JP2002149359A - Printing device, information recording medium, interface device, print device control method and interface device control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device suitable for storing setting information and history information on the printing device and to provide an interface device and the like. SOLUTION: The non-volatile memory 109 of the printing device 101 non- volatilly stores setting information on the printing device 101. Command data transmitted from a host device 161 are repeated by an interface device 131. A reception part 103 receives it. When command data are a printing command, a print mechanism part 108 prints a character or a graphic. When command data update setting information, setting information of the non-volatile memory 109 is updated. Setting information of the non-volatile memory 109 is stored in the non-volatile memory 135 of the interface device 131 at proper storage timing. Stored setting information is restored in the non-volatile memory 109 from the non-volatile memory 135 at proper restorage timing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing device, an information recording medium, an interface device, a printing device control method, and an interface device control method.

In particular, a printing apparatus suitable for storing setting information and history information of the printing apparatus, a computer-readable information recording medium storing a program for realizing the printing apparatus, an interface apparatus, a printing apparatus control method, Also, the present invention relates to an interface device control method.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, setting information is stored in a flash EEP.
ROM (Electrically Erasable)
Programmable Read Only Me
printers (printing apparatuses) for recording data to the printer (memory). In many of such printers, history information such as the time and amount of ink replacement, the amount of ink used, the number of printed sheets, and the remaining amount of ink is recorded in a flash EEPROM.

[0004] Such information is used to enable the printer to be used with desired settings only by turning on the power, or to reduce the printing cost or adjust the ink characteristics by examining the usage history of the printer. Used for

On the other hand, various interfaces between a printer and a host device for transmitting command data such as a print command and a setting command to the printer (for example, RS-232)
C, USB (Universal Serial Bu)
s), parallel, etc.), a technology is also used in which an interface device that performs TTL voltage level conversion and interface standard conversion is attached to a printer. In this case, since various command data communication interfaces can be supported simply by replacing the interface device, even if a new communication interface standard appears, the printer main body can be used as it is.

[0006]

However, in addition to the flash EEPROM, a CP for controlling the printer is used.
U (Central Processing Uni)
t), R used as a temporary storage area of the printer
AM (Random Access Memory),
When a main board equipped with an initial program loader of a printer, a ROM for storing font information in a nonvolatile manner, and the like fails, it is difficult for a conventional printer to retrieve setting information and history information and recover them.

For this reason, it is possible to easily store the setting information and the history information of the printer, and to easily recover the setting information and the history information after the repair is completed even if the main board of the printer is broken. There is a great demand for technology to do this. In particular, a simple technique using an interface device is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a printing apparatus and an interface apparatus suitable for storing setting information and history information of the printing apparatus, and a program for realizing these apparatuses. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recorded computer-readable information recording medium, and a printing apparatus control method and an interface apparatus control method which are typically realized by executing the program.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems The present inventor has conducted studies to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. As a result, the setting information of the printing apparatus, the ink usage amount, and the like, which are stored in the rewritable protection information storage unit provided on the main board of the printing apparatus and are updated to values different from the initial setting values at the time of factory shipment. At a predetermined timing, information to be protected, such as history information, is stored in a device different from the main board (for example,
When the main board is replaced due to a failure, the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit is stored in the rewritable protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device). It has been found that the information to be protected can be easily restored by storing the information in the information storage unit.

Based on the above research results, the following invention is provided.

One aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention is a printing apparatus which stores a rewritable protection information storage section storing protection target information including setting information and history information, and transmits command data from a host apparatus to an interface apparatus. A print unit that prints the print document information based on the print document information of the command data received by the receiver, an update unit that updates the protection target information, and an update unit that updates the protection target information. The printing apparatus includes an information protection unit that protects protection target information.

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention, the above-mentioned information protection unit may store the protection target information stored in the protection information storage unit at a predetermined storage timing, in which the information can be rewritten. This is a printing apparatus including a storage unit, which is stored in a storage unit.

In another aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention, the information protection unit stores the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit by the storage unit into the protection information storage unit at a predetermined restore timing. The printing apparatus further includes a restore unit characterized by storing the information and a timing determination unit that determines store timing and / or restore timing based on predetermined conditions.

