JP2006289701A - Control method for printer, printer, and control program for printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely select a desired function by a simple and inexpensive constitution, through the use of a movable member provided in a printing mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: A function-selecting user interface of a printer is constituted by using the movable member in the printing mechanism, such as a linear encoder 405 for detecting a present position of an inkjet head 406. The inkjet head 406 can be moved via a carriage motor 305 and a belt 403, according to an operation by a user, so that the present position of the inkjet head 406, which is detected by the linear encoder 405, can be captured as function-selecting input information from the user. Control is performed so that a movement speed of the inkjet head 406 is lower during the selection of the function than during printing processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control method for a printer having an encoder means for detecting a current position of a movable member in a printing mechanism, a printer, and a control program for the printer.

  Conventionally, printing devices with extremely limited user interface resources such as display means and operation means, in particular, several LEDs having only functions such as lighting, blinking, and display color change as display means, and several as operation means As a user interface for selecting functions on a printing device that has only a single button (key), the user can select a function by selecting a long button press or pressing pattern and the number of LED blinks. It has been known. According to such a configuration, it is possible to select more functions than the number of buttons with a simple and inexpensive configuration using a small number of operation buttons.

On the other hand, a paper guide is used in many printing apparatuses in order to feed the paper in a proper posture to the position of the recording head of the printing apparatus. Some of these types of paper guides use a movable structure in order to adapt to a large number of paper sizes, and in order to prevent the occurrence of paper jams, the shape of the paper guide and the structure of the movable mechanism have been conventionally used. Various ideas have been proposed for (for example, Patent Document 1 below).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-068879

  Although the above-described LED and the configuration in which the function is selected by pressing the button can incorporate many functions while reducing the cost, on the other hand, the user intuitively selects what function at what time. If the number of items to be selected increases, it is necessary to count the number of blinking LEDs, and it is expected that the wrong function will be selected. Could not be used.

  To solve this problem, it is conceivable to use display means such as an LCD capable of menu selection. However, if the display means is changed from LED to LCD, the cost related to hardware will inevitably increase.

  In order to provide a user interface such as a menu system without making major changes to the hardware, movable members originally provided for other purposes (such as the paper guide and recording head described above) are shared as user interface means. However, in the past, such a configuration has not been considered.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and to make it possible to easily and surely select a desired function with a simple and inexpensive configuration by using a movable member provided in a printing mechanism.

  In order to solve the problem, in the present invention, in a control method of a printer having an encoder means for detecting a current position of a movable member in a printing mechanism, a printer, and a printer control program, the position of the movable member in accordance with a user operation And adopting a configuration including a function selection user interface that takes in the current position of the movable member detected by the encoder means as user function selection input information.

  According to the above configuration, there is no need to use an expensive display device with a large display area for the user interface, and it is used close to a menu system with a simple and inexpensive configuration using a movable member provided in the printing mechanism. It is possible to provide an excellent user interface capable of easily and surely selecting a desired function with a feeling.

  Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with respect to a function selection user interface in a printer including an encoder means for detecting a current position of a movable member in a printing mechanism.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a printing system employing the present invention. In the printing system of FIG. 1, a host computer 20 and a printer 40 are connected via a network 60, and a print job transmitted from the host computer 20 is printed by the printer 40.

  The host computer 20 has a CPU 21 that executes processing of a document in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets) and the like are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 23. The CPU 21 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 24. The ROM 23 stores an operating program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program executed by the CPU 21.

  The RAM 22 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 21. A keyboard controller (KBC) 25 controls key input from a keyboard 29 or a pointing device (not shown). A CRT controller (CRTC) 26 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 30. A disk controller (DKC) 27 controls access to an external memory 31 such as a hard disk (HD) or a flexible disk (FD). The external memory 31 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, a character image data generation program, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver), and the like.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes a printer controller (PRTC). The printer controller (PRTC) 28 is connected to the printer via a predetermined bidirectional interface and executes communication control processing with the printer. In this embodiment, the network controller (NETC) 32 executes communication control processing with the printer 40 and other computers connected to the network 60 such as a LAN via a predetermined bidirectional interface.

  On the other hand, the printer 40 has a printer CPU 42 and outputs to a printing unit (printer engine) 47 via a printing unit interface (I / F) 46 connected to the system bus 45 based on a control program stored in the ROM 43. An image signal as information is output.

