JP2000127551A - Printer and recording sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate use of a recording sheet out of a standard by inputting recording form identification information by an input means, deciding whether the input information coincides with previously stored designated information or not, and inhibiting printing in the case of discordance. SOLUTION: A recording form identification code including an agent code is previously printed on a rear surface of a recording sheet 10 corresponding to a printing area. At the time of turning ON a power source, a printing unit 22 reads the identification code by a code sensor 33a, and stores it in a memory 38. When a host computer 21 becomes a print mode, a system control block 31 decides whether the agent code of the identification code stored in the memory 38 coincide with the designated code input to the computer 21 or not, and executes printing only in the case of coincidence. Thus, the printing becomes impossible on the sheet supplied from a different agent or the like so that the sheet out of the standard can become impossible to use.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printer and a recording sheet capable of printing an image composite print without deteriorating the quality.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the amusement market, printers, such as print clubs and print gokkos (both trade names), which can easily obtain composite prints, have gained popularity.

[0003]

In such a printer, unless a prescribed recording sheet is used, the printer may break down due to a difference in size or paper thickness or a predetermined quality cannot be obtained. Further, in a color thermosensitive recording paper in which cyan, magenta, and yellow thermosensitive coloring layers are sequentially formed on a base member, as in the thermal recording method, the coloring properties change in a storage state, which affects print quality. Such deterioration in print quality due to the effect of the storage state occurs not only with thermal recording paper but also with, for example, thermal development transfer type recording paper and sublimation type thermal transfer recording paper. Since the storage state changes even when the distribution channel changes, there is a demand to select and use only the recording paper of the distribution channel that is responsible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned demands, and has as its object to provide a printer and a recording sheet which do not cause a decrease in print quality or a printer failure.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, in the printer according to the first aspect, input means for inputting recording paper identification information, and the input recording paper identification information are stored in advance. It is provided with means for judging whether or not the specified information matches, and prohibiting or warning printing in the case of mismatch. It is preferable that the printer includes an imaging unit that captures an image of the subject, and prints a subject image by the imaging unit. Further, it is preferable that a plurality of composite images are stored, and the selected composite image and the subject image by the imaging unit are combined and printed. It is preferable that the input means reads recording sheet identification information attached to the recording sheet. It is preferable that the recording paper identification information is arranged on a peripheral edge of the recording paper, and that the peripheral edge on which the recording paper identification information is arranged is cut off after printing. It is preferable that the recording sheet identification information is provided on the recording sheet in a fixed positional relationship from the print area, and the recording sheet identification information is used as recording positioning information. Further, it is preferable that the input means reads the recording paper identification information attached to the core of the recording paper. It is preferable that the input unit inputs recording sheet identification information by key input. It is preferable that the recording paper identification information is constituted by a sales agent code for identifying a sales agent, a sales channel identification code for identifying a sales channel, and the like.

In the printer according to the present invention, the recording sheet is identified based on the length, width, shape, or pitch of the recording mark, using the recording positioning mark attached to the recording sheet as the recording sheet identification information. Further, a recording positioning mark attached to the recording paper and an auxiliary mark which is arranged apart from the recording positioning mark in the recording paper feeding direction are used as recording paper identification information, and the recording paper is determined based on detection distance data of the recording positioning mark and the auxiliary mark. May be identified.

In the recording sheet according to the thirteenth aspect, recording sheet identification information for identifying the recording sheet is recorded so as to be readable. It is preferable that the recording sheet identification information is constituted by a sales channel identification code for identifying a sales channel.
Further, the recording sheet identification information may be constituted by a sales agent code for identifying the sales agent. It is preferable that the recording sheet identification information has a type identification code for identifying the type and size of the recording sheet. Further, it is preferable to use the recording sheet identification information as the recording positioning information.

The recording paper according to the present invention has a recording positioning mark for specifying a recording position, and the recording paper is identified based on the length, width, shape, or pitch of the recording positioning mark. Further, the recording sheet according to the nineteenth aspect includes a recording positioning mark for specifying a recording position, and an auxiliary mark arranged apart from the recording positioning mark in a recording paper feeding direction. The recording paper is identified based on the distance.

