JP2005288995A - Printer and sheet presence or absence confirmation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which can surely detect the presence or absence of sheets in a sheet transfer path without the number of sheet detectors set inside the printer being increased, and to provide a sheet presence or absence confirmation method. <P>SOLUTION: A combination processing apparatus 1 uses a second image read sensor 12 as the sheet detector in addition to the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26 and 28. The presence or absence of sheets in a first transfer path P1 is detected by these five sheet detectors, and it is made sure that no sheet is present in the first transfer path P1 before a necessary process is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer and a paper presence / absence confirmation method.

  Conventionally, continuous paper printers that print on continuous paper such as roll paper and issue receipts, admission tickets, other issued tickets, etc., while transporting slip paper such as checks and personal check paper along the paper transport path Slip printers that perform printing are widely used. Among these printers, there is also a multi-function printer that has a printing function for continuous paper and a printing function for slip paper, and can read an image of slip paper (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

  For example, a printer that prints on slip paper is provided with a plurality of paper detectors along the paper transport path. The printer identifies the current position of the paper transported on the transport path according to the detection signals obtained through these paper detectors, controls the paper feed amount, executes a predetermined cueing, and slips. Print on paper.

These paper detectors function as a state detector for the paper conveyance path that detects whether or not unnecessary paper is inserted in the paper conveyance path before and after printing.
For example, the printer detects the state of the paper detector in a state where the paper is not conveyed into the paper conveyance path, and waits until the output from all the paper detectors is out of paper. If there is a sheet, it enters a sheet removal waiting mode, and waits until the output from all the sheet detectors is out of sheet. Then, as a countermeasure against chattering of the paper detector, the printer waits for a predetermined time after the output from all the paper detectors has run out of paper, and if no paper is detected during this predetermined time, the paper is fed to the paper transport path. It is determined that there is no paper and a new paper can be sent to the paper conveyance path.

Further, in a printer provided with a scanner for reading paper images along the paper transport path, this scanner can also be used as a state detector for the paper transport path.
For example, in a printer provided with a scanner, the scanner is driven and the front surface of the scanner is scanned at a predetermined timing in a state where the paper is fed into the paper conveyance path. Then, the printer scans the paper at the timing when the paper should be present on the front side of the scanner and checks whether “paper is present” is detected. It is configured to check whether or not “no paper” can be detected because scanning is not possible. As a result, the printer checks whether or not the paper is properly conveyed, and if the presence of paper is detected at an inappropriate timing, the process is interrupted and a paper conveyance error is notified to the operator. be able to.
JP 2003-087496 A

  In recent years, multifunction peripherals with various functions added to printers have been commercialized, and the shape of the paper transport path has become complicated accordingly. For this reason, even though it may seem that the paper does not exist on the paper conveyance path at first glance, the paper may exist in the paper conveyance path. Therefore, it is important to confirm the presence / absence of paper in the paper transport path more reliably than in the past.

  In order to reliably detect the presence or absence of paper in the paper transport path, a large number of paper detectors may be arranged along the paper transport path at as short intervals as possible. However, when the number of paper detectors is increased, the size of the printer increases in order to secure the installation space for the paper detectors, and the manufacturing cost of the printer also increases. From the above, there is a demand for a configuration that can reliably detect the presence or absence of paper in the paper transport path without increasing the number of paper detectors installed in the printer.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a printer and a paper presence confirmation method capable of reliably detecting the presence or absence of paper in a paper transport path without increasing the number of paper detectors installed inside the invention. The purpose is to provide.

