 83 determines, for example, whether or not a printing command is issued and waits (step S310).

[0085] When the discrimination unit 83 determines that a printing command has been issued, it proceeds to step S320 and executes a printing process based on the printing command. Here, when there is an instruction to write to the RFID inlay 110 in the printing command, communication is performed with the RFID inlay 110 via the communication unit 50. When performing communication, the discrimination unit 83 acquires the RSSI value of the RFID inlay 110 by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 via the communication unit 50 (step S320).

[0086] Next, the discrimination unit 83 compares the RSSI value acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 with the threshold determined by the threshold setting unit 82 in the process of FIG. 7 described above, and discriminates whether it is normal (step S330).

[0087] As a result of the comparison, when the acquired RSSI value is equal to or greater than the threshold, the discrimination unit 83 determines that the RFID inlay 110 is normal. When the discrimination unit 83 determines that the RFID inlay 110 is normal, it proceeds to step S340 and executes a writing process to the RFID inlay 110 via the communication unit 50.

[0088] As a result of the comparison, when the acquired RSSI value is less than the threshold, the discrimination unit 83 determines that the RFID inlay 110 is not normal, that is, there is a high possibility that a problem has occurred (or a problem has already occurred), and proceeds to step S350.

[0089] In step S350, the discrimination unit 83 executes NG processing on the RFID inlay 110. Specifically, the discrimination unit 83 prohibits the use of the RFID inlay 110 whose RSSI value is less than the threshold. As an example, the printing corresponding to the printing command issuance in step S310 is aborted, and the use of the printing medium M is prohibited. At this time, the discrimination unit 83 may display, on the display unit 28, a display indicating that the use of the printing medium M is prohibited by the display control unit 84. Further, the discrimination unit 83 may perform printing control to print a message indicating that the use of the RFID inlay 110 is prohibited due to a problem in the printing area of the printing medium M.

[0090] Next, the process proceeds to step S360, and the discrimination unit 83 determines whether the RFID inlay 110 has been determined to be abnormal (NG) a plurality of times continuously (for example, two or more times). If it has not been determined to be abnormal a plurality of times continuously, the process returns to step S310 and the process is repeated. Note that when there is an RFID inlay 110 that has been prohibited from use by the above-described NG processing, the discrimination unit 83 may control to convey the continuous medium ML and write the content intended to be written to the RFID inlay 110 that has been prohibited from use to the RFID inlay 110 of the next printing medium M.

[0091] If the discrimination unit 83 determines that the RFID inlay 110 is abnormal a plurality of times continuously, it determines that the entire continuous medium ML including the printing medium M of the RFID inlay 110 is abnormal, and aborts the printing for all the printing media M of the continuous medium ML (step S370). At this time, the discrimination unit 83 may display, on the display unit 28, a display indicating that the use of the continuous medium ML is prohibited by the display control unit 84. Further, the discrimination unit 83 may perform printing to print a message indicating that the use of the continuous medium ML is prohibited due to a problem in the RFID inlay 110 in the printing area of the printing medium M at the printing start position. After the process of step S370, the process according to this flowchart ends.

[0092] Through the above processing, the discrimination unit 83 can discriminate whether the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M is normal or not.

[0093] In addition, in the NG process of step S350, when the RSSI value is less than the threshold value, the printing of the printing medium M is prohibited and the printing is stopped. However, this is not limited to this. It is also possible to perform printing corresponding to the printing command on the printing medium M and control to write the fact thereto to the RFID inlet 110. Alternatively, when the RSSI value is less than the threshold value, printing corresponding to the printing command may be performed on the printing medium M and the fact may be printed as a character or a symbol.

[0094] As described above, by attaching a mark such as printing to the printing medium M having the RFID inlet 110 with an RSSI value less than the threshold value, it becomes easy for the user to later discriminate that the radio wave intensity of the RFID inlet 110 is relatively low. Thereby, processing such as increasing the reading radio wave intensity for the RFID inlet 110 with an RSSI value less than the threshold value or setting a short expiration date for the RFID inlet 110 can be performed.

[0095] Furthermore, in the radio wave intensity acquisition process, the RSSI value of the RFID inlet 110 of each printing medium M in the continuous body ML is recorded together with a series of numbers from the head position of the printing medium M in the continuous body ML (RSSI value log function). When a printing command is issued, the RSSI value of the RFID inlet 110 of the printing medium M at the current printing start position may be read from the recording area and it may be judged in advance whether the RSSI value is relatively low.

[0096] Even if the RFID inlet 110 is normal where the RSSI value does not exceed the threshold value (is not NG), the determination unit 83 can control to perform writing while relatively increasing the radio wave intensity during writing to the RFID inlet 110. In this way, by increasing the radio wave intensity in advance for the RFID inlet 110 where an error may occur during later reading, the possibility of an error occurring during later reading can be reduced.

[0097] As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is provided a printer 1 that performs printing for each printing medium M having an RFID (RFID inlet 110), the printer 1 including a radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 that acquires the radio wave intensity (RSSI value) from the RFID inlet 110 provided in the printing medium M, and a determination unit 83 that determines whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal based on the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 and a threshold value.

