JP2004167703A - Image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the cost when consumables of different regulations/types are handled in one printer by using the consumables usefully and efficiently . <P>SOLUTION: When the cover of a printer is not locked, the type information of consumables is acquired from loaded consumables and stored in a nonvolatile memory and then the cover is locked. A carrying operation for identifying the consumables is eliminated by reading out the type information of consumables from the nonvolatile memory so long as the cover is locked regardless of whether power is turned on or off. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus for printing an image captured by a digital camera or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital cameras have rapidly become widespread. Accordingly, various printers for printing an image captured by a digital camera have been developed. One of those printers is a vending machine type printer (hereinafter referred to as a print vending machine). This is because a user inserts a medium (PC card, Compact Flash (registered trademark), etc.) storing a photographed image directly into a print vending machine, and prints the contents of the storage medium to obtain a predetermined printing fee. Is to collect.
[0003]
A general print vending machine includes a computer that functions as a main controller and a thermal printer (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) that performs actual printing processing, and both are connected by a communication cable.
The processing in the print vending machine is as follows. For example, a computer performs image reading from a user interface or a recording medium, image processing (JPEG expansion, size conversion, image quality adjustment, color conversion (RGB-YMC), etc.), and transmits raster image data to a printer. The printer prints the received raster image data.
[0004]
By the way, print vending machines usually include a plurality of printers. This is because a plurality of printers are operated at the same time to shorten the time required to complete printing for a print order, and each printer has a different consumable (printer size, L size, 2L size, etc.) This is because the number of types of printing that can be ordered as a print vending machine can be increased by setting consumables such as ink ribbons and paper.
[0005]
On the other hand, in recent years, inventions for efficiently using consumables have been made from the viewpoint of resource saving and prevention of environmental pollution (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 provides a consumable in which the ink ribbon can be replaced in order to reduce the cost of the consumable and to save resources and prevent environmental pollution.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-61079 (pages 2 to 4)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Here, consider the case of a print vending machine having a plurality of built-in printers capable of printing L and 2L plates. The individual printers incorporated in the print vending machine have the same structure in order to reduce costs due to mass production effects. Consumables use roll paper for paper, and the same paper can be used for L and 2L plates. .
[0008]
Also, with respect to the ink ribbon, the printer operates as an L printer when the printer for the L plate is set, and operates as a printer for the 2L printer when the printer is set for the 2L printer. When designing such a printer, unless the control circuit or control software of the printer has a function capable of determining whether the currently mounted ink ribbon is of the L type or the 2L type. No.
[0009]
Therefore, a switch for identifying the type of the attached ink ribbon, an IC memory for identifying the type, and the like are prepared in an ink ribbon cassette or the like so that the type of the ink ribbon can be identified simply by setting the ink ribbon in the printer. However, the ink ribbon cassette must be prepared separately for the L and 2L plates, which increases the cost of consumables.
[0010]
By the way, in the above consumables, a sensor mark for identifying the type is put together with a sensor mark indicating the head of each color on the ink ribbon. In view of this, a method is considered in which the conventional consumables are specified using only the type identification information of the sensor mark of the ink ribbon without the conventional type identification switch or type identification IC memory.
[0011]
In this method, it is necessary to read the sensor mark of the ink ribbon again just by the user taking out the ink ribbon and mounting it again. However, in this case, it is necessary to convey the ink ribbon in order to read the sensor mark, and the ink ribbon that has not been used is conveyed unnecessarily only for the type determination.
[0012]
Also, it is necessary to constantly monitor whether or not the ink ribbon has been taken out.However, the ink ribbon may be taken out when the printer is not turned on. The ribbon must be conveyed to determine the type. In such a case, simply turning on / off the power of the printer wastes the ink ribbon.
[0013]
In addition, there is an idea that the above-described problem can be solved by performing the ink ribbon type determination only immediately before printing is performed. However, when a print vending machine receives a print order, it asks, "Is the L-version printer ready for printing and how many sheets can be printed?", "Is the 2L-version printer ready for printing and how many sheets can be printed?" Such information must be grasped, and an order must be received within the printable number of sheets. Therefore, as a printer incorporated in a print vending machine, a method of performing type determination only immediately before printing cannot be applied.
[0014]
Further, wasteful consumption of consumables is not desirable from the viewpoints of cost reduction, resource saving, and prevention of environmental pollution in recent years.
In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an apparatus that enables printing of prints having different print sizes with the same printer without wasting consumables.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus including an opening / closing mechanism for attaching / detaching / exchanging a consumable, and a locking unit for locking the opening / closing mechanism or the consumable, and a lock state by the locking unit. Unlocking means for unlocking, a lock detecting means for detecting whether the opening / closing mechanism or the consumable is in a locked state, a type detecting means for detecting type information of a mounted consumable, and the locking means The present invention can be attained by providing an image printing apparatus comprising: a lock control unit that controls the lock release unit; and a storage unit that stores type information detected by the type detection unit.
[0016]
With this configuration, the validity of the attached ink ribbon is identified by determining whether the state of the printer lid (opening / closing mechanism for attaching / detaching / exchanging consumables) is locked / unlocked. it can.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the consumable is mounted, the consumable is locked by the lock based on the lock control, and after the lock, the consumable is mounted by the type detection. 2. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the type information of the consumable is detected, and the type information is stored in the storage unit.
