JP2012228860A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer that can prevent misdetection of an error.SOLUTION: The printer 100 includes: a sensor 35 for detecting an error state and a non-error state; a determination unit 50 for determining whether the error occurs in the printer 100 on the basis of results detected by the sensor 35; and a sensitivity reduction unit 48 for reducing the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 for determining that the error occurs in the printer 100, when the result detected by the sensor 35 switches between the error state and the non-error state at a predetermined times N0 or more, within a predetermined time T0.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer.

  For example, the printer may be provided with a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of printing paper, opening / closing of a cover, and the like. The sensor can detect, for example, an out of printing paper or an open cover as an error state. Patent Document 1 describes an invention for detecting the position of printing paper using a photosensor. Some of these sensors output electrical signals at different levels depending on the state of the printer, such as the presence or absence of printing paper and the opening and closing of a cover. An error is detected based on a signal output from the sensor.

JP 2008-23803 A

  However, the sensor may malfunction due to, for example, dust, vibration, or static electricity. A malfunctioning sensor may output a signal at a different level from the signal corresponding to the actual state of the printer. Along with such malfunction of the sensor, it may be erroneously detected that an error has occurred in the printer. In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer capable of suppressing erroneous detection of errors.

  The present invention provides a sensor that detects an error state and a non-error state, a determination unit that determines whether an error has occurred in the printer based on a detection result of the sensor, and detection of the sensor within a predetermined time. If the result is switched a predetermined number of times or more between the error state and the non-error state, a sensitivity reduction unit that reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit for determining that an error has occurred in the printer; It is a printer provided with. According to the present invention, erroneous detection of errors can be suppressed.

  In the above configuration, when the sensor detects the error state during the operation of the printer, the sensitivity reduction unit can reduce the sensitivity of the determination unit. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be effectively suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the sensor detects opening and closing of the cover of the printer, and when the sensor detects opening and closing of the cover during operation of the printer, the sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit. It can be configured. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be effectively suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the printing unit includes a printing unit that prints on paper, a conveyance unit that conveys the paper, and a cutting unit that cuts the paper. At least one of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit When the sensor detects the error state during operation, the sensitivity reduction unit can reduce the sensitivity of the determination unit. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be effectively suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the determination unit determines that an error has occurred in the printer when the number of times the sensor continuously detects an error state is equal to or greater than a threshold, and the sensitivity reduction unit determines the threshold. It can be set as the structure enlarged. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the determination unit acquires a detection result by the sensor every predetermined period, and an error occurs in the printer when the number of times the sensor continuously detects an error state is equal to or greater than a threshold value. It can be determined that the sensitivity reduction unit increases the period. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the sensitivity reduction unit may be configured to reduce the sensitivity of the determination unit in accordance with the operation status of the printer. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be more effectively suppressed.

  In the above configuration, a printing unit that performs printing on paper, a conveyance unit that conveys the paper, and a cutting unit that cuts the paper, wherein the sensitivity reduction unit includes the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and Sensitivity can be reduced so that the determination unit has different sensitivity depending on which of the cutting units is in operation. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be more effectively suppressed.

  In the above configuration, the sensitivity reduction unit decreases the sensitivity of the determination unit, and the detection result of the sensor determines that an error has occurred in the printer based on the reduced sensitivity. When the printer is in operation, the determination unit does not determine that an error has occurred in the printer, and the sensor indicates the error state after the operation of the printer is completed. If detected, the determination unit determines that an error has occurred in the printer. If the sensor does not detect the error state after the operation of the printer is completed, the determination unit has detected an error in the printer. It can be set as the structure determined not to exist. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be suppressed and an error can be appropriately detected.

  In the above configuration, a printing unit that performs printing on paper, a conveyance unit that conveys the paper, and a cutting unit that cuts the paper, wherein the sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit, and The detection result of the sensor is a detection result that the determination unit should determine that an error has occurred in the printer based on the reduced sensitivity, and the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and When at least one of the cutting units is in operation, the determination unit does not determine that an error has occurred in the printer, and the at least one operation of the printing unit, the transport unit, and the cutting unit is completed. Later, when the sensor detects the error state, the determination unit determines that an error has occurred in the printer, and after the at least one operation of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit is completed. If the sensor does not detect the error condition, the determining unit may be determined construction that no error has occurred in the printer. According to this configuration, erroneous detection can be suppressed and an error can be appropriately detected.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer capable of suppressing erroneous detection of errors.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams illustrating signals detected by the sensors. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a case where state changes frequently occur. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a signal detected by the sensor after the sensitivity is lowered. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the sensitivity reduction control of the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating error detection control of the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating error detection control of the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the sensitivity reduction control of the printer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the sensitivity reduction control of the printer according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the error detection control of the printer according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the error detection control of the printer according to the fourth embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the printer 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printer according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printer 100 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 10 and a mechanical unit 30. The control unit 10 includes an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 12, drive circuits 14 to 18, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, an I / F (interface) 24, and a timer 26. The mechanical unit 30 includes a thermal head 32, a motor 34, a photo sensor 36, a cover switch 37, and a cutting unit 38.

