Media processing apparatus and scanner unit

The present invention provides a check processing device or the like that performs a plurality of types of processing such as magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) and printing surface scanning processing on check paper such as a check in a complex manner. The present invention relates to a composite processing device, a control method thereof, and a POS terminal device provided with the composite processing device.

Conventionally, checks and personal check papers (hereinafter collectively referred to as "check papers") may be used for payments in commercial transactions, shopping at stores, payments at restaurants, and the like. In particular, it is widely used on a daily basis in the United States and European countries. Generally, a bank code, a bank account number, or the like is printed in magnetic ink characters at a predetermined place (lower column) on the check paper. At retail stores, etc., the payer of money fills in the payee, the amount in numerical notation, the amount in word notation and the signature and pays to the store. At the store, the bank code and bank account number printed with magnetic ink characters are read, and the read data is inquired to the bank or credit bureau to confirm the validity of the check paper. If valid, the retail store will receive a checklist from the payer of the money and will write or print the endorsement on the back.

The check paper that has been processed at the store or the like is brought to a settlement institution such as a bank for final settlement processing. In recent years, instead of moving the actual check paper, electronic data such as electronic data of transaction details and image data of check paper (printed with necessary information) read by a scanner have been sent to the payment institution. Therefore, the efficiency of payment processing is being improved. In acquiring electronic data for such payment processing, in order to efficiently read the magnetic ink characters and acquire the image of the check paper, the magnetic ink character reading process and the check paper scanning process are combined. A composite processing apparatus for performing the above has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-6713</text></patcit>

<p> However, for example, when electronic data is sent and received instead of moving the check paper in a transaction between payment institutions, it is required that the check paper can be specified more strictly. Therefore, the image data of the check paper is shown in the table. Two images on the back may be required. When a device equipped with only one scanner, such as the composite processing device described in Patent Document 1, is used, in order to obtain two images on the front and back of the check paper, the check paper once scanned on the surface is re-applied to the device. There is a problem that the operation of the operator is complicated because it is necessary to scan the back side of the check paper again by throwing it into the paper. In addition, since the work by the operator intervenes between the two scans, due to carelessness in the re-loading work, the same side may be scanned twice, or only one side may be scanned and the other side may be scanned. There was a possibility that an erroneous operation might be performed, such as when forgetting to insert the check paper or when inserting a check paper different from the first one when the second insertion is performed. Due to such an erroneous operation, for example, it is not appropriate because it does not meet the requirement that the two images of the front and back of the check paper are aligned, which is required for the image data used in the transaction between the settlement institutions. There was a problem that image data could be created. Furthermore, there is also a problem that processing time is required by scanning twice.</p><p> Therefore, the present invention enables the operator to read the magnetic ink characters on the check paper and acquire the image data on both sides by inserting the check paper only once, so that complicated operations are not required and an erroneous operation is performed. It is an object of the present invention to realize a composite processing device, a control method thereof, and a POS terminal device that can suppress the possibility of the above.</p>