[0017]
With this configuration, when locked by the lock unit, the consumable type information can be stored in the storage device built in the printer.
Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the lock detecting unit detects the locked state, the read unit reads the type information stored in the storage unit. This can be achieved by providing the image printing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 and 2.
[0018]
With this configuration, the consumable type information can be read from the storage unit in the locked state.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an invalidating means for invalidating the type information stored by the storage means when the lock detecting means detects that the lock is released. This can be achieved by providing the image printing apparatus according to the first, second, and third aspects.
[0019]
With this configuration, when the lock is released, the type information stored in the storage unit can be invalidated.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the locked state is detected by the lock detecting means, a printing process is executed. The present invention can be achieved by providing an image printing apparatus.
[0020]
With this configuration, a printing operation can be performed in the locked state.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention have been described.
The first embodiment is a method for reducing the cost of consumables of a printer, and does not require an IC or the like for indicating the type of an ink ribbon (L, 2L, etc.) provided in an ink cartridge or the like. Is a way to
[0022]
Specifically, as the means for detecting the print size of the consumables mounted on the printer, the size of the consumables stored in the non-volatile memory and the locked / unlocked state of the lid are used. If it is locked, the type of the attached consumable is determined to be the same as the value in the non-volatile memory, and if it is not locked, the type of the attached consumable is Judge as unknown. If it is determined that the type of the attached consumable is unknown, the sensor mark on the ink ribbon is detected to determine the type of the attached consumable.
[0023]
The second embodiment is a method for clearly indicating to the user the size of the ink ribbon attached to the printer. Specifically, in a printer using roll paper, during a paper initialization operation, after discharging unnecessary paper corresponding to the roll paper outer peripheral length, a print size equivalent to the print size of the attached ink ribbon is used. Eject paper.
[0024]
The third embodiment is a method for clearly indicating to the user the size of the ink ribbon attached to the printer. Specifically, in the printer using the roll paper, at the time of the paper initialization operation, it is equivalent to “(roll paper outer peripheral length) − (length equivalent to the print size of the attached ink ribbon)”. Unnecessary paper is discharged, and then a paper having a length equal to the print size of the attached ink ribbon is discharged.
[0025]
The fourth embodiment is a method for clearly indicating to the user the size of the ink ribbon attached to the printer. Specifically, in a printer using roll paper, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to discard the outer peripheral portion of the paper at the time of a paper initialization operation. Unnecessary paper corresponding to "" or "(roll paper outer peripheral length)-(length equivalent to the print size of the attached ink ribbon)" is ejected, and then " Eject paper of the same length as the print size. Further, when it is not necessary to discard the outer peripheral portion of the paper, only the discharge of the paper of “length equivalent to the print size of the attached ink ribbon” is performed.
[0026]
This will be specifically described below.
<First embodiment>
(Example 1)
In the present embodiment, a method is proposed in which the type of the ink ribbon is determined only by the sensor mark of the ink ribbon and the ink ribbon is not wasted. In this embodiment, as described above, a printer using roll paper capable of printing L and 2L plates is used, the ink ribbons are separate for the L and 2L plates, and the roll paper is A printer built in a print vending machine that can be used commonly for the L and 2L versions will be described as an example.
[0027]
Normally, when a user sets an ink ribbon on a printer, the procedure is to open the printer lid, attach the ink ribbon, and close the lid. With a conventional printer, the lid can be opened in any case. Therefore, since the ink ribbon can be taken out and attached at any time, the above-described problem (described in “Problems to be Solved by the Invention”) occurs.
[0028]
Therefore, the printer according to the present invention, once performing the operation of determining the type of the ink ribbon based on the sensor mark of the ink ribbon, locks the lid so that the lid cannot be opened, and determines the type of the ink ribbon in a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. Store the result. In a state where the lid is not locked, printing cannot be performed.
[0029]
Further, in order to release the lock to open the lid, a predetermined operation such as a switch operation must be performed, so that careless release of the lock is not performed.
Further, once the lock is released, the lock is not performed until the type determination based on the sensor mark of the ink ribbon is completed. The operation of determining the type of the ink ribbon is not performed unless a predetermined operation such as a switch operation is performed, so that useless conveyance of the ink ribbon is prevented.
[0030]
In this way, there is no need to monitor the opening and closing of the lid, and after the printer is turned on, the data is stored in the non-volatile memory without performing the operation of determining the type of the ink ribbon accompanying the transport of the ink ribbon. It is only necessary to read out information on the type of ink ribbon that has been set.
[0031]
Further, since the information on the type of the ink ribbon stored in the nonvolatile memory and the identity of the type of the ink ribbon actually mounted can be authenticated by checking the locked / unlocked state of the lid, the ink ribbon can be used. The type can be determined only by the sensor mark.
[0032]
Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of a printer of the present invention incorporated in a print vending machine, FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the printer, FIG. 3 is a printing paper transport mechanism inside the printer, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts according to the present embodiment. .
In FIG. 1, the printer 1 used in this embodiment has the following structure. The ink ribbon lid 2 is a lid that opens and closes when the ink ribbon is mounted, and the ink ribbon mounting section 3 is a place where the ink ribbon is mounted. The paper mounting section 6 is where the paper is mounted.
