Information processing system, printer setup instructions

Abstract

To easily and surely perform a work for setting a printer whish is most suitable for a printing medium set in the printer.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a user terminal that a user possesses and a printer. The user terminal comprises: a first obtaining part that obtains information recorded on a printing medium or on a package for the printing medium, which is medium information including printer-setting information relating to the printing medium, by an electromagnetic method or an optical method; and a control part that, when wireless communication with the printer becomes possible, performs control so that the medium information obtained by the first obtaining part is transmitted to the printer. The printer comprises: a wireless tag arranged to be able to wirelessly communicate with the user terminal, when the user terminal is made to get close to a predetermined position exposed to the outside of the printer; and a setting part that performs setting of the printer, on the basis of the printer-setting information included in the obtained medium information obtained through the wireless tag.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a method for setting a printer, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various proposals have been made to facilitate the operation of setting optimal printer settings for printing media such as roll paper to be set in a printer. For example, in Patent Document 1, an IC memory module for storing paper-related information is embedded in a core material of a roll paper member, and a printing device (printer) is configured to access the IC memory module at timings such as when power is turned on, when the roll paper member is replaced, and when power is turned off to acquire paper-related information. In this printing device, printing processing is controlled by reflecting the information acquired from the IC memory module.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional printers described above, since it is necessary to mount a reader / writer for acquiring information from an IC memory module (tag), the printers become more complex and costly. In addition, generally, a reader / writer has limitations in the types of tags that can communicate, so depending on the combination of the printer and the roll paper with the tag embedded, there may be cases where the printer cannot appropriately acquire information from the tag.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable a printer setting operation optimal for a printing medium to be set in a printer to be performed simply and reliably.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system that includes a user terminal owned by the user and a printer. Here, the user terminal is, A first acquisition unit that acquires media information, including printer setting information related to the printing medium, recorded on the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium, by an electromagnetic or optical method, The system includes a control unit that controls the transmission of the media information acquired by the first acquisition unit to the printer when wireless communication with the printer becomes possible. The aforementioned printer is A wireless tag is positioned so as to enable wireless communication with the user terminal when the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined location exposed outside the printer, The system includes a setting unit that configures the printer based on printer setting information contained in the media information acquired via the wireless tag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the optimal printer settings operation for the printing medium to be set in the printer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the printer setup process in the printer setup system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing a magnified view of a part of an example printer. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of screen transitions for an NFC application on a user terminal in the printer setting system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of screen transitions for an NFC application on a user terminal in the printer setting system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5]This figure shows an example of screen transitions for an NFC application on a user terminal in the printer setting system of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of each device in the printer setting system of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the printer setting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the printer setting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the printer setting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of each device in the printer setting system of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the data structure of a tag database. [Figure 12] This is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the printer configuration system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In this disclosure, "printing medium" refers to a medium for printing information, such as a label or form. The material of the printing medium is not limited to paper; it may also be film. The printing medium may also be an RFID label. An RFID label is a label that incorporates an inlay (an IC chip with an antenna, which consists of an IC chip and an antenna placed on a substrate such as a resin film; this may also be referred to as an "RFID inlay" or "RFID inlet"). When printing on an RFID label, information is written to the inlay within the RFID label by a reader / writer provided in the printer. In this disclosure, "media information" means information recorded on a printable medium or on the packaging of a printable medium. Label data, as described later, is an example of media information.

[0010] One embodiment of an information processing system is a printer setting system for setting a printer, and the setting is performed using a user terminal possessed by a user. Although the user terminal is not limited, for example, it is preferably a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The user terminal acquires medium information, which is information recorded on a printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium and includes printer setting information related to the printing medium, by an electromagnetic method or an optical method. An example of the user terminal acquiring medium information by an electromagnetic method is to acquire information by relatively short-range wireless communication using an electromagnetic field, radio waves, etc. For example, a tag readable by an electromagnetic method is attached to the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium, and the user terminal reads the medium information from the tag.

[0011] An example of the user terminal acquiring medium information by an optical method is to acquire information corresponding to the code by optically reading a barcode or a two-dimensional code. For example, a two-dimensional code is printed on the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium, or a label with a printed two-dimensional code is attached, and the user terminal optically reads the two-dimensional code to acquire the medium information. Regardless of whether it is an electromagnetic method or an optical method, the medium information can be acquired non-contact by the user terminal from the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium.

[0012] In this printer setting system, the printer includes a wireless tag arranged so that wireless communication with the user terminal becomes possible when the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined position exposed outside the printer. The wireless tag is, for example, built in the vicinity of a predetermined position exposed outside the printer. It is preferable that information serving as a mark such as a predetermined mark is shown at the predetermined position where the wireless tag is arranged so that the position where the user brings the user terminal close can be recognized. In the following description, an NFC tag is given as an example of a wireless tag, but it is not limited thereto, and a BLE tag using Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy or an RFID tag in the UHF band may also be used.

[0013] When the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined position exposed outside the printer and wireless communication with the printer via the wireless tag becomes possible, the user terminal controls to transmit the media information already acquired from the printing medium or the package of the printing medium to the printer. The printer performs the settings of the printer based on the printer setting information included in the media information acquired via the wireless tag. Therefore, in this printer setting system, when performing printer settings suitable for the printing medium, it is sufficient to acquire the media information non-contact by the user terminal from the printing medium or the package of the printing medium, and then bring the user terminal close to a predetermined position exposed outside the printer. Therefore, it is possible to easily and surely perform an optimal printer setting operation for the printing medium to be set in the printer.