Another aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention is a printing apparatus characterized in that the above-mentioned protection information preliminary storage section is provided in an interface device.

Another aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention is connected to a host device via an interface device having a protection information spare storage unit, and includes a protection information storage unit, a receiving unit, a printing unit, and an updating unit. , And a storage unit.

Here, the protection information storage unit stores setting information of the printing apparatus in a nonvolatile manner.

On the other hand, the receiving unit receives command data transmitted from the host device and relayed by the interface device.

Further, when the received command data is a print command for designating a character or a figure, the printing unit prints the character or the figure.

The update section updates the setting information when the received command data is for updating the setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information storage section.

On the other hand, the storage unit copies the setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information storage unit to a protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device and stores it in a nonvolatile manner.

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention, the store unit of the fifth aspect of the printing apparatus can be configured to perform the copying when the setting information is updated by the updating unit. .

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention, the store unit of the fifth aspect of the printing apparatus can be configured to perform the copying when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on.

Another embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present invention can be configured so as to further include a power-off instruction input receiving unit.

Here, the power-off instruction input receiving unit receives an instruction input for turning off the power of the printing apparatus.

On the other hand, when an instruction input for turning off the power is received, the store unit performs the copy.

Another aspect of the printing apparatus according to the present invention can be configured to further include a restore unit.

Here, the restore unit copies the setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device to the protection information storage unit and stores it in a nonvolatile manner.

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the printing apparatus, when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on, the setting information is not stored in the protection information storage section. If the setting information is stored in a non-volatile manner in the protection information spare storage unit included in the interface device, the copying can be performed.

One aspect of the computer-readable information recording medium of the present invention is a program for causing a computer connected to a host device via an interface device having a protection information preliminary storage unit to function as the above-described printing device. It is configured to record.

Another embodiment of the computer-readable information recording medium of the present invention is a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor memory, digital versatile disk, or It can be configured to be a memory card.

Further, the information recording medium of the present invention is written on WWW (W
old Wide Web) server computer, and download the program from here.
The printing apparatus of the present invention can be realized by storing the program in the computer and updating the program, and causing the computer (typically, a CPU of the printing apparatus) to execute the updated program.

One aspect of the interface device of the present invention is connected to a printing device having a protection information storage unit for nonvolatilely storing setting information and a host device, and includes a protection information spare storage unit and a connection unit. , A relay receiving unit and a relay transmitting unit.

Here, the protection information preliminary storage unit stores the setting information stored in the protection information storage unit of the printing device in a nonvolatile manner.

On the other hand, the connection unit connects the protection information spare storage unit to the printing device in order to copy the setting information from the printing device to the store protection information storage unit.

Further, the relay receiving section receives command data transmitted from the host device.

Then, the relay transmitting section transmits the received command data to the printing device.

According to another aspect of the interface device of the present invention, the connection unit further includes a protection information spare storage unit for copying setting information from the protection information spare storage unit to the printing device. It can be configured to connect to a device.

One aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention is based on a receiving step of receiving command data from a host device via an interface device and a print document information of the command data received in the receiving step. A print step of printing print document information, an update step of updating protection target information having setting information and history information stored in a rewritable protection information storage unit, and a protection target updated by the update step. And an information protection step of protecting information.

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention, in the above-described information protection step, the protection target information stored in the protection information storage unit can be protected at a predetermined storage timing so that the information can be rewritten. A printing apparatus control method including a storing step characterized by storing the information in a preliminary information storage unit.

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention, the information protection step stores the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit by the storing step at a predetermined restore timing. A restoring step characterized by being stored in a storage unit, and store timing and / or
Alternatively, the printing apparatus control method further includes a timing determining step of determining a restore timing based on a predetermined condition.

Another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention is a printing apparatus control method characterized in that the above-mentioned protection information preliminary storage section is provided in an interface device.

Another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention is a printing apparatus which is connected to a host device via an interface device having a protection information preliminary storage section and has a protection information storage section for storing setting information in a nonvolatile manner. , A receiving step, a printing step, an updating step, and a storing step.

Here, in the receiving step, command data transmitted from the host device and relayed by the interface device is received.

On the other hand, in the printing step, if the received command data is a print command for designating a character or a figure, the character or figure is printed.