[0009]

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a recording sheet embodying the present invention. The recording paper 10 is wound around a winding core 11 in a roll shape. A recording paper identification code 13 is printed on the back surface corresponding to each print area 12 in advance. The recording sheet identification code 13 is recorded in correspondence with each print area 12, and also serves as a recording positioning mark. Then, the start position of the print area is specified based on the detection timing of the identification code 13 and the feed amount of the recording paper.

As shown in FIG. 3, a recording paper identification code 1
3 is an 8-bit code (b0, b1,... B) formed by arranging eight black or white rectangular frames F1 to F8 in a line.
7). The first rectangular frame F1 represents the bit b0 and is used as a paper type code. This bit b0 identifies whether it is plain paper or seal paper. That is, the first
When the rectangular frame F1 is displayed as a white frame, b0 is set to “0”, and it is determined that the paper is plain paper. In addition, during black frame display, b0 is set to “1”, and it is determined that the sheet is sticker paper.

The second and third rectangular frames F2 and F3 have bits b
1 and b2, which are used as print format codes. According to this identification code, 4 divisions, 8 divisions, 1 division
Six divisions and other multi-size divisions including different sizes are identified.

The fourth and fifth rectangular frames F4 and F5 represent bits b3 and b4 and are used as size codes. Thereby, the size of the recording paper is identified. That is,
"0,0" is A5 long size, "0,1" is A6 long size, "1,0" is A5 cut sheet size, "1,0"
"1" indicates an A6 cut sheet size.

The sixth to eighth rectangular frames F6 to F8 have bits b
5 to b7, which are used as agency codes. By using “0h” to “6h” in the agency code,
Identify the agency for the location. Also, “7h” is an almighty code, and this almighty code is not recorded on recording paper. This almighty code is used when the printer can print all of the recording papers having any of the agency codes, as will be described in detail later. That is, when "7h" is input during the collation for identifying the recording paper, printing is permitted regardless of the agency code on the recording paper.

The recording paper 10 is made of a well-known color heat-sensitive recording material.
Magenta and yellow thermosensitive coloring layers and a transparent protective layer are sequentially provided. The cyan thermosensitive coloring layer has the lowest thermal sensitivity because it is located deep, and develops cyan when a relatively large heat energy is applied. The magenta thermosensitive coloring layer
Heat sensitivity is moderate, and color develops magenta by heating. The yellow thermosensitive coloring layer has the highest thermal sensitivity because it is on the surface side, and develops yellow when a relatively small amount of heat energy is applied.

An intermediate layer for adjusting the thermal sensitivity is provided between the thermosensitive coloring layers. Further, a back layer is provided on the back surface of the base member. The order of the thermosensitive coloring layers may be changed. Since the thermal sensitivity of the heat-sensitive coloring layer is not related to the component but to the depth from the surface, the thermal sensitivity is lower at a deeper layer. The protective layer is a transparent resin layer mainly composed of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), and prevents each thermosensitive coloring layer from being damaged.

The yellow heat-sensitive coloring layer and the magenta heat-sensitive coloring layer are used when the heat-sensitive coloring layer under the yellow-sensitive coloring layer is color-recorded.
Fixing by electromagnetic radiation is provided so that uncolored components do not develop color. That is, the magenta thermosensitive coloring layer has a maximum absorption wavelength of about 365 nm, and when irradiated with ultraviolet rays in this wavelength range, the coloring ability is lost.
The yellow thermosensitive coloring layer has a maximum absorption wavelength of about 420 nm, and its coloring ability is lost by violet visible light in this wavelength range.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a printer of the present invention. The printer 20 is roughly composed of a host computer 21 and a print unit 22. The host computer 21 is a well-known personal computer 24
And a built-in keyboard 24b, a display 25, an external operation panel 26, and the like. The keyboard 24b is provided at a position where it cannot be directly operated from the outside, and can be operated by opening a lid or the like.