(1) a paper transport path for transporting paper;
A print head for performing printing on the paper;
A paper detector for detecting the presence or absence of the paper transported through the paper transport path;
An image reading sensor that scans the paper transported through the paper transport path and acquires an image of the paper;
A control unit for confirming the presence or absence of unnecessary paper in the paper transport path,
The control unit causes the paper detector and the image reading sensor to detect the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper.
(2) The printer according to (1), wherein the paper detector and the image reading sensor simultaneously detect the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper.
(3) The control unit causes the paper detector and the image reading sensor to continue detecting the unnecessary paper for a predetermined time after the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper is detected (2). ) Printer described.
(4) The printer according to (1), wherein the image reading sensor detects the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper after the paper detector detects the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper.
(5) The control unit causes the paper detector to continue detecting the unnecessary paper for a predetermined time after the paper detector detects the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper, and then the image reading sensor detects the unnecessary paper. The printer according to (4), wherein presence or absence of unnecessary paper is detected.
(6) The paper detector includes a paper feed unit detector provided in a paper feed unit that feeds the paper, a TOF detector that detects the leading edge of the paper, and a validation paper detection that detects insertion of the validation paper. The printer according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that the printer includes a discharger and a discharge detector that detects discharge of the paper.
(7) A sheet presence / absence confirmation method characterized in that a sheet detector and an image reading sensor arranged along the sheet conveyance path respectively detect the presence / absence of unnecessary sheets.
(8) The paper presence / absence confirmation method according to (7), wherein the paper detector and the image reading sensor are simultaneously driven to detect the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper.
(9) The presence / absence of the sheet according to (8), wherein the detection of the unnecessary sheet is continued by the sheet detector and the image reading sensor for a predetermined time after the presence / absence of the unnecessary sheet is detected. Confirmation method.
(10) The paper presence confirmation method according to (7), wherein the paper detector is made to detect the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper, and then the image reading sensor is made to detect the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper.
(11) The paper detector continues to detect the unnecessary paper for a predetermined time after the paper detector detects the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper, and then the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper by the image reading sensor. (10) The method for confirming whether or not a sheet is present.

According to the printer of the present invention, in addition to the paper detector, an image reading sensor is used as a paper detector, and these paper detectors detect the presence or absence of unnecessary paper in the paper transport path and perform necessary processing. It is configured to confirm that there is no unnecessary paper in the paper transport path before performing. Therefore, according to the printer of the present invention, it is possible to execute paper detection with higher accuracy than the number of paper detectors arranged in the printer.
Therefore, for example, even when a printer has a complicated paper conveyance path, unnecessary paper detection is appropriately performed and unnecessary paper is removed without increasing the number of paper detectors more than necessary. Is possible.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the image reading sensor is used as a paper detector without adding a paper detector, it is possible to detect the paper with high accuracy, but the increase in the size of the printer casing and the cost. There is no inconvenience such as up. Therefore, it is possible to provide a compact and inexpensive printer.

  Next, an embodiment of a printer and a paper presence confirmation method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a composite processing apparatus including an image reading sensor is taken as an example of a printer, and the structure and control operation will be specifically described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a combined processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view of the combined processing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a sheet conveyance path in the combined processing apparatus. 4 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the composite processing apparatus as viewed from above, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the internal structure of the composite processing apparatus with the housing removed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the composite processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment forms a check S that is loaded in an ASF (Auto Sheet Feeder) 3 serving as a sheet feeding unit in a housing 1 a. While being conveyed along the sheet conveyance path P 1, reading of a double-sided image on the check S, reading of a magnetic character on the check S, and endorsement printing on the check S can be executed.
Further, the composite processing apparatus 1 reads the double-sided image on the card C while transporting the card C, which is inserted from the card insertion slot 20, along the paper transport path P2 formed in the housing 1a. It is configured to be possible.

  The composite processing apparatus 1 also includes a roll paper storage unit 30a (see FIG. 4) for storing roll paper (not shown) in a lower part of a roll paper cover 30 provided in a central part of the housing 1a surrounded by the paper transport path P1. Reference) is provided. The roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit 30a is configured to be printable by a print head 15 described later. The printed roll paper is discharged from the roll paper discharge port 31 to the outside of the combined processing apparatus 1.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the composite processing apparatus 1 is configured such that a validation paper can be inserted from a validation insertion port 40 opened above the linear portion on the downstream side of the paper transport path P1, and the validation paper is Is also configured to be capable of printing.

  That is, the composite processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a composite multi-function printer that has an image reading function and a magnetic character reading function and can print on the check S, roll paper, and validation paper.

First, a specific structure of the composite processing apparatus 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the first transport path P1 for transporting the check S has a substantially U-shape, and the second transport path P2 for transporting the card C transports the rigid card C. It has a linear shape as possible.