[0014] (1) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a printer setting system which is an example of an information processing system will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a printer setting operation in a printer setting system 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, label packages LP1 and LP2 are long label continua or roll-shaped label continua (label rolls) that contain a plurality of labels (an example of a printing medium) to be printed and issued and are set in the printer 2. In one embodiment, the printer 2 is an RFID printer capable of issuing RFID labels. A seal printed with a two-dimensional code 11 is attached to the label package LP1, and the two-dimensional code 11 contains label data (an example of media information) regarding the labels included in the label package LP1. An NFC tag 12 is attached to the label package LP2, and label data (an example of media information) regarding the labels included in the label package LP2 is recorded in the NFC tag 12. A sticker printed with a two-dimensional code 11 or a sticker with an NFC tag 12 attached may be used as a sealing seal for the label packaging. Since the sticker printed with the two-dimensional code 11 is not affected by interference with surrounding tags, it can be placed in any position as long as the two-dimensional code 11 is readable. Also, since readability does not need to be considered for the NFC tag 12, it may be attached to the paper core of the label roll. It is preferable to affix the sticker printed with the two-dimensional code 11 or the NFC tag 12 to the label packaging, but this is not limited to that, and they may also be affixed to a cardboard box or pallet packaging that contains multiple label packages.

[0015] If the labels included in label packaging LP1 and LP2 are RFID labels, the following information is an example of the information included in the label data. (i) Inlay-specific identification information (hereinafter referred to as "Tag ID") (ii) Information on the label: Product code number, lot number, serial number, manufacturing date, expiration date, label type, antenna position information of the inlay incorporated into the label, etc. (iii) Inlay information: Inlay code number, IC chip name, frequency band, antenna size, etc. (iv) Printer setting information: Information for each printer model that is used to set the printer to the optimal setting for encoding the inlay embedded in the label, or for setting the printer to the optimal setting for the print quality of the label. For example, RFID inlay encoding information (optimal electromagnetic wave level of the reader / writer (e.g., write radio wave output and read radio wave output), optimal position (X, Y, Z) for the inlay to communicate with the reader / writer (also called "tag offset")), print speed, print density. (v) Print data

[0016] If the labels included in label packaging LP1 and LP2 are regular labels and not RFID labels, the information included in the label data is exemplified by the following: (i) Label ID (ii) Information on the label: Product code number, lot number, serial number, manufacturing date, expiration date, label type, etc. (iii) Information for optimizing printer settings for label print quality for each printer model, such as print speed, print density, etc. (iv) Print data

[0017] It is not necessary for all of the above information to be included in the label data; it is sufficient if at least some of the above information is included. For example, "print data" does not need to be included in the label data.

[0018] User terminal 3 is a communication device owned by the user, and may include a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other wearable device. User terminal 3 has an NFC application installed, primarily for configuring printer settings. The NFC application is software programmed to communicate wirelessly with the printer using NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0019] As shown in state ST1 of Figure 1, when the NFC application captures the two-dimensional code 11 using the imaging unit built into the user terminal 3, it acquires label data by reading the two-dimensional code 11. The NFC application can also acquire received label data when the user terminal 3 is brought close to the NFC tag 12, by having the NFC tag built into the user terminal 3 communicate wirelessly with the NFC tag 12. Note that obtaining label data by reading the two-dimensional code 11 is an example of user terminal 3 obtaining label data by an optical method. Obtaining label data by wirelessly communicating with NFC tag 12 is an example of user terminal 3 obtaining label data by an electromagnetic method.

[0020] Next, after the user performs a predetermined operation to send information on the NFC application, when the user terminal 3 touches a predetermined location on the printer 2 as shown in state ST2 of Figure 1, the label data is sent from the NFC application to the printer 2. The printer 2 then performs printer settings based on the printer setting information contained in the label data. In the following explanation, "touch operation" is not limited to cases where the user terminal 3 is physically brought into contact with a designated location on the printer 2, but also includes cases where the user terminal 3 is held up towards or close to the designated location on the printer 2, without physically touching the printer 2. Furthermore, in the following explanation, touching the user terminal 3 to the printer 2 means touching the user terminal 3 to a designated location on the printer 2 where the NFC tag 28 is built in.

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, a magnified view of a portion of the exterior of an exemplary printer 2 is shown. As shown in Figure 2, the printer 2 has a display unit 25 and an operation input unit 26 on its front, and an NFC tag 28 is built into a predetermined position exposed to the outside of the printer 2. By performing a touch operation on this predetermined position, an NFC application can communicate with the printer 2 via NFC.

[0022] Next, the functions of the NFC application will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figures 3 to 5 show examples of screen transitions on user terminal 3 of the NFC application when operated by the user. In Figure 3, screen G1 is the main menu of the NFC application. The main menu includes radio buttons to select either the NFC transmission mode in OFF mode (an example of the first communication mode; "OFF mode NFC transmission") or the NFC transmission mode in ON mode (an example of the second communication mode; "ON mode NFC transmission"), depending on the power status of the printer 2. In Figure 3, screen G1 shows an example where OFF mode NFC transmission is selected.

[0023] In this state, as shown in state ST1 in Figure 1, when the user brings the user terminal 3 close to the NFC tag 12, the NFC application on the user terminal 3 communicates with the NFC tag 12, obtains label data from the NFC tag 12, and transitions to screen G3. Next, when the user touches the printer 2 with the user terminal 3, the label data obtained from the NFC tag 12 is sent to the NFC tag 28 on the printer 2. Once the transmission is complete, the NFC application displays screen G4, which allows the user to choose whether or not to save the transmitted label data.

[0024] When the user operates button b1 ("Read QR Code") on the main menu, screen G2 is displayed. In this state, as shown in state ST1 of Figure 1, when the user points user terminal 3 towards the QR code 11, the NFC application captures the QR code 11 and reads it. Once the NFC application has finished reading the QR code 11, it obtains the label data from the QR code 11 and transitions to screen G3. Next, when the user touches printer 2 with user terminal 3, the label data obtained from the QR code 11 is sent to the NFC tag 28 on printer 2. Once the transmission is complete, the NFC application displays screen G4, which allows the user to choose whether or not to save the transmitted label data.