Further, in the updating step, when the received command data is for updating the setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information storage unit, the setting information is updated.

In the storing step, the setting information stored in the protection information storage unit in a nonvolatile manner is copied to a protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device and stored in a nonvolatile manner.

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention, in the storing step of the fifth aspect of the printing apparatus control method,
When the setting information is updated in the updating step, the copying may be performed.

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention, in the storing step of the fifth aspect of the printing apparatus control method,
When the power of the printing apparatus is turned on, the printing apparatus can be configured to perform the copying.

Another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention can be configured to further include a power-off instruction input receiving step.

Here, in the power-off instruction input accepting step,
An instruction input for turning off the power of the printing apparatus is received.

On the other hand, in the storing step, when an instruction to turn off the power is received, the copying is performed.

Another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention can be configured to further include a restore step.

Here, in the restoration step, the setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device is copied to the protection information storage unit and stored in a nonvolatile manner.

According to another aspect of the printing apparatus control method of the present invention, in the restore step of the ninth aspect of the printing apparatus control method, when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on, the setting information is stored in the protection information storage unit. If the setting information is not stored, and the setting information is stored in a non-volatile manner in the protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device, the configuration can be such that the copying is performed.

One aspect of the interface device control method of the present invention is connected to a printing device having a protection information storage unit for storing setting information in a nonvolatile manner and a host device, and stores the setting information in the protection information storage unit of the printing device. Controlling the interface device including a protection information spare storage unit that stores the stored setting information in a nonvolatile manner, a storage step, a relay reception step,
And a relay transmission step.

Here, in the storage step, the setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information storage unit of the printing apparatus is copied to a protection information spare storage unit and stored in a nonvolatile manner.

On the other hand, in the relay receiving step, command data transmitted from the host device is received.

Further, in the relay transmission step, the received command data is transmitted to the printing device.

Another aspect of the interface device control method of the present invention can be configured to further include a restoration step.

Here, in the recovery step, the setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information spare storage section is copied to the protection information storage section of the printing apparatus and stored in a nonvolatile manner.

The interface device control method of the present invention can be executed by controlling a printing device.
In this case, the interface device does not need to include a control unit such as a CPU.

[0062]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below are for explanation, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of these elements or all elements are replaced with equivalents, but these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus and an interface apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to this figure.

The printing apparatus 101 performs communication with an external device such as the host device 161 via the interface device 131.

When the host device 161 sends command data to the printing device 101, the command data is received by the relay receiving unit 132 of the interface device 131. The conversion unit 133 converts the command data into a voltage level and various interface standards, and the relay transmission unit 134 transmits the result to the printing apparatus 101.

The receiving unit 103 of the printing device 101 receives the command data transmitted from the interface device 131.

When it is detected that the command data has reached the receiving unit 103, the CPU 10 for controlling the printing apparatus 101
2, a reception interrupt occurs. The CPU 102
In the reception interrupt processing, the command data is stored in the RAM 10
4, and the interrupt processing is terminated.

On the other hand, when no interrupt has occurred, C
The PU 102 determines whether or not the reception buffer 105 is empty. If command data is stored in the reception buffer 105, the PU 102
(First In First Out) method, the command data is sequentially extracted, and the command data is interpreted.

If the command data is a print command for printing a character or a figure, font information of the character or figure specified in the print command is fetched from the ROM 106 as appropriate, and R
The data is developed in the print buffer 107 prepared in the AM 104.

When the print buffer 107 is full,
Alternatively, if the interpreted command data is a line feed command, the printing mechanism 108 including a print head, a platen, and a paper feed roller is driven in accordance with the print image developed in the print buffer to print characters and graphics on paper. Print on printed materials such as paper and film.

If the command data is a setting command for setting the printing apparatus 101, the setting command is sent to the flash EEPROM.
The data is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile memory 109 such as an OM or a flash memory. Further, history information such as the amount of ink used by the printing mechanism unit 108 and the date and time of ink cartridge replacement is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 109.

The setting information and the history information stored in the non-volatile memory 109 include the following.