  The ROM 43 stores a control program executed by the CPU 42 and the like. The CPU 42 can communicate with the host computer 20 via the input unit 48 and notifies the host computer 20 of information in the printer. In the present embodiment, communication processing can be performed from the input unit 48 to the host computer 20, another computer, or another printer connected to the network 60 such as a LAN via a predetermined bidirectional interface.

  The RAM 49 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 42. The external memory 44 is an IC card or the like, and access control is performed by a memory controller (MC) 50. The EEPROM 51 is provided as a non-volatile ROM that can retain the stored contents even when the printer 40 is powered off.

  Further, the operation unit 41 of the printer 40 is provided with a switch for operation on the operation panel, an LED as a display, and the like, and printer mode setting information is stored in the external memory 44 or the EEPROM 51 using the operation unit 41. Can be stored.

  Although FIG. 1 assumes a network-connected printer 40, the present invention is not limited to the connection interface between the host computer 20 and the printer 40, and the host computer 20 and the printer 40 are printer I / O such as IEEE1284. It can also be implemented in a system that is directly connected via F or USB.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the linear encoder 201 and the encoder sensor 202 used in this embodiment. The encoder sensor 202 can be composed of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like. However, when an optical sensor composed of a light emitting part and a light receiving part is used, the number of passes through openings arranged at equal intervals in the linear encoder 201 is detected. Thus, the relative positions of the linear encoder 201 and the encoder sensor 202 are detected. In this embodiment, the position of these members is detected by interlocking the encoder sensor 202 with a recording head, a paper guide or a function selection bar as will be described later.

  FIG. 3 shows the structure of the control system of the printer 40 in more detail. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are used for members corresponding to those in FIG. In FIG. 3, the CPU 42 executes control processing and data processing of the operation of each part of the printing apparatus. The ROM 43 stores the processing procedure and the like, and the RAM 49 is used as a work area for executing the above processing. The EEPROM 51 (or the external memory 44 described above) stores setting information necessary for the printing operation.

  The print head 309 is, for example, an ink jet print head (406 in FIG. 4) that forms recording dots by ink ejection. In the ink ejection operation, the CPU 42 sends drive data and drive control signals of the electrothermal transducer to the head driver 308. This is done by supplying (in the case of a heat generation method). Thus, film boiling occurs in the ink due to the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal converter of the print head 309, and the ink is ejected from the ejection port. Note that an EEPROM 310 is also provided in the print head 309 of the present embodiment so that setting information regarding the print head 309 can be stored. The setting information of the EEPROM 310 is retained even when the print head 309 is removed.

  Further, the CPU 42 controls the driving of the print head 309 while controlling the carriage motor 305 for moving the carriage and the paper feed motor 307 for rotating the roller unit via the motor drivers 304 and 306, respectively. Thus, the print output is controlled.

  The motor drivers 304 and 306 and the head driver 308 constitute the printing unit I / F 46 in FIG. 1, and the carriage motor 305, the paper feed motor 307, and the print head 309 constitute the printing unit 47 in FIG.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows a schematic configuration of the recording mechanism of the printer 40. Here, the configuration of an inkjet printer is illustrated.

  In FIG. 4, an inkjet head 406 corresponds to the print head 309 in FIG. 3, and a plurality of nozzles 407 to 410 are mounted, and each nozzle has an ink discharge port for discharging ink at a predetermined pitch. There are multiple arrays.

  The nozzles 407 to 410 are nozzles for ejecting black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) ink, respectively. Each nozzle is configured integrally with an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to the corresponding head, and the ink cartridge having the integrated configuration is detachably mounted on the inkjet head 406. Of course, the configuration of the head and the ink tank is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure. For example, the head and the ink tank may be separate from each other, and each may be detachable from the carriage.

  The inkjet head 406 is driven to scan left and right by the driving force of the carriage motor 305 transmitted through the belt 403. On the other hand, a control signal such as a print image signal for each head is sent from the head driver (308 in FIG. 3) via the flexible cable 404.

  Each color head scans (main scans) the print medium 401 by the scanning of the inkjet head 406, and ink is ejected according to the print image signal during this scan, and recording is performed on the print medium 401.

  As the print medium 401, plain paper, high-quality print dedicated paper, an OHP sheet, glossy paper, glossy film, postcard, and the like can be used.

  The print medium 401 is intermittently conveyed downward by a predetermined amount during the above-described head scanning by a conveyance roller and a discharge roller (not shown). A conveyance roller and a paper discharge roller (not shown) are rotationally driven by a driving force of a conveyance motor transmitted through a predetermined transmission mechanism, and thereby a recording sub-scan is performed.

