JP2019089273A - State display unit for device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a state display unit for a device that can suggest which key can be pressed so as to specify a state of the device while suppressing display parts and display patterns needed to display the state of the device from increasing.SOLUTION: A state display unit for device comprises a plurality of input keys, first determination means, and light emission control means. The plurality of input keys corresponding to a plurality of attributes respectively. The first determination means determines that a desired key corresponding to an occurring state among the plurality of attributes, or an input key different from the desired key is pressed (S19). The light emission control means makes an LED to illuminate in a first light emission pattern when the first determination means determines that the desired key is pressed (S21), and in a second light emission pattern suggesting to find the desired key when the first determination means determines that a key different from the desired key has been pressed (S33).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a device status display device.

  An apparatus is known that uses multiple LEDs and multiple switches to notify the cause of an alarm. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of displaying alarm details of a printer. The printer comprises three switches and two LEDs. In the alarm detail display method of the printer, a plurality of alarm causes are identified by a combination of on / off states of three switches and a combination of lighting patterns of two LEDs. For example, if the three switches are in the off, off and on states, and the lighting patterns of the two LEDs are in the off and on states, respectively, the alarm detail display method is that the printer status is alarm cause 1. Identify what is. As described above, the alarm detail display method of the printer can identify a plurality of alarm causes by the combination of the on / off of the three switches and the lighting of the two LEDs.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-56479

  Since the above-mentioned printer is not provided with LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), 7 seg LED, or a display etc. which arranged point light sources in a plane, when the number of error states increases, the above alarm detail display method causes an error The LEDs required for display and the lighting patterns of the LEDs increase. As a result, there is a problem that it becomes difficult for the user to specify the state of the device. In addition, the above-described alarm detail display method of the printer does not have a suggestion for identifying the combination of the desired switch and LED before identifying the combination. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time for the user to identify the error state in order to sequentially check the combination of the on / off of the switch and the lighting pattern of the LED.

  The object of the present invention is to provide an indication as to which display can indicate the state of the device by pressing any key while suppressing an increase in the display portion and the display pattern necessary for displaying the state of the device. It is providing a display apparatus.

  The device status display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of keys corresponding to each of a plurality of states in the device, and a desired key corresponding to a generated state among the plurality of states among the plurality of keys. First determining means for determining that a key different from the desired key has been pressed, and at least one less than the plurality of states, any one of the plurality of keys being provided by the first determining means When it is determined that the key is pressed, the display unit capable of emitting light based on the pressed key, and when the first determination unit determines that the desired key is pressed, the display unit is displayed in the first light emission pattern. The light is emitted, and when the first judging means judges that a key different from the desired key is pressed, the light is emitted with a second light emission pattern giving a suggestion to find the desired key Characterized in that it comprises a control means.

  In this case, in the state display device of the device, when the first determination unit determines that the desired key is pressed, the display unit emits light in the first light emission pattern. Since the plurality of states in the device correspond to each of the plurality of keys, the user may identify any of the plurality of states by observing the desired key and the first light emission pattern corresponding to the plurality of states. Can. In addition, since the plurality of states correspond to each of the plurality of keys, the state display of the device can be realized by at least one display unit. Therefore, the user can easily identify the state of the device. When the key different from the desired key is pressed, the state display of the device gives the user a suggestion regarding the specification of the desired key by the display unit emitting light in the second light emission pattern. Therefore, when trying to find the desired key corresponding to the plurality of states of the device, the user can specify the desired key with a smaller number of times than pressing all of the plurality of keys in order. Therefore, the user can easily identify the desired key.

  When the first determination means determines that a key different from the desired key is pressed, the state display device of the device determines whether or not a key within a predetermined range is pressed from the desired key. The light emission control means causes the display unit to emit light in the second light emission pattern only when the second determination means determines that the key within the predetermined range is pressed from the desired key. It is also good. In this case, in the state display device of the device, when the second determination unit determines that the key within the predetermined range is pressed from the desired key, the display unit emits light in the second light emission pattern. Therefore, when the display unit emits light in the second light emission pattern, the user can specify that the pressed key is within the predetermined range from the desired key.

  When the first determination means determines that a key different from the desired key is pressed, the state display device of the device determines whether or not the next key from the desired key is pressed. The light emission control means may cause the display unit to emit light in a third light emission pattern, when the third determination means determines that the key next to the one of the desired keys is pressed. In this case, in the state display device of the device, when the third determination unit determines that the key next to the desired key is pressed, the display unit emits light in the third light emission pattern. Therefore, when the display unit emits light in the third light emission pattern, the user can specify that one desired key is next to the pressed key.

  When the first determination unit determines that a key different from the desired key has been pressed, the state display device of the device determines whether or not the next key next to the desired key is pressed. The light emission control means further comprises the fourth light emission control means, the fourth light emission pattern being different from the third light emission pattern when the fourth light emission control means judges that the second key adjacent to the desired key is depressed. You may make it light-emit by the light emission pattern. In this case, in the state display device of the apparatus, when the fourth determination means determines that the key next to the desired key is pressed, the display unit emits light with a fourth light emission pattern different from the third light emission pattern. The user can specify that there is a desired key two next to the pressed key when the device status display emits light in the fourth light emission pattern. In addition, since the light emission pattern emits light with a fourth light emission pattern different from the third light emission pattern, the user can reliably specify that the next key next to the pressed key is the desired key.

  In the device status display device, the plurality of keys can be classified into a plurality of areas corresponding to the positions of the plurality of keys, and in the device status display device, the first determination unit is the desired key and The apparatus further comprises fifth determining means for determining whether or not a key classified into the same area as the area corresponding to the desired key among the plurality of areas is determined when it is determined that the different key is pressed. The light emission control unit causes the display unit to emit light with a fifth light emission pattern when the fifth determination unit determines that the key classified into the same region as the region corresponding to the desired key is pressed. May be In this case, in the state display device of the device, when the fifth determination unit determines that the key classified into the same area as the area corresponding to the desired key is pressed, the display unit emits light with the fifth light emission pattern . When the display unit emits light in the fifth light emission pattern, the user can specify that the desired key is a key classified into the same area as the pressed key. Therefore, the user can easily specify the position of the desired key.