A money unit 27 and a camera 28 as image pickup means are connected to the host computer 21. The money unit 27 counts the amount of money put in and pays out change. The camera 28 images the upper body of the user. The host computer 21 performs a series of controls from the input of money to the discharge of prints. Then, when money is inserted, a menu screen is displayed on the display 25, and the operation panel 2 is displayed in accordance with the display.
As is well known, the user selects a synthesis target image such as a background, a foreground, and a character image, and performs imaging by operating
An image to be printed is created by the image combining unit 24a.

The printing section 22 includes a parallel control block 30, a system control block 31, a print control block 32, a recording paper identification code reader 33, a thermal head 34, a recording paper feeder 35, and an optical fixing device 36. Reference numeral 40 denotes a platen roller, which presses the recording paper 10 against the heating element array 34 a of the thermal head 34. The recording paper feeder 35 includes a pair of conveying rollers 41, a motor 42 for rotating the pair, and a driver 43 for driving the pair.

The parallel control block 30 transfers image data and a print execution command from the host computer 21 to the system control block 31, and also sends various status signals of the printing unit 22 to the host computer 21.
Transfer to

The system control block 31 has a frame memory 37 for storing image data received from the host computer 21 and controls the entire printing section 22. The print control block 32 controls the thermal head 34 during printing, performs image processing, and controls recording paper feed.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the power is turned on, the host computer 21 instructs the print unit 22 to read the recording paper identification code. In response to this read command, the print unit 22 causes the host computer 21
Is sent to the identification code reader 33 via the parallel control block 30, the system control block 31, and the print control block 32. The identification code reader 33 optically reads the recording paper identification code by the code sensor 33a and encodes it. The read identification code is transferred to the system control block 31 and stored in the memory 38 until the power is turned off.

Thereafter, the host computer 21 performs a start-up process, puts each unit in a print standby state, and enters a customer waiting mode. In the customer waiting mode, print procedures, print samples, and the like are sequentially displayed on the display 25. Then, when the user inputs the designated amount into the money unit 27, the host computer 21 enters the imaging mode. In this imaging mode, procedures such as imaging of a print target image and image synthesis are displayed on the display 25, and by operating the operation panel 26 according to the display,
Imaging and image synthesis are performed. Then, the composite image is displayed, and when this is confirmed by operating the operation panel 26, the host computer 21 enters the print mode. In this print mode, a print command is sent to the print unit 22 and
The print target image is transferred.

When the host computer 21 enters the print mode, the system control block 31 receives image data, executes reading of the recording paper identification code, collates the identification code with the designated code, and performs parallel control from the host computer 21. Perform printing.

First, a print execution command and a designation code for recording paper identification are sent from the host computer 21 to the system control block 31 via the parallel control block 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the system control block 31 determines whether or not the designation code for recording sheet identification sent from the host computer 21 is “7h”. Do. By outputting “7h” as the designation code, the printing unit 22 can always perform printing regardless of the type of recording paper. The input of the designation code of "7h" is input by the built-in keyboard 24a.

If it is not "7h", the memory 3
8 to read out the recording sheet identification code stored in
It is determined whether or not the agency code of the identification code matches the specified code. If the identification code and the designation code match, the print control block 32
And sends image data necessary for printing. Naturally, it is also determined whether or not the paper type code other than the agency code, the size code, the print format code, and the like are suitable for use of the print unit 22 (the designation codes corresponding to these codes). Are matched or not)
If they match (these codes match), the above printing process is performed. As described above, by inputting the identification code of the recording paper to be used by the printing unit 22 in the host computer 24 in advance, only the recording paper that matches the identification code can be printed. Therefore, printing cannot be performed on recording paper supplied from a different agency, etc.
Print quality can be guaranteed.

In the transfer of image data, the image data transferred from the host computer 21 is written into the frame memory 37 of the system control block 31 via the parallel control block 30.