<p> The combined processing apparatus according to the present invention is<u style="single">No.</u>A transport path for transporting a print medium having one side and a second side.<u style="single">A first transport path formed on one end side of the print medium and connected to an insertion slot for inserting the print medium, and a second transport path that can communicate with the first transport path at a branch point branching from the first transport path. And a third transport path, and the third transport path, arranged along the first transport path, said</u>A magnetic head for reading magnetic ink characters pre-recorded on a print medium,<u style="single">The print medium is arranged along the first transport path.</u>Get the image data of the first surface<u style="single">No.</u>1 scanner and<u style="single">The print medium is arranged along the third transport path.</u>Get the image data of the second surface<u style="single">No.</u>2 scanners and<u style="single">It is formed at the end of the second transport path opposite to the branch point, and is formed at the first discharge port for discharging the print medium and the end of the third transport path opposite to the branch point. A second discharge port for discharging the print medium and</u>It is characterized by having.</p><p> The composite processing apparatus of the present invention includes a magnetic head that reads magnetic ink characters and a scanner that scans the surface of the print medium. When the print medium is inserted, the magnetic ink characters are read and the surface of the print medium is scanned. And execute. As a result, the print medium is inserted into the composite processing device once for processing, so that the magnetic ink characters can be read and the image data on the print medium surface can be read without the need to insert the print medium into the composite processing device again. It is possible to acquire and execute, eliminating the need for complicated operations and suppressing the possibility of erroneous operations.</p><p> In this case, the transport route of the combined processing device is<u style="single">No.</u>When the scan by the second scanner is executed, the print medium is conveyed through the first transfer path and the third transfer path, and when the scan by the second scanner is not executed, the print medium is conveyed by the first transfer path. It is preferably transported through a route and a second transport route.</p><p> According to this configuration, if the scan by the second scanner is not performed, the print medium does not pass through the third transport path in which the second scanner is arranged. In order for the print medium to pass through the third transport path in which the second scanner is located, it is necessary to transport the print medium in the same manner as when scanning by the second scanner is performed, and the second It becomes necessary to carry out only the transfer of the print medium even though the scan by the scanner is not carried out. If the scan by the second scanner is not performed, the print medium will not pass through the third transport path where the second scanner is located, so that when the scan by the second scanner is performed. Unnecessary operation of the mechanism for transporting the print medium can be suppressed.</p><p> According to this configuration, the third transport path, which is the transport path when the scan by the second scanner is executed, and the second transport path, which is the transport path when the scan by the second scanner is not executed, Each has a different outlet. From this, it is determined whether or not the print medium is the print medium on which the scan by the second scanner is executed, depending on whether the discharge port from which the print medium is discharged is the first discharge port or the second discharge port. be able to. Further, it is not necessary to have a space for merging the second transport path and the third transport path into one, and it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the composite processing apparatus.</p><p> In this case, the compound processing apparatus is arranged at a position facing the second scanner, and by sandwiching the print medium with the second scanner and applying pressing force, scanning while transporting the print medium is performed. A press feed roller that enables the press feed roller and a route switching guide that switches the path communicating with the first transport path are further provided, and the path switching guide that branches the path moves according to the rotation direction of the press feed roller to perform the second transport. It is preferable that the route or the third transport route selectively communicates with the first transport route.</p><p> According to this configuration, the path switching guide is moved according to the rotation direction of the pressing feed roller. Therefore, when the pressing feed roller is rotated in the direction of conveying the print medium, the path is guided so as to guide the print medium to the third conveying path. The switching guide can be moved, and when the second scanner operates, the print medium can be more reliably guided to the third transport path in which the second scanner is arranged.</p><p> In this case, when the press feed roller of the composite processing device sandwiches the print medium between the press feed roller and the second scanner, the second scanner scans the print medium at the position where the press feed roller comes into contact with the print medium. It is preferable that it is on the discharge port side from the position where it is.</p><p> According to this configuration, the print medium is pressed against the second scanner, and the press feed roller presses the print medium against the second scanner, which is a place where dirt easily adheres to the second scanner. The position deviates from the position where the second scanner, which is most likely to affect the scanned image quality due to dirt, is scanning the print medium. As a result, it is possible to prevent the scan image quality from being deteriorated due to the accumulation of stains and the accumulation of stains by executing the scan. Further, since the pressing feed roller is located on the discharge port side from the position where the print medium is being scanned and the print medium is pressed against the second scanner on the discharge port side from the position where the print medium is being scanned, the print medium is discharged. External light incident from the outlet is suppressed from passing through the gap between the second scanner and the print medium and irradiating the scanning position, and the external light irradiating the scanning position is regarded as ambient light. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the scanned image quality.</p><p> In this case, the composite processing apparatus further provides an urging means for urging the second scanner in the direction of the pressing feed roller, and the urging means urges the second scanner to urge the pressing feed roller and the second scanner. It is preferable to sandwich the print medium between the scanner and the scanner and generate a pressing force applied to convey the print medium.</p><p> According to this configuration, the position of the pressing feed roller is fixed with respect to the transport path. In order for the press feed roller to accurately convey the print medium, it is preferable that the press feed roller applies a constant transfer force by maintaining a constant positional relationship with respect to the print medium passing through the transfer path. Since the position of the pressing feed roller is fixed with respect to the conveying path, the position of the pressing feed roller becomes constant with respect to the print medium passing through the conveying path. When the position of the pressing feed roller with respect to the print medium is constant, a constant conveying force is applied from the pressing feed roller to the print medium. In the configuration in which the pressing force is generated by urging the pressing feed roller, the position of the pressing feed roller is not fixed with respect to the conveying path because the pressing feed roller is urged, and the print medium passing through the conveying path. However, it is difficult for the position of the pressing feed roller to be constant. Since the position of the pressing feed roller is difficult to be constant with respect to the printing medium, the conveying force applied to the printing medium from the pressing feed roller may fluctuate. Therefore, the printing medium is accurately conveyed by the pressing feed roller as compared with the configuration in which the pressing force is generated by urging the second scanner to generate the pressing force by urging the pressing feed roller. be able to.</p><p> In this case, it is preferable that the feed roller unit including the pressing feed roller and the path switching guide of the compound processing device is pivotally supported so as to be detachable from the scan sensor surface of the second scanner.</p><p> According to this configuration, the feed roller unit that covers the scan sensor surface of the second scanner can be separated from the scan sensor surface. Compared to a configuration in which the feed roller unit cannot be separated from the scan sensor surface, it is easier to clean the scan sensor surface and remove the print medium when the print medium is clogged near the second scanner. Can be executed.</p><p>The control method of the composite processing apparatus according to the present invention is the control method for controlling the composite processing apparatus described above.<u style="single">Formed on one end side of the transport path, for inserting the print medium.</u>The print medium inserted from the insertion slot<u style="single">Exclusion</u>A step of reading the magnetic ink characters with the magnetic head by transporting in the outgoing direction, and a step of scanning the first surface of the print medium with the first scanner by transporting the print medium in the discharge direction. And the step of scanning the second surface of the print medium with the second scanner, and when the second surface of the print medium is not scanned with the second scanner, the printing is performed from the first outlet. When the medium is ejected and the second surface of the print medium is scanned by the second scanner, the print medium is ejected from the second ejection port.</p><p> According to this method, when reading magnetic ink characters with a magnetic head, the direction in which the print medium is conveyed is the direction of the discharge port, and when the print medium inserted from the insertion port is carried into the composite processing apparatus. It is the same as the transport direction. In addition, since the process of reading the magnetic ink characters is performed first in the process of reading the magnetic ink characters and the process of scanning the surface of the print medium, the process of reading the magnetic ink characters is compounded by the print medium. It is executed after being carried into the processing device. For this reason, it is not necessary to carry out the transfer of the print medium for reading the magnetic ink characters with the magnetic head and the transfer of the print medium for carrying the print medium into the composite processing apparatus. When the print medium is conveyed to be carried into the composite processing apparatus, the magnetic ink character reading process can be executed by reading the magnetic ink characters of the transferred print medium with the magnetic head. When the print medium is conveyed to carry in the print medium, the magnetic ink character reading process is executed almost at the same time, so that the print medium carried into the composite processing apparatus is used for the magnetic ink character reading process. The distance to which the print medium is conveyed is shorter than that in the case of further conveying. As a result, the transport path can be shortened and the device can be miniaturized. Further, when the print medium is conveyed to carry in the print medium, the magnetic ink character reading process is executed almost at the same time, so that the print medium carried into the composite processing apparatus is read in the magnetic ink character. Therefore, the time during which the print medium is conveyed is shortened and the processing time can be shortened as compared with the case where the print medium is further conveyed.</p><p> Further, when scanning the surface of the print medium with the scanner, the direction of transporting the print medium is the discharge port direction, which is the same as the transport direction when the print medium is ejected from the discharge port. In addition, since the scanning process is performed last in the process of reading the magnetic ink characters and the process of scanning the surface of the print medium, when the scanning process is completed, the print medium is released from the compound processing apparatus. It is discharged. For this reason, printing is performed by the scanner without carrying out the transfer of the print medium for scanning the surface of the print medium with the scanner and the transfer of the print medium for discharging the print medium from the ejection port. By transporting the print medium to scan the surface of the medium, the print medium can be ejected from the ejection port. When the print medium is conveyed to scan the surface of the print medium with the scanner, the print medium conveyed for scanning is ejected from the ejection port by executing ejecting the print medium from the ejection port. Therefore, the distance to which the print medium is conveyed is shorter than that in the case of further conveying. As a result, the transport path can be shortened and the device can be miniaturized. Further, when the print medium is conveyed to scan the surface of the print medium with the scanner, the print medium conveyed for scanning is ejected almost at the same time by ejecting the print medium from the ejection port. Compared with the case where the print medium is further conveyed for discharge from the discharge port, the time during which the print medium is conveyed is shortened, and the processing time can be shortened.</p>

Hereinafter, the combined processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an outline of a check which is an example of a print medium which is a medium to be processed. On the surface of the check P shown in FIG. 1, a table writing area 1 for writing table items, a signature area 2 for signing, and a MICR recording area 3 on which magnetic ink characters are printed are provided. On the back of the check P, there is a backing area 4 for writing backing items as shown by the dotted line. In the table writing area 1, enter the table items such as the payee, date, and amount. The user (shopper) of check P, who is the payer of money, signs the signature area 2 by himself / herself. In the backing area 4, enter the backing items required as the receiving side (store side) of the check P, such as the authentication number, date, and amount of money used by the user of the check P. In the MICR recording area 3, the bank code, bank account number, etc. of the check P user are printed in magnetic ink characters.

At a retail store or the like where the compound processing device 10 (see Fig. 2) is not installed, the payer of money hands the check P to the store. The store side prints or manually writes the name of the store to which the payment is made, the amount in numerical notation, and the amount in words on the surface of the check P, and returns the check P to the payer. The payer confirms the payee printed on the check P, the amount in numbers, and the amount in words, fills in the signature, and pays to the store. At the store, the bank code or bank account number printed with magnetic ink characters is read, and the read data is referred to the bank or credit bureau to confirm the validity of check P. If valid, the retail store prints the endorsement (acceptance approval) on the back of the check P with a printing device or manually fills it in, then receives the check P from the payer, and the payment process of the money by the check P is completed.

In a retail store or the like where the compound processing device 10 can be used, the money payer confirms the payment amount, signs the check P, and hands the check P to the store. At the store, information such as the payment amount and the table is input from the control device of the compound processing device 10 such as a computer, and the check P is inserted into the compound processing device 10. The compound processing device 10 reads a bank code, a bank account number, etc. printed in magnetic ink characters, and the compound processing device 10 or the control device of the compound processing device 10 inquires the read data to a bank or a credit bureau, and checks. Check the validity of P. When valid, the combined processing device 10 prints the name of the store to which the payment is made, the amount in numbers, and the amount in words on the front side, the endorsement (acceptance approval) on the back side, and both sides of the check P. Scan to get image data on both sides of check P.