[0025] When the user operates button b2 ("Select File") on the main menu, screen G5 is displayed. Screen G5 displays a file list 101 containing multiple files that the user can select. The file list 101 contains a list of multiple files stored on the user terminal 3. Each file may be, for example, label data previously saved by the save operation on screen G4, data consisting of one or more commands written in a printer language that can be interpreted by printer 2, or data downloaded from a server (not shown). When a file is selected, the screen transitions to screen G3. Next, when the user touches the user terminal 3 to the printer 2, the selected file is sent to the NFC tag 28 on the printer 2.

[0026] Even if ON mode NFC transmission is selected on screen G1, the screen transitions are the same as in the case of OFF mode NFC transmission, except that "ON mode transmission" is displayed on screen G3.

[0027] When the user operates button b3 ("Other") in the main menu, screen G6, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, is displayed. Screen G6 in Figures 4 and 5 displays a menu for performing other functions and includes buttons b11 to b16. Figure 4 shows an example of screen transitions when button b11 is operated on screen G6. Figure 5 shows an example of screen transitions when button b12 is operated on screen G6.

[0028] On screen G6, button b11 ("OFF mode NFC transmission") is the operation button for selecting the NFC transmission mode in OFF mode. Button b12 ("ON mode NFC transmission") is the operation button for selecting the NFC transmission mode in ON mode. Button b13 ("Bluetooth® Transmission") is the operation button for performing Bluetooth® communication with printer 2. Button b14 (Wi-Fi® Transmission) is the operation button for performing Wi-Fi® communication with printer 2. For the NFC application to enable Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® communication with printer 2, printer 2 must be configured to enable Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi communication. Button b15 ("NFC Receive") is an operation button used to receive data from the NFC tag 28 of printer 2 when printer 2 is powered off. Button b16 ("Write to Tag") is an operation button used to write data such as files stored in the user terminal 3 and selected by the user to an NFC tag attached to a label or label packaging. By operating button b16, a screen (not shown) for selecting the file to be written will be displayed, for example, as shown in screen G5.

[0029] Referring to Figure 4, when button b11 is pressed on screen G6, the screen transitions from screen G6 to screen G7. Screen G7 includes buttons b17 to b19. Button b17 ("English setting") is an operation button for setting the language of the text displayed on the display unit 25 of printer 2 to English. Button b18 ("Japanese setting") is an operation button for setting the language of the text displayed on the display unit 25 of printer 2 to Japanese. Button b19 ("File selection") is an operation button for selecting one of several files stored on the user terminal 3, similar to button b2 in Figure 3. When button b19 is pressed, the screen transitions to screen G5, as in the case of Figure 3.

[0030] If button b17 or b18 is pressed on screen G7, or if any file is selected on screen G5, the screen transitions to screen G10. Screen G10 displays a message prompting the user to perform a touch operation. When the user operates button b17 or b18 and then touches the user terminal 3 to the printer 2, the language of the text displayed on the printer 2's display unit 25 can be set to English or Japanese. Note that the display on screen G7 is just an example, and it may also be possible to set the language to a language other than English and Japanese, such as Chinese or Vietnamese. If the printer 2 is powered off, the changed language setting will be reflected when the printer 2 is powered on. When any file is selected on screen G5, the screen transitions to screen G10. Next, when the user touches the user terminal 3 to the printer 2, the selected file is sent to the NFC tag 28 on the printer 2.

[0031] Referring to Figure 5, when button b12 is pressed on screen G6, the screen transitions from screen G6 to screen G8. Screen G8 includes buttons b20 to b23. Button b20 ("Image Data IM1") is an operation button for sending image data IM1 stored in user terminal 3. Button b21 ("Image Data IM2") is an operation button for sending image data IM2 stored in user terminal 3. Button b22 ("Image Data IM3") is an operation button for sending image data IM3 stored in user terminal 3. Furthermore, it is preferable that buttons b20 to b22 display icons or designs that include the printed content of the label (e.g., a print sample) so that the user can recognize the printed content of the label being issued. Button b23 ("Select File") is an operation button used to select one of several files stored on the user terminal 3. When button b23 is pressed, the screen transitions to screen G5, which displays the file list 101, as in Figure 4.

[0032] If any of buttons b20-b22 are pressed on screen G8, or if any file is selected on screen G5, the screen transitions to screen G9. Screen G9 displays a message prompting the user to perform a touch operation. When the user operates one of buttons b20 to b22 and then touches the user terminal 3 to the printer 2, an issuance command to issue a label based on one of the image data IM1 to IM3 is sent to the printer 2 via the NFC tag 28, the corresponding image is printed on the label, and the label is issued. When any file is selected on screen G5, the screen transitions to screen G9. Next, when the user touches the user terminal 3 to the printer 2, one or more commands contained in the selected file are sent to the printer 2 via the printer 2's NFC tag 28.

[0033] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the configuration of each device in the printer setting system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram including the hardware configuration of printer 2 and user terminal 3 in the printer setting system 1 of this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the printer 2 comprises a control unit 21, storage 22, transport unit 23, printing unit 24, display unit 25, operation input unit 26, communication unit 27, NFC tag 28, and reader / writer 29.

[0035] The control unit 21 includes a CPU 211, ROM 212, and RAM 213, and controls the entire printer 2. For example, the CPU 211 implements various functions by loading and executing firmware stored in ROM 212. RAM 213 functions as the main memory for the CPU 211 to perform various processing tasks.