[0098] According to this, based on the radio wave intensity of the RFID inlet 110, it is possible to determine in advance whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent in advance the occurrence of a situation where, although writing to the RFID inlet 110 is performed normally, it is not normal during later reading.

[0099] Further, since it further includes a threshold value setting unit 82 that sets a threshold value based on the average value or the lower limit value of the radio wave intensity for each of the plurality of RFID inlets 110 acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81, it is possible to set a threshold value based on the radio wave intensity and determine in advance whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal based on this threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent in advance the occurrence of a situation where, although writing to the RFID inlet 110 is performed normally, it is not normal during later reading.

[0100] In addition, since it further includes a display control unit (controller 60) that causes the display unit 28 to display the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 for each RFID inlet 110, the radio wave intensity of the RFID inlet 110 can be easily grasped visually, improving the convenience for the user.

[0101] In addition, the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 acquires the radio wave intensity of each RFID inlet 110 of a plurality of printing media M temporarily attached to the continuous body ML.

[0102] According to this, since a threshold value can be set based on the radio wave intensities acquired from the RFID inlets 110 of the plurality of printing media M, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the RFID inlet 110 is normal or not.

[0103] In addition, when printing on the printing media M, the determination unit 83 compares the set threshold value with the radio wave intensity from the RFID inlet 110 of the printing media M acquired at the time of printing, and if it is determined as a result that the RFID inlet 110 is not normal, for example, the printing is aborted.

[0104] According to this, even if the writing is performed normally, it is possible to exclude in advance an RFID inlet 110 that may cause an error during subsequent reading, so it is possible to discriminate in advance a printing media M having an abnormal RFID inlet 110.

[0105] In addition, when printing on the printing media M, the determination unit 83 compares the set threshold value with the radio wave intensity from the RFID inlet 110 of the printing media M acquired at the time of printing, and if it is determined as a result that the RFID inlet 110 is not normal, without aborting the printing, it is also possible to further print a message to that effect on the printing media M having the RFID inlet 110.

[0106] According to this, even if the writing is performed normally, the printing medium M having the RFID inlay 110 that may cause an error during later reading can be visually discriminated in the operation of checking the printed content.

[0107] Further, when printing on the printing medium M, the discrimination unit 83 compares a set threshold value with the radio wave intensity from the RFID inlay 110 of the printing medium M acquired during printing. As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the RFID inlay 110 is not normal, it is possible to write a message to that effect to the RFID inlay 110 without canceling the printing.

[0108] According to this, even if the writing is performed normally, since a message to that effect is recorded in the RFID inlay 110 that may cause an error during later reading, it is possible to determine whether the RFID inlay 110 is normal not only during printing but also during reading.

[0109] In addition, the radio wave intensity acquisition unit 81 records the radio wave intensity of each RFID inlay 110 temporarily attached to the continuous body ML and the position of the RFID inlay 110 on the continuous body ML. When printing on the printing medium M, the radio wave intensity recorded corresponding to the position of the RFID inlay 110 at the printing start position is acquired, and writing can be performed on the RFID inlay 110 with a writing radio wave intensity corresponding to the acquired radio wave intensity.

[0110] According to this, by writing with a stronger radio wave intensity in advance to the RFID inlay 110 that may cause an error during reading, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an error occurring during later reading.

[0111] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the above embodiments merely show one example of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. Note that the embodiments of the present invention include the following aspects. First aspect A printer that prints for each printing medium having an RFID, a radio wave intensity acquisition unit that acquires the radio wave intensity from the RFID, a determination unit that determines whether the RFID is normal based on the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit and a threshold value, and is provided with. Printer. Second aspect The printer according to the first aspect, further comprising a threshold value setting unit that sets the threshold value based on an average value or a lower limit value of radio wave intensities from the plurality of RFIDs acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit. Printer. Third aspect The printer according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit for each RFID. Printer. Fourth aspect The printer according to any one of the first to third aspects, a continuum with a plurality of the printing media temporarily attached is loaded into the printer, the radio wave intensity acquisition unit acquires the radio wave intensity from each RFID of the plurality of printing media temporarily attached to the continuum. Printer. Fifth aspect The printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the determination unit, when printing on the printing medium, compares the threshold value with the radio wave intensity from the RFID of the printing medium acquired at the time of printing, and when it is determined as a result of the comparison that the RFID is not normal, stops printing. Printer. Sixth aspect The printer according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the determination unit, When printing on the printing medium, compare the threshold value with the radio wave intensity from the RFID of the printing medium acquired during printing, If it is determined as a result of the comparison that the RFID is not normal, print to that effect without stopping printing on the printing medium having the RFID. Printer. Seventh aspect A printer according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, The determination unit, When printing on the printing medium, compare the threshold value with the radio wave intensity from the RFID of the printing medium acquired during printing, If it is determined as a result of the comparison that the RFID is not normal, write to the RFID to that effect without stopping printing on the printing medium having the RFID. Printer. Eighth aspect A printer according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, The radio wave intensity acquisition unit records the radio wave intensity from the RFID of each of the plurality of printing media temporarily attached to the continuum and the position of the RFID in the continuum, The determination unit, When printing on the printing medium, acquire the recorded radio wave intensity of the RFID at the printing start position, and perform writing to the RFID at the printing start position with the writing radio wave intensity corresponding to the acquired radio wave intensity. Printer. Ninth aspect A method for controlling a printer that prints for each printing medium having an RFID, Acquire the radio wave intensity from the RFID provided in the printing medium, Based on the acquired radio wave intensity and a threshold value, determine whether the RFID is normal. Printer control method. Tenth aspect A program executable by a computer of a printer that prints for each printing medium having an RFID, Cause the radio wave intensity from the RFID provided in the printing medium to be acquired, Based on the acquired radio wave intensity and the threshold value, to determine whether the RFID is normal, A program that causes the computer to execute the procedure.