In check P settlement, the received check P is sent to the payer's bank. When performing payment processing by sending the electronic data of check P to a payment institution instead of moving the actual check P, the information written in magnetic ink characters on the check P and the transaction details Electronic data and image data of check P read by a scanner are required. The electronic data of the transaction contents is the electronic data of the contents of the front and back, other than the signature of the payer. The image data of check P is the image data of check P for which both front and back writing have been completed. By using a multi-tasking device equipped with a printer and a scanner in addition to the magnetic ink character reader, it is possible to read the magnetic ink characters associated with the check P settlement, print the front page, print the backing, and acquire the image data of the check P. It is possible to process a series of processes with one device.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the composite processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the composite processing device 10 shown in FIG. 2, the upper front side is covered with a resin front case 5 and a cover 6, and an insertion port 7 for manually inserting a check P is formed in the front portion thereof. There is. A first outlet 8 and a second outlet 9 for discharging the check P are formed on the upper surface of the cover 6. A roller unit cover 6a (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, is located between the first discharge port 8 and the second discharge port 9. The check inserted from the insertion port 7 is discharged from the first discharge port 8 or the second discharge port 9 provided on the upper surface portion. Further, the composite processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a roll paper storage unit (not shown) for storing roll paper for issuing receipts at the rear portion, and the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit is provided. It is printed through the printing unit and is discharged from the roll paper discharge port behind the second discharge port 9 on the upper surface of the device. There is an auto-cutter device (not shown) near the roll paper discharge port in the compound processing device 10, which cuts the printed roll paper and hands it to the payer as a receipt. Since the magnetic ink characters are sequentially read in the direction of arrow B from the right side of FIG. 1, the check P is inserted into the compound processing device 10 in the direction of arrow A of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the composite processing apparatus. Inside the compound processing apparatus 10, the first transport path 15 of the check P from the insertion port 7 to the branch point 11, the second transport path 12 from the branch point 11 to the first discharge port 8, and the branch point 11 A third transport path 14 leading to the second discharge port 9 is formed. In the first transport path 15, the insertion port 7 side faces the horizontal direction, while the branch point 11 side faces the vertical direction, and the first transport path 15 is bent in an L shape in a side view.

Along the first transport path 15, in order from the insertion port 7 side, the paper rear edge detector 16, the MICR head 17, the first feed roller pair 18, the paper tip detector 19, the paper positioning member 20, the back printing head 21, A second feed roller pair 22, a front print head 23, a paper ejection detector 24, and a front scanner 25 are arranged, and a front scanner feed roller 26 is provided at a position facing the front scanner 25. The MICR head 17 corresponds to the magnetic head, the back print head 21 corresponds to the second print head, the front print head 23 corresponds to the first print head, the front scanner 25 corresponds to the first scanner, and so on. The front scanner feed roller 26 corresponds to the pressure feed roller.

A back scanner 27 is arranged facing the third transport path 14, and a back scanner feed roller (pressing feed roller) 28 is provided at a position facing the back scanner 27. The branch point 11 is provided with a path switching guide 29 that is swingably supported by an axis and selectively communicates the second transport path 12 or the third transport path 14 with the first transport path 15. The back scanner 27 corresponds to the second scanner.

The paper trailing edge detector 16, the paper tip detector 19, and the paper ejection detector 24 are composed of, for example, a transmissive or reflective photosensor, and the presence or absence of a check P is not present at each position of the first transport path 15. Detect by contact. The paper positioning member 20 is for temporarily stopping the check P inserted from the insertion slot 7 at a predetermined position. For example, the paper positioning member 20 has a posture of protruding into the first transport path 15 in response to an actuator drive such as a solenoid. It is configured to be transformed into a posture of retracting from the first transport path 15. The first feed roller pair 18 and the second feed roller pair 22 are each composed of a pair of roller members facing each other with the first transfer path 15 in between, and the check P is conveyed in both forward and reverse directions by driving one of the rollers. .. Further, one of the roller members is configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the other roller member, and opens and closes the first transport path 15 by advancing and retreating according to the drive of an actuator such as a solenoid.

The MICR head 17 is for reading the magnetic ink characters recorded on the surface of the check P, and the information written in the magnetic ink characters is read based on the read data of the MICR head 17 to determine whether the check P is valid or invalid. Will be done. The magnetic ink characters are recorded in the MICR recording area 3 (see FIG. 1) on the surface of the check P, and the recorded data includes the account number of the check P and the like. At the opposite position of the MICR head 17, a pressing member 17a that presses the check P against the MICR head 17 during the reading operation is provided, the pressing member 17a is pressed against the MICR head 17 during the reading operation, and the pressing member 17a is always the MICR. The first transport path 15 is opened by retracting from the head 17. The pressing member 17a is configured to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the MICR head 17, and is driven by an actuator such as a solenoid to open and close the first transport path 15.

The table print head 23 is a print head for printing table items such as payee, date, and amount on the surface of the check P, and the table items are printed in the table area 1 (see FIG. 1) as described above. Will be done. The front print head 23 is a serial print head supported on a carriage, and realizes dot matrix printing of one or a plurality of rows while moving in the width direction of the check P. As the front print head 23, a dot impact type print head that transfers the ink on the ink ribbon (not shown) to the check P is adopted, but another type of print head such as an inkjet type may be adopted.

The back printing head 21 is a printing head for printing the backing items necessary for the store such as the shopper's authentication number, date, usage amount, etc. on the back side of the check P, and the backing items are as described above. , Printed in the backing area 4 (see Figure 1). The back print head 21 is a shuttle type that can be arranged in a narrow space, includes a plurality of heads having a predetermined interval in the width direction of the check P, and one or a plurality of rows depending on the movement of the heads within the interval width. Achieve dot matrix printing. As the back print head 21, a dot impact type print head that transfers the ink on the ink ribbon (not shown) to the check P is adopted. This may also adopt another type of print head.

The table scanner 25 scans the surface of the printed check P to acquire image data. The image data obtained by scanning the surface is compressed, then transmitted to the host computer 70 (see FIG. 10) connected to the compound processing apparatus 10, stored, and used for electronic payment. A contact image sensor (CIS) is used as the front scanner 25, and the check operation is performed with the check P in close contact with the front reading surface 25a. The front scanner feed roller 26 carries the check P during the scanning operation. During the scanning operation, the check P is pressed against the front reading surface 25a of the front scanner 25, and the check P is conveyed to the branch point 11 side.

Next, the retracting mechanism of the front scanner feed roller 26 will be described. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the roller retracting mechanism, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the roller retracting mechanism. As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of front scanner feed rollers 26 are provided on the roller support shafts 30 at predetermined intervals. Both ends of the roller support shaft 30 are guided so as to be movable back and forth along the guide groove 31, and the intermediate portion is supported by the roller retracting mechanism 32. The roller retract mechanism 32 is configured to pull the roller support shaft 30 rearward in response to the drive of the scanner feed roller solenoid 33, and the front scanner feed roller 26 retracts from the front scanner 25 accordingly to cause the first transfer. Route 15 is opened. That is, during the non-scan operation, the front scanner feed roller 26 is in the retracted position, and the check P is prevented from being caught by the front scanner feed roller 26. In the scanning operation, after the check P is conveyed to the scanning start position by the first feed roller pair 18 and the second feed roller pair 22, the check P is released from the front scanner feed roller 26 and the check P is displayed on the front scanner. It is pressed against 25, and in this state, the front scanner feed roller 26 is driven to carry the check P.

