Tag writing printer and method for producing managed objects

Abstract

To provide a tag writing printer that prevents damage to an IC on a non-target tag.SOLUTION: A tag writing printer comprises: a conveying mechanism that conveys a continuous medium having wireless tags repeatedly mounted thereon; a writing mechanism that transmits a writing signal for wirelessly performing writing on the wireless tags on the conveyed continuous medium at a writing position; and a printing mechanism that performs printing on the wireless tags. The conveying mechanism has rollers that, when a first wireless tag is at the writing position, sandwich an antenna of a second wireless tag adjacent to the first wireless tag and prevent the antenna from receiving the writing signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tag writing printer and a method for producing an object to be managed.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a printer that conveys a continuous paper on which a plurality of wireless tags are continuously arranged on a mount, writes information to the wireless tags, and performs printing on the wireless tags and the like.

[0003] In such a printer, when electromagnetic waves radiated from a writing system reach a target tag, which is a target wireless tag, and communication is established with respect to a continuous paper having a series of wireless tags to be processed, the writing is successful. However, if the electromagnetic waves reach a non-target tag, which is a wireless tag other than the target tag, the distinction between the non-target tag and the target tag cannot be made, and the writing to the target tag fails.

[0004] In the wireless tag issuing device described in Patent Document 1, when performing wireless communication with a target tag, which is a target wireless tag, a non-target tag, which is a wireless tag other than the target tag, is brought close to a metal plate to change the antenna characteristics of the non-target tag, thereby disabling communication (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the conventional technology, there has been a case where rubbing occurs between the non-target tag and the metal plate, and the IC (Integrated Circuit) of the non-target tag is damaged.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, one embodiment provides a tag writing printer comprising: a transport mechanism for transporting a continuous medium on which wireless tags are repeatedly mounted; a writing mechanism for transmitting a writing signal to wirelessly write to the wireless tags on the transported continuous medium at a writing position; and a printing mechanism for printing on the wireless tags, wherein the transport mechanism has a roller that, when a first wireless tag is present at the writing position, grips the antenna of a second wireless tag adjacent to the first wireless tag, thereby interfering with the reception of the writing signal by the antenna.

[0008] To solve the above problems, one embodiment is a method for producing a managed object, which involves transporting a continuous medium on which wireless tags are repeatedly mounted, wirelessly writing information to the wireless tags on the transported continuous medium at a writing position, separating the wireless tags from the continuous medium after writing, and attaching the separated wireless tags to the managed object to complete the managed object, wherein, when a first wireless tag is present at the writing position, a second wireless tag following the first wireless tag clamps onto the antenna that transmits and receives signals, thereby interfering with the reception of the write signal from the antenna and allowing the transport to proceed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration example of a tag writing printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic configuration example of the internal structure of a tag writing printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows a schematic configuration example of the first writing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows a schematic configuration example of a wireless tag for a first continuous medium according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an external view showing a schematic configuration example of the writing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows a schematic example of the roller configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a schematic example of the configuration of a roller according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of how the roller moves according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of how the roller moves according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of how the roller moves according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a procedure for controlling the pitch of a roller according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows a schematic example of the configuration of the writing unit according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows a schematic configuration example of the first shield tube according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the procedure for producing a controlled object according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration example of a tag writing printer 1 according to an embodiment. For the sake of explanation, Figure 1 shows the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The tag writing printer 1 comprises a device case 11, a display / operation panel 12, an ink cartridge replacement port 13, an output port 14, a front cover 15 and a first hinge 15a, a top cover 16, a second hinge 16a, and an opening / closing lock 16b.

[0012] In the example in Figure 1, the X direction is the main scanning direction of the print head and corresponds to the width direction of the continuous paper. The Y direction is the depth direction of the tag writing printer 1 and corresponds to the transport direction of the continuous paper. The Z direction is the vertical direction and corresponds to the height direction of the tag writing printer 1. Note that the XYZ coordinates do not necessarily have to be orthogonal; they just need to intersect.

[0013] Also, when viewing the tag writing printer 1 from the front, the left direction of the device is the +X direction, and the right direction of the device is the -X direction. Also, the front of the device of the tag writing printer 1 is the +Y direction, and the rear of the device is the -Y direction. Also, the upper side of the device of the tag writing printer 1 is the +Z direction, and the lower side of the device is the -Z direction.

[0014] The tag writing printer 1 performs printing in an inkjet method on a printing medium attached to continuous paper based on print data transmitted from an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the internal structure of the tag writing printer 1 according to the embodiment. The tag writing printer 1 includes a roll paper storage unit 30, a roll paper mounting unit 31, a paper tube 33, a conveyance mechanism 40, a printing mechanism 50, a cutting mechanism 60, and a detection mechanism 70.

[0016] The conveyance mechanism 40 includes a conveyance roller 41. The conveyance roller 41 includes a conveyance drive roller 41a and a conveyance driven roller 41b. Here, the conveyance mechanism 40 may include the conveyance roller 41 and its drive unit.

[0017] The printing mechanism 50 includes a carriage 51, a print head 53, and a platen 55 which is a suction platen. The carriage 51 includes a carriage shaft 51a. The cutting mechanism 60 includes an automatic cutter 61. The automatic cutter 61 includes a movable blade 61a and a fixed blade 61b.

[0018] The detection mechanism 70 includes a reflection type optical sensor 71 and a transmission type optical sensor 73. The reflection type optical sensor 71 includes a reflection sensor light emitting unit 71a and a reflection sensor light receiving unit 71b. The transmissive optical sensor 73 comprises a transmissive sensor light-emitting unit 73a and a transmissive sensor light-receiving unit 73b.

[0019] Figure 2 also shows the roll paper 100 and the continuous paper 20 drawn from the roll paper 100. In the continuous paper 20, multiple printing media 22 are attached to the backing sheet 21. In this embodiment, the printing medium 22 is a wireless tag. Figure 2 also shows the transport path K of the continuous paper 20.

[0020] Figure 2 also shows a first region R1, which includes an area equipped with a writing unit for writing to the wireless tag. Note that in the example shown in Figure 2, the writing section in the first region R1 is omitted from the illustration, and this writing section will be explained using Figures 3 and later.

[0021] The tag writing printer 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 1, the tag writing printer 1 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped device case 11. A display and operation panel 12 with a display and various buttons is provided on the front of the device case 11. In addition, a pull-out ink cartridge replacement port 13 is provided in the -Z direction of the display and operation panel 12.

[0022] Furthermore, a front cover 15 is provided on the front of the device case 11, in the -X direction of the display / operation panel 12. The front cover 15 is rotatable around a first hinge 15a located at its +Z end. When the front cover 15 is opened, the printing mechanism 50 is exposed. By opening the front cover 15, the user can remove any paper jams in the continuous paper 20.

[0023] Furthermore, an outlet 14 is provided on the front of the device case 11, in the -Z direction of the front cover 15. The outlet 14 discharges the continuous paper 20 that has been printed by the printing mechanism 50 and cut into strips by the cutting mechanism 60.

[0024] Furthermore, the device case 11 is provided with a top cover 16 on approximately half of the top surface in the -Y direction. The top cover 16 is rotatable around a second hinge 16a installed at its -Y end. When the top cover 16 is opened, the roll paper storage section 30 is exposed. The user can install the roll paper 100 by releasing the opening / closing lock 16b installed in the +Y direction of the top cover 16 and opening the top cover 16. The roll paper 100 is made by winding continuous paper 20 into a roll shape around a paper tube 33 as the core.

[0025] The continuous paper 20 comprises a strip-shaped base sheet 21 and a plurality of printing media 22. Multiple printing media 22 are attached to the surface of the backing sheet 21, that is, the surface of the backing sheet 21 as viewed from the +Z direction, with a certain gap between them. The printing media 22 are, for example, labels.

[0026] Furthermore, a black mark indicating the leading position of the printing medium 22 in the transport direction of the continuous paper 20, i.e., the +Y direction, is printed on the back surface of the backing sheet 21, that is, the surface viewed from the -Z direction of the backing sheet 21. Therefore, the leading position of the printing medium 22 in the +Y direction and the leading position of the black mark coincide. In this embodiment, the black marks are not shown in the illustration.

[0027] The printing medium 22 is peelable from the backing sheet 21. Furthermore, multiple types of continuous paper 20 may be provided. For example, the continuous paper 20 may have different widths, materials, and thicknesses compared to the backing sheet 21 or the printing medium 22. Also, the continuous paper 20 may have different spacing lengths between wireless tags and different lengths of black marks in the Y direction. However, the length of the black marks in the Y direction shall be shorter than the length of the printing medium 22. The arrangement of the black marks in the X direction is defined, for example, by using the +X edge of the backing sheet 21 as a reference to define the printing area.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, the internal configuration of the tag writing printer 1 will be explained. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport path K as seen from the -X direction. As shown in Figure 2, the tag writing printer 1 includes a roll paper storage section 30, a transport mechanism 40, a printing mechanism 50, and a cutting mechanism 60.

[0029] The roll paper storage section 30 is equipped with a roll paper mounting section 31. The paper core 33 of the roll paper 100 is mounted in the roll paper mounting section 31. The roll paper 100 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the roll paper mounting section 31, and the continuous paper 20 is fed out as a result of this rotation. In the example shown in Figure 2, when the continuous paper 20 is fed out, the roll paper 100 rotates counterclockwise.

[0030] The transport mechanism 40 includes transport rollers 41 that transport the continuous paper 20 along the transport path K. The transport rollers 41 are positioned upstream of the print head 53 in the transport direction of the continuous paper 20. The transport rollers 41 include a transport drive roller 41a that is rotationally driven by power transmitted from a drive source (not shown), such as a transport motor, and a transport driven roller 41b that rotates in a manner driven by the transport drive roller 41a.

