JP2016097540A - Printing system and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow processing corresponding to a configuration provided with a plurality of communication sections to be executed.SOLUTION: A printer 11 of a printing system 1 includes: a printing section 21 performing printing onto a roll sheet; a USB interface 23 transmitting/receiving data to/from a POS terminal 10; a wireless communication interface 25 transmitting/receiving the data to/from a tablet terminal 13; and a printing control section 201 controlling the printing section 21 on the basis of the data received from the USB interface 23 or the wireless communication interface 25, monitoring whether or not status is changed, generates status data indicating the status changed when the status is changed and transmitting the status data generated by the USB interface 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) that includes a plurality of communication units (interfaces) and processes data received from a plurality of external devices via a plurality of communication units using a processing program prepared for each communication unit is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-312250

There is a need for an apparatus having a plurality of communication units, such as the printing apparatus described above, to perform processing corresponding to a configuration having a plurality of communication units so as to realize effective use of storage resources and calculation resources. .
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and a printing system including a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication units and processing corresponding to a configuration in which the printing apparatus has a plurality of communication units. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system of the present invention is a printing system comprising a printing device, a first control device connected to the printing device, and a second control device connectable to the printing device. The printing apparatus includes a printing unit that prints on a recording medium, a first communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the first control apparatus, and a second that transmits and receives data to and from the second control apparatus. A communication unit and a print control unit that controls the printing unit based on the data received by the first communication unit or the second communication unit, and whether the print control unit has changed in status of the printing apparatus; If the status is changed, the status data including the changed status is generated, and the generated status data is sent to the first communication unit, and
The transmission is performed by any one of the second communication units.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing system can perform processing corresponding to a configuration in which the printing apparatus includes a plurality of communication units.

In the printing system of the present invention, the first control device is a POS terminal that transmits data for issuing a receipt to the printing device, and receives the status data of 1 from the first communication unit of the printing device. In this case, the changed status is acquired based on the received status data of the one and the status data received before the status of the one.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the first control device can accurately acquire the change in the status of the printing device and the status after the change using the status data.

In the printing system of the present invention, the printing apparatus includes a first reception buffer for storing data received by the first communication unit, and a second reception buffer for storing data received by the second communication unit. The printing control unit of the printing apparatus switches the processing target to either the first reception buffer or the second reception buffer, and the printing unit based on data stored in the processing target buffer It is characterized by controlling.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus switches the processing target buffer,
The process based on the data received from the first control apparatus and the process based on the data received from the second control apparatus can be switched and executed.

In the printing system of the present invention, the first control device performs wired communication with the printing device, and the second control device wirelessly communicates with the printing device.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing system can perform processing corresponding to a configuration in which the printing apparatus includes a plurality of communication units.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing unit that prints on a recording medium, a first communication unit that transmits and receives data, a second communication unit that transmits and receives data, and the first communication unit. A printing control unit that controls the printing unit based on data received by the communication unit or the second communication unit, and the printing control unit monitors whether the status has changed, and the status has changed. If there is, status data including the changed status is generated, and the generated status data is transmitted by either the first communication unit or the second communication unit.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus can execute processing corresponding to a configuration including a plurality of communication units.

Further, the printing apparatus of the present invention includes a first reception buffer that stores data received by the first communication unit, and a second reception buffer that stores data received by the second communication unit,
The print control unit switches a processing target to one of the first reception buffer and the second reception buffer, and controls the printing unit based on data stored in the processing target buffer. And
According to the configuration of the present invention, the printing apparatus can switch and execute processing based on data received by the first reception buffer and processing based on data received by the second reception buffer.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of each device included in the printing system. 6 is a flowchart showing operations of a POS terminal and a printing apparatus. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a tablet terminal and a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing operations of a POS terminal and a printing apparatus. The figure which shows status data.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specification mode of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a state in which the printing system 1 is applied to a restaurant T that provides drinks and food to customers who visit the store.
The restaurant T shown in FIG. 1 is divided into a hall T1 and a kitchen T2.
In the hall T1, a customer who has visited the store stays, and the person in charge of the hall T1 (hereinafter referred to as “hall person”)
That's it. ) Is an area that provides services such as food and beverages to customers. There are a plurality of hall personnel in the hall T1. In the hall T1, a plurality of tables TB on which dishes and the like can be placed and a chair CH on which a customer sits are provided.

In the hall T1, an accounting counter LC for customer accounting is provided in the vicinity of the entrance / exit DG. The accounting counter LC is provided with a POS terminal (first control device) 10 and a printing device 11 connected to the POS terminal 10 by wire. A monitor MT and a cash drawer KS are connected to the POS terminal 10 as devices.
At the time of customer accounting, the person in charge of the hall makes an input to the POS terminal 10 according to the accounting. P
The OS terminal 10 controls the monitor MT and the cash drawer KS according to the input, displays information related to accounting on the monitor MT, and enables cash delivery using the cash drawer KS. Further, the POS terminal 10 controls the printing apparatus 11 to cause the printing apparatus 11 to issue a receipt. The receipt issued by the printing apparatus 11 is delivered to the customer.