  The scanning position of the inkjet head 406 is detected by a linear encoder 405. Based on this detection signal, for example, the ejection timing of each head is controlled. As the linear encoder 405, the linear encoder 201 shown in FIG. 2 can be used. In this case, the encoder sensor 202 is attached to the lower part of the inkjet head 406 or the like.

  In this embodiment, a linear encoder 405 (201) is used to configure a user interface for selecting a printer function.

  In the configuration of FIG. 4, the linear encoder 405 is configured to detect the position of the inkjet head 406, so that the operation unit 41 can be complicated if the user's operation input can be captured via the position of the inkjet head. An easy-to-understand user interface can be configured.

  For this purpose, a configuration as shown in FIG. 5 is conceivable. Reference numerals 501 to 504 denote areas for selecting each function. For example, the areas 501 to 504 are formed by marking or the like on the exterior of the printer in the vicinity of the scanning range of the inkjet head (or a function selection sheet as described below may be used). ). In the function selection areas 501 to 504, function displays of “function 1” to “function 4” are attached, and the functions that can be selected by the user are easily displayed. Note that examples of functions that can be selected in the present invention will be described later.

  The lower part of FIG. 5 shows a configuration example necessary for the operation unit 41 in the method of FIG. 5. Here, the function button 411, the left arrow key 412, the right arrow key 413, the selection button 414, and the display LED 415 are displayed. Is provided.

  In the configuration of FIG. 5, the printer can be shifted to the function selection state by pressing the function button 411. Reference numeral 505 indicates the position of the inkjet head (406 in FIG. 4). By pressing the left arrow key 412 or the right arrow key 413, the carriage motor (305 in FIGS. 3 and 4) causes the inkjet head (FIG. 4). 406) is moved left and right along the function selection areas 501 to 504. At this time, in order to give the user sufficient time for discrimination, the moving speed of the ink jet head is controlled to be slower than the moving speed in the actual printing process.

  The user confirms the movement of the head position 505, and presses the selection button 414 when the head position 505 comes to one of the function selection areas 501 to 504 that the user desires to select. As a result, functions assigned in advance to the function selection areas 501 to 504 are selected.

  Note that if the selection button 414 is pressed near the boundary of the function selection areas 501 to 504 (the one-dot chain line in FIG. 5) and it is unclear which function the user has selected, the function is executed as a selection error. Do not do. In this way, the user can be surely selected a function.

  FIG. 8 shows a processing procedure for realizing the function selection user interface. 8 is stored in the ROM 43 as a control program for the CPU. Step S801 in FIG. 8 is detection of pressing of the function button 411. When the function button 411 is pressed, the subsequent function selection is executed.

  In step S802, when the key / button operation of the operation unit 41 is detected and the left and right arrow keys 412 or 413 are operated, in step S803, the carriage motor (305 in FIGS. 3 and 4) performs the inkjet head (in FIG. 4). 406) is moved left and right along the function selection areas 501 to 504.

  If the selection button 414 is operated in step S802, it is determined in step S804 whether or not the selection button 414 is pressed near the boundary between the function selection areas 501 to 504.

  If step S804 is positive, an error display is performed in step S806. Error display is performed by blinking the LED 415 or changing the display color. Here, for example, about several millimeters on both sides of the position indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 5 is set as an invalid input area, and if it is detected that the selection button 414 is pressed by the linear encoder within this range, error processing is performed.

  In step S806, or in addition, the user may be prompted to press the selection button at a position where the function selected by voice output or the like is known. Thereby, it can control reliably so that the wrong operation which a user does not intend is performed.

  On the other hand, if step S804 is negative, the head position when the selection button 414 is pressed is identified by checking the output of the linear encoder, and the function selection area 501 to 504 is specified. The functions assigned in advance to the selection areas 501 to 504 are executed.

  With the configuration as described above, the inkjet head is moved along the function selection areas 501 to 504 and stopped at the function selection areas 501 to 504 corresponding to the desired function, so that the functions assigned in advance to the function selection areas Can be executed.

  According to this embodiment, unlike the conventional ambiguous user interface based on the number of blinking LEDs, it is possible to provide an easy-to-understand function selection user interface that is almost the same as a user interface using a menu display. An excellent function selection user interface capable of selecting a larger number of functions can be realized with a simple and inexpensive configuration without requiring a display with a large display area.