(Setting information) ・ Font type to be used ・ Paper size, paper orientation ・ Margin size ・ Print speed ・ Print density ・ Paper type (history information) ・ Ink replacement date and time, ink usage ・The number of printing lines ・ Firmware version information ・ Operating time The setting information and history information stored in the non-volatile memory 109 are examples of setting information and history information, and other information can be stored. It is also possible to change the stored information as needed. The setting information and history information stored in the nonvolatile memory 109 are transmitted to the interface device 131 at various timings. A specific example of the timing will be described later. Hereinafter, information including setting information, history information, and the like transmitted to the interface device 131 is referred to as protection target information.

The protection target information transmitted to the interface device 131 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 135 of the interface device 131. The control for storing the protection target information in the nonvolatile memory 135 is performed by the printing apparatus 101.
Of the CPU 102.

The control for storing the protection target information stored in the non-volatile memory 135 of the interface device 131 in the non-volatile memory 109 of the printing apparatus 101 is performed at various timings by the CPU 102 of the printing apparatus 101.
Performed by Therefore, the interface device 1
31 includes a CP for controlling the nonvolatile memory 135.
There is no need to prepare U.

By pressing the power switch 110 of the printing apparatus 101, the power of the printing apparatus 101 is turned on.
Can be turned off. When the power is turned on, CPU 1
02 executes an initial program stored in the ROM 106 and operates according to command data from the host device.

On the other hand, when the power-off instruction is given by the power switch 11
When the operation is performed by the pressing operation of “0”, the CPU 102 performs a predetermined end process and then turns off the power of the printing apparatus 101. This end processing includes processing such as cleaning of the print head of the printing mechanism unit 108.

Power is supplied from the printing apparatus 101 to the interface apparatus 131 in conjunction with the power switch 110 (not shown).

Printing apparatus 101 and interface apparatus 1
The input / output processing of the protection target information with the printing apparatus 1
01 connection unit 111 and interface device 131
This is executed through the connection unit 136 of FIG.

Typically, the interface device 131
The non-volatile memory 135 is the CPU 1 of the printing apparatus 101.
02 is directly connected to the bus 02 via the connection unit 111 and the connection unit 136.

Here, the nonvolatile memory 109 functions as a protection information storage unit, and the nonvolatile memory 135 functions as a protection information spare storage unit.

(Example of Store Timing) Printing Apparatus 101
The following is conceivable as a timing (store timing) at which the CPU 102 stores the protection target information stored in the nonvolatile memory 109 in the nonvolatile memory 135 of the interface device 131. (1) When the power of the printing apparatus 101 is turned on by pressing the power switch 110 and the protection target information stored in the nonvolatile memory 109 is different from the initial setting value, the store processing is performed. Execute.

It is determined whether or not a predetermined counter value stored in the non-volatile memory 109 is an initial value, or a checksum or CRC (Cyclic Redundan) is determined.
(CyCheck) or the like may be used to determine whether the value is the same as the initial setting value. (2) When the power switch 110 is pressed and the power of the printing apparatus 101 is turned off. Generally, a printing device 1
Since the end processing of 01 requires mechanical processing, it often takes a considerable time. In parallel with this, the store processing to the nonvolatile memory 135 is executed. (3) The time during which the command data does not arrive exceeds a predetermined time, and the reception buffer 105 is also in the print buffer 107.
If also empty. This is a typical case where there is no work to be performed by the CPU 102, and the store process is executed during such an idle time. (4) When the command data is for updating information stored in the nonvolatile memory 109, a store process is executed. Typically, the store process is executed when the command is a command to change the setting of the printing apparatus 101. (5) If the command data is a store command, execute store processing. As such a store command, for example, the following command data can be considered. Where 0x
Is a prefix meaning hexadecimal.

0x1b 0x1d 0x73 0x01
0x00 0x03 In addition, any of these methods may be adopted,
Any one of them may be used in combination.

(Example of Restore Timing) Printing Apparatus 10
The following may be considered as the timing (restoring timing) at which the first CPU 102 stores the protection target information stored in the non-volatile memory 135 of the interface device 131 in the non-volatile memory 109. (1) At the time when the power switch 110 is pressed and the power of the printing apparatus 101 is turned on, the nonvolatile memory 109 is not properly formatted, or the protection target information is not stored correctly. Case.