[0036] The control unit 21 performs various processes based on the data received from the NFC application on the user terminal 3. The control unit 21 controls the transport unit 23 and the printing unit 24 so that a label is issued if the data sent from the NFC application includes a label issuance command along with the image data. When issuing a label, the control unit 21 sequentially sends line data, which is line-by-line data of the image data acquired from the user terminal 3 via the NFC tag 28, to the printing unit 24. If the data sent from the NFC application includes printer setting commands along with printer setting information, the control unit 21 configures printer 2 based on the printer setting commands. In other words, the control unit 21 functions as a configuration unit that configures printer 2 based on the printer setting information contained in the label data acquired via the NFC tag 28.

[0037] Storage 22 is a non-volatile memory, such as a Solid State Drive (SSD) made of flash memory. Storage 22 stores, for example, image data acquired from the user terminal 3 and format files for creating image data based on print data received from a host computer (not shown).

[0038] The transport unit 23 includes a platen roller, a motor drive circuit, and a stepping motor, and transports continuous paper within the printer 2. For example, based on a transport request from the control unit 21, the transport unit 23 transports the continuous paper by having the motor drive circuit drive a stepping motor that controls the rotation of the platen roller. The printing unit 24 includes a thermal head and a head drive circuit. The thermal head holds continuous paper between itself and the platen roller. The head drive circuit performs printing by selectively supplying current to multiple heating elements of the thermal head based on line data sequentially sent by the control unit 21. The print speed and / or print density can be adjusted by the control unit 21 within a predetermined range. Adjusting the print speed and / or print density by the control unit 21 is one example of printer setting processing.

[0039] The display unit 25 includes, for example, a display panel such as an LCD and a display driver circuit, and displays the results of the program execution by the firmware. The printer 2 contains, for example, a roll of continuous paper wound around it. The continuous paper includes a backing sheet and a plurality of labels temporarily attached to the backing sheet. Each label may be an RFID label. The operation input unit 26 includes, for example, input devices such as buttons or touch input devices mounted on the display panel of the display unit 25, and accepts operation input from the user. The communication unit 27 is a communication interface for receiving print data for issuing labels by communicating with, for example, a host computer (not shown).

[0040] The NFC tag 28 is a tag for short-range wireless communication via NFC with the user terminal 3. As shown in Figure 2, it is positioned so that wireless communication with the user terminal 3 becomes possible when the user terminal 3 is touched to the printer 2. When printer 2 is powered off, the NFC tag 28 receives NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) data from user terminal 3. NDEF data is a lightweight binary format data used for data exchange using NFC. When printer 2 is powered off, the data sent when user terminal 3 touches printer 2 is in NDEF format. The NFC tag 28 includes a ROM 281. The ROM 281 is a non-volatile memory for temporarily storing data received by the NFC tag 28 from the user terminal 3. When the printer 2 is powered off, data received by the NFC tag 28 is stored in the ROM 281.

[0041] The reader / writer 29 is an RFID module that reads data from the inlay embedded in the RFID label and writes the data to the inlay when printing on the RFID label set in the printer 2. In the reader / writer 29, the read output (electromagnetic wave level) when reading data from the inlay and the write output (electromagnetic wave level) when writing data to the inlay can be adjusted by the control unit 21. Adjusting the read output and / or write output by the control unit 21 is one example of printer setting processing. Furthermore, the optimal position for the RFID label inlay being transported inside the printer 2 to communicate with the reader / writer 29 can be adjusted by the control unit 21. Setting this optimal position by the control unit 21 is one example of printer configuration processing.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the user terminal 3 includes a control unit 31, storage 32, operation input unit 33, display unit 34, imaging unit 35, code reader 36, communication unit 37, and NFC tag 38. The control unit 31 is primarily composed of a CPU and controls the entire user terminal 3. For example, the CPU included in the control unit 31 loads and executes the NFC application program stored in the storage 32 from the ROM, and displays the execution result on the display unit 34. Storage 32 (an example of a storage unit) is a non-volatile memory, such as an SSD with flash memory. Storage 32 stores data acquired by running an NFC application. For example, multiple files displayed in the file list 101 in Figure 4 are stored in storage 32, as well as label data contained in the two-dimensional code read by the NFC application as shown in Figure 1, and / or label data received from an NFC tag.

[0043] By executing the NFC application, the control unit 31 realizes the following functions: the first acquisition unit, the transmission control unit, the label data acquisition unit, and the writing unit. The first acquisition unit acquires label data, which includes printer setting information related to the label, recorded on the label or label packaging, by electromagnetic or optical means. The transmission control unit controls the transmission to the printer 2 when wireless communication via NFC becomes possible with the printer 2, by transmitting the label data acquired by the first acquisition unit to the printer 2. The label data acquisition unit (an example of a media information acquisition unit) acquires the label data of the label set in the printer 2 via the NFC tag 38 when the NFC tag 38 becomes capable of wireless communication with the NFC tag 28 of the printer 2. The writing unit writes at least a portion of the label data acquired by the label data acquisition unit to a label equipped with an NFC tag or an NFC tag attached to the label packaging.

[0044] The operation input unit 33 is, for example, a touch panel type input device provided on the display panel of the user terminal 3. The operation input unit 33 notifies the NFC application of operation input to the display panel. The display unit 34 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel, and displays the execution results of the NFC application. The display unit 34 also displays the digital image signal generated by the imaging unit 35. The imaging unit 35 includes, for example, an optical lens and an image sensor that converts incident light from the optical lens into an electrical signal, and sequentially generates digital images and outputs them to the display unit 34. The code reader 36 analyzes the code information (for example, the two-dimensional code 11 shown in Figure 1) contained in the image signal generated by the imaging unit 35 and extracts (acquires) data from the code information.

