Inspection equipment and printing equipment

Abstract

To provide an inspection device capable of shortening time required for quality inspection of whether or not a code satisfies predetermined conditions, and a printer.SOLUTION: When a plurality of images in which a position of bar codes 41, 42 on a label L is the same are printed on a label L one by one for each image, an image printed on the label L with a serial number "1" is read by a CIS unit 23. From the read data, each bar code 41, 42 is inspected, and information for specifying the position of each bar code 41, 42 is acquired. Thereafter, when the CIS unit 23 reads an image printed on the label L upstream of the label L having the serial number "1" in a feeding direction, based on previously acquired information, a processing range including each bar code 41, 42 is extracted from the read data, and the bar codes 41, 42 included in the extracted processing range are inspected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for inspecting the quality of code symbols such as barcodes, and a printing apparatus including the inspection apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a type of printing apparatus, there is known a printing apparatus that uses a roll paper obtained by winding a long base paper (continuous paper) in a roll shape, and sequentially prints images on labels (printing areas) provided side by side in the longitudinal direction on the base paper while conveying the roll paper in the longitudinal direction.

[0003] Some printing apparatuses of this type read an image printed on a label with an image reading unit, and inspect the quality of a code such as a barcode printed on the label from the read image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to accurately inspect the quality of a code, a high-resolution read image is required. However, a high-resolution read image takes time for image processing for code quality inspection.

[0006] Therefore, in the above-described technology, the process of code quality inspection is delayed with respect to the process of printing on a label. As a result, there is a problem that the quality inspection is not completed even after the printing is completed.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus and a printing apparatus capable of shortening the time required for quality inspection as to whether a code satisfies a predetermined condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, an inspection device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transport unit that transports a medium having a plurality of printing areas in a transport direction so that the plurality of printing areas are transported sequentially in the transport direction, a reading unit that reads images printed on the plurality of printing areas on the medium transported by the transport unit, and a control unit. When a plurality of images in which the printed position of the code in the printing area is the same are printed in one of the plurality of printing areas for each image, the control unit causes the reading unit to read a predetermined image printed in a predetermined printing area among the plurality of printing areas, inspects whether the code satisfies predetermined conditions from the read image of the predetermined image read by the reading unit, obtains position information that identifies the printed position of the code from the read image of the predetermined image, causes the reading unit to read an upstream image printed in a printing area upstream of the predetermined image in the transport direction, extracts a processing range containing the code from the read image of the upstream image read by the reading unit based on the position information, and inspects whether the code included in the extracted processing range satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0009] In this configuration, a medium having multiple printing areas is transported in the transport direction, which is the direction in which the printing areas are aligned, and the image printed on the printing areas on the transported medium is read by the reading unit.

[0010] When multiple images with the same code printing position in the printing area are printed in separate printing areas for each image, the predetermined image printed in the predetermined printing area is read by the reader. The reader then checks whether the code meets predetermined conditions from the read image and obtains positional information that identifies the code's printing position. Subsequently, when an image printed in a printing area upstream of the predetermined printing area in the transport direction is read by the reader, the reading unit extracts a processing range containing the code from the read image based on the previously obtained positional information, and checks whether the code within that extracted processing range meets predetermined conditions. As a result, only a portion of the processing range narrowed down from the entire read image needs to be processed for quality inspection to check whether the code meets predetermined conditions, thus reducing the time required for code quality inspection.

[0011] An inspection apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a transport unit that transports a medium having a plurality of printed areas in a transport direction such that the plurality of printed areas are transported sequentially in the transport direction, a reading unit that reads images printed on the plurality of printed areas on the medium transported by the transport unit, and a control unit. When a plurality of sets of image sets, each containing a code and printed on a predetermined number of two or more consecutive printed areas in the transport direction, are printed on the plurality of printed areas in a manner that is repeated in the transport direction, the control unit causes the reading unit to read individual images of a predetermined set of image sets, inspects whether the code satisfies predetermined conditions from the individual read images of the predetermined set read by the reading unit, obtains position information that identifies the printing position of the code from the individual read images of the predetermined set, causes the reading unit to read individual images of an image set upstream of the predetermined set in the transport direction, extracts a processing range containing the code from the individual read images of the upstream image set read by the reading unit based on the position information, and inspects whether the code included in the extracted processing range satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0012] In this configuration, a medium having multiple printing areas is transported in the transport direction, which is the direction in which the printing areas are aligned, and the image printed on the printing areas on the transported medium is read by the reading unit.

