JP2006281718A - Printing method of setting value, management method of setting value and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing method of setting values whereby the setting values printed to a printing medium can be simply and quickly input to a computer, and also printing of the setting values can be carried out by only a printer, and to provide a management method of setting values, and a printer. <P>SOLUTION: In the method of printing the setting value set to the printer 1, the setting value is printed by a reception step in which a receiving part 11 receives a printing command for printing the setting value from an operation part 5 of the printer 1, a conversion step in which a converting part 12 of the printer 1 converts the setting value stored in a flash ROM 7 to a two-dimensional code 42, and a printing step in which a printing part 17 prints the two-dimensional code 42 to a rolled sheet 30 upon receipt of the printing command. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing method for setting values set in a printing apparatus, a management method for setting values, and a printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, setting values, which are the contents of various settings set in a printing apparatus, are stored and managed in a computer connected to the printing apparatus. The method of printing the setting values for confirming or saving these setting values is as follows. First, a printing command is transmitted from the computer to the printing device, and then the printing device responds to the received printing command by printing media. In this method, a list of setting values is printed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-287930 A

  However, in the conventional technology, since a list of setting values is printed on a printing medium on a printing paper, when the setting values are statistically processed by a computer, it is necessary to input the setting values to the computer from a keyboard. It was. It takes a lot of time and labor to input a large number of set values. Further, in order to print the set value, the printing apparatus has to be connected to a computer.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention can easily and quickly input setting values printed on a print medium to a computer, and can print setting values only by a printing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a setting value management method and a printing apparatus.

  The setting value printing method of the present invention is a method for printing setting values set for a printing apparatus. In this printing method, the receiving unit of the printing apparatus receives a printing command for printing the setting value, the converting unit of the printing apparatus converts the setting value into a two-dimensional code, and the printing command is received. And a printing unit that prints the two-dimensional code on a printing medium.

  According to this setting value printing method, the receiving unit of the printing apparatus receives a print command for printing the setting value set for the printing apparatus, and then the conversion unit of the printing apparatus sets the setting value according to the printing command. Convert to 2D code. The two-dimensional code is a rectangular shape having information in the horizontal and vertical directions, and can have a lot of information in a small rectangular shape. After the setting value is converted into a two-dimensional code by the conversion unit, the printing unit prints the two-dimensional code on a print medium. If the setting value converted into the two-dimensional code is printed on the print medium, when the printed setting information is taken into a computer or the like, it can be easily and quickly taken in using a scanner or the like. Further, when comparing the print space, the two-dimensional code can greatly reduce the necessary print space compared to the case where various setting values are printed with characters, numbers, and the like.

  In this case, the method further includes a setting step for setting the setting value, and the setting step stores the setting value input from the host computer or the operation unit of the printing apparatus by the setting unit of the printing apparatus in the storage unit of the printing apparatus. It is preferable that it is a step to set.

  According to this method, the setting value printing method further includes the setting step for setting the setting value. The setting unit of the printing apparatus receives the setting value input from the host computer to which the printing apparatus is connected and sent to the printing apparatus, and stores the setting value in the storage unit of the printing apparatus and sets it. Thus, the setting value is stored by the printing apparatus itself, and test printing or the like according to the setting value of the printing apparatus alone becomes possible. Here, if the setting value is input from the operation unit of the printing apparatus, the setting value can be input and stored without being connected to the host computer, and the setting step can be executed regardless of the installation location of the printing apparatus. is there.

  The receiving step is preferably a step in which the receiving unit receives a print command input from the operation unit.

  According to this method, a print command received by the printing apparatus is input from the operation unit of the printing apparatus. When a print command is input from the operation unit, the setting value is directly input to the printing apparatus that prints the setting value, and it is troublesome to operate the host computer to select the printing apparatus and transmit the printing command to the selected printing apparatus. There will be no more.

  The conversion step is preferably a step in which the conversion unit converts the set value stored in the storage unit of the printing apparatus into a two-dimensional code.