Explanation of Signs

[0112] 1 Printer 10 Printing mechanism 11 Head unit 12 Platen roller 13 Thermal head 14 Support shaft 15 Printing section 20 Ribbon supply shaft 27 Input section 28 Display section 30 Ribbon take-up shaft 40 Media supply shaft 50 Communication section 51 Central processing unit 52 ROM 53 RAM 54 Conveyance control circuit 55 Printing control circuit 57 Paper detection circuit 59 IO port 60 Controller (control section) 61 Power supply section 65 Bus 71 Upstream position detection sensor 72 Downstream position detection sensor 100 Printer 107 Mounting board 109 Eye mark 110 RFID inlay 120 Gap 151 Antenna 152 Communication controller A Antenna C IC chip M Printing medium ML Continuum

Claims

1. A radio wave intensity acquisition unit that acquires radio wave intensities from a plurality of RFID tags arranged at predetermined intervals in a continuous medium; A threshold setting unit that sets a threshold based on the plurality of radio wave intensities acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit from the plurality of RFID tags in the continuous medium; A discrimination unit that discriminates whether the RFID tag arranged in the continuous medium from which the radio wave intensity is acquired is normal or not based on the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit and the threshold set by the threshold setting unit. A printer.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the radio wave intensity acquisition unit acquires the radio wave intensity from a part of the plurality of RFID tags arranged in the continuous medium. A printer.

3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the discrimination unit discriminates whether all of the plurality of RFID tags arranged in the continuous medium are normal or not. A printer.

4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the threshold setting unit calculates the threshold based on an average value or a lower limit value of the radio wave intensities from the plurality of RFID tags acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit. A printer.

5. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a display unit that displays the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit and the threshold set by the threshold setting unit on the same screen. A printer.

6. The printer according to claim 4, further comprising a display unit that displays at least one of the average value and the lower limit value, the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit, and the threshold set by the threshold setting unit on the same screen. A printer.

7. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the continuous medium is configured by temporarily attaching a plurality of media to a strip-shaped backing paper at predetermined intervals, and further comprises a printing unit that conveys the continuous medium and performs printing on the media, wherein the radio wave intensity acquisition unit sequentially acquires the radio wave intensities from the RFID tags of the respective media of the conveyed continuous medium. A printer.

8. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the discrimination unit compares the threshold set by the threshold setting unit with the radio wave intensity from the RFID tag of the medium acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit, and when it is discriminated as a result of the comparison that the RFID tag is not normal, stops printing by the printing unit. A printer.

9. The printer according to claim 7, The discrimination unit compares the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit with the radio wave intensity from the RFID of the medium acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit, and when it is determined as a result of the comparison that the RFID is abnormal, the printing unit further prints that fact on the medium having the RFID. Printer.

10. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with the RFID, wherein the discrimination unit compares the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit with the radio wave intensity from the RFID acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit, and when it is determined as a result of the comparison that the RFID is abnormal, the communication unit writes that fact to the RFID. Printer.

11. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with the RFID, wherein the communication unit writes to the RFID with a writing radio wave intensity corresponding to the radio wave intensity acquired by the radio wave intensity acquisition unit. Printer.

12. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an input unit that receives an instruction from a user, wherein based on the instruction input to the input unit, the radio wave intensity acquisition unit acquires the radio wave intensity from a plurality of the RFIDs of the continuum. Printer.

13. Acquires radio wave intensities from a plurality of RFIDs arranged at predetermined intervals in a continuum, sets a threshold value based on the plurality of radio wave intensities acquired from the plurality of RFIDs of the acquired continuum, and based on the acquired radio wave intensity and the set threshold value, determines whether the RFID arranged in the continuum from which the radio wave intensity was acquired is normal. Control method for a printer.

14. Causes a plurality of RFIDs arranged at predetermined intervals in a continuum to acquire radio wave intensities, causes a threshold value to be set based on the plurality of radio wave intensities acquired from the plurality of RFIDs of the acquired continuum, and causes a determination to be made as to whether the RFID arranged in the continuum from which the radio wave intensity was acquired is normal based on the acquired radio wave intensity and the set threshold value. Program for a printer that causes a computer to execute the procedure.

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