[0031] Furthermore, the transport roller 41 can transport the continuous paper 20 not only in the forward direction, i.e., the +Y direction, but also in the reverse direction, i.e., the -Y direction. Furthermore, the tag writing printer 1 according to this embodiment employs a serial printing method and may transport the continuous paper 20 intermittently rather than at a constant speed.

[0032] The printing mechanism 50 is located downstream of the transport mechanism 40 in the transport direction of the continuous paper 20, and includes a carriage 51, a print head 53, and a platen 55. The print head 53 is a serial-type inkjet head mounted on the carriage 51. The platen 55 is positioned opposite the print head 53 via the transport path K.

[0033] The carriage 51 is supported by a carriage shaft 51a that extends in the main scanning direction, i.e., the X direction, which intersects with the transport direction of the continuous paper 20. The carriage 51 scans the print head 53 by reciprocating along the carriage shaft 51a in the main scanning direction.

[0034] The print head 53 is equipped with nozzle rows that support multiple colors, such as cyan, yellow, magenta, and black. The print head 53 receives ink from ink cartridges of each color and ejects the ink from nozzles provided in each nozzle row. The ink ejected from the nozzles lands on the printing medium 22 of the continuous paper 20, and an image is formed on the printing medium 22.

[0035] The platen 55 has multiple suction holes formed on its upper surface, and each suction hole is connected to a suction fan (not shown). As a result, the continuous paper 20 is transported while being sucked onto the upper surface of the platen 55, which prevents the continuous paper 20 from interfering with the nozzle surface of the print head 53.

[0036] The cutting mechanism 60 is located downstream of the printing mechanism 50 in the transport direction of the continuous paper 20 and includes an automatic cutter 61 capable of cutting the continuous paper 20. The automatic cutter 61 includes a movable blade 61a, which is a first blade, driven by power transmitted from a drive source (not shown) such as a cutter motor, and a fixed blade 61b, which is a second blade, located opposite the movable blade 61a via the transport path K. The cutting mechanism 60 cuts the printed portion of the continuous paper 20 to a predetermined length.

[0037] With the above configuration, the tag writing printer 1 transports the continuous paper 20, which is fed out from the roll paper storage section 30, along the transport path K using the transport mechanism 40. The printing mechanism 50 prints on the continuous paper 20 as it is transported along the transport path K, and the cutting mechanism 60 cuts the continuous paper 20 into predetermined lengths. The strip-shaped continuous paper 20 cut by the cutting mechanism 60 is discharged from the discharge port 14.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the tag writing printer 1 is equipped with a detection mechanism 70 facing the transport path K, which includes two types of optical sensors. The detection mechanism 70 includes a reflective optical sensor 71 and a transmissive optical sensor 73. Furthermore, transmissive optical sensors may also be called transmissive sensors. Furthermore, reflective optical sensors may also be called reflective sensors.

[0039] The reflective optical sensor 71 is positioned upstream of the transport roller 41 in the transport direction of the continuous paper 20. The reflective optical sensor 71 also includes a reflective sensor light-emitting unit 71a that emits light from the -Z direction toward the continuous paper 20 being transported along the transport path K, and a reflective sensor light-receiving unit 71b that receives the light reflected by the continuous paper 20.

[0040] The transmissive optical sensor 73 is positioned downstream of the transport roller 41 in the transport direction of the continuous paper 20. The transmissive optical sensor 73 also includes a transmissive sensor light-emitting unit 73a that emits light from the -Z direction toward the continuous paper 20 being transported along the transport path K, and a transmissive sensor light-receiving unit 73b that receives the light that has passed through the continuous paper 20. The tag writing printer 1 controls the transport of the continuous paper 20 based on the detection results of a detection mechanism 70, which includes a transmissive optical sensor 73.

[0041] Furthermore, the tag writing printer 1 performs calibration to adjust the sensitivity of the transmissive optical sensor 73 in order to compensate for the degradation of the transmissive optical sensor 73 or differences in the transmittance of the printing medium 22. When adjusting the sensitivity of the transmissive optical sensor 73, the printing medium 22 is aligned with the detection position of the transmissive optical sensor 73. This is because the transmittance differs depending on the thickness and type of paper of the printing medium 22, so it is necessary to actually irradiate each printing medium 22 with light to determine the optimal sensitivity of the transmissive optical sensor 73.

[0042] In this embodiment, the reflective optical sensor 71 is an optical sensor for detecting the location of a black mark. Specifically, the reflective optical sensor 71 irradiates light onto the continuous paper 20 being transported along the transport path K and detects whether or not a black mark exists at a predetermined detection position of the reflective optical sensor 71. A predetermined control unit of the tag writing printer 1 determines that a black mark exists at the detection position if the detected value of the reflective optical sensor 71 is lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0043] Furthermore, the through-beam optical sensor 73 is an optical sensor for detecting the position of the printing medium 22. That is, the through-beam optical sensor 73 irradiates light onto the continuous paper 20 being transported along the transport path K and detects whether or not the printing medium 22 is present at a predetermined detection position of the through-beam optical sensor 73. A predetermined control unit of the tag writing printer 1 determines that the printing medium 22 is present at the detection position if the detection value of the through-beam optical sensor 73 is lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0044] Furthermore, of the transmissive optical sensor 73, the transmissive sensor light receiving section 73b is not covered by the continuous paper 20, and is therefore susceptible to the effects of light entering the inside of the tag writing printer 1 when the top cover 16 is opened. Taking this into consideration, the transmissive optical sensor 73 is positioned in a part that is not exposed when the top cover 16 is open. By positioning the transmissive optical sensor 73 in a location where it is less affected by light, it is not affected by light caused by opening and closing the device case 11.

[0045] On the other hand, the reflective optical sensor 71 is positioned in a part that is exposed when the top cover 16 is opened. However, the reflective optical sensor 71 has a reflective sensor light-emitting section 71a and a reflective sensor light-receiving section 71b positioned below the transport path K, i.e., in the -Z direction of the transport path K, and is often covered by the continuous paper 20, so it is not affected by light even when the top cover 16 is open.

[0046] For example, in the transport path K, the continuous paper 20 is transported based on the +X end of the transport path K, regardless of its paper width. For example, the continuous paper 20 is transported in the Y direction while being guided by a fixed guide (not shown) provided at the +X end of the transport path K, and a movable guide (not shown) that is movable in the X direction according to the paper width of the continuous paper 20.

[0047] Therefore, the detection position of the transmissive optical sensor 73 is set to a position that can detect the printing medium 22 with the minimum paper width applicable to the tag writing printer 1. In addition, the detection position of the reflective optical sensor 71 is set to a position that can detect black marks. To satisfy these conditions, the reflective optical sensor 71 and the transmissive optical sensor 73 are arranged at approximately the same position in the width direction, i.e., the X direction, of the continuous paper 20.

[0048] The tag writing printer 1 includes a control unit. The control unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a transmission sensor control circuit, and a reflection sensor control circuit. The CPU reads control programs such as firmware stored in ROM, and then loads the read control programs into RAM to control each part of the tag writing printer 1.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit may use a processor other than the CPU. The processor may be a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). In addition, the processor may be configured in which one or more CPUs and hardware circuits such as ASICs work together.

[0050] The control program includes a calibration program for adjusting the sensitivity of the transmissive optical sensor 73. The transmissive sensor control circuit includes an amplification circuit that amplifies the output of the transmissive sensor light receiving unit 73b, a digital potentiometer that controls the amplification factor of the amplification circuit, and an A / D (analog to digital) conversion circuit that performs A / D (analog to digital) conversion of the output of the amplification circuit. In this embodiment, the CPU adjusts the sensitivity of the transmissive optical sensor 73 by changing the amplification factor of the amplification circuit using the digital potentiometer.

[0051] Similarly, the reflection sensor control circuit includes an amplification circuit that amplifies the output of the reflection sensor light receiving unit 71b, a digital potentiometer that controls the amplification factor of the amplification circuit, and an A / D conversion circuit that performs A / D conversion on the output of the amplification circuit. In this embodiment, the sensitivity of the reflective optical sensor 71 is not adjusted.

[0052] The conveying mechanism 40 includes the conveying rollers 41, as well as a conveying motor that serves as the driving source for the conveying rollers 41. The printing mechanism 50 includes a carriage 51, a print head 53, and a platen 55, as well as a carriage motor that drives the carriage 51, a head drive mechanism that drives the print head 53, and the like. The cutting mechanism 60 includes an automatic cutter 61, as well as a cutter motor and the like that serve as the driving source for the automatic cutter 61.

[0053] The detection mechanism 70 includes a transmissive optical sensor 73 and a reflective optical sensor 71. The light-emitting section 73a of the transmission sensor and the light-emitting section 71a of the reflection sensor have, for example, light-emitting diodes. Furthermore, the light-receiving section 73b of the transmission sensor and the light-receiving section 71b of the reflection sensor have, for example, phototransistors.

[0054] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the first writing unit 201 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 shows the carriage 51, print head 53, platen 55, transmission sensor light-emitting unit 73a, transmission sensor light-receiving unit 73b, first writing mechanism 211, and multiple rollers. Multiple rollers are shown as the 1a roller 231a and 1b roller 231b, the 2a roller 232a and 2b roller 232b, and the 3a roller 221a and 3b roller 221b. The first writing unit 201 includes a first writing mechanism 211, a first a roller 231a and a first b roller 231b, a second a roller 232a and a second b roller 232b, a third a roller 221a and a third b roller 221b.