  According to this method, the two-dimensional code printed by the printing apparatus is obtained by converting the setting value stored in the storage unit of the printing apparatus into a two-dimensional code by the conversion unit. Accordingly, the printing apparatus receives the print command, the conversion unit acquires the setting value from the storage unit, converts the setting value into a two-dimensional code, and prints the converted two-dimensional code. These series of steps can be executed only by the printing apparatus.

  The setting value preferably includes a setting value adjusted as necessary based on the test printing result by the printing apparatus.

  According to this method, in order to adjust a setting value that requires fine adjustment with respect to a design value, first, test printing based on the design value is performed by a printing apparatus. If adjustment is necessary based on the result of the test printing, an appropriate amount is adjusted. Examples of setting values corresponding to this include a top margin value, a side margin value, and an LR adjustment value. Note that the adjustment method can be adjusted only by the printing apparatus in addition to the method of adjusting from the host computer. In this case, necessary adjustments are input from the operation unit of the printing apparatus in response to the printing apparatus printing and inquiring about the printing medium.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the setting value to be printed includes a unique setting value for specifying the printing apparatus.

  According to this method, the setting value to be printed includes the setting value unique to the printing apparatus for specifying which printing apparatus the setting value belongs to. The unique setting value includes a model name of the printing apparatus, a serial number, and the like. By including the unique setting value, the corresponding printing apparatus can be easily identified.

  The setting value management method of the present invention is a method for managing setting values printed on a print medium by a two-dimensional code by a computer. This management method includes a step of taking in a setting value printed on a printing medium in a state converted into a two-dimensional code through a scanner connected to a computer, and a step of converting the taken-in two-dimensional code into an original setting value And a step of storing the setting value, a step of receiving a processing command for managing the setting value, and a step of processing the setting value according to the processing command.

  According to this setting value management method, in order to manage the setting values of the printing apparatus by the computer, first, the computer converts the setting values printed on the print medium in a state of being converted into a two-dimensional code to the computer. Capture via a scanner connected to the. Next, the captured two-dimensional code is converted to the original set value and stored in the computer. When a processing command for managing the setting value is received, the setting value is processed according to the processing command. By reading the two-dimensionally encoded setting values with a scanner and importing them into the computer, it is possible to input settings very quickly compared to inputting the setting values printed with letters and numbers into the computer from the keyboard. . For example, when a large amount of setting values are input in order to perform statistical data processing of setting values, etc., input can be performed in a short time, and the time is greatly reduced compared to keyboard input.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention can print the set value set for the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus receives a print command, a storage unit that stores a setting value, a receiving unit that receives a print command, a conversion unit that converts the set value into a two-dimensional code, an instruction unit that instructs the print command, And a printing unit for printing the two-dimensional code on a printing medium.

  According to this printing apparatus, setting values set for the printing apparatus can be printed, and the setting values to be printed are stored in the storage unit of the printing apparatus. When the printing apparatus receives a print command input from the host computer or the operation unit of the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus converts the setting value to be printed into a two-dimensional code before printing, and prints the two-dimensional code obtained by converting the setting value. Print to media. This two-dimensional code is a rectangular code that can hold a lot of information, and when setting information printed with the two-dimensional code is imported to a computer or the like, it is necessary to use a scanner or the like connected to the computer. It can be done easily and quickly. Also, the printing space by the two-dimensional code can be significantly reduced compared with the case where the same set value is printed with characters, numbers, or the like.

A setting value printing method, a setting value management method, and a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this case, the set value includes an adjustment value obtained by performing various margin adjustments for the printing apparatus to print the print target on the print medium according to a predetermined format. These setting values are printed and stored as setting values unique to the printing apparatus. When statistically processing the setting values including the adjustment values of each printing apparatus to grasp the adjustment tendency or the like, the printed setting values are taken into the computer and processed. An example of a method for printing setting values so that setting values can be easily captured at that time will be described.
(Embodiment)

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus 1 is normally used connected to a host computer 2. The printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 3 that controls the entire printing apparatus 1, a mechanism unit 4 that executes printing, and an operation unit 5 that inputs a print command and the like.

