JP2022117609A - Printing apparatus and printing apparatus control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printing apparatus in which a suitable resistance value is set for an optical sensor.SOLUTION: The printing apparatus is provided, comprising: a variable resistance circuit configured to include a plurality of resistance portions connected to each other and one or more driving elements that supply electric currents to each of the plurality of resistance portions; a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor that are connected to the variable resistance circuit; a selection circuit that selects whether the first optical sensor is connected to the variable resistance circuit or the second optical sensor is connected to the variable resistance circuit; a shift resistor that outputs a signal for selecting some or all of the one or more driving elements and turning on the elements; and a control unit that obtains a detected value by the first optical sensor or by the second optical sensor, controls the shift resistor on the basis of the detected value, and controls selection performed by the selection circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device and a method of controlling the printing device.

It is generally known that optical sensors have large variations in sensitivity. For this reason, in detectors using optical sensors, it is necessary to set a load resistance value according to each optical sensor in order to absorb variations in sensitivity. This was particularly necessary in circuits requiring reading of AD (Analog to Digital) values. Note that the optical sensor may be called, for example, a photosensor.

As an example, in the printer described in Patent Document 1, a volume resistor is used to adjust an optical sensor that detects the gap between labels and marks on long paper (paragraph of Patent Document 1 0045). Note that the volume resistor includes, for example, a semi-fixed resistor, a trimmer potentiometer, a trimmer type analog variable resistor, and the like.

JP 2005-041086 A

As described above, since optical sensors have variations in sensitivity, it is necessary to adjust the resistance value in the circuit on the photodiode side, which is the light emitting side, or on the side of the phototransistor, which is the light receiving side.

For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, a volume resistor is used, but since the volume resistor uses a mechanical structure, it was necessary to manually adjust the resistance value of the volume resistor. . Therefore, if the volume resistor is replaced for repair or maintenance after the resistance value of the volume resistor has been adjusted, it is necessary to manually adjust the new volume resistor again, which can be time-consuming. was there. Also, since the adjustment knob may move after the volume resistor is manually adjusted, it may be necessary to fix the volume resistor with an adhesive.

As a specific example, conventionally, in order to set an optimum load resistance value for each optical sensor, a trimmer-type analog variable resistor was sometimes used as the load resistance of the optical sensor. In some cases, the variable resistance value of the trimmer-type analog variable resistor is adjusted by sequentially changing the trimmer of the trimmer-type analog variable resistor so that the output voltage from the optical sensor becomes the expected value. rice field. However, in this case, for example, when the board on which the variable resistance circuit is mounted is replaced due to maintenance or the like, the variable resistance value cannot be inherited, so it is necessary to manually readjust the variable resistance value. there were.

As another specific example, conventionally, in some cases, a digital potentiometer (DPM) was used for the load resistance of the optical sensor in order to set the optimum load resistance value for each optical sensor. Then, the resistance value of the DPM is sequentially changed by manually changing the setting value of the DPM so that the output voltage from the optical sensor becomes the expected value, and the variable resistance value of the DPM is adjusted. there was a case.

However, in this case, for example, when the board on which the variable resistance circuit is mounted is replaced due to maintenance or the like, it is possible to take over the set values of the DPM using a non-volatile memory or the like. In addition, there is a variation in resistance value of about ±30%. For this reason, even if the DPM set value is handed over, the variable resistance value of the DPM after the handover may deviate greatly from the expected value. In addition, when such variation at the time of handover cannot be tolerated, it is necessary to readjust the variable resistance value.

One aspect of the printing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
a variable resistance circuit including a plurality of resistors connected to each other and one or more drive elements for causing current to flow through each of the plurality of resistors;
a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor connected to the variable resistance circuit;
a selection circuit for selecting whether to connect the first optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit or to connect the second optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit;
a shift register that outputs a signal to select and turn on some or all of the one or more drive elements;
a control unit that acquires a detection value of the first optical sensor or the second optical sensor, controls the shift register based on the detection value, and controls selection of the selection circuit;
Prepare.