  The thermal head 32 includes a heating element, and performs printing on a medium such as printing paper. As the printing paper, for example, thermal paper can be used. The drive circuit 14 is a circuit for driving the thermal head 32. The motor 34 conveys the printing paper. The drive circuit 16 is a circuit for driving the motor 34. The cutting unit 38 includes a cutter for cutting the printing paper, a motor for driving the cutter, and the like. The drive circuit 18 is a circuit for driving the cutting unit 38. The cutting unit 38 cuts the printing paper at each page break, for example.

  The RAM 20 is a volatile memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and temporarily stores data to be printed. The ROM 22 is a flash memory, for example, and is a non-volatile memory that stores data used for controlling the printer 100. The I / F 24 is an interface corresponding to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or RS-232C. The I / F 24 mediates communication between the printer 100 and the outside of the printer 100 such as a host computer. The timer 26 is a vibrator or the like, for example, and can measure a certain period. The timer 26 may be, for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock) included in the MCU 12.

  The photo sensor 36 can measure the reflectance of light, and can detect the presence or absence of printing paper, in other words, whether the printing paper is set in the printer 100, according to the reflectance of light in the area to be measured. The cover switch 37 is a mechanical switch, for example, and can detect the open / closed state of the cover of the printer 100. The cover of the printer 100 is, for example, a cover of the storage section of the thermal head 32, a cover of a part for setting printing paper, or the like. The photosensor 36 and the cover switch 37 may be collectively referred to as a sensor 35. For example, the photo sensor 36 detects a state in which no printing paper is set (printing paper out) as an error state, and detects a state in which the printing paper is set as a non-error state. The cover switch 37 detects, for example, a state where the cover is open (cover open) as an error state, and a state where the cover is closed (cover close) as a non-error state.

  The MCU 12 controls the thermal head 32, the motor 34, and the cutting unit 38 via the drive circuits 14-18. The MCU 12 writes and reads information to and from the RAM 20 and the ROM 22. The MCU 12 receives a signal output from the timer 26 every period. Further, the MCU 12 can receive a signal output from the sensor 35 and determine whether or not there is a printing sheet or whether the cover is opened or closed based on the signal.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the printer according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the MCU 12 functions as a print control unit 40, a conveyance control unit 42, a cutting control unit 44, a communication control unit 46, a sensitivity reduction unit 48, and a determination unit 50. The print control unit 40 controls the thermal head 32 via the drive circuit 14. The conveyance control unit 42 controls the motor 34 via the drive circuit 16. The cutting control unit 44 controls the cutting unit 38 via the drive circuit 18. The communication control unit 46 controls communication via the I / F 24. The error counter 52 is included in the determination unit 50 and measures the number of times that the sensor 35 has detected an error state. The determination unit 50 determines whether an error has occurred in the printer 100 based on the detection result of the sensor 35. The determination unit 50 determines that an error has occurred in the printer 100 based on the detection result of the sensor 35 and the sensitivity. The sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 for determining that an error has occurred in the printer 100. The state change counter 49 is included in the sensitivity reduction unit 48 and measures the number of detections of the state change. Sensitivity, error determination, and state change will be described later.

  Next, an example of error determination will be described. An example is the case where there is no decrease in sensitivity described later. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams illustrating signals detected by the sensors. 3A and 3B, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents a signal output from the sensor 35. First, the photo sensor 36 will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the signal output from the photosensor 36 has two magnitudes, for example, high (H) and low (L). When printing paper is set, the photo sensor 36 measures the reflectance of the printing paper and outputs a signal H. When no printing paper is set, the photo sensor 36 measures the reflectance of the paper conveyance path and outputs a signal L. As described above, the photo sensor 36 can detect the state (non-error state) where the printing paper is present and the state (error state) where the printing paper runs out. Hereinafter, a change between the signal H and the signal L, in other words, a change between the non-error state and the error state is referred to as a state change.

  Based on the time measured by the timer 26, the determination unit 50 detects a signal output from the sensor 35 at every constant period t0. The error counter 52 included in the determination unit 50 measures the number of times that the signal L is detected by the determination unit 50. In other words, the determination unit 50 acquires the detection result of the sensor 35 every cycle t0, and the error counter 52 measures the number of times that the error state is detected. When the signal L is detected three times in succession, the determination unit 50 determines that a print paper out error has occurred (error determination). In other words, the threshold value for error determination is 3. The sensitivity of the determination unit 50 means, for example, a threshold value and a cycle.

  In the example of FIG. 3A, the determination unit 50 receives the signal L at time t, and also receives the signal L at time t + t0 after a period t0 from time t. Further, the determination unit 50 receives the signal H at time t + 2 × t0 after a period t0. At this time, the number of times that the signal L is continuously detected is two. Accordingly, the determination unit 50 does not determine that a print paper out error has occurred.

  In the example of FIG. 3B, it is the same as the example of FIG. 3A that the determination unit 50 receives the signal L at time t and time t + t0. Further, at time t + 2 × t0, determination unit 50 receives signal L. At this time, the number of times that the signal L is continuously detected is three. Accordingly, the determination unit 50 determines that an error of out of print paper has occurred.

  The same applies to the cover switch 37. For example, the cover switch 37 outputs a signal H when the cover is closed (cover closed), and outputs a signal L when the cover is open. As described above, the cover switch 37 can detect a cover close (non-error state) and a cover open (error state). For example, when the signal L is detected three times consecutively, the determination unit 50 determines that a cover open error has occurred. Similar to the example of the photo sensor 36, the determination unit 50 can determine whether a cover open error has occurred based on a signal output from the cover switch 37. The period t0 can be set to an arbitrary value such as 1 ms or 2 ms. Also, the threshold value may be a value other than 3, such as 2 or 5, for example.

  The sensor may malfunction due to, for example, dust, vibration, or static electricity. Specifically, the sensor 35 may output a signal L due to a malfunction even if an error such as out of printing paper or cover open does not actually occur. Even if malfunction occurs, if the signal L is output three times continuously as shown in FIG. 3B, the printer enters an error state and stops operating. In particular, the thermal printer may be used in an environment where dust, vibration, etc. are likely to occur, such as an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) or a register. Accordingly, erroneous detection of errors is likely to occur. If an error is erroneously detected, the printer may stop operating. In addition, when the printer operates in an unattended environment such as ATM, it is difficult to perform a quick inspection or the like even if a false detection occurs, so that the operation may stop for a long time. is there.

  As described with reference to FIG. 2, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 included in the printer 100 according to the first embodiment reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50. A case where the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity will be described. The state change counter 49 shown in FIG. 2 measures the number of detections of a change in state, which is a change between an error state and a non-error state, in other words, a change between the signal H and the signal L. The frequent occurrence of the state change is considered to be caused by the unstable operation of the sensor 35, and there is a high possibility that the sensor 35 has malfunctioned. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a case where state changes frequently occur.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a state change, that is, a change from H to L and a change from L to H occurs 10 times or more within a predetermined time T0 (for example, 1 second). In this case, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50.

表１に示すように、感度低下部４８は、判定部５０の感度を低下させ、閾値をｎ０からｎ１に、周期をｔ０からｔ１に変更する。図３（ａ）から図４の例では、閾値ｎ０は３、ｎ１は１０である。低下後の周期ｔ１は、例えば低下前の周期ｔ０の２倍の長さである。判定部５０は、表１のデータテーブルを参照し、低下後の感度（閾値及び周期）に基づいて判定を行う。なお感度低下部４８は、閾値と周期のいずれか一方のみを変更してもよいし、両方を変更してもよい。低下後の閾値ｎ１は例えば５回、１５回、２０回等でもよく、低下前の閾値ｎ０より大きければよい。低下後の周期ｔ１は、低下前の周期ｔ０の３倍、５倍、１０倍等でもよく、ｔ０より長ければよい。 The decrease in sensitivity will be described with reference to the table. Table 1 is an example of a data table created by the sensitivity reduction unit 48.

As shown in Table 1, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50, and changes the threshold from n0 to n1 and the period from t0 to t1. In the example of FIGS. 3A to 4, the threshold value n0 is 3 and n1 is 10. The period t1 after the decrease is, for example, twice as long as the period t0 before the decrease. The determination unit 50 refers to the data table in Table 1 and performs determination based on the sensitivity (threshold value and cycle) after the decrease. Note that the sensitivity reduction unit 48 may change only one of the threshold and the cycle, or may change both. The threshold value n1 after the decrease may be, for example, 5 times, 15 times, or 20 times, and may be larger than the threshold value n0 before the decrease. The period t1 after the decrease may be three times, five times, ten times, or the like of the period t0 before the decrease, and may be longer than t0.

  An example of error determination after sensitivity reduction will be described. First, an example of the threshold will be described. When the threshold value n1 is 10, the determination unit 50 determines that an error has occurred when the signal L is detected ten times in succession. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the determination unit 50 detects the signal L three times in succession, but detects the signal H at time t + 3 × t0. Since the number of detections of the signal L is smaller than the threshold value of 10, the determination unit 50 does not determine that an error has occurred.

  Further, an example of error determination after sensitivity reduction will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are diagrams illustrating signals detected by the sensor after sensitivity reduction. FIG. 5A shows an example in which the cycle is changed, and the threshold value is 3 before and after the sensitivity is lowered.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the determination unit 50 acquires a signal for each constant period t <b> 1 based on the time measured by the timer 26. As indicated by an arrow in FIG. 5A, the determination unit 50 acquires a signal at time t, time t + t1 after a period t1, and further at time t + 2 × t1 after a period t1. On the other hand, the determination unit 50 does not acquire a signal at times t + t0 and t + 3 × t0 enclosed in parentheses in FIG. The determination unit 50 acquires the signal L at time t and t + t1, and acquires the signal H at time t + 2 × t1. The number of times the signal H is continuously detected is 2 and is smaller than the threshold value 3. Therefore, the determination unit 50 does not determine that an error has occurred.

  FIG. 5B shows an example in which the threshold value and the period are changed. The threshold value n1 is 10, and the period is t1. As indicated by arrows in FIG. 5B, the determination unit 50 detects the signal L at times t, t + t1, and t + 2 × t1. However, the number of times the signal L is detected continuously is 3 and is smaller than the threshold value 10. Therefore, the determination unit 50 does not determine that an error has occurred. Thus, even when there is a possibility that the sensor 35 has malfunctioned, the erroneous detection of the error is suppressed by the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reducing the sensitivity of the determination unit 50.

  Next, control of the printer according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the sensitivity reduction control of the printer according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, first, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines whether a state change is detected (step S10). The sensitivity reduction unit 48 receives a signal every cycle t0, and determines that the signal has changed from the signal H to the signal L and that the signal L has changed to the signal H as a state change. In the case of Yes, the state change counter 49 adds 1 to the state change detection count N (step S11). After step S11 or in the case of No in step S10, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines whether the predetermined time T0 has elapsed from the start of control based on the time measured by the timer 26 (step S12). T0 is, for example, 1 second (see FIG. 4). If no, control returns to step S10. In the case of Yes, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines whether the state change detection count N is N0 or more (step S13). N0 is 10, for example.

  In the case of Yes, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 sets the first flag (step S14), and further reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 (step S15). For example, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 changes the threshold and the period as shown in Table 1. Step S15 is illustrated as a subroutine, but this corresponds to the second embodiment. Step S15 in the first embodiment is a normal step that is not a subroutine. After step S15, the print control unit 40 or the communication control unit 46 generates an alarm for notifying the decrease in sensitivity (step S16). The alarm is generated, for example, when the print control unit 40 causes the thermal head 32 to print a notification of sensitivity reduction, or the communication control unit 46 outputs a notification of sensitivity reduction to the host computer via the I / F 24. In the case of No in step S13, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 deletes the first flag (first flag clear, step S17). After step S16 or after step S17, the control ends.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating the error detection control of the printer according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the determination unit 50 determines whether the sensor 35 has detected an error state (step S20). More specifically, the determination unit 50 detects a signal every cycle t0 and determines whether the signal is the signal L. In the case of No, the error counter 52 sets the error state detection count n to zero (step S21). After step S21, the control ends. If Yes in step S20, the determination unit 50 determines whether the first flag is set (step S22). The first flag is a first flag set in step S14 of FIG. In the case of Yes, the control proceeds to step S27 shown in FIG. 8 (see “A” in FIGS. 7 and 8). The control after step S27 will be described later.

  If No in step S22, that is, if the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 has not been reduced, the error counter 52 adds 1 to the error state detection count n (step S23). After step S23, the determination unit 50 determines whether the error state detection count n is n0 or more (step S24). n0 is 3, for example. If No, the control ends. In the case of Yes, the determination unit 50 determines that an error has occurred in the printer 100 (step S25). After step S25, the error counter 52 sets the error state detection count n to zero (step S26). After step S26, the control ends. As described above, in steps S23 to S26, the determination unit 50 determines whether the determination unit 50 is based on the threshold value 3 and the period t0 before the decrease in Table 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Then, it is determined whether an error has occurred in the printer 100.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the case of Yes in step S <b> 22, the determination unit 50 determines whether the time when the signal is received from the sensor 35 in step S <b> 20 matches the time based on the period t <b> 1 changed by the sensitivity reduction unit 48. Determination is made (step S27). The time based on the cycle t1 is a time determined by adding an integral multiple of the cycle t1 to the first time t as indicated by an arrow in FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example. In the case of No, the control ends (see “C” in FIGS. 7 and 8). At this time, the error counter 52 does not count the error state detected in step S20 as the number of error state detections.

  In the case of Yes, the error counter 52 adds 1 to the error state detection count n (step S28). After step S28, the determination unit 50 determines whether the error state detection count n is n1 or more (step S29). In other words, the determination unit 50 determines whether the error state detection count n is equal to or greater than the threshold value n1 changed by the sensitivity reduction unit 48. n1 is 10, for example. If No, the control ends. In the case of Yes, the control proceeds to step S25 in FIG. 7 (see “B” in FIGS. 7 and 8). The determination unit 50 determines that an error has occurred (step S25). Since the subsequent control has already been described, it will be omitted. This is the end of the error detection control. As described above, the control of steps S25, S26, and S27 to S29 is performed by the determination unit 50 based on the lowered threshold value n1 and the period t1 in Table 1 as illustrated in FIG. This is a control for determining whether or not an error has occurred.

  The printer 100 according to the first embodiment includes a sensor 35, a determination unit 50 that determines whether an error has occurred in the printer 100 based on the detection result of the sensor 35, and the detection result of the sensor 35 includes an error state and a non-error state. And a sensitivity reduction unit 48 that reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 for determining that an error has occurred in the printer 100 when the number of times N0 is switched to N0. Thereby, even when the possibility that the sensor 35 is malfunctioning is high, erroneous detection of an error can be suppressed. The predetermined time T0 may be 0.5 seconds, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, or the like other than 1 second. The predetermined number N0 of state changes for reducing the sensitivity may be, for example, 5 times, 15 times, 20 times, or the like.

  Since the operation stop of the printer 100 due to erroneous detection is suppressed, the working efficiency of the printer 100 can be improved. In addition, the efficiency of inspection and the like can be increased. In particular, when the printer 100 is a thermal printer used in, for example, a register or an ATM, it is often used in an environment where malfunctions are likely to occur. According to the first embodiment, erroneous detection of errors can be effectively suppressed even in an environment where malfunction of the sensor 35 is likely to occur.

  As shown in Table 1, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 by increasing the threshold value. Moreover, the sensitivity reduction part 48 reduces the sensitivity of the determination part 50 by enlarging a period. In addition, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 may change at least one of the threshold value and the period. Therefore, erroneous detection can be effectively suppressed according to, for example, the application and use environment of the printer 100. The sensitivity reduction control illustrated in FIG. 6 may be performed, for example, when the printer 100 is activated, or may be performed periodically. “Periodically” means to perform an interruption process in which the sensitivity reduction control is performed at regular intervals measured by the timer 26 or the like. The sensitivity reduction control may be performed, for example, while the printer 100 is on standby, or may be performed in parallel with the operation during operation (for example, during printing). The error detection shown in FIGS. 3A to 5B is an example. For example, the sensor 35 outputs a signal L when detecting a non-error state, and outputs a signal H when detecting an error state. You may do that. The sensor 35 may output not only two types of H and L, but also more types of signals.

  As shown in step S <b> 16 of FIG. 6, the print controller 40 or the communication controller 46 notifies the decrease in sensitivity due to the sensitivity decrease unit 48. Thereby, the user can know that there was a decrease in sensitivity, and for example, inspection can be performed quickly. The notification may be performed by, for example, lighting or blinking of an LED provided in the printer 100, display on a display, generation of an alarm sound, etc., in addition to printing and communication with a host computer or the like. The printer 100 may be a printer other than a thermal printer. An arithmetic device other than the MCU 12 may be used. The print medium is not limited to paper. In addition to the thermal head 32, for example, a means capable of printing on a medium such as paper using ink, toner, or the like may be used. A means for conveying paper other than the motor 34 may be used.

  The second embodiment is an example in which the sensitivity is changed according to the operation situation. The printer according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

表２に示すように、プリンタ１００が印刷中である場合、感度低下部４８は、閾値をｎ２、周期をｔ２とする。印刷中とは、図１に示したサーマルヘッド３２が印刷を行っている状態を指す。プリンタ１００が切断中である場合、感度低下部４８は、閾値をｎ３、周期をｔ３とする。切断中とは、図１に示した切断部３８が印刷用紙を切断している状態を指す。プリンタ１００が搬送中である場合、感度低下部４８は、閾値をｎ４、周期をｔ４とする。搬送中とは、図１に示したモータ３４により印刷用紙が搬送されている状態である。プリンタ１００が待機中である場合、感度低下部４８は、閾値をｎ５、周期をｔ５とする。待機中とは、サーマルヘッド３２、切断部３８、及びモータ３４のいずれも動作していない状態である。このように感度低下部４８は、サーマルヘッド３２、モータ３４、及び切断部３８のいずれが動作中であるかに応じて、判定部５０が異なる感度を有するように感度を変更する。判定部５０は、表２に示した感度（閾値及び周期）に基づいて判定を行う。 During operation of the printer, vibration may be applied to the printer 100, and electrical noise and dust may be generated. Therefore, erroneous detection is likely to occur. The sensitivity reduction unit 48 according to the second embodiment changes the sensitivity according to the operation status of the printer 100. Table 2 is an example of a data table created by the sensitivity reduction unit 48.

As shown in Table 2, when the printer 100 is printing, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 sets the threshold value to n2 and the cycle to t2. “Printing” means a state in which the thermal head 32 shown in FIG. 1 is printing. When the printer 100 is disconnected, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 sets the threshold value to n3 and the period to t3. Cutting is in a state where the cutting unit 38 shown in FIG. 1 is cutting the printing paper. When the printer 100 is carrying, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 sets the threshold value to n4 and the cycle to t4. “Conveying” means that the printing paper is being conveyed by the motor 34 shown in FIG. When the printer 100 is on standby, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 sets the threshold value to n5 and the period to t5. The standby state is a state in which none of the thermal head 32, the cutting unit 38, or the motor 34 is operating. As described above, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 changes the sensitivity so that the determination unit 50 has different sensitivities depending on which of the thermal head 32, the motor 34, and the cutting unit 38 is operating. The determination unit 50 performs determination based on the sensitivity (threshold value and cycle) shown in Table 2.

  Next, control of the printer according to the second embodiment will be described. The control shown in FIG. 6 is common to the second embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, step S15 in FIG. 6 is a subroutine, and the control in FIG. 9 is performed in step S15.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the sensitivity reduction control of the printer according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines whether the printer 100 is printing (step S30). In the case of Yes, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines the sensitivity to the threshold value n2 and the period t2 that are the sensitivities during printing (step S31). After step S31, the control ends.

  In the case of No in step S30, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines whether the printer 100 is carrying (step S32). In the case of Yes, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines the sensitivity to the threshold value n3 and the period t3, which are the sensitivity during conveyance (step S33). After step S33, the control ends.

  If No in step S32, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines whether the printer 100 is cutting (step S34). In the case of Yes, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines the sensitivity to the threshold value n4 and the period t4 that are the sensitivity during cutting (step S35). After step S35, the control ends.

  In the case of No in step S34, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines the sensitivity to the threshold value n5 and the period t5 that are the sensitivity in standby (step S36). After step S36, the control ends.

  Next, error detection control will be described. Of the error detection control of the printer 100 according to the second embodiment, the description of the same control as the step described in the first embodiment is omitted. The period t1 is replaced with any one of the periods t2 to t5 shown in Table 2, and the threshold n1 is replaced with any one of the thresholds n2 to n5. For example, when the printer 100 is printing, the determination unit 50 determines whether the time when the signal is received from the sensor 35 coincides with the time determined based on the cycle t2 (step S27 in FIG. 8). In the case of Yes, the error counter 52 performs addition (step S28). The determination unit 50 determines whether the error state detection / recovery n is equal to or greater than the threshold value n2 (step S29). In the case of Yes, the determination unit 50 determines that an error has occurred (step S25 in FIG. 7). Even in the case of cutting, conveying, and waiting, the determination unit 50 performs determination based on each sensitivity.

  According to the second embodiment, depending on which of the thermal head 32, the motor 34, and the cutting unit 38 is in operation, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity so that the determination unit 50 has a different sensitivity ( (See FIG. 9). For this reason, erroneous detection can be effectively suppressed. In addition, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 can determine a sensitivity different from that during operation while the printer 100 is on standby. For this reason, false detection can be suppressed more effectively. As the operation of the printer 100, including the operations other than printing, cutting, and conveyance, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 may determine the sensitivity according to the operation. As described above, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 can effectively suppress erroneous detection by reducing the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 according to the operation state of the printer 100. Note that false detection is more likely to occur during operation than during standby. Therefore, the threshold values n2 to n4 during operation are preferably larger than the threshold value n5 during standby. The operating periods t2 to t4 are preferably larger than the waiting period t5.

  The third embodiment is an example in which the sensitivity is lowered in accordance with detection of an error state during operation. The configuration of the printer according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.

  The cover switch 37 shown in FIG. 1 detects opening / closing of the cover of the printer 100. The cover of the printer 100 is unlikely to be opened and closed during operations such as printing, transporting, or cutting. For this reason, when the cover switch 37 detects a cover open during operation, the cover switch 37 is likely to malfunction. If an error determination is made by the determination unit 50 based on such a malfunction, there is a greater risk of erroneous detection of the error. Therefore, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity during operation.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the sensitivity reduction control of the printer according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 receives a signal output from the cover switch 37, and determines whether the cover switch 37 has detected a cover open (step S40). If No, the control ends. In the case of Yes, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 determines whether the printer 100 is operating (step S41). “Operating” means, for example, during printing, during conveyance, or during cutting. If No, the control ends. In the case of Yes, the control proceeds to step S14, and in step S15, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity.

  According to the third embodiment, when the cover switch 37 detects a cover open during the operation of the printer 100, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50. As described above, it is possible to automatically determine a case where erroneous detection is likely to occur, and to reduce erroneous detection effectively by the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reducing the sensitivity.

  In FIG. 10, the cover switch 37 is taken as an example. However, when other sensors such as the photo sensor 36 detect the error state, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 may reduce the sensitivity. The operation of the printer 100 may be an operation other than printing, conveyance, and cutting. Note that step S15 in FIG. 10 may be a step as in the first embodiment or a subroutine for performing the control shown in FIG. In other words, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 may reduce the sensitivity according to the operation status of the printer 100. Further, as the sensitivity reduction control, not only the control of FIG. 10 but also the control shown in FIG. 6 may be performed, and the sensitivity may be reduced in either of them. In other words, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 may reduce the sensitivity when the cover switch 37 detects a cover open during operation and / or when the state change count N is equal to or greater than the predetermined count N0. .

    The fourth embodiment is an example in which error determination is not performed during operation. The configuration of the printer according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.

  11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating the error detection control of the printer according to the fourth embodiment. The control illustrated in FIG. 7 is common to the fourth embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the sensitivity reduction control illustrated in FIG. 6 is performed, and the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 is the sensitivity after the change in Table 1 (period t1, threshold n1). In other words, the case is Yes in step S22 shown in FIG. 7, and the control proceeds to step S27 in FIG. 11 (see “A” in FIGS. 7 and 11).

  Steps S27 to S29 shown in FIG. 11 are the same as the steps shown in FIG. If Yes in step S29, the determination unit 50 determines whether the printer 100 is operating (step S50). “Operating” means, for example, during printing, during conveyance, or during cutting. In the case of No, the control proceeds to step S25 in FIG. 7 (see “B” in FIGS. 7 and 11). This is the same as in the case of Yes in step S29 in FIG. 8, and the determination unit 50 determines that an error has occurred (step S25). In the case of Yes in step S50 of FIG. 11, the determination unit 50 sets the second flag (step S51). At this time, the determination unit 50 does not determine that an error has occurred. After step S51, control proceeds to step S52 in FIG. 12 (see “D” in FIGS. 11 and 12).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the determination unit 50 determines whether the operation of the printer 100 has been completed (step S52). If no, step S52 is repeated. In the case of Yes, the determination part 50 determines whether the 2nd flag is set (step S53). If No, the control ends.

  In the case of Yes, the determination part 50 determines whether the sensor 35 detected the error state (step S54). If No, the control ends. In the case of Yes, the determination unit 50 determines that an error has occurred (step S55). After step S55, the control ends.

  As described above, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit 50 (step S15 in FIG. 6), and the detection result of the sensor 35 is a detection result that the determination unit 50 should make an error determination based on the reduced sensitivity. (Yes in step S29 in FIG. 11), and if the printer 100 is operating (Yes in step S50), the determination unit 50 does not determine that an error has occurred. For this reason, interruption of the operation of the printer 100 due to erroneous detection is suppressed.

  After the operation of the printer 100 is completed (Yes in step S52 of FIG. 12), the determination unit 50 confirms the detection result of the sensor 35 again. If the sensor 35 has not detected an error state (No in step S54), the determination unit 50 determines that no error has occurred. That is, the determination unit 50 determines that an erroneous detection that is difficult to avoid due to a decrease in sensitivity has occurred, and does not perform error determination. When the sensor 35 detects an error state (Yes in step S54), the determination unit 50 determines that an error has occurred in the printer 100 (step S55). Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately detect an error even when an error actually occurs while suppressing erroneous detection.

  The sensitivity reduction control performed in the fourth embodiment may be any of the controls shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 9, or FIG. In the example of FIGS. 11 and 12, the example in which the sensitivity reduction unit 48 reduces the sensitivity as shown in Table 1 has been described. However, the sensitivity reduction unit 48 may determine the sensitivity as shown in Table 2, for example, according to the operation status of the printer 100.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. It can be changed.

12 MCU
26 Timer 32 Thermal Head 34 Motor 35 Sensor 36 Photo Sensor 37 Cover Switch 38 Cutting Unit 48 Sensitivity Decreasing Unit 49 State Change Counter 50 Judgment Unit 52 Error Counter 100 Printer

Claims (10)

A sensor for detecting an error state and a non-error state;
A determination unit configured to determine whether an error has occurred in the printer based on the detection result of the sensor;
The determination unit for determining that an error has occurred in the printer when a detection result of the sensor is switched a predetermined number of times or more between the error state and the non-error state within a predetermined time. And a sensitivity reduction unit that reduces the sensitivity of the printer.   2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein when the sensor detects the error state during the operation of the printer, the sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit. The sensor detects opening and closing of the printer cover,
3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein when the sensor detects opening / closing of the cover during operation of the printer, the sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit. A printing section for printing on paper;
A transport unit for transporting the paper;
A cutting section for cutting the paper,
The sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit when the sensor detects the error state while at least one of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit is operating. Item 4. The printer according to Item 2 or 3. The determination unit determines that an error has occurred in the printer when the number of times that the sensor continuously detects an error state is equal to or greater than a threshold value,
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity reduction unit increases the threshold value. The determination unit determines that an error has occurred in the printer if the detection result by the sensor is acquired every predetermined period and the number of times the sensor continuously detects an error state is equal to or greater than a threshold value. And
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity reduction unit increases the period.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit according to an operation state of the printer. A printing section for printing on paper;
A transport unit for transporting the paper;
A cutting section for cutting the paper,
The sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity so that the determination unit has a different sensitivity depending on which of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit is in operation. The printer according to claim 7. The sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit,
And the detection result of the sensor is a case where the determination unit is a detection result to be determined that an error has occurred in the printer based on the reduced sensitivity,
When the printer is operating, the determination unit does not determine that an error has occurred in the printer,
When the sensor detects the error state after the operation of the printer, the determination unit determines that an error has occurred in the printer,
9. The printer according to claim 1, wherein when the sensor does not detect the error state after the operation of the printer is finished, the determination unit determines that no error has occurred in the printer. . A printing section for printing on paper;
A transport unit for transporting the paper;
A cutting section for cutting the paper,
The sensitivity reduction unit reduces the sensitivity of the determination unit,
And the detection result of the sensor is a case where the determination unit is a detection result to be determined that an error has occurred in the printer based on the reduced sensitivity,
When at least one of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit is operating, the determination unit does not determine that an error has occurred in the printer,
When the sensor detects the error state after the at least one operation of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit is completed, the determination unit determines that an error has occurred in the printer,
If the sensor does not detect the error state after the at least one operation of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit is completed, the determination unit determines that no error has occurred in the printer. The printer according to claim 9.

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