  The control unit 3 includes an input / output interface 6 that is connected to the host computer 2, a flash ROM 7 (storage unit) that stores setting values and firmware that controls the printing apparatus, and a print target that is input from the host computer 2. It has a RAM 8 for temporarily storing it and a CPU 9 for executing processing according to the firmware processing procedure stored in the flash ROM 7.

  The CPU 9 stores a setting value in the flash ROM 7 and sets it, a receiving unit 11 that receives an input from the operation unit 5 and a transmission from the host computer 2 via the input / output interface 6, and a setting value. It has a conversion unit 12 that converts it into a two-dimensional code that can be easily imported into a computer or the like, and an instruction unit 13 that instructs a print command. The control unit 3 further includes a mechanism control unit 14 that controls the mechanism unit 4. The input / output interface 6, the flash ROM 7, the RAM 8, the CPU 9, and the mechanism control unit 14 are connected to each other via a bus 15. .

  Further, the mechanism unit 4 includes a roll paper transport unit 16 that transports roll paper that is a printing medium, a printing unit 17 that performs printing on the roll paper, and a cutting unit 18 that automatically cuts the roll paper. Yes. According to the mechanism unit 4, when roll paper is set, the roll paper transport unit 16 operates to transport the roll paper to the printing unit 17, and predetermined printing is performed by the printing unit 17. After printing, the roll paper is sent to the cutting unit 18 to be cut and discharged from the printing apparatus 1. Note that printing by the printing unit 17 is an inkjet method in which ink is ejected from a head in a droplet state and printed. The droplets discharged onto the roll paper have a density of 350 dpi (350 droplets (dots) per inch).

  Next, the flash ROM 7 that stores setting values and firmware for controlling the printing apparatus will be described. FIG. 2 is a memory map diagram showing the memory configuration of the flash ROM. The flash ROM 7 is a non-volatile memory that can freely rewrite the stored contents and retain the stored contents even when the power is turned off.

  The configuration of the flash ROM 7 stores (stores) a boot area 20, which is a set of minimum programs necessary for initialization at power-on and rewriting of firmware, firmware 21, and a two-dimensional code conversion program 22. Main program area 23, setting value storage area 24 for storing setting values, CG data area 25 for storing fonts of characters to be printed, and other areas 26 including unused areas. .

  The minimum necessary programs stored in the boot area 20 are an initialization program at power-on, a program for mode determination, and a memory rewrite program for firmware rewriting. These are called boot programs.

  In the main program area 23, in addition to the standard firmware 21 written by the boot program, it is possible to add custom firmware, a sample firmware for trial use as a sample, and the like. Here, a two-dimensional code conversion program 22 for converting a set value written with letters or numbers into a two-dimensional code is stored. In accordance with the processing procedure of the two-dimensional code conversion program 22, the CPU 9 executes processing as the conversion unit 12.

  FIG. 3A is a data diagram illustrating a printing example of setting values of the printing apparatus, and FIG. 3B is a code diagram illustrating a printing example in which the setting values are converted into a two-dimensional code. Normally, the set value is printed in the set value printing area 31 of the roll paper 30 as shown in FIG. Firmware Version 32 writes the version of firmware 21 in the main program area 23, and Boot Version 33 writes the version of the boot program in the boot area 20.

  The Printer 34 is a data group for writing setting values unique to the printing apparatus. In the data group, for example, # 1 (manufacturer name), # 2 (model name), # 3 (serial number), and the like are described. Also, as items of adjustment values (Adjustment Value) in which the printing apparatus 1 has adjusted the setting values so as to perform printing according to a predetermined format, Head Rank 35, LR adjustment 36, Top Margin 37, Side Margin 38, There is. Hereinafter, the items of Adjustment Value will be described in the order of setting.