As shown in FIG. 4, the roller retracting mechanism 32 has a presser lever (rotating member) 34 that rotatably supports the roller support shaft 30 and moves the roller support shaft 30 forward and backward with respect to the front scanner 25, and the presser lever. It is configured to include a presser spring 35 that urges 34 to the front scanner 25 side, and a scanner feed roller solenoid 33 that retracts the presser lever 34 against the urging force of the presser spring 35. The presser lever 34 is a rotating member that can rotate back and forth with the rotating support shaft 34a as a fulcrum. The rotating member supports the roller support shaft 30 of the front scanner feed roller 26 so as to be able to move forward and backward. The retract mechanism 32 can be configured compactly, and the advance / retreat operation can be smoothed. Further, the presser lever 34 rotatably supports the roller support shaft 30 between the pair of left and right front scanner feed rollers 26. Therefore, the pair of front scanner feed rollers 26 can be urged substantially evenly with a single presser spring 35, and the pair of front scanner feed rollers 26 remain substantially parallel during the retracting operation, so that the first transport path Will definitely open 15.

Further, the roller retracting mechanism 32 is provided with a drive system for driving the front scanner feed roller 26. The drive system of the front scanner feed roller 26 is provided on the first gear 36 integrally provided on the roller support shaft 30 between the pair of front scanner feed rollers 26 and on the presser lever 34, and is always meshed with the first gear 36. A second gear 37 and a transmission mechanism 39 for transmitting the driving force of the surface scanner feed motor 38 to the second gear 37 are provided. As a result, a transmission path of the roller driving force is configured in the support portion of the roller support shaft 30, the power transmission to the front scanner feed roller 26 can be reliably performed, and the pressing position of the roller support shaft 30 by the presser spring 35. By bringing the power transmission position closer to the roller support shaft 30, the front scanner feed roller 26 can be rotated without disturbing the pressing balance.

Next, the configuration of the back scanner unit 50 will be described. The back scanner unit 50 includes a feed roller unit 40 including a back scanner feed roller 28 and a path switching guide 29, and a scanner body unit 51 including a back scanner 27. The back scanner 27 scans the back side of the printed check P to acquire image data. The image data obtained by scanning the back surface is compressed and then stored in the host computer 70 (see FIG. 10) and used for electronic payment. A close-contact image sensor is used as the back scanner 27, and the check operation is performed with the check P in close contact with the back reading surface 27a.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the back scanner unit, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing the back scanner unit in a state where the feed roller unit is separated from the back scanner. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the feed roller unit is separated from the back scanner.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the feed roller unit 40 includes a back scanner feed roller 28 facing the back reading surface 27a, a back roller shaft 41, a first unit frame 42a, and a second unit. It is composed of a unit frame 42b, a roller gear 43, a path switching guide 29, a guide shaft 44, a guide gear 46, and a roller unit cover 6a. The back scanner feed roller 28 is fixed so as to be coaxial with the back roller shaft 41, and both ends of the back roller shaft 41 rotate to the first unit frame 42a and the second unit frame 42b, respectively. It is freely and axially supported in a retaining state. The end of the back roller shaft 41 on the first unit frame 42a side penetrates the first unit frame 42a, and the roller gear 43 is fixed to the portion protruding to the side opposite to the side where the back scanner feed roller 28 is fixed. Has been done.

A guide shaft 44 penetrates through a hole formed near one end of the route switching guide 29, and the route switching guide 29 is pivotally supported by the guide shaft 44 so as to be rotatable around the guide shaft 44. Both ends of the guide shaft 44 are rotatably and axially supported by the first unit frame 42a and the second unit frame 42b, respectively. The end of the guide shaft 44 on the first unit frame 42a side penetrates the first unit frame 42a, and the guide gear 46 is fixed to the portion where the path switching guide 29 protrudes to the side opposite to the shaft-supported side. Has been done. The roller gear 43 and the guide gear 46 are in mesh with each other, and rotation can be transmitted. Both ends of the roller unit cover 6a are fixed to the first unit frame 42a and the second unit frame 42b, respectively.

The scanner main unit 51 includes a back scanner 27, a scanner unit base 52, a back scanner spring 53 (see FIG. 7), a back scanner feed motor 54, and a transmission gear 56. The back scanner 27 is supported by the scanner unit base 52 in a slidable and retaining state in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the back reading surface 27a, and is urged toward the back scanner feed roller 28 by the back scanner spring 53. ing. The back scanner feed motor 54 is fixed to the scanner unit base 52, and an output gear (not shown) is fixed to the output shaft (not shown) of the back scanner feed motor 54. A transmission gear 56 is rotatably supported on the scanner unit base 52, and the transmission large gear 56a of the transmission gear 56 meshes with the output gear. The back scanner spring 53 corresponds to the urging means.

One end of the first unit frame 42a and the second unit frame 42b can swing freely around the shaft support on the scanner unit base 52 so that the feed roller unit 40 can be detached from the back scanner 27. It is pivotally supported. When the back scanner 27 is operable, the feed roller unit 40 is in the position as shown in FIG. 6A with respect to the back scanner 27, and the transmission small gear 56b of the transmission gear 56 and the guide gear 46 mesh with each other. ing. The rotation of the back scanner feed motor 54 is transmitted to the roller gear 43 via the output gear, the transmission gear 56, and the guide gear 46, and rotates the back scanner feed roller 28 fixed to the back roller shaft 41 coaxially with the roller gear 43. Can be made to.

One end of the first unit frame 42a and the second unit frame 42b is oscillatingly supported on the scanner unit base 52 around the shaft support portion, and from the positional relationship as shown in FIG. 6 (a). , The positional relationship can be manually set as shown in Fig. 6 (b). As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the roller unit 40 between the first discharge port 8 and the second discharge port 9 and the second transport path 12 and the third transport path 14 is open. The back reading surface 27a of the back scanner 27 comes to face the space communicating with the outside of the compound processing device 10, and maintenance such as cleaning of the back reading surface 27a can be performed. It is also possible to remove the check P stuck in the second transport path 12 and the third transport path 14 with a so-called paper jam or the like.

In order to hold the feed roller unit 40 in an appropriate position with respect to the back scanner 27, for example, an urging means consisting of a coil spring or a leaf spring is provided on both or one of the first unit frame 42a and the second unit frame 42b. The roller unit 40 is provided so as to be pressed against the back reading surface 27a of the back scanner 27. Further, two stable points are provided on both the first unit frame 42a and the second unit frame 42b, or one of them, and the roller unit 40 is stably placed at the position shown in FIG. 6 (a) and the position shown in FIG. 6 (b). It may be configured to be fixed. As a result, when reading the check P with the normal back scanner 27, the roller unit 40 is stably pressed to the position fixed to the back reading surface 27a of the back scanner 27 as shown in FIG. 6 (a). can do. Further, when the roller unit 40 is lifted, the roller unit 40 can be stably maintained at the position shown in FIG. 6 (b), and maintenance and the like can be facilitated.

Next, the arrangement of the back scanner feed roller 28 and the back scanner 27 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the back scanner feed roller and the periphery of the back scanner.

The back scanner feed roller 28 is for carrying the check P during the scanning operation, and as described above, the back scanner 27 is back-read by the force urged toward the back scanner feed roller 28. While pressing the check P against the surface 27a, the check P is conveyed from the branch point 11 side to the second discharge port 9 side. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the back scanner feed roller 28 presses the check P at a position slightly deviated from the scanner focal position A without pressing the check P at the focal position A of the back scanner 27. That is, the scanner focus position A is offset to the transport upstream side or the transport downstream side with respect to the scanner contact position B of the back scanner feed roller 28. For example, the scanner contact position B of the back scanner feed roller 28 is the scanner focus. It is set at a position offset by 0.8 mm from position A to the downstream side of the transport (9 side of the second discharge port).