  In the device status display device, the plurality of keys are arranged in a predetermined area, and when the device status display device determines that the first determination means has pressed a key different from the desired key, The light emission control means may further include sixth determination means for determining whether the desired key is on one side of the predetermined area with respect to the pressed key, and the light emission control means may include the sixth determination means When it is determined that the key is on the one side of the predetermined area with respect to the pressed key, the display unit may emit light in a sixth light emission pattern. In this case, in the state display device of the apparatus, when the sixth determination means determines that the key is on one side of the predetermined area with respect to the key pressed by the desired key, the display unit emits light in the sixth light emission pattern. The user can specify that the desired key is on one side of the predetermined area with respect to the pressed key when the display unit emits light in the sixth light emission pattern.

  In the device status display device, the display unit may be an LED provided in the device. In this case, since the display unit is an LED provided in the device, the device status display device can display the device status using the LED already provided in the device. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate new LED in the device.

  In the device status display device, the LEDs may emit light in a plurality of colors. In this case, since the display unit emits light in a plurality of colors, the state of the device can be specified by the lighting pattern due to the difference in color.

  The apparatus status display apparatus further comprises seventh judging means for judging that the apparatus is in a predetermined state in which any one of the plurality of states has occurred, and the light emission control means determines the seventh judgment. When it is determined that the means is in the predetermined state, the display unit may emit light in a seventh light emission pattern. In this case, in the apparatus status display apparatus, when the seventh determination means determines that the predetermined state has occurred in the apparatus, the display unit emits light in the seventh light emission pattern. The user can specify that the device is in the predetermined state when the display unit emits light in the seventh light emission pattern.

  The device status display may indicate an error of the printing device. In this case, the device status display displays an error of the printing device. When trying to find the desired key, the user of the printing apparatus can specify the desired key with a smaller number of times than pressing all the keys in order.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1; It is an error table showing an attribute of the printing apparatus 1, an error name, and an ID number. FIG. 6 is a view showing a light emission pattern of the LED 6A in an error mode of the printing apparatus 1. 7 is a flowchart of an error identification process 1; It is a flowchart of a first light emission pattern blinking frequency determination process. 10 is a flowchart of an error identification process 2; 10 is a flowchart of an error identification process 3;

<Overview of Printing Device 1>
Hereinafter, a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to are used to explain the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration of the illustrated apparatus, the flowcharts of various processes, and the like are not intended to be limited thereto, but merely illustrative examples. In the following description, the lower right side, the upper left side, the upper right side, the lower left side, the upper side, and the lower side of FIG. 1 are defined as the right side, the left side, the rear side, the front side, the upper side, and the lower side of the printing apparatus 1, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a cover 3, a panel 4, keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, LEDs 6A, 6B, 6C, an outlet 7, a tray 8, and a connector 2), a fan motor 32 (see FIG. 2), a head 34 (see FIG. 2), a conveyance motor 36 (see FIG. 2), a medium detection sensor 38 (see FIG. 2), etc. . The housing 2 is in the form of a box whose upper part is open, and is substantially rectangular in a front view and a plan view. The cover 3 is rotatably supported at the rear of the housing 2. The cover 3 swings the front end side up and down with a rotation axis extending in the left and right direction as a fulcrum to open and close the housing 2. At the time of printing, the cover 3 covers the top of the housing 2. The panel 4 is provided on the front side of the cover 3. The keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F are provided on the panel 4 and arranged in order from the left side to the right side of the panel 4. The LEDs 6A, 6B, 6C are provided on the panel 4 and are provided on the rear side of each of the keys 5A, 5D, 5E. Keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F receive an input of an operation by the user. The discharge port 7 is provided on the front side and the lower side of the keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, and is long in the left-right direction. The discharge port 7 discharges the print medium after printing. The tray 8 supports the print medium after printing which is discharged from the discharge port 7. A power supply cord (not shown) is connected to the connector, and the connector is provided at the lower part of the back of the housing 2. The connector is further connected with a USB cable (Universal serial Bus cable) connected to an external terminal 29 (see FIG. 2) or the like (not shown). The cutter 30 cuts the print medium. The fan motor 32 discharges the air inside the printing apparatus 1 to the outside. The head 34 is used for printing on a print medium (see FIG. 2). The transport motor 36 feeds the print medium. The medium detection sensor 38 detects the presence or absence of the print medium.

  The external terminal 29 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer (PC), a portable terminal, a tablet terminal or the like. The CPU (not shown) of the external terminal 29 executes a program (not shown) of the installed driver and creates print data from the image data. The printing apparatus 1 performs print processing based on the created print data. The detailed description of the printing process is omitted.

<Electric Configuration of Printing Device 1>
The electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The printing apparatus 1 includes a control substrate 212. The control board 212 controls the printing apparatus 1, and controls the CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, flash memory 24, input / output interface 25, input circuit 26, LED drive circuit 27, USB interface 28, cutter drive circuit 31, fan drive A circuit 33, a head drive circuit 35, a transport drive circuit 37, a wireless LAN module 39 and the like are provided. The CPU 21 controls the printing apparatus 1. A ROM 22, a RAM 23, and a flash memory 24 are connected to the CPU 21 via a bus. The CPU 21 also has an input circuit 26, an LED drive circuit 27, a USB interface 28, a cutter drive circuit 31, a fan drive circuit 33, a head drive circuit 35, and a transport drive circuit 37 via the input / output interface 25. The wireless LAN module 39 is connected. The ROM 22 stores programs for determining the number of times of first light emission pattern blinking performed by the CPU 21 and programs for error identification processing 1, 2 and 3. The ROM 22 also stores an error table 50 described later. The RAM 23 stores various temporary data. The flash memory 24 stores print data received from the external terminal 29.