[0045] The communication unit 37 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The NFC tag 38 is a communication interface for performing short-range wireless communication using NFC. For example, when the NFC tag 38 is brought close to an NFC tag attached to label packaging, or when a user terminal 3 touches the printer 2, it performs NFC communication under the control of an NFC application.

[0046] Next, the operation of the printer setting system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0047] [Data transmission from the user terminal to the printer when the printer power is OFF] Figure 7 is a sequence chart showing the operation when printer settings are configured based on NDEF data received from an NFC application while the printer 2 is powered off, following the procedure shown in Figure 1.

[0048] In Figure 7, for example, if the user selects "OFF mode NFC transmission" on screen G1 in Figure 3 and then operates button b1 to transition to screen G2, and then images the two-dimensional code 11 (Figure 1), the code reader 36 acquires the label data contained in the two-dimensional code 11 (step S2a). Alternatively, if the user brings the user terminal 3 close to the NFC tag 12 (Figure 1), the NFC tag 38 acquires the label data from the NFC tag 12 (step S2b). The label data acquired in step S2a or S2b becomes the data to be transmitted to the printer 2. The NFC application can also specify a file selected by the user from the file list 101 in Figure 4 as the data to be transmitted. Next, when the user touches the user terminal 3 to the printer 2, the NFC application converts the data to be transmitted into NDEF data and sends the NDEF data to the NFC tag 28 via the NFC tag 38 (step S4). The NFC tag 28, having received the NDEF data, extracts the data to be transmitted from the NDEF data and writes it to the ROM 281 (step S6).

[0049] Subsequently, when the printer 2 is powered on (step S8), during the startup process, the printer 2 reads the data stored in the ROM 281 of the NFC tag 28 (the data received in step S4) (step S10) and saves it to the RAM 213 (step S12). Next, the printer 2 performs printer setup processing based on the printer setup information contained in the data saved in the RAM 213 (step S14). Therefore, when configuring printer 2, the user does not need to turn on printer 2; if they perform touch operations while printer 2 is powered off, the printer configuration process will be performed the next time it is turned on.

[0050] [Data transmission from the user terminal to the printer when the printer power is ON] Figure 8 is a sequence chart showing the operation when printer settings are configured based on data received from an NFC application while printer 2 is powered on, following the procedure shown in Figure 1.

[0051] The difference between Figure 8 and Figure 7 (when printer 2 is powered off) is that the data format of the data sent from the NFC application to printer 2 after a touch operation is not NDEF format, but rather the data is sent to printer 2 in packets of a predetermined number of bytes. In other words, in Figure 8, when the user terminal 3 touches the printer 2, the data to be transmitted is compressed and then divided into multiple packets of a predetermined number of bytes (e.g., 64 bytes) and transmitted (step S18). Each packet is received directly by the control unit 21 of the printer 2 via the NFC tag 28. One of the packets transmitted in step S12 (e.g., the last packet) contains a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) code.

[0052] When printer 2 receives data, it decompresses the received data (step S20) and then performs a CRC check (step S22). Printer 2 returns the result of the CRC check to the NFC application (step S24), allowing the NFC application to determine whether printer 2 successfully received the data. If the check result is OK, printer 2 saves the received data to RAM 213 (step S26). Next, printer 2 performs printer setting processing based on the printer setting information contained in the data saved in RAM 213 (step S28).

[0053] [Data transmission from printer to user terminal, data writing from user terminal to tag] Figure 9 is a sequence chart showing the operation when data is sent from printer 2 to an NFC application on user terminal 3, and when data is written from the NFC application to another NFC tag (a tag other than printer 2's NFC tag 28).

[0054] When the power OFF button is pressed (step S30), the printer 2 sends data from the RAM 213 relating to the label set in the printer 2 (i.e., label data) to the NFC tag 28, and the NFC tag 28 writes the label data to the ROM 281 (steps S32, S34). Subsequently, we assume that the NFC application receives a receiving instruction from the user when the user operates button b15 on screen G6 in Figure 4 (step S36). In this case, when the user touches the user terminal 3 to the printer 2, the NFC tag 28 converts the data to be transmitted into NDEF data and sends the NDEF data to the NFC application (step S38). The NFC application that receives the NDEF data extracts and saves the transmission data contained in the NDEF data (stored in storage 32) (step S40).

[0055] When writing data from the user terminal 3 to the NFC tag, the NFC application receives a write command from the user by operating button b16 on screen G6 in Figure 4 (step S42). Although not shown, the user can, for example, select the file to be written from the file list 101 as the data to be written after operating button b16 on screen G6 in Figure 4. When data to be written is selected, the NFC application converts the data to be written into NDEF format and sends the NDEF data to the NFC tag when the user brings the user terminal 3 close to the NFC tag to be written (step S44). The NFC tag extracts the data to be written from the received NDEF data and writes it to the ROM (step S46).

[0056] As described above, the NFC application installed on the user terminal 3 is configured to enable the transmission and reception of label data between the NFC tag attached to the label or label packaging and the NFC tag 28 built into the printer 2, based on user operations. The NFC application can also obtain label data from the two-dimensional code displayed on the label or label packaging. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, for example, before setting the label in printer 2, label data can be obtained from the NFC tag attached to the label or label packaging, or from the displayed two-dimensional code, and the printer 2 can be remotely configured based on this label data. With this printer configuration, the user only needs to touch the user terminal 3 to printer 2, making it easy and reliable to perform the optimal printer configuration for the label to be set in printer 2.