[0013] When multiple image sets, each containing a code, are printed in a predetermined number of consecutive print areas in the transport direction, and these sets are printed repeatedly in the transport direction, the individual images of the predetermined image set are read by the reader. The reader then checks whether the code satisfies predetermined conditions from the individual images read by the reader, and obtains positional information to identify the printing location of the code. Subsequently, when individual images of an image set upstream of the predetermined image set in the transport direction are read by the reader, the reader extracts a processing range containing the code from the individual images of the upstream image set read by the reader based on the previously obtained positional information, and checks whether the code within that extracted processing range satisfies predetermined conditions. As a result, only a portion of the processing range narrowed down from the entire read image needs to be processed for quality inspection to check whether the code satisfies predetermined conditions, thus reducing the time required for code quality inspection.

[0014] Furthermore, a printing apparatus according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises the aforementioned inspection apparatus, a receiving unit that receives image data to be printed on a plurality of printing areas, and a printing unit provided upstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, which prints the image of the data received by the receiving unit on a plurality of printing areas on a medium transported by the transport unit.

[0015] This configuration allows for the same effects and benefits as the aforementioned inspection device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the time required for quality inspection to determine whether or not a code meets predetermined conditions can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the main part of the electrical configuration of the label printer. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the inspection process. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing examples of images printed on the first and second labels. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the rejection process. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of setting the image reading range by the CIS unit. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing another example of setting the image reading range by the CIS unit. [Figure 8A] It is a flowchart (part 1) showing the flow of the print inspection process. [Figure 8B] It is a flowchart (part 2) showing the flow of the print inspection process. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example in which images including barcodes are printed on two consecutive labels, and the image sets in which the positions of the barcodes in the images printed on the two labels are different are repeatedly arranged in the feeding direction.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] <Overall Configuration of Label Printer> The label printer 1 (an example of a printing device) is a device that prints an image on a long continuous paper P (an example of a medium) as shown in FIG. 1. The printed continuous paper P is discharged from a discharge port 12 formed on the side surface of a housing 11 that forms the outer shell of the label printer 1.

[0020] For the purposes of the following explanation, the front, back, left, and right directions of the label printer 1 are defined as follows: the side with the output port 12 is defined as the front, the front side is defined as the front of the label printer 1, the back side is defined as the rear of the label printer 1, and the left and right directions are defined based on the left and right sides and state of the label printer 1 when viewed from the front. The top and bottom directions are defined as when the label printer 1 is installed on a horizontal plane. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 1 is a view from the right side of a cross-section obtained by cutting the label printer 1 along a cutting plane line extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0021] The continuous paper P may be die-cut paper in which labels L (an example of a printing area) are attached in a long shape along its length, or it may be a non-standard length sheet (continuous paper) in which a background image that sets the printing areas at regular intervals is already printed on the printing surface of a long sheet of plain paper, or it may be a non-standard length sheet made of plain paper in which such a background image is not printed. In the case of die-cut paper, the printing area is the printing surface opposite the adhesive surface of each label L. In the following, we will take the case where the continuous paper P is die-cut paper as an example.

[0022] The discharge port 12 is a rectangular opening that extends in the left-right direction and connects the inside and outside of the housing 11.

[0023] The housing 11 is provided with a roll holder 13 for holding the continuous paper P in the form of a roll R. The continuous paper P is wound around a roll core with the printed surface facing outwards in the form of a roll R. The roll holder 13 is substantially cylindrical in shape, and the roll R is held in the roll holder 13 by the roll core being fitted onto the roll holder 13.

[0024] Furthermore, a direction-changing roller 14 is provided inside the housing 11, above and behind the roll holder 13. A transport path 15 for transporting continuous paper P is provided in front of the direction-changing roller 14. The transport path 15 extends from above the direction-changing roller 14 toward the front, and its front end is connected to the discharge port 12. The continuous paper P is pulled out from the roll R toward the rear of the direction-changing roller 14, its direction is changed toward the front by following the circumferential surface of the direction-changing roller 14, and it is passed through the transport path 15 toward the discharge port 12.

[0025] A transport roller 16 (an example of a transport section) for transporting continuous paper P is provided on the transport path 15. The transport roller 16 is positioned in front of the direction changing roller 14 with a gap between them. In addition, a transport roller 17 (an example of a transport section) is positioned behind the discharge port 12, with a gap in front of the transport roller 16.

[0026] With the continuous paper P passed between the rollers of the transport roller 16, power from the forward rotation of the motor M (see Figure 2) is transmitted to the transport roller 16, causing the transport roller 16 to rotate and transport the continuous paper P in one direction of the alignment of the labels L, towards the discharge port 12 along the transport path 15 (an example of a transport direction). The transmission path of the motor M's driving force is also connected to the roll holder 13 (an example of a transport unit). Power from 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 together with the roll holder 13, so that the continuous paper P is transported in the reverse direction to the feed direction.