In this case, the information stored in the non-volatile memory 109 may be lost for some reason, or the main board may be replaced due to a failure of the main board.

When this restore timing is adopted,
There is no need to hand over the interface device 131 used by the user to repair and maintenance personnel. If the interface device 131 is inserted into the printing device 101 whose repair has been completed and the power is turned on, the protection target information stored in the nonvolatile memory 135 of the interface device 131 is automatically stored by the storing process. This is because it is memorized. (2) When the command data is a restore command. The restore command is expressed by the following command data, for example.

0x1b 0x1d 0x73 0x02
0x00 0x03 This command is given to the printing apparatus 101 by the repair / maintenance personnel of the printing apparatus when the repair of the main board is completed, for example.

Any of these methods may be employed, or any of these methods may be used in combination.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed functional block configuration of an information protection unit that executes a store process and / or a restore process to protect information to be protected.

The information protection unit includes a timing determination unit 201,
A storage unit 202 and a restore unit 203 are provided.

The storage unit 202 fetches from the protection information storage unit 221 protection target information including setting information newly set by a user of the printing apparatus and the like and history information such as the amount of ink used, and stores the protection information preliminary storage. Stored in the section 222. The restore unit 203 stores the information in the store unit 20 in advance as necessary.
2, the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit 222 is extracted and stored in the protection information storage unit 221. Further, the timing determination unit 201
And a store timing and a restore timing for executing the restore unit 203 are determined.

The timing determining section 201 includes a timing determining section 211, a store condition determining section 212, and a restore condition determining section 213.

The timing judging section 211 controls the printing apparatus 10
1 and various event timings of the interface device 131, request timings from the host device 161, and the like, the store unit 202 and / or the restore unit 20.
3 is determined. That is, as an example of the timing at which the store unit 202 and / or the restore unit 203 are executed, as described in FIG.
(1) the timing when the power of the printing apparatus 101 is turned on; (2) the timing when the power of the printing apparatus 101 is turned off; (3) the timing when a predetermined idle time elapses by the CPU 102; and (4) the update of the protection target information. End timing,
(5) The storage command data reception timing from the host device 161 and (6) the restoration command data reception timing from the host device 161 are determined.

At the timing determined by the timing determination section 211, the storage condition determination section 212 extracts the protection target information stored in the protection information storage section 221 and sets the protection target information stored in the protection information storage section 221 in advance. By comparing with the initial setting value of the information, it is determined whether or not the extracted protection target information is stored in the protection information spare storage unit 222. That is, the store timing is determined. Here, an example of the determination of the store timing will be described below. (Store-Example 1) Initial setting values of various counter values, such as the number of print lines, operation time, the number of times the auto cutter is operated, and the number of times of rewriting of the memory, which are the information to be protected, are set to 0, and the initial setting values and the protection information storage unit are set. 221 is compared with the protection target information, and a case where at least one counter value is different from the initial setting value is set as a store timing. (Store-Example 2) A check sum value set in advance based on the initial setting value of the protection target information is compared with a checksum value based on the protection target information stored in the protection information storage unit 221. , And a different case is defined as store timing. (Store-Example 3) When data at a predetermined address in the protection information storage unit 221 is used as a rewrite flag, a case where the rewrite flag is different from the initial set value is set as a store timing. For example, by setting the initial setting value of the rewrite flag to 1 and clearing the rewrite flag to 0 when the protection target information extracted from the protection information storage unit 221 is stored in the protection information spare storage unit 222, the protection is performed at least once. It can be determined that the target information has been updated. (Store-Example 4) A number (hereinafter, referred to as an “ID number”) for identifying the main board of the printing apparatus 101 stored in advance in the protection information storage unit 221 is stored in the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222 as an initial setting value. Store and protect information storage unit 22
1 and protection information spare storage unit 22
The storage timing is determined when it is recognized that the interface device has been replaced by comparing the ID number of the main board stored in No. 2 with the ID number of the main board.