As a result, it is possible to prevent the pressing force of the back scanner feed roller 28 from directly acting on the scanner focal position A. Therefore, when scanning the check P immediately after printing by the back printing head 21, the amount of ink adhering to the scanner focal position A can be reduced, and the quality deterioration of the scanned image due to the ink adhering can be prevented as much as possible. become. Further, as described above, the scanner contact position B of the back scanner feed roller 28 is offset to the transport downstream side with respect to the scanner focal position A of the back scanner 27. At the scanner contact position B, the check P is brought into close contact with the back reading surface 27a, so that external light incident from the second outlet 9 passes through the gap between the check P and the back reading surface 27a and is directly at the scanner focal position. It becomes possible to suppress hitting A.

If the scanner focal position A is largely offset from the scanner contact position B of the front scanner feed roller 26, the check P may float from the back reading surface 27a at the scanner focal position A, as described above. Since the offset amount is about 0.8 mm, the floating of the check P with respect to the back reading surface 27a is suppressed to 0.2 mm or less, and the possibility of degrading the quality of the scanned image is extremely small.

In the above scanning operation, the back scanner feed roller 28 conveys the check P upward, and the check P is discharged as it is from the second discharge port 9. At this time, the end portion of the discharged check P is held by the third transport path 14 on the downstream side of the back scanner feed roller 28. In other words, the end of the third transport path 14 (between the back scanner feed roller 28 and the second discharge port 9) is secured to be about L / 6 (L: check P length). It becomes possible to hold the discharged check P, and the discharged check P does not fall from the compound processing device 10. By providing a sensor such as an optical sensor or a mechanical switch with a lever to detect the discharge of the check P near the second discharge port 9 and detecting the position of the check P, the check P can be held to the extent that it does not fall. It is also possible to discharge to a position that is easy for the operator to handle, such as a position where it is completely discharged or a position where it is completely discharged.

Next, switching between the second transport path 12 and the third transport path 14 will be described. FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the third transport path communicates with the first transport path, and FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the second transport path communicates with the first transport path. It is a figure.

When the back scanner 27 performs a scan, the back scanner feed roller 28 transports the check P to the second outlet 9 side, so that it is rotated in the direction of the arrow cca shown in FIG. 9 (a). The guide gear 46, which transmits the force to rotate the back scanner feed roller 28, rotates in the direction of the arrow caa, and the guide shaft 44 to which the guide gear 46 is fixed also rotates in the direction of the arrow caa. ing. As described above, the guide shaft 44 penetrates through the hole formed near one end of the route switching guide 29, and the route switching guide 29 is pivotally supported by the guide shaft 44 so as to be rotatable around the guide shaft 44. , The first transport path 15 side of the path switching guide 29 is swung in the direction of arrow ca. The route switching guide 29 swinging in the direction of the arrow ca is positioned so as to block the second transport path and the first transport path.

The check P, which has been transported to the discharge port side through the first transport path, abuts on the route switching guide 29 and is guided toward the third transport path 14, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 9 (a). Be taken. The check P guided to the third transport path 14 is transported by the scanner feed roller 28, the back surface of the check P is scanned by the back scanner 27, and the check P is discharged from the second discharge port 9. The binding force between the route switching guide 29 and the guide shaft 44 is such that the route switching guide 29 can be rotated around, and the guide shaft 44 rotates while the route switching guide 29 is stopped. Even so, the binding force between the two does not become a large load. By providing a clutch mechanism so that the force transmitted to the path switching guide 29 can be interrupted, it is possible to enable the guide shaft 44 to rotate even when the path switching guide 29 is stopped.

When the check P is transported to the first outlet 8 side, such as when the back scanner 27 does not perform a scan, the back scanner feed roller 28 is rotated in the direction of the arrow cb shown in FIG. 9 (b). In addition, the back scanner feed motor 54 is rotated. At this time, the guide shaft 44 is rotated in the direction of the arrow cab, and the path switching guide 29 is swung on the first transport path 15 side in the direction of the arrow ccb. The route switching guide 29, which is swung in the direction of the arrow ccb, is positioned so as to block the third transport path and the first transport path. When the swing of the path switching guide 29 is completed, the back scanner feed motor 54 is stopped. Even if the back scanner feed motor 54 is stopped, the route switching guide 29 is restrained by the guide shaft 44 with a restraining force capable of rotating the route switching guide 29, and blocks the third transport path and the first transport path. Held in position. The check P, which has been transported to the discharge port side through the first transport path, goes straight as it is, is guided toward the second transport path 12, and is discharged from the first discharge port 8. By providing a sensor such as an optical sensor or a mechanical switch with a lever to detect the discharge of the check P near the first discharge port 8 and detecting the position of the check P, the check P can be held to the extent that it does not fall. It is also possible to discharge to a position that is easy for the operator to handle, such as a position where it is completely discharged or a position where it is completely discharged.

Next, the electrical configuration for driving the composite processing device 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is an electrical configuration block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the hardware of the composite processing apparatus 10. The control unit 61 comprehensively manages the operation of each member of the composite processing device 10. The control unit 61 performs a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 62 that performs arithmetic processing, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 63a that temporarily stores control commands and print data received from the host computer 70, and various arithmetic processing. It has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 63b that records routines and the like. Each of these is electrically connected to each other via a bus 64. The ROM 63b may be a memory capable of non-volatilely storing variable data, such as a flash ROM.

Each detector of the paper rear edge detector 16, the paper tip detector 19, and the paper ejection detector 24 is connected to the control unit 61 via the bus 64. Each of the above-mentioned MICR head 17, back print head 21, front print head 23, front scanner 25, front scanner feed roller solenoid 33, front scanner feed motor 38, back scanner 27, and back scanner feed motor 54 is a controller. It is connected to the control unit 61 via a driver including. The paper transport motor 66 that conveys the first feed roller pair 18 and the second feed roller pair 22, the first feed roller pair opening / closing actuator 67 that opens and closes the first feed roller pair 18, and the second feed roller pair 22 that opens and closes. The second feed roller pair opening / closing actuator 68 and the paper positioning member opening / closing actuator 69 for opening / closing the paper positioning member 20 are also connected to the control unit 61 via a driver including a controller, respectively.

The CPU 62 controls the operation of each part based on the control program stored in the ROM 63b. Each mechanism contains a logic circuit required for each mechanism. The composite processing device 10 is connected to a host computer 70 such as a host computer of a POS terminal via an external interface 71, and executes operations for each processing under the control of the host computer 70.

Next, using the composite processing device 10 described above, the process of reading the magnetic ink character of check P (MICR reading), confirming the validity of check P, writing and endorsement, scanning the front side and scanning the back side. Will be explained.

11 and 12 are flowcharts of a process of executing a series of processes in the combined processing apparatus, and FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a check moving direction and a position in the processing process. The numbers circled are the symbols attached to each component, and the described positions indicate the approximate positional relationship of the components. FIG. 14 is an internal schematic side view of the composite processing device showing the check insertion time, FIG. 15 is an internal schematic side view of the composite processing device showing the MICR reading operation, and FIG. 16 shows the printing operation. It is an internal schematic side view of a composite processing apparatus. FIG. 17 is an internal schematic side view of the combined processing device showing the scanning operation when the back surface scan is not executed, and FIG. 18 is an internal schematic side view of the combined processing device showing the scanning operation when the back surface scanning is executed. It is a figure.

In FIG. 11, in step S1, the check P is waited for insertion, and it is determined whether or not the check P has been inserted. At this time, the first feed roller pair 18 and the second feed roller pair 22 maintain the open state, and the paper positioning member 20 and the front scanner feed roller 26 maintain the closed state. If check P is not inserted (NO in step S1), the state of waiting for check P to be inserted is maintained. When the check P is inserted from the insertion slot 7, it is determined that the check P has been inserted based on the detection signals of the paper rear edge detector 16 and the paper front edge detector 19 (see FIGS. 13 (1) and 14). The check P is inserted manually by the operator, and the operator completes the insertion because the tip of the check P abuts on the closed paper positioning member 20 and no more checks P can be inserted. Judge. The control unit 61 of the composite processing device 10 determines that the check P has been inserted based on the detection signal of the paper tip detector 19 arranged near the insertion port 7 side of the paper positioning member 20. If check P is inserted (YES in step S1), proceed to step S2.