  The 1st conveyance path P1 and the 2nd conveyance path P2 are common in the site | part corresponded in the U-shaped bottom part of the 1st conveyance path P1. In the following description, this common part is referred to as an intermediate conveyance path M. In the intermediate transport path M, the composite processing apparatus 1 is provided with various reading devices. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper part of the intermediate transport path M in the first transport path P1 is covered with a transport path cover 1b that constitutes a part of the housing 1a. The transport path cover 1b protects various reading devices arranged along the intermediate transport path M by covering them from the outside.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first transport path P1 is configured by a transport section 2c defined between the outer guide 2a and the inner guide 2b, and the check S is transported along the transport section 2c. The
An ASF 3 capable of loading a plurality of checks S is provided on the upstream side of the first transport path P1. The check S is inserted into the first transport path P1 from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4 via the ASF 3, and the plurality of checks S loaded in the ASF 3 are separated one by one and sent out into the first transport path P1. It is.

In the first transport path P1, as a transport mechanism for transporting the check S, the first transport roller 6 on the upstream side of the intermediate transport path M, the intermediate transport roller 16 in the intermediate transport path M, and the intermediate transport path M A second transport roller 7 is provided on the downstream side.
The 1st conveyance roller 6 has the drive roller 6a and the pressing roller 6b arrange | positioned facing the drive roller 6a via the 1st conveyance path P1. Moreover, the 2nd conveyance roller 7 has the drive roller 7a and the pressing roller 7b arrange | positioned facing the drive roller 7a via the 1st conveyance path P1.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate transport roller 16 includes a lower presser roller 16a disposed below the first transport path P1, an upper presser roller 16b disposed above the lower presser roller 16a, and an intermediate transport roller. The upper presser roller 16a and the lower presser roller 16b are disposed to face the presser roller 17 through the path M.

The check S sent out from the ASF 3 into the first transport path P1 is transported in the intermediate transport path M by the first transport roller 6, the intermediate transport roller 16, and the second transport roller 7, as shown in FIG. It is discharged from the discharge port 4 in the direction of arrow B. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the bottom position of the first transport path P1 is maintained at the reference height L1, and the check S is placed on the bottom of the first transport path P1 including the intermediate transport path M. Along the line, the sheet is conveyed with the reference height L1 as a reference.
Here, regarding the intermediate transport roller 16, if the width (height) of the check S is shorter than a predetermined length, the lower presser roller 16b and the driving roller 17 contribute to the transport of the check S, while the width of the check S is a predetermined length. If it is more than that, the check S is conveyed by both the upper pressing roller 16 a and the lower pressing roller 16 b and the driving roller 17.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second transport path P <b> 2 includes an intermediate transport path M, and a card insertion slot 20 and a card reverse path 21 communicating with both ends thereof.

  The card insertion slot 20 is an insertion slot for inserting the card C into the intermediate transport path M. Lower guides 24 and 24a are provided below the card insertion slot 20, as shown in FIGS. The lower guides 24 and 24a constitute a part of the outer guide 2a, and the height of the lower end portion of the card C is kept at L2. The card C is guided by the lower guide 24 and enters the intermediate transport path M. Inserted and conveyed in a state with reference height L2. That is, the lower position of the second transport path P2 is maintained at the reference height L2 with respect to the lower guides 24 and 24a. Note that the check S, which is transported through the first transport path P1 while being maintained at the reference height L1, is bent in the traveling direction by the lower guide 24a and transported toward the discharge port 4.

  The upper pressing roller 16a is attached above the reference height L2 of the second conveying path P2, and the card C conveyed into the intermediate conveying path M is intermediately conveyed by the upper pressing roller 16a and the driving roller 17. It is conveyed in the path M.

  The card reverse path 21 is formed by linear guides 21a and 21b formed along the left extension line of the intermediate transport path M in FIG. In the vicinity of the end 21c of the card reverse path 21, a forward / reverse conveyance roller 22 is provided. The forward / reverse conveyance roller 22 conveys the card C conveyed from the intermediate conveyance path M so as to protrude from the end 21c of the card reverse rotation path 21 for a predetermined length, and again the card C protruding from the end 21c. Transport to the intermediate transport path M.