  Head Rank 35 is a unique data of the head that ejects ink attached to the printing apparatus 1 and can specify the head type, the operating voltage, and the like. Data attached to the head attached to the printing apparatus 1 is set as a setting value. This data has been adjusted as a single head.

  A top margin 37 sets a position where printing on the roll paper 30 is started. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing a top margin setting method. The explanatory diagram shows a test print result for adjusting the top margin 37. In this case, the top margin 37 is set to 2 mm. In other words, the print start position 37b is set at a position 2 mm apart from the head position 37a of the roll paper 30. The cueing position 37a corresponds to the leading end portion of the cut roll paper 30. When the roll paper 30 is not cut, the end position of the print target that has been previously printed corresponds to the cue position 37a. Note that the value of the top margin 37 written to the set value print area 31 is not 2 mm, but a top margin set value 37c described below.

  A method for setting the top margin setting value 37c will be described. The top margin setting value 37c is set by selecting the numbers assigned to the nine markers 43 that have been test-printed at intervals of 0.4233 mm. The number of the selected marker 43 is the top margin setting value 37c. In the test printing, the horizontal line of each marker 43 parallel to the head position 37a indicated by the horizontal line indicates that when the marker is selected, the position 2 mm from that position becomes the printing start position 37b. Therefore, if the marker 43 closest to the head position 37a is selected, a position 2 mm from the head position 37a can be set as the print start position 37b. Since the distance between the markers 43 is an adjustment amount in units of 6 droplets, the length is set to 0.4233 mm, which is the length of 6 dots.

  In the case of FIG. 4A, since the marker 43 of “6” is closest to the head position 37a, “6” is set as the top margin setting value 37c. As a result, Top Margin: 6 (6) is printed in the setting value printing area 31 of FIG. The numbers in parentheses are values called solid adjustment values corresponding to the top margin set value 37c, and are values for the control unit 3 used for position adjustment in the control unit 3. In this example, it is the same value as the top margin setting value 37c.

  Next, the side margin 38 will be described. The side margin 38 sets a printing launch position on the roll paper 30. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing a side margin setting method. The explanatory diagram shows a test print result for adjusting the side margin 38. In this case, the side margin 38 is set to 2 mm. That is, the position at a distance of 2 mm from the side end 38a of the roll paper 30 extending in the direction in which the roll paper 30 is conveyed is set as the launch position 38b. The launch position 38a is applied to both sides.

  In the case of the side margin 38, since it is affected by the moving speed (printing speed) of the head, it is necessary to set each according to the printing speed. In this case, High Speed Side Margin (High) and Normal Speed Side Margin (Norm) are set.

  The setting method of the side margin 38 is the same as that of the top margin 37, and is performed by selecting the numbers assigned to the seven markers 44 that have been test printed at intervals of 0.25 mm. The number of the selected marker 44 is the side margin setting value 38c. The vertical line of each marker 43 parallel to the side end 38a indicated by the vertical line in the test printing indicates that when the marker is selected, the position 2 mm from the position becomes the launch position 38b. Therefore, if the marker 44 closest to the side end 38a is selected, a position 2 mm from the side end 38a can be set as the launch position 38b.

  In the case of High Speed Side Margin in FIG. 4B, since the marker 44 of “4” is closest to the side end 38a, “4” is set as the side margin setting value 38c. As a result, Side Margin High: 4 (7499) is printed in the setting value printing area 31 of FIG. The numbers in parentheses are values called solid adjustment values corresponding to the side margin setting values 38c, and are values for the control unit 3 used for position adjustment in the control unit 3. Similarly, Side Margin Norm: 4 (14999) is set.

  Next, the LR adjustment 36 will be described. The LR adjustment 36 is a setting value for designating a print start position in the middle of movement when the head moves from the home position and prints on the roll paper 30. Printing is performed by designating a print start position so as to match the side margin 38. Therefore, the side margin 38 must be set before the LR adjustment 36. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an adjustment method of the LR adjustment 36. The explanatory diagram shows a test print result for adjusting the LR adjustment 36.