One aspect of the method for controlling a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
A control method for a printing device, comprising:
The printing device
a variable resistance circuit including a plurality of resistors connected to each other and one or more drive elements for causing current to flow through each of the plurality of resistors;
a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor connected to the variable resistance circuit;
a selection circuit for selecting whether to connect the first optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit or to connect the second optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit;
a shift register that outputs a signal to select and turn on some or all of the one or more drive elements;
with
The control unit of the printing device,
a selection step of controlling selection of the selection circuit;
a register control step of acquiring the detection value of the first optical sensor or the second optical sensor selected by the selection circuit and controlling the shift register based on the detection value;
including.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing device; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the structure of recording paper; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control configuration of the printing device; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a detection part and a control part. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the control value of the shift register and the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure of control value determination processing performed by a control unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure of control value calculation processing performed by a control unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration when using a reflective optical sensor;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of printing device and recording paper>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 includes a recording paper storage section 10 , a transport mechanism 20 , a print head 30 , a control section 50 , an auto cutter 61 and a detection section 70 inside a housing 5 .

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the recording paper 11 according to the embodiment. The recording paper 11 is stored in the recording paper storage unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 . The recording paper 11 is a paper provided with a long mount 12 and test objects 13 pasted on the surface of the mount 12 in a row at regular intervals. A gap G having a constant width is provided between adjacent test objects 13 . In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the portion of the recording paper 11 that is only the mount 12 is referred to as a mount portion 12A, and the portion where the test subject 13 is superimposed on the mount 12 is referred to as a test portion 13A.

Here, in this embodiment, the test object 13 is a label or a marker. The label is, for example, the area where the printing takes place. The marker is, for example, a black marker having black color. The labels and markers may be attached to the backing 12, for example, with an adhesive or adhesive. When the two sides of the plane of the recording paper 11 are called the front side and the back side, respectively, the side on which the label is provided may be called the front side, and the side on which the marker is provided may be called the back side, for example. In this case the markers are provided on the side opposite to the side on which the labels are provided.

As an example, when the test object 13 is a label, the intensity of light transmitted through the recording paper 11 is higher in the mount portion 12A than in the test portion 13A. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between the mount portion 12A and the test portion 13A using a transmissive optical sensor. A transmissive optical sensor may be referred to as a transmissive sensor. As another example, when the test object 13 is a marker, the intensity of the reflected light from the recording paper 11 is higher in the mount portion 12A than in the test portion 13A. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between the mount portion 12A and the test portion 13A using a reflective optical sensor. A reflective optical sensor may be referred to as a reflective sensor.

First, the case where the test object 13 is a label will be described below.

The mount 12 is a release paper made by processing a material such as a resin film or synthetic paper into a long continuous paper having a constant width. When the test subject 13 is a label, the label is, for example, a label sticker made of an opaque material such as white. The front surface of the label is subjected to a surface treatment suitable for the printing method, and the back surface of the label is subjected to an adhesive treatment. Examples of the printing method include an inkjet method and a thermal method. Various materials, thicknesses, colors, and the like of the mount 12 and the label may be used depending on the application.

The printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. The recording paper 11 contained in the recording paper container 10 is conveyed to the printing position A of the print head 30 by the conveying mechanism 20 . The transport mechanism 20 includes a transport roller 21 and a drive motor 23 that drives the transport roller 21 . Inside the housing 5 of the printer 1 , a transport path T is formed from the recording paper container 10 to the paper discharge port 63 via the printing position A of the print head 30 . The transport mechanism 20 is controlled by the control unit 50 to transport the recording paper 11 accommodated in the recording paper accommodation unit 10 along the transport path T. As shown in FIG.

The print head 30 prints an image on the recording paper 11 transported to the printing position A by the transport mechanism 20 under the control of the control unit 50 . The recording paper 11 on which the image is formed is conveyed to the cutting position B of the auto cutter 61 by the conveying mechanism 20 . The auto cutter 61 is controlled by the control unit 50 to cut the printed recording paper 11 . The recording paper 11 cut by the autocutter 61 is ejected to the outside of the housing 5 from the paper ejection port 63 .

The detection unit 70 includes an optical sensor 71 and is provided upstream of the printing position A of the print head 30 on the transport path T along which the recording paper 11 is transported. In this embodiment, the side closer to the recording paper container 10 is called the upstream side, and the side farther from the recording paper container 10 is called the downstream side. The optical sensor 71 is a transmissive optical sensor including a light emitting element 73 arranged above the transport path T and a light receiving element 75 arranged below the transport path T. FIG. In this embodiment, the upper side of the transport path T corresponds to the print head 30 side. Here, the detection unit 70 has a plurality of optical sensors 71, and all of the plurality of optical sensors 71 may be provided upstream of the printing position A of the print head 30 as shown in FIG. , some of the plurality of optical sensors 71 may be provided downstream of the printing position A of the print head 30 . Furthermore, the light-emitting element 73 included in the optical sensor 71 may be arranged below the transport path T, and the light-receiving element 75 may be arranged above the transport path T. FIG. Note that the upward direction and the downward direction may be reversed.