[0057] Printer configuration information is not limited to being obtained from an NFC tag attached to a label or label packaging, or from a displayed two-dimensional code. Multiple files containing various printer configuration information can be pre-stored on the user terminal 3. In this case, each file contains one or more parameters corresponding to the printer configuration information and one or more commands written in a printer language that the printer 2 can interpret. The NFC application sends the file selected by the user from the file list 101 (see Figure 4), which includes the multiple files in question, to the printer 2. The printer 2 interprets one or more commands contained in the received file and can configure the printer settings based on the printer configuration information.

[0058] The mechanism described above can also be used in the usage scenarios described below.

[0059] [First mode of use] If the label data acquired as shown in state ST1 of Figure 1 includes print data corresponding to the label, then, as shown in state ST2, the user can touch the printer 2 with the user terminal 3 to cause the printer 2 to issue a label based on that print data. In other words, when the NFC application on the user terminal 3 acquires label data, it generates a print command written in a printer language that can be interpreted by the printer 2, which includes the print data within the label data, and sends this print command to the printer 2 via the NFC tag 28 in response to the touch operation. The print command is sent in ON mode (the transmission mode when the printer 2 is powered on). Printer 2 interprets the received print command and issues a label. Here, the control unit 21 of printer 2 functions as a print control unit that controls printing based on the print command received by the NFC tag 28. This usage scenario is convenient because it allows labels to be printed without connecting printer 2 to a computer device. For example, by storing the appropriate print data for the label, or the data intended to be printed on the label, in an NFC tag, a computer terminal is not required when printing labels with printer 2.

[0060] [Second form of use] Because there are variations (individual differences) in antenna radiation characteristics, etc., in the reader / writer and inlay installed in printers, even if you set the printer settings based on the printer setting information obtained from the RFID label after setting the RFID label in the printer, the reader / writer may not be able to write data to the RFID label inlay. In that case, for example, the electromagnetic waves of the reader / writer... output It is necessary to adjust the printer settings, such as by increasing the number of labels, so that it is possible to write to the inlay. However, adjusting the printer settings each time a large number of label rolls are loaded into the printer in sequence is cumbersome. Therefore, if a user purchases, for example, 10 label rolls, each with an NFC tag attached, and finds that printer settings need to be adjusted when the first label roll is placed in the printer, the user terminal 3 obtains printer setting information from printer 2 that shows the adjusted printer settings. Then, it is advisable to write (overwrite) the obtained printer setting information to the NFC tags attached to the other 9 label rolls. As a result, when the 9 label rolls are placed in the printer in sequence, the printer will perform the printer settings based on the overwritten printer setting information when the operation shown in Figure 1 is performed, eliminating the need to adjust the printer settings each time. Here, the user terminal 3 obtains printer setting information showing the adjusted printer settings from printer 2, as shown in steps S36 to S40 of Figure 9. Furthermore, the obtained printer setting information is written (rewritten) to the NFC tag, as shown in steps S42 to S46 of Figure 9.

[0061] [Third form of use] By utilizing the above mechanism, it is possible to manage, for example, the remaining number of labels that can be printed from a label roll that is currently in use. Specifically, if a label roll set in a printer is replaced with another label roll before it is completely used up, the remaining number of labels that can be printed is recorded on the NFC tag attached to the removed label roll or the label packaging that the label roll is wrapped in. This allows the printer to transfer the remaining number of labels that can be printed when the label roll is set again. In other words, when managing a large number of label rolls in a warehouse or similar location, it is possible to manage them with greater accuracy by the remaining number of labels that can be printed, rather than by the total number of label rolls remaining. In this usage scenario, the printer continuously updates and records the remaining number of labels that can be printed on the label roll by counting the number of labels printed after the label roll is set. When removing the label roll from the printer, the user touches the printer with their user terminal, allowing the NFC application to obtain data on the remaining number of labels that can be printed. This process is performed in steps S36 to S40 of Figure 9. Next, the NFC application writes the acquired remaining number of labels that can be issued to the NFC tag attached to the label packaging of the removed label roll. This process is carried out by steps S42 to S46 in Figure 9.

[0062] [Fourth mode of use] The second and third usage scenarios involve writing back data such as printer settings and the remaining number of labels that can be printed to the NFC tag. However, if the label roll or the label packaging that encloses the label roll does not have an NFC tag attached, and instead a two-dimensional code is displayed, the data cannot be written back, so the following procedure should be followed. Specifically, a database is set up on a server that can communicate with the user terminal 3, which associates a roll ID that identifies a label roll with printer settings information or data on the number of labels that can be printed. The NFC application on the user terminal 3 then retrieves the printer settings information or data on the number of labels that can be printed from the printer, associated with the roll ID, and requests the server to update the database based on the retrieved data. Subsequently, when using the printer settings information or data on the remaining number of labels that can be printed, the NFC application retrieves the printer settings information or data on the remaining number of labels that can be printed from the database on the server. In this usage scenario, as described in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the two-dimensional code contains only a label ID that identifies the label, and that the label data, including printer setting information and the remaining number of labels that can be issued, is centrally managed on the server.

[0063] [Fifth mode of use] Printer 2 may issue an RFID label by directly writing the label data received via the NFC tag 28 onto the inlay, or it may issue a label by converting the label data into a two-dimensional code and printing it. This is convenient because it allows printing of labels containing label data without connecting Printer 2 to a computer device. For example, when a service technician provides maintenance services for Printer 2 to a user, they can issue a label with an RFID label or a two-dimensional code printed on it as a record, hand it to the user, and have the user keep it. In this usage scenario, if an RFID label is loaded, printer 2 may write at least some of the information from the label data received by the NFC tag 28 onto the inlay of the RFID label and issue the RFID label. Alternatively, if a regular label other than an RFID label is loaded, printer 2 may print a two-dimensional code (an example of code information) containing at least some of the information from the label data received by the NFC tag 28 onto the label and issue it.

[0064] (2) Second embodiment Next, a printer setting system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, we will mainly focus on the differences from printer setting system 1.