[0055] Figure 3 also shows the first continuous medium 251. The first continuous medium 251 is, for example, continuous paper. The first writing mechanism 211 is equipped with a writing antenna. The first writing mechanism 211 is positioned above the first continuous medium 251. The first writing mechanism 211 may be installed in a fixed position, for example, but as another example, a movable configuration may be used. Here, the first writing mechanism 211 may include a writing antenna and a control unit that controls the writing process. This control unit may be shared with the control unit of the tag writing printer 1.

[0056] The first continuous medium 251 comprises a first backing sheet 261 and multiple wireless tags. The first backing sheet 261 of the first continuous medium 251 is a roll of paper and is stretched in a direction substantially parallel to the Y-axis. Along this direction, multiple wireless tags are arranged continuously on the first backing sheet 261 at predetermined intervals on the upper side corresponding to the positive side of the Z-axis. In the example shown in Figure 3, for the sake of simplifying the illustration, the first wireless tag T1, located approximately below the first writing mechanism 211, the second wireless tag T2, located upstream of the first wireless tag T1, and the third wireless tag T3, located downstream of the first wireless tag T1, are each assigned a reference numeral. In the example shown in Figure 3, the second wireless tag T2 follows the first wireless tag T1 in the direction from downstream to upstream.

[0057] In this embodiment, the position of the wireless tag on the first continuous medium 251 is detected by a transmissive optical sensor 73, which consists of a transmissive sensor light-emitting unit 73a and a transmissive sensor light-receiving unit 73b. In this embodiment, the position of the wireless tag corresponds to the position of the label. The position of the wireless tag may, for example, be at the edge of the wireless tag. There are no particular limitations on the method for detecting the position of the wireless tag. For example, a method may be used in which a predetermined mark is placed at a predetermined position on the wireless tag of the first continuous medium 251 or at another position, and the position of the mark is detected by a transmissive optical sensor 73. The mark may be, for example, a black mark.

[0058] In this embodiment, the side from which the first continuous medium 251 is supplied is the upstream side, and the side from which the first continuous medium 251 is discharged after printing is the downstream side. In this embodiment, in the tag writing printer 1, as the first continuous medium 251 is transported along the transport path, the first writing mechanism 211 writes predetermined information to the IC of each wireless tag, and a printing mechanism such as the print head 53 prints a predetermined image on the surface of each wireless tag. In this embodiment, the writing mechanism is shown as being located upstream of the printing mechanism. However, as another example, a configuration in which the writing mechanism is located downstream of the printing mechanism may also be used.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the managed object is produced when the wireless tag separated from the first backing sheet 261 of the first continuous medium 251 is attached to the managed object. In the example in Figure 3, the manufactured controlled product 1001 is shown. The managed object 1001 is configured such that a separated wireless tag, the separated wireless tag T101, is attached to the managed object 1011.

[0060] There are no particular limitations on the pitch at which the wireless tags and rollers are arranged. For example, the pitch of multiple wireless tags and the pitch of multiple rollers may be determined according to the distance between the position of the platen 55 and the position of the transmissive optical sensor 73 for label detection. As a specific example, a pitch of 16 mm or more may be used. Generally, the material of the adhesive platen is metal, and when the wireless tag reaches the position of the platen 55, the transmitting and receiving antenna of the wireless tag comes into close contact with the metal, rendering the antenna characteristics ineffective and making it impossible to write to the wireless tag. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of rollers on the label detection position side is greater than the number of rollers on the platen 55 side, but other configurations may be used.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a schematic example of the configuration of a wireless tag of the first continuous medium 251 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example configuration of the first wireless tag T1, the second wireless tag T2, and the third wireless tag T3. The first wireless tag T1 comprises a first IC 311, a first-first antenna section 321, and a first-second antenna section 322, which are positioned on the upper side of the first base sheet 261, and also comprises a first sheet SH1 that covers them from above. The first-first antenna section 321, the first IC 311, and the first-second antenna section 322 are connected in this order in series in a direction approximately parallel to the X-axis. This direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the first continuous medium 251 extends. Here, the first sheet SH1 may be considered to be included in the first wireless tag T1, or it may be considered to be an external component to the first wireless tag T1. Wireless tags may also be called RF (Radio Frequency) tags or RFID tags.

[0062] In the example in Figure 4, the second wireless tag T2 also shows the second IC 331, the second-first antenna section 341, the second-second antenna section 342, and the second sheet SH2. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 4, the third wireless tag T3 also shows the third IC 351, the second-first antenna section 361, the second-second antenna section 362, and the third sheet SH3. Furthermore, the ICs and antennas within the wireless tag may be arranged in various configurations on the surface of the first base sheet 261.

[0063] Figure 5 is an external view showing a schematic configuration example of the first a writing unit 201a according to the embodiment. The example in Figure 5 shows a case where the first writing unit 201a has more rollers than the example in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows the first writing mechanism 211 and a plurality of rollers. In this embodiment, these rollers are made of metal. Multiple rollers are shown as the 1a roller 231a and 1b roller 231b, the 2a roller 232a and 2b roller 232b, the 3a roller 221a and 3b roller 221b, the 4a roller 233a and 4b roller 233b, the 5a roller 222a and 5b roller 222b, and the 6a roller 223a and 6b roller 223b.

[0064] The first a roller 231a and first b roller 231b, the second a roller 232a and second b roller 232b, and the fourth a roller 233a and fourth b roller 233b are arranged at predetermined intervals, gradually moving upstream relative to the position of the first writing mechanism 211. The third a roller 221a and third b roller 221b, the fifth a roller 222a and fifth b roller 222b, and the sixth a roller 223a and sixth b roller 223b are arranged at predetermined intervals, progressively downstream from the position of the first writing mechanism 211.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 5, the first wireless tag T1, located almost directly below the first writing mechanism 211, becomes the target tag for writing. Furthermore, in the example in Figure 5, other wireless tags such as the second wireless tag T2 and the third wireless tag T3 are non-target tags that are not targets for writing.

[0066] With the first wireless tag T1 located approximately below the first writing mechanism 211, the configuration is such that rollers are located above and below the antenna portion of another predetermined wireless tag. In the example shown in Figure 5, the antennas of the three wireless tags upstream of the first wireless tag T1 and the three wireless tags downstream of the first wireless tag T1 are sandwiched between upper and lower rollers. The two rollers, positioned vertically, rotate in accordance with the transport of the first continuous medium 251 as it is conveyed between them.

[0067] As a specific example, for the second wireless tag T2, the first a roller 231a is located below the second-first antenna section 341 and the second-second antenna section 342, and the first b roller 231b is located above them. The first a roller 231a and the first b roller 231b each have the same shape and are cylindrical in shape with their longer sides in a direction substantially parallel to the X-axis. This direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the first continuous medium 251 is conveyed. The same applies to other wireless tags.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 5, the first continuous medium 251, which is a continuous body in which multiple wireless tags are arranged in a sequence, is schematically shown to be transported. In this embodiment, wireless communication is required between a target tag located near the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211 and the writing antenna, while wireless communication is not required between a non-target tag adjacent to the target tag and the writing antenna. The wireless tag is equipped with a transmitting and receiving antenna. By receiving electromagnetic waves with this antenna, power is supplied to the IC inside the wireless tag, enabling communication with the writing antenna.

[0069] In the first writing unit 201a of this embodiment, the transport of the first continuous medium 251 is controlled so that the target tag is positioned directly below the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211, and the writing antenna is used to write predetermined information to the IC of the target tag. Here, the function of controlling the transport of the first continuous medium 251 may be implemented, for example, by utilizing the functions of the control unit provided by the tag writing printer 1.

[0070] The first writing mechanism 211 can determine the relative position of a wireless tag with respect to the writing antenna by receiving identification information of the wireless tag from the wireless tag, which can communicate using a writing antenna. Here, the identification information may be called, for example, an ID. Furthermore, if the IDs of multiple wireless tags are received simultaneously by the writing antenna, the first writing mechanism 211 may shift the transport position of the first continuous medium 251 to shift the position of each wireless tag, thereby ensuring that the target tag is in an appropriate position.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the characteristics of the transmitting and receiving antenna of the non-target tag are changed by bringing the non-target tag into contact with a metal roller, thereby disabling communication. As a result, the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211 can communicate only with the target tag, for example, and erroneous writing to the non-target tag can be prevented. In this embodiment, by using metal rollers to transport the first continuous medium 251, it is possible to prevent erroneous writing to the wireless tag by the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211.

[0072] In other words, in this embodiment, when writing from the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211 to the target tag, the characteristics of the antennas of non-target tags other than the target tag are changed by rollers, thereby making communication between the ICs in the non-target tags and the writing antenna impossible.

[0073] Thus, in this embodiment, when creating a wireless tag, a metal roller is pressed against the antenna portion of the wireless tag to prevent writing to adjacent RFID tags or other tags that are the target of writing. In this embodiment, by clamping the antenna of the wireless tag with a roller, friction and lifting can be reduced, thereby preventing unnecessary writing. The rollers used to interfere with the communication of wireless tags via their antennas may also be called, for example, jamming rollers.

[0074] As a specific example, the first wireless tag T1 is the target tag, the second wireless tag T2 and others are non-target tags, the first-1 antenna section 321 and the first-2 antenna section 322 of the first wireless tag T1 are transmitting and receiving antennas that communicate with the writing antenna, and the second-1 antenna section 341 and the second-2 antenna section 342 of the second wireless tag T2 are transmitting and receiving antennas that become unable to transmit or receive when sandwiched between the first a roller 231a and the first b roller 231b.

[0075] For example, if a metal plate is used instead of a roller, there is a concern that the wireless tag may be damaged due to friction with the metal plate. However, in this embodiment, friction does not occur because of the roller structure. Also, if a metal plate is used instead of a roller, the metal plate may lift, but in this embodiment, such lifting does not occur. Here, if the metal plate lifts, the characteristics of the transmitting and receiving antenna may not change sufficiently. Thus, in this embodiment, the transmitting and receiving antenna of the non-target tag is in close contact with a metal roller, which helps to reduce and avoid the problem of damage caused by friction. In this embodiment, it is possible to solve the conventional problem of damage to the IC of a non-target tag due to friction between the non-target tag and the metal plate, and to prevent damage to the IC of a non-target tag.