The print control block 32 performs image processing based on a print instruction from the system control block 31, transfers one line of yellow image data from the processed image data to the thermal head 34, Each heating element of the head 34 is driven. In the print control block 32, the recording paper 10 is conveyed by one line in synchronization with the driving of the thermal head 34 by the recording paper feeder 35, and the print area 12 of the recording paper 10 is
(See FIG. 2) A yellow image is recorded line by line. Hereinafter, each line is sequentially recorded in the same manner. When the recording of the yellow image is completed, a magenta image and then a cyan image are recorded, and a full-color image is obtained by three-color surface sequential recording. Further, in the three-color surface sequential recording, immediately after the yellow image is recorded, the yellow fixing lamp 36a of the optical fixing device 36 is turned on, and the yellow thermosensitive coloring layer is optically fixed. Similarly, immediately after the recording of the magenta image, the magenta fixing lamp 36b is turned on to perform magenta fixing. In the present embodiment, the recording paper 10 is reciprocated by using one thermal head 34 to perform recording in three color planes sequentially. In addition, three thermal heads are used to perform one-pass printing. May be recorded sequentially in three color planes.

In the system control block 31, if the designation code and the agency code of the identification code do not match, data indicating that the codes do not match is transferred to the host computer 21 without performing the printing process. Naturally, it is determined whether the paper type code other than the agency code, the size code, the print format code, and the like are suitable for use of the print unit 22, and if these codes match. Also, data indicating that the codes do not match is transferred to the host computer 21. In this case, the host computer 2
Reference numeral 1 indicates on the display 25 that the recording paper 10 is not the designated paper and cannot be printed, a serviceman call for calling an operator is displayed as an alarm, and an alarm is sounded. In addition, when a deposit is received for printing, the deposit is refunded via the cash unit 27.

Instead of prohibiting printing when the user inserts money and starts printing, as shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on, the recording paper identification code is read and the printing paper identification code is read. It may be determined whether or not the read identification code matches a designated code stored in advance. If the determination results are inconsistent, an alarm indicating that the recording paper is not the designated paper but that the recording paper is incompatible is displayed, and printing is prohibited. Along with the display of the alarm, an alarm indicating that the recording paper is incompatible is issued so that a proper recording paper is set. If the determination results match, a start-up process is performed, and a customer waiting mode is set. In the customer waiting mode, imaging, combining, and printing are performed by inserting money.

As shown in FIG. 7, immediately after the recording paper is exchanged, the recording paper identification code is read, and it is determined whether or not the read identification code matches the previously stored designation code. Then, if they do not match, printing may be prohibited. In this case, if the designated code is an all-purpose code such as "7h", printing is executed without reading the recording paper identification data. Note that the process of FIG. 6 may include a step of determining whether the designated code is an almighty code.

In the above embodiment, the recording paper identification code read by the recording paper identification code reader 33 is stored in the memory 3.
8 is read from the memory 38 at the time of printing, and is collated with the designated code. Instead, the recording paper identification code is replaced with the code reader 33 every time printing is performed. May be read from the recording paper 10.

In the above embodiment, the system control block 31 of the printing unit 22 determines whether or not the recording paper identification code matches the specified code. May be determined. In this case, the read recording paper identification code is transferred from the printing unit 22 to the host computer 21. Therefore, since the collation of the code is not performed in the print unit 22, the print unit 2
In addition to reducing the load on the second side, the degree of freedom of the application on the host computer 21 side can be increased.

In the above embodiment, the designation code for identifying the recording paper is stored in the host computer 21. In addition, a non-volatile memory is provided in, for example, the system control block 31 of the printing unit 22 so that the factory At the time of shipment, a designation code for identifying a recording sheet that can be used in the print unit 22 may be written.
Also in this case, whether the written designation code matches the identification code read from the recording paper is determined by the print unit 22 or the host computer 21. The recording paper identification code stored in the non-volatile memory is
The number is not limited to one, but may be plural. In this case, the plurality of identification codes are read, and if any of the identification codes matches the identification code read from the recording paper, printing is permitted, and otherwise, printing is prohibited and printing is performed. To be executed. Note that, when the designation code is stored in the host computer 21, a plurality of designation codes may be stored in the same manner.

