JP2008120094A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user-friendly printer which reduces a load on a host computer. <P>SOLUTION: Reception data is analyzed at the reception of the data from a host device, so that it can be determined whether or not the reception data is real-time control commands. When they are the real-time control commands, predetermined processing is performed. When they are not the real-time control commands, the reception data is stored in a reception buffer, and read out from the reception buffer in order of reception and processed. The real-time control commands include a plurality of kinds commands which demand the transmission of a printer status, that of an off-line factor status, that of an error factor status, that of a paper status, a return from an error, etc., respectively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that is connected to a host computer and performs printing in response to a command from the host computer, and more particularly to a printing apparatus that is optimal for an information processing apparatus that handles money, such as POS / ECR.

  In the conventional printing device, if the printing operation is inappropriate, such as when the printing paper runs out, the printing device cover is opened, or an error occurs, the printing mechanism including the print head is not used. By stopping and making the interface with the host computer offline (logically disconnected), the printing apparatus and communication data are maintained and the user is secured. At this time, since the internal control of the printing apparatus is stopped, data already received by the printing apparatus is not processed after the time when the offline occurs. In addition, since no data is received after the occurrence of offline, this data is not processed, and there is no response from the printing apparatus.

  The printing device also goes offline when the paper feed switch is pressed and paper is being fed, or when the reception buffer for storing received data is full (hereinafter referred to as buffer full), and the above printing operation continues. It is difficult to distinguish from the off-line state when it is inappropriate.

  When the printing apparatus goes offline, the host computer cannot transmit print data, and the entire system such as POS and ECR is stopped. In this case, the host computer displays a message such as “Printer is abnormal. Check it” and the user must check the printer to eliminate the cause of the offline. However, it is difficult for general POS and ECR users to investigate the cause, and it takes a long time.

  On the other hand, the control commands stored in the reception buffer are analyzed in order from the oldest (the control command stored first), and the command processing is executed. Then, the processed control command is deleted from the reception buffer. Therefore, when control commands are continuously sent from the host computer, the control commands are stored one after another in the reception buffer, and the host computer processes the control commands in order from the oldest one of the stored control commands. There is a time difference (hereinafter referred to as a time lag) from when the printer is transmitted until the printer actually performs processing.

  In addition, when the printer is reset or the power is turned on again, the data for setting the status of the printer stored in the printer is erased, and the POS / ECR for handling money However, this was a very big problem.

  In order to reduce the effects of such problems, in an information processing system using a conventional printing apparatus, the host computer attaches a status response request command for each line without sending multiple lines of print data. The status of the printing device was confirmed. For this reason, a heavy burden is placed on the host computer, resulting in a decrease in throughput of the information processing system.

  Due to the above circumstances, in the conventional POS / ECR field, a stand-alone dedicated information processing system in which a data input device, a processing device, and a printing device are integrated is widely used, and a general-purpose interface between the host computer and the printing device. Although the system connected with the network is evaluated for its high flexibility, it has not been popularized due to concerns about data reliability (so-called security). In order to improve the reliability of the data and at the same time further improve the operability, even when the operation of the printing apparatus is stopped, the host computer can know the cause and can quickly cancel the stopped state. Realization of a simple information processing system is awaited.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and provide a printing apparatus capable of realizing a highly reliable information processing apparatus, reduce the burden on the host computer, and be easy for the user to use. Is to provide.

  The printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention analyzes the received data at the time of receiving data from the host apparatus to determine whether the received real-time control command is received. Real-time command analysis means for executing predetermined processing in accordance with a control command; and reception buffer storage means for storing the reception data in a reception buffer when the reception data is determined not to be a real-time control command by the real-time command analysis means; A process execution means for reading out and analyzing the received data from the reception buffer in a first-come-first-served basis, determining whether the received data is command data or print data, and executing a process corresponding to each of the command data and the print data. Features.

  In a preferred embodiment, the real-time control command includes a plurality of types of commands for selecting a plurality of types of processing contents, and the real-time command analyzing means performs processing of the contents selected by the received real-time control command. Execute.

The plurality of types of contents include, for example,
(1) Send printer status,
(2) Send offline factor status,
(3) Send error cause status,
(4) Send paper status or
(5) Can include recovery from errors.

  In a preferred embodiment, the reception buffer storage means stores the reception data not only when it is determined that the reception data is not a real-time control command but also when it is determined that the reception data is a real-time control command. Store in the reception buffer.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In general, the recording paper used in the distribution industry includes single-cut paper and continuous paper. The single-cut paper is non-standard slip paper called slip paper, and a relatively fixed number of copy paper called validation paper. Some have There are two types of continuous paper: journal paper for storage for store records and receipt paper for receipt.

  FIG. 1 is an overall view of a printing apparatus capable of printing on slip paper, journal paper, and receipt paper of these recording papers.