[0076] In this embodiment, regarding the structure surrounding the communication antenna of the RFID writing system, a metal roller is provided so as to be in contact with a wireless tag adjacent to the wireless tag that is the target of writing.

[0077] Here, each roller is, for example, made of metal, at least on its surface. As an example of a metal component, a non-metallic material containing a conductive substance may also be used. Furthermore, a configuration may be used in which, for example, the first a roller 231a and the first b roller 231b, one of the upper and lower rollers has at least one surface made of metal, while the other is made of a material other than metal.

[0078] In this embodiment, if the roller is positioned at a location corresponding to the transmitting and receiving antenna of a non-target tag, it is sufficient to sufficiently suppress wireless communication between the transmitting and receiving antenna and the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211 by changing the antenna characteristics of the transmitting and receiving antenna.

[0079] In this embodiment, for example, a roller is provided to sufficiently suppress wireless communication with the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211 for at least the adjacent non-target tag upstream of the position of the target tag corresponding to the first writing mechanism 211. Furthermore, for the second non-target tag, which is adjacent to the next one upstream of the target tag, and for the third and subsequent non-target tags, rollers may be provided to correspond to any number of consecutive non-target tags. For example, a configuration in which rollers are provided up to the second non-target tag upstream of the target tag, or a configuration in which rollers are provided up to the third non-target tag upstream of the target tag, may be used.

[0080] On the other hand, in this embodiment, for example, a roller may or may not be provided downstream of the position of the target tag corresponding to the first writing mechanism 211. In other words, a configuration may be used in which no roller is provided between the position corresponding to the writing mechanism and the position of the printing mechanism. Furthermore, if a non-target tag exists between the position of the target tag corresponding to the first writing mechanism 211 and the platen 55, it is possible to suppress wireless communication between the non-target tag and the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211 by, for example, providing a roller at the position of the non-target tag.

[0081] In this embodiment, the platen 55 is made of metal, and erroneous communication by the transmitting and receiving antenna can be prevented for wireless tags located above the platen 55.

[0082] Figure 6 shows a schematic example of the roller configuration according to the embodiment. For the sake of explanation, Figure 6 shows a first continuous medium 251 similar to that shown in Figure 5. In the example in Figure 6, the target tag is the first radio tag T1, and the other radio tags are non-target tags. In this example, we will describe the second wireless tag T2, which is located upstream of the first wireless tag T1.

[0083] On the upper surface of the first continuous medium 251, the 11th roller 411, located at a position corresponding to the position of the second wireless tag T2, is composed of two dividing rollers, the first dividing roller 421 and the second dividing roller 422. The first segmented roller 421 has a shape that covers the upper part of the second-first antenna section 341 of the second wireless tag T2, and the second segmented roller 422 has a shape that covers the upper part of the second-second antenna section 342 of the second wireless tag T2. In the state shown in Figure 6, the first segmented roller 421 covers the upper part of the second-first antenna section 341, the second segmented roller 422 covers the upper part of the second-second antenna section 342, and there are no roller components above the second IC 331.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 6, for the sake of explanation, the second-first antenna section 341 covered by the first dividing roller 421 and the second-second antenna section 342 covered by the second dividing roller 422 are schematically shown, but in reality, these are not visible to the naked eye.

[0085] Figure 6 also shows the first rotation axis J1, which is the rotation axis of the 11th roller 411. In this embodiment, the first rotation axis J1 is a common rotation axis for the first segmented roller 421 and the second segmented roller 422.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 6, an example of the configuration of rollers located on the upper surface of the first continuous medium 251 is shown, but a similar configuration may be used for rollers located on the lower surface of the first continuous medium 251. The split roller may also be called a sub-roller or similar.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 6, the 11th roller 411 is configured to be located in a position that avoids the location of the IC. In this embodiment, in the second wireless tag T2, the second IC 331 is located in the center position in the direction in which the second-first antenna section, the second IC 331, and the second-second antenna section 342 are aligned, and the two dividing rollers are located symmetrically on either side of the second IC 331.

[0088] Here, the two dividing rollers, the first dividing roller 421 and the second dividing roller 422, may cover all of the second-first antenna section 341 and the second-second antenna section 342, or they may cover only a part of them, respectively.

[0089] Thus, in the example shown in Figure 6, the metal roller has a shape that physically avoids the IC portion inside the wireless tag, thereby preventing damage to the IC. In this example, the antenna portion of the wireless tag is held by the roller, avoiding the IC portion of the wireless tag, and preventing the roller from touching the IC, thereby preventing the wireless tag from malfunctioning.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 6, the roller located on the underside of the first continuous medium 251 does not necessarily have to be made of metal. The portion of the second IC 331 may be covered by a non-metallic roller.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a schematic example of the configuration of the 21st roller 511 according to a modified embodiment. The 21st roller 511 has a cylindrical first core portion 521 in its center, and a first surface portion 522 surrounding the first core portion 521. Here, the first surface layer 522 is made of metal. The first core portion 521 serves as the axis of rotation for the roller.

[0092] For example, a soft material such as an electromagnetic wave suppression sheet may be used as the first surface layer 522. This prevents the 21st roller 511 from damaging the IC even when it covers it. The hardness of the first core layer 521 may be arbitrary. As an electromagnetic wave suppression sheet, for example, a sheet made of conductive rubber or conductive resin may be used. Rubber may be used as an example of a resin. As a specific example, a configuration may be used in which an electromagnetic wave suppression sheet is attached to the outer circumference of the first core portion 521 using double-sided tape or the like.

[0093] The material of the 21st roller 511 may be selected arbitrarily. As in this example, when rollers are placed over the IC of the wireless tag, for example, magnetic or conductive materials are used during the manufacturing of the rollers.

[0094] In the example shown in Figure 7, a configuration is shown in which a soft material is provided on the entire surface of the roller. However, as another example, a configuration may be used in which a soft material is provided only on the portion of the roller surface that covers the IC of the wireless tag. In this embodiment, this portion is the surface portion of the central part of the roller's longitudinal direction that corresponds to the position of the IC of the wireless tag. In this configuration, the soft material corresponding to the IC of the wireless tag does not necessarily have to be conductive; it could be a sponge made of urethane foam or the like.

[0095] As shown in the example in Figure 7, for example, the roller is designed with a soft surface to avoid scratching the surface of the wireless tag. As an example configuration, the entire roller may be made of a soft metallic material, such as conductive rubber or conductive resin.

[0096] The movement of the roller according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figures 8, 9, and 10 show examples of how the roller moves according to the embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example where the pitch between adjacent wireless tags is narrow. Figure 9 shows an example where the pitch between adjacent wireless tags is wide. Figure 10 shows an example where the pitch between adjacent wireless tags is even wider.

[0097] Here, in the examples in Figures 8, 9, and 10, "narrow pitch," "wide pitch," and "even wider pitch" refer to the relative differences between these three examples. For the sake of explanation, the examples in Figures 8 to 10 show cases where the number of rollers differs from that in the example in Figure 3.

[0098] Furthermore, the examples in Figures 8 to 10 show a case where a first movement mechanism for moving the positions of multiple rollers is provided in the writing section of the tag writing printer 1. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the first moving mechanism, and any configuration may be used. For example, the first moving mechanism may be configured using one motor, or it may be configured using two or more motors.

[0099] Here, the first movement mechanism may be automatically controlled, for example, in the tag writing printer 1, or it may be controlled in response to user operation. The first movement mechanism may be controlled, for example, by the first writing mechanism 211, or by another control unit. This other control unit may be, for example, a control unit that performs other controls in the tag writing printer 1.

[0100] As an example, a configuration may be used in which, when a user performs a predetermined operation using a predetermined control unit of the tag writing printer 1, the tag writing printer 1 controls the first movement mechanism according to the content of said operation. As another example, the tag writing printer 1 may be provided with an operating unit that directly moves the first moving mechanism, and the user may operate the operating unit to mechanically move the first moving mechanism in conjunction with that operation.

[0101] There are no particular limitations on the control section; for example, it may be a button, lever, handle, or dial. Furthermore, for example, a scale indicating the degree of movement of the first moving mechanism may be displayed according to the degree of operation of the control unit. This scale may be displayed, for example, on the display screen of the tag writing printer 1, or it may be provided on the housing of the tag writing printer 1.

[0102] Let's explain the example in Figure 8. For the sake of explanation, Figure 8 shows the carriage 51, print head 53, platen 55, transmission sensor light-emitting unit 73a, transmission sensor light-receiving unit 73b, first writing mechanism 211, and first continuous medium 251, as components similar to those shown in Figure 3. In the example shown in Figure 8, for the sake of explanation, we will assume that the pitch of the multiple wireless tags in the first continuous medium 251 is narrow.

[0103] Figure 8 also shows multiple rollers. These multiple rollers consist of five sets of rollers, namely the 21a roller 621a and the 21b roller 621b, the 22a roller 622a and the 22b roller 622b, the 31a roller 631a and the 31b roller 631b, the 32a roller 632a and the 32b roller 632b, and the 33a roller 633a and the 33b roller 633b.