  Specifically, when the card C is inserted into the intermediate transport path M from the card insertion port 20, the card C is transported to the card reverse path 21 by the upper pressing roller 16 a and the driving roller 17. Then, the card C is reversely conveyed from the card reverse path 21 by the forward / reverse conveyance roller 22, passes through the intermediate conveyance path M, and is discharged from the card insertion slot 20. At this time, the card C is transported in the second transport path P2 with the lower end portion kept at the reference height L2. In the present embodiment, the reference height L2 of the second transport path P2 is disposed at a position higher than the reference height L1 of the first transport path P1. In summary, the card C is transported through the intermediate transport path M above the check S.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by changing the conveyance height of the check S and the card C, a U-shaped first conveyance path and a linear second conveyance can be provided without providing a special switching device or the like. Different types of reading media can be transported on the path. This completes the description of the transport of the check S and the card C.

Next, various reading devices arranged in the intermediate conveyance path M will be described.
In the intermediate conveyance path M, a first image reading sensor 11 and a second image reading sensor 12 that perform image reading are installed on both sides of the intermediate conveyance path M in a state shifted in the conveyance direction. Each of the first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 is a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type scanner.

Hereinafter, the second image reading sensor 12 will be described as an example. The structure of the first image reading sensor 11 is the same as that of the second image reading sensor 11.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the second image reading sensor 12, and FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reading area of the second image reading sensor 12.

The second image reading sensor 12 includes a plurality of light receiving elements (photoelectric conversion elements) arranged so as to be able to scan the entire width direction of the first transport path P1 and the second transport path P2 provided with a reference height shifted in the height direction. ) Is provided.
The second image reading sensor 12 irradiates light on one surface of the check S or the card C conveyed through the intermediate conveyance path M, receives the light reflected on the check S or the card C via the light receiving element array 12b, The received light is converted into an electrical signal to acquire an image for one line. The first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 acquire a two-dimensional image of the check S or the card C by sequentially reading the check S or the card C line by line while conveying the check S or the card C.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the light receiving element array 12b is composed of a total of 864 light receiving elements. When reading the check S, an image of the check S is generated using the light receiving element # 800 from the light receiving element # 1 at the lowest level included in the check reading area. On the other hand, when reading the card C, an image of the card C is generated using the light receiving element # 832 from the light receiving elements # 386 included in the card reading area. Here, in the card reading area, the light receiving element # 386 is located slightly below the reference height L2 of the second transport path P2 corresponding to the lower end of the check C, and the light receiving element # 832 is disposed in the second transport path P2. It is located slightly below the upper end of.

  A MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader) 13 is installed below the drive roller 17. The MICR 13 is a sensor for reading information written in magnetic ink on the check S. The MICR 13 performs reading in a state where the check S is pressed against the surface of the MICR 13 by the pressing lever 30 disposed opposite to the MICR 13 via the intermediate conveyance path M.

  In addition, in a linear region between the second transport roller 7 and the discharge roller 8 and along the first transport path P1, the carriage 14 having the print head is along the straight portion of the first transport path P1. It is slidably arranged. The carriage 14 is for executing endorsement on the check S, printing on validation paper, or printing on roll paper, and according to an instruction from a host computer (not shown), the check S, validation paper, or roll. Print on paper.

Next, the paper detector provided in the first transport path P1 will be described.
The first transport path P1 is provided with four sheet detectors: an ASF detector (paper feed detector) 9, a TOF (Top Of Form) detector 10, a validation detector 26, and a discharge detector 28. It has been. These detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 are optical paper detectors, for example, and are configured to detect the presence or absence of paper on the front surface of each detector.

The ASF detector 9 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge opening of the ASF 3 and detects the check S sent out from the ASF 3.
The TOF detector 10 is provided at an intermediate portion between the ASF 3 and the first image reading sensor 11 and detects the check S sent to the image reading sensor 11.

The validation detector 26 is provided in a linear portion on the downstream side of the second transport roller 7, detects the check S sent from the second transport roller 7 toward the discharge port 4, and is inserted from the validation insertion port 40. The presence or absence of inserted validation paper is configured to be detectable.
The discharge detector 28 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 4 and detects the check S discharged from the discharge port 4.