  In this embodiment, the linear encoder that detects the position of the paper guide may be shared with the head that detects the position of the head, or a different dedicated encoder may be used.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the user's function selection operation is detected by the linear encoder that detects the position of the print head has been described. However, the function selection user interface can also be configured using a paper guide as follows.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of a function selection user interface using a paper guide. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 605 denotes a paper guide, and this paper guide 605 is moved to a position suitable for the paper size as a print medium (401 in FIG. 4) manually (or may be configured to be moved electrically). This is for controlling the conveying posture of the sheet as the print medium by guiding the side edges.

  The function selection areas 601 to 604 are formed by, for example, marking the exterior of the printer near the moving range of the paper guide 605 or the like, or using function selection paper as described below.

  In addition, a portion of the paper guide 605 that normally guides the side edge of the paper may be detachable, and the movement along the function selection areas 601 to 604 may be performed in this state. In this manner, if the portion of the paper guide 605 that guides the side edge of the paper can be removed, the paper guide 605 can be freely moved, particularly when a function selection paper as described later is used.

  In this embodiment, since the paper guide 605 is moved to any one of the function selection areas 601 to 604 to cause the user to select a function, the encoder sensor (202 in FIG. 2) is linked to the paper guide 605 to The current position of the guide 605 can be detected. Also in this embodiment, similarly to the selection by the head of the first embodiment, an area that causes a selection error is provided in the case where it is ambiguous which function the user has selected near the boundary, and the user has surely selected it. Make sure that the function can be executed.

  The configuration required for the operation unit 41 is as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, and when moving the paper guide 605 manually, the left and right arrow keys 412 or 413 are not necessary. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. The overall configuration of the printer is the same as that shown in FIGS.

  The control program of the CPU 42 can be implemented in substantially the same manner as that shown in FIG.

  However, the detection of the operation of the function button 411 in step S801 in FIG. Accordingly, the function selection mode can be easily entered by removing the portion of the paper guide 605 that guides the side edge of the paper as the print medium.

  Further, steps S802 and S803 in FIG. 8 are not necessary in the configuration in which the paper guide 605 is manually moved. Furthermore, the position detection target in steps S804 and S805 is of course the position of the paper guide 605 in this embodiment.

  With the configuration described above, the paper guide 605 is moved along the function selection areas 601 to 604 and stopped at the function selection areas 601 to 604 corresponding to the desired function, so that the function selection areas are assigned in advance. The function can be executed.

  Also in this embodiment, unlike the conventional ambiguous user interface based on the number of blinking LEDs, it is possible to provide an easy-to-understand function selection user interface that is almost the same as a user interface using a menu display. Therefore, an excellent function selection user interface capable of selecting a larger number of functions can be realized with a simple and inexpensive configuration without requiring a large display.

  In the above, the configuration in which the position of the print head or the paper guide is detected by the linear encoder and the user's function selection operation is detected has been described. However, the function selection user interface is configured using a dedicated function selection bar as follows. You can also. Even in such a configuration, what is required as a dedicated hardware component is approximately the function selection bar, and does not require a large manufacturing cost.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a function selection user interface using the function selection bar. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 705 denotes a function selection bar. An encoder sensor (202 in FIG. 2) is arranged on the function selection bar 705, and a linear encoder for detecting the head position (or a linear encoder dedicated to the function selection bar 705). The function selection bar 705 can be detected to which of the function selection areas 701 to 704 has moved.

  The configuration of the operation unit 41 is the same as that of FIG.

  In this embodiment, the function selection areas 701 to 704 are configured by function selection sheets 706. The function selection areas 701 to 704 are printed with function displays (“function 1” to “function 4”) as shown in the figure on the function selection sheet 706, and are shipped with the printer or recorded and output by the printer itself. . The material of the function selection sheet 706 may be plastic other than paper.

  Furthermore, in this case, the user can select more function selections 707 to 710 by replacing the function selection sheet 706 with a function selection sheet 711 as shown in the lower part of FIG. In a configuration in which any one of a plurality of function selection sheets can be used, the function selection sheet is distinguished by determining the sheet type by a media sensor capable of detecting the sheet type, and selecting a function selection group. There are various methods such as a method for determining whether or not the paper is placed, a method for determining the type by providing a cut in the paper, and using a barcode.

  Further, the number of function keys 411 on the operation unit 41 is set to a number corresponding to the type of function selection sheet, and the user can select which function selection sheet is used depending on which function key 411 is pressed. Good. Further, the function selection sheet loaded by the user may be designated by the number of times the function key 411 is pressed.

  As described above, the function selection sheets 706, 711... Can be used for configuring the function selection area in each of the above-described embodiments.