In the above embodiment, the host computer 2
A printer having one printing unit 22 and one printing unit 22 has been described. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, a multi-paper compatible printer 53 in which one host computer 50 has two printing units 51 and 52 is provided. It may be.
In this case, one of the printing units 51 performs printing on plain paper, and the other printing unit 52 performs printing on sticker paper. And each printing unit 5
Only when the recording paper conforming to 1,52 is set,
Perform printing. The number of print units is not limited to two, and may be provided more than two.

Also, one host computer 21, 5
0, instead of using the print unit 5 as shown in FIG.
By using one host computer 58, 59, 60 for each of 5, 56, 57, a multi-paper compatible printer 61 may be configured. Again, in this case,
Each printing unit and the host computer perform printing only on the corresponding recording paper.

In the above embodiment, the recording paper 10 is in the form of a long roll, and the recording paper identification code 13 is provided on the back surface of the recording paper 10 opposite to the heat-sensitive coloring layer.
As shown in FIG. 10, the recording paper identification code 65 may be formed on the front side of the recording paper 66 and outside the print area 67, for example, on a side edge 66a. In this case, the recording paper identification code 6 after the printing is completed
By cutting off the part where 5 is recorded, the identification code 6
5 and the like do not remain on the recording paper 66, and the print appearance can be improved. Although the recording paper identification code 65 is arranged at the side edge in the feeding direction of the recording paper 66, other than that, it may be arranged in the width direction of the recording paper 66, although not shown. Also in this case, by cutting off the portion where the recording paper identification code 65 is recorded,
The appearance of the print can be improved.

The recording paper 10 may be of a cut sheet type. The recording paper identification codes 13 and 65 are configured by arranging rectangular frames F1 to F8 in a line.
As long as the bar code can be read mechanically, the bar code or the color code may be used. Further, the number of bits of the identification code is not limited to 8, and may be changed as appropriate according to various codes used. Further, a clock code may be inserted in parallel with the identification code, and the reading timing of each bit of the identification code may be controlled based on the clock code read signal.

Instead of optically detecting the code, a recording paper identification code having a conductive pattern may be provided, and the recording paper identification code may be detected using a brush that comes into contact with the recording paper identification code. Further, a magnetic layer may be provided on the recording paper, and the recording paper identification code may be magnetically recorded thereon. In addition, a hole or notch may be provided instead of the rectangular frame, and the recording paper identification code may be configured based on the presence or absence or arrangement of the holes and notches.

In the above embodiment, in addition to the agency code,
Although the recording paper identification code 13 is configured by combining the paper type code, the size code, and the print format code, the recording paper identification code may be configured only from the agency code instead. Further, instead of the agency code, as shown in FIG. 11, the recording paper identification code 70 may be configured by using a sales channel code for identifying a sales channel. Further, the recording paper identification code may be constituted only from the sales channel code. Also, the number of bits used in each code may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the arrangement order of each code may be changed as appropriate. Further, the recording paper identification code may be a simple code for identifying the recording paper without using the one for identifying the agency or the sales channel.

In the above embodiment, printing is permitted when the agency code and the designated code match. In addition, other paper type codes, size codes, and print format codes can be selectively used. By storing the added designation code, printing can be prohibited when not only the agency code but also other codes do not match.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a color thermosensitive recording sheet. However, the present invention may be applied to a recording sheet of a thermal development transfer type or a thermal transfer recording sheet of a sublimation type. . In addition, the present invention can be applied to any recording paper whose print quality may be degraded due to a change in the storage state in the distribution channel. For example, the present invention may be applied to recording paper of an ink jet recording system or a silver halide photographic recording system. Further, the present invention may be applied to instant photographic recording paper in addition to ordinary silver halide photographic recording paper.