In step S2, the first feed roller pair 18 is closed and the check P is sandwiched between the first feed roller pair 18 so that the check P can be transported by applying a transport force to the check P by the first feed roller pair 18. To do.

In the next step S3, the front scanner feed roller 26 is opened. A sensor such as an optical sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the front scanner feed roller 26 or a mechanical switch with a lever may be provided, and the open operation may be executed only when the closed state is detected.

In the next step S4, the back scanner feed motor 54 is driven so that the back scanner feed roller 28 rotates in the direction of transporting the check P to the insertion slot 7, thereby swinging the path switching guide 29. , The route switching guide 29 cuts off the third transport path 14 and the first transport path 15 so that the second transport path 12 communicates with the first transport path 15. In addition, a sensor for detecting the position of the path switching guide 29 such as an optical sensor or a mechanical switch with a lever is provided on either the first unit frame 42a or the second unit frame 42b, and the third transport path and the first are provided. The closing operation may be executed only when the blocking of the transport path is determined and the open state is detected. In the next step S5, the paper positioning member 20 is opened and the first transport path 15 is secured. This ensures that the scanner feed roller 26 and the paper positioning member 20 do not interfere with the check P conveyed by the first feed roller pair 18.

In step S6, the paper transport motor 66 is started to be driven to start transporting the check P in the discharge port direction.

In step S7, the MICR head 17 reads the magnetic ink characters (see FIGS. 13 (2), (3) and 15). After the MICR reading is completed, the drive of the paper transport motor 66 is stopped in step S8, and the second feed roller pair 22 is closed in step S9.

In step S10, it is determined whether check P is a valid check. The data read by the MICR head 17 is transmitted to the host computer 70, and the host computer 70 queries the bank or credit bureau to confirm whether check P is valid or invalid. If the determination result is received from the host computer 70 and the received determination result is valid (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S21. If the received determination result is not valid (NO in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, an invalid check discharge process for transporting the check P in the eight directions of the first discharge port is executed, and the process proceeds to step S31.

Following step S10, in step S21, the paper transport motor 66 is driven to transport the check P toward the discharge port. Next, in step S22, the back print position is set (see FIGS. 13 (4), (5), and 16). The back print position setting is, for example, based on the detection position by the paper tip detector 19, and drives the paper transport motor 66 by the number of transport steps required to transport the check P from the reference position to the back print start position. It will be executed. When the back print position setting is completed, the check P has its end on the insertion slot 7 side slightly closer to the insertion slot 7 side of the back print head 21 as shown in FIG. 13 (5).

Next, in step S23, the driving of the paper transport motor 66 is started to start transporting the check P in the insertion port 7 direction.

In step S24, the back printing process is executed by the back printing head 21 (see FIGS. 13 (6) and 13 (7)).

Next, in step S25, the table print position setting is executed (see FIGS. 13 (8) and 13 (9)). The table print position setting is based on the detection position by the predetermined detectors 16, 19, and 24, and the paper transfer motor 66 is operated by the number of transfer steps required to transfer the check P from the reference position to the table print start position. It is executed by driving. When the front print position setting is completed, the check P has its end on the first discharge port 8 side slightly closer to the first discharge port 8 side of the front print head 23 as shown in FIG. 13 (9).

Next, in step S26, the paper transport motor 66 is started to be driven to start transporting the check P in the eight directions of the first discharge port.

In step S27, the table printing process is executed by the table printing head 23 (see FIGS. 13 (10) and 13 (11)).

Following step S27, step S28 determines whether or not to execute the scan. Whether or not to execute the scan is, for example, selected by the operator on the operation screen of the host computer 70, and a command is sent from the host computer 70 to the compound processing apparatus 10 to instruct. Alternatively, the application software of the host computer 70 may be pre-programmed according to the content to be processed, the type of check P, etc., and a command may be sent from the host computer 70 to the compound processing device 10 to be instructed accordingly. Good. If the scan is to be performed (YES in step S28), the process proceeds to step S41. If the scan is not performed (NO in step S28), the process proceeds to step S29.

Step S29 proceeds when the scan is not executed, the MICR reading, the back printing, and the front printing have already been completed, and the processing to be executed is completed. In step S29, the check discharge process for transporting the check P in the eight directions of the first discharge port is executed, and the process proceeds to step S31.

Following step S11 or step S29, step S31 determines whether check P has been ejected. For example, the steps required for the check P's first exit 8 side end to be detected by the paper eject detector 24 and then the check P insertion port 7 side end to reach the second feed roller pair 22. It is determined by the number of times whether or not the paper transport motor 66 is driven. If the check P has not been ejected (NO in step S31), the operation of transporting the check P executed in step S11 or step S29 in the eight directions of the first ejection port is continued. When check P has been ejected (YES in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, the drive of the paper transport motor 66 is stopped. In the next step S33, the paper positioning member 20 is closed so that the next check P may be inserted.

Next, in step S34, the check P, whose tip is ejected from the first discharge port 8 while being discharged and resting on the closed second feed roller pair 22 is manually inserted. Determine if it has been removed. Whether or not the check P has been removed is determined by, for example, whether or not the check P is detected by the paper ejection detector 24. If check P has not been removed (NO in step S34), it remains the same. If check P has been removed (YES in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S35, the first feed roller pair 18 and the second feed roller pair 22, which were closed in order to apply a transport force to the check P to transport the check P, are opened and the first transport path 15 is opened. Secure.

If the check P is defective as described above, or if the scan is not executed, the processing of the check P is terminated.

When executing the scan, following step S28 in FIG. 11, in step S41 in FIG. 12, the paper transport motor 66 is driven to transport the check P in the insertion slot 7 direction. Next, in step S42, the scan start position is set (see FIGS. 13 (12) and 13 (13)). The scan start position setting is based on the detection position by the predetermined detectors 16, 19, and 24, and drives the paper transport motor 66 by the number of transport steps required to transport the check P from the reference position to the scan start position. By doing so, it will be executed. When the scan start position setting is completed, the check P is slightly first at the position where the front scanner feed roller 26 abuts on the front scanner 25 at the end on the first discharge port 8 side as shown in (13) of FIG. Located on the outlet 8 side.

Next, in step S43, the front scanner feed roller 26 is closed. The end of the check P whose scan start position is set in step S42 on the side of the first ejection port 8 is sandwiched between the front scanner feed roller 26 and the front scanning surface 25a of the front scanner 25, and is sandwiched by the front scanner feed roller 26. The check P can be transported by transmitting the transport force.

Next, in step S44, the first feed roller pair 18 and the second feed roller pair 22 are opened.

Next, in step S45, it is determined whether or not to perform a surface scan. Whether or not to execute the table scan is, for example, selected by the operator on the operation screen of the host computer 70, and a command is sent from the host computer 70 to the compound processing apparatus 10 to instruct. Alternatively, the application software of the host computer 70 may be pre-programmed according to the content to be processed, the type of check P, etc., and a command may be sent from the host computer 70 to the compound processing device 10 to be instructed accordingly. Good. If you want to perform a table scan (YES in step S45), go to step S46. If the table scan is not performed (NO in step S45), the process proceeds to step S57.