[0027] Furthermore, when the continuous paper P being transported by the transport roller 16 is decelerated or stopped, the roll holder 13 is driven forward or backward by the motor M to adjust the inertial force acting on the roll R. The direction change roller 14 is configured to apply tension to the continuous paper P between the roll holder 13 and the transport roller 16, and a mechanism for detecting the magnitude of the tension on the continuous paper P is provided in conjunction with the direction change roller 14.

[0028] Between the transport rollers 16 and 17, a print head 21 (an example of a printing unit), a heater 22, and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) unit 23 (an example of a reading unit) are arranged in this order in the feeding direction.

[0029] The print head 21 is positioned facing the transport path 15 from above. The print head 21 prints an image on a label L on a continuous paper P being transported along the transport path 15 using an inkjet recording method. The printing position of the print head 21 is determined by a predetermined interval from the upstream end of the print head 21 downstream in the feeding direction, and the print head 21 prints an image on the label L at the printing position.

[0030] The heater 22 is positioned downstream of the print head 21 in the feeding direction, 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 label L.

[0031] The CIS unit 23 is positioned downstream of the print head 21 in the feeding direction, facing the transport path 15 from above. The CIS unit 23 reads the label L of the continuous paper P being transported along the transport path 15. Specifically, the CIS unit 23 incorporates a light source 36 (see Figure 2), a rod lens array, and a linear image sensor. Linear light is emitted from the light source 36 onto the label L on the continuous paper P, and the light reflected from the printing surface passes through the rod lens array and enters the linear image sensor. As a result, one line of the original document is read in the main scanning direction at the reading position of the CIS unit 23. The linear image sensor has a configuration in which multiple light-receiving elements 37 (see Figure 2) are arranged in a row in the main scanning direction, and the image data read by each light-receiving element 37 becomes one pixel of image data (pixel value). The main scanning direction is perpendicular to the feeding direction (retraction direction) of the continuous paper P in the transport path 15 and extends parallel to the transport path 15.

[0032] <Key parts of the electrical configuration> As shown in Figure 2, the label printer 1 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 33.

[0033] The CPU 31 (an example of a control unit) controls the operation of the print head 21, heater 22, CIS unit 23, and motor M by executing programs for various processes. The CIS unit 23 is also equipped with an AFE (Analog Front End) that amplifies the analog signals output from each of the CIS unit 23's light-receiving elements 37 and converts them into digital signals. The CPU 31 receives the image data, which is the digital signal converted by the AFE.

[0034] ROM32 is a rewritable, non-volatile memory such as flash memory. It stores programs executed by the CPU31 and various data.

[0035] RAM33 is volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and is used as a work area when the CPU31 executes a program.

[0036] Furthermore, an encoder is provided in conjunction with the motor M, and the CPU 31 receives an encoder signal, which is a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation of the motor M, from the encoder. The RAM 33 is used by the CPU 31 as a step counter. The CPU 31 can determine the position of the continuous paper P by counting 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, using the step counter.

[0037] The label printer 1 is equipped with a USB interface 34 (an example of a receiving unit). The USB interface 34 is an interface for data communication with USB devices such as USB memory sticks, 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.

[0038] The label printer 1 is also equipped with an operation panel 35 (an example of a quantity receiving unit). The operation panel 35 includes an operation unit for various settings and a display unit for displaying information. The operation unit and the display unit may be provided separately, or they may be in the form of a touch panel where the operation unit, such as a pressure-sensitive or capacitive transparent film switch, is superimposed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display.

[0039] <Inspection Process> In the label printer 1, a USB memory device containing raster image data obtained by rasterizing print data is connected to the USB interface 34 (USB connector). When the print start button on the control panel 35 is pressed, the printer instructs the printer to print the image corresponding to the raster image data stored in the USB memory device, and the printing process begins. The print head 21 then prints the image onto the label L on the continuous paper P.

[0040] If the image to be printed on label L includes a barcode, when printing to label L begins, the printing program outputs a request to check (quality check) whether the barcode included in the printed image meets predetermined conditions. For barcodes (one-dimensional codes), the predetermined conditions are, for example, that they meet the standards defined in JIS X 0520 (corresponding international standard: ISO / IEC 15416).

[0041] When an inspection request is output, the CPU 31 starts the inspection process shown in Figure 3.

[0042] During the inspection process, the CPU 31 obtains the serial number of the label L on which the image to be inspected is printed (S11). In the printing and inspection programs, each label L on which an image is printed is assigned a serial number "1, 2, 3, ..." starting from the first label.

[0043] When the CPU 31 obtains the serial number of label L, it retrieves the inspection settings corresponding to the label L with the obtained serial number from the RAM 33 (S12). For example, as shown in Figure 4, if multiple images with the same barcode positions (printing positions) on label L are printed on label L for each image, the inspection settings corresponding to label L with serial number "1," that is, the inspection settings corresponding to the first label L, include the number of barcodes (number of barcodes 41 and 42) included in the image printed on that label L, but do not include information on the type and position of each barcode 41 and 42. The number of barcodes included in the image to be printed on label L is entered, for example, by the user operating the operation panel 35 before the start of the printing process.