The restore condition determining unit 213 determines whether the
When the protection information storage unit 221 of the printing apparatus 101 has the initial setting value, the protection target information stored in the protection information preliminary storage unit 222 is extracted, and the protection target information of the preset protection information preliminary storage unit 222 is extracted. Then, it is determined whether or not the extracted protection target information is to be stored in the protection information storage unit 221 by comparing with the initial setting value. That is, the restore timing is determined. Here, an example of the determination of the restore timing will be described below. (Restoration-Example 1) The initial setting values of various counter values, such as the number of print lines, operation time, the number of times the auto cutter is operated, and the number of times of rewriting of the memory, which are the information to be protected, are set to 0, and this initial setting value and protection information preliminary storage. The information is compared with the protection target information stored in the unit 222, and the case where at least one counter value is different from the initial setting value is set as the restore timing. (Restore-Example 2) Compare the checksum value set in advance based on the initial setting value of the protection target information with the checksum value based on the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit 222. If different, the restoration timing is set.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the information protection processing.

First, various events of the printing apparatus 101 and the interface apparatus 131 and a request from the host apparatus 161 are received (S301), and the timing of executing the store processing or the restore processing is determined from the timing of the received processing (S302). . Here, the timing described in FIG. 2 will be described as an example of the timing for executing the store processing or the restore processing. Also,
The store processing is to store the protection target information extracted from the protection information storage unit 221 in the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222, and the restore processing is to store the protection target information extracted from the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222 in the protection information storage unit 222. 221.

If the timing is the timing when the power of the printing apparatus 101 is turned on (S302; "power on"), it is determined whether or not the condition for executing the store process or the restore process is determined, and the store process or the restore process is performed. Is performed (S303), and the process returns to step S301 and waits until the next process is received.

If the timing is a timing at which the power of the printing apparatus 101 is turned off (S302; "power off"), it is determined whether or not the condition for executing the store process or the restore process is satisfied, and the store process or the restore process is performed. Is performed (S304), and the process returns to step S301 and waits until the next process is received.

When the timing is the predetermined idle time elapse timing of the CPU 102 (S302; "idle time elapses"), it is determined whether or not the condition for executing the store process or the restore process is satisfied, and the store process or the restore process is executed. Then, the process returns to step S301, and waits until the next process is received.

If the timing is the update end timing of the protection target information (S302; "update"), it is determined whether the condition is a condition for executing the store process or the restore process, and the store process or the restore process is executed (S30).
6) Return to step S301 and wait until the next process is received.

When the timing is the timing of receiving the store command data from the host device 161 (S302;
The “store command” retrieves the protection target information from the protection information storage unit 221 (S307), stores the retrieved protection target information in the protection information spare storage unit 222, and clears the rewrite flag of the protection information storage unit 221 to 0. (S30
8) Return to step S301 and wait until the next process is received.

When the timing is the timing of receiving the restore command data from the host device 161 (S302;
The “restore command” retrieves the protection target information from the protection information spare storage unit 222 (S309), and stores the retrieved protection target information in the protection information storage unit 221 (S31).
0), the process returns to step S301 and waits until the next process is received.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a store / restore decision process of the information protection process.

First, the protection target information is extracted from the protection information storage unit 221 (S 401), and the extracted protection target information is compared with a preset initial value of the protection target information in the protection information storage unit 221. It is determined whether it is in the setting state (S402). Here, for example, the case where all the following conditions are satisfied is the initial setting state. (Condition 1) The initial setting values of various counter values such as the number of print lines, the operation time, the number of times the auto cutter operates, and the number of times of rewriting of the memory stored in the protection information storage unit 221 are zero. (Condition 2) The checksum value based on the protection target information stored in the protection information storage unit 221 is the same as the checksum value preset based on the initial setting value of the protection target information. (Condition 3) The rewrite flag is 1.

When the information is not in the initial setting state, that is, when the information of any one item of the protection target information has been updated at least once (S402; No), the extracted protection target information is stored in the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222. And the rewrite flag of the protection information storage unit 221 is cleared to 0 (S
403), and the process ends.

On the other hand, when the apparatus is in the initial setting state, that is, when the setting information, the history information, and the like are deleted due to repair or the main board is replaced (S402; Ye).
In step s), the protection target information is extracted from the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222 (S404), and the extracted protection target information is compared with a preset initial setting value of the protection target information in the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222, It is determined whether it is in the initial setting state (S405). Here, for example, the case where all the following conditions are satisfied is the initial setting state. (Condition 1) The initial setting values of various counter values such as the number of print lines, the operation time, the number of times of operation of the automatic cutter, and the number of times of rewriting of the memory stored in the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222 are zero. (Condition 2) The checksum value based on the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit 222 is the same as the checksum value preset based on the initial setting value of the protection target information. .