  The LR adjustment 36 sets High Speed (High) and Normal speed (Norm) in the same manner as the side margin 38. Further, in the LR adjustment 36, there are L <-R and L-> R, which are set in accordance with the moving direction of the head. One is a case of designating a print start position when the head starts moving from the home position, which is indicated by L <−R. The other one is a case where a print start position is specified when the head starts moving back to the home position, and is indicated by L-> R. FIG. 5 shows L-> R and Norm L-> R for High and Norm, respectively.

  The adjustment method of the LR adjustment 36 is performed by selecting a number assigned to the 34 markers 45 printed by test printing. The number of the selected marker 45 is the LR adjustment set value 36a. The setting in which the vertical lines of the upper and lower sides of the marker 45 are the best match indicates that the printing has started correctly in accordance with the side margin 38. Accordingly, the marker 45 whose vertical line is the most coincident is selected, and the number of the selected marker 45 becomes the LR adjustment setting value 36a.

  In the case of High L → R of the LR adjustment 36 in FIG. 5, the vertical line of the upper and lower lines most closely corresponds to the marker 45 of “18”, and therefore, “18” is set as the LR adjustment set value 36a. To do. As a result, High L → R: 18 (15882) is printed in the set value print area 31 of FIG. The number in parentheses is a value called a solid adjustment value corresponding to the LR adjustment set value 36a, and is a value for the control unit 3 used for position adjustment in the control unit 3. Similarly, Norm L-> R: 18 (31764), High L <-R: 5 (12816), and Norm L <-R: 5 (25816) are set.

  Also, Head Temp. 39 is described in the set value printing area 31 of FIG. Head Temp. 39 is the temperature of the head when test printing is performed. In the case of an ink jet head, the temperature is usually about 30 degrees Celsius. The assembly state of the head can be determined from the temperature at the time of printing. Head Temp. 39 is a value measured by the sensor of the printing unit 17 and stored as a set value in the set value storage area 24 of the flash ROM 7 by the setting unit 10. In the set value printing area 31, a USB ID 40, which is information acquired from a USB driver, is described in order to connect the printing apparatus 1 to a host computer or the like via USB. The USB ID 40 is a value stored as a set value in the set value storage area 24 in the same manner as Head Temp.

  Next, the two-dimensional code 42 shown in FIG. 3B is a code that retains all of the setting value information printed in the setting value printing area 31. The two-dimensional code 42 is a code obtained by converting setting value information into a code by the conversion unit 12 of the printing apparatus 1. The two-dimensional code 42 is a code having information in the two-dimensional directions of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and has a smaller area than the barcode, which is a one-dimensional code that is currently widely used. It can have several hundred times the amount of information. The two-dimensional code 42 can handle Chinese characters, Kana, English characters, numbers, and binary data, whereas the barcode can only handle English characters and numbers. Note that if the serial number display 41 of the printing apparatus 1 is provided, it can be visually confirmed which printing apparatus 1 the printing apparatus 1 belongs to.

  The printing of the various setting values described above is a format in which the character information in the setting value printing area 31 shown in FIG. 3A and the two-dimensional code 42 shown in FIG. By printing in this way, the set value can be confirmed visually, and when the set value is input to the computer for statistical management of the set value, the two-dimensional code 42 is quickly read by the scanner. It can be carried out. Compared to input from the keyboard, the time can be greatly reduced, and there is no input error.

  The setting value is printed by inputting a print command from the operation unit 5 of the printing apparatus 1 so that the conversion unit 12 converts the various setting values in the setting value storage area 24 of the flash ROM 7 and the various setting values into the two-dimensional code 42. The printing unit 17 prints the converted code. For this reason, printing of the setting value can be performed by the printing apparatus 1 alone without connecting the printing apparatus 1 to the host computer 2. There is no need for control to transmit data such as setting values stored in the printing apparatus 1 to the computer. Even the printing apparatus 1 that cannot transmit data to a computer (cannot perform bidirectional communication) can print set values.