[0033]
The ink ribbon type unknown lamp 4 is a display lamp using an LED, and is turned on when the type of the attached ink ribbon is unknown, and blinks when the remaining amount of the ink ribbon or paper is exhausted.
The print exit 10 is a place where the printed print is output, and the lock release switch 9 is a switch pressed when releasing the lock of the ink ribbon cover 2. The ink ribbon set switch 8 is a switch that is pressed when the ink ribbon is set.
[0034]
The lid lock mechanisms 5a and 5b are devices for locking the ink ribbon lid 2 so as not to be opened. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the canlock-shaped member provided in the lid lock mechanism 5a is mechanically operated and locked by inserting it into a hole of the lid lock mechanism 5b. (A locked state if locked, or an unlocked state if unlocked) can be maintained. The lid lock sensor 7 is a sensor that detects whether the lid lock mechanisms 5a and 5b are locked or released.
[0035]
In FIG. 2, a central controller 11 controls the entire printer 1, and a flash memory 16 is a non-volatile memory for storing the state of the printer 1 and the like. The communication control circuit 12 communicates with the main controller of the print vending machine, and the sensor control circuit 13 serves as an interface with various sensors. The mechanical control circuit 14 controls the lid lock mechanisms 5a and 5b and the like, and the print control circuit 15 controls printing.
[0036]
FIG. 3 shows a printing paper transport mechanism inside the printer 1. A plurality of heating elements are arranged in the thermal head 20, and a platen roller 21 is disposed to face the thermal head 20, and the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 21 constitute a printing unit.
[0037]
The ink ribbon 26 is filled with the three primary colors of magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y), or each of the four colors obtained by adding black (K) to the ink in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction. ing.
The ink ribbon 26 is inserted into a gap between the thermal head 20 as a printing unit and the platen roller 21. The ink ribbon 26 that has passed through the printing section is wound in the direction of arrow C by a winding roll (not shown) above the color sensor 28 (the ink ribbon 26 is wound depending on the setting). The direction may be opposite to the direction of arrow C, but once set, the winding direction is fixed in one direction.) The color sensor 28 detects which color the ink ribbon 26 immediately below the thermal head 20 is exhibiting.
[0038]
The paper feed pinch roller 22 and the paper feed roller 23 constitute a print paper transport mechanism that transports the print paper 27. The paper feed pinch roller 22 and the paper feed roller 23 reciprocate the print paper 27 in the arrow A direction and the arrow B direction by rotating while sandwiching a portion of the print paper 27 that has passed through the printing section.
[0039]
Here, the operation of the printing paper transport mechanism will be described. The printing paper 27 conveyed in the direction of arrow B is printed just below the thermal head 20. At this time, if the portion of the ink ribbon 26 that presents the magenta (M) ink is inserted into the thermal head 20, a print image of only the magenta (M) ink is printed on the printing paper 27.
[0040]
The printing paper 27 that has passed through the thermal head 20 is detected by paper tip sensors 24 and 25 at the edges of the printing paper, and is conveyed to a predetermined position in the direction of arrow A by the paper feed pinch roller 22 and the paper feed roller 23.
Further, the ink ribbon 26 is wound in the direction of arrow C, and the magenta (M) ink portion that has been inserted into the thermal head 20 comes off the thermal head 20 and the next ink portion, for example, the cyan (C) ink portion It is inserted into the thermal head 20.
[0041]
The printing paper 27 conveyed to a predetermined position in the direction of arrow A is conveyed again in the direction of arrow B, and passes just below the thermal head 20 and is printed. At this time, the ink of the ink ribbon 26 inserted into the thermal head 20 is cyan (C) and is printed only in cyan (C).
[0042]
By repeating these operations, the three primary colors of magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) of the ink ribbon 26, or each of the four colors of ink obtained by adding black (K) thereto, and after printing By successively overprinting a transparent protective layer (overcoat layer) for protecting the image for a long time on the printing paper, various colors can be expressed on the printing paper.
[0043]
Next, FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described. FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating the processing of the present embodiment that operates on the central control device 11 of FIG. In this embodiment, when the power of the printer 1 is turned on (step (hereinafter, referred to as S) 1), first, the lid lock sensor 7 of the printer 1 locks the ink ribbon lid 2 (hereinafter, simply referred to as lid 2). The state is read (S2).
[0044]
Then, it is determined whether or not the lid 2 is locked (S3). If the lid 2 is not locked (S3 is N (No)), it is determined that the type determination of the attached ink ribbon is not completed, The main controller of the print vending machine (for example, four printers 1 are built in the print vending machine) is notified that the type of the attached ink ribbon is unknown (S10).
[0045]
Then, the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 4 of the printer 1 is turned on (S11). Thereafter, the process shifts to a standby state (proceeds to a flow shown in FIG. 5 described later). On the other hand, if the lid 2 is locked in the judgment (S3) (S3 is Y (yes)), the flash memory 16 is read (S4). Here, an area for storing the attached ink ribbon type information is secured in the flash memory 16, and the attached ink ribbon type information is read from the area. As a result of the reading, it is determined whether or not the stored value is the L version (S5).
[0046]
As a result of the determination in S5, when the stored value is the L version (Y in S5), the information of the type of the attached ink ribbon is transmitted to the main controller of the print vending machine (S6), and the type of the ink ribbon is transmitted. The unknown lamp 4 is turned off (S7). Then, the process shifts to a standby state (proceeds to a flow shown in FIG. 5 described later), and prepares for an instruction such as a “print command” transmitted from the main controller.