[0044] Subsequently, the CPU 31 determines whether the acquired inspection settings include information on the type and location of each barcode 41, 42 (S13).

[0045] Since the inspection settings corresponding to label L with serial number "1" do not include information on the type and position of each barcode 41, 42 (S13: YES), the CPU 31 performs a quality inspection of the barcodes 41, 42 included in the image printed on label L with serial number "1" based on these inspection settings, without limiting the type and position of each barcode 41, 42 (S14). In this quality inspection, when label L with serial number "1" approaches the reading position of the CIS unit 23, the CPU 31 controls the CIS unit 23 to read the entire image printed on the label L. Then, the CPU 31 uses the entire image read by the CIS unit 23 as the processing range 43 and checks whether each barcode 41, 42 included in the image meets predetermined conditions from the read data (read image) read by the CIS unit 23. In Figure 4, label L with serial number "1" is identified with reference code L "1", label L with serial number "2" is identified with reference code L "2", and the processing range is indicated by a dashed line.

[0046] The CPU 31 determines whether the inspection result for each barcode 41, 42 is "pass" or not (S15).

[0047] If each barcode 41 and 42 meets the predetermined conditions, the CPU 31 determines that the inspection result for each barcode 41 and 42 is "pass" (S15: YES). In this case, the CPU 31 identifies the type and position of each barcode 41 and 42 from the image reading data printed on the label L with serial number "1", and includes the information of the type and position of each barcode 41 and 42 in the inspection settings corresponding to the labels L with serial numbers "2" and onward (S16). Therefore, the inspection settings corresponding to the labels L with serial numbers "2" and onward, that is, the inspection settings corresponding to the second and subsequent labels L, include information on the type and position of each barcode 41 and 42, in addition to the number of barcodes included in the image printed on the label L. Then, the CPU 31 outputs the inspection results (S17) and terminates the inspection process. Upon outputting the inspection results, for example, the inspection results are displayed on the operation panel 35.

[0048] On the other hand, if either barcode 41 or 42 does not meet the predetermined conditions, the CPU 31 determines that the inspection result for each barcode 41 or 42 is not "pass," that is, "fail" (S15: NO). In this case, the CPU 31 outputs the inspection result without identifying the type and location of each barcode 41 or 42 (S17) and terminates the inspection process.

[0049] If the type and location of each barcode 41,42 are identified from the image reading data printed on label L with serial number "1", the inspection settings corresponding to labels L with serial number "2" and subsequent labels will include information on the type and location of each barcode 41,42. In this case (S13:NO), the CPU 31 limits the type and location of each barcode 41,42 based on the inspection settings and extracts processing ranges 45,46 containing each barcode 41,42 from the reading data read by the CIS unit 23, as shown in Figure 4. The processing ranges 45,46 are extracted taking into account meandering and tearing during the transport of continuous paper P, including the quiet zone of each barcode 41,42. Then, the CPU 31 checks whether each barcode 41,42 satisfies predetermined conditions from the reading data of the extracted processing ranges 45,46 (S18). After the inspection of each barcode 41 and 42 is complete, the CPU 31 outputs the inspection results (S17) and terminates the inspection process.

[0050] <Rejection Process> If the inspection result output during the inspection process is "fail," CPU31 interrupts the printing process and performs the failure processing shown in Figure 5.

[0051] In the rejection process, the CPU 31 interrupts the printing process and stops the print head 21 from printing the image onto the label L, depending on the output of the inspection result of the inspection process which is "rejected" (S21). At this point, the label L on which the image containing the barcodes 41 and 42 that have been rejected in inspection is printed (hereinafter referred to as "rejected label L"), as well as each label L located upstream of the rejected label L in the feed direction and downstream of the printing position by the print head 21 in the feed direction (hereinafter referred to as "printed label L"), have already had images printed on them.

[0052] After printing stops, the CPU 31 reverses the motor M to transport the continuous paper P in the reverse direction, pulling the rejected label L back to the printing position of the print head 21. Then, the CPU 31 reverses the motor M to transport the continuous paper P in the feed direction, causing the print head 21 to print a VOID image over the rejected label L and each printed label L (S22). The VOID image is an image that allows the user to recognize that the rejected label L and each printed label L are labels that should be rejected, and may be a pattern that makes the rejected label L and each printed label L unrecognizable, such as a black and white grid.

[0053] After the printing of the VOID image begins, the CPU 31 determines whether the number of times the rejected label L is reprinted is within a predetermined upper limit (S23). Each image of the rejected label L and the printed label L is reprinted a number of times that does not exceed the upper limit.