When the state is not the initial setting state, that is, when the protection target information extracted from the protection information storage unit 221 is stored at least once in the protection information spare storage unit 222 (S
405; No), the protection target information extracted from the protection information spare storage unit 222 is stored in the protection information storage unit 221 (S406), and the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is in the initial setting state, that is, when the interface device is also replaced (S405;
Yes), is the ID number of the main board stored in the protection target information of the protection information storage unit 221 identical to the ID number of the main board stored in the protection target information of the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222? Is determined (S40).
7) If not identical (S407; No), the ID number of the main board stored in the protection target information of the protection information storage unit 221 is stored in the protection information auxiliary storage unit 222 (S408), and the process ends. . On the other hand, if they are the same (S
407; Yes) ends without performing the processing.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Printing apparatus suitable for storing setting information and history information of a printing apparatus, a computer-readable information recording medium storing a program for realizing the printing apparatus, an interface apparatus, a printing apparatus control method, and an interface apparatus control A method can be provided.

Therefore, the setting information of the printing apparatus, which is stored in the rewritable protection information storage unit provided on the main board of the printing apparatus and is different from the initial setting value at the time of factory shipment, and the ink usage By storing the protection target information such as the amount of history information at a predetermined timing in a rewritable protection information spare storage unit provided in a device (for example, an interface device) different from the main board, In the case where is replaced due to a failure, by storing the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit in the protection information storage unit of the replaced main board, the protection target information can be easily restored.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus and an interface apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed functional block configuration of an information protection unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an information protection process.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a store / restore determination process of the information protection process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 printing device 102 CPU 103 reception unit 104 RAM 105 reception buffer 106 ROM 107 print buffer 108 printing mechanism unit 109 non-volatile memory 110 power switch 111 connection unit 131 interface device 132 relay reception unit 133 conversion unit 134 relay transmission unit 135 non-volatile memory 136 Connection unit 161 Host device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 12/16 310 G06F 12/16 310M

Claims (26)