[0047]
If the stored value is other than the L version (N in S5), it is further determined whether the stored value is the 2L version (S8).
As a result of the determination in S8, when the stored value is the 2L version (Y in S8), the information of the type of the attached ink ribbon is transmitted to the main controller of the print vending machine (S9), and the ink ribbon is transmitted. The type unknown lamp 4 is turned off (S7). Then, the processing shifts to a standby state (proceeds to a flow shown in FIG. 5 described later) to prepare for an instruction such as a “print command” transmitted from the main controller.
[0048]
As a result of reading from the flash memory 16, if the stored value is neither the L version nor the 2L version (N in S5, N in S8), the lid 2 is unlocked (S12), and the ink ribbon attached to the main controller is released. The type is unknown (S13), and the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 4 is turned on (S14). Then, the processing shifts to the standby state (proceeds to a flow shown in FIG. 5 described later).
[0049]
FIG. 5 illustrates the standby state shown in FIG. In the standby state, detection of depression of the lock release switch 9 of the lid 2, detection of depression of the ink ribbon set switch 8, communication control with the main controller such as a print command, and the like are performed.
In the standby state, when it is detected that the lid lock release switch 9 has been pressed (S20: Y), if the lid 2 is locked (S21: Y), the lock 2 is released (S22). Then, “Mounted ink ribbon type: unknown” is written into the flash memory 16 (S23), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 4 is turned on (S24), and the process proceeds to determination (S25).
[0050]
If the lid 2 is in the unlocked state in S20 (N in S20), the process proceeds to S25. If the lid 2 is in the unlocked state in S21 (N in S21), the process proceeds to S25.
Next, it is determined whether or not the lid lock has been released (S25). If the result of determination in S25 is that the lid lock is released (S25: Y), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 4 is turned on (S26), and it is checked whether or not the ink ribbon set switch 8 has been pressed (S27). ). If the ink ribbon set switch 8 is pressed (Y in S27), the operation of determining the type of the ink ribbon is started (S28), and the type of the ink ribbon is determined (S29). As a result, when the sensor mark can be read normally and is the sensor mark of the L-plate ink ribbon (proceed in the “Y” direction in S29), the “attached ink ribbon type: L-plate” is stored in the flash memory 16. Writing (S30), the lid 2 is locked (S31).
[0051]
Further, the main controller of the print vending machine is informed that the type of the attached ink ribbon is the L version (S32), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 4 is turned off (S33), and the process returns to the standby state.
Further, in S29, if the read sensor mark is a sensor mark of an ink ribbon other than the L-plate (N in S29), it is further determined whether or not the read sensor mark is a 2L-plate ink ribbon (S34). When the sensor mark read in S34 is the sensor mark of the 2L ink ribbon (Y in S34), the “installed ink ribbon type: 2L” is written into the flash memory 16 (S35), and the lid 2 is locked. (S36).
[0052]
Further, the main controller of the print vending machine is notified that the type of the attached ink ribbon is the 2L version (S37), the lamp 4 is turned off (S33), and the process returns to the standby state again.
On the other hand, in the ink ribbon type discriminating operation, when reading of the sensor mark fails or when the read data is neither the L version nor the 2L version (N in S34), the lid 2 is unlocked (S38), and the flash memory is read. In step S39, the attached ink ribbon type is unknown, and the main controller of the print vending machine is notified that the attached ink ribbon type is unknown (S39). Further, the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 4 is turned on (S40), and the process returns to the standby state again.
[0053]
When the lid 2 is determined to be in the locked state in S25 (N in S25), first, it is checked whether there is a remaining amount of paper or an ink ribbon (S41). If there is no remaining amount (N in S41), the lid is automatically unlocked as a remaining amount error (S46), and the main controller of the print vending machine informs the main controller of the print vending machine that the type of the attached ink ribbon is unknown. Notify (S47). Further, the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 4 is blinked (S48), and the process returns to the standby state.
[0054]
If the remaining amount is not exhausted in S41 (Y in S41), it is checked whether communication from the main controller has been performed (S42). If there is communication from the main controller (Y in S42), the transmitted command is identified (S43). If the identified command is a print command (Y in S43), a printing operation is performed (S44), and thereafter, the process returns to the standby state. If the identified command is other than the print command (N in S43), the process corresponding to the command is performed (S45), and thereafter, the process returns to the standby state.
[0055]
When there is no communication from the main controller in S42, the process returns to the standby state again.
In the standby state, the above processing is repeatedly performed. In this manner, in the invention of the present embodiment, it is possible to determine the type of the ink ribbon based only on the sensor mark.
[0056]
As described above, the invention according to the present embodiment stores the data in the non-volatile memory as means for detecting the type (print type, standard paper, sticker paper, etc.) that can be printed by the consumables mounted on the printer. That is, the information on the type of the consumables and the locked / unlocked state of the consumable cartridge or the part to which the consumables are mounted are used.
[0057]
If the cartridge or the part to which the consumable is mounted is locked, it is determined that the type of the mounted consumable is the same as the type of the consumable stored in the non-volatile memory. If not, it is determined that the type of the attached consumable is unknown. If it is determined that the consumables are unknown, the sensor mark or the like at the head of each color of the ink ribbon is detected to determine the type of the consumable attached.