Following step S45, step S46 determines whether or not to perform a backside scan. Whether or not to scan the back side is, for example, selected by the operator on the operation screen of the host computer 70, and a command is sent from the host computer 70 to the compound processing apparatus 10 to instruct. Alternatively, a method in which the application software of the host computer 70 is pre-programmed according to the content to be processed, the type of check P, etc., and the command is sent from the host computer 70 to the compound processing device 10 and instructed accordingly. It may be. If the backside scan is to be performed (YES in step S46), the process proceeds to step S51. If the backside scan is not performed (NO in step S46), the process proceeds to step S55.

Following step S46, in step S51, the back scanner feed motor 54 is driven so that the back scanner feed roller 28 rotates in the direction of transporting the check P toward the second outlet 9. By driving the back scanner feed motor 54 in this way, as described with reference to FIG. 9A, the first transport path 15 side of the route switching guide 29 is swung, and the second transport path and the first transport are performed. It is located so as to block the route. Proceeding to step S51 is when performing a double-sided scan of the front and back sides. At the time of executing step S51, the check P has not reached the position of the back scanner feed roller 28, and the back scanner feed roller 28 does not apply a force to convey the check P to the check P. Further, the swinging path switching guide 29 does not interfere with the check P, so that the swinging is not hindered.

Next, in step S52, the front scanner feed motor 38 is started to be driven so that the front scanner feed roller 26 conveys the check P to the discharge port side.

Next, in step S53, the front scanner 25 scans the surface of check P. By locating the route switching guide 29 so as to block the second transport path 12 and the first transport path 15, the check P whose surface has been scanned by the front scanner 25 abuts on the route switching guide 29. It is guided to the third transport path 14 where the back scanner 27 is located (see FIGS. 9 (a) and 13 (14)).

In the next step S54, when the end of the check P on the second outlet 9 side reaches the back scanner feed roller 28, the back scanner feed roller 28 applies a force to convey it to the check P, and the back scanner 27 applies a force to convey it to the check P. A scan of the back of check P is performed. When scanning the back side of the check P by the back scanner 27, the scanner contact position B (see FIG. 8) where the end of the check P on the second discharge port 9 side is the contact point between the back scanner feed roller 28 and the back reading surface 27a (see FIG. 8). ) Is reached and is performed in parallel with the scanning of the surface of check P by the table scanner 25 (see Figures 13 (16) and 18). After step S54, the process proceeds to step S61.

Following step S46, in step S55, the front scanner feed motor 38 is started to be driven so that the front scanner feed roller 26 transports the check P to the discharge port side (see FIG. 13 (14)). Proceeding to step S55 is when only the front side scan is performed and when the back side scan is not performed. The back scanner feed motor 54 remains stopped and the path switching guide 29 remains positioned to block the third transport path 14 and the first transport path 15 (see FIG. 9 (b)). ).

Next, in step S56, the front scanner 25 scans the surface of check P. Check P travels straight through branch point 11 and is discharged from the first outlet 8 through the second transport path 12 (see FIGS. 13 (15) and 17). After step S56, the process proceeds to step S61.

Following step S45, in step S57, the back scanner feed motor 54 is driven so that the back scanner feed roller 28 rotates in the direction of transporting the check P toward the second outlet 9. By driving the back scanner feed motor 54 in this way, as described with reference to FIG. 9A, the first transport path 15 side of the route switching guide 29 is swung, and the second transport path and the first transport are performed. It is located so as to block the route. At the time of executing step S57, the check P has not reached the position of the back scanner feed roller 28, and the back scanner feed roller 28 does not apply a force to convey the check P to the check P. Further, the swinging path switching guide 29 does not interfere with the check P, so that the swinging is not hindered.

Next, in step S58, the front scanner feed motor 38 is started to be driven so that the front scanner feed roller 26 conveys the check P to the discharge port side (see FIG. 13 (14)). The process from step S45 to step S57 and then to step S58 is when only the backside scan is performed and when the front side scan is not performed. The front scanner feed roller 26 carries the check P, but the front scanner 25 does not scan the surface of the check P. The check P that has been transported along the first transport path 15 has the back scanner 27 arranged because the route switching guide 29 is positioned so as to block the second transport path 12 and the first transport path 15. It is also guided to the third transport path 14 (see FIGS. 9 (a) and 13 (14)).

In the next step S59, when the end of the check P on the second outlet 9 side reaches the back scanner feed roller 28, the back scanner feed roller 28 applies a force to convey it to the check P, and the back scanner 27 applies a force to convey it to the check P. A scan of the back of check P is performed (see Figure 13 (16), Figure 18). After step S59, the process proceeds to step S61.

Following step S54 or step S56 or step S59, step S61 determines whether the check P scan is complete. For example, the end of the check P on the insertion slot 7 side reaches the front scanner feed roller 26 or the back scanner feed roller 28 from the scan start position where the check P is located as a result of executing the scan start position setting in step S42. It is determined whether or not the front scanner feed motor 38, or the front scanner feed motor 38 and the back scanner feed motor 54 are driven by the number of steps required for the above. If the scan is not completed (NO in step S61), the scan in step S54 or step S56 or step S59 is continued. If the scan is complete (YES in step S61), the process proceeds to step S62.

In the next step S62, if the motor being driven at that time is the front scanner feed motor 38, the front scanner feed motor 38 is stopped. If the motors being driven at that time are the front scanner feed motor 38 and the back scanner feed motor 54, the front scanner feed motor 38 and the back scanner feed motor 54 are stopped.

In the next step S63, the paper positioning member 20 is closed so that the next check P may be inserted. After step S63, the multi-tasking device 10 is used to read the magnetic ink characters on check P (MICR reading), check the validity of check P, front and endorsement, front and back scans. End the processing process of check P to be done.

According to the combined processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since the combined processing device 10 includes a front scanner 25 that scans the front surface of the check P and a back scanner 27 that scans the back surface, the front surface scanning and the back surface scanning can be performed almost at the same time. This makes it possible and the processing time can be shortened. Further, by inserting the check P into the compound processing apparatus 10 only once and processing it, it is possible to scan both the front and back sides and obtain image data on both sides.

(2) When executing the back printing process, the check P is conveyed in the insertion slot 7 direction, and the back printing is executed from the end side in the insertion slot 7 direction. The check P is inserted into the compound processing device 10 in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1, and the backing area 4 for backing printing is near the end of the check P in the insertion port 7 direction. The transport distance is shortened, and the processing time can be shortened.

(3) After executing the back printing process, the front printing position is set by transporting the check P in the 7 directions of the insertion slot. Since the position where the check P is conveyed in the 7 directions of the insertion slot is the front printing start position, the front printing head 23 is located closer to the back printing head 21 than the configuration in which the front printing is started from the position where the back printing process is completed. It is possible to install the compound processing device in a small size by shortening the transport path.

(4) After executing the table printing process, the scan table start position is set by transporting the check P in the 7 directions of the insertion slot. Since the position where the check P is conveyed in the 7 directions of the insertion slot is the scan start position, the table scanner 25 is installed closer to the table print head 23 than the configuration in which the scan is started from the position where the table print process is completed. This makes it possible to shorten the transport path and reduce the size of the combined processing apparatus.

(5) Since the composite processing device 10 includes a front printing head 23 that prints on the front side of the check P and a back printing head 21 that prints on the back side, the composite processing device 10 only processes the check P once. Therefore, it is possible to print on both the front and back sides of the front side and the back side.