[0104] In the example shown in Figure 8, these five sets of rollers are positioned along the transport path of the first continuous medium 251, and are located near the transport path. Furthermore, except for the position below the first writing mechanism 211, the spacing between these five sets of rollers is constant, and this spacing matches the spacing between the multiple wireless tags in the first continuous medium 251. In the area below the first writing mechanism 211, since the target tag is not covered by a roller, the spacing between the pair of rollers 21a 621a and 21b 621b and the pair of rollers 31a 631a and 31b 631b is twice as wide as the spacing between other parts. With this configuration, when a target tag is located at the writing position of the first writing mechanism 211's writing antenna, the rollers can be placed over the transmitting and receiving antennas of each of the other non-target tags without covering the transmitting and receiving antenna of the target tag.

[0105] Let's explain the example in Figure 9. For the sake of explanation, Figure 9 shows the carriage 51, print head 53, platen 55, transmission sensor light-emitting unit 73a, transmission sensor light-receiving unit 73b, and first writing mechanism 211, which are the same components as those shown in Figure 8.

[0106] Figure 9 also shows the second continuous medium 711. The second continuous medium 711 has multiple wireless tags on the upper surface of the second base sheet 721 at predetermined intervals. In the example in Figure 9, the 11th wireless tag T11 at the target tag position and the 12th wireless tag T12 and 13th wireless tag T13 at the non-target tag positions are labeled with reference numerals, while the other wireless tags are not labeled.

[0107] Here, the configuration of the second continuous medium 711 is the same as that of the first continuous medium 251, except that the spacing between the multiple wireless tags is different. In the example shown in Figure 9, for the sake of explanation, we will assume that the pitch of the multiple wireless tags in the second continuous medium 711 is wide.

[0108] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows multiple rollers, but their arrangement has been changed by the first moving mechanism compared to the state shown in Figure 8.

[0109] In the example shown in Figure 9, compared to the state in Figure 8, the 22a roller 622a and the 22b roller 622b, which are located furthest downstream of the first writing mechanism 211, are shown as follows: the lower 22a roller 622a is moved further down, and the upper 22b roller 622b is moved further up. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, compared to the state in Figure 8, the 33a roller 633a and the 33b roller 633b, which are located furthest upstream of the first writing mechanism 211, are shown as follows: the lower 33a roller 633a is moved further down, and the upper 33b roller 633b is moved further up.

[0110] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, compared to the state in Figure 8, the 21a roller 621a and the 21b roller 621b, which are downstream of the first writing mechanism 211, have been moved further downstream, while the 31a roller 631a and the 31b roller 631b, and the 32a roller 632a and the 32b roller 632b, which are upstream of the first writing mechanism 211, have been moved further upstream. Regarding this movement, rollers located further downstream or further upstream will move a greater distance.

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 9, these three sets of rollers are positioned along the transport path of the second continuous medium 711, and are located near the transport path. Furthermore, except for the position below the first writing mechanism 211, the spacing between these three sets of rollers is constant, and this spacing matches the spacing between the multiple wireless tags in the second continuous medium 711. In the area below the first writing mechanism 211, since the target tag is not covered by a roller, the spacing between the pair of rollers 21a 621a and 21b 621b and the pair of rollers 31a 631a and 31b 631b is twice as wide as the spacing between other parts. With this configuration, when a target tag is located at the writing position of the first writing mechanism 211's writing antenna, the rollers can be placed over the transmitting and receiving antennas of each of the other non-target tags without covering the transmitting and receiving antenna of the target tag.

[0112] Let's explain the example in Figure 10. For the sake of explanation, Figure 10 shows the carriage 51, print head 53, platen 55, transmission sensor light-emitting unit 73a, transmission sensor light-receiving unit 73b, and first writing mechanism 211, as components similar to those shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0113] Figure 10 also shows a third continuous medium 731. The third continuous medium 731 has multiple wireless tags on the upper surface of the third base sheet 741 at predetermined intervals. In the example in Figure 10, the 21st wireless tag T21 at the target tag position and the 22nd wireless tag T22 and 23rd wireless tag T23 at the non-target tag positions are labeled with reference numerals, while the other wireless tags are not labeled.

[0114] Here, the configuration of the third continuous medium 731 is the same as that of the first continuous medium 251 or the second continuous medium 711, except that the spacing between the multiple wireless tags is different. In the example shown in Figure 10, for the sake of explanation, we will assume that the pitch of the multiple wireless tags in the third continuous medium 731 is even wider.

[0115] Furthermore, Figure 10 shows multiple rollers, but their arrangement has been changed by the first moving mechanism compared to the state shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0116] In the example shown in Figure 10, compared to the state in Figure 9, the 21a roller 621a and 21b roller 621b, which are the second downstream from the furthest downstream point downstream of the first writing mechanism 211, are also modified. The lower 21a roller 621a is moved further down, and the upper 21b roller 621b is moved further up. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 10, compared to the state in Figure 9, the 32a roller 632a and 32b roller 632b, which are the second upstream from the furthest upstream side when viewed from the uppermost side upstream of the first writing mechanism 211, are further modified: the lower 32a roller 632a is moved further down, and the upper 32b roller 632b is moved further up.

[0117] In the example shown in Figure 10, the rollers moved vertically downstream are positioned to be almost aligned vertically, and similarly, the rollers moved vertically upstream are positioned to be almost aligned vertically.

[0118] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 10, compared to the state in Figure 9, the 31a roller 631a and 31b roller 631b, and the 32a roller 632a and 32b roller 632b, which are located upstream of the first writing mechanism 211, have been moved even further upstream.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 10, this pair of rollers is positioned near the transport path along the transport path of the third continuous medium 731. Furthermore, with the exception of the position of the target tag, which is located below the first writing mechanism 211, the arrangement of this set of rollers coincides with the position of the non-target tag in the third continuous medium 731. With this configuration, when a target tag is located at the writing position of the first writing mechanism 211's writing antenna, the rollers can be placed over the transmitting and receiving antennas of each of the other non-target tags without covering the transmitting and receiving antenna of the target tag.

[0120] Figure 11 shows an example of a procedure for controlling the pitch of a roller according to an embodiment. The processing flow shown in Figure 11 may be controlled, for example, by a control unit that controls the first moving mechanism. The processing flow shown in Figure 11 is performed, for example, when the paper to be printed is not being transported. In this embodiment, the paper is a continuous medium.

[0121] In step S1, the tag writing printer 1 sets the antenna pitch. Then, the tag writing printer 1 proceeds to the process in step S2. The antenna pitch is the distance between the transmitting and receiving antennas of multiple wireless tags in a continuous medium, and in this embodiment, it is the same as the distance between these multiple wireless tags.

[0122] Here, the antenna pitch may be set, for example, by manual operation by the user, or it may be set automatically by the tag writing printer 1 according to a predetermined procedure. Furthermore, after the antenna pitch is set, the process may proceed to step S2 in response to, for example, the user operating a predetermined start button, or it may proceed to step S2 without any user operation.

[0123] In step S2, the tag writing printer 1 operates the motor of the first moving mechanism that moves multiple rollers. This changes the position of each of the multiple rollers, and the pitch of adjacent rollers changes. Then, the printer 2 proceeds to the process in step S3.

[0124] In step S3, the tag writing printer 1 obtains the count value of the encoder of the motor of the first moving mechanism. Then, the tag writing printer 1 proceeds to the process in step S4. Here, the count value of the encoder represents the degree of change in the position of the multiple rollers, and in this embodiment, it represents the arrangement position of the rollers along the transport path. If there are two or more sets of rollers remaining along the transport path, this arrangement position represents the spacing between the rollers.

[0125] In step S4, the tag writing printer 1 determines whether the acquired count value matches the set antenna pitch. As a result of this determination, if the tag writing printer 1 finds that the acquired count value matches the set antenna pitch, it proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if, as a result of this determination, the tag writing printer 1 finds that the acquired count value does not match the set antenna pitch, it proceeds to step S2 and repeats the processes of steps S2 and S3.

[0126] In this example, for the sake of simplicity, step S4 shows the case where the count value and antenna pitch are expressed in the same units. However, if these units are different, it is determined whether they are substantially the same or not.

[0127] In step S5, the tag writing printer 1 stops the motor of the first moving mechanism and terminates the processing of this processing flow. This control system adjusts the position of the rollers to match the antenna pitch.

[0128] Here, the processing in the processing flow shown in Figure 11 may be performed, for example, in response to user actions. For example, in steps S3 and S4, the user may visually read the encoder count value and determine whether the count value matches the set antenna pitch. In this case, the user may perform an instruction operation to the tag writing printer 1 to indicate the result of the determination.

[0129] Furthermore, if calibration is performed in the tag writing printer 1 to detect the optimal writing position, the processing flow shown in Figure 11 may be performed during the calibration. For example, in the tag writing printer 1, it is possible to detect the pitch between wireless tags during calibration, and to adjust the position and spacing of the rollers to a position corresponding to the detected pitch between wireless tags. In the tag writing printer 1, for example, the positions of all the rollers may be automatically adjusted together.

[0130] In this embodiment, multiple wireless tags are arranged at equal intervals on the upper surface of the continuous media backing. Therefore, the positions of multiple rollers are adjusted to match this pitch. In this embodiment, the rollers along the upstream transport path and the rollers along the downstream transport path are arranged symmetrically, centered on the position below the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211. However, the number of rollers on the upstream side and the number of rollers on the downstream side do not necessarily have to be the same, and in that respect, they may not be symmetrical.

[0131] Furthermore, if there are two or more sets of rollers along the transport path, either upstream or downstream of the position below the writing antenna of the first writing mechanism 211, control may be performed such that, for example, the gear ratio between the motor and the operating axis of the rollers increases as they move away from the center, so that the rollers further from the center can move to a farther position even with the same motor rotation angle.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in the examples in Figure 9 or Figure 10, when a continuous medium with a large pitch between wireless tags is used, some rollers may not be used among the multiple rollers. As shown in the example in Figure 9 or Figure 10, the first moving mechanism may be configured to retract the rollers upward or downward by switching gears or the like when the unused rollers reach the end of the suction platen or the label detector position. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the platen 55 corresponds to the end of the suction platen, and the position between the light-emitting part 73a and the light-receiving part 73b of the transmission sensor corresponds to the label detector position.