[0058]
The printer stores information on the detected consumables in a nonvolatile memory. This printer does not perform printing unless it is locked. Further, this printer does not release the lock unless a predetermined operation such as a switch operation is performed.
[0059]
Further, this printer does not determine the type of consumables unless a switch operation or the like is performed, locks if the type determination is successful, and does not lock if the type determination is not successful.
This printer automatically releases the lock when an error occurs in the printer. The lock mechanism of the printer keeps the locked / unlocked state irrespective of the power state. This printer is a printer built in a print vending machine.
[0060]
As described above, the effect of this embodiment is that the locked / unlocked state of the lid of the ink ribbon is used as validity authentication means for the type of the attached ink ribbon. According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine the type of the ink ribbon using only the ink ribbon sensor mark without wasting the ink ribbon, thereby contributing to cost reduction of consumables.
[0061]
(Example 2)
The ink ribbon lid lock mechanisms 5a and 5b in the first embodiment may be of any type as long as they keep the locked / unlocked state regardless of the power state of the printer.
[0062]
In the first embodiment, the lid 2 of the ink ribbon is locked. However, a consumable cartridge or the like may be locked so that the cartridge does not come off. Further, the type of the ink ribbon is not limited to the L and 2L plates, but may be other sizes, or may be the same size but different between standard paper and seal paper. Further, the types of ink ribbons are not limited to two types.
[0063]
In addition, although the roll paper common to the L and 2L plates is used for the paper, when the paper is not common, the invention of this embodiment can be applied to the determination of the paper type. . In addition, the lid is unlocked when the remaining battery runs out, but not only when the printer runs out due to paper jam error, ink ribbon error, etc. You can do it.
[0064]
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is described with reference to an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer built in a print vending machine, but the present invention is also applicable to a printer which operates alone.
<Second embodiment>
(Example 1)
Consider a paper initialization operation of a printer capable of printing several sizes as shown in the first embodiment. In this example, as in the first embodiment, a printer using roll paper capable of printing on the L and 2L plates is used, and the ink ribbons are separate L and 2L plates, respectively. It is assumed that the roll paper is a printer built in a print vending machine that can be commonly used for the L and 2L plates.
[0065]
Although not described in the first embodiment, generally, the sheet initialization operation is performed at the same time as the type of the ink ribbon is determined. The purpose of the paper initialization operation is to remove stains such as fingerprints that arrive when a new roll paper is set in the printer, and to make the printer ready for printing. Since dirt such as fingerprints adheres to the outer peripheral portion of a new roll paper, unnecessary paper having a length corresponding to the outer periphery is discharged to the outside of the printer. The length of the discharged paper depends on the size of the new roll paper, but is about several tens of centimeters.
[0066]
By the way, a printer built in a print vending machine is often provided with only a minimum necessary display device such as an LED (lamp) for the purpose of cost reduction and the like. When a user using such a printer sets the ink ribbon and causes the printer to determine the type of the ink ribbon (after pressing the ink ribbon set button in the first embodiment), the printer is activated. There is a problem that it is difficult to understand how to determine the type of the ink ribbon. By operating the print vending machine main body, the determined ink ribbon type can be displayed on a liquid crystal display or the like provided in the print vending machine main body, but this is a troublesome operation for the user.
[0067]
In view of this, the invention of this embodiment focuses on simultaneously performing the ink ribbon type determination and the paper initialization operation, and proposes using the paper discharged in the paper initialization operation as the display unit for the ink ribbon type determination. .
FIG. 6 is a schematic external view of a printer to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to the present embodiment.
[0068]
Referring to FIG. 6, the printer 30 used in this embodiment will be described. The paper / ink ribbon mounting unit 31 is a part for setting the paper and the ink ribbon. The lid 33 is a lid of the paper / ink ribbon mounting unit 31. The paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 is a button pressed by the user when the paper and the ink ribbon are set. By depressing this button, an ink ribbon type determination operation and a paper initialization operation are performed.
[0069]
The ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is a lamp that is displayed when the type of the ink ribbon has failed to be determined. The print outlet 35 is a portion that serves as an outlet for printed prints and unnecessary paper. A cutter is provided at the back of the print outlet 35, and is used for cutting a sheet of roll paper into a predetermined length.
[0070]
Next, FIG. 7 will be described. When the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 is pressed (proceeds in the "Y" direction in S50), an ink ribbon type discriminating operation is performed (S51). As a result, if the attached ink ribbon is of the L-size (S52), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned off (S53), and a portion corresponding to the outer periphery of the paper (here, 50 cm is assumed). Is conveyed (S54), and the conveyed sheet is cut (S55) and discharged from the print outlet 35. Then, subsequently, the sheet of the L size is conveyed (S56), cut (S57), discharged from the print outlet 35, and the processing ends.
[0071]
When the ink ribbon attached in S52 is other than the L-plate (N in S52) and the attached ink ribbon is the 2L-plate (S58), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned off (S59). ). Then, as in the case of the L plate, the sheet is conveyed by 50 cm (S60), cut (S61), and discharged from the print outlet 35. Subsequently, in the case of the 2L plate, the sheet having the size of the 2L plate is conveyed (S62), cut (S63), discharged from the print outlet 35, and terminated.