The light-emitting element 73 and the light-receiving element 75 are arranged to face each other with the transport path T interposed therebetween. The light emitting element 73 is controlled by the control unit 50 to irradiate the detection light when the recording paper 11 is transported to the detection position P on the transport path T. FIG. The detection position P is a position on the transport path T irradiated with the detection light emitted by the light emitting element 73 . The detection light emitted by the light emitting element 73 passes through the recording paper 11 and is received by the light receiving element 75 . At this time, the light amount of the detection light received by the light receiving element 75 changes depending on whether the mount portion 12A of the recording paper 11 is positioned at the detection position P or when the test portion 13A is positioned. Therefore, the control unit 50 can determine whether the mounting paper portion 12A is positioned at the detection position P or whether the test portion 13A is positioned based on the change in the output from the light receiving element 75 . For example, by using the recording paper 11 in which the difference in light transmittance between the mount portion 12A and the test portion 13A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the detection accuracy of the test object 13 on the recording paper 11 can be improved. can.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the control configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The control section 50 is connected to the communication section 80 . The control unit 50 is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The communication unit 80 communicatively connects the host computer 7 and the printer 1 . Here, the example of FIG. 3 shows the case where the host computer 7 and the printing device 1 are connected by wire. may be connected by wireless communication.

The communication unit 80 outputs print data received from the host computer 7 to the control unit 50 . When print data is input from the communication unit 80, the control unit 50 starts a print processing operation. The control unit 50 drives the drive motor 23 to transport the recording paper 11 along the transport path T in the print processing operation. Further, the control unit 50 develops input print data in a memory (not shown) and converts it into data for each pixel for printing. The control unit 50 outputs the converted data to the print head 30 and causes the recording paper 11 conveyed to the print position A to print an image. Furthermore, the control unit 50 drives the auto cutter 61 based on the control command included in the print data to cut the recording paper 11 conveyed to the cutting position B. FIG.

An operation unit 90 is also connected to the control unit 50 . The operation unit 90 is provided with various operation keys such as a power key for turning on/off the power of the printing apparatus 1 and a menu key for performing various settings. When an operation key is operated, the operation section 90 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operated key to the control section 50 .

A detection unit 70 is also connected to the control unit 50 . The detection unit 70 receives the detection light emitted by the light emitting element 73 with the light receiving element 75, performs processing such as amplification and AD conversion on the voltage corresponding to the amount of light received, and generates a detection voltage. The detection section 70 outputs the generated detection voltage to the control section 50 .

The memory included in the control unit 50 stores thresholds and the like used in determination. The control unit 50 compares the input detection voltage with the threshold value used in the determination, and determines whether the test portion 13A is positioned at the detection position P or the mount portion 12A is positioned. judge. The threshold determines whether the detected voltage to be input is the detected voltage when the detection light is applied to the test area 13A or the detection voltage when the mount part 12A is applied with the detection light. Set to an identifiable voltage.

Also, the control unit 50 detects the front end and the rear end of the test object 13 based on the result of comparison between the detected voltage and the threshold value used in the determination. Specifically, the control unit 50 detects the time when at least one of the front end and the rear end of the test object 13 is detected by each of the plurality of optical sensors 71 included in the detection unit 70, and the detection of each of the plurality of optical sensors 71. Based on the position P and the transport speed of the recording paper 11 by the transport mechanism 20, the length of the test object 13 in the transport direction, the width of the gap G, and the like can be detected.

<Structure of detection unit and control unit>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing configurations of the detection unit 70 and the control unit 50 according to the embodiment. The detection unit 70 will be described in more detail. The control unit 50 may be an SoC (System on a Chip). The detection unit 70 includes optical sensors 71 a and 71 b as a plurality of optical sensors 71 , a variable resistance circuit 111 , a resistance section 131 , a shift register 211 and a selection circuit 81 . Here, in the following description, the light emitting element 73 of the optical sensor 71a may be referred to as the light emitting element 73a, and the light receiving element 75 may be referred to as the light receiving element 75a. Also, the light emitting element 73 of the optical sensor 71b may be referred to as a light emitting element 73b, and the light receiving element 75 may be referred to as a light receiving element 75b.