  Next, regarding various setting values, a setting method, a printing method, and a management method for setting values in the printing apparatus 1 will be described based on flowcharts. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for storing and setting a set value, and shows a method for setting the set value. The setting values in this case are the LR adjustment setting value 36a, the top margin setting value 37c, and the side margin setting value 38c that are adjusted according to the result of the test printing. The flowchart is a flow in which the CPU 9 of the printing apparatus 1 stores the setting value input from the host computer 2 in the flash ROM 7 as the setting unit 10 and sets the setting value in the printing apparatus 1 as the setting value.

  In step S1, it is determined whether a test print command from the host computer 2 has been received. The test print command from the host computer 2 is received by the receiving unit via the input / output interface 6, and the setting information is received by the setting unit 10. If received, the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if not received, the process proceeds to step S3.

  Next, in step S2, execution of test printing is instructed to the mechanism control unit 14 via the instruction unit 13. After the instruction, the process proceeds to step S4.

  On the other hand, in step S3, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the test print command. If it has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1, while if it has elapsed, the flow ends.

  Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the numbers of appropriate markers 43, 44, and 45 selected based on the test print result have been received as set values. If the set value has not been received, the process proceeds to step S5. If the set value has been received, the process proceeds to step S6. Selection of the numbers of the markers 43, 44 and 45 is performed by the method shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 described above.

  If there is no reception, it is determined in step S5 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the set value. If it has not elapsed, the process returns to step S4, and if it has elapsed, the flow ends.

  Finally, in step S6, the received setting value is stored in the flash ROM (storage unit) 7 of the printing apparatus 1.

  In addition to setting the setting values to be adjusted according to the flowchart, the setting unit 10 also stores setting values such as Head Rank 35, which is an adjusted setting value, and Head Temp. 39, which is an actual measurement value, in the flash ROM 7 for setting. . The set value can be input not only from the host computer 2 but also from the operation unit 5 of the printing apparatus 1 having an input function.

  Next, a printing method for printing the two-dimensional code 42 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of converting the set value into a two-dimensional code and printing. In the flowchart, the CPU 9 of the printing apparatus 1 functions as the reception unit 11, the conversion unit 12, and the instruction unit 13 to print the two-dimensional code 42.

  In step S <b> 10, it is determined whether a print command is received from the operation unit 5 of the printing apparatus 1. If received, the process proceeds to step S11. If not received, the process proceeds to S12.

  Next, in step S11, it is determined whether the printing apparatus 1 is in a printable state. If it is in a printable state, the process proceeds to step S14, and if it is not printable, the process proceeds to step S13.

  Next, if a print command has not been received, it is determined in step S12 whether a predetermined time has passed without receiving a print command. If it has not elapsed, the process returns to step S10, and if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to S13.

  In step S13, a display indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed or that printing is not possible is instructed. Examples of the display method include a flashing display using an LED and an alarm using a buzzer sound. Then, the flow ends.

  Next, in step S <b> 14, the setting value stored in the flash ROM 7 is acquired from the flash ROM (storage unit) 7. The set values to be acquired are various set values shown in FIG.

  When the set value is acquired, the process proceeds to step S15, and the set value is converted into the two-dimensional code 42. In this conversion, the conversion unit 12 converts the set value according to the processing procedure of the two-dimensional code conversion program 22 in the flash ROM 7. After the conversion process, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the printing unit 17 is instructed to print the two-dimensional code 42 via the mechanism control unit 14, and the flow ends. The two-dimensional code 42 shown in FIG. 3B is printed by the above flow. Step S10 corresponds to a reception step, step S15 corresponds to a conversion step, and step S16 corresponds to a printing step.

  Next, a description will be given of a method in which the setting value written by the two-dimensional code printed by the printing apparatus 1 is taken into a computer and processed in order to manage the setting value by, for example, a statistical method. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process steps for utilizing the set values. In this case, the computer is not limited to the host computer 2 as long as a conversion program for converting the two-dimensional code into the set value of the original character data is installed.