[0072]
If the determination of the ink ribbon type has failed (N in S58), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned on (S64). Then, in order to eliminate the waste of the paper, the processing is terminated without carrying or cutting the paper.
As described above, the invention according to the present embodiment is based on the fact that the printer using roll paper discharges unnecessary paper corresponding to the roll paper outer peripheral length during the paper initialization operation, and then uses the attached ink ribbon. Is to discharge a sheet of paper equivalent to the print size of.
[0073]
In this way, the user can be notified of the type of the ink ribbon determined by the printer.
In the present embodiment, in a printer using roll paper, the result of the ink ribbon type determination is displayed to the user by using unnecessary paper discharged at the time of the paper initialization operation. According to the present embodiment, even in a printer in which the number of display devices and the like is reduced, the user can easily grasp the determination result of the ink ribbon type.
[0074]
(Example 2)
In the first embodiment, the type of the ink ribbon is described as the L-type and the 2L-type, but the present invention is not limited to these types. Further, even when there are more than two types of ink ribbons, it is possible to cope with the same as in the first embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is described with reference to an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer built in a print vending machine, but the present invention is also applicable to a printer which operates alone.
<Third embodiment>
(Example 1)
In the second embodiment, each time the ink ribbon type is determined and the paper initialization operation is performed, the paper is transported and cut by an amount corresponding to the outer circumference of the paper (assumed to be 50 cm), and the paper is transported and cut in accordance with the type of the ink ribbon. Had to do.
[0075]
However, paper may be wasted depending on the type of the attached ink ribbon. In other words, for example, when an ink ribbon for performing longer printing than the L or 2L printing plate is attached, in addition to the unnecessary outer peripheral length of 50 cm, the paper for the long printing is discharged. It is because it will be done. The longer the length of the long printing, the more wasteful paper is generated. Therefore, the invention of this embodiment proposes means for solving the above-described problem.
[0076]
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of this embodiment. The outline of the appearance of the printer to which the invention of this embodiment is applied is the same as that of FIG. In FIG. 8, for the sake of simplicity, the type of the ink ribbon is described as only the L version and the 2L version.
Hereinafter, the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described. When the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 is pressed (S70: Y), the type of the ink ribbon is determined (S71). As a result, when the attached ink ribbon is the L-type (Y in S72), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned off (S73).
[0077]
Then, a sheet of 41 cm is conveyed by subtracting the size of the L plate (assuming 9 cm here) from the portion corresponding to the outer periphery of the sheet (assuming 50 cm here). (S74) The sheet is cut (S75) and discharged from the print outlet 35. Subsequently, the sheet of L size (9 cm) is conveyed (S76) and cut (S77), discharged from the print outlet 35, and terminated.
[0078]
On the other hand, when the attached ink ribbon is the 2L version (N in S72 and Y in S78), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned off (S79).
Then, the sheet of 32 cm is conveyed (S80), which is obtained by subtracting the size of the 2L plate (here, assumed to be 18 cm) from the portion (50 cm) corresponding to the outer periphery of the sheet (S80), and cut (S80). S81), the paper is discharged from the print outlet 35. Subsequently, a sheet of 2L size (18 cm) is conveyed (S82), cut (S83), discharged from the print outlet 35, and terminated.
[0079]
If the determination of the ink ribbon type has failed (N in S78), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned on (S84), and the processing is terminated without carrying or cutting the paper in order to eliminate waste of the paper.
In this way, the total amount of paper discharged from the printer is equal to the outer circumference of the paper (50 cm) regardless of the type of the ink ribbon, and the paper is not wasted. Further, the user can be notified of the type of the ink ribbon determined by the printer.
[0080]
As described above, in the printer according to the present embodiment, in the printer using the roll paper, at the time of the paper initialization operation, “(roll paper outer peripheral length) − (the same as the print size of the attached ink ribbon) Unnecessary paper corresponding to “length”) is discharged, and then a paper having a length equal to the print size of the attached ink ribbon is discharged.
[0081]
Further, this printer performs the above operation simultaneously with the operation of determining the type of the ink ribbon. At this time, if the operation of discriminating the type of the ink ribbon has failed, the paper discharging operation is not performed. This printer is a printer built in a print vending machine.
[0082]
In the present embodiment, in the printer using roll paper, the result of the ink ribbon type discrimination is displayed to the user by using the unnecessary paper discharged at the time of the paper initialization operation. Can be made constant regardless of the type of ink ribbon. According to the present invention, even in a printer in which the number of display devices and the like is reduced, the user can easily grasp the determination result of the type of the ink ribbon, and the paper is not wasted.
[0083]
(Example 2)
In the first embodiment, the type of the ink ribbon is described as the L-type and the 2L-type, but the present invention is not limited to these types. Further, even when there are more than two types of ink ribbons, it is possible to cope with the same as in the first embodiment.
[0084]
Further, when the size according to the type of the ink ribbon is larger than the size corresponding to the outer periphery of the sheet, the following may be performed. The first paper transport / cutting, that is, the operation of transporting and cutting the paper corresponding to the outer circumference of the paper minus the size corresponding to the ink ribbon is not performed. Then, from the beginning, the paper may be conveyed according to the ink ribbon, and the cutting may be completed only by cutting.
[0085]
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention has been described by way of an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer built in a print vending machine. However, the present invention is also applicable to a printer that operates alone.