  A card detector 25 that detects the card C is provided in the second transport path P2. The card detector 25 is provided in the vicinity of the card insertion slot 20 and detects the card C inserted from the card insertion slot 20.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 functions as a paper detector in the intermediate conveyance path M. That is, in the present embodiment, in the first transport path P1, in addition to the four detectors of the ASF detector 9, the TOF (Top Of Form) detector 10, the validation detector 26, and the discharge detector 28, Since at least one of the first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 functions as a sheet detector, at least five sheet detectors are provided.
Similarly, in addition to the card detector 25, at least one of the first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 functions as a sheet detector in the second transport path P2, so that at least two sheets are detected. A vessel is provided.
This completes the description of the structure of the composite processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

Next, the paper presence / absence confirmation processing in the composite processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of the composite processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing one form of the sheet presence / absence confirmation processing of the present embodiment.

  The composite processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is communicably connected to the host computer 110 and is configured to operate according to various commands from the host computer 110. The composite processing apparatus 1 mainly includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a flash ROM 103, a MICR reading control unit 104, a printing control unit 105, a conveyance control unit 106, a paper detector control unit 107, an image reading control unit 108, and a communication interface 109. These are connected to each other via a bus 100 so that data communication is possible.

  The CPU 101 is a control center of the composite processing apparatus 1, and controls the overall operation of the composite processing apparatus 1 by executing firmware stored in the flash ROM 103.

  The RAM 102 is a volatile memory provided as a temporary storage area of the composite processing apparatus 1, a data buffer in the calculation of the CPU 101, a reception buffer in which various commands transmitted from the host computer 110 are temporarily stored, a first image reading sensor 11 and 12 function as an image data buffer for temporarily storing image data to be read and a print buffer for storing print data.

  The flash ROM 103 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory provided as a data storage area of the composite processing apparatus 1, and mainly stores firmware for operating the CPU 101 and various setting values related to the composite processing apparatus 1. As described above, the CPU 101 controls the complex processing apparatus 1 by executing the firmware stored in the flash ROM 103 while referring to various setting values stored in the flash ROM 103.

  The MICR reading control unit 104 is a driver that performs driving control of the MICR 13. Specifically, the MICR reading control unit 104 generates a sampling pulse for reading output to the MICR 13 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 101, processes the magnetic character data read by the MICR 13, and the like.

  The print control unit 105 is a driver that performs drive control of the carriage 14 and the print head 15. Specifically, the print control unit 105 drives the print head 15 while driving the carriage 14 according to the print data, and ejects ink from the print head 15 to the slip paper S, roll paper, or validation paper. Thus, an image is formed on the corresponding paper.

  The conveyance control unit 106 is a driver that controls conveyance of the check S, card C, roll paper, and validation paper. In the case of the check S, the conveyance control unit 106 drives a stepping motor (not shown) to rotate the ASF 3 and the various conveyance rollers 6, 7, 16 and the like and conveys the check S along the first conveyance path P1. In the case of the card C, a stepping motor (not shown) is also driven to drive the intermediate conveyance roller 16 and the forward / reverse conveyance roller 22 to convey the card C along the second conveyance path P2.

  The paper detector control unit 107 is a detector driver that drives the ASF detector 9, the TOF detector 10, the validation detector 26, the discharge detector 28, and the like. Specifically, the paper detector 107 generates a paper detection sampling pulse output to each of the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, 28, processes the magnetic character data read by the MICR 13, and the like.

  The image reading control unit 108 is an image reading driver that performs reading control of the first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12. The image reading control unit 108 outputs a trigger signal for reading to each of the image reading sensors 11 and 12, AD converts the electric signal generated by each light receiving element in each of the image reading sensors 11 and 12, and Each line is buffered, and the buffered digital signal for one line is transferred to the RAM 102. Thereby, the two-dimensional image data of the check S and the card C are generated in the RAM 102.

  The communication interface 109 is a communication control unit that performs communication with the host computer 110, and includes a USB interface, a serial interface, and the like. Various commands transmitted from the host computer 110 are transferred to the RAM 102 via the communication interface 109, and a status signal (a signal indicating the printer state) generated by the CPU 101 is transmitted to the host computer via the communication interface 109. 110.

  The composite processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes various paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28, and the first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 at the time of start-up and when the paper is not transported before and after paper transport. Alternatively, any one of the first image reading sensor 11 and the second image reading sensor 12 is driven to detect presence / absence of unnecessary paper in the first transport path P1. If a sheet is present in the first conveyance path P1, it waits until the sheet is removed, and after confirming that the sheet has been completely removed, the sheet is conveyed to perform reading and printing processing. It is configured as follows.

A flow in one form of the sheet presence / absence confirmation process will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, a case where only the second image reading sensor 12 is driven will be described for simplification.
First, the sheet detector control unit 107 performs the ASF detector 9, the TOF detector 10, the validation detector 26, and the discharge detector 28 (hereinafter referred to as the sheet detector 9 for simplicity) at the time of start-up and when the sheet is not conveyed before and after the sheet conveyance. , 10, 26, 28), and the image reading control unit 108 drives the second image reading sensor 12, and each of the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, 28 and the second image reading sensor 12 is driven. The presence / absence of unnecessary paper at the position of the position is detected (step S1).

  Then, the CPU 101 checks whether or not a sheet is present in the first sheet conveyance path P1 based on the detection results by all the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 and the second image reading sensor 12 (step S1). S2).

If any sheet is detected as a result of detection by all the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, 28 and the second image reading sensor 12, the process proceeds to step S3, and the CPU 101 determines that “sheet is present”. Notification "is performed, and the process returns to step S1.
In this paper presence notification, a warning sound may be generated using a buzzer (not shown), a paper presence notification signal is output to the host computer 110, and a message “There is paper in the first transport path P1” is displayed on the host computer 110 display. , Please remove "or the like.

  On the other hand, if no paper is detected on the first transport path P1 as a result of detection by all the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, 28 and the second image reading sensor 12, the process proceeds to step S4, where the CPU 101 Starts the timer and measures the time from the paper non-detection confirmation. This timer may be software-like realized by executing firmware, for example.

  Then, the CPU 101 causes the paper detector control unit 107 and the image reading control unit 108 to drive the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 and the second image reading sensor 12 again while performing timer measurement, and detects each paper. The presence / absence of a sheet at the arrangement positions of the devices 9, 10, 26, 28 and the second image reading sensor 12 is detected (step S5).

  Then, again, the CPU 101 confirms whether paper is present in the first paper transport path P1 based on the detection results of all the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, 28 and the second image reading sensor 12, If the sheet is confirmed, the process returns to step S3, and if the sheet is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S7 (step S6).

  In step S7, the CPU 101 confirms whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the timer measurement was started. And if predetermined time has not passed, it will return to step S5 and will repeat each process of step S5-step S7 until predetermined time passes. In other words, in the present embodiment, once the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, 28 and the second image reading sensor 12 confirm that there is no paper in the first paper transport path P1, the paper is kept for a predetermined time. The detection is continued and it is continuously confirmed that the sheet does not exist in the first transport path P1.

  Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8, and if necessary, desired processes such as sheet conveyance, image reading, MICR reading, and printing processing are executed, and the process ends. After the desired process is completed, the process may return to step S1 again to detect the presence or absence of paper.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, in addition to the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28, the second image reading sensor 12 is used as a paper detector, and the first transport path P1 is achieved by these five paper detectors. It is configured to detect the presence or absence of a sheet in the first and confirm that there is no sheet in the first transport path P1 before performing necessary processing. As described above, in the printer including the image reading sensor, it is possible to execute the paper detection with higher accuracy than the number of the paper detectors arranged as described above.

  Therefore, even when the U-shaped complicated sheet conveyance path is provided as in the complex processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first conveyance is performed without increasing the number of sheet detectors more than necessary. It is possible to appropriately detect unnecessary sheets on the path P1 and remove unnecessary sheets.

  In particular, the vicinity of the intermediate conveyance path M where the second image reading sensor 12 is arranged is a portion where it is difficult to detect the presence or absence of paper by the operator's visual recognition because it is covered by the conveyance path cover 1b as shown in FIG. However, in the present embodiment, even in such a place, by using the second image reading sensor 12 as a paper detector, the presence / absence of paper can be reliably detected without adding a paper detector. Is possible.

  In the present embodiment, since the second image reading sensor 12 is a paper detector, the housing size of the composite processing apparatus 1 can be increased by adding a paper detector even though accurate paper detection is possible. There is no inconvenience such as increase or cost increase. Therefore, it is possible to provide a compact and inexpensive composite processing apparatus.

  In the above description, only the second image reading sensor 12 is used as a paper detector. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first image reading sensor 11 is also used as a paper detector at the same time, with higher accuracy. You may comprise so that the paper detection in the 1st conveyance path P1 may be performed.

  In the above description, the first transport path P1 has been described. In the case of the second transport path P2, in addition to the card detector 25, the first image reading sensor 11, the second image reading sensor 12, or By using both of them as paper detectors, it is possible to reliably detect the presence or absence of paper in the second transport path P2. The paper detection flow in this case is the same as the basic sequence except that the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 are replaced with the card detector 25.

  In the above description, the detection timing of the second image reading sensor 12 and the detection timing of the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 are described as being simultaneous. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another form of the paper presence / absence confirmation processing flow of the composite processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, another form of the paper presence / absence confirmation process will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, a case where only the second image reading sensor 12 is driven will be described for simplification.

  First, the sheet detector control unit 107 drives the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 at the positions where the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 are arranged at the time of start-up and when the sheet is not conveyed before and after sheet conveyance. The presence or absence of unnecessary paper is detected (step S11). In this embodiment, the sheet detection by the second image reading sensor 12 is not performed at this time.

  Then, the CPU 101 checks whether or not a sheet is present in the first sheet transport path P1 based on the detection results of all the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 (step S12).

  Here, when a sheet is detected by any of the detectors as a result of detection by all the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, 28, the process proceeds to step S13, and the CPU 101 performs a “paper presence notification”. Return to step S11.

  On the other hand, if no paper is detected on the first transport path P1 as a result of detection by all the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, 28, the process proceeds to step S14, and the CPU 101 starts a timer, Measure the time from the paper non-detection confirmation.

  Then, the CPU 101 causes the sheet detector control unit 107 to drive the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 again while measuring the timer, and the sheets at the positions where the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 are arranged. Is detected (step S15).

  Then, again, the CPU 101 checks whether or not a sheet exists in the first sheet transport path P1 based on the detection results of all the sheet detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28. Returning to S13, if the sheet is not confirmed, the process proceeds to Step S17 (Step S16).

  In step S <b> 17, the CPU 101 confirms whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the timer measurement was started. And if predetermined time has not passed, it will return to step S15 and will repeat each process of step S5-step S7 until predetermined time passes. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S <b> 18, the CPU 101 controls the image reading control unit 108 to drive the second image reading sensor 12 and cause the second image reading sensor 12 to perform paper detection. In other words, in the present embodiment, after the paper detector 9, 10, 26, 28 confirms that there is no paper, the second image reading sensor 12 executes the final paper presence confirmation.

If no paper is detected by the second image reading sensor 12 in step S19, desired processing such as paper conveyance, image reading, MICR reading, and printing processing is executed as necessary and the processing ends normally. After the desired process is completed, the process may return to step S1 again to detect the presence or absence of paper.
On the other hand, if a sheet is detected by the second image reading sensor 12 in step S19, the CPU 101 issues a “paper presence notification” as a recoverable error and ends the process. Here, when the sheet is removed from the second image reading sensor 12, the processing from step S11 may be repeated again.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, in addition to the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28, the second image reading sensor 12 is used as a paper detector, and the first transport path P1 is achieved by these five paper detectors. It is configured to detect the presence or absence of a sheet in the first and confirm that there is no sheet in the first transport path P1 before performing necessary processing. As described above, in the printer including the image reading sensor, it is possible to execute the paper detection with higher accuracy than the number of the paper detectors arranged as described above.

  Therefore, even when the U-shaped complicated sheet conveyance path is provided as in the complex processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first conveyance is performed without increasing the number of sheet detectors more than necessary. It is possible to appropriately perform paper detection on the path P1.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, first, the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 confirm the absence of paper, and then the second image reading sensor 12 is driven to confirm the absence of paper. The second image reading sensor 12 scans the front reading area, generates a plurality of level signals corresponding to the scan results at a plurality of positions in the width direction of the first transport path P1, and processes each of these level signals. Since the presence / absence of the paper is detected, the detection accuracy is higher than that of the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 in which chattering may occur, but the paper detection process is complicated. Therefore, the time required for paper detection by the second image reading sensor 12 is longer than the time required for paper detection by the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28.

  Therefore, when the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 and the second image reading sensor 12 are driven simultaneously as shown in FIG. 10, the paper detection processing interval is shifted to the processing time of the second image reading sensor 12. As a result, the entire processing time for executing the processing up to step S7 becomes long.

  However, as in this embodiment, first, the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 quickly confirm the absence of paper, and finally drive the second image reading sensor 12 to perform highly reliable paper detection. Thus, it is possible to perform sheet detection with high accuracy while shortening the entire detection time.

  In the above description, only the second image reading sensor 12 is used as a paper detector. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first image reading sensor 11 is also used as a paper detector at the same time, with higher accuracy. You may comprise so that the paper detection in the 1st conveyance path P1 may be performed.

  In the above description, the first transport path P1 has been described. In the case of the second transport path P2, in addition to the card detector 25, the first image reading sensor 11, the second image reading sensor 12, or By using both of them as paper detectors, it is possible to reliably detect the presence or absence of paper in the second transport path P2. The paper detection flow in this case is the same as the basic sequence except that the paper detectors 9, 10, 26, and 28 are replaced with the card detector 25.

It is a perspective view which shows the compound processing apparatus of embodiment which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the combined processing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet conveyance path in a composite processing apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of a composite processing apparatus. It is a perspective view of the compound processing apparatus which removed the housing | casing. It is a perspective view of the compound processing apparatus which removed the housing | casing. It is a figure which shows a 2nd image reading sensor. It is a schematic diagram explaining the reading area | region of a 2nd image reading sensor. 2 is a control block diagram of the composite processing apparatus 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows one form of a paper presence / absence confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows another form of a paper presence / absence confirmation process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Composite processing apparatus 2a ... Outer guide 2b ... Inside guide 3 ... ASF 4 ... Discharge port 9 ... ASF detector 10 ... TOF detector 11, 12 ... Image reading sensor 13 ... MICR 26 .. Validation detector 28 .. Discharge detector 30 .. Roll paper cover 101 .. CPU 102 .. RAM 103 .. Flash ROM 107 .. Paper detector control unit 108 .. Image reading control unit

Claims (11)

A paper transport path for transporting paper,
A print head for performing printing on the paper;
A paper detector for detecting the presence or absence of the paper transported through the paper transport path;
An image reading sensor that scans the paper transported through the paper transport path and acquires an image of the paper;
A control unit for confirming the presence or absence of unnecessary paper in the paper transport path,
The control unit causes the paper detector and the image reading sensor to detect the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the paper detector and the image reading sensor simultaneously detect the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper.   3. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the paper detector and the image reading sensor to continue detecting the unnecessary paper for a predetermined time after the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper is detected. Printer.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the image reading sensor detects the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper after the paper detector detects the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper.   The control unit causes the paper detector to continue detecting the unnecessary paper for a predetermined time after the paper detector detects the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper, and thereafter the unnecessary paper is detected by the image reading sensor. The printer according to claim 4, wherein presence or absence of the printer is detected.   The paper detector includes a paper feed unit detector provided in a paper feed unit that feeds the paper, a TOF detector that detects the leading edge of the paper, a validation paper detector that detects insertion of validation paper, The printer according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge detector that detects discharge of the paper.   A paper presence / absence check method, wherein a paper detector and an image reading sensor respectively arranged along a paper conveyance path are made to detect the presence or absence of unnecessary paper.   8. The sheet presence / absence confirmation method according to claim 7, wherein the presence / absence of the unnecessary sheet is detected by simultaneously driving the sheet detector and the image reading sensor.   9. The paper presence / absence confirmation method according to claim 8, wherein the paper detector and the image reading sensor continue to detect the unnecessary paper for a predetermined time after the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper is detected. .   8. The paper presence / absence confirmation method according to claim 7, further comprising: causing the paper detector to detect the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper, and then causing the image reading sensor to detect the presence / absence of the unnecessary paper.   The paper detector continues to detect the unnecessary paper for a predetermined time after the paper detector detects the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper, and then detects the presence or absence of the unnecessary paper by the image reading sensor. The paper presence / absence confirmation method according to claim 10.