  First, in step S20, the computer captures the two-dimensional code 42 via a scanner connected to the computer. Since the set values are two-dimensionally encoded, it is possible to instantly capture data of many set values. After capturing, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, the captured two-dimensional code 42 is converted into the original character data set value. This conversion is performed by a computer according to the processing procedure of the conversion program. After conversion, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the converted set value is stored in the storage unit of the computer. After storing, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, it is determined whether a signal notifying that the reading of the predetermined number of two-dimensional codes by the scanner has been received is received. If received, the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if not received, the process returns to step S20 to continue reading by the scanner. The notification of the end of reading is input by an operator from a computer keyboard or the like.

  Next, in step S24, it is determined whether or not a processing command for instructing a processing method for the fetched set value has been received. If a processing command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S25, and if received, the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S25, it is determined whether or not to end the process. Examples of the determination method include a method of performing end processing after waiting for a predetermined time, or a method of performing display for prompting input of end determination. If the process is to be terminated, the flow is terminated. If the process is not to be terminated, the process returns to step S24.

  Next, in step S26, the set value is processed according to the processing instruction. The processing instruction is designed by, for example, determining the standard deviation of the value of Head Temp. 39 to determine the assembly accuracy of the head, or grasping that the top margin of the printing apparatus 1 has a small tendency, for example. An instruction for obtaining an adjustment tendency of an adjusted set value such as the top margin set value 37c for feedback to manufacturing. After processing, the process proceeds to step S27.

  Next, in step S27, the processing result obtained by processing the set value is displayed. The processing result is displayed on the computer display. The display result can be confirmed by checking the display on the display. If a printing device is connected to the computer, it can also be printed and displayed. After the display, the process proceeds to step S28.

  Finally, in step S28, it is determined whether another processing command has been received. If received, the process returns to step S26 and continues. On the other hand, if not received, the flow ends.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above. Next, effects of the embodiment will be described together.

  (1) The set value set in the printing apparatus 1 is printed on the roll paper 30 by printing with characters, numbers, or the like and a two-dimensional code. When this printed setting information is taken into a computer or the like, if a two-dimensional code is used, it can be taken in easily and quickly using a scanner or the like. Moreover, since it is printed with letters and numbers and a two-dimensional code, visual confirmation can be performed at the same time.

  (2) The printing of the two-dimensional code is executed by inputting a print command from the operation unit 5 of the printing apparatus 1. The two-dimensional code printed by the printing apparatus 1 is obtained by converting the set value stored in the flash ROM 7 of the printing apparatus 1 into a two-dimensional code by the conversion unit 12. Therefore, the process from the input of the print command to the conversion to the two-dimensional code and the printing of the two-dimensional code can be executed only by the printing apparatus 1.

  (3) The printing apparatus 1 can perform test printing, and can finely adjust setting values based on the result of test printing. Since the setting value can be finely adjusted, the printing state of the printing apparatus 1 can be adjusted and set to an appropriate value so that it is as designed.

  (4) Since the setting value includes a setting value unique to the printing apparatus 1, it can be easily specified which printing apparatus 1 the setting value belongs to.

  (5) If the set value is printed with only a two-dimensional code, it is possible to greatly reduce the printing space as compared with the case where the set value is printed with characters, numbers, or the like.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications can be given.

  (Modification 1) The conversion of the setting value into the two-dimensional code is not executed in step S15, but when the setting value is stored in the storage unit in step S6, the setting value converted into the two-dimensional code is stored at the same time. May be. By doing so, the two-dimensional code can be quickly printed in step S16 after receiving the print command in step S10.

  (Modification 2) In step S4, the setting value received by the setting unit 10 is not an input from the host computer 2, but in response to a setting value input request that the printing apparatus 1 prints or displays on the display unit. Alternatively, a method of inputting a set value from the operation unit 5 may be used. If the setting value is input from the operation unit 5 in this manner, the steps S1 to S6 can be executed without being connected to the host computer 2, and the steps up to step S16 can also be executed by the printing apparatus 1 alone. is there.