(6) The back scanner 27 is arranged facing the third transport path 14, and the second transport path 12 or the third transport path 14 is provided at the branch point 11 between the second transport path 12 and the third transport path 14. A route switching guide 29 that selectively communicates with the first transport route 15 is provided. If the scan by the back scanner 27 is not performed, the check P is transported without passing through the third transport path 14 provided with the back scanner 27 by communicating the second transport path 12 with the first transport path 15. To. For this reason, there is no need for a retracting mechanism for retracting the back scanner feed roller 28 from the back reading surface 27a of the back scanner 27 so that the check P can be transported when the scan by the back scanner 27 is not executed. Can be miniaturized.

(7) Checks P that have passed through the second transport path 12 or the third transport path 14 are discharged from different first discharge ports 8 or second discharge ports 9. No space is required to join the second transport path 12 and the third transport path 14 on the discharge port side, and the combined processing device is smaller than the configuration in which the second transport path 12 and the third transport path 14 are merged. Can be transformed into. In addition, it is possible to confirm whether or not the back surface of the discharged check P has been scanned according to the discharged port.

(8) The path switching guide 29 swings due to the rotation of the guide gear 46 that transmits the rotation of the back scanner feed motor 54 to the back scanner feed roller 28. It is not necessary to newly provide a power source for swinging the path switching guide 29, the configuration can be simplified, and the combined processing apparatus can be miniaturized. In addition, the route switching guide 29 can be swung in conjunction with the operation of the back scanner 27, and the second transfer path 12 or the third transfer path 14 can be reliably linked to the operation of the back scanner 27. 1 Can be communicated with the transport path 15.

(9) The force for holding the check P between the back scanner feed roller 28 and the back reading surface 27a is generated by urging the back scanner 27 toward the back scanner feed roller 28 by the back scanner spring 53. There is. This configuration eliminates the need for urging the back scanner feed roller 28, simplifies the configuration of the roller unit 40 including the back scanner feed roller 28, and makes it possible to reduce the size of the combined processing device. Further, it becomes easy to configure the feed roller unit 40 so as to be detachable from the back scanner 27.

(10) One end of the first unit frame 42a and the second unit frame 42b is oscillatingly supported on the scanner unit base 52 around the shaft support portion, and the feed roller unit 40 is pivotally supported with respect to the back scanner 27. It is possible to connect and disconnect. With this configuration, the feed roller unit 40 can be easily separated from the back scanner 27 to clean the back reading surface 27a. Further, when a so-called paper jam occurs and the check P is clogged in the second transport path 12 or the third transport path 14, it is easy to easily perform the second transport path 12 or the third transport path from the outside of the compound processing apparatus 10. Check P at 14 can be removed.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, and it can also be carried out as follows.

(Modification 1) In the above embodiment, the host computer that controls the combined processing device 10 is a host computer such as a POS terminal device, but a dedicated host computer that controls the combined processing device 10 may be provided. .. Further, the composite processing device 10 may be provided with a control device having a function of a host computer.

(Modification 2) In the above embodiment, the print head employs, for example, a dot impact type print head that transfers the ink on the ink ribbon to the check P, but the print head is not limited to the dot impact type. .. For example, another type of print head such as an inkjet may be adopted.

(Modification 3) In the above-described embodiment, each acquired data is stored in the host computer, but a storage unit may be provided in the composite processing device to store the data.

(Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the composite processing apparatus 10 includes a back print head 21 and a front print head 23 for executing printing on the check P, but it is not essential to include the print head. .. The front and endorsement may be done manually. Further, for example, the endorsement may be performed manually in a configuration including only the front print head 23.

(Modification 5) In the above embodiment, the back print head 21 is provided on the insertion slot 7 side of the front print head 23, but the front print head 23 is provided on the insertion slot 7 side of the back print head 21. It may be provided in. In that case, the front print head 23 corresponds to the first print head, and the back print head 21 corresponds to the second print head.

(Modification 6) In the above embodiment, the front scanner 25 is arranged along the first transport path 15, and the back scanner 27 is arranged along the third transport path 14, but the scanner that scans the surface is the third. It may be configured to be arranged along the transport path 14.

(Modification 7) In the above embodiment, each function is realized by software using the CPU 62, but if each of the above functions can be realized by a single electronic circuit that does not use an arithmetic unit, the present invention is used. Use an electronic circuit like this.

The technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiments and modifications are described below. (Technical Idea 1) In the composite processing apparatus according to the claim, one of the first print head and the second print head is on the same side as the magnetic head with respect to the transport path. A composite processing apparatus that is arranged so that the first print head or the other of the second print head is arranged on the side opposite to the magnetic head with respect to the transport path.

According to this configuration, printing can be performed on both sides of the print medium by the first print head and the second print head arranged on both sides of the transport path.

(Technical Idea 2) The combined processing apparatus according to claim, wherein the first transport path and the second transport path are configured to form a linear transport path at the branch point. The combined processing apparatus is characterized in that the first transport path and the third transport path are configured to form a transport path that bends at the branch point.

<figref num="1">The plan view which shows the outline of the check as an example of the print medium which is the medium to be processed of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">The external perspective view of the composite processing apparatus of this invention.</figref><figref num="3">A side sectional view showing an internal structure of a composite processing apparatus.</figref><figref num="4">A side view showing a roller retracting mechanism.</figref><figref num="5">The plan view which shows the roller retracting mechanism.</figref><figref num="6">(a) Perspective view of the back scanner unit. (b) A perspective view showing the back scanner unit in a state where the feed roller unit is separated from the back scanner.</figref><figref num="7">Schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the feed roller unit is separated from the back scanner.</figref><figref num="8">Schematic cross-sectional view of the back scanner feed roller and the area around the back scanner.</figref><figref num="9">(a) Schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the third transport path communicates with the first transport path. (b) Schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the second transport path communicates with the first transport path.</figref><figref num="10">The electrical composition block diagram which shows the electrical composition of the hardware of a compound processing apparatus.</figref><figref num="11">A flowchart of a process of executing a process in a combined processing device.</figref><figref num="12">A flowchart of a process of executing a process in a combined processing device.</figref><figref num="13">Explanatory drawing which shows the moving direction and position of a check in a processing process.</figref><figref num="14">Schematic side view of the inside of the combined processing device showing when a check is inserted.</figref><figref num="15">The internal schematic side view of the compound processing apparatus which shows the MICR reading operation.</figref><figref num="16">The internal schematic side view of the compound processing apparatus which shows the time of a printing operation.</figref><figref num="17">The internal schematic side view of the compound processing apparatus which shows the scan operation when the back side scan is not executed.</figref><figref num="18">The internal schematic side view of the compound processing apparatus which shows the scan operation when performing the back side scan.</figref>

Code description

1 ... front writing area, 2 ... signature area, 3 ... MICR recording area, 4 ... backing area, 5 ..., front case, 6 ... cover, 6a ... roller unit Cover, 7 ... insertion port, 8 ... 1st discharge port, 9 ... 2nd discharge port, 10 ... compound processing device, 11 ... branch point, 12 ... 2nd transport path , 14 ... 3rd transport path, 15 ... 1st transport path, 16 ... Paper rear edge detector, 17 ... MICR head, 21 ... Back print head, 23 ... Front print Head, 25 ... front scanner, 25a ... front reading surface, 26 ... front scanner feed roller, 27 ... back scanner, 27a ... back reading surface, 28 ... back scanner feed roller, 35 ... spring, 39 ... transmission mechanism, 40 ... roller unit, 41 ... back roller shaft, 42a ... 1st unit frame, 42b ... 2nd unit frame, 43 ... Roller gear, 44 ... guide shaft, 46 ... guide gear, 50 ... back scanner unit, 51 ... scanner body unit, 54 ... back scanner feed motor, 56 ... transmission gear, 61. .. Control, 66 ... Paper Conveyor Motor, 70 ... Host Computer, P ... Check.