<Fourth embodiment>
(Example 1)
In the second and third embodiments, each time the sheet initialization operation is performed, the sheet is conveyed and cut by an amount corresponding to the outer periphery of the sheet. However, the paper initialization operation is also performed after recovery from a printer error such as paper jam or ink ribbon damage. In such a case, in most cases, it is not necessary to discard paper having a length corresponding to the outer periphery of the paper.
[0086]
Therefore, when the method of the second or third embodiment is applied to the sheet initialization operation after recovery from the printer error, the sheet is wasted. Normally, the number of printable sheets of ink ribbon and paper is originally the same for each.
However, in a printer to which the second and third embodiments are applied as they are, if a printer error occurs frequently, paper is unnecessarily ejected at the time of paper initialization operation after recovery. Despite the remaining amount of paper, the paper is in a state of running out of the remaining amount of paper, which causes a problem that would not otherwise occur.
[0087]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, only when there is a possibility that the outer peripheral portion of the paper is dirty, discarding of the outer peripheral portion of the paper is performed. Otherwise, discarding of the length corresponding to the printing corresponding to the type of the ink ribbon is performed. Only to do.
In this embodiment, when the following condition is satisfied, it is determined that the outer periphery of the sheet is dirty. (1) When an initial mark (sensor mark) of the ink ribbon or the paper is detected at the time of the ink ribbon type determination operation or the paper initialization operation. (2) When the user long-presses the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34.
[0088]
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of this embodiment. The outline of the appearance of the printer to which the present invention is applied is the same as that of FIG. When the user finishes setting the paper or the ink ribbon, the user presses the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 (Y in S90).
[0089]
At this time, when the user sets a new sheet of paper, or once removes a sheet in use from the printer 30 and sets it again, the user presses and holds the sheet / ink ribbon set switch 34 for a long time. If not, the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 is pressed once.
[0090]
Upon detecting that the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 has been pressed, the printer 30 determines whether or not the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 has been pressed for a long time (S91). When the button is pressed for a long time (Y in S91), the type of the ink ribbon is determined (S96). Then, when the attached ink ribbon is the L plate (the process proceeds in the “Y” direction in S97), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned off (S98).
[0091]
Then, a sheet of 41 cm is conveyed by subtracting the size of the L plate (assumed to be 9 cm here) from the amount corresponding to the outer periphery of the sheet (assumed to be 50 cm here) ( (S99) The sheet is cut (S100) and discharged from the print outlet 35. Subsequently, the L-sized sheet (9 cm) is conveyed (S101), cut (S102), discharged from the print outlet 35, and the process is terminated.
[0092]
On the other hand, if the attached ink ribbon is the 2L version (the direction proceeds in the “N” direction in S97 and proceeds in the “Y” direction in S103), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned off (S104). A sheet of 32 cm is conveyed (S105), which is obtained by subtracting the size of the 2L plate (18 cm in this case) from the part corresponding to the outer circumference of the sheet (50 cm) (S105), and cut (S106). Is discharged from the print outlet 35.
[0093]
Then, the sheet of the size of the 2L plate (18 cm) is conveyed (S107), cut (S108), discharged from the print outlet 35, and terminated.
If the determination of the ink ribbon type has failed (S103: N), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned on (S109). Then, in order to eliminate the waste of the paper, the processing is terminated without carrying or cutting the paper.
[0094]
If the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 has not been pressed for a long time (N in S91), first, an initial mark detection operation of the ink ribbon is performed (S92). The initial mark of the ink ribbon is similar to the sensor mark used for discriminating the type of the ink ribbon, and has a specific pattern indicating that the sensor mark pattern is a new ink ribbon.
[0095]
As a result of the ink ribbon initial detection operation (S93), if there is an initial mark of the ink ribbon (Y in S93), the same operation as when the paper / ink ribbon set switch 34 has been pressed for a long time (processing from S96 onward) )I do.
On the other hand, if there is no ink ribbon initial mark (proceed in the “N” direction in S93), the paper initial mark detection operation is performed next (S94). The initial mark of the paper is the same as the sensor mark for ink ribbon type determination, and is a sensor mark indicating that the paper is a new paper.
[0096]
As a result of the paper initial mark detection (S95), if there is a paper initial mark (Y in S95), the same operation as that in the case where there is an ink ribbon initial mark (processing after S96) is performed.
As a result of the paper initial mark detection (S95), if there is no paper initial mark (S95: N), it is determined that the outer peripheral portion of the paper is not stained, and in the present paper initialization operation, the outer peripheral portion of the paper is discarded. The operation is performed so as to discard only the length corresponding to the type of the ink ribbon without performing the operation. That is, it operates as follows.
[0097]
First, the type of the ink ribbon is determined (S110). As a result, in the case of the L plate (S111: Y), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned off (S112), and the sheet of the L plate size (9 cm) is conveyed (S113) and cut (S113). (S114), exit from the print exit and end.
[0098]
If the ink ribbon is of 2L size (N in S111, Y in S115), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned off (S116), and the 2L size paper (18 cm) is conveyed. (S117) The sheet is cut (S118), discharged from the print outlet 35, and the process ends.
[0099]
If the determination of the ink ribbon type has failed (S115: N), the ink ribbon type unknown lamp 32 is turned on (S119). Then, in order to eliminate the waste of the paper, the processing is terminated without carrying or cutting the paper.