  The input circuit 26 is connected to the keys 5 A, 5 B, 5 C, 5 D, 5 E, 5 F, and connected to the CPU 21 through the input / output interface 25. The input circuit 26 receives inputs from the keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F. The input circuit 26 transmits the key input information accepted by the input circuit 26 to the CPU 21 via the input / output interface 25. The LED drive circuit 27 is connected to the LEDs 6A, 6B, and 6C, and is connected to the CPU 21 through the input / output interface 25. The LED drive circuit 27 controls on / off of the LEDs 6A, 6B, 6C by energizing the LEDs 6A, 6B, 6C. The CPU 21 controls energization of the LEDs 6A, 6B, 6C via the LED drive circuit 27.

  The USB interface 28 communicates with the external terminal 29 via a USB cable. Accordingly, the printing apparatus 1 receives print data from the external terminal 29 via the USB cable. The printing apparatus 1 communicates with the external terminal 29 through a wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) using a wireless LAN module 39 described later. The cutter drive circuit 31 is connected to the cutter 30 and connected to the CPU 21 via the input / output interface 25. The cutter drive circuit 31 controls the operation of the cutter 30 in accordance with an instruction of the CPU 21. The fan drive circuit 33 is connected to the fan motor 32 and connected to the CPU 21 through the input / output interface 25. The fan drive circuit 33 controls the rotation of the fan motor 32 in accordance with the instruction of the CPU 21. The head drive circuit 35 is connected to the head 34 and connected to the CPU 21 via the input / output interface 25. The head drive circuit 35 drives the head 34 in accordance with an instruction of the CPU 21. The conveyance drive circuit 37 is connected to the conveyance motor 36, and is connected to the CPU 21 via the input / output interface 25. The conveyance drive circuit 37 drives the conveyance motor 36 in accordance with the instruction of the CPU 21. The medium detection sensor 38 detects the presence or absence of the print medium. The wireless LAN module 39 is a module for performing communication with the external terminal 29 by wireless LAN. The wireless LAN module 39 is a module for performing wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi.

  Keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F are in a state (hereinafter referred to as "normal mode") in which no abnormality (hereinafter referred to as "error") or the like occurs in the above configuration of printing apparatus 1. In charge of the following roles. The key 5A is a power ON / OFF key, and when pressed and held, the power of the printing apparatus 1 is turned ON / OFF. The key 5B is a feed key, and is used to feed a predetermined amount of print medium by driving the conveyance motor 36 and align the print medium. The key 5 </ b> C is a cut key, and is used to feed the print medium a fixed amount and cause the cutter 30 to cut the print medium. The key 5D is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) key, and is used to wirelessly connect the external terminal 29 and the wireless LAN module 39 by Bluetooth (registered trademark). The key 5E is a Wi-Fi key, and is used to wirelessly connect the external terminal 29 and the wireless LAN module 39. The key 5 F is a WPS key (Wi-Fi Protected Setup key), and is used to cause the printing apparatus 1 to connect with a nearby access point. The WPS key is a standard for simplifying the connection setting of the wireless LAN established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. By pressing the key 5F, it is possible to automatically set a wireless LAN compatible with WPS.

  When the printing apparatus 1 is in the normal mode, the LEDs 6A, 6B, 6C are lit corresponding to the roles of the keys 5A, 5D, 5E adjacent to the front sides of the respective printing devices. The LED 6A is a multi-color type LED, and green and red light emitting elements are incorporated in one exterior. The LED 6A emits orange light when the green and red light emitting elements emit light simultaneously, in addition to the green and red lights. The LED 6A represents the power on / off state, the system off state, or the cover open state of the printing apparatus 1. When the printing apparatus 1 is powered on, the LED 6A lights in green. When the printing apparatus 1 is powered off, the LED 6A is turned off. When the printing apparatus 1 is in the system off state, the LED 6A lights in orange. The system-off state refers to a state of a transition period until the printing apparatus 1 turns off by long-pressing the key 5A. Further, in the case of the cover open state, the LED 6A lights in orange. The LED 6 B represents the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection state of the printing apparatus 1. When the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection is valid, the LED 6B lights in blue. When the Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection is not effective, the LED 6B is turned off. When reconnecting to Bluetooth (registered trademark), the LED 6B flashes blue. The LED 6C represents a connection state of a wireless LAN or the like. When the connection of the wireless LAN of the printing apparatus 1 is in a connection established state, the LED 6C lights in green. When the wireless LAN connection of the printing apparatus 1 is in the unconnected state or in the connection attempt state, the LED 6C blinks in green. When the wireless LAN connection is in an invalid state, the LED 6C is turned off. The connection establishment state of the wireless LAN means a state where the connection of the wireless LAN to the external terminal 29 of the printing apparatus 1 is completed. The state in which the wireless LAN connection is not connected or in the connection trial state means a state in which the printing apparatus 1 is attempting to connect to the external terminal 29 but has not been completed yet. For example, in the unconnected state, the printing apparatus 1 recognizes the external terminal 29, but a wireless LAN connection such as waiting for password input is not connected. In the connection trial state, the printing apparatus 1 recognizes the external terminal 29 and tries to connect to the wireless LAN. The wireless LAN connection disabled state means that the wireless LAN connection between the printing apparatus 1 and the external terminal 29 is disabled.

  In the present embodiment, the LEDs 6A, 6B, 6C may be used in applications other than the function in the normal mode. For example, the LEDs 6A, 6B, and 6C are also used in selection of a reset method or in a mode in which an error described later occurs (hereinafter, referred to as "error mode"). In the following description, the LED 6A functions as an LED for displaying an error occurrence. In the error mode, the LED 6A emits red light.

  In the error mode assumed by the present embodiment, there is no relationship between the LEDs 6A, 6B, 6C, and each LED 6A, 6B, 6C independently displays an error. For example, while the LED 6B and the LED 6C emit light in the same role as the normal mode, the LED 6A blinks in red independently to display an error.

<About error attributes and error names>
With reference to the error table 50 of FIG. 3, the attribute of the error assumed in the printing apparatus 1 and the error name (hereinafter also referred to as “type of error”) will be described. When an error occurs and the printing apparatus 1 is in the error mode, the CPU 21 refers to the error table 50 stored in the ROM 22 to specify the state of the printing apparatus 1. The error state of the printing apparatus 1 is divided into six attributes according to the type of error. Attributes are classified into medium, data transfer, database, wireless LAN, USB host, and system.

  Errors relating to the medium include tape end errors, feed errors, no media errors, media error errors, and the like. The tape end error, the feed error, the medium absence error, and the medium error error are respectively assigned ID numbers 11, 12, 13, and 14 corresponding to the error names. The tape end error means that the tape provided in the printing apparatus 1 is used up. The feed error is a state in which the print medium can not be fed due to a paper jam or the like. The medium absence error refers to a state in which the print medium is not attached to the printing apparatus 1. The medium error error is a state in which a print medium different from the medium information transmitted from the external terminal 29 is attached to the printing apparatus 1.

  Errors related to data transfer include communication command errors, memory full errors, ESCP memory full errors, and JPEG file errors. Communication command errors, memory full errors, ESCP memory full errors, and JPEG file errors are respectively assigned ID numbers 21, 22, 23, 24 corresponding to the error names. The communication command error means that the CPU 21 can not find an appropriate communication command. The memory full error is a state in which the storage capacity to the RAM 23 has reached the upper limit. The ESCP memory full error is a state in which the storage capacity of the reception buffer has reached the upper limit in printing by the printer print control command ESCP. A JPEG file error means that the JPEG file can not be read.

  Errors related to the database include database search errors and no template errors. The database search error and the error without template are assigned ID numbers 31 and 32, respectively, corresponding to the error name. A database search error is a state in which a search for a string related to a database has failed. The no template error means that the print data template can not be selected.

  Errors related to the wireless LAN include access point search errors, access point connection errors, and security errors. The access point search error, the access point connection error, and the security error are respectively assigned ID numbers 41, 42, and 43 corresponding to the error names. An access point search error is a state in which the access point can not be searched. The access point connection error means that the access point to be connected to the printing apparatus 1 can not be identified. The security error is a state in which a security error regarding the wireless LAN connection of the wireless LAN module 39 has occurred.

  Errors related to the USB host include a USB host power supply over error, a USB host non-compliant device connection error, and a USB host HUB connection error. The USB host power supply over error, the USB host non-compliant device connection error, and the USB host HUB connection error are respectively assigned ID numbers 51, 52, and 53 corresponding to the error names. The USB host power supply over error is a state in which the supply current from the USB host flows at a rating of 0.5 A or more. The USB host non-compliant device connection error means that the USB host does not support the USB standard connected. The USB host HUB connection error means that the HUB is connected to the USB host.

  Errors related to the system are assigned memory errors, head errors, fan motor errors, built-in power low pressure errors, wireless LAN module errors. Memory errors, head errors, fan motor errors, built-in power supply low voltage errors and wireless LAN module errors are assigned ID numbers 61, 62, 63, 64 and 65, respectively, corresponding to the error names. A memory error refers to a state in which information in a memory such as the ROM 22 or the RAM 23 can not be read. The head error is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the head 34 of the printing apparatus 1. The fan motor error is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the fan motor 32 for cooling the printing apparatus 1. Internal power supply low voltage error means that the internal power supply voltage is lower than the specified value. The wireless LAN module error means that the wireless LAN module 39 has some abnormality and can not communicate.

  The relationship between the keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F and the respective attributes when the printing apparatus 1 is in the error mode will be described. In the present embodiment, in the error mode of the printing apparatus 1, the key 5A corresponds to an error regarding the medium. The key 5B corresponds to an error related to data transfer. Key 5C corresponds to an error related to the database. The key 5D corresponds to an error related to the wireless LAN. The key 5E corresponds to an error regarding the USB host. The key 5F corresponds to an error related to the system.

  The light emission pattern of the LED 6A in the error mode will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the white part indicates that the LED is off, and the black part indicates that the LED is red. The horizontal axis indicates a time axis. The LED 6A has a first light emission pattern, a second light emission pattern, a third light emission pattern, a fourth light emission pattern, and a fifth light emission pattern based on the error occurrence state of the printing apparatus 1 in the error mode, the attribute of the generated error, and the type of error. It is possible to emit light by the light emission pattern, the sixth light emission pattern, the sixth light emission pattern A, the sixth light emission pattern B, the seventh light emission pattern, and the like. Moreover, LED6A can be light-emitted also by the combination of the said light emission pattern. The first light emission pattern repeats a set of blinking by a number corresponding to the last digit of the ID number after a predetermined time interval. In addition, an interval means the period when LED6A is light-extinguished. Here, the first light emission pattern shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to, for example, the case of medium absence error, and shows the light emission pattern in the case where the lower digit of the corresponding ID number (13) is three. Therefore, the first light emission pattern shown in FIG. 4 repeats lighting (0.3 sec as an example) and extinguishing (0.3 sec as an example) three times (as an example) after an interval of a predetermined time (as an example 0.9 sec) Repeat the set for 1.5 sec. In the present embodiment, the number of blinks after the predetermined time interval of the first light emission pattern is at most the number of the wireless LAN module error (attribute: system) for the lower one digit of the ID number. Five times. Therefore, the first light emission pattern has a plurality of blinking patterns not shown.

  The second light emission pattern is a light emission pattern which emits light in a seventh light emission pattern described later after repeating lighting (0.1 sec as an example) and light extinction (0.1 sec as an example) four times in a fine cycle. In the third light emission pattern, after an interval of about half the interval of the first light emission pattern (0.5 second as an example), lighting (0.1 second as an example) and light extinction (0.1 second as an example) four times in a fine cycle It is a light emission pattern which emits light in the seventh light emission pattern after repeating (0.8 sec as an example). The fourth light emission pattern is lit 4 times (0.1 second as an example) and off (0.1 second as an example) in a fine cycle after an interval of the same time as the interval of the third light emission pattern (0.5 second as an example) It is the light emission pattern which light-emits with a 7th light emission pattern, after performing repeating setting twice (2.4 as an example). The fifth light emission pattern is a light emission pattern which emits light in the seventh light emission pattern after repeating lighting (0.1 sec as an example) and light extinction (0.1 sec as an example) five times in a fine cycle. The sixth light emission pattern is a light emission pattern which emits light in the seventh light emission pattern after repeating lighting (0.1 sec as an example) and light extinction (0.1 sec as an example) four times in a fine cycle. The sixth light emission pattern A is turned on for approximately half the lighting time of the seventh light emission pattern (0.3 sec as an example), turned on with a fine cycle (0.1 sec as an example) and extinguished (0.1 sec as an example) After repeating 4 times (for example, 0.8 sec), it is a light emission pattern that emits light in the seventh light emission pattern through an interval (for example, 0.5 sec). The sixth light emission pattern B repeats lighting on (0.1 sec as an example) and turning off (0.1 sec as an example) four times with a fine cycle, and after lighting for about half of the lighting time of the seventh light emitting pattern (as an example It is a light emission pattern that emits light in the seventh light emission pattern via an interval (for example, 0.5 sec) for 0.3 sec). The seventh light emission pattern alternately repeats light emission (0.3 sec as an example) and light extinction (0.3 sec as an example). In addition, when light-emitting by the combination of the said light emission pattern, the same light emission pattern as the 7th light emission pattern which each light emission pattern has may not be, and may repeat for a predetermined time. For example, when the third light emission pattern and the sixth light emission pattern A are combined, the timing at which the third light emission pattern is switched to the sixth light emission pattern A blinks four times in a fine cycle and then emits light in the seventh light emission pattern for a predetermined time. Switches to the sixth light emission pattern A.

First Embodiment
Next, the error identification process 1 of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. When the key 5A of the printing apparatus 1 is pressed for a long time and the power is turned on, the CPU 21 reads out the program of the error identification processing 1 shown in FIG. 5 from the ROM 22 and executes it. In the error identification process 1, the printing apparatus 1 identifies whether the pressed key is within a predetermined range from the desired key. The predetermined range is a range from a desired key corresponding to an error generated in the printing apparatus 1 to a key in a range set in advance. Further, pressing of the key 5A means short pressing to such an extent that the power is not turned off, which is different from long pressing of the key 5A when the power is turned on / off. The CPU 21 detects whether an error has occurred at a constant cycle (S11). If it is determined that an error has not occurred (S11: NO), the CPU 21 repeats S11. If it is determined that an error has occurred (S11: YES), the CPU 21 turns on an error flag and shifts to an error mode (S13). In this case, the CPU 21 stores an error flag “1” in the RAM 23 as the on state of the error flag. The error flag “0” is stored in the RAM 23 as an OFF state when the printing apparatus 1 is powered on. Next, the CPU 21 causes the LED 6A to emit light with a seventh light emission pattern indicating that an error has occurred (S15). As a result, the CPU 21 notifies the user that an error has occurred in the printing apparatus 1. Next, the CPU 21 advances the process to S16.

  The flow of the first light emission pattern blink count determination process will be described with reference to FIG. The first light emission pattern blink frequency determination process is a process of determining the number of blinks after an interval of a predetermined time of the first light emission pattern. The CPU 21 identifies an error that has occurred (S501). The CPU 21 specifies an error that has occurred in each component of the printing apparatus 1 through the input / output interface 25. For example, in the case of a medium absence error, the printing apparatus 1 detects a signal that the printing medium is not mounted by the medium detection sensor 38, and sends the signal to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 identifies the type of error that has occurred due to the signal from the medium detection sensor 38. For example, as the medium detection sensor 38, a transmission type photo sensor is used.

  Next, the CPU 21 refers to the error table 50 to identify the ID number associated with the identified error (S503). The CPU 21 determines whether the last digit of the ID number is 1 (S505). If the last digit of the ID number is 1 (S505: YES), the CPU 21 determines that the number of blinks after the predetermined time interval of the first light emission pattern is one (S507). The CPU 21 advances the process to S17. If the last digit of the ID number is not 1 (S505: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S509. If it is determined that the last digit of the ID number is 2 (S509: YES), the CPU 21 determines that the number of blinks after the predetermined time interval of the first light emission pattern is two (S511). The CPU 21 advances the process to S17. If it is determined that the last digit of the ID number is not 2 (S509: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S513.

  If the last digit of the ID number is 3 (S513: YES), the CPU 21 determines that the number of blinks after the predetermined time interval of the first light emission pattern is 3 (S515). The CPU 21 advances the process to S17. If it is determined that the last digit of the ID number is not 3 (S513: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S517. If it is determined that the last digit of the ID number is 4 (S517: YES), the CPU 21 determines that the number of blinks after the predetermined time interval of the first light emission pattern is 4 (S519). The CPU 21 advances the process to S17. If it is determined that the last digit of the ID number is not 4 (S517: NO), the CPU 21 determines that the number of blinks after the predetermined time interval of the first light emission pattern is 5 (S521). The CPU 21 advances the process to S17.

  The user who has recognized the error notification presses any one of the keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F in order to specify the attribute of the error that has occurred in the printing apparatus 1. Hereinafter, the key corresponding to the generated error is referred to as a "desired key". Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a key input (S17). If it is determined that there is no key input (S17: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S15. In this case, the LED 6A continues the light emission in the seventh light emission pattern. The CPU 21 returns the process to S17 and waits for key input. If there is a key input (S17: YES), the CPU 21 advances the process to S19.

  When the desired key is pressed (S19: YES), the CPU 21 causes the LED 6A to emit light with the first light emission pattern that is the LED light emission pattern indicating the error name (S21). Thereby, since each of the plurality of keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F corresponds to the attribute of the error that has occurred in the printing apparatus 1, the user can specify the attribute of the error of the printing apparatus 1 it can. In addition, the user can identify the type of error by the relationship between the number of blinks and the last digit of the ID number by observing the number of blinks after a predetermined time interval in the first light emission pattern of the LED 6A. .

  The CPU 21 advances the process to S23. The CPU 21 determines whether the generated error has been canceled (S23). The determination of the error release is made by the CPU 21 detecting that the function has recovered via the input / output interface 25. For example, in the case of a medium absence error, it is possible to release the printing apparatus 1 by replenishing the printing medium. When the print medium is replenished, the CPU 21 can detect the state in which the print medium is set by the signal from the medium detection sensor 38. If the error is not canceled (S23: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S21. In this case, the CPU 21 continues the light emission of the LED 6A in the first light emission pattern. If it is determined that the error is canceled (S23: YES), the CPU 21 advances the process to S25. The CPU 21 sets the error flag “1” stored in the RAM 23 to the off-state error flag “0”, and shifts the printing apparatus 1 to the normal mode (S25). Next, the CPU 21 switches the LED 6A to the LED emission in the normal mode (S27). The CPU 21 returns the process to S11.

  On the other hand, if the pressed key is not the desired key (S19: NO), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the position of the pressed key is a key within a predetermined range of the desired key (S29). In the determination of S129, a table (not shown) indicating keys within a predetermined range is stored in the ROM 22 for each key, and the CPU 21 refers to the table and the area pressed by the key is the same as the desired key Determine if it is. For example, the predetermined range is a range from a desired key to two keys. If the pressed key is not within the predetermined range of the desired key (S29: NO), the CPU 21 continues the light emission in the seventh light emission pattern of the LED 6A (S31). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17. If the pressed key is a key within a predetermined range of the desired key (S29: YES), the CPU 21 causes the LED 6A to be displayed in a second light emission pattern that suggests that the desired key is within the predetermined range from the pressed key. The light is emitted (S33). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17.

Second Embodiment
The error identification process 2 will be described with reference to FIG. When the key 5A of the printing apparatus 1 is pressed and the power is turned on, the CPU 21 reads out the program of the error identification processing 1 shown in FIG. 7 from the ROM 22 and executes it. In the error identification process 2, the printing apparatus 1 identifies whether the pressed key is in the same area as the desired key. In the same area, when the area where the keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F are arranged is divided into the areas belonging to the keys 5A to 5C and the keys 5D to 5F, the area of the pressed key And the area of the desired key is the same. Further, in the following description, the same processing as the error identification processing 1 executed by the CPU 21 is given the same reference numeral, and the description is omitted (S11 to S27).

  If the pressed key is not the desired key (S19: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S129. The CPU 21 determines whether the pressed key is in the same area as the desired key (S129). In the determination of S129, the CPU 21 stores in the ROM 22 a table (not shown) indicating keys in the same area for each key, and the area pressed by referring to the table is the same area as the desired key Determine if it is. If not in the same area (S129: NO), the CPU 21 continues the light emission of the LED 6A in the seventh light emission pattern, so the light emission state of the LED 6A does not change (S31). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17. On the other hand, if it is in the same area (S129: YES), the CPU 21 causes the LED 6A to emit light with the fifth light emission pattern that suggests that the pressed key and the desired key are in the same area (S133). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17.

Third Embodiment
The error identification process 3 will be described with reference to FIG. When the key 5A of the printing apparatus 1 is pressed and the power is turned on, the CPU 21 reads out the program of the error identification processing 3 shown in FIG. 8 from the ROM 22 and executes it. In the error identification process 3, the printing apparatus 1 combines a plurality of conditions to identify a desired key. The plurality of conditions determine whether the desired key is in the same area as the pressed key, is on the left side, is next to the desired key, and is next to the desired key. In the following description, the same processing as the error identification processing 1 and 2 executed by the CPU 21 is assigned the same reference numeral and the description is omitted (S11 to S27).

  If the pressed key is not the desired key (S19: NO), the CPU 21 determines whether the pressed key is in the same area as the desired key (S229). The same area is the same as the same area in the error identification process 2. If not in the same area (S229: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S231. Since the CPU 21 continues the light emission of the LED 6A in the seventh light emission pattern, the light emission state of the LED 6A does not change (S231). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressed key is in the same area as the desired key (S229: YES), the CPU 21 advances the process to S233. Next, the CPU 21 determines whether the desired key is disposed on the left side with respect to the pressed key (S233). If it is determined that the desired key is on the left side with respect to the pressed key (S233: YES), the CPU 21 advances the process to S235.

  Next, the CPU 21 determines whether the pressed key is one next to the desired key (S235). When it is determined that the pressed key is a key next to the desired key (S235: YES), the CPU 21 generates a third light emission pattern that is a light emission pattern that suggests that the key is next to one on the same area. The LED 6A is made to emit light by the combination of the sixth light emission pattern A (S237). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17. If the pressed key is not the key next to the desired key (S235: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S239. Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the pressed desired key is two next to the pressed key (S239). When the desired key is two next to the pressed key (S239: YES), the CPU 21 generates a fourth light emission pattern and a sixth light emission pattern, which are light emission patterns indicating that they are two adjacent left sides of the same area. The LED 6A is made to emit light by the combination of A (S241). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17. If it is determined that the pressed key is not the key next to the desired key (S239: NO), the CPU 21 emits light with the fifth light emission pattern that suggests that it is in the same area (S243). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressed key is not on the left side of the desired key (S233: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S245. The CPU 21 determines whether the pressed key is one next to the desired key (S245). When it is determined that the pressed key is the key next to the desired key (S245: YES), the CPU 21 is a light emission pattern that suggests that the pressed key is on the right of one in the same area. The combination of the third light emission pattern and the sixth light emission pattern B causes the LED 6A to emit light (S247). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17.

  If it is determined that the pressed key is not the key next to the desired key (S245: NO), the CPU 21 advances the process to S249. The CPU 21 determines whether the pressed key is two keys next to the desired key (S249). When the pressed key is a key next to the desired key (S249: YES), the fourth light emission pattern, which is a light emission pattern that suggests that the CPU 21 is next to the two right in the same area, and the sixth The combination of the light emission patterns B causes the LED 6A to emit light (S251). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17. If the pressed key is not two keys next to the desired key (S249: NO), the CPU 21 causes the LED 6A to emit light with the fifth light emission pattern, which is a light emission pattern suggesting that the desired key is in the same area (S253) ). The CPU 21 returns the process to S17.

<Action, effect>
In the printing device 1 according to the first to third embodiments, the six attributes in the printing device 1 correspond to each of the plurality of keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F. By observing the desired key and the first light emission pattern corresponding to the six attributes, the state of the printing apparatus 1 can specify any of the six attributes. Further, since the six attributes correspond to each of the plurality of keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, and 5F, the printing device 1 can realize identification of the attributes of the printing device 1 with at least one LED 6A. Therefore, the user can easily identify the state of the printing apparatus 1. Further, in the error mode, the last digit of the ID number of the generated error and the number of blinks after the predetermined time interval in the first light emission pattern coincide with each other. Therefore, the user can specify the type of error that has occurred in the printing apparatus 1.

  In the printing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, when the CPU 21 determines that an error occurs in the printing apparatus 1, the LED 6A emits light in the seventh light emission pattern. The user can specify that the printing apparatus 1 is in an error state when the LED 6A emits light in the seventh light emission pattern. Further, since the LED 6A is provided in the printing apparatus 1, the printing apparatus 1 can display the state of the printing apparatus 1 using the already provided LED 6A. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a new LED in the printing apparatus 1.

  In the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, when a key different from the desired key is pressed, the LED 6A emits light in the second light emission pattern. Therefore, the user can specify that the pressed key is within the predetermined range from the desired key when the LED 6A emits light in the second light emission pattern. Therefore, the user can easily identify the desired key.

  Further, in the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, when the CPU 21 determines that the area corresponding to the desired key and the area of the pressed key are the same area, the LED 6A emits light in the fifth light emission pattern. Therefore, when the LED 6A emits light with the fifth light emission pattern, the user can specify that the desired key is a key classified into the same area as the pressed key. Therefore, the user can easily specify the position of the desired key.

  Further, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, when the LED 6A emits light in a combination of the third light emission pattern and the sixth light emission pattern A, the user can specify that the desired key is on the left next to the same area. When the LED 6A emits light in a combination of the fourth light emission pattern and the sixth light emission pattern A, the user can specify that the desired key is two adjacent to the same area on the left. When the LED 6A emits light with the third light emission pattern and the sixth light emission pattern B, the user can specify that the desired key is one to the right of the same area. When the LED 6A emits light with the fourth light emission pattern and the sixth light emission pattern B, the user can specify that the desired key is two right next to the same area. When the LED 6A emits light in the fifth light emission pattern, the user can specify that the pressed key and the desired key are in the same area. Therefore, the user can easily specify the position of the desired key.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, although the predetermined range is the key within two from the desired key, the range may be within one or three or more ranges. In the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the regions belonging to the keys 5A to 5C and the keys 5D to 5F are classified. However, for example, the keys 5A to 5D and the keys 5E and 5F may be classified. It may be classified in the case of In the printing apparatus 1 of the third embodiment, identification of the desired key is performed under a plurality of conditions (the same area, the left side, one next, and two next). On the other hand, the plurality of conditions may be conditions within a predetermined range, the left side, one next, and two next. In addition, the printing apparatus 1 may arbitrarily select three from a plurality of conditions to specify a desired key. In addition, the printing apparatus 1 may arbitrarily select two from the plurality of conditions to specify the desired key.

  In the printing apparatus 1, it may be determined whether or not the pressed key is one next to the desired key. In this case, the LED 6A emits light in the third light emission pattern. Therefore, when the LED 6A emits light in the third light emission pattern, the user can specify that one desired key is next to the pressed key.

  In the printing apparatus 1, the CPU 21 may determine whether only the next two keys from the desired key are pressed. In this case, when the CPU 21 determines that the next two keys are pressed from the desired key, the LED 6A emits light with a fourth light emission pattern different from the third light emission pattern. When the printing apparatus 1 emits light in the fourth light emission pattern, the user can specify that there is a desired key two next to the pressed key. In addition, since the light emission pattern emits light with a fourth light emission pattern different from the third light emission pattern, the user can reliably specify that the next key next to the pressed key is the desired key.

  In the printing apparatus 1, when the CPU 21 determines that the key is on the right side of the predetermined area with respect to the key pressed by the desired key, the LED 6A may emit light in the sixth light emission pattern. The predetermined area is an area in which the key is arranged. Therefore, the user can specify that the desired key is on the right side of the predetermined area with respect to the pressed key when the LED 6A emits light in the sixth light emission pattern. The predetermined area is not limited to the case where the keys 5A to 5F are arranged in a line as in the above embodiment, for example, in the printing apparatus 1, keys of 2 rows and 8 columns are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. It is also good. In this case, a light emission pattern of the LED 6A may be provided to indicate which position of the desired key is up, down, left, and right from the pressed key, or a light emission pattern of the LED 6A may be provided to indicate that it is in the oblique direction. .

  In the printing apparatus 1, the attribute of the printing apparatus 1 and the type of error are identified by the LED 6A, but may be identified by either the LED 6B or the LED 6C. Although the attribute of the printing apparatus 1 and the type of error are identified by the red light emission pattern of the LED 6A, the present invention is not limited to this, and the error state is identified by the green, orange, and red emission patterns of the LED 6A. May be In this case, the attribute of the printing apparatus 1 and the error state can be specified by lighting the LED 6A with the lighting pattern of the color according to the type of error.

  Although the display of the error related to the printing apparatus 1 has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the technology disclosed in the above embodiment may be used for an apparatus other than the printing apparatus 1. When trying to find a desired key, the user of the apparatus using the method of the above embodiment can specify the desired key with a smaller number of times than pressing all the keys in order.

  The printing apparatus 1 may arbitrarily combine the specific processing of the desired key disclosed in the above embodiment. The identification of the desired key under a plurality of conditions is effective particularly in a printing apparatus having a large number of keys. In the above embodiment, the LED 6A is used to display an error regarding the medium, but the LED 6B or the LED 6C may be used. The keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F correspond to each of the six attributes, but may be different correspondences. Also, the keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F may correspond to the types of errors respectively. The number of keys is six, but may be increased or decreased depending on the aspect of the device. Further, in the above embodiment, the state of the printing apparatus 1 is divided into six attributes, but it may be more or less than six attributes. The state 1 of the printing apparatus is not necessarily limited to the attribute of the error state. For example, it may be used when indicating the remaining amount of battery. In the error mode, the LED 6A emits light in a plurality of light emission patterns (see FIG. 4), but may emit light in any other light emission pattern as long as the user can easily view it. The LED 6A emits light in three colors of green, orange and red, but may be a combination of other colors. Although LED6A was LED provided with the light emitting element of 2 colors, the kind of light emitting element may be 3 or more colors, and may be monochrome. Although the number of LEDs was three, the number of LEDs may be increased or decreased depending on the aspect of the device. Although LEDs are used for error display, other light emitting elements may be used. Although the error identification processes 1, 2 and 3 are performed by the CPU 21, they may be realized using other elements such as FPGA and ASIC.

<Others>
The keys 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E are examples of the "plurality of keys" in the present invention. The CPU 21 performing the process of S19 is an example of the "first determination means" in the present invention. LED6A is an example of the "display part" of this invention. The CPU 21 is an example of the “light emission control means” in the present invention. The CPU 21 performing the process of S29 is an example of the "second determination means" in the present invention. The CPU 21 that performs the process of S235 is an example of the "third determination unit" in the present invention. The CPU 21 that performs the processes of S239 and S249 is an example of the “fourth determination means” in the present invention. CPU21 which performs processing of S129 and S229 is an example of the "5th judgment means" of the present invention. The CPU 21 that performs processing for determining that the desired key is on the right side of the predetermined area is an example of the “sixth determining means” in the present invention. The right side is an example of the “one side” of the present invention. The CPU 21 performing the process of S15 is an example of the "seventh determining means" in the present invention. The error state of the printing apparatus 1 is an example of the “predetermined state” in the present invention.

1 Printing device 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6E Key 6A, 6B, 6C LED
21 CPU

Claims (10)

A plurality of keys corresponding to each of a plurality of states in the device;
First determining means for determining that a desired key corresponding to a generated state among the plurality of keys or a key different from the desired key is pressed among the plurality of keys;
A display capable of emitting light based on a pressed key when the first determination unit determines that any one of the plurality of keys has been pressed. Department,
When the first determination means determines that the desired key is pressed, the display unit emits light in the first light emission pattern, and the first determination means determines that a key different from the desired key is pressed A device state display device comprising: light emission control means for emitting light in a second light emission pattern giving a suggestion to find the desired key. The device status display device is
When the first determination means determines that a key different from the desired key is pressed, the method further comprises second determination means for determining whether a key within a predetermined range from the desired key is pressed.
The light emission control means is
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit emits light in the second light emission pattern only when the second determination unit determines that the key within the predetermined range is pressed from the desired key. Status display device. The device status display device is
When the first determination means determines that a key different from the desired key has been pressed, the method further comprises third determination means for determining whether or not a key next to the desired key is pressed.
The light emission control means is
3. The apparatus status display according to claim 2, wherein the display unit is caused to emit light in a third light emission pattern when the third determination means determines that the key next to the one of the desired keys is pressed. apparatus. The device status display device is
When the first determination means determines that a key different from the desired key has been pressed, the method further comprises fourth determination means for determining whether or not a key next to the desired key is pressed.
The light emission control means is
When the fourth determination means determines that the key next to the desired key has been pressed, the display unit is caused to emit light with a fourth light emission pattern different from the third light emission pattern. Item 4. A device status display device according to item 3. The plurality of keys can be classified into a plurality of areas corresponding to the positions of the plurality of keys,
The device status display device is
When the first determination means determines that a key different from the desired key is pressed, whether or not a key classified into the same area as the area corresponding to the desired key is pressed among the plurality of areas Further comprising fifth judgment means for judging
The light emission control means is
When the fifth determination means determines that the key classified into the same area as the area corresponding to the desired key is pressed, the display unit is caused to emit light with a fifth light emission pattern. The device status display device according to any one of 1 to 4. The plurality of keys are arranged in a predetermined area,
The device status display device is
A sixth step of determining whether the desired key is on one side of the predetermined area with respect to the pressed key when the first determining means determines that a key different from the desired key is pressed. Further comprising judgment means,
The light emission control means is
When the sixth determination means determines that the desired key is on the one side of the predetermined area with respect to the pressed key, the display unit emits light in a sixth light emission pattern. The device status display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The apparatus status display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display unit is an LED provided in the device. The device status display device according to claim 7, wherein the LED emits light in a plurality of colors. The device status display device is
The apparatus further comprises seventh judging means for judging that the device is in a predetermined state in which any one of the plurality of states has occurred,
The light emission control means is
9. The apparatus status display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the seventh judging means judges that the predetermined state is established, the display section emits light in a seventh light emission pattern. The apparatus status display apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus status display apparatus displays an error of a printing apparatus.

Images