  In the case of selection by the function selection bar 705 of this embodiment, a selection error occurs in preparation for the case where it is ambiguous which user has selected near the boundary of the function selection area, as in the above embodiments. An area is provided so that the function selected by the user can be executed.

  The control program of the CPU 42 can be configured substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 8 by making almost the same changes as those in the second embodiment. It goes without saying that the position detection target in step S804 or S805 is the position of the function selection bar 705 in this embodiment.

  With the configuration described above, the function selection bar is moved along the function selection areas 701 to 704 (or 707 to 710) and stopped at the function selection areas 701 to 704 (or 707 to 710) corresponding to the desired function. As a result, a function assigned in advance to the function selection area can be executed.

  Also in this embodiment, unlike the conventional ambiguous user interface based on the number of blinking LEDs, it is possible to provide an easy-to-understand function selection user interface that is almost the same as a user interface using a menu display. Thus, an excellent function selection user interface capable of selecting a larger number of functions can be realized with a simple and inexpensive configuration without requiring a large display. Further, according to the configuration using the function selection sheet as in the present embodiment, more functions can be selected.

  Even when the function selection bar 705 is used as in the present embodiment, the function selection areas 701 to 704 are marked on the exterior of the printer in the vicinity of the movement range of the function selection bar 705 as in the above-described embodiment. It may be formed.

  In the first to third embodiments, examples of functions that can be selected are not specifically described. However, if the functions can be implemented by a printer, the function selection user interface of the present invention can perform printing control or function setting, It can be used for selecting various functions such as mode selection. The function selection user interface of the present invention includes, for example, selection of print quality, selection of interface for connection with paper and a host device, selection of color mode, selection of direct print mode from a digital camera, selection of emulation mode, etc. It can be used for function selection.

  The present invention can be applied to a printer having encoder means for detecting the current position of a movable member in a printing mechanism. The control program of the present invention can be supplied from various external storage media (CDROM, flexible disk, etc.) to the host device, or can be supplied directly from any server to these devices via a network.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system that employs the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the linear encoder used with the printer of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the printer in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing mechanism of the printer of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a function selection user interface of the printer of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a different configuration of a function selection user interface of the printer of FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure from which the function selection user interface of the printer of FIG. 1 further differs. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a function selection user interface of the printer of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

20 Host computer 21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
25 Keyboard Controller 26 CRT Controller 27 Disk Controller 28 Printer Controller 29 Keyboard 30 CRT Display 31 External Memory 32 Network Controller 40 Printer 41 Operation Unit 42 CPU
43 ROM
44 External memory 45 System bus 46 Printing section interface (I / F)
47 Printing Department (Printer Engine)
48 Input section 49 RAM
50 Memory controller (MC)
51 EEPROM
60 Network 201 Linear encoder 202 Encoder sensor 304, 306 Motor driver 305 Carriage motor 307 Paper feed motor 308 Head driver 309 Print head 310 EEPROM
401 Print medium 403 Belt 404 Flexible cable 405 Linear encoder 406 Inkjet head 407 to 410 Nozzle 411 Function button 412 Left arrow key 413 Right arrow key 414 Select button 415 LED
706 Function selection paper

Claims (11)

In a printer control method having an encoder means for detecting a current position of a movable member in a printing mechanism,
Change the position of the movable member in response to a user operation,
A printer control method comprising: a function selection user interface that takes in a current position of the movable member detected by the encoder means as user function selection input information.   2. The printer control method according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is a print head.   The printer control method according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is a guide member that controls a conveyance posture of a print medium.   4. The printer control method according to claim 3, wherein the function selection user interface is activated by removing a portion of the guide member that guides a side edge of a print medium.   2. The printer control method according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is a function selection bar.   The printer control method according to claim 1, wherein a function display of a selected function is performed by a display provided on an exterior of the apparatus along a movable range of the movable member.   2. The printer control method according to claim 1, wherein a function display of a function to be selected is displayed by a display arranged on a function selection sheet as a print medium that is transported along the movable range of the movable member and is replaceable. A method for controlling a printer.   2. The printer control method according to claim 1, wherein when the current position of the movable member is at a boundary portion of a function range to be selected, no function is selected. Method.   2. The printer control method according to claim 1, wherein when the movable member is moved by a driving unit that operates according to a user operation, the moving speed of the movable member is controlled to be slower than the moving speed in a printing process. A printer control method.   A printer comprising: configuration hardware that operates to implement the printer control method of claim 1.   A printer control program for controlling printer hardware to implement the printer control method according to claim 1.