The tablet terminal 1 used when accepting orders from customers
3 (second control device) is given in advance. The tablet terminal 13 is a tablet computer provided with a touch panel 41 (see FIG. 2) on the front surface.
When accepting an order from a customer in the hall T1, the person in charge of the hall goes near the customer, listens to the order from the customer, and makes an input corresponding to the order on the tablet terminal 13. When the acceptance of the order is completed, the person in charge of the hall goes near the accounting counter LC and wirelessly connects the tablet terminal 13 and the printing apparatus 11 according to Bluetooth (registered trademark). Next, the hall staff performs a predetermined input to the tablet terminal 13. In response to the predetermined input, the tablet terminal 13 controls the printing device 11 to issue an order slip printed with at least the name of the ordered food and drink and the ordered quantity. The person in charge of the hall places the order slip issued by the printing apparatus 11 at a predetermined position in the kitchen T2.

The kitchen T2 is an area where a person in charge of the kitchen T2 (hereinafter referred to as “kitchen person in charge”) makes food and drinks, and is provided with a drink server, a gas stove, a refrigerator, and the like. The person in charge of the kitchen receives the order slip placed at a predetermined position by the person in charge of the hall, recognizes the food / drink with the order based on the order slip, and creates the food / drink. The food and drink made by the person in charge of the kitchen is handed over to the person in charge of the hall and delivered to the customer by the person in charge of the hall.

As described above, the POS terminal 10 is always connected to the printing apparatus 11 by wire and communicates with the printing apparatus 11 by wire.
On the other hand, the tablet terminal 13 is temporarily connected (temporarily connected) to the printing apparatus 11 and wirelessly communicates with the printing apparatus 11.

  2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of each device of the printing system 1. FIG.

The printing apparatus 11 is a line thermal printer that stores roll paper (recording medium) and prints an image by forming dots on a roll paper that is thermal paper using a line-type thermal head.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 11 includes a control unit 20, a printing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a US.
A B interface 23 (first communication unit), a first reception buffer 24, a wireless communication interface 25 (second communication unit), and a second reception buffer 26 are provided.

The control unit 20 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the printing apparatus 11. The control unit 20 functions as the print control unit 201 by reading and executing a predetermined control program. The print control unit 201 will be described later.

The printing unit 21 includes a transport mechanism that transports roll paper accommodated in the casing of the printing apparatus 11, a printing mechanism that prints an image by forming dots on the roll paper using a thermal head, and cuts the roll paper at a predetermined position. A cutting mechanism is provided. Under the control of the control unit 20, the printing unit 21 prints an image on the roll paper by the printing mechanism while conveying the roll paper by the conveyance mechanism, cuts the roll paper at a predetermined position by the cutting mechanism, and the above-described receipt. And issue an order slip.

The storage unit 22 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data. The storage unit 22 stores the setting file SF. The setting file SF will be described later.

The USB interface 23 includes an interface board having a port conforming to the USB standard, and is controlled by the control unit 20 via a USB cable connected to the port.
Communicates with the POS terminal 10 according to the USB standard.
The first reception buffer 24 is a buffer that stores data received from the POS terminal 10 by the USB interface 23.

The wireless communication interface 25 includes a wireless communication module having a wireless communication function according to the Bluetooth standard, and wirelessly communicates with the tablet terminal 13 according to the Bluetooth standard under the control of the control unit 20.
The second reception buffer 26 is a buffer for storing data received from the tablet terminal 13 by the wireless communication interface 25.

The POS terminal 10 is a host computer that controls the printing apparatus 11.
As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 10 includes a POS terminal control unit 30 and a POS terminal storage unit 3.
1, a POS terminal communication interface 32, a POS terminal input unit 33, and a POS terminal device communication unit 34.

The POS terminal control unit 30 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits.
The S terminal 10 is controlled.

  The POS terminal storage unit 31 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data.

The POS terminal communication interface 32 is controlled by the POS terminal control unit 30, and the printing apparatus 1
1 and according to the USB standard.

The POS terminal input unit 33 includes input means such as a numeric keypad and operation switches, detects an input to the input means, and outputs it to the POS terminal control unit 30. The POS terminal control unit 30
Based on the input from the S terminal input unit 33, processing corresponding to the input is executed.

The POS terminal device communication unit 34 communicates with a device connected to the POS terminal 10 under the control of the POS terminal control unit 30. A monitor MT and a cash drawer KS are connected to the POS terminal 10 as devices.
The monitor MT includes display means such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various images on the control picture and display means of the POS terminal control unit 30.
The cash drawer KS includes a tray that stores cash, a drawer mechanism that pulls out the tray from the housing, and a lock mechanism that locks the tray. Cash drawer KS is POS
Under the control of the terminal control unit 30, the lock mechanism is unlocked, and the tray is pulled out of the housing by the drawer mechanism.

The tablet terminal 13 is a tablet computer provided with a touch panel 41 on the front surface.
As shown in FIG. 2, the tablet terminal 13 includes a tablet terminal control unit 40, a touch panel 41, a tablet terminal storage unit 42, and a tablet terminal communication interface 43.

The tablet terminal control unit 40 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits.
The tablet terminal 13 is controlled.

The touch panel 41 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel and a touch sensor provided so as to overlap the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the tablet terminal control unit 40. The touch sensor detects a touch operation and outputs it to the tablet terminal control unit 40. The tablet terminal control unit 40 executes processing corresponding to the touch operation based on the input from the touch panel 41.

  The tablet terminal storage unit 42 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data.

The tablet terminal communication interface 43 performs wireless communication with the printing apparatus 11 according to the Bluetooth standard under the control of the tablet terminal control unit 40.

Next, regarding the operations of the POS terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 when issuing a receipt,
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when the processing target is switched to either the first reception buffer 24 or the second reception buffer 26, and the first reception buffer 24 is the processing target, printing is performed. The apparatus 11 executes processing related to receipt issuance. However, in the following description using the flowchart of FIG. 3, it is assumed that a state in which the processing target is the first reception buffer 24 is maintained in consideration of the convenience of the description.

As described above, when a customer accounts at the accounting counter LC,
An input corresponding to the accounting is performed via the numeric keypad of the OS terminal 10 or the like. The POS terminal 10 controls the monitor MT and the cash drawer KS according to the input, displays information related to accounting on the monitor MT, and enables cash delivery using the cash drawer KS.
The POS terminal control unit 30 of the POS terminal 10 performs a settlement process according to the customer's transaction, and based on the settlement process, control data (hereinafter referred to as “receipt issuance data”) that instructs the issuance of a receipt.
That's it. ) Is generated (step SA1).
Specifically, the POS terminal 10 includes, as functional blocks, a POS application execution unit that executes a POS application and a printer driver execution unit that executes a printer driver.
The POS application execution unit generates receipt information including information to be printed on the receipt according to the customer's transaction. Receipt information includes information about the logo printed on the receipt,
Information indicating the date and time (date + time) of the receipt issue, the name of the product purchased by the customer, the unit price of the product, the quantity of the purchased product, tax information, the total purchase price, the amount of money received from the customer,
It is information including information indicating change and other information. The POS application execution unit
Receipt information is generated based on the input of the cashier in charge of input means such as a numeric keypad. After the receipt information is generated, the POS application execution unit outputs the receipt information to the printer driver execution unit.
The printer driver execution unit generates receipt issuance data in accordance with the command system of the printing apparatus 11 based on the input receipt information. The receipt issue data is data including a plurality of control commands according to the command system of the printing apparatus 11.

After generating the receipt issuance data, the POS terminal control unit 30 controls the POS terminal communication interface 32 and transmits the generated receipt issuance data to the printing apparatus 11 (step SA2).

As shown in FIG. 3B, the USB interface 23 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the receipt issuance data and stores it in the first reception buffer 24 (step SB1).
The print control unit 201 of the control unit 20 refers to the setting file SF stored in the storage unit 22 (step SB2).
The setting file SF is data in which a plurality of setting information regarding the printing apparatus 11 is recorded. The setting information is information configured by a combination of setting items and setting values set in the setting items.
In the present embodiment, there are image setting information and operation setting information as types of setting information.

Image setting information is setting information that affects the print result of an image recorded on a recording medium. The setting items of the image setting information include, for example, left and right margins, fonts, line spacing, and the like.
The image setting information is set in advance by a predetermined means in accordance with the receipt layout.

The operation setting information is setting information that affects an operation when the printing apparatus 11 executes a process related to printing. The setting items of the operation setting information include, for example, print density and print speed.

The information recorded in the setting file SF can be rewritten at an arbitrary timing by a user by a predetermined means.

After referring to the setting file SF, the print control unit 201 reads the receipt issue data stored in the first reception buffer 24 (step SB3).
Next, the printing control unit 201 prints the printing unit 2 according to the setting information (image setting information and operation setting information) recorded in the setting file SF based on the read receipt issuance data.
1 is issued and a receipt is issued (step SB4).

Next, operations of the tablet terminal 13 and the printing apparatus 11 when issuing an order slip will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when the processing target is switched to either the first reception buffer 24 or the second reception buffer 26, and the second reception buffer 26 is the processing target, printing is performed. The device 11 executes processing related to the issue of the order slip. However, in the following description using the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the processing target is the second reception buffer 26 in consideration of the convenience of the description.

A predetermined native application is installed in the tablet terminal 13 in advance. In the following description, the function of the tablet terminal control unit 40 of the tablet terminal 13 is realized by a native application and other accompanying programs.

As described above, the person in charge of the hall listens to the order from the customer, and inputs corresponding to the order to the predetermined user interface provided by the function of the native application. When the acceptance of the order is completed, the person in charge of the hall goes near the accounting counter LC and wirelessly connects the tablet terminal 13 and the printing apparatus 11 according to Bluetooth. During wireless connection, pairing is performed between the tablet terminal 13 and the printing device 11 in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, a communication link is established between these devices, and a state in which data can be transmitted and received between these devices is established. Is done. After the tablet terminal 13 and the printing apparatus 11 are wirelessly connected, the person in charge of the hall performs a predetermined input on the user interface.

In response to a predetermined input to the user interface, the tablet terminal control unit 40 generates control data (hereinafter referred to as “order slip issue data”) instructing the issue of the order slip (step SC1). As described above, the order slip is a piece of paper on which at least the name of the ordered food and drink and the ordered quantity are printed. Here, the native application includes a program having the same functions as those of the POS application and the printer driver described above. The tablet terminal control unit 40 generates order slip issue data by the function of the native application.
The order slip issue data is data including a plurality of control commands according to the command system of the printing apparatus 11. In particular, the order slip issue data includes a setting file rewrite command in the head control command. The setting file rewrite command will be described later.

After generating the order slip issue data, the tablet terminal control unit 40 controls the tablet terminal communication interface 43 to transmit the order slip issue data to the printing apparatus 11 (step SC2).

As shown in FIG. 4B, the wireless communication interface 25 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the order slip issue data and stores it in the second reception buffer 26 (step SD1).
Next, the print control unit 201 of the control unit 20 refers to the setting file SF stored in the storage unit 22 (step SD2).
Next, after referring to the setting file SF, the print control unit 201 displays the second reception buffer 2.
The order slip issue data stored in 6 is read (step SD3).
Next, the printing control unit 201 prints the printing unit 2 according to the setting information (image setting information and operation setting information) recorded in the setting file SF based on the read order slip issuing data.
1 is controlled to issue an order slip (step SD4).

By the way, in the restaurant T, a system (hereinafter referred to as “POS system”) configured by the POS terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 is an existing system, and this POS.
Accounting was done using the system. Conventionally, an order slip is issued by a person in charge of the hall writing information relating to an order on a paper medium. On the other hand, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the printing apparatus 11 issues not only a receipt but also an order slip, thereby reducing the work burden on the hall staff.
Here, in the restaurant T, a dedicated device having a function of issuing a piece of paper is newly provided, and the dedicated device is configured to issue an order slip, thereby reducing the work burden of the hall staff. It is also possible. However, with this configuration, it is necessary to provide a dedicated device, which leads to an increase in cost. Based on this, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 1
1 is configured to issue both a receipt and an order slip, thereby preventing an increase in cost due to the provision of a dedicated device for issuing an order slip. However, this configuration has the following problems and needs.

In other words, the POS system is an existing system, and the POS system has a POS system.
There is a need to modify the terminal 10 as little as possible (for example, modification of the installed POS application program or modification of the printer driver program). This is because when the POS terminal 10 is modified, a work for modification is required, and the work load increases.
The existing POS system is a system on the premise that the POS terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 are always connected in a one-to-one relationship. Therefore, it is necessary to issue the order slip of the printing apparatus 11 under the control of the tablet terminal 13 while maintaining the state where the receipt of the printing apparatus 11 is normally issued under the control of the POS terminal 10. . Further, the image setting information recorded in the setting file SF of the printing apparatus 11 is content corresponding to the layout of the receipt, not the content corresponding to the layout of the order slip, and it is necessary to execute processing corresponding to this. is there.
Further, since the printing apparatus 11 uses an existing apparatus, the storage resources and calculation resources of the printing apparatus 11 are effectively used, and the printing apparatus 11 is not increased in memory or replaced with a high-performance CPU. There is a need to be able to do it.

Based on these problems and needs, the printing apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment executes the following processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 11.
As will be described later, the print control unit 201 of the control unit 20 of the printing apparatus 11 switches the buffer to be processed to either the first reception buffer 24 or the second reception buffer 26. At the start of the flowchart of FIG. 5, the processing target buffer is the first reception buffer 24.

As shown in FIG. 5, the print control unit 201 newly receives the order slip issue data from the tablet terminal 13 and monitors whether the received order slip issue data is stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step S <b> 5). SE1). As described above, when receiving the order slip issuing data, the wireless communication interface 25 sequentially stores the received order slip issuing data in the second reception buffer 26.
The print control unit 201 monitors the states of the first reception buffer 24 and the second reception buffer 26, and can detect this when new data is stored in these buffers.

When order slip issuance data is stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step SE1: Y)
ES), the print control unit 201 has read all the receipt issuance data stored in the first reception buffer 24, and has completed the processing (receipt issuance) based on all the receipt issuance data. It is determined whether or not it is in a state (step SE2). This completed state includes a state in which the control of the printing unit 21 based on the data stored in the first reception buffer 24 by the print control unit 201 is completed.

If the processing based on all the receipt issue data stored in the first reception buffer 24 is not completed (step SE2: NO), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE16. The processing after step SE16 will be described later.

When the process based on the receipt issuance data stored in the first reception buffer 24 has been completed (step SE2: YES), the print control unit 201 performs a first predetermined period after the process is completed. It is determined whether or not the state has elapsed (step SE3). here,
The print control unit 201 has a function of measuring the elapsed time after completion when processing based on the receipt issuance data performed most recently (= lastly performed) is completed. In step SE <b> 3, the print control unit 201 compares the measured elapsed time with a predetermined first predetermined period and, based on the comparison result, a predetermined first predetermined value after the processing is completed. It is determined whether or not the period has elapsed.

When the first predetermined period has already passed (step SE3: YES), the print control unit 2
In 01, the processing procedure proceeds to step SE6. In this case, as will be apparent later, the print control unit 201 immediately switches the processing target from the first reception buffer to the second reception buffer.

When the first predetermined period has not elapsed (step SE3: NO), the print control unit 2
01 monitors whether or not the first predetermined period has elapsed since the processing based on the receipt issue data stored in the first reception buffer 24 was completed (step SE5).
Receipt issue data is newly received from the POS terminal 10, and it is monitored whether the received receipt issue data is stored in the first reception buffer 24 (step SE4).

If the newly received receipt issuance data is stored in the first reception buffer 24 before the first predetermined period has elapsed (step SE4: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE16. . In this case, as will be apparent later, the print control unit 201
Does not switch the buffer to be processed, but prioritizes processing based on the receipt issuance data stored in the first reception buffer 24.

If the first predetermined period has elapsed without newly receiving receipt issuance data (step SE5: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE6.

In step SE <b> 6, the print control unit 201 switches the buffer to be processed from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26.
Switching the buffer to be processed means changing the buffer from which data is to be read from one buffer to another buffer. First receive buffer 2
When 4 is a processing target, the print control unit 201 reads data (receipt issue data) from the first reception buffer 24 and executes it. On the other hand, when the second reception buffer 26 is a processing target, the print control unit 201 reads the data (order slip issue data) from the second reception buffer 26 and executes it.

As described above, after the processing based on the data stored in the first reception buffer 24 is completed,
The reason for switching the buffer after waiting for the elapse of the predetermined period is as follows.
That is, as described above, the receipt issue data is data including a plurality of control commands. Accordingly, there may be a time lag between the time when one control command is stored in the first reception buffer 24 and the time when the control command next to the one control command is stored in the first reception buffer 24. On the other hand, the control command included in the receipt issuance data instructing the issuance of one receipt needs to be continuously executed in a series of processes.
This is because a receipt cannot be issued normally unless it is continuously executed in a series of processes. Based on the above, even if there is a time lag in the timing at which the control command included in the receipt issuance data is stored in the first reception buffer 24, the control included in the receipt issuance data instructing the issuance of one receipt To execute a command continuously in a series of processes,
After the processing based on the data stored in the first reception buffer 24 is completed, the buffer is switched after waiting for the elapse of a predetermined period.

After the processing target buffer is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26 in step SE6, the print control unit 201 stores data obtained by copying the setting file SF in a predetermined storage area (step SE7). The process in step SE7 corresponds to a process for saving the setting file SF.
Next, the print control unit 201 resets the image setting information of the setting file SF (step SE8). To reset the image setting information means to set a setting value set in each setting item included in the image setting information as a default value.

Next, the print control unit 201 reads a setting file rewrite command that is the first control command among the control commands included in the order slip issuing data stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step SE9).
The setting file rewrite command is a control command for executing rewriting of the image setting information recorded in the setting file SF. The rewriting of the image setting information means that a predetermined setting value is set in each setting item included in the image setting information. The setting file rewrite command includes information indicating each setting item of the image setting information and a setting value to be set for each setting item. Information indicating the combination of the setting item and the setting value is registered in the tablet terminal 13 in advance by a predetermined means. When the tablet terminal 13 generates order slip issue data, the tablet terminal 13 generates a setting file rewrite command based on the registered information.

Next, the print control unit 201 executes the read setting file rewrite command, and rewrites the image setting information in the setting file SF (step SE10).
As described above, in the present embodiment, the image setting information of the setting file SF is reset when the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26. Thereafter, the image setting information is rewritten based on the setting file rewriting command included in the order slip issuing data stored in the second reception buffer 26. Due to this configuration, the contents of the image setting information can correspond to the order slip.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26, the operation setting information is not reset among the setting information recorded in the setting file SF. It cannot be rewritten by the file rewrite command. This is due to the following reason. That is, as described above, the operation setting information is setting information that affects the operation when the printing apparatus 11 executes processing related to printing, such as the print density and the print speed. For this reason, the operation setting information is appropriately set in consideration of individual differences of the printing apparatus 11, actual conditions of work performed at the restaurant T, etc., after the print result when the receipt is issued is fed back. is assumed. Accordingly, the operation setting information is not changed according to the type of paper piece to be issued, and it is more appropriate to use the same information regardless of the type of paper piece to be issued.
Note that if the setting file rewrite command includes a control command for instructing rewriting of operation setting information, the print control unit 201 discards the control command without executing the control command.
This prevents the operation setting information from being rewritten when the processing target buffer is switched.

After rewriting the image setting information, the print control unit 201 sequentially reads and executes the control commands included in the order slip issue data stored in the second reception buffer 26 while referring to the setting file SF. The printing unit 21 is controlled to cause the printing unit 21 to issue an order slip (step SE11).

When all the reading of the order slip issue data is completed and the processing related to the issue of the order slip based on the order slip issue data is completed, the print control unit 201 determines whether the second predetermined period has elapsed since the processing was completed. (Step SE13), new order slip issuance data is received from the tablet terminal 13, and it is monitored whether the received order slip issuance data is stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step SE12).
The value of the second predetermined period may be the same as or different from the value of the first predetermined period described above.

If the newly received order slip issuing data is stored in the second reception buffer 26 before the second predetermined period has elapsed (step SE12: YES), the print control unit 201 returns the processing procedure to step SE9. Then, the setting file SF is rewritten based on the setting file rewriting command, and the order slip is issued based on the order slip issuing data.
If the second predetermined period has elapsed without receiving new order slip issue data (step SE13: YES), the print control unit 201 proceeds to step SE14.

In step SE14, the print control unit 201 overwrites the setting file SF (restores the setting file SF) based on the copy of the setting file SF stored in the predetermined storage area.
By the processing in step SE14, the setting file SF is restored to the one immediately before the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26 in step SE6.

After restoring the setting file SF, the print control unit 201 sets the second buffer to be processed as the second buffer.
Switching from the reception buffer 26 to the first reception buffer 24 (step SE15).

On the other hand, in step SE16, the print control unit 201 executes the following processing. The print control unit 201 refers to the setting file SF and executes processing (issue of receipt) based on the data (receipt issue data) stored in the first reception buffer 24 (step SE1).
6).

After executing the process based on the receipt issuance data, the print control unit 201 monitors the receipt issuance data from the POS terminal 10 while monitoring whether or not the first predetermined period has elapsed since the completion of the process (step SE18). It is monitored whether the receipt data newly received and received is stored in the first reception buffer 24 (step SE17).

If the newly received receipt issuance data is stored in the first reception buffer 24 before the first predetermined period has elapsed (step SE17: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE16. Then, processing based on the newly received receipt issuance data is executed.

If the first predetermined period has elapsed without newly receiving receipt issuance data (step SE18: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE6. As described above, the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26 by the processing after step SE6, and processing based on the data stored in the second reception buffer 26 is executed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, data (from the POS terminal 10 to the printing apparatus 11) (
The printing apparatus 11 executes the processing described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 without changing the receipt issuance data. For this reason, it is not necessary to modify the POS terminal 10 (for example, program modification of the installed POS application, program modification of the printer driver, etc.).
Further, when the print control unit 201 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the order slip issuance data from the tablet terminal 13, the predetermined period has elapsed since the processing based on the receipt issuance data received from the POS terminal 10 is completed. In addition, the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26. Next, the print control unit 201 issues an order slip based on the order slip issue data. After the order slip is issued, the print control unit 201 switches the processing target from the second reception buffer 26 to the first reception buffer 24. Therefore, it is possible to issue the order slip of the printing apparatus 11 under the control of the tablet terminal 13 while maintaining the state where the receipt of the printing apparatus 11 is normally issued under the control of the POS terminal 10.
The print control unit 201 saves the setting file SF when the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26, and
When the processing target is switched to the reception buffer 24, the setting file SF is restored. Also,
When executing the process based on the order slip issue data stored in the second reception buffer 26, the print control unit 201 rewrites the contents of the setting file SF based on the setting file rewrite command included in the data. Run. Therefore, the print control unit 201 can execute printing corresponding to the layout of the receipt when issuing a receipt, and printing corresponding to the layout of the order slip when issuing the order slip.
Further, in the present embodiment, instead of preparing a processing program for each communication interface (USB interface 23, wireless communication interface 25), the print control unit 201 that operates with the same processing program is connected via each communication interface. A process based on the received data is executed. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a processing program for each communication interface, and effective use of storage resources and calculation resources can be realized. In the present embodiment, the configuration file SF is not stored for each communication interface, but one configuration file SF is switched and used as necessary. For this reason, effective use of storage resources can be realized.

Next, another function of the print control unit 201 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing operations of the POS terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11. FIG. 6A shows the operation of the POS terminal control unit 30 of the POS terminal 10, and FIG. 6B shows the printing apparatus 11.
The operation of the print control unit 201 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the print control unit 201 of the printing apparatus 11 monitors whether or not the status of the printing apparatus 11 has changed (step SG1).
The status refers to a predetermined state among the states of the printing apparatus 11.

In the present embodiment, the status includes a state (open state or closed state) of a cover (not shown) of the printing apparatus 11. The transition from the open state to the closed state of the cover or the transition from the closed state to the open state of the cover corresponds to a change in status. When the cover is open, the printing device 1
1 cannot execute printing. Although not shown, the printing apparatus 11 includes a sensor whose output value varies depending on whether the cover is in an open state or a closed state, and the print control unit 201 is based on an input from the sensor. Detect the cover status.

In the present embodiment, the status includes an error state of the printing unit 21. The error state of the printing unit 21 includes a print error present state indicating a state where an error has occurred and a print error non-state indicating a state where no error has occurred. The transition from the printing error present state to the printing error absent state, or the transition from the printing error absent state to the printing error present state corresponds to a status change. If the printing error is present, the printing apparatus 11 cannot execute printing. Although not shown, the print control unit 201 has a function of detecting an error state of the printing unit 21 by an input from a predetermined sensor or other means.

In the present embodiment, the status includes the state of roll paper stored in the printing apparatus 11. The roll paper state includes a near paper cutting state indicating that the roll paper is almost out of paper,
There is a normal roll paper state that indicates that there is sufficient roll paper (the paper has not been nearly cut out). The transition from the roll paper normal state to the near paper cut state, or the transition from the near paper cut state to the roll paper normal state corresponds to a change in status. In the case of the near paper out state, the printing apparatus 11 cannot execute printing. Although not shown, the printing apparatus 11 includes a sensor whose output value varies depending on whether the roll paper is in the near paper cut state or the roll paper normal state. The print control unit 201 receives input from the sensor. Can detect the state of the roll paper.

  Although three statuses have been exemplified above, the status is not limited to those exemplified.

When it is detected in step SG1 that the status has changed (step SG1:
YES), the print control unit 201 generates status data indicating the changed status (step SG2).
FIG. 7 shows the data structure of status data.
As shown in FIG. 7, the status data is data consisting of 4 bytes (32 bits).
Each of the bits constituting the status data functions as a flag representing the status.
In the example of FIG. 7, the first bit of the status data is a flag indicating the state of the cover,
“1” indicates an open state, and “0” indicates a closed state.
The second bit of the status data is a flag indicating an error state of the printing unit 21, “1” indicates a print error present state, and “0” indicates no print error state.
The third bit of the status data is a flag indicating the status of the roll paper and is “1”.
Indicates a near paper out state, and “0” indicates a normal roll paper state.

In step SG2, the print control unit 201 acquires each status, and generates status data in which each bit becomes a value indicating the status of each corresponding status based on each acquired status. As a result, in the status data generated in step SG2, the bit corresponding to the changed status becomes a value indicating the status after the change.
For example, if it is detected in step SG1 that the cover state has shifted from the closed state to the open state, in step SG2, the print control unit 201 sets the value of the first bit to “1” (other bits are other Status data) is generated.

After the status data is generated, the print control unit 201 controls the USB interface 23 and transmits the generated status data to the POS terminal 10 (step SG3).
Thus, in the present embodiment, the print control unit 201 transmits status data to the POS terminal 10 but does not transmit to the tablet terminal 13. The effect of this will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the POS terminal control unit 30 of the POS terminal 10 controls the POS terminal communication interface 32 to receive status data (step SF1).
Next, the POS terminal control unit 30 stores the received status data in the predetermined storage area of the POS terminal storage unit 31 as the latest status data (step SF2). As a result of the processing in step SF2, the POS terminal control unit 30 receives the status data stored as the latest status data before receiving the latest status data before receiving the status data in step SF1. Managed as status data.
Hereinafter, the latest status data received in step SF1 is referred to as “latest status data”.
It expresses. Further, status data managed as status data received immediately before receiving the latest status data is expressed as “old status data”.
Thus, in this embodiment, the POS terminal control unit 30 stores the latest status data and old status data.

Next, the POS terminal control unit 30 determines the changed status and acquires the changed status (step SF3).
More specifically, the POS terminal control unit 30 performs an exclusive OR operation between the latest status data and the old status data, and determines that the status corresponding to the bit whose value is “1” is the changed status. To do. Further, the POS terminal control unit 30 acquires the changed status based on the latest status data. For example, when the cover shifts from the closed state to the open state, in step SF3, the POS terminal control unit 30 acquires that the cover state has changed and that the changed cover state is the open state. .

Next, the POS terminal control unit 30 executes processing corresponding to the changed status acquired in step SF3 (step SF4).
Here, processing to be executed in association with the status after the change is determined in advance, and PO
The S terminal control unit 30 executes a process associated with the changed status.
For example, the POS terminal control unit 30 controls the POS terminal display unit 36 to display information for prompting the replacement of the roll paper when the roll paper state shifts from the normal roll paper state to the near paper cut state. To do.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the print control unit 201 transmits status data to the POS terminal 10 but does not transmit to the tablet terminal 13.
Thereby, the following effects are produced.
That is, as described above, the POS terminal control unit 30 of the POS terminal 10 determines that the status of the printing apparatus 11 has changed based on the comparison between the latest status data and the old status data, and after the change. Get status. As described above, in order to acquire information related to the status of the printing apparatus 11 based on the status data having the data structure shown in FIG. 7, it is necessary to compare the latest status data with the old status data.
Here, as described above, the POS terminal 10 is always connected to the printing apparatus 11. Therefore, the POS terminal 10 can continuously receive all the status data transmitted by the printing apparatus 11 during activation. For this reason, the POS terminal 10 is based on the status data.
That the status of the printing apparatus 11 has changed and the status after the change can be acquired.
On the other hand, the tablet terminal 13 is temporarily connected to the printing apparatus 11. Therefore, one tablet terminal 13 does not always receive status data transmitted from the printing apparatus 11 continuously. Accordingly, the tablet terminal 13 cannot acquire the status change and the status after the change based on the status data.
Based on the above, the printing apparatus 11 transmits status data to the POS terminal 10,
The status data is not transmitted to the tablet terminal 13. As a result, unnecessary data can be prevented from being transmitted, and communication efficiency and processing efficiency can be improved.
In addition, it is not necessary for the tablet terminal 13 to implement a function corresponding to reception of status data, such as a function of executing processing for extracting status data from received data and reading and discarding the extracted status data, and processing efficiency is improved. In addition, program development is easy.

As described above, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the printing device 11, the POS terminal 10 that is always connected to the printing device 11, and the tablet terminal 13 (control device) that is temporarily connected to the printing device 11. .
The POS terminal 10 sends receipt issue data (data) for issuing a receipt to the printing apparatus 1.
1 to send.
The tablet terminal 13 transmits order slip issuing data (data) for issuing an order slip (a piece of paper on which predetermined information is printed).
The printing apparatus 11 transmits data between the tablet terminal 13 and the printing unit 21 that prints on roll paper (recording medium), the USB interface 23 (first communication unit) that transmits and receives data to and from the POS terminal 10, and the tablet terminal 13. Wireless communication interface 25 (second communication unit) for transmitting and receiving, US
The printing unit 21 is controlled based on the data received by the B interface 23 or the wireless communication interface 25, and whether or not the status has changed is monitored. If the status has changed, the changed status is indicated. A print control unit 201 that generates status data and transmits the generated status data through the USB interface 23;
Have
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 11 can suppress the transmission of unnecessary data by not transmitting the status data to the tablet terminal 13, and as described above, the communication efficiency can be improved.
It is possible to improve processing efficiency and program development ease. That is,
The printing apparatus 11 can execute processing corresponding to a configuration including a plurality of interfaces (communication units).

Further, in the present embodiment, when the POS terminal 10 receives one status data from the printing apparatus 11, based on the received one status data and the status data received before the one status, Get the status that changed.
According to this configuration, the POS terminal 10 can accurately acquire the change in the status of the printing apparatus 11 and the status after the change using the status data.

In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 includes a first reception buffer 24 that stores data received by the USB interface 23 and a second reception buffer 26 that stores data received by the wireless communication interface 25. The print control unit 201 of the printing apparatus 11 switches the processing target to one of the first reception buffer 24 and the second reception buffer 26 and switches the printing unit 21 based on the data stored in the processing target buffer. Control.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 11 switches the processing target buffer, thereby
A process based on data received from the POS terminal 10 and a process based on data received from the tablet terminal 13 can be switched and executed.

In the present embodiment, the POS terminal 10 performs wired communication with the printing apparatus 11, and the tablet terminal 13 performs wireless communication with the printing apparatus 11.
According to this configuration, the printing device 11 transmits status data to the printing device 11 that is always connected by wire, while not transmitting status data to the tablet terminal 13 that is temporarily connected wirelessly, thereby unnecessary data. As described above, it is possible to improve communication efficiency, improve processing efficiency, and improve program development ease.

<Modification>
Next, modifications will be described.
In the embodiment described above, when the processing target is the first reception buffer 24 and the order slip issuance data is received from the tablet terminal 13, the print control unit 201 issues all receipts stored in the first reception buffer 24. After the first predetermined period after the completion of the processing based on the data, the buffer was switched. However, if a specific type of control command included in one receipt issuance data is the last control command to be processed, the print control unit 201 executes the specific type of control command. Then, the buffer may be switched immediately without reducing the passage of the predetermined period. The specific type of control command is, for example, a cut command for instructing cutting of roll paper.
According to this configuration, the buffer can be switched after the control command included in the receipt issuance data instructing the issuance of one receipt is continuously executed in a series of processes. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the buffer can be switched without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined period, so that the processing efficiency can be improved and the time required for the processing can be reduced.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
In the above-described embodiment, the two communication interfaces are the USB interface 23 and the wireless communication interface 25. However, the number of communication interfaces provided in the printing apparatus 11 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The communication protocol supported by the communication interface is not limited to USB or Bluetooth, but may be Ethernet (registered trademark) or a standard related to predetermined serial communication such as RS232C.
In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 issues an order slip in response to a request from the tablet terminal 13, but the printing apparatus 11 issues in response to a request from an apparatus other than the POS terminal 10. The piece of paper is not limited to an order slip, and may be a piece of paper on which a reference number is printed, a coupon, or the like.
Moreover, although the case where the printing system 1 was applied to the restaurant T was illustrated in the above-described embodiment, the facility to which the printing system 1 is applied is not limited to the restaurant T.
In the above-described embodiment, the image setting information is rewritten in the setting information recorded in the setting file SF in accordance with switching of the processing target buffer. However, the operation setting information is also rewritten. It may be a configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system, 10 ... POS terminal (1st control apparatus), 13 ... Tablet terminal (2nd
Control device), 11 ... printing device, 21 ... printing unit, 23 ... USB interface 23 (first)
Communication unit), 24 ... first reception buffer, 25 ... wireless communication interface (second communication unit)
, 26: second reception buffer, 201: print control unit.

Claims (6)

A printing system comprising: a printing device; a first control device connected to the printing device; and a second control device connectable to the printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints on a recording medium, a first communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the first control device, a second communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the second control device, and the first A printing control unit that controls the printing unit based on data received by the communication unit or the second communication unit;
The print control unit monitors whether or not the status of the printing apparatus has changed, and when there is a change in status, generates status data including the changed status, and generates the status data as the first status data. One of the communication units and the second communication unit transmits the print system. The first control device includes:
A POS terminal that transmits data for issuing a receipt to the printing apparatus;
When the status data of 1 is received from the first communication unit of the printing apparatus, based on the received status data of the 1 and the status data received before the status of the 1 The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the status is acquired. The printing apparatus includes:
A first reception buffer for storing data received by the first communication unit; and a second reception buffer for storing data received by the second communication unit;
The printing control unit of the printing apparatus includes:
The processing unit is switched to either the first reception buffer or the second reception buffer, and the printing unit is controlled based on data stored in the processing target buffer. The printing system according to 2. The first control device performs wired communication with the printing device,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the second control device wirelessly communicates with the printing device. A printing unit for printing on a recording medium;
A first communication unit for transmitting and receiving data;
A second communication unit for transmitting and receiving data;
A printing control unit that controls the printing unit based on data received by the first communication unit or the second communication unit;
The print control unit monitors whether or not the status has changed. When the status has changed, the print control unit generates status data including the changed status, and the generated status data is sent to the first communication unit, And the printing apparatus characterized by transmitting by either of said 2nd communication parts. A first reception buffer for storing data received by the first communication unit; and a second reception buffer for storing data received by the second communication unit;
The print control unit
6. The processing unit is switched to either the first reception buffer or the second reception buffer, and the printing unit is controlled based on data stored in the processing target buffer. The printing apparatus as described.

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