[0133] In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 10, unused rollers are moved upward or downward to be retracted, but the system is not limited to these configurations, and any location may be used to retract unused rollers.

[0134] In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 10, a first moving mechanism is used that moves the rollers in the direction of the transport path. However, a moving mechanism that moves the rollers in other directions may also be used, or a moving mechanism that moves the rollers in a direction other than the pitch direction may be used.

[0135] For example, a second movement mechanism may be used to move the rollers in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. This direction may be called, for example, the width direction of the paper. The second moving mechanism may be adjusted to change the position of the rollers to match, for example, the size of the wireless tag in the continuous medium used or the placement of the transmitting and receiving antennas.

[0136] For example, when a roller having segmented rollers as shown in Figure 6 is used, a second A moving mechanism may be used to move each segmented roller in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The second A moving mechanism is an example of the first moving mechanism.

[0137] The second A moving mechanism may be adjusted to change the position of each segmented roller to match, for example, the size of the wireless tag in the continuous medium used or the placement of the transmitting and receiving antennas. In the example shown in Figure 6, as a specific example, the second A moving mechanism may adjust the position of the first dividing roller 421 to align with the second-first antenna section 341, and adjust the position of the second dividing roller 422 to align with the second-second antenna section 342. For example, even if the size or position of the transmitting and receiving antennas on the wireless tags present in the continuous medium differs depending on the medium used, this can be accommodated by adjusting the arrangement of the segmented rollers by the 2A moving mechanism.

[0138] Figure 12 shows a schematic example of the configuration of the writing unit according to a modified embodiment. Figure 12 shows the second writing unit 801. The second writing unit 801 includes a second writing mechanism 811, a shield case 820, a first shield tube 821, and a second shield tube 822.

[0139] Figure 12 also shows the 11th continuous medium 851. The 11th continuous medium 851 has multiple wireless tags on the upper surface of the 11th mounting sheet 861. In the example shown in Figure 12, among these multiple radio tags, the 31st radio tag T31, the 32nd radio tag T32, and the 33rd radio tag T33 are assigned codes, while the codes for the other radio tags are omitted.

[0140] Figure 13 shows a schematic example of the configuration of the first shield pipe 821 according to a modified embodiment. For the sake of explanation, Figure 13 shows the xyz orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, aligned with the first shield tube 821. In the example shown in Figure 13, the direction parallel to the y-axis is the transport direction of the 11th continuous medium 851.

[0141] Here, the examples in Figures 12 and 13 have the same configuration as the example in Figure 3, except that they are equipped with a shield case 820, a first shield tube 821, and a second shield tube 822. Therefore, detailed explanations of the similarities will be omitted.

[0142] The shield case 820 is a metal case that covers the second writing mechanism 811 and the portion of the target tag located below it. In the example shown in Figure 12, the shield case 820 has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with longer sides in the vertical direction, and has openings on some of its faces.

[0143] A first shielding tube 821 is provided on the upstream side of the shielding case 820. The first shielding tube 821 is shorter in height than the vertical length of the shielding case 820 and is positioned below the shielding case 820. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first shield tube 821 has a size that includes three non-target tags, including the non-target tag adjacent to the target tag, in the transport direction. The first shield tube 821 has two sides through which the 11th continuous medium 851 passes when it is being transported, and these sides are removed, forming an opening. Furthermore, in the shield case 820, the portion that comes into contact with the opening of the first shield tube 821 is an opening.

[0144] A second shielding pipe 822 is provided downstream of the shielding case 820. In the example shown in Figure 12, the configuration of the downstream second shield pipe 822 is symmetrical to the configuration of the upstream first shield pipe 821. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the shield case 820 has a symmetrical configuration on the upstream and downstream sides.

[0145] When installed, the shield case 820, the first shield pipe 821, and the second shield pipe 822 are in contact with each other, with the shield case 820 and the first shield pipe 821 touching each other, and the shield case 820 and the second shield pipe 822 touching each other, making the whole structure appear as a single unit. The wireless tag before writing enters through the first shield tube 821 of the rectangular waveguide, and the wireless tag after writing exits through the second shield tube 822 of the rectangular waveguide.

[0146] The following describes a structure that prevents miswriting of RFID tags using shielding. In this example, we provide a shielding case structure that improves the ability to prevent accidental writing to other RFID tags by making it difficult for electromagnetic waves to reach tags other than the target RFID tag during writing.

[0147] In conventional configurations, for example, a shielding case with a box-shaped structure made of metal sheet metal was used to surround the target tag, which is the wireless tag that is targeted by electromagnetic waves emitted from the writing system's antenna and RFID writing system, thereby preventing the electromagnetic waves from reaching other wireless tags, which are non-target tags. However, the shielded case had to accommodate wireless tags of a certain width, and there was a possibility that communication electromagnetic waves could leak through the opening the width of the wireless tag, or that external electromagnetic waves could enter the opening. Therefore, there was a possibility that writing to the target tag would fail.

[0148] For example, in conventional structures, the antenna and target tag were sometimes placed inside a metal shielded case in order to focus the electromagnetic waves from the writing antenna onto a single wireless tag. In this structure, an opening was required for the continuous medium containing the wireless tag to enter and exit, and there was a possibility that electromagnetic waves could leak from the opening and cause erroneous writing to nearby non-target tags. In addition, in this structure, external electromagnetic waves could enter from inside the shielded case, interfere with the electromagnetic waves during writing, and cause writing to fail.

[0149] In conventional structures, when RFID tags are arranged in a continuous medium, writing is successful when electromagnetic waves emitted from the RFID writing system reach the target tag and communication is established. However, if electromagnetic waves reach a tag other than the target tag you intend to write to, it may become impossible to distinguish between the target and non-target tags, potentially leading to a failed write operation to the target tag. Additionally, external electromagnetic waves may interfere with communication, also resulting in a write failure. Such a continuous medium is, for example, a continuous medium having a series of wireless tags that are processed by a printer with RFID writing capabilities.

[0150] In this conventional structure, the antenna and target tag of the writing system were enclosed in a shielded case with a box-like structure made of metal sheet metal to prevent electromagnetic waves from reaching non-target tags. However, a wireless tag of a certain width had to pass through the shielded case, and there was a possibility that electromagnetic waves could leak through the opening the width of the wireless tag, or that external electromagnetic waves could enter, which could cause the writing to the target tag to fail.

[0151] In contrast, this example connects a cylindrical rectangular tube to a slit opening the width of the wireless tag, thereby ensuring an opening for the wireless tag to pass through while reducing electromagnetic wave leakage and intrusion. In this example, the structure surrounding the writing antenna, which is the communication antenna for the RFID writing system, includes a shield case 820 made of metal sheet metal, which has a box-like shape and encloses the writing antenna and the target tag to be written to, as well as a first shield tube 821 and a second shield tube 822. The shield case 820 is provided with an opening through which the wireless tag enters and exits, and a rectangular tube, the first shield tube 821, and the second shield tube 822 are connected to this opening.

[0152] For example, the lengths of the first shielding tube 821 and the second shielding tube 822, which are rectangular tubes, are such that they attenuate the electromagnetic waves of the RFID being used. As a specific example, the length of the pipe is 0.5 to 3 times the length of the opening in the longitudinal direction.

[0153] In this example, by providing a first shielding tube 821 and a second shielding tube 822, which are rectangular tubes, at the opening of the shielding case 820, electromagnetic waves leaking or entering from the opening can be suppressed, and the rate of writing failures can be reduced compared to conventional structures.

[0154] In the structure of this example, the rectangular tube may have the same shape as, for example, a rectangular waveguide, and the attenuation of electromagnetic waves passing through the tube is explained as follows. In other words, it is generally known that frequencies lower than the cutoff frequency are blocked depending on the longitudinal length of the waveguide. Therefore, by setting the dimensions of the waveguide so that the cutoff frequency is higher than the communication frequency, it is possible to reduce electromagnetic waves leaking from or entering the waveguide.

[0155] The wavelength at which electromagnetic waves can travel through a waveguide is called the cutoff wavelength λc and is expressed by equation (1). The relationship between the cutoff wavelength λc and the cutoff frequency fc is given by fc = c / λc, where c is the speed of light. sqrt represents the square root.

[0156] [Mathematics 1] λc = 1 / sqrt(p1 + q1) p1 = {m / (2·a1)} 2 q1 = {n / (2·b1)} 2 (1)

[0157] Here, m and n represent the number of waves in the x and z directions, respectively, and are called the mode number. In particular, for the lowest frequency transmission mode that can propagate within the waveguide, m=1 and n=0, and this transmission mode is generally called the TE10 mode, and the cutoff wavelength λc at that time is expressed by equation (2).

[0158] [Math 2] λc = 2·(a1) (2)

[0159] If λ is the wavelength passing through the waveguide, the attenuation Q1 of the rectangular waveguide is given by equation (3).

[0160] [Math 3] Q1=17.372π / λc × sqrt{1-(λc / λ) 2}

[0161] This section describes the dimensions and attenuation of rectangular pipes. In this example, the first shielded pipe 821 and the second shielded pipe 822 are used as rectangular pipes. Examples of dimensions for rectangular pipes are as follows: The label width is 4 inches, or 112 mm. Adding a 5mm margin to both ends brings the total width to 117mm. The passband frequency is 850MHz to 950MHz. The longitudinal length of the opening of the rectangular tube is 117 mm, which is dimension a1 in the example in Figure 13. In the example in Figure 13, dimension a1 is the internal dimension in the lateral direction. In the example in Figure 13, the length of the opening of the rectangular tube in a direction other than the longitudinal direction is dimension b1. In the example in Figure 13, dimension b1 is the internal length in the vertical direction.