[0054] If CPU31 determines that the number of times the rejected label L has been reprinted is within a predetermined upper limit (S23:YES), it increments the value of the counter that counts the number of times the rejected label L has been reprinted (+1) (S24).

[0055] The labels L adjacent to the upstream printed label L in the feed direction are blank labels L on which no image has yet been printed. After printing the VOID image on the upstream printed label L in the feed direction, the CPU 31 controls the print head 21 to reprint the images of the rejected labels L and the printed labels L on the blank labels L upstream of the upstream printed label L in the feed direction, starting with the image of the rejected label L (S25).

[0056] Once the reprinting of each image on the rejected label L and the printed label L is complete, the CPU 31 terminates the rejection process, resumes the printing process, and restarts printing of images on labels L with serial numbers from the rejected label L onward.

[0057] If the reprinting of the rejection label L is repeated and the number of reprints exceeds a predetermined upper limit (S23:NO), the CPU 31 terminates the rejection process while the printing process is still interrupted (S26). In this case, for example, an error message indicating that the printing process has been interrupted because the image of the rejection label L could not be reprinted properly is displayed on the operation panel 35.

[0058] <Effects and Effects> As described above, a continuous sheet of paper P having multiple labels L is transported in the feeding direction, which is the direction in which the labels L are arranged, and the images printed on the labels L on the transported continuous sheet of paper P are read by the CIS unit 23.

[0059] When multiple images with the same barcode positions 41 and 42 on label L are printed on one label L for each image, the image printed on label L with serial number "1" is read by the CIS unit 23. The CIS unit 23 then checks whether each barcode 41 and 42 meets predetermined conditions from the read data, and obtains information that identifies the type and position of each barcode 41 and 42. Subsequently, when an image printed on a label L upstream of label L with serial number "1" in the feeding direction is read by the CIS unit 23, based on the previously obtained information, the CIS unit 23 extracts a processing range containing each barcode 41 and 42 from the read image, and checks whether the barcodes 41 and 42 included in the extracted processing range meet predetermined conditions. This means that only a portion of the processing range narrowed down from the entire read image needs to be processed for quality inspection to determine whether barcodes 41 and 42 meet predetermined conditions, thus reducing the time required for quality inspection of barcodes 41 and 42.

[0060] Incidentally, the processing range that includes each barcode 41, 42 can be extracted if at least the location of each barcode 41, 42 is identified and that location information is included in the inspection settings. However, in the embodiment described above, the type and location of each barcode 41, 42 are identified from the image reading data printed on the label L with serial number "1". In particular, if the type information of each barcode 41, 42 is included in the inspection settings, the necessary processing can be selected from among multiple processing methods such as data matrix processing, which further reduces the time required for quality inspection. Also, if the type information of each barcode 41, 42 is not included in the inspection settings, the optimal inspection according to the type of each barcode 41, 42 may not be performed, which may lead to misinspections. However, if the type information of each barcode 41, 42 is included in the inspection settings, only the inspection appropriate for the type of barcode 41, 42 can be performed, which has the advantage of making misinspections less likely.

[0061] <Variation> In the embodiment described above, it was assumed that for labels L with serial number "2" and later, the entire image printed on the label L was read by the CIS unit 23, and that the processing range containing each barcode 41, 42 was extracted from the reading data of the entire read image.

[0062] Alternatively, for labels L with serial numbers "2" and later, a reading range 51 that includes both barcodes 41 and 42 may be set based on the position information of each barcode 41 and 42 included in the inspection settings, as shown in Figure 6, and only that reading range 51 may be read by the CIS unit 23. This reduces the amount of data of the reading data acquired for the inspection of each barcode 41 and 42. As a result, the free capacity of RAM 33 can be increased, and the burden on CPU 31 due to inspection processing can be reduced.

[0063] Furthermore, for labels L with serial numbers "2" and later, based on the position information of each barcode 41, 42 included in the inspection settings, reading ranges 52, 53 that include each barcode 41, 42 individually may be set as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), and only those reading ranges 52, 53 may be read by the CIS unit 23. This further reduces the amount of data of the reading data acquired for the inspection of each barcode 41, 42. As a result, the free capacity of RAM 33 can be further increased, and the burden on CPU 31 due to inspection processing can be further reduced.

[0064] <Print inspection process> In the above-described embodiment, the printing program outputs a request to check whether the barcode contained in the printed image meets predetermined conditions. In response to the output of this request, the inspection process is started and the inspection process is performed in parallel with the printing process. In this configuration, when inspecting the quality of the barcode contained in the image printed on label L with serial number "1", the entire read data (the image printed on label L) read by the CIS unit 23 is considered as the processing range 43, so the barcode quality inspection takes time. As a result, the barcode inspection and the printing of the image on label L are not synchronized, and the barcode quality inspection is delayed relative to the printing of the image on label L. When the barcode quality inspection is delayed, the read data (read images) waiting for quality inspection accumulates in RAM 33, and there is a risk that the free capacity of RAM 33 will become insufficient. Furthermore, if the barcode quality is determined to be poor, there is a problem that a large number of labels L with images already printed on them will be wasted if the determination is made beforehand and cannot be used.