As described above, the invention of this embodiment controls the paper initialization operation according to the necessity of discarding the outer peripheral portion of the paper and the type of the ink ribbon.
[0100]
As described above, the invention according to the present embodiment determines whether or not it is necessary to discard the outer peripheral portion of the paper at the time of the paper initialization operation in the printer using the roll paper. Unnecessary paper corresponding to “Roll paper outer peripheral length”) or “(Roll paper outer peripheral length) − (Length equivalent to the print size of the attached ink ribbon)” is ejected, and then “Loaded Paper of the same length as the print size of the ink ribbon that is used. Further, when it is not necessary to discard the outer peripheral portion of the paper, only the discharge of the paper of “length equivalent to the print size of the attached ink ribbon” is performed.
[0101]
Then, a user's switch operation of the printer is used to determine the necessity of discarding the outer peripheral portion of the sheet. Further, the sensor mark indicating a new ink ribbon of the ink ribbon is used to determine the necessity of discarding the outer peripheral portion of the sheet. In addition, a sensor mark indicating a new sheet of paper is used to determine the necessity of discarding the outer peripheral portion of the paper.
[0102]
In addition, the above operation is performed simultaneously with the operation of determining the type of the ink ribbon. At this time, if the operation of discriminating the type of the ink ribbon has failed, the paper discharging operation is not performed. This printer is a printer built in a print vending machine.
[0103]
In the present embodiment, the paper initialization operation is controlled according to the necessity of discarding the outer peripheral portion of the paper and the type of the ink ribbon. According to the invention of this embodiment, at the time of the paper initialization operation, the waste of the paper is eliminated by discarding the paper of an appropriate length, and the type of the ink ribbon recognized by the printer is clearly indicated to the user. can do.
[0104]
(Example 2)
In the first embodiment, the type of the ink ribbon is described as the L-type and the 2L-type, but the present invention is not limited to these types. Further, even when there are more than two types of ink ribbons, it is possible to cope with the same as in the first embodiment.
[0105]
Further, in the first embodiment, the method of the third embodiment is adopted as control when discarding the outer peripheral portion of the sheet, but the method of the second embodiment may be used. In addition, the long press of the key is used to determine whether or not to discard the outer peripheral portion of the paper. However, a key dedicated to discarding the outer peripheral portion may be prepared, or the control may be performed by communication from the main body of the print vending machine. good.
[0106]
Further, when the outer peripheral portion is not discarded, the paper having the same size as the print size (L or 2L in this embodiment) is discarded. However, the paper is discarded slightly longer than the print size. Is also good. Further, in the present embodiment, the application to the printer built in the print vending machine has been described as an example, but the invention is also applicable to a printer that operates alone.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
By determining whether the state of the lid of the printer is locked / unlocked, the validity of the attached ink ribbon can be identified. When the lid or the consumable item of the printer is locked, the type information of the consumable item can be stored in a storage device built in the printer.
[0108]
In the case of the locked state, the consumable is a previously mounted consumable by reading out the type information of the consumable from the storage device without acquiring the type information of the consumable from the mounted consumable. Therefore, it is possible to omit, for example, the transport operation associated with the identification of the type of the ink ribbon, and it is possible to use the ink ribbon efficiently without wasting it.
[0109]
Further, when the lock is released, the type information stored in the storage means can be invalidated. Further, in the locked state, a printing operation can be performed.
As described above, it is possible to print printed materials having different print sizes by the same printer without wasting consumables.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance of a printer according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a printer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a print paper transport mechanism of the printer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart (1) showing a processing flow in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a processing flow in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an appearance of a printer according to second, third, and fourth embodiments.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to a fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Printer
2 Ink ribbon lid
3 Ink ribbon mounting section
4 Ink ribbon type unknown lamp
5a, 5b Lid lock mechanism
6 Paper loading section
7 Lid lock sensor
8 Ink ribbon set switch
9 Lock release switch
10 Print exit
11 Central control unit
12 Communication control circuit
13 Sensor control circuit
14 Mechanical control circuit
15 Print control circuit
16 Flash memory
20 Thermal head
21 Platen roller
22 Paper feed pinch roller
23 Paper feed roller
24, 25 Paper sensor
26 Ink ribbon
27 Printing paper
28 color sensor
30 Printer
31 Paper / ink ribbon loading section
32 Ink ribbon type unknown lamp
33 Lid
34 Paper / ink ribbon set switch
35 Print Exit

Claims (5)

In an image printing apparatus having an opening and closing mechanism for detachably replacing consumables,
Locking means for locking the opening / closing mechanism or consumables;
Unlocking means for releasing the locked state by the locking means,
Lock detection means for detecting whether the opening / closing mechanism or the consumable is in a locked state,
Type detection means for detecting type information of the attached consumable,
Lock control means for controlling the lock means and the lock release means,
Storage means for storing type information detected by the type detection means,
An image printing apparatus comprising: After the consumable is mounted, the consumable is locked by the lock unit based on the lock control unit. 2. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus stores the information. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reading unit that reads out the type information stored by the storage unit when the lock detection unit detects that the locked state is detected. 4. The image according to claim 1, further comprising an invalidating unit for invalidating the type information stored by the storage unit when the lock detection unit detects that the lock is released. Printing device. 5. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a printing process is executed when the locked state is detected by the lock detecting unit.

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