[0162] The calculation results for the attenuation are as follows: When the waveguide length is 150 mm, the following applies. In the example in Figure 13, this length is parallel to the y-axis. The attenuation at 850MHz is 26.2dB. The attenuation at 950MHz is 23.5dB.

[0163] Furthermore, when the waveguide length is 100 mm, the following applies. This length is parallel to the y-axis in the example in Figure 13. The attenuation at 850MHz is 17.5dB. The attenuation at 950MHz is 15.7dB.

[0164] In this example configuration, when writing to RFID tags (wireless tags), it is possible to prevent electromagnetic waves from reaching non-target tags other than the target tag, compared to conventional configurations, thereby preventing accidental writing to non-target tags other than the target tag. In this example configuration, when writing to an RFID tag (wireless tag), it is possible to prevent external electromagnetic waves from reaching the target tag compared to conventional configurations, and thus enable successful writing to the target tag.

[0165] In the example shown in Figure 12, a configuration is shown in which the shield case 820 is provided with an upstream first shield pipe 821 and a downstream second shield pipe 822. However, in other examples, a configuration may be used in which the upstream first shield pipe 821 is provided, but the downstream second shield pipe 822 is not.

[0166] Figure 14 shows an example of the processing procedure for producing a controlled object according to the embodiment. The processing flow shown in Figure 14 is performed in the tag writing printer 1.

[0167] In step S21, the tag writing printer 1 transports the continuous media. Then, the tag writing printer 1 proceeds to the process in step S22.

[0168] In step S22, the tag writing printer 1 uses rollers provided in the transport path to interfere with the communication of other wireless tags (non-target tags) to the target tag (a wireless tag at the writing location), while the writing mechanism writes information to the target tag. Then, the tag writing printer 1 proceeds to the process in step S23.

[0169] In step S23, the tag writing printer 1 separates the written wireless tag from the continuous medium. Then, the tag writing printer 1 proceeds to the process in step S24.

[0170] Here, the process of separating the wireless tag from the continuous medium may be performed automatically by, for example, the separation mechanism of the tag writing printer 1, or it may be performed manually by the user. Any mechanism may be used as the separation mechanism.

[0171] In step S24, the tag writing printer 1 produces the managed object by attaching the separated wireless tags to the managed object. Then, the tag writing printer 1 completes the processing of this process flow.

[0172] In this embodiment, the object before the wireless tag is attached is referred to as the managed object, and the managed object with the wireless tag attached is referred to as the managed object. There are no particular limitations on the method used to attach the wireless tag to the object being managed. For example, methods such as attaching the wireless tag to the object being managed, or fitting the wireless tag into the storage compartment of the object being managed, may be used.

[0173] Here, the process of attaching the wireless tag to the managed object may be performed automatically, for example, by the attachment mechanism of the tag writing printer 1, or it may be performed manually by the user. Any mounting mechanism may be used.

[0174] As described above, in the method for producing managed objects according to this embodiment, by attaching wireless tags to the managed objects during production, the managed objects can be managed using wireless tags. Here, various things can be used as the target of management; for example, products or intermediate components. Furthermore, the processing of the managed product production method may be carried out by a device other than a printer, for example.

[0175] As an example configuration, the tag writing printer 1 includes a transport mechanism 40 that transports a continuous medium on which wireless tags are repeatedly mounted, a writing mechanism that transmits a writing signal to wirelessly write to the wireless tags on the transported continuous medium at the writing position, and a printing mechanism 50 that prints on the wireless tags. In the tag writing printer 1, the transport mechanism 40 has a roller that, when a first wireless tag is located at the writing position, grips the antenna of a second wireless tag adjacent to the first wireless tag, thereby interfering with the reception of the writing signal by that antenna.

[0176] In the examples shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the first continuous medium 251 is an example of a continuous medium, the first writing mechanism 211 is an example of a writing mechanism, the first wireless tag T1 is an example of a first wireless tag, the second wireless tag T2 is an example of a second wireless tag, and the firsta roller 231a and the firstb roller 231b are examples of rollers that interfere with the communication of the second wireless tag T2.

[0177] As an example configuration, in the tag writing printer 1, the transport mechanism 40 has a first transport mechanism that moves rollers in the transport direction. Furthermore, the tag writing printer 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the first movement mechanism.

[0178] As an example configuration, in the tag writing printer 1, the first movement mechanism is a mechanism that is mechanically linked to user operation. As an example configuration, the tag writing printer 1 is further equipped with a detection mechanism 70 for detecting the position of the wireless tag. The first moving mechanism moves the roller based on the detection result of the detection mechanism 70.

[0179] As an example configuration, in the tag writing printer 1, the rollers are structured so that they do not hold the IC of the second wireless tag. In the example shown in Figure 6, the second IC331 of the second wireless tag T2 is an example of the IC of the second wireless tag. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the 11th roller 411, which consists of the first divided roller 421 and the second divided roller 422, is a roller that does not hold the IC of the second wireless tag. As another example of a configuration, a roller structure that holds the IC of the second wireless tag may be used.

[0180] As an example configuration, in the tag writing printer 1, the transport mechanism 40 has a second moving mechanism that moves rollers in an intersecting direction which is perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the surface of the continuous medium being transported. Furthermore, the tag writing printer 1 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a second movement mechanism.

[0181] As an example configuration, in a tag writing printer 1, the roller consists of two sub-rollers arranged around the same first rotation axis. The second moving mechanism changes the distance between the sub-rollers. In the example shown in Figure 6, the first rotation axis J1 is an example of a first rotation axis. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 6, the first segmented roller 421 and the second segmented roller 422 are examples of sub-rollers. Note that other configurations may be used for the rollers.

[0182] As one example configuration, the tag writing printer 1 is further equipped with a detection mechanism 70 for detecting the position of the wireless tag. The detection mechanism 70, rollers, writing mechanism, and printing mechanism 50 are arranged in that order from upstream to downstream in the transport direction. In the examples shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first writing mechanism 211 is an example of a writing mechanism, and the first a roller 231a and the first b roller 231b between the detection mechanism 70 and the first writing mechanism 211 are examples of rollers. Note that other arrangements may be used in the tag writing printer 1.

[0183] As an example configuration, the tag writing printer 1 is equipped with multiple interfering rollers, including the rollers themselves, which grip the antennas of wireless tags other than the first wireless tag to interfere with the reception of writing signals by the antennas, but do not grip the first wireless tag. The number of interfering rollers upstream of the writing mechanism is greater than the number of interfering rollers downstream of the writing mechanism. In addition, other configurations may be used for the number of obstruction rollers in the tag writing printer 1.

[0184] As an example configuration, in a tag writing printer 1, at least the surface of the roller is made of conductive resin. In the example shown in Figure 7, the first surface layer 522 of the 21st roller 511 may be made of conductive resin. Other materials may be used for the roller.

[0185] As an example configuration, the tag writing printer 1 further comprises a shielding case that encloses the writing mechanism and writing position and shields electromagnetic waves, and a shielding tube that extends upstream from the shielding case in the transport direction and encloses the continuous medium. The continuous medium enters the shielding tube from the entrance of the shielding tube, passes through the connection port between the shielding tube and the shielding case, passes through the writing position inside the shielding case, and exits from the exit of the shielding case. In the example shown in Figure 12, the shield case 820 is an example of a shield case, the first shield tube 821 is an example of an upstream shield tube, and the second writing mechanism 811 is an example of a writing mechanism. Note that the tag writing printer 1 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a shielding case and shielding tube.

[0186] As an example configuration, the method for producing the managed object involves transporting a continuous medium on which wireless tags are repeatedly mounted, wirelessly writing information to the wireless tags on the transported continuous medium at the writing location, separating the wireless tags from the continuous medium after writing, and attaching the separated wireless tags to the managed object to complete the managed object. Furthermore, in the method for producing the managed object, when a first wireless tag is located at the writing position, a second wireless tag following the first wireless tag intercepts the antenna that transmits and receives signals, thereby interfering with the reception of the writing signal by the antenna and causing it to be transported. The method for producing the controlled substance may be implemented, for example, by the example shown in Figure 14.

[0187] A program to implement the functions of any component in any of the devices described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes the operating system and hardware such as peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD (Compact Disc)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. "Computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Such volatile memory may be RAM. The recording medium may also be a non-temporary recording medium.

[0188] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores this program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network like the Internet or a communication line like a telephone line. The above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. The above program may also be a so-called differential file, capable of implementing the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. A differential file may also be called a differential program.

[0189] The functions of any component in any device described above may be implemented by a processor. Each process in the embodiment may be implemented by a processor that operates based on information such as a program, and a computer-readable recording medium that stores information such as a program. The functions of each part of the processor may be implemented by separate hardware, or the functions of each part may be implemented by integrated hardware. The processor includes hardware, and the hardware may include at least one of a circuit that processes digital signals and a circuit that processes analog signals. The processor may be configured using one or more circuit devices or one or both of one or more circuit elements mounted on a circuit board. ICs may be used as circuit devices, and resistors or capacitors may be used as circuit elements.

[0190] The processor may be a CPU. However, the processor is not limited to a CPU; various types of processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) may be used. The processor may be a hardware circuit using an ASIC. The processor may consist of multiple CPUs, or it may consist of multiple hardware circuits using ASICs. The processor may consist of a combination of multiple CPUs and multiple hardware circuits using ASICs. The processor may include one or more amplifier circuits or filter circuits that process analog signals.