[0065] Therefore, instead of the configuration in which the aforementioned printing and inspection processes are performed, a configuration in which the print inspection process shown in Figures 8A and 8B is performed may be adopted.

[0066] During the print inspection process, when an instruction is given to print an image related to the raster image data stored in the USB memory, the CPU 31 controls the print head 21 and motor M to print the image onto the label L with serial number "1", that is, the first label L on the continuous paper P (S31).

[0067] When printing of an image onto label L with serial number "1" begins, the CPU 31 generates a request to check whether the barcode contained in the image printed on label L with serial number "1" satisfies predetermined conditions (S32). In response to this check request, the check request flag set in RAM 33 is turned on.

[0068] When CPU 31 determines that printing of the image on label L with serial number "1" is complete (S33: YES), it pauses printing by print head 21 (S34).

[0069] Subsequently, the CPU 31 determines whether the quality inspection of the barcode contained in the image printed on label L with serial number "1" (hereinafter referred to as "the barcode on label L with serial number "1") has been completed (S35). The print inspection process does not proceed to the next step until the quality inspection of the barcode on label L with serial number "1" is completed.

[0070] When CPU 31 determines that the quality inspection of the barcode on label L with serial number "1" is complete (S35: YES), it turns off the inspection request flag. Then, CPU 31 obtains the number of barcodes contained in the image from the image reading data printed on label L with serial number "1". After that, CPU 31 displays the obtained number of barcodes on the control panel 35. Also, CPU 31 displays a message on the control panel 35 asking the user whether to continue the print inspection process without correcting the number of barcodes entered by the user before starting the print (S36).

[0071] In response to the displayed message, if the user operates the control panel 35 and selects "NO" to indicate that they do not want to continue the print inspection process, a screen for entering the corrected barcode count will be displayed on the control panel 35. Once the corrected barcode count is entered through the operation of the control panel 35 (S37:YES), the CPU 31 determines whether the corrected barcode count matches the barcode count obtained from the image reading data printed on label L with serial number "1" (S38).

[0072] If CPU31 determines that the number of barcodes after correction matches the number of barcodes obtained from the image reading data printed on label L with serial number "1" (S38: YES), it determines that the inspection result for the barcode on label L with serial number "1" is "pass" (S39).

[0073] Furthermore, if, in response to the message asking whether to continue the print inspection process, the user operates the control panel 35 and selects "YES" to continue the print inspection process, that is, if the user does not correct the number of barcodes entered before the start of printing (S37: NO), the inspection result of the barcode on label L with serial number "1" is determined to be "pass" (S39).

[0074] If the CPU31 determines that the inspection result for the barcode on label L with serial number "1" is "pass," it identifies the type and position of the barcode on label L with serial number "1" from the image reading data printed on label L with serial number "1," and includes the information of the type and position of each barcode in the inspection settings corresponding to labels L with serial numbers "2" and onward.

[0075] On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the number of barcodes after correction does not match the number of barcodes obtained from the image reading data printed on label L with serial number "1" (S38: NO), it determines that the inspection result of the barcode on label L with serial number "1" is "failed" (S40). In this case, the CPU 31 causes the image to be printed on label L with serial number "2", that is, on the second label L on the continuous paper P (S31). After that, the CPU 31 performs the processing described in step S32 and onward.

[0076] The CPU 31 identifies the type and location of the barcode from the image reading data printed on label L, and once it includes the information of the type and location of each barcode in the inspection settings corresponding to the label L on which images will be printed thereafter, it releases the pause for printing by the print head 21 (S41) and resumes printing images to label L.

[0077] Then, each time printing of an image onto a label L with a subsequent sequential number begins, the CPU 31 generates a request to check whether the barcode included in the image printed on label L meets predetermined conditions (S43). In response to this check request, the check request flag set in RAM 33 is turned on. While the check request flag is on, the CPU 31, based on the check settings, sequentially extracts the processing range containing the barcode from the read data read by the CIS unit 23 for each label L, and checks whether the barcode in the extracted processing range meets predetermined conditions.

[0078] Subsequently, the CPU 31 determines whether or not printing of the image on all labels L to be printed is complete (S44). Printing of the image on the labels L continues until it determines that printing of the image on all labels L to be printed is complete (S44: NO). Once it determines that printing is complete (S44: YES), it determines whether or not the quality inspection of the barcodes contained in the images printed on all printed labels L is complete (S45). The CPU 31 waits until the quality inspection of the barcodes contained in the images printed on all printed labels L is complete. Once it determines that the quality inspection is complete (S45: YES), it terminates the print inspection process.