In the above embodiment, the recording paper 10 is provided with the recording paper identification code 13, but in addition to this, a paper cassette or a recording paper package for accommodating these recording papers, and a core for winding the recording papers May be provided with a recording paper identification code at the side edge of. In this case, the recording paper identification code is read from these packages and the winding core. In the above embodiment, the recording paper identification code 13 is optically readable. In addition, by reading the recording paper identification code written in an IC memory or the like,
The recording paper may be identified.

In the above embodiment, the recording paper identification code is read. However, when the recording paper is set in the printer, the keyboard 24b in the personal computer 24 is used.
(See FIG. 1), the recording paper identification code may be input. Unlike the operation panel 26, the keyboard 24b cannot be operated from the outside, and can be operated when a cover (not shown) of the printer is opened, for example, when exchanging recording paper. Also in this case, if the recording paper identification codes match, printing is enabled.
Printing is prohibited.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper identification code 13 is recorded at a predetermined pitch corresponding to each print area 12, and can be used as a recording positioning mark. However, this may be recorded only on the leading edge of the recording paper. Further, the recording paper identification code 13 may be recorded at predetermined intervals without being made to correspond to each print area 12.

In the above embodiment, the recording paper identification code 1
In the case where 3 and the designation code do not match, printing is prohibited and a warning is issued. Alternatively, only one of printing prohibition or warning may be performed.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a recording sheet 76 having a recording positioning mark 75 for specifying a recording position. Reference numeral 77 denotes a planned cutting line, 78 denotes a print area, and 79 denotes a winding core.
In this embodiment, the recording positioning mark 75 is used as recording sheet identification information. The recording positioning mark 75 is printed at the stage of manufacturing the recording paper. Then, it is determined whether or not the positioning mark 75 has a predetermined length. The length of the positioning mark 75 is determined by the number of drive pulses of the pulse motor for feeding the recording paper from when the leading edge of the mark 75 is detected by the positioning mark detection sensor of the printer to when the trailing edge of the mark 75 is detected. Obtained by counting.

Then, the length data X1 consisting of the number of drive pulses is compared with the reference data A consisting of the number of pulses corresponding to the identification length recorded in advance, and this length data X1 is determined by the number of pulses corresponding to the number of pulses corresponding to the identification length. Within ± 10% (0.9 A
≦ X1 ≦ 1.1A), the usable recording paper 76
Is determined. In other cases, printing is prohibited and a warning is issued. FIG. 13 shows these processing procedures. The judgment range is ± 10 of the reference data A.
%, But this may be changed as appropriate. As the identification information, the length data X1 composed of the number of drive pulses of the pulse motor corresponding to the length of the mark 75 is used. Can be used.

Note that, instead of identifying the recording paper by identifying the length of the recording positioning marks 75, the distance between the recording positioning marks 75 is obtained, and when the distance is within a certain range based on the reference value B. Then, it may be determined that there is a usable recording sheet. The distance between the recording positioning mark 75 and the trailing edge of the preceding positioning mark 75 and the leading edge of the succeeding positioning mark 75 are used. The distance data Y1 is also obtained by counting the number of drive pulses of the pulse motor from the trailing edge of the mark 75 to the leading edge of the next mark 75 by the positioning mark detection sensor, as in the above embodiment.

The distance data Y1 of each positioning mark 75 is not limited to the above, but may be the pitch of each positioning mark 75. In this case, the number of drive pulses of the pulse motor from the leading edge of each positioning mark 75 to the leading edge of the next positioning mark 75 is counted, and the obtained number is used as distance data. Further, instead of the leading edge, the distance between the trailing edges of the marks, the distance between the center points of the leading edge and the trailing edge, or the like may be used.

The recording paper may be identified by combining the length data X1 of the positioning mark 75 and the distance data Y1. In this case, when X1 is within a certain range based on the reference value A and Y1 is within a certain range based on the reference value B, it is determined that the recording sheet is a corresponding recording sheet.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a recording positioning mark 80 and an auxiliary mark 81 following the recording positioning mark 80 are recorded on a recording sheet 82 at a predetermined interval, and these marks 8
Using the distance data Z1 between 0 and 81, whether or not it is a corresponding recording sheet is identified. Distance data Z1
Is obtained from the edge detection signal of the positioning mark detection sensor and the number of drive pulses of the pulse motor, as in the above embodiment. Then, when the distance data Z1 is within a predetermined range with respect to the reference value C corresponding to the pulse number corresponding to the identification length, it is determined that the recording paper is the corresponding recording paper.