[0065] The difference between printer configuration system 1A and printer configuration system 1 lies in the fact that at least a portion of the data transmitted from user terminal 3 to printer 2 is stored on the server. Therefore, when configuring the printer for optimal label settings, it is sufficient to store at least a tag ID that identifies the tag on the NFC tag attached to the label or label packaging. Printer 2 can obtain label data related to the label by querying the server based on the tag ID received from the NFC tag. This has the advantage of allowing the use of low-capacity ROM for the NFC tag attached to the label or label packaging, and also allows for proper protection of the label data.

[0066] Figure 10 shows the internal configuration of each device in the printer configuration system 1A of this embodiment. As can be seen by comparing it with Figure 6, the printer configuration system 1A differs from the printer configuration system 1 in that the user terminal 3 and the server 5 are configured to communicate via a network NW. The network NW is not limited to, but could be, for example, the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the server 5 includes a control unit 51, storage 52 (an example of a storage unit), and a communication unit 53. The control unit 51 is primarily composed of a CPU and controls the entire server 5. For example, the CPU included in the control unit 51 loads and executes the server program stored in the storage 52. Storage 52 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores the server program as well as the tag database. The tag database is accessed by the control unit 51 as needed when the server program is executed. The communication unit 53 is a communication interface for communicating with the user terminal 3.

[0068] In the printer setting system 1A of this embodiment, the control unit 31 of the user terminal 3 functions as a second acquisition unit in addition to the first acquisition unit and the transmission control unit described above. The second acquisition unit acquires label data from the server 5 that corresponds to a tag ID (an example of media identification information) acquired from the label or label packaging and includes printer setting information.

[0069] Figure 11 shows an example of a tag database configuration. Each record in the tag database illustrated in Figure 11 includes label data, such as label information, inlay information, and printer setting information, associated with a tag ID. Label information includes, for example, the product code and lot number of the label. Inlay information includes, if the corresponding label is an RFID label, the code number of the inlay. Printer setting information includes, for example, the optimal write radio wave output, read radio wave output, and tag offset for encoding the inlay, if the corresponding label is an RFID label.

[0070] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the operation of the printer setting system 1A of this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a sequence chart showing the operation when optimally configuring the printer settings for an NFC tag attached to a label package, as shown in Figure 1. Here, the ROM of the NFC tag stores a tag-specific tag ID.

[0071] First, by bringing the user terminal 3 close to the NFC tag, the NFC tag 38 built into the user terminal 3 receives the tag ID by wirelessly communicating with the NFC tag (step S50). When the NFC application on user terminal 3 obtains a tag ID, it sends a query containing the tag ID to server 5 (step S52). When server 5 receives the query, it retrieves label data corresponding to the tag ID included in the query from the tag database (step S54) and returns a response containing the retrieved label data to the NFC application (step S56). When the NFC application receives the response from server 5, it displays a message indicating that it has been received (step S58). When the user recognizes that they have viewed the message and obtained the label data, they touch the user terminal 3 to the printer 2, which causes the NFC application to send the label data to the printer 2 in NDEF data format (step S60).

[0072] In step S60, when the printer 2 is powered off, data is sent to the NFC tag 28 of the printer 2 in OFF mode, and when the printer 2 is powered on, data is sent to the printer 2 via the NFC tag 28 in ON mode. Although not shown in the diagram, the printer setting process performed by printer 2 after acquiring the label data is the same as in the first embodiment, based on the printer setting information contained in the label data. When obtaining the tag ID from a two-dimensional code displayed on the label packaging, the operations from step S52 onward are the same as in the case shown in Figure 12.

[0073] The above describes embodiments of the information processing system, printer setup method, and program of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the individual technical features described in each of the above embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined with some or all of the other embodiments and modifications, as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0074] If the printer can communicate with the server via a network, the printer may send the following information to the server: the printer model information (e.g., a code or serial number that identifies the printer model), the label ID (or tag ID if the label is an RFID label) that identifies the label loaded in the printer, and the printer settings information best suited to that label. In this case, the server stores the model information, label ID (or tag ID), and printer settings information in association. When using a printer with the model information recorded on the server and a label with the label ID recorded on the server, the printer may directly obtain the corresponding printer settings information from the server and perform the printer settings processing. Furthermore, if the printer can communicate with the server via a network, the printer may be configured to associate the tag ID contained in the label data of the RFID label set in the printer with log information such as the remaining number of labels that can be issued and the printing history of the RFID label, send it to the server, and store it on the server.

[0075] The above-described embodiment explains the case where an NFC application is installed on the user terminal, but this is not limited to that case. If the communication standard used by the user terminal 3 to communicate with the tag is different from NFC, an application corresponding to that communication standard will be installed. For example, if the tag attached to the label roll or label packaging is a BLE tag, and the printer has a built-in BLE tag, then a BLE application capable of communicating with each BLE tag will be installed on the user terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1…Printer configuration system 2…Printer 21... Control Unit 211…CPU 212...ROM 213...RAM 22...Storage 23…Transportation Department 24...Printing section 25…Display section 26... Operation input section 27… Communications Department 28…NFC tag 281...ROM 29... Reader / Writer 3…User terminal 31…Control Unit 32...Storage 33... Operation input section 34…Display section 35…Imaging Unit 36... Code reader 37… Communications Department 38…NFC tag 5…Server 51... Control Unit 52...Storage 53... Communications Department 11... QR code 12…NFC tag 101…File List NW...Network LP1, LP2… Label packaging

Claims

1. An information processing system including a user terminal owned by the user and a printer, The aforementioned user terminal is A first acquisition unit acquires media information, which includes printer setting information related to the printing medium, recorded on the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium, by an electromagnetic or optical method. The system includes a control unit that controls the transmission of the media information acquired by the first acquisition unit to the printer when wireless communication with the printer becomes possible, The aforementioned printer is A wireless tag is positioned so as to enable wireless communication with the user terminal when the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined location exposed outside the printer, The system includes a setting unit that configures the printer based on printer setting information contained in the media information acquired via the wireless tag, The printer operates in a first communication mode in which the wireless tag communicates wirelessly with the user terminal when the printer is powered off, and a second communication mode in which the wireless tag communicates wirelessly with the user terminal when the printer is powered on. In the first communication mode, the wireless tag stores the media information it has received. In the second communication mode, the media information received via the wireless tag is stored in the printer body. Information processing system.