[0079] In this configuration where print inspection is performed, the inspection of the barcode and the printing of the image onto the label L can be synchronized. As a result, the accumulation of read data (read images) awaiting quality inspection in RAM 33 can be suppressed, eliminating the risk of insufficient free space in RAM 33. Furthermore, if the barcode quality is determined to be poor, the number of labels L with images already printed up to that point can be reduced, thus reducing the number of labels L that are wasted and cannot be used.

[0080] <Other Embodiments> In the embodiments described above, as shown in Figure 4, we took the example of a case where multiple images with the same barcode positions (printing positions) on label L are printed on label L for each image. However, as shown in Figure 9, when images containing barcodes are printed on two consecutive labels L, and sets of images with different barcode positions on the images printed on those two labels L are repeatedly arranged in the feeding direction, for example, even if the type and position of the barcode can be identified from the reading data of the image printed on label L with serial number "1", it is not possible to extract the processing range containing the barcode from the reading data of the image printed on label L with serial number "2" based on that barcode type and position information.

[0081] Therefore, in such cases, the CIS unit 23 reads each individual image in the image set of the image printed on label L with serial number "1" and the image printed on label L with serial number "2". The CIS unit 23 then checks whether each barcode 61, 62, and 63 satisfies predetermined conditions from the individual read data it reads, and obtains information that identifies the type and position of each barcode 61, 62, and 63. Subsequently, when the CIS unit 23 reads the image set of the image printed on label L upstream in the feeding direction from label L with serial number "2", for label L with an odd serial number, the processing range containing the barcode 61 is extracted based on the information obtained from the read data of label L with serial number "1", and it is checked whether the barcode 61 included in the extracted processing range satisfies predetermined conditions. Furthermore, for labels L with odd serial numbers, the processing range containing barcodes 62 and 63 is extracted based on the information obtained from the reading data of label L with serial number "2," and it is checked whether barcodes 62 and 63 included in the extracted processing range meet predetermined conditions.

[0082] The same process should be applied when an image set contains three or more images.

[0083] <Other variations> Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be implemented in yet other forms.

[0084] For example, in label printer 1, a USB memory device storing raster image data obtained by rasterizing print data is connected to the USB interface 34. However, the USB memory device storing print data may be connected to the USB interface 34, and the print data may be rasterized into raster image data in label printer 1. In this case, information on the type and position of barcodes included in the image printed on label L may be obtained from the print data. Print data is data that describes information such as the position and type of characters and the position of shapes in the image to be printed, using a page description language.

[0085] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment took the example of a case where a quality inspection of a barcode included in the image printed on label L is performed. However, the codes covered by the present invention are not limited to barcodes, but also include two-dimensional codes. That is, if a two-dimensional code is included in the image printed on label L, a quality inspection of that two-dimensional code may be performed. The predetermined conditions for the quality inspection of a two-dimensional code are, for example, that it satisfies the standards defined in JIS X 0526 (corresponding international standard: ISO / IEC 15415).

[0086] The specified condition may also be that the manufacturer or user of the label printer 1 can correctly read the information within the code (barcode, two-dimensional code) using a scanner.

[0087] In the print inspection process shown in Figure 8A, the number of barcodes is obtained from the reading data of the image printed on label L with serial number "1," and the obtained number of barcodes is displayed on the operation panel 35. After confirmation by the user, it is determined whether the number of barcodes entered by the user matches the number of barcodes obtained from the reading data. Alternatively, the CPU 31 may determine whether the number of barcodes entered by the user matches the number of barcodes obtained from the reading data as an internal process, without displaying the number of barcodes on the operation panel 35.

[0088] Furthermore, the type and location of the barcode are identified from the image reading data printed on label L with serial number "1," and this information about the barcode type and location is included in the inspection settings corresponding to labels L with serial numbers "2" and beyond. In addition to the type and location of the barcode, other information such as the orientation of the barcode and the data before it is encoded into the barcode may also be identified from the reading data, and this information may also be included in the inspection settings corresponding to labels L with serial numbers "2" and beyond.