Further, in addition to the distance data Z1, the length data X1 of the recording positioning mark 80 is combined with
When 1 is within a certain range based on the reference value A and Z1 is within a certain range based on the reference value C, the corresponding recording sheet may be determined.

In each of the above embodiments, each data X is calculated by counting the number of drive pulses of the pulse motor.
Although 1, 1, and 1 are obtained, each data may be obtained by an output of a pulse encoder that rotates in conjunction with the feeding of the recording paper.

In the above embodiment, the recording positioning mark 75
Although the length, pitch, and the like are used as the sheet identification information, the recording sheet may be identified by the width data W1 of the positioning mark 75 (see FIG. 12). In this case,
The recording positioning mark detection sensor is constituted by a line sensor or an image area sensor.
, The width data W1 of the mark 75 is detected. Then, it is determined whether or not the corresponding recording paper is based on whether or not the width data W1 is within a predetermined range. Further, the recording paper may be identified by selectively combining the width data W1 with the length data X1, the distance data Y1, Z1 and the like.

In addition to the length and width of the positioning mark,
The shape of the positioning mark may be made a special shape, which may be recognized by the image area sensor, and whether or not the recording sheet is a corresponding recording sheet may be determined by pattern recognition based on whether or not the pattern is a corresponding pattern. For example, a positioning mark is used in which a rectangular frame, a circular shape, a star shape, or the like is selectively arranged such that a positioning mark is a double frame or a white rectangle in a rectangle.

Although the recording positioning marks 75 and 80 and the auxiliary mark 81 are formed by printing, they may be formed by punching or notching. When perforations or notches are used, they are formed outside the recording area.

In the above embodiment, the recording positioning mark 7
5, it was simply determined whether or not the recording paper corresponds to the printing unit. In addition, a plurality of positioning marks are provided by changing the length, width, pitch, etc. of the marks. Alternatively, the agency and the sales channel may be identified by associating the plurality of agency codes and the sales channel codes. Then, in the case of an incompatible positioning mark, printing is prohibited or an alarm is issued.

[0059]

According to the present invention, the recording paper identification information is input by the input means, and it is determined whether or not the input recording paper identification information matches the pre-stored designation information. Banned printing in case of a mismatch,
Printing is not possible on recording paper other than the specified recording paper. Therefore, printing is not performed on recording paper other than the designated recording paper, so that non-standard recording paper is not used, and failures and print quality are not reduced. Similarly, by giving a warning when the identification information and the designation information do not match, printing on non-standard recording paper is prevented.

By inputting the recording paper identification information by key, there is no need to attach the recording paper identification information to the recording paper, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, by attaching the recording sheet identification information to the recording sheet and reading it by the reading means, the identification of the recording sheet can be performed automatically. Further, by using the recording sheet identification information as the recording positioning information, it is not necessary to separately form a mark or the like, thereby simplifying the configuration.

Since the recording paper identification information for identifying the recording paper is recorded so as to be readable, printing on a nonstandard recording paper with a simple configuration is eliminated, and a failure and a decrease in print quality can be suppressed. . In particular, by configuring the recording sheet identification information from the sales channel identification code for identifying the sales channel, it is possible to prohibit printing on the recording paper other than the predetermined sales channel. Therefore,
It is possible to print only on the recording paper of the sales channel for which it is responsible, and it is possible to suppress the failure of the device and the deterioration of the print quality due to the recording paper having poor storage condition. Similarly, by constructing the recording sheet identification information from the sales agent code for identifying the sales agent, it is possible to similarly suppress the breakdown of the device and the deterioration of the print quality.