2. An information processing system including a user terminal owned by a user and a printer, The aforementioned user terminal is A first acquisition unit acquires media information, which includes printer setting information related to the printing medium, recorded on the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium, by an electromagnetic or optical method. The system includes a control unit that controls the transmission of the media information acquired by the first acquisition unit to the printer when wireless communication with the printer becomes possible, The aforementioned printer is A wireless tag is positioned so as to enable wireless communication with the user terminal when the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined location exposed outside the printer, The system includes a setting unit that configures the printer based on printer setting information contained in the media information acquired via the wireless tag, The aforementioned media information includes print data, The control unit controls the sending of a print command including the print data to the printer based on the user's input. The printer includes a print control unit that controls the printer to print based on the print command received by the wireless tag. Information processing system.

3. The user terminal is equipped with a media information acquisition unit that, when wireless communication with the wireless tag becomes possible, acquires media information related to the printing medium set in the printer via the wireless tag. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An information processing system including a user terminal owned by a user and a printer, The aforementioned user terminal is A first acquisition unit acquires media information, which includes printer setting information related to the printing medium, recorded on the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium, by an electromagnetic or optical method. The system includes a control unit that controls the transmission of the media information acquired by the first acquisition unit to the printer when wireless communication with the printer becomes possible, The aforementioned printer is A wireless tag is positioned so as to enable wireless communication with the user terminal when the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined location exposed outside the printer, The system includes a setting unit that configures the printer based on printer setting information contained in the media information acquired via the wireless tag, The user terminal includes a media information acquisition unit that, when wireless communication with the wireless tag becomes possible, acquires media information related to the printing medium set in the printer via the wireless tag. The user terminal includes a writing unit that writes at least a portion of the media information acquired by the media information acquisition unit to the wireless tag of a printing medium equipped with a wireless tag. Information processing system.

5. The user terminal is equipped with a storage unit that stores multiple printer setting information, The control unit, when wireless communication with the printer becomes possible, controls the system to transmit the printer setting information selected by the user from among the multiple printer setting information to the printer. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The setting unit, when the printer's power is turned on from off, configures the printer based on the printer configuration information stored in the wireless tag. The information processing system described in claim 1.

7. An information processing system including a user terminal owned by a user and a printer, The aforementioned user terminal is A first acquisition unit acquires media information, which includes printer setting information related to the printing medium, recorded on the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium, by an electromagnetic or optical method. The system includes a control unit that controls the transmission of the media information acquired by the first acquisition unit to the printer when wireless communication with the printer becomes possible, The aforementioned printer is A wireless tag is positioned so as to enable wireless communication with the user terminal when the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined location exposed outside the printer, The system includes a setting unit that configures the printer based on printer setting information contained in the media information acquired via the wireless tag, The aforementioned printer is If a printing medium including an inlay is set, at least some of the information from the medium received by the wireless tag is written to the inlay, and the printing medium is issued. If a printing medium without an inlay is set, code information including at least some of the above information is printed on the printing medium, and the printing medium is issued. Information processing system.

8. An information processing system including a user terminal owned by a user, a server capable of communicating with the user terminal, and a printer, The aforementioned user terminal is A first acquisition unit that acquires media identification information, which is recorded on the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium and identifies the printing medium, by an electromagnetic or optical method, A second acquisition unit acquires media information from the server that corresponds to the media identification information acquired by the first acquisition unit and includes printer setting information related to the printing medium, The system includes a control unit that controls the transmission of the media information acquired by the second acquisition unit to the printer when wireless communication with the printer becomes possible, The aforementioned server, It includes a storage unit that stores media information for each media identification information that identifies the printing medium, The aforementioned printer is A wireless tag is positioned so as to enable wireless communication with the user terminal when the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined location exposed outside the printer, The system includes a setting unit that configures the printer based on printer setting information contained in the media information acquired via the wireless tag, The printer operates in a first communication mode in which the wireless tag communicates wirelessly with the user terminal when the printer is powered off, and a second communication mode in which the wireless tag communicates wirelessly with the user terminal when the printer is powered on. In the first communication mode, the wireless tag stores the media information it has received. In the second communication mode, the media information received via the wireless tag is stored in the printer body. Information processing system.

9. A method for configuring a printer using a user terminal owned by the user, The user terminal acquires media information, which includes printer setting information related to the printing medium, recorded on the printing medium or the packaging of the printing medium, by electromagnetic or optical means. When the user terminal is brought close to a predetermined location exposed to the outside of the printer, the user terminal transmits the media information to a wireless tag placed on the printer. The printer operates in a first communication mode in which the wireless tag communicates wirelessly with the user terminal when the printer is powered off, and a second communication mode in which the printer communicates wirelessly with the user terminal via the wireless tag when the printer is powered on, wherein in the first communication mode, the wireless tag stores the media information it receives, and in the second communication mode, the printer stores the media information it receives via the wireless tag. The printer configures itself based on the printer configuration information contained in the media information obtained via the wireless tag. How to set up your printer.

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