[0089] Furthermore, various design modifications can be made to the aforementioned configuration within the scope of the matters described in the patent claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1: Label printer 13: Roll holder 16,17: Conveyor rollers 21: Printhead 23: CIS Unit 31:CPU 34: USB Interface 41, 42, 61, 62, 63: Barcodes 43, 45, 46: Processing range 51, 52, 53: Reading range L: Label P: Continuous paper

Claims

1. A conveying unit that conveys a medium having multiple printing areas in the conveying direction such that the multiple printing areas are conveyed sequentially in the conveying direction, A reading unit reads images printed on the plurality of printing areas on the medium transported by the transport unit, A quantity receiving unit that accepts input for the number of codes included in one print area, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When multiple images, each with the same code print position in the print area, are printed in one of the multiple print areas, The reading unit is made to read a predetermined image printed in a predetermined printing area among the plurality of printing areas. The reading unit reads the predetermined image and checks whether the code satisfies predetermined conditions. Position information is obtained from the read image of the predetermined image to identify the printing position of the code. The reading unit is instructed to read the upstream image printed in the printing area upstream of the predetermined image in the transport direction. Based on the position information, the reading unit extracts the processing range containing the code from the read image of the upstream image read by the reading unit. An inspection device that checks whether the code included in the extracted processing range satisfies the predetermined conditions.

2. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit obtains the number of codes from the read image of the predetermined image, and if the obtained number does not match the number received by the number receiving unit, it stops the operation of the reading unit before the image printed in the upstream printing area is read by the reading unit.

3. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit is an inspection device that obtains the type of code from the read image of the predetermined image.

4. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, A conveying unit that conveys a medium having multiple printing areas in the conveying direction such that the multiple printing areas are conveyed sequentially in the conveying direction, A reading unit reads images printed on the plurality of printing areas on the medium transported by the transport unit, Display unit and It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When multiple images, each with the same code print position in the print area, are printed in one of the multiple print areas, The reading unit is made to read a predetermined image printed in a predetermined printing area among the plurality of printing areas. The reading unit reads the predetermined image and checks whether the code satisfies predetermined conditions. Position information is obtained from the read image of the predetermined image to identify the printing position of the code. The reading unit is instructed to read the upstream image printed in the printing area upstream of the predetermined image in the transport direction. Based on the position information, the reading unit extracts the processing range containing the code from the read image of the upstream image read by the reading unit. The system then checks whether the code included in the extracted processing range satisfies the predetermined conditions. The number of codes is obtained from the read image of the predetermined image. An inspection device that displays information indicating the number of acquired codes on the display unit.

5. An inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit sets the reading range by the reading unit in the upstream printing area based on the position information, and is used as an inspection device.

6. The inspection apparatus according to claim 5, The control unit sets the reading range to the range that includes the code, and is used as an inspection device.

7. An inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An inspection device in which the predetermined printing area is the downstream printing area in the transport direction among the plurality of printing areas.

8. A conveying unit that conveys a medium having multiple printing areas in the conveying direction such that the multiple printing areas are conveyed sequentially in the conveying direction. A reading unit that reads images printed on the plurality of printing areas on the medium transported by the transport unit, and An inspection device comprising a control unit, A receiving unit that receives image data to be printed in the plurality of print areas, A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit provided upstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, which prints an image of the data received by the receiving unit onto a plurality of printing areas on the medium transported by the transport unit, The control unit, When multiple sets of image sets, each containing a code and printed in two or more consecutive print areas in the transport direction, are printed in the multiple print areas in such a manner that they are repeatedly arranged in the transport direction, The reading unit reads each image from a predetermined set of images among the aforementioned multiple sets of images. The reading unit checks whether the code satisfies predetermined conditions from each read image of the predetermined set of images read by the reading unit. Position information is obtained from each read image of the predetermined set of images to determine the printing position of the code. The reading unit reads each image of the image set upstream in the transport direction from the predetermined image set. Based on the position information, the reading unit extracts the processing range containing the code from each read image of the upstream image set read by the reading unit. The system then checks whether the code included in the extracted processing range satisfies the predetermined conditions. When command data is received by the receiving unit, the receiving unit has a mode that acquires the location information from the command data, extracts the processing range based on the location information, and checks whether the code included in the extracted processing range satisfies the predetermined conditions. A printing device that rasterizes the command data received by the receiving unit and prints the rasterized raster image data onto the plurality of print areas using the printing unit.

9. An inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A receiving unit that receives image data to be printed in the plurality of print areas, The system includes a printing unit provided upstream of the reading unit in the transport direction, which prints an image of the data received by the receiving unit onto a plurality of printing areas on the medium transported by the transport unit, The receiving unit receives command data, The control unit, The receiving unit has a mode in which, when command data is received, it obtains location information from the command data, extracts the processing range based on the location information, and checks whether the code included in the extracted processing range satisfies the predetermined conditions. A printing device that rasterizes the command data received by the receiving unit and prints the rasterized raster image data onto the plurality of print areas using the printing unit.

10. A printing apparatus according to claim 8, A printing device that prevents the printing unit from starting printing of the upstream printing area or the upstream image set until it has finished checking whether the code satisfies the predetermined conditions from each read image of the predetermined image set.

11. A printing apparatus according to claim 9, A printing device that prevents the printing unit from starting printing of the upstream printing area or the upstream image set until it has finished checking whether the code from the read image of the predetermined image satisfies the predetermined conditions.

Images