  Reference numeral 1 denotes a print head body, which is a so-called wire dot head in which a plurality of wires are arranged vertically. The print head 1 performs printing while reciprocating in the directions of arrows 1A and 1B. Reference numeral 3 denotes an ink ribbon.

  Receipt paper 17 and journal paper 18 are in the form of roll paper, inserted from the back of the printing mechanism as shown in the figure, and discharged to the top. The slip paper 19 is inserted from the front of the printing mechanism (arrow 19A) and discharged upward (arrow 19B).

  Both receipt paper and journal paper are equipped with a near-end detector 20 that detects the end of the paper. The near-end detector 20 includes a near-end detection lever 20a that rotates in the direction of the arrow 20A according to the outer diameter of the roll paper, and a push switch 20b that is turned on and off by the near-end detection lever 20a. When the roll paper approaches the end, its outer diameter decreases. When the roll paper reaches the center of the roll paper, the near-end detection lever 20a rotates in the direction of the arrow 20B, and the push switch 20b turns off to detect the end of the paper.

  The receipt paper 17 is cut by the cutter unit 14 after printing and handed to the customer.

  The printing apparatus is covered with a main body case (not shown), and is divided into a cover (not shown) and a lower case 15. Reference numeral 21 denotes a cover detector, which is composed of a counter-type photosensor. When the cover is closed, the light of the cover detector 21 is blocked and the cover close can be detected.

  FIG. 2 is a mechanism diagram showing an operation when printing continuous paper and cut sheet paper in the printing apparatus of the present invention. 2A shows the case of printing on continuous paper (receipt paper in the figure), and FIG. 2B shows the case of printing on cut sheet paper (slip paper).

  The print head 1 has a wire pin (not shown) in the wire support portion 1 a and prints on the receipt paper 17 with the ink ribbon 3 interposed between the print head 1 and the platen 2.

  The receipt paper 17 is inserted between the paper guide plates 4a and 4b via the guide roller 5, and is fed by the paper feed rollers 6a and 6b. The paper feed roller 6a is coupled to a drive source (not shown) such as a motor. A receipt paper detector 12 is disposed in the middle of the paper guide plates 4a and 4b. The receipt paper detector 12 is configured by a counter-type photo sensor or a lever switch. In the figure, an example of a counter-type photosensor is shown. The receipt paper 17 fed by the paper feed rollers 6 a and 6 b passes between the ink ribbon 3 and the platen 2 and is discharged to the upper part of the printing apparatus via the paper pressing rollers 7 a and 7 b and the cutter unit 14. The cutter unit 14 includes a cutter blade 14a and a cutter cover 14b. The cutter blade 14a is moved in the direction of arrow 14A by a driving source such as a motor (not shown) to cut the receipt paper 17.

  Although the case of receipt paper is shown in the figure, the same configuration is also applied to journal paper except for the cutter unit.

  When printing slip paper (FIG. 2B), slip paper 19 is inserted in the direction of arrow 19A from slip paper insertion opening 21 in front of the printing apparatus. During roll paper printing, the slip feed roller 9a is pulled in the direction of the arrow 10A by the plunger 10 as shown in FIG. 2A, and is separated from the opposing slip feed roller 9b. Therefore, the slip paper 19 can be inserted. When the slip paper 19 is inserted, the slip paper 19 abuts against the slip feed rollers 8a and 8b through the slip paper guides 11a and 11b. At this time, the slip paper detector 13 detects whether or not the paper is inserted. When the paper is inserted, the plunger 10 is released and the lever 10a rotates in the direction of the arrow 10B, the slip feed roller 9b is pressed against the slip feed roller 9a, and the slip paper 19 is held. The slip feed rollers 8b and 9b are coupled to a drive source such as a motor (not shown) and rotate in the directions of arrows 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B together with the opposing slip feed rollers 8a and 9a to feed the slip paper 19 to the paper. To do. When printing is completed, the slip sheet 19 is discharged in the direction of the arrow 19B, the plunger 10 is driven, the slip feed roller 9a is separated from the slip feed roller 9b, and the next slip sheet can be inserted.

  The receipt paper 17 can be printed on the slip paper 19 as shown in the figure, and if the copy paper is attached to the slip paper 19, the slip paper 19 and the receipt paper 17 can be printed at the same time. Is possible.

  As with the receipt paper detector 12, the slip paper detector 13 uses a counter-type photosensor.

  Reference numeral 15 denotes a main body lower case, and reference numeral 16 denotes a case for supporting the head mechanism.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a printing unit of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The method for detecting the step-out of the head carriage drive motor is shown in the figure.

  The head 1 is fixed on the head carriage 1b together with the wire holder 1a, and the head carriage 1b moves left and right by a carriage transmission belt 32 and carriage drive gears 31a and 31b. The carriage drive gear 31a is coupled to a head carriage drive motor (not shown). As this motor, a pulse motor is generally used, and a pulse motor is also used in the embodiment. The carriage drive gear 31 a rotates the rotation detection plate 34 via the transmission gear 33. A carriage detector 35 composed of a counter-type photosensor is disposed so as to sandwich the rotation detection plate 34, and the rotation detection plate 34 rotates as the head carriage 1b moves, and this is detected by the carriage detector 35. The rotation detection plate 34 is formed in a propeller shape, and when this rotates, the output of the carriage detector 35 is periodically turned on and off. That is, when the head carriage 1b is moved left and right by a head carriage drive motor (not shown), the carriage detector 35 detects the movement of the head carriage 1b.

  If the receipt paper, journal paper, or slip paper between the print head 1 and the platen 2 is jammed between the wire holder 1a and the platen 2, a paper jam occurs, and the head carriage 1b rotates the carriage drive motor. The carriage drive motor will step out. This is detected by the carriage detector 35. This is called a carriage error.

  The print head 1 needs a home position in order to specify the reference position of the print position. The home position detector 36 is a facing photo sensor and detects the head carriage 1b. That is, the position where the head carriage 1b moves to the left and blocks the light of the home position detector 36 becomes the reference position of the home position.

  When the head carriage 1b attempts to move to the home position, the home position detector 36 can detect that the head carriage 1b does not reach the home position due to a paper jam or the like. This is called a home position error.

  FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a control circuit for realizing the present invention.

  The print head 40, the motors 41, and the plungers 42 form a mechanism part of the above-described printing apparatus, and has a print mechanism part drive circuit 43 that drives these print mechanism parts. The printing mechanism section is equipped with detectors such as a carriage detector 44, a home position detector 45, an auto cutter detector 46, each sheet detector 47, a cover detector 54, and the like. It is connected to 50). The auto cutter detector 46 is a detector that detects the position of the cutter blade 14a in FIG. 2, and drives a cutter blade drive motor (not shown) to generate a detection signal at a predetermined position. If a paper jam or the like occurs in the cutter blade, the cutter blade does not move to a predetermined position, and no detection signal is generated, resulting in an error. This is called a cutter error.

  The paper detector 47 includes the near-end detector 20 (FIG. 1), the receipt paper detector 12, the slip paper detector 13 (FIG. 2), and the like.

  The CPU 50 for controlling the entire printing apparatus includes a display device 48 constituted by LEDs, a panel switch 49 for manually feeding paper, an interface 51 for communicating with a host computer, a control program, a print character pattern, and the like. A ROM 52 for storing and a RAM 53 for storing a reception buffer, a print buffer, and the like are connected.

  When the print data is input from the interface 51, it is stored in the reception buffer in the RAM 53. The CPU 50 decodes this data, reads the character pattern corresponding to the data code from the ROM 52, and passes through the print mechanism drive unit control circuit 43. The print head 40, motors 41, and plungers 42 are driven to execute printing.

  When a carriage error, home position error, cutter error or the like occurs, the CPU 50 can drive the display device 48 to notify the user of the occurrence of the error.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention, and shows the relationship between the functional means.

  A host computer 61 transmits command data, print data, and the like to the printing apparatus. Reference numeral 62 denotes data receiving means for receiving a data code from the host computer 61 via the interface 51, and is an interrupt activated by the interface 51. Reference numeral 64 denotes real-time command analysis means for analyzing and executing the received data at the time of reception, and is processed in an interrupt together with the data reception means 62. The real-time command analysis means 64 determines whether or not the received data is a real-time control command, and if it is a real-time control command, executes a predetermined process according to the command command. All the data received via the real-time command analysis means 64 is temporarily stored in the reception buffer 65. The received data in the reception buffer 65 is taken out one by one by the command analysis means 66, and this data code is analyzed to discriminate between print data and command data for setting various commands for the printing apparatus. If it is command data, the control means 68 performs predetermined setting or predetermined operation according to the command code. If it is print data, the character pattern is stored in the print buffer 67 according to the data code. When printing is performed by the control means 68, the printing pattern is read from the printing buffer 67, and printing is performed by controlling each functional unit 70 of the printing mechanism.

  In this embodiment, RS-232C, which is a bidirectional serial interface, is used as the interface, and RS-232C can communicate with the host computer even in an offline state. In general, in the RS-232C bidirectional serial interface, even if one device goes offline, the other device detects it and stops transmitting communication data. Since there is a possibility, the device on the off-line side must receive data even after the off-line. Therefore, it is necessary to go offline before the reception buffer is full. Therefore, even if an error occurs in the printing apparatus and the printer becomes offline, communication data is received and stored in the reception buffer while the reception buffer is empty. When the reception buffer becomes full, the subsequent received data is discarded. However, in this embodiment, since the command is analyzed before being stored in the reception buffer by the real-time command analysis means 64 activated by the reception interrupt, even if it is discarded, processing as a command is performed.

  The real-time command includes a command for requesting the status of the printing apparatus. When this command is received, the real-time command analysis means 64 returns the status of the printing apparatus to the host computer 61 via the data transmission means 63. Even in the error occurrence state, the data receiving means 62, the data transmitting means 63, and the real-time command analyzing means 64 are operating, so that the status of the printing apparatus can be transmitted.

  When the command analysis unit 66 determines that the command is a cut sheet selection command, the control unit 68 is notified. The control means 68 notifies the display means 72 that a cut sheet has been selected, displays a waiting for insertion of a cut sheet, and at the same time selects a cut sheet within the RAM 53 by the cut sheet status storage means 79. It is memorized as cut sheet information that it has been entered and that it has entered the wait for insertion of cut sheet. When a cut sheet is selected, the cut sheet detector 73 detects the insertion of the cut sheet and notifies the control means 68 of it. The control means 68 monitors the cut sheet insertion waiting information, and stops driving the printing apparatus until the content of the cut sheet insertion waiting information is erased or the insertion of the cut sheet is detected. The command analysis means 66 also stops without being able to activate the control means 68, but the real-time command analysis means 64 can operate regardless of waiting for insertion of a cut sheet.

  The real-time command includes a command for canceling the waiting for insertion of a cut sheet, and when this command is received, the cut sheet insertion waiting information and the cut sheet selection information stored in the RAM 53 by the real-time command analysis unit 64 are received. Erase. When the control means 68 monitoring the cut sheet insertion wait state confirms that the cut sheet insertion wait information has been erased, it cancels the cut sheet insertion wait, erases the print buffer 67, and sets the initial value. Select the paper. There is a time-out as a method of canceling the waiting for inserting the cut sheet, and the control means 68 controls the timer 78.

  When an error such as a paper jam occurs in printing, paper feeding, paper cutting, etc., the error detection means 71 detects the error, notifies the control means 68, and stores it in the status storage means 77. The control means 68 notifies the display means 72 that an error has occurred and displays the error, and at the same time, the error state storage means 69 stores the error occurrence in the RAM 53 as error information. The control means 68 monitors the error information and stops driving the printing apparatus until the contents are erased. The command analysis means 66 also stops without starting the control means 68, but the real-time command analysis means 64 activated by the reception interrupt of the interface 51 can operate regardless of the occurrence of an error. However, since the command analysis means 65 is stopped, the received data received by the interface 51 is only stored in the reception buffer 65. Therefore, when the error occurs, the control means 68 controls the interface and prints. Notify the host computer that the device cannot receive data (so-called offline).

  The real-time command includes an error recovery command. When this command is received, the real-time command analysis means 64 erases the error information stored in the RAM. When the control means 68 that has been monitoring this error state confirms that the error information has been erased, it restarts the printing apparatus and resumes printing.

  Another command for recovering from an error is a command to resume printing after erasing received data. When this command is received, the reception buffer 65 and the print buffer 67 are erased by the real-time command analysis means. Thereafter, the error information stored in the RAM is erased.

  Even when the paper detector 73 detects no paper, the cover detector 74 detects a cover open, or the paper detector switch feeds the switch detector 75, the printer goes offline, and the state is stored in the state storage means 77. Then, the information is returned to the host computer 61 by the real time command analysis means 64.

  FIG. 6 shows a command code of an embodiment of the real time command.

  In FIG. 6, “GS”, “R”, and “n” are 1-byte received data, respectively, and indicate 1Dh, 52h, and n in hexadecimal notation, respectively. “GS” and “R” indicate real-time commands, and the content to be executed is selected according to the value of n.

  In this embodiment, the contents to be executed are determined as shown in Table 1 by the value of n.

ｎが０の場合、表２に従う印字装置ステータス情報１バイトをホストコンピュータに送信する。

When n is 0, 1 byte of printer status information according to Table 2 is transmitted to the host computer.

印字装置ステータス情報によりドロワの状態、印字装置のオンライン／オフラインの状態がホストコンピュータ側で判断できる。また、印字装置がオフラインの場合には、ｎを１としてさらに詳細なオフライン情報を取得することができる。

The status of the drawer and the online / offline status of the printing apparatus can be determined on the host computer side by the printing apparatus status information. Further, when the printing apparatus is off-line, more detailed off-line information can be acquired by setting n to 1.

  When n is 1, 1 byte of offline information according to Table 3 is transmitted to the host computer.

これにより、オフラインの情報をホストコンピュータ側で識別できる。

Thereby, offline information can be identified on the host computer side.

  The host computer can alert the user based on the identified result. In the case of an error, detailed error information can be continuously acquired by setting n to 2.

  When n is 2, 1 byte of error information according to Table 4 is transmitted to the host computer.

表４の中でメカニカルエラーとは、主に紙ジャムによるエラーの場合であって、キャリッジエラー、ホームポジションエラーを含む。これらは、印字ヘッド回りの紙ジャムであり、オートカッタエラーと区別している。これにより、印字ヘッド回りでの紙ジャムか、オートカッタでの紙ジャムかをホストコンピュータ側で識別することができる。識別した結果により、ホストコンピュータの表示手段によって使用者にエラー発生の箇所を的確に指示し、紙ジャムの除去を促す事ができる。

In Table 4, the mechanical error is mainly an error caused by a paper jam, and includes a carriage error and a home position error. These are paper jams around the print head and are distinguished from auto cutter errors. Thereby, it is possible to identify on the host computer side whether the paper jam occurs around the print head or the paper jam occurs in the auto cutter. Depending on the identified result, the display means of the host computer can instruct the user where the error has occurred and prompt the user to remove the paper jam.

  In the case of an error such as a paper jam, printing can be resumed by removing the paper jam that causes the error. However, there are errors that make it difficult to resume printing, such as abnormal external power supplies and damage to the print head temperature detector, so these need to be identified. An error that occurs other than a paper jam is assigned to bit 5 as an unrecoverable error.

  If n is 3, 1 byte of continuous paper detector information such as a receipt or journal according to Table 5 is transmitted to the host computer.

ｎが４の場合、表６に従うスリップ用紙検出器情報１バイトをホストコンピュータに送信する。

When n is 4, 1 byte of slip sheet detector information according to Table 6 is transmitted to the host computer.

表６において、スリップ用紙の選択により、連続用紙やバリデーション用紙が選択されているかスリップ用紙が選択されているかが判断できる。また、スリップ用紙選択中において、用紙の挿入待ちであるか、すでに用紙があり印字可能な状態であるかが判断できる。
ｎが５の場合、表７に従うバリデーション用紙検出器情報１バイトをホストコンピュータに送信する。

In Table 6, it is possible to determine whether continuous paper or validation paper or slip paper is selected by selecting slip paper. In addition, while slip paper is selected, it can be determined whether paper is waiting to be inserted or whether there is already paper and printing is possible.
When n is 5, 1 byte of validation sheet detector information according to Table 7 is transmitted to the host computer.

表７において、バリデーション用紙の選択により、連続用紙やスリップ用紙が選択されているかバリデーション用紙が選択されているかが判断できる。また、バリデーション用紙選択中において、用紙の挿入待ちであるか、すでに用紙があり印字可能な状態であるかが判断できる。

In Table 7, it is possible to determine whether continuous paper or slip paper or validation paper is selected by selecting the validation paper. In addition, during validation paper selection, it can be determined whether paper is waiting to be inserted or whether there is already paper and printing is possible.

  Next, the data receiving means and the real time command analyzing means for the real time command will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 shows the initialization process of the printing apparatus, and the process is started simultaneously with the power-on (step 120). In initialization, all information in the RAM 53 is generally initialized, including initialization of the printing mechanism (step 121), cut sheet status flag, error information, buffer clear flag, GS flag, and GSR flag. (Step 122). The buffer clear flag, GS flag, and GSR flag are flags used in the reception interrupt process, and are used by the real-time command analysis means. Finally, in step 124, the interface reception interrupt is permitted and the initialization process is terminated (step 124).

  FIG. 8 shows the process of interface reception interrupt processing, and shows data reception means and real-time command analysis means. Since the received data from the host computer is received one byte at a time via the interface, the processing of FIG. 8 is activated for each byte received. Since the real-time command is composed of 3 bytes “GS”, “R”, and “n” as shown in FIG. 6, when the GS flag and GS that are set when “GS” is received are set. The GSR flag is set when “R” is received, and is controlled by “n” received when the GSR flag is set. There is also a buffer clear flag that stores whether to clear the buffer according to the value of “n”.

  In step 125, data is received and a reception interrupt is activated. In step 126, the received data is read from the interface, and in step 127, it is determined whether the GSR flag is set. If the GSR flag is set, that is, if “GS” and “R” have already been received, the received data (here, C) is set to “n”. In step 136, the GSR flag is cleared, and the following operation is performed according to the value of the received data (C) (step 137).

  When C = 0, the printer information stored in the RAM 53 is transmitted by the transmission means 63 to the host computer via the interface (step 138).

  When C = 1, the offline information stored in the RAM 53 is transmitted to the host computer via the interface by the transmission means 63 (step 139).

  When C = 2, the error information stored in the RAM 53 by the transmission means 63 is transmitted to the host computer via the interface (step 140).

  When C = 3, the continuous sheet information stored in the RAM 53 is transmitted to the host computer via the interface by the transmission means 63 (step 141).

  When C = 4, the transmission means 63 transmits the slip state information stored in the RAM 53 to the host computer via the interface (step 142).

  When C = 5, the validation means information stored in the RAM 53 is transmitted to the host computer via the interface by the transmission means 63 (step 143).

  If C = 6, it is determined whether or not a single sheet is in a waiting state (step 144), and if it is in a waiting state, a single sheet waiting flag is cleared (step 145). As shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to recover from the cut sheet waiting state by clearing the cut sheet waiting flag.

  If C = 8, the buffer clear flag is set (step 146), and the error information in the RAM 53 is cleared (step 147). When the buffer clear flag is cleared, the reception buffer and print buffer are cleared upon recovery from the error as shown in FIG. If C = 7, the error information is simply cleared (step 147).

  Even if the received data is a real-time command, it is temporarily stored in the reception buffer (step 132).

  If the GSR flag is cleared in step 127, it is determined in step 128 whether the GS flag is set. That is, if the GS flag has already been received up to “GS”, the GS flag is set, and it is determined whether the received data (C) is “R” at step 129 (step 129). When C = “R”, the GSR flag is set (step 131), and the received data is stored in the reception buffer (step 132).

  If the GS flag is cleared in step 128, it is determined in step 134 whether the received data (C) is a “GS” code. If C = “GS”, the GS flag is set, otherwise it is stored in the reception buffer as it is (step 132), and the reception interrupt process is terminated (step 133).

  Next, the control means for setting the cut sheet will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows a process for canceling a cut sheet from when a cut sheet is selected until it is set. The process starts when the command interpretation unit 66 determines that it is a cut sheet selection command (step 151). A cut sheet selection flag is set, and a cut sheet insertion waiting flag is set (step 152). After confirming that the mechanical operation has stopped (step 153), the cut sheet insertion waiting timer 78 is activated, and the display device 72 is caused to blink by the display means 72 (step 155). In step 156, it is determined whether the cut sheet insertion wait flag is cleared. When the cut sheet insertion waiting flag is cleared, that is, when the waiting for insertion of the cut sheet is canceled by the real time commands “GS”, “R”, and “6”, the cut sheet insertion waiting timer is stopped (step 157). Then, the display device 48 is turned off by the display display means 72 (step 158). The cut sheet selection flag and the cut sheet insertion waiting flag are cleared (step 159), the initial sheet is set (step 160), and the cut sheet selection process is terminated (step 161).

  If the cut sheet insertion waiting flag is not cleared in step 156, it is determined whether the cut sheet waiting time has passed (step 162). If the cut sheet waiting time has passed, the process proceeds to step 158. jump.

  If the cut sheet insertion waiting time has not passed in step 162, it is determined in step 163 whether a cut sheet has been inserted. If it is determined that the cut sheet paper has not been inserted, the process again proceeds to step 156 to determine whether the cut sheet insertion wait flag has been cleared. The above operation is repeated until the time expires or a cut sheet is inserted.

  If it is determined in step 163 that a cut sheet has been inserted, the cut sheet insertion waiting timer 78 is stopped (step 164), the display device 48 is turned on (step 165), and an operation start waiting time is waited (step 166). . If it is determined in step 167 that the cut sheet is not inserted, the process returns to step 154 and the above operation is repeated.

  When it is determined in step 167 that the cut sheet is inserted, the cut sheet insertion waiting flag is cleared (step 168), the cut sheet is set in the normal position (step 169), and the cut sheet is selected. The process ends (step 161).

  As described above, by including data reception means and real-time command analysis means in the reception interrupt processing, even if the printing device stops due to the insertion of the cut sheet, the command is analyzed and the waiting for the insertion of the cut sheet is made. Can be canceled.

  FIG. 10 illustrates a case where a carriage error is detected as an embodiment for detecting an error.

  In step 101, a printing command is started, and in step 102, the printing apparatus for one line printing is initialized. In steps 103 to 105, one line is printed. In step 103, one dot row is printed and the print carriage is moved by one dot row. In 104, it is checked whether there is a detection pulse from the carriage detector 35 by moving the carriage. Normally, detection pulses are generated periodically because the carriage moves normally. In step 105, it is checked whether or not printing for one line has been completed. If printing for one line has been completed, printing ends in step 106.

  If the carriage stops due to a paper jam or the like, the detection pulse is not detected in step 104, and the routine proceeds to step 107. That is, the processing after step 107 is processing when a carriage error has occurred. First, in step 107, the printer is set to be offline so as to notify the host computer that it cannot receive communication data. In step 108, the fact that a carriage error has occurred is stored in the RAM 53. Since the carriage error is a recoverable error, information is stored as a recoverable error. At the same time, at 109, the printing mechanism is stopped. Thereafter, until the error information is erased in step 111, it is displayed in step 110 that an error has occurred on the error display device. When the real-time command is received, the error information is erased, and in step 112, if the received real-time command instructs to clear the buffer, the buffer is cleared in step 113. In this case, the buffer indicates both a reception buffer and a print buffer. Thereafter, recovery processing of the printing apparatus is performed in step 114, and in step 115, the host computer is informed that the printing apparatus can be received, so-called online.

  As described above, by including the data reception means and the real-time command analysis means in the reception interrupt process, even when the printing apparatus stops due to an error, the command can be analyzed and recovery from the error can be performed.

  Next, control of the printing apparatus when viewed from the host computer side will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in which a printing apparatus 300 is connected to a host computer 61 via an RS-232C communication cable 305. In the host computer 61, an RS-232C interface control circuit is incorporated as the communication means 304. A display device 302 such as a CRT and an input device 303 such as a keyboard are connected to the host computer 61.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control process in consideration of canceling the waiting state for inserting a cut sheet in the host computer. Here, a case of printing on slip paper is shown as an example of cut sheet paper.

  When printing on slip paper (step 250), first, a slip paper selection command is transmitted (step 251). Next, real-time commands “GS”, “R”, and “4” are transmitted to check the slip sheet status (step 252), and a response to this is received (step 253). This response includes the information shown in Table 6. Based on this information, it is determined whether or not a slip sheet has been selected (step 254).

  When the slip sheet is selected, it is determined from the information in step 253 whether or not it is waiting for slip insertion (step 255). If it is not waiting for insertion, the presence of slip paper is confirmed (step 256), print data is transmitted (step 257), and printing of the slip paper is terminated (step 258).

  In step 255, when waiting for slip insertion, a specific key of the input device 303, for example, a "slip cancel key" is monitored to determine whether or not this key is pressed (step 259). This key is assigned with a slip insertion waiting cancel function, and is operated by an operator.

  When the key is pressed, the slip insertion waiting can be canceled by transmitting the slip insertion waiting cancel commands “GS”, “R”, and “6” (step 260).

  Further, in step 254 and step 256, slip printing can be ended by monitoring this key even when slip is not selected and when there is no sheet (step 259). In this case, even if the slip cancel commands “GS”, “R”, and “6” are transmitted, they are ignored because they are not waiting for insertion of the cut sheet on the printing apparatus side (step 260). If the key is not pressed, the process returns to step 252 to wait for slip selection (step 254) or presence of paper (step 256).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a printing process in consideration of recovery from an error in the host computer.

  After printing is started (step 200), every time print data for one line is transmitted (step 201), it is monitored whether or not the printing apparatus is offline (step 202). Generally, in the RS-232C interface, when the receiving side (printing apparatus in this case) goes offline, it can be known by a CTS (Clear To Send) signal, a DSR (Data Set Ready) signal, or an XOFF code. If the printing apparatus is online, the printing data is continuously transmitted. If the printing data is finished (step 203), the printing is finished (step 204).

  In step 202, when the printing apparatus goes off-line, it is considered that the printing apparatus has generated an error or that printing has become impossible due to other causes (for example, the printing paper has run out). Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not an error has occurred, real-time commands “GS”, “R”, and “2” are transmitted in step 205. A response to this is received in step 206, and it is determined whether an error has occurred (step 207). If no error has occurred, it is considered that the user has gone offline due to a cause other than the error. Therefore, other causes are examined (step 208), and a process for the cause is performed (step 209). Other causes are acquired by acquiring information such as that the cover is open or that the printing paper has run out by “GS”, “R”, and “1”. The host computer can display a message such as “Please close the cover” or “Please set paper” on the display device 302 to alert the user.

  This is repeated until the printing apparatus is online (step 210). When the printing apparatus is online, printing is resumed (step 201).

  If an error occurs in step 207, it is determined whether or not the error can be recovered (step 211). Whether it is a recoverable error or not can be determined by bit 5 shown in Table 4. In the case of a recoverable error, the user is informed that an error has occurred and instructed to remove the paper jam that is expected to cause the error. At this time, the user can be notified of the occurrence of paper jam by using bits 2 and 3 in Table 4 as to whether the carriage is an auto cutter. After the user removes the paper jam, the error input is confirmed by causing the input device 303 (for example, a keyboard) of the host computer to input confirmation (step 213). Thereafter, the printer is recovered from the error by a real time command “GS”, “R”, “6” or “7”. In consideration of the case where the user has not completely removed the cause of the error or the case where a plurality of errors have occurred at the same time, it is desirable to confirm the occurrence of the error from step 205 again.

  If the error cannot be recovered in step 211, the printing apparatus has an abnormality and cannot be repaired by the user. In this case, the user is notified that the printing apparatus is abnormal (step 215), and the printing process is stopped (step 216).

  For an information processing apparatus such as POS / ECR that handles money, there should be absolutely no missing or duplicated data. When an error occurs in the printing apparatus, it is important to recover from the error without erasing the received data and restart printing. However, in order to cope with an information processing apparatus using a conventional printing apparatus, a mode for recovering after erasing received data is made possible and selectable by a control command from the host computer. That is, in the information processing apparatus using the conventional printing apparatus, the received data is always deleted after the printing apparatus recovers from the error. Therefore, when printing the same data as before the error occurrence, the second printing is performed. A special character was printed at the beginning of a line to clearly indicate that it was data. In order to cope with this, a mode in which the received data is deleted and then recovered is necessary.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, even when the printing apparatus goes offline, the cause can be known on the host computer side. Further, by including the data receiving means and the real-time command analyzing means in the reception interrupt process, the printing apparatus side can analyze the command. As a result, as a printing apparatus in the distribution industry for handling money, a highly reliable high-throughput printing apparatus is provided, the burden on the host computer is reduced, and the printing apparatus that is easy for the user to handle and an information processing apparatus using the same Can be provided.

1 is an overall view of a printing apparatus for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a mechanism diagram of a printing apparatus for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing unit of a printing apparatus for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. The circuit block diagram of the control circuit explaining one Example of this invention. The functional block diagram explaining one Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing of one Example of the command used for this invention. The flowchart figure which shows the process of one Example of the control method of the printing apparatus of this invention. The flowchart figure which shows the process of one Example of the control method of the printing apparatus of this invention. The flowchart figure which shows the process of one Example of the control method of the printing apparatus of this invention. The flowchart figure which shows the process of one Example of the control method of the printing apparatus of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the information processing apparatus of this invention. The flowchart figure which shows one Example of the control process of the host computer using the printing apparatus of this invention. The flowchart figure which shows one Example of the control process of the host computer using the printing apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

61 Host computer 62 Data reception means 63 Data transmission means 64 Real-time command analysis means 66 Control command analysis means 68 Control means 69 Error status storage means 79 Single sheet paper status storage means 71 Error detection means 72 Display means 73 Paper detection means 74 Cover detection Means 75 Switch detection means 76 Peripheral device state detection means 77 Status storage means 300 Printing device 302 Display device 303 Input device

Claims (8)

When receiving data from the host device, the received data is analyzed to determine whether it is a plurality of types of real-time control commands for selecting a plurality of types of processing contents, respectively. Real-time command analysis means for executing predetermined processing in accordance with a real-time control command;
A printing apparatus having command analysis means for analyzing received data through the real-time command analysis means on a first-come-first-served basis and determining whether the data is command data or print data for setting various commands to the printing apparatus; There,
The printing apparatus, wherein the real-time control command includes data indicating a real-time control command and 1-byte data indicating contents executed by the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data indicating the content executed by the printing apparatus is data indicating any one of (1) to (9).
(1) Transmit the status of the printing device (2) Transmit the offline factor of the printing device (3) Transmit the error factor of the printing device (4) Transmit the status of the continuous paper detector (5) Send slip paper detector and slip paper status (6) Detect validation paper detector and validation paper status (7) Cancel single sheet wait (8) Recover from error and resume printing ( 9) Return from error and clear buffer When the data indicating the contents executed by the printing device is data indicating that the status of the printing device is transmitted,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the real-time command analysis unit transmits at least one of data indicating a state of the drawer kick connector and data indicating whether or not the drawer kick connector is online to the host device. When the data indicating the contents executed by the printing device is data indicating that the offline factor of the printing device is transmitted,
2. The real-time command analysis means transmits data indicating at least one of a cover state, a paper feed state by a paper feed switch, a print stop due to no paper, or an error state to the host device. Printing device. When the data indicating the content executed by the printing device is data indicating that the error factor of the printing device is transmitted,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the real-time command analysis unit transmits data indicating any one or more of a mechanical error, an auto cutter error, an unrecoverable error, and an automatic return error to the host device. When the data indicating the contents executed by the printing apparatus is data indicating that the state of the continuous paper detector is transmitted,
The real-time command analyzing means transmits data indicating at least one of an output of a journal near end detector, an output of a receipt near end detector, an output of a journal end detector, or an output of a receipt end detector to the host device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1. When the data indicating the contents executed by the printing apparatus is data indicating that the slip sheet detector and slip sheet status are transmitted,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the real-time command analysis unit transmits data indicating at least one of a slip selection state, a slip insertion waiting state, and an output of a slip sheet detector to the host device. When the data indicating the contents executed by the printing apparatus is data indicating that the state of the validation paper detector and the validation paper is detected,
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the real-time command analysis unit transmits data indicating at least one of a validation selection state, a validation insertion wait state, and an output of a validation paper detector to the host device.

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