[Claims] A rewritable protection information storage unit storing protection target information including setting information and history information; a reception unit receiving command data from a host device via an interface device; A print mechanism unit that prints print document information based on print document information of the command data received by the unit, an update unit that updates the protection target information, and protects the protection target information updated by the update unit. And a data protection unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information protection unit stores the protection target information stored in the protection information storage unit at a predetermined storage timing in a protection information spare storage unit capable of rewriting information. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a store unit that performs the printing. 3. The protection information storage unit stores the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit by the storage unit in the protection information storage unit at a predetermined restore timing. A restore unit, a timing determination unit that determines the store timing and / or the restore timing based on a predetermined condition,
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: 4. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the protection information preliminary storage unit is provided in the interface device.
The printing device according to claim 1. 5. A printing device connected to a host device via an interface device including a protection information preliminary storage portion, wherein the protection information storage portion stores setting information of the printing device in a nonvolatile manner, and A receiving unit that receives command data that is transmitted and relayed by the interface device, and a printing unit that prints the character or graphic when the received command data is a print command that specifies a character or graphic, When the received command data updates the setting information stored in the protection information storage unit in a nonvolatile manner, the update unit updates the setting information, and the setting information stored in the protection information storage unit in a nonvolatile manner And a storage unit for copying the data to the protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device and storing it in a nonvolatile manner. Printing device. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the storage unit performs the copy when the setting information is updated by the update unit. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the store unit performs the copy when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on. 8. A power-off instruction input receiving unit for receiving an instruction to turn off the power of the printing apparatus, wherein the store unit performs the copying when the power-off instruction input is received. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein
A printing device according to claim 1. 9. The setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device,
The printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a restore unit that copies to the protection information storage unit and stores the copy in a nonvolatile manner. 10. When the power of the printing apparatus is turned on, the restore unit does not store the setting information in the protection information storage unit, and stores the setting information in the protection information auxiliary storage unit provided in the interface device. 10. If the data is stored in a nonvolatile manner, the copying is performed.
A printing device according to claim 1. 11. A program for causing a computer connected to a host device via an interface device having a protection information preliminary storage unit to function as the printing device according to claim 1. Description: Computer-readable information recording medium on which is recorded. 12. The information recording medium is a compact disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital video disk, a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory, a digital versatile disk, or a memory card. Claim 11
An information recording medium according to claim 1. 13. An interface device connected to a printing device having a protection information storage unit for storing setting information in a non-volatile manner and a host device, wherein the setting stored in the protection information storage unit of the printing device is provided. A protection information spare storage unit that stores information in a nonvolatile manner, and a connection unit that connects the protection information spare storage unit to the printing device in order to copy setting information from the printing device to the store protection information storage unit. An interface device comprising: a relay receiving unit that receives command data transmitted from the host device; and a relay transmitting unit that transmits the received command data to the printing device. 14. The connection unit further connects the protection information preliminary storage unit to the printing device in order to copy setting information from the protection information preliminary storage unit to the printing device. The interface device according to claim 13, wherein: 15. A receiving step of receiving command data from a host device via an interface device, and a printing step of printing print document information based on print document information of the command data received in the receiving step. An update step of updating protection target information having setting information and history information stored in a rewritable protection information storage unit; and an information protection step of protecting the protection target information updated by the update step. And a printing apparatus control method comprising: 16. The information protection step, wherein the protection target information stored in the protection information storage unit is stored at a predetermined store timing in a rewritable protection information storage unit. The printing apparatus control method according to claim 15, further comprising a storing step of performing the storing step. 17. The information protection step stores the protection target information stored in the protection information spare storage unit in the storage step in the protection information storage unit at a predetermined restore timing. 17. The printing apparatus control method according to claim 16, further comprising: a restore step; and a timing determining step of determining the store timing and / or the restore timing based on a predetermined condition. 18. The printing apparatus control method according to claim 15, wherein said protection information preliminary storage section is provided in said interface device. 19. A printing apparatus control method for controlling a printing apparatus including a protection information storage unit that stores setting information in a nonvolatile manner and is connected to a host device via an interface device including a protection information preliminary storage unit, A receiving step of receiving command data transmitted from the host device and relayed by the interface device, and a printing step of printing the character or graphic when the received command data is a print command for specifying a character or graphic And if the received command data is to update setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information storage unit, an updating step of updating the setting information; and an update step of storing the setting information in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information storage unit Storing the setting information to be stored in the protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device in a nonvolatile manner And a printing apparatus control method. 20. The printing apparatus control method according to claim 19, wherein in the storing step, when the setting information is updated in the updating step, the copying is performed. 21. The printing apparatus control method according to claim 19, wherein in the storing step, when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on, the copying is performed. 22. A power-off instruction input receiving step of receiving an input of an instruction to turn off the power of the printing apparatus, further comprising:
20. The printing apparatus control method according to claim 19, wherein in the storing step, when an instruction input for turning off the power is received, the copying is performed. 23. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a restoring step of copying setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information spare storage unit provided in the interface device to the protection information storage unit and storing the setting information in a nonvolatile manner. Item 1
10. The printing device control method according to item 9. 24. When the power of the printing apparatus is turned on, the setting information is not stored in the protection information storage unit, and the setting information is stored in the protection information auxiliary storage unit provided in the interface device. 24. The printing apparatus control method according to claim 23, wherein, if is stored in a nonvolatile manner, the copying is performed. 25. A printing apparatus having a protection information storage unit for storing setting information in a non-volatile manner, and a host device, wherein the setting information stored in the protection information storage unit of the printing apparatus is stored in a non-volatile manner. An interface device control method for controlling an interface device including a protection information spare storage unit, wherein setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information storage unit of the printing device is copied to the protection information spare storage unit and nonvolatilely copied. An interface device comprising: a storing step of storing; a relay receiving step of receiving command data transmitted from the host device; and a relay transmitting step of transmitting the received command data to the printing device. Control method. 26. The apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising a restoring step of copying setting information stored in a nonvolatile manner in the protection information preliminary storage unit to the protection information storage unit of the printing apparatus and storing the setting information in a nonvolatile manner. 3. The interface device control method according to claim 1.