By using the length, width, pitch and the like of the recording positioning mark for specifying the recording position as the recording paper identification information, it is not necessary to separately record the identification information, and the configuration can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a printer embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a recording sheet of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recording paper identification code used in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when power is turned on.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure at the time of a print command.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when power is turned on in another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure at the time of exchanging recording paper according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another embodiment in which two printing units are provided for one host computer.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another embodiment in which a plurality of sets of a host computer and a printing unit are provided.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a recording sheet according to another embodiment in which a recording sheet identification code is recorded outside a recording area, and this portion is cut off after printing.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recording paper identification code having a sales channel identification code.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a recording sheet in another embodiment using a recording positioning mark as recording sheet identification information.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in another embodiment using a recording positioning mark as recording sheet identification information.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a processing procedure in another embodiment using a recording positioning mark and an auxiliary mark as recording sheet identification information.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 66, 76, 82 Recording paper 12, 67, 78 Print area 13, 65, 70 Recording paper identification code 20, 53, 61 Printer 21, 50, 58-60 Host computer 22, 51, 52, 55-57 Print Part 68, 77 Expected cutting line 75, 80 Recording positioning mark 81 Auxiliary mark

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06K 7/00 B41M 5/26 B (72) Inventor Toshiaki Fujimaki 3-13-45 Fuji, Azumi-shi, Asaka-shi, Saitama Photo Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuo Miyaji 3-13-45 Izumi, Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (72) Ryo Imai 3-13-45 Izumi, Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Photo File Irum Corporation

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A printer for recording an image on a recording sheet, comprising: input means for inputting recording sheet identification information for identifying the recording sheet; and input recording sheet identification information and designation information stored in advance. A printer for determining whether or not the printing is performed, and prohibiting or warning the printing in the case of a mismatch. 2. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, wherein the image of the subject is printed by the image pickup means. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of composite images are stored, and the selected composite image is combined with a subject image by said imaging means and printed. 4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the input unit reads recording sheet identification information attached to the recording sheet. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording paper identification information is arranged on a peripheral portion of the recording paper, and after printing, the peripheral edge on which the recording paper identification information is arranged is cut off. Printer. 6. The recording sheet according to claim 1, wherein the recording sheet identification information is provided on the recording sheet in a fixed positional relationship from a print area, and the recording sheet identification information is used as recording positioning information. Printer. 7. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the input unit reads recording sheet identification information attached to a core of the recording sheet. 8. The printer according to claim 1, wherein said input means inputs recording paper identification information by key input. 9. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the recording sheet identification information is constituted by a sales agent code for identifying the sales agent. 10. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the recording sheet identification information is constituted by a sales channel identification code for identifying a sales channel. 11. The recording sheet is identified based on the length, width, shape, or pitch of the recording positioning mark by using a recording positioning mark attached to the recording sheet as the recording sheet identification information. A printer according to any one of 1 to 5. 12. A recording positioning mark attached to the recording sheet and an auxiliary mark which is arranged at a distance from the recording positioning mark in a recording sheet feeding direction as the recording sheet identification information, and a detection distance between the recording positioning mark and the auxiliary mark. 6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the recording paper is identified based on the data. 13. A recording sheet wherein recording sheet identification information for identifying the recording sheet is recorded in a readable manner. 14. The recording paper according to claim 13, wherein said recording paper identification information is constituted by a sales agent code for identifying a sales agent. 15. The recording sheet according to claim 13, wherein said recording sheet identification information is constituted by a sales channel identification code for identifying a sales channel. 16. The recording sheet according to claim 13, wherein the recording sheet identification information has a type identification code for identifying a type and a size of the recording sheet. 17. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said recording sheet identification information is used as recording positioning information.
6. Recording paper according to any one of 6. 18. A recording sheet comprising a recording positioning mark for specifying a recording position, wherein the recording sheet is identified based on the length, width, shape, or pitch of the recording positioning mark. 19. A recording sheet comprising: a recording positioning mark for specifying a recording position; and an auxiliary mark arranged at a distance from the recording positioning mark in a recording paper feed direction. Recording paper, characterized in that: