JP2006240103A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve user-friendliness by changing a printing speed in response to user's request. <P>SOLUTION: This printer comprises a time clock section 16 for clocking, a memory section for storing a set time zone and a printing speed correlated with the time zone, a printing mechanism 17 capable of changing the printing speed, and a printing control section that acquires the corresponding printing speed according to the time clocked by the time clock section 16 and the set time zone from the memory section and enables the printing mechanism 17 to perform the printing in the above printing speed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Conventionally, in a printing apparatus, the ability to print received data at a high speed is one factor that indicates high performance. For this purpose, the printing speed can be increased by increasing the speed of image formation, increasing the speed of feeding and transporting recording paper, and improving the control capability of these mechanisms and the data processing capability of print data. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-221025

  However, in the conventional printing apparatus, by increasing the printing speed, the noise of the motor and gear of the printing mechanism section, the friction noise of the recording paper accompanying the paper feed, and the like increase, and the noise increases. For this reason, during the daytime when the user works in the vicinity of the printing device in a company, office, etc., the printing speed is reduced to suppress unpleasant noise, and the user returns home and no one is around the printing device at night. Has a desire to quickly perform a large amount of printing at a high printing speed.

  In addition, when printing is performed at high speed, a load on the printing mechanism unit of the printing apparatus increases, and troubles such as jams are likely to occur. For this reason, printing is performed at high speed in the daytime when the user can monitor the printing apparatus, and at low speed in order to improve reliability at night when a large amount of printing is performed without a person monitoring the printing apparatus. There is also a demand to print with.

  The present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of improving the convenience of the user by solving the problems of the conventional printing apparatus and changing the printing speed according to the user's request. For the purpose.

  For this purpose, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, a timekeeping unit for measuring time, a storage unit for storing a set time zone and a printing speed associated with the time zone, and a printing mechanism capable of changing the printing speed. A print control unit that acquires a corresponding print speed from the storage unit based on the time measured by the time measuring unit and the set time zone, and causes the print mechanism unit to perform printing at the print speed. Have.

  According to the present invention, the printing apparatus can change the printing speed in accordance with the user's request. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a printing apparatus, and 20 denotes a host apparatus of the printing apparatus 10 that is communicably connected to the printing apparatus 10, that is, a personal computer as a host (hereinafter referred to as “host PC”). Here, the printing apparatus 10 may be any kind of printing apparatus such as an electrophotographic printing apparatus, an impact dot printing apparatus, an ink jet printing apparatus, a thermal transfer printing apparatus, or a monochrome printing apparatus. It may be a color printing apparatus. The upper device of the printing apparatus 10 is a device that has a function of transmitting information to the printing apparatus 10 and is capable of requesting printing to the printing apparatus 10 and transmitting print data to the printing apparatus 10. For example, any type of device such as a server or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistnat) may be used, but here it will be described as a personal computer.

  The printing apparatus 10 is connected to a host PC 20 and receives an interface unit 11 that receives print data from the host PC 20. An arithmetic processing unit that performs various calculations and a CPU unit 12 as a print control unit. And the RAM 13 serving as a storage unit for holding information that varies depending on the state of the printing apparatus 10, information required when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on, and a printing mechanism 17 to be described later. ROM unit 14 as a storage unit that holds information for a fixed value, operation panel unit 15 having a message display device and input buttons for setting a printing speed and a time range in which the setting is valid, time A timing unit 16 that counts the time, a printing hardware for printing the print data converted into printable data, and further printing It is a printing mechanism unit 17 to change the degree and has a system bus 18 as a communication circuit to communicate between the devices in the printing apparatus 10.

  Next, information held by the RAM unit 13 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a retained information configuration of the RAM unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the stored information configuration of the RAM unit 13 is as shown in FIG. Here, 13a is a print data reception buffer for accumulating print data received from the host PC 20 via the interface unit 11, and 13b is a print data edit for converting the received print data into data printable by the print hardware. 13c is a normal printing speed information that holds the setting of the printing speed to be applied during normal operation, and 13d is a printing speed designation time zone configured by information necessary to designate the printing speed by the time zone. Information.

  The normal printing speed information 13c stores information indicating whether high-speed printing or low-speed printing is performed when performing normal printing with no time zone specified. When 22 sheets are low speed, a process for setting the printing speed of 12 sheets per minute to the printing mechanism unit 17 is performed.

  The printing speed designation time zone information 13d includes a function information storage unit that stores valid information and invalid information of a function that performs printing at a designated printing speed during the designated time zone, and a setting of a printing speed that is applied to the designated time zone. Printing speed storage unit that holds the print speed information, a start time storage unit that stores the start time of the time zone to which the printing speed information stored in the printing speed storage unit is applied, and the printing speed information stored in the printing speed storage unit And an end time storage unit for storing the end time of the time zone to which is applied.

  Information indicating either valid or invalid is stored in the function information storage unit, information indicating either high speed or low speed is stored in the print speed storage unit, and 24 is stored in the start time storage unit. The time expression, that is, the hour information in the range of 0-23 and the minute information in the range of 0-59 are stored, and the end time storage unit stores the hour information in the range of 0-23 and the range of 0-59. Minute information is stored. Further, information indicating either high speed or low speed is stored in the printing speed storage section, and the printing speed set in the printing mechanism section 17 by checking the printing speed conversion information in the ROM section 14 at the time of actual printing. It is determined.

  Next, information held by the ROM unit 14 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of information held in the ROM section in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the retained information structure of the ROM section 14 is as shown in FIG. Here, 14a is RAM section area information necessary for securing each area in the RAM section 13 when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on, and 14b is stored in the area of the RAM section 13 when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on. RAM part initial value information as an initial value to be stored, and 14c is printing speed setting conversion information as an information table for obtaining the printing speed setting of the printing mechanism part 17.

  The RAM part area information 14a includes a print data reception buffer area part that holds the arrangement location and size of the print data reception buffer 13a secured in the RAM part 13 as a fixed value, and a print data edit secured in the RAM part 13. A print data editing buffer area for holding the arrangement location and size of the buffer 13b as fixed values; a normal print speed information area for holding the arrangement location and size of normal printing speed information 13c secured in the RAM section 13; In addition, it has a printing speed designation time zone information area portion that holds the arrangement location and size of the printing speed designation time zone information 13d secured in the RAM section 13 as a fixed value.

  The RAM initial value information 14b includes a normal printing speed information initial value as an initial value of the normal printing speed device 13c and a printing speed designation time zone information initial value as an initial value of the printing speed designation time zone information 13d. Have The normal printing speed information initial value stores information indicating either high speed or low speed, and specifically, which value is set as the initial value is determined by the request of the delivery destination of the printing apparatus 10. The printing speed designation time zone information initial value is valid or invalid for the function information storage unit, high or low for the printing speed storage unit, and 0 to 23 for the start time storage unit and the end time storage unit. Time information and minute information in a range from 0 to 59 are stored, and a specific value to be set as an initial value is determined by a request of a delivery destination of the printing apparatus 10.

  Further, in the printing speed setting conversion information 14c, the information in the normal printing speed information 13c and the printing speed designation time zone information 13d is 22 sheets per minute when the information is high speed and 12 sheets per minute when the information is low speed. It is defined so as to obtain a set value at which the printing mechanism unit 17 operates at the printing speed. Thus, it is possible to set the printing speed of 22 sheets per minute when the printing speed content is high, and 12 printing speeds per minute when the printing speed is low. It becomes.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described. First, processing steps executed by the printing apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating processing steps of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the processing steps executed by the printing apparatus 10 are divided into a user setting step and a printing processing step as shown in FIG. 4, and the printing processing step is further divided into a print data receiving step, a detection step, and a print setting. It is divided into a process, a print data editing process, and a printing process.

  First, in the user setting step, a function for setting a printing speed for normal printing, a setting for a printing speed applied to a specific time zone, a setting for the specific time zone, and a function for designating a printing speed for the specific time zone Enable / disable itself. In the print data reception step of the print processing step, it is determined that the print data has been sent from the host PC 20, and the print data is received.

  Subsequently, in the detection step, the printing speed is determined based on the information set in the user setting step and the information of the timer unit 16. Further, in the print setting step, the print speed is set in the print mechanism unit 17 in order to apply the print speed designation detected in the detection step to the actual print speed.

  In the print data editing step, the received print data is converted into a data format that can be printed by the printing mechanism unit 17. Further, in the printing process, printing is performed by passing printable data to the printing mechanism unit 17.

  Next, an operation when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on will be described. In the description, a part enclosed by “” indicates an area secured in the RAM unit 13 or the ROM part 14, and a part enclosed by “” indicates a parameter set in the region.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus when the power is turned on according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  When the power is turned on, the printing apparatus 10 first reads out the RAM area information 14 a from the ROM section 14. Subsequently, the area of the RAM section 13 is secured based on the read RAM section area information 14a. In this case, areas of “print data reception buffer 13a”, “print data editing buffer 13b”, “normal print speed information 13c”, and “print speed designation time zone information 13d” are reserved.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 reads the RAM unit initial value information 14 b from the ROM unit 14. Then, initial values are stored in the “normal printing speed information 13c” and “printing speed designation time zone information 13d” secured in the RAM unit 13, and the process is terminated. In the present embodiment, “low speed” is stored in the “normal printing speed information 13c”, “valid” is stored in the “function information storage section” in the “printing speed designation time zone information 13d”, and the “printing speed” “High speed” is stored in the “printing speed storage section” in the “designated time zone information 13d”, “19:00” is stored in the “start time storage section” in the “printing speed designation time zone information 13d”, and “ It is assumed that “08:00” is stored in the “end time storage section” in the printing speed designation time zone information 13d.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1 The RAM area information 14a is read from the ROM section 14.
Step S2: The area of the RAM unit 13 is secured.
Step S3: The RAM unit initial value information 14b is read from the ROM unit 14.
Step S4: The initial values of the normal printing speed information 13c and the printing speed designation time zone information 13d secured in the RAM unit 13 are stored, and the process ends.

  Next, the operation for setting the normal printing speed will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the message display device of the operation panel unit when setting the normal printing speed in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation for setting a normal printing speed in FIG.

  First, the printing apparatus 10 displays a message prompting the user to select a printing speed to be applied to normal printing on the message display device of the operation panel unit 15. Then, the screen of the message display device shifts to a “low speed” or “high speed” selection screen in order to set the normal printing speed. The user selects “low speed” or “high speed” from the normal print speed setting screen, and selects either “high speed” or “low speed”. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “low speed” is selected. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores the input information in the normal printing speed unit in the RAM area. That is, the determined setting is stored in the “normal printing speed information 13 c” area secured in the RAM unit 13. When the input of the normal printing speed is completed, the setting screen is ended. Here, if the ROM unit 14 is rewritable such as a flash memory, the “RAM unit initial value information 14b” of the ROM unit 14 is set so that the same setting is made even after the printing apparatus 10 is turned on again. May be rewritten.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S11: A message prompting the user to select a printing speed to be applied to normal printing is displayed on the operation panel unit 15.
Step S12: Select either “high speed” or “low speed” for the printing speed.
Step S13: The input information is stored in the normal printing speed section in the RAM area, and the process is terminated.

  Next, the operation for setting the printing speed designation time zone will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the message display device of the operation panel unit when setting the printing speed designation time zone in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation for setting a printing speed designation time zone in the embodiment.

  First, the printing apparatus 10 displays a selection screen for enabling or disabling the function of the printing speed designation time zone on the message display device of the operation panel unit 15. The user selects either “enable” or “disable” the function. Here, “valid” is selected to enable the function of the print speed designated time zone, and “invalid” is selected to disable. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “valid” is selected. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 8A is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores valid / invalid information of the input function in a predetermined area of the RAM unit 13. That is, the setting determined by the user is stored in the “function information storage unit” in the “print speed designation time zone information 13 d” area secured in the RAM unit 13. Then, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether “valid” is selected. Here, when “valid” is not selected, that is, when information indicating “invalid” is stored, the printing apparatus 10 ends the setting process without performing subsequent settings.

  If “valid” is selected in the function selection display for the printing speed designation time zone, the display shifts to the printing speed selection display. Then, the printing apparatus 10 displays a message prompting the user to select a printing speed desired to be applied in the time zone on the message display device of the operation panel unit 15. The user selects either “high speed” or “low speed” for the printing speed. Then, “High speed” is selected to increase the printing speed, and “Low speed” is selected to decrease the printing speed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that “high speed” is selected. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores the input information in the printing speed storage unit of the printing speed designation time zone information 13 d in the area of the RAM unit 13. That is, the printing speed setting determined by the user is stored in the “printing speed storage unit” in the “printing speed designation time zone information 13 d” area secured in the RAM unit 13.

  Then, after the printing speed is determined by the printing speed setting display, the process shifts to a display for waiting for input of the start time for enabling the printing speed. In this case, the printing apparatus 10 displays a message that prompts the message display device of the operation panel unit 15 to input the start time of the time zone to be printed at the designated printing speed. Then, a message as shown in FIG. 8C is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the user inputs a start time. Then, a 24-hour expression, that is, “hour” information in the range of 0 to 23 and “minute” information in the range of 0 to 59 are input as the start time. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “19:00” is input. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 8D is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores the input information in the start time storage unit of the printing speed designation time zone information 13 d in the area of the RAM unit 13. That is, the “start time” determined by the user is stored in the “start time storage unit” in the “print speed designation time zone information 13 d” area secured in the RAM unit 13.

  Then, after the start time is determined in the start time setting display, the process then shifts to a display for waiting for input of the end time for validating the printing speed. In this case, the printing apparatus 10 displays on the message display device of the operation panel unit 15 a message that prompts the user to input the end time of the time zone desired to be printed at the designated printing speed. Then, a message as shown in FIG. 8E is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the user inputs an end time. Then, 24-hour expression, that is, “hour” information in the range of 0 to 23 and “minute” information in the range of 0 to 59 are input as the end time. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “08:00” is input. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 8F is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores the input information in the end time storage unit of the printing speed designation time zone information 13d in the area of the RAM unit 13, and ends the setting screen. That is, the “end time” determined by the user is stored in the “end time storage unit” in the “print speed designation time zone information 13 d” area secured in the RAM unit 13. Thus, when the input of “end time” is completed on the end time setting display, the setting screen is ended. Here, if the ROM unit 14 is rewritable such as a flash memory, the “RAM unit initial value information 14b” of the ROM unit 14 is set so that the same setting is made even after the printing apparatus 10 is turned on again. You may rewrite it.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S21: A selection screen for enabling or disabling the function of the printing speed designation time zone is displayed from the operation panel unit 15.
Step S22: Select “valid” or “invalid” for the function.
Step S23: Valid / invalid information of the input function is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM unit 13.
Step S24: It is determined whether or not “valid” is selected. If “valid” is selected, the process proceeds to step S25. If “valid” is not selected, the process ends.
Step S25: A message for prompting selection of the printing speed to be applied in the time zone is displayed.
Step S26 Select either “high speed” or “low speed” as the printing speed.
Step S27: The inputted information is stored in the printing speed storage section of the printing speed designation time zone information 13d in the area of the RAM section 13.
Step S28: A message prompting the user to input the start time of the time zone desired to be printed at the designated printing speed is displayed.
Step S29: Enter the start time.
Step S30: The input information is stored in the start time storage section of the printing speed designation time zone information 13d in the area of the RAM section 13.
Step S31: A message prompting the user to input the end time of the time zone desired to be printed at the designated printing speed is displayed.
Step S32: Enter the end time.
Step S33: The input information is stored in the end time storage section of the printing speed designation time zone information 13d in the area of the RAM section 13, and the process is terminated.

  Next, an operation for printing the received print data will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation for printing the received print data according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the printing apparatus 10 monitors whether print data is sent from the host PC 20 via the interface unit 11. That is, it is repeatedly determined whether or not reception of print data is started, and reception of print data from the host PC 20 is awaited. When the printing apparatus 10 determines that it has started receiving print data, that is, when it detects that print data has been sent from the host PC 20, it starts accumulating in the print data reception buffer 13a.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the function of the printing speed designation time zone is valid. In this case, the “function information” stored in the “printing speed designation time zone information 13d” of the RAM unit 13 is read, and it is determined whether or not it is set to “valid”. When the function of the printing speed designated time zone is valid, that is, when the “function information” is set to “valid”, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the current time is within the designated time zone. Judging. In this case, the “start time” and “end time” in the “print speed designation time zone information 13d” of the RAM unit 13 are read, and whether the current time read from the time measuring unit 16 is within the range. Judging. In the present embodiment, the current time is 21:00 and the setting is “19:00” to “08:00”, which is the time zone range.

  Subsequently, when the current time is within the designated time zone, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the printing speed in the printing speed designated time zone information 13d is low. When the printing speed is low, the printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “low speed”. If the printing speed is not low, the printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “high speed”. Here, the printing apparatus 10 reads “printing speed” in the “printing speed designation time zone information 13 d” in the RAM unit 13 and collates the information with “printing speed setting conversion information 14 c” in the ROM unit 14. The printing speed setting for the printing mechanism unit obtained by this is set in the printing mechanism unit 17. Thus, when the “printing speed” in the “printing speed designation time zone information 13d” in the RAM unit 13 is “high speed”, for example, when the printing speed is 22 sheets per minute and “low speed”. For example, the printing speed is 12 sheets per minute.

  It is determined whether the function of the printing speed designation time zone is valid or not, that is, “function information” stored in the “printing speed designation time zone information 13 d” of the RAM unit 13. Is set to “invalid”, and if the current time is not in the specified time zone by determining whether or not the current time is in the specified time zone, that is, the current time read from the time measuring unit 16 is the RAM unit 13. If it is not within the range of the “start time” and “end time” in the “print speed designation time zone information 13d”, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the print speed of the normal print speed setting is high. . When the printing speed is low, the printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “low speed”. If the printing speed is not low, the printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “high speed”. In this case, the printing apparatus 10 reads the “printing speed” in the “normal printing speed information 13 c” in the RAM unit 13 and collates the information with the “printing speed setting conversion information 14 c” in the ROM unit 14. The acquired printing speed setting for the printing mechanism unit is set in the printing mechanism unit 17. Thus, when the “printing speed” in the “normal printing speed information 13c” in the RAM unit 13 is “high speed”, for example, when the printing speed is 22 sheets per minute and “low speed”, for example, The printing speed is 12 sheets per minute.

  After setting the printing speed in the printing mechanism unit 17, the printing apparatus 10 edits the contents of the accumulated “print data reception buffer 13 a” on the “print data editing buffer 13 b”. Subsequently, the printing mechanism unit 17 prints the data in the “print data editing buffer 13b” at the designated printing speed, and the process is terminated. In this case, the data stored in the print data reception buffer 13a is appropriately taken out to the print data editing buffer 13b, converted into data printable by the print hardware in the print mechanism unit 17, and then sent to the print mechanism unit 17. Print by passing.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S41: It is determined whether reception of print data has been started. If reception of print data is started, the process proceeds to step S42. If reception of print data is not started, reception of print data is waited.
Step S42: Storage of received data in the “print data receiving buffer 13a” is started.
Step S43: It is determined whether or not the function of the printing speed designated time zone is valid. If the function of the printing speed designation time zone is valid, the process proceeds to step S44, and if the function of the printing speed designation time zone is not valid, the process proceeds to step S46.
Step S44: It is determined whether or not the current time is within the specified time zone. If the current time is within the designated time zone, the process proceeds to step S45. If the current time is not within the designated time period, the process proceeds to step S46.
Step S45: It is determined whether or not the printing speed in the printing speed designation time zone information 13d is low. If the printing speed in the printing speed designation time zone information 13d is low, the process proceeds to step S47. If the printing speed in the printing speed designation time zone information 13d is not low, the process proceeds to step S48.
Step S46: It is determined whether or not the normal printing speed setting printing speed is high. When the printing speed set for the normal printing speed is high, the process proceeds to step S48, and when the printing speed set for the normal printing speed is not high, the process proceeds to step S47.
Step S47: The printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “low speed”.
Step S48: The printing speed of the printing mechanism section 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “high speed”.
Step S49: The contents of the accumulated “print data receiving buffer 13a” are edited on the “print data editing buffer 13b”.
Step S50: The printing mechanism unit 17 prints the data in the “print data editing buffer 13b” at the designated printing speed, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the printing speed can be set for each time slot in accordance with each user's request. For this reason, when it is a time zone in which not only the user of the printing apparatus 10 but also other workers exist near the printing apparatus 10, printing is performed by setting the printing speed of the printing apparatus 10 to be low. The noise of the apparatus 10 can be reduced, and discomfort to workers in the vicinity can be suppressed.

  Further, when there is an operator near the printing apparatus 10, even if a failure such as a jam occurs in the printing apparatus 10, it is possible to immediately eliminate the failure and restore the printing apparatus 10. If it is a time zone in which an operator is present, high-speed printing can be set. Otherwise, low-speed printing can be set for the purpose of reducing the failure rate.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. The description of the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment is also omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the printing apparatus 10 in the present embodiment is replaced with a photodiode as an apparatus for detecting the brightness in the vicinity of the printing apparatus 10, instead of the timer unit 16 in the first embodiment. It has the illumination intensity measurement part 19 as an illumination intensity detection part provided with an electric current detector. The operation panel unit 15 also includes a message display device and input buttons for setting the printing speed and the illuminance for enabling the setting.

  The illuminance measured by the illuminance measuring unit 19 is indicated by unit lux (“1x”). In the photodiode used by the illuminance measuring unit 19, the illuminance and the current are in a proportional relation such that the illuminance is 0.01 lux and the current is 0.00000000005 amperes, and the illuminance is 100 lux and the current is 0.0000005 amperes. The illuminance can be calculated from the current.

  Next, the illuminance measured by the illuminance measurement unit 19 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a supplementary explanatory diagram of illuminance in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Illuminance is the luminous flux incident on a surface element including a given point divided by the area of the surface element. And as FIG. 12 shows, the illumination intensity suitable for work is set by the occupational safety and health rule (Article 604). For reference, the insides of offices, department stores, supermarkets, etc. are set to 450 to 700 lux.

  Next, information held by the RAM unit 13 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of retained information in the RAM unit in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the stored information configuration of the RAM unit 13 is as shown in FIG. Here, 13a is a print data reception buffer for accumulating print data received from the host PC 20 via the interface unit 11, and 13b is a print data edit for converting the received print data into data printable by the print hardware. The buffer 13c is normal printing speed information that holds the setting of the printing speed to be applied during normal operation, and 13e is printing speed designation illuminance information configured by information necessary for designating the printing speed by illuminance. is there.

  The normal printing speed information 13c is a format in which information indicating either high speed or low speed is stored. When performing normal printing with no illuminance designation, 22 sheets per minute when high speed is performed, When the speed is low, processing for setting the printing speed of 12 sheets per minute in the printing mechanism unit 17 is performed.

  The printing speed designation illuminance information 13e holds a function information storage unit that stores valid information and invalidity information of a function that performs printing at a designated printing speed during the designated illuminance, and a setting of a printing speed that is applied to the designated illuminance. A printing speed storage unit; and an illuminance storage unit that stores illuminance to which the printing speed information stored in the printing speed storage unit is applied. In the present embodiment, the illuminance storage unit can store 0 to 9999 lux.

  Next, information held by the ROM unit 14 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of information held in the ROM section in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the retained information structure of the ROM section 14 is as shown in FIG. Here, 14e is RAM unit area information necessary to secure each area in the RAM unit 13 when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on, and 14f is an area of the RAM unit 13 when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on. RAM part initial value information as an initial value to be stored, and 14c is printing speed setting conversion information as an information table for obtaining the printing speed setting of the printing mechanism part 17.

  The RAM part area information 14e includes a print data reception buffer area part, a print data editing buffer area part, a normal print speed information area part, and an arrangement location and size of print speed designation illuminance information 13e to be secured in the RAM part 13. Is provided as a fixed value.

  The RAM initial value information 14f includes a normal printing speed information initial value and a printing speed designation illuminance information initial value as an initial value of the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e. The printing speed designation illuminance information initial value stores information that is valid or invalid for the function information storage unit, high or low speed for the printing speed storage unit, and a value within 0 to 9999 lux for the illuminance storage unit. Which value is to be the initial value is determined by the request of the delivery destination of the printing apparatus 10.

  Further, in the printing speed setting conversion information 14c, when the information in the normal printing speed information 13c and the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e is high speed, it is 22 sheets per minute, and when the information is low speed, it is 12 per minute. It is defined so as to obtain a set value at which the printing mechanism unit 17 operates at the printing speed of the sheet. As a result, it is possible to set the printing speed of 22 sheets per minute when the printing speed content is high and 12 printing speeds per minute when the printing speed is low.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 10 in the present embodiment will be described. First, processing steps executed by the printing apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating processing steps of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the processing steps executed by the printing apparatus 10 are divided into a user setting step and a print processing step, as shown in FIG. 15, and the print processing step is further a print data reception step, an illuminance measurement step, and a detection step. The process is divided into a process, a print setting process, a print data editing process, and a printing process.

  First, in the user setting step, the setting of the printing speed when performing normal printing, the setting of the printing speed to be applied when the illuminance to the printing apparatus 10 falls below a specific value, and the illuminance used for determining the application of the printing speed And enable / disable of the function itself that sets the print speed when the illuminance exceeds a specified value.

  In the print data receiving step of the print processing step, it is determined that the print data has been sent from the printing apparatus 10, and the print data is received. In the illuminance measurement step, the illuminance is measured.

  Next, in the detection step, the printing speed is determined based on the information of the user setting step and the illuminance measurement step. In the print setting step, the print speed setting is performed in the print mechanism unit 17 in order to apply the print speed designation detected in the detection step to the actual print speed.

  In the print data editing step, the received print data is converted into a data format that can be printed by the printing mechanism unit 17. Further, in the printing process, printing is performed by passing printable data to the printing mechanism unit 17.

  Next, an operation when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on will be described. In the description, a part enclosed by “” indicates an area secured in the RAM unit 13 or the ROM part 14, and a part enclosed by “” indicates a parameter set in the region.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation at power-on of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When the power is turned on, the printing apparatus 10 first reads the RAM area information 14e from the ROM section 14. Subsequently, the area of the RAM section 13 is secured based on the read RAM section area information 14e. In this case, areas of “print data reception buffer 13a”, “print data editing buffer 13b”, “normal print speed information 13c”, and “print speed designation illuminance information 13e” are secured.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 reads the RAM unit initial value information 14 f from the ROM unit 14. Then, initial values are stored in the “normal printing speed information 13c” and the “printing speed designation illuminance information 13e” secured in the RAM unit 13, and the process is terminated. In this embodiment, “low speed” is stored in “normal printing speed information 13c”, “valid” is stored in “functional information storage” in “printing speed specifying illuminance information 13e”, and “printing speed specification” It is assumed that “high speed” is stored in the “printing speed storage unit” in the “illuminance information 13e”, and “0000” lux is stored in the “illuminance storage unit” in the “printing speed designation illuminance information 13e”.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S51: The RAM part area information 14e is read from the ROM part 14.
Step S52: The area of the RAM unit 13 is secured.
Step S53 The RAM unit initial value information 14f is read from the ROM unit 14.
Step S54: The initial values of the normal printing speed information 13c and the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e secured in the RAM unit 13 are stored, and the process is terminated.

  Next, the operation for setting the normal printing speed will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the message display device of the operation panel unit when setting the normal printing speed in the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation for setting a normal printing speed in FIG.

  First, the printing apparatus 10 displays a message prompting the user to select a printing speed to be applied to normal printing on the message display device of the operation panel unit 15. Then, the screen of the message display device shifts to a “low speed” or “high speed” selection screen in order to set the normal printing speed. The user selects “low speed” or “high speed” from the normal print speed setting screen, and selects either “high speed” or “low speed”. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “low speed” is selected. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores the input information in the normal printing speed unit in the RAM area. That is, the determined setting is stored in the “normal printing speed information 13 c” area secured in the RAM unit 13. When the input of the normal printing speed is completed, the setting screen is ended. Here, if the ROM unit 14 is rewritable, such as a flash memory, the “RAM unit initial value information 14 f of the ROM unit 14 is set so that the same setting is made even after the printing apparatus 10 is turned on again. May be rewritten.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S61: A message prompting the user to select a printing speed to be applied to normal printing is displayed from the operation panel unit 15.
Step S62: Select either “high speed” or “low speed” for the printing speed.
Step S63: The input information is stored in the normal printing speed section in the RAM area, and the process is terminated.

  Next, an operation for setting the printing speed designation illuminance will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the message display device of the operation panel unit when setting the printing speed designation illuminance according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which sets the printing speed designation | designated illumination intensity in a form.

  First, the printing apparatus 10 displays a selection screen for enabling or disabling the function of the printing speed designation illuminance on the message display device of the operation panel unit 15. Then, the screen of the message display device shifts to a selection screen for determining whether to enable or disable the function for specifying the printing speed illuminance. The user selects either “enable” or “disable” the function. Here, “valid” is selected to enable the print speed designation illuminance function, and “invalid” is selected to disable it. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “valid” is selected. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 19A is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores valid / invalid information of the input function in a predetermined area of the RAM unit 13. That is, the printing speed setting determined by the user is stored in the “function information storage unit” in the “printing speed designation illuminance information 13 e” area secured in the RAM unit 13. Then, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not “valid” is selected.Here, when “valid” is not selected, that is, when information indicating “invalid” is stored, the printing apparatus 10 The setting process is terminated without performing the subsequent settings.

  In addition, when “valid” is selected in the function selection display of the printing speed designation illuminance, the display shifts to the printing speed selection display. Then, the printing apparatus 10 displays a message prompting the user to select a printing speed desired to be applied to the illuminance on the message display device of the operation panel unit 15. The user selects either “high speed” or “low speed” for the printing speed. Then, “High speed” is selected to increase the printing speed, and “Low speed” is selected to decrease the printing speed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that “high speed” is selected. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 19B is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores the input information in the printing speed storage unit of the printing speed designation illuminance information 13 e in the area of the RAM unit 13. That is, the printing speed setting determined by the user is stored in the “printing speed storage unit” in the “printing speed designation illuminance information 13 e” area secured in the RAM unit 13.

  After the printing speed is determined by the printing speed setting display, the display shifts to an illuminance input waiting display for enabling the printing speed. In this case, the printing apparatus 10 displays a message that prompts the message display device of the operation panel unit 15 to input an upper limit value of illuminance to be printed at the designated printing speed. Then, a message as shown in FIG. 19C is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the user inputs illuminance. A value in the range of 0 to 9999 is input as the illuminance. Note that the input unit is lux, and the printing speed designation is valid when the illuminance at the start of printing is less than or equal to this illuminance input value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that “0100” lux is input. In this case, a message as shown in FIG. 19D is displayed on the screen of the message display device.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 stores the input information in the illuminance storage unit of the printing speed designation illuminance information 13 e in the area of the RAM unit 13. That is, the “illuminance” determined by the user is stored in the “illuminance storage unit” in the “print speed designation illuminance information 13 e” area secured in the RAM unit 13. Thus, when the input of “illuminance” is completed on the illuminance setting display, the setting screen is terminated. If the ROM unit 14 is a rewritable one such as a flash memory, the “RAM unit initial value information 14f” of the ROM unit 14 is set so that the same setting is made even after the printing apparatus 10 is turned on again. You may rewrite it.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S71 A selection screen for enabling or disabling the function of the printing speed designation illuminance is displayed from the operation panel unit 15.
Step S72 Select either “valid” or “invalid” for the function.
Step S73: Valid / invalid information of the input function is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM unit 13.
Step S74: It is determined whether or not “valid” is selected. If “valid” is selected, the process proceeds to step S75. If “valid” is not selected, the process ends.
Step S75: A message prompting the user to select a printing speed to be applied to the illuminance is displayed.
Step S76 Select either “high speed” or “low speed” as the printing speed.
Step S77: The inputted information is stored in the printing speed storage section of the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e in the area of the RAM section 13.
Step S78: A message prompting the user to input the upper limit of the illuminance desired to be printed at the designated printing speed is displayed.
Step S79 Input the illuminance.
Step S80: The input information is stored in the illuminance storage section of the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e in the area of the RAM section 13, and the process is terminated.

  Next, an operation for printing the received print data will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation for printing the received print data according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the printing apparatus 10 monitors whether print data is sent from the host PC 20 via the interface unit 11. That is, it is repeatedly determined whether or not reception of print data is started, and reception of print data from the host PC 20 is awaited. When the printing apparatus 10 determines that it has started receiving print data, that is, when it detects that print data has been sent from the host PC 20, it starts accumulating in the print data reception buffer 13a.

  Subsequently, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the function of the printing speed designation illuminance is valid. In this case, the “function information” stored in the “printing speed designation illuminance information 13e” of the RAM unit 13 is read, and it is determined whether or not it is set to “valid”. When the function of the printing speed designated illuminance is valid, that is, when the “function information” is set to “valid”, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the current illuminance is equal to or less than the set illuminance. to decide. In this case, the “illuminance” stored in the “illuminance storage unit” in the “print speed designation illuminance information 13 e” of the RAM unit 13 is read, and the current illuminance calculated from the photodiode current of the illuminance measurement unit 19 To determine whether or not the current illuminance is lower than the value stored in the “illuminance storage unit” in the “print speed designation illuminance information 13e” of the RAM unit 13. In the present embodiment, the current illuminance is 50 lux, and the setting is “0100” lux.

  Subsequently, when the current illuminance is less than or equal to the set illuminance, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the printing speed in the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e is low. When the printing speed is low, the printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “low speed”. If the printing speed is not low, the printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “high speed”. Here, the printing apparatus 10 reads the “printing speed” in the “printing speed designation illuminance information 13 e” in the RAM unit 13 and collates the information with the “printing speed setting conversion information 14 c” in the ROM unit 14. The printing speed setting for the printing mechanism unit obtained by the above is set in the printing mechanism unit 17. Thereby, when the “printing speed” in the “printing speed designation illuminance information 13e” in the RAM unit 13 is “high speed”, for example, when the printing speed is 22 sheets per minute and “low speed”, For example, the printing speed is 12 sheets per minute.

  In addition, when it is determined whether the function of the printing speed designated illuminance is valid or invalid, that is, the “function information” stored in the “printing speed designated illuminance information 13e” of the RAM unit 13 is “ When “invalid” is set, and when the current illuminance is not less than the set illuminance by determining whether or not the current illuminance is less than the set illuminance, that is, the current illuminance read from the illuminance measurement unit 19 is the RAM unit 13 is higher than the “illuminance” stored in the “printing speed specifying illuminance information 13e”, the printing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the printing speed of the normal printing speed setting is high. When the printing speed is low, the printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “low speed”. If the printing speed is not low, the printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “high speed”. In this case, the printing apparatus 10 reads the “printing speed” in the “normal printing speed information 13 c” in the RAM unit 13 and collates the information with the “printing speed setting conversion information 14 c” in the ROM unit 14. The acquired printing speed setting for the printing mechanism unit is set in the printing mechanism unit 17. Thus, when the “printing speed” in the “normal printing speed information 13c” in the RAM unit 13 is “high speed”, for example, when the printing speed is 22 sheets per minute and “low speed”, for example, The printing speed is 12 sheets per minute.

  After setting the printing speed in the printing mechanism unit 17, the printing apparatus 10 edits the contents of the accumulated “print data reception buffer 13 a” on the “print data editing buffer 13 b”. Subsequently, the printing mechanism unit 17 prints the data in the “print data editing buffer 13b” at the designated printing speed, and the process is terminated. In this case, the data stored in the print data reception buffer 13a is appropriately taken out to the print data editing buffer 13b, converted into data printable by the print hardware in the print mechanism unit 17, and then sent to the print mechanism unit 17. Print by passing.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S81: It is determined whether or not reception of print data is started. If the reception of print data is started, the process proceeds to step S82. If the reception of print data is not started, the reception of the print data is waited.
Step S82: Storage of received data in the “print data receiving buffer 13a” is started.
Step S83: It is determined whether the printing speed designation illuminance function is valid. If the function of printing speed designation illuminance is valid, the process proceeds to step S84. If the function of printing speed designation illuminance is not valid, the process proceeds to step S86.
Step S84: It is determined whether or not the current illuminance is less than or equal to the set illuminance. If the current illuminance is less than or equal to the set illuminance, the process proceeds to step S85, and if the current illuminance is higher than the set illuminance, the process proceeds to step S86.
Step S85: It is determined whether the printing speed in the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e is low. If the printing speed in the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e is low, the process proceeds to step S87. If the printing speed in the printing speed designation illuminance information 13e is not low, the process proceeds to step S88.
Step S86: It is determined whether or not the normal printing speed setting printing speed is high. If the normal printing speed setting is high, the process proceeds to step S88. If the normal printing speed setting is not high, the process proceeds to step S87.
Step S87: The printing speed of the printing mechanism unit 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “low speed”.
Step S88: The printing speed of the printing mechanism section 17 is set to a speed corresponding to “high speed”.
Step S89: The stored contents of the “print data receiving buffer 13a” are edited on the “print data editing buffer 13b”.
Step S90: The printing mechanism unit 17 prints the data in the “print data editing buffer 13b” at the designated printing speed, and the process ends.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the printing speed can be set according to the illuminance near the printing apparatus 10 in accordance with each user's request. Therefore, when not only the user of the printing apparatus 10 but also other workers exist near the printing apparatus 10, the noise of the printing apparatus 10 is set by setting the printing apparatus 10 to keep the printing speed low. Can be reduced, and discomfort to workers in the vicinity can be suppressed. That is, when not only the user of the printing apparatus 10 but also other workers are mixed in the vicinity of the printing apparatus 10, it is common to turn on the illumination so that the work is not hindered. When there is no worker in the vicinity of 10, the light is mostly turned off. Therefore, when the illuminance in the vicinity of the printing apparatus 10 is brighter than a certain level, by setting the printing speed of the printing apparatus 10 to be low, the noise of the printing apparatus 10 is reduced, and the discomfort to the workers in the vicinity is suppressed. Can do.

  Further, when there is an operator near the printing apparatus 10, even if a failure such as a jam occurs in the printing apparatus 10, it is possible to immediately eliminate the failure and restore the printing apparatus 10. If there is an operator and the illuminance near the printing apparatus 10 is brighter than a certain level, high-speed printing can be set. In other cases, low-speed printing can be set for the purpose of reducing the failure rate.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance information structure of the RAM part in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance information structure of the ROM part in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process of the printing apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at power-on of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which the message display apparatus of the operation panel part displays at the time of setting the normal printing speed in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation for setting a normal printing speed in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which the message display apparatus of the operation panel part displays at the time of setting the printing speed designation | designated time slot | zone in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which sets the printing speed designation | designated time slot | zone in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which prints the received print data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is supplementary explanatory drawing of the illumination intensity in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance information structure of the RAM part in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance information structure of the ROM part in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process of the printing apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention is turned on. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which the message display apparatus of the operation panel part displays at the time of setting the normal printing speed in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which sets the normal printing speed in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which the message display apparatus of the operation panel part displays at the time of setting the printing speed designation | designated illumination intensity in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which sets the printing speed designation | designated illumination intensity in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which prints the received print data in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing apparatus 12 CPU part 13 RAM part 14 ROM part 16 Time measuring part 17 Printing mechanism part 19 Illuminance measuring part

Claims (2)

(A) a time measuring unit for measuring time;
(B) a storage unit that stores a set time zone and a printing speed associated with the time zone;
(C) a printing mechanism that can change the printing speed;
(D) a print control unit that acquires a corresponding printing speed from the storage unit based on the time measured by the time measuring unit and the set time zone, and causes the printing mechanism unit to perform printing at the printing speed; A printing apparatus comprising: (A) an illuminance detector that detects illuminance;
(B) a storage unit that stores the set illuminance value and the printing speed associated with the illuminance value;
(C) a printing mechanism that can change the printing speed;
(D) a printing apparatus comprising: a printing control unit that acquires a printing speed corresponding to the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit from the storage unit, and causes the printing mechanism unit to perform printing at the printing speed. .

Images