[0191] Although embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of this disclosure. For example, the device may be configured so that the -Y direction in Figure 2 is vertically downward, and writing or printing may be performed from the side, with the printed continuous medium coming out vertically upward. Alternatively, the device may be configured so that the +Z direction in Figure 2 is vertically downward, and writing or printing may be performed from vertically downward. Furthermore, the printing mechanism may be provided upstream of the writing mechanism, and writing may be performed after printing. In cases where printing is to be performed by a separate device, the present invention may be realized as a writing device without a printing mechanism.

[0192] [Note] [Configuration Example 1] A transport mechanism for transporting a continuous medium on which wireless tags are repeatedly attached, A writing mechanism that transmits a write signal to wirelessly write to a wireless tag on a continuous medium that has been transported at the writing location, A printing mechanism for printing on the aforementioned wireless tag, A tag writing printer equipped with, The transport mechanism has a roller that, when a first wireless tag is located at the writing position, grips the antenna of a second wireless tag adjacent to the first wireless tag, thereby interfering with the reception of the writing signal by the antenna. Tag writing printer.

[0193] [Configuration Example 2] The transport mechanism has a first moving mechanism that moves the rollers in the transport direction. The tag writing printer described in [Configuration Example 1].

[0194] [Configuration Example 3] The first movement mechanism is a mechanism that is mechanically linked to user operation. The tag writing printer described in [Configuration Example 2].

[0195] [Configuration Example 4] The device further includes a detection mechanism for detecting the position of the wireless tag, The first moving mechanism moves the roller based on the detection result of the detection mechanism. The tag writing printer described in [Configuration Example 2].

[0196] [Configuration Example 5] The roller has a structure that does not hold the IC of the second wireless tag. A tag writing printer as described in any one of the configuration examples from [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 4].

[0197] [Configuration Example 6] The transport mechanism has a second moving mechanism that moves the rollers in an intersecting direction which is perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the surface of the continuous medium being transported. A tag writing printer as described in any one of the configuration examples from [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 5].

[0198] [Configuration Example 7] The aforementioned roller is composed of two sub-rollers arranged around the same first rotation axis, The second moving mechanism changes the spacing between the child rollers. The tag writing printer described in [Configuration Example 6].

[0199] [Configuration Example 8] The device further includes a detection mechanism for detecting the position of the wireless tag, From the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction, the detection mechanism, the roller, the writing mechanism, and the printing mechanism are arranged in that order. A tag writing printer as described in any one of the configuration examples from [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 3].

[0200] [Configuration Example 9] The device includes a plurality of interfering rollers, including the rollers themselves, which grip the antennas of wireless tags other than the first wireless tag to interfere with the reception of writing signals by the antennas, and which do not grip the first wireless tag. The number of obstruction rollers is such that the number on the upstream side of the writing mechanism is greater than the number on the downstream side of the writing mechanism. The tag writing printer according to any one of [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 8].

[0201] [Configuration Example 10] At least the surface of the roller is made of a conductive resin. The tag writing printer according to any one of [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 9].

[0202] [Configuration Example 11] A shield case that includes the writing mechanism and the writing position and shields electromagnetic waves. Further provided are a shield tube that extends upstream in the conveyance direction from the shield case and includes the continuous medium. The continuous medium enters the shield tube from the entrance of the shield tube, passes through the connection port between the shield tube and the shield case, passes through the writing position in the shield case, and exits from the exit of the shield case. The tag writing printer according to any one of [Configuration Example 1] to [Configuration Example 10].

[0203] [Configuration Example 12] Convey a continuous medium on which wireless tags are repeatedly mounted. Wirelessly write information to the wireless tag on the continuous medium conveyed at the writing position. After writing, separate the wireless tag from the continuous medium. Attach the separated wireless tag to the management target to complete the management target object. A method for producing a management target object, When there is a first wireless tag at the writing position, sandwich an antenna for transmitting and receiving with a second wireless tag following the first wireless tag, interfere with the reception of the writing signal of the antenna, and cause conveyance. A method for producing a management target object.

Explanation of Signs

[0204] 1...Tag writing printer, 11...Device case, 12...Display / operation panel, 13...Ink cartridge replacement port, 14...Outlet, 15...Front cover, 15a...First hinge, 16...Top cover, 16a...Second hinge, 16b...Open / close lock, 20...Continuous paper, 21...Backing paper, 22...Printing medium, 30...Roll paper storage section, 31...Roll paper mounting section, 33...Paper core, 40...Conveying mechanism, 41...Conveying roller, 41a...Conveying drive roller, 41b...Conveying driven roller, 50...Printing mechanism, 51...Carriage, 51a...Carriage shaft, 53...Print head, 55...Platen, 60... Cutting mechanism, 61... Automatic cutter, 61a... Movable blade, 61b... Fixed blade, 70... Detection mechanism, 71... Reflective optical sensor, 71a... Reflective sensor light emitter, 71b... Reflective sensor light receiver, 73... Transmissive optical sensor, 73a... Transmissive sensor light emitter, 73b... Transmissive sensor light receiver, 100... Roll paper, 201... First writing section, 201a... First a writing section, 211... First writing mechanism, 231a... First a roller, 231b... First b roller, 232a... Second a roller, 232b... Second b roller, 221a... Third a roller, 221b... Third b roller, 2 33a...4a roller, 233b...4b roller, 222a...5a roller, 222b...5b roller, 223a...6a roller, 223b...6b roller, 261...1st base sheet, 311...1st IC, 321...1st-1st antenna section, 322...1st-2nd antenna section, 331...2nd IC, 341...2nd-1st antenna section, 342...2nd-2nd antenna section, 351...3rd IC, 361...3rd-1st antenna section, 362...3rd-2nd antenna section, 411...11th roller, 421...1st split roller, 422...2nd split roller, 511...21st roller, 521...First core section, 522...First surface section, 631a...31a roller, 631b...31b roller, 632a...32a roller, 632b...32b roller, 633a...33a roller, 633b...33b roller, 621a...21a roller, 621b...21b roller, 622a...22a roller, 622b...22b roller, 711...Second continuous medium, 721...Second mounting sheet, 731...Third continuous medium, 741...Third mounting sheet, 801...Second writing section, 811...Second writing mechanism, 820...Shield case, 821...First shield tube,822...Second shielded tube, 851...Eleventh continuous medium, 861...Eleventh backing sheet, 1001...Managed object, 1011...Managed object, J1...First rotating axis, K...Transport path, R1...First area, SH1...First sheet, SH2...Second sheet, SH3...Third sheet, T1...First wireless tag, T2...Second wireless tag, T3...Third wireless tag, T11...Eleventh wireless tag, T12...Twelfth wireless tag, T13...Thirteenth wireless tag, T21...Twenty-first wireless tag, T22...Twenty-second wireless tag, T23...Twenty-third wireless tag, T31...Thirty-first wireless tag, T32...Thirty-second wireless tag, T33...Thirty-third wireless tag, T101...Separated wireless tag,

Claims

1. A transport mechanism for transporting a continuous medium on which wireless tags are repeatedly attached, A writing mechanism that transmits a write signal to wirelessly write to a wireless tag on a continuous medium that has been transported at the writing location, A printing mechanism for printing on the aforementioned wireless tag, A tag writing printer equipped with, The transport mechanism includes, when a first wireless tag is located at the writing position, a roller having at least a conductive surface that grips the antenna of a second wireless tag adjacent to the first wireless tag upstream or downstream in the transport direction of the continuous medium, thereby interfering with the reception of the writing signal by the antenna. Tag writing printer.

2. The transport mechanism has a first moving mechanism that moves the rollers in the transport direction. The tag writing printer according to claim 1.

3. The first movement mechanism is a mechanism that is mechanically linked to user operation. The tag writing printer according to claim 2.

4. The device further includes a detection mechanism for detecting the position of the wireless tag, The first moving mechanism moves the roller based on the detection result of the detection mechanism. The tag writing printer according to claim 2.

5. The roller has a structure that does not hold the IC of the second wireless tag. A tag writing printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The transport mechanism has a second moving mechanism that moves the rollers in an intersecting direction which is perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the surface of the continuous medium being transported. A tag writing printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned roller is composed of two sub-rollers arranged around the same first rotation axis. The second moving mechanism changes the spacing between the child rollers. The tag writing printer according to claim 6.

8. The device further includes a detection mechanism for detecting the position of the wireless tag, From the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction, the detection mechanism, the roller, the writing mechanism, and the printing mechanism are arranged in that order. A tag writing printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The device includes a plurality of interfering rollers, including the rollers themselves, which grip the antennas of wireless tags other than the first wireless tag to interfere with the reception of writing signals by the antennas, and which do not grip the first wireless tag. The number of obstruction rollers is such that the number on the upstream side of the writing mechanism is greater than the number on the downstream side of the writing mechanism. The tag writing printer according to claim 8.

10. At least the surface of the roller is made of conductive resin. A tag writing printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. A shielding case that includes the writing mechanism and writing position and shields against electromagnetic waves, The shield case further comprises a shield tube extending upstream in the transport direction from the shield case and enclosing the continuous medium, The continuous medium enters the shield tube from the entrance of the shield tube, passes through the connection port between the shield tube and the shield case, passes through the writing position inside the shield case, and exits from the exit of the shield case. A tag writing printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. Transporting a continuous medium to which wireless tags are repeatedly attached, The wireless tag on the continuous medium that was transported at the writing location is wirelessly written with information. After writing, the wireless tag is separated from the continuous medium. The separated wireless tag is attached to the object to be managed, thereby completing the managed object. A method for producing a controlled substance, When a first wireless tag is located at the writing position, the antenna of a second wireless tag adjacent to the first wireless tag upstream or downstream in the transport direction of the continuous medium is gripped by a roller whose surface is conductive, thereby interfering with the reception of the write signal of the antenna during transport. Production method for the controlled substance.

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