  (Modification 3) The step of converting the two-dimensional code into the original set value in step S21 may be performed after step S23 in which all the two-dimensional codes have been imported. The capture step and the conversion step are not mixed, and the processing speed can be improved.

  (Modification 4) The printing of the two-dimensional code is not limited to printing on the roll paper 30 but may be printing on a cut sheet. A print medium can be selected.

  (Modification 5) The printing unit 17 may be not only an ink jet printing method but also a thermal printing method or an impact printing method. The selection of a printing apparatus to which the embodiment can be applied becomes wide.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus. The memory map figure which shows the memory structure of flash ROM. (A) Data diagram showing a print example of setting values of the printing apparatus. (B) The code figure which shows the example of printing which converted the setting value into the two-dimensional code. (A) Explanatory drawing which shows the setting method of a top margin. (B) Explanatory drawing which shows the setting method of a side margin. Explanatory drawing which shows the adjustment method of LR adjustment. The flowchart which shows the process which memorize | stores a setting value in a memory | storage part and sets. The flowchart which shows the process of converting a setting value into a two-dimensional code and printing. The flowchart which shows the process of the process for utilizing a setting value.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing apparatus, 3 ... Control part, 4 ... Mechanism part, 5 ... Operation part, 6 ... Input / output interface, 7 ... Flash ROM as a memory | storage part, 9 ... CPU, 10 ... Setting part, 11 ... Reception part, 12 ... Conversion unit, 13 ... Instruction unit, 14 ... Mechanism control unit, 20 ... Boot area, 21 ... Firmware, 22 ... Two-dimensional code conversion program, 23 ... Main program area, 24 ... Setting value storage area, 30 ... Roll paper , 31 ... setting value printing area, 32 ... firmware version, 33 ... boot version, 34 ... printer specific setting value, 35 ... head rank, 36 ... LR adjustment, 37 ... top margin, 38 ... side margin, 39 ... head Temperature, 40 ... USB ID, 42 ... Two-dimensional code of set value.

Claims (8)

A setting value printing method for printing setting values set for a printing apparatus,
A receiving step in which a receiving unit of the printing apparatus receives a print command for printing the set value;
A conversion step in which the conversion unit of the printing apparatus converts the set value into a two-dimensional code;
A setting value printing method, comprising: a printing step in which a printing unit receives the printing command and prints the two-dimensional code on a printing medium. In the setting value printing method according to claim 1,
A setting step for setting the setting value;
The setting step is a step in which the setting unit of the printing apparatus stores and sets the setting value input from a host computer or an operation unit of the printing apparatus in a storage unit of the printing apparatus. How to print setting values. In the setting value printing method according to claim 1 or 2,
The setting value printing method, wherein the receiving step is a step in which the receiving unit receives a print command input from the operation unit. In the setting value printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The conversion step is a setting value printing method in which the conversion unit converts the setting value stored in the storage unit of the printing apparatus into the two-dimensional code. In the setting value printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The setting value includes the setting value adjusted as necessary based on a test printing result by the printing apparatus. In the setting value printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A setting value printing method, wherein the setting value to be printed includes a unique setting value for specifying the printing apparatus. A setting value management method for managing a setting value printed by the setting value printing method according to claim 1 by a computer,
Capturing the setting value printed on the print medium in a state converted into the two-dimensional code via a scanner connected to the computer;
Converting the captured two-dimensional code into the original set value;
Storing the set value;
Receiving a processing instruction for managing the set value;
And a step of processing the set value in accordance with the processing command. A printing device capable of printing setting values set for a printing device,
A storage unit for storing the set value;
A receiving unit for receiving the print command;
A conversion unit for converting the set value into a two-dimensional code;
An instruction unit for instructing the print command;
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that receives the print command and prints the two-dimensional code on a print medium.

Images