The variable resistance circuit 111 includes a plurality of eight resistors, ie, the 0th resistor section 141-0 to the seventh resistor section 141-7, and a plurality of eight drive elements, ie, the 0th drive element 161-0. to the seventh drive element 161-7. In the variable resistance circuit 111, 0th resistance section 141-0 to 7th resistance section 141-7, which are eight resistance sections, are connected in parallel. The resistance section 131 is arranged so as to be connected in parallel with the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7, which are the eight resistance sections included in the variable resistance circuit 111. FIG.

In the variable resistance circuit 111, the 0th driving element 161, which is the eight driving elements, is provided between each of the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7, which are the eight resistance sections, and the ground terminal. -0 to seventh drive elements 161-7 are connected in series. In the present embodiment, eight drive elements, ie, the 0th drive element 161-0 to the 7th drive element 161-7, are each a transistor. Each of the 0th drive element 161-0 to the 7th drive element 161-7, which are the eight drive elements, may be, for example, a field effect transistor (FET).

Specifically, one end of each of the 0th resistance portion 141-0 to the 7th resistance portion 141-7, which are eight resistance portions, and one end of the external resistance portion 131 are connected. The other ends of the 0th resistance portion 141-0 to the 7th resistance portion 141-7, which are the 8 resistance portions, and the 0th drive element 161-0 to the 7th drive element 161-, which are the 8 drive elements. 7 are connected to respective collector terminals. The emitter terminals of the 0th driving element 161-0 to the 7th driving element 161-7, which are the eight driving elements, are connected to the ground terminal. The other end of the external resistor portion 131 is connected to the ground end. One end of each of the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7, which are eight resistance sections, and one end of the external resistance section 131 are connected to the selection circuit 81. FIG.

The selection circuit 81 includes switches 82 a and 82 b and an inverter 83 . One end of the switch 82a is connected to the output end of the light receiving element 75a of the optical sensor 71a. One end of the switch 82b is connected to the output end of the light receiving element 75b of the optical sensor 71b. The other ends of the switches 82a and 82b are connected to one end of each of eight resistors, ie, the 0th resistor section 141-0 to the seventh resistor section 141-7, and to one end of the external resistor section 131. .

A control signal output from the control unit 50 is supplied to the switch 82a, and an inverted control signal obtained by inverting the logic level of the control signal output from the control unit 50 by an inverter 83 is supplied to the switch 82b. Thus, when the switch 82a is on, the switch 82b is off, and when the switch 82a is off, the switch 82b is on. That is, the switch 82a and the switch 82b are controlled to be in an ON state exclusively based on the control signal output from the control section 50. FIG. Here, in the present embodiment, for each of the switches 82a and 82b, the ON state represents a state in which a current flows between one end and the other end of the switches 82a and 82b, and the OFF state represents the switch 82a and 82b. represents a state in which no current flows between one end and the other end of the .

In the present embodiment, when the switch 82a included in the selection circuit 81 is controlled to be on, the voltage corresponding to the output from the light receiving element 75a changes from the 0th resistor section 141-0 to the 8th resistor section 141-0. 7 resistors 141-7 and one end of the external resistor 131, and when the switch 82b of the selection circuit 81 is controlled to be on, the voltage corresponding to the output from the light receiving element 75b is applied to one end of each of the 0th resistance portion 141-0 to the 7th resistance portion 141-7 and to one end of the external resistance portion 131, which are eight resistance portions. That is, the selection circuit 81 connects one end of each of the eight resistance portions 0th resistance portion 141-0 to the seventh resistance portion 141-7 and one end of the external resistance portion 131 to the output from the light receiving element 75a. It is selected whether to apply a voltage according to the output from the light receiving element 75b or to apply a voltage according to the output from the light receiving element 75b.

Also, one end of each of the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7, which are eight resistance sections, and one end of the external resistance section 131 are connected to the input terminal of the control section 50. FIG. Thereby, a voltage corresponding to the output from the light receiving element 75a or the light receiving element 75b is input to the input end of the control section 50. FIG. This voltage corresponds to the voltage applied across the resistor section 131 .

Then, when a voltage corresponding to the output from the light receiving element 75a of the optical sensor 71a or the light receiving element 75b of the optical sensor 71b is input to the input terminal through the selection circuit 81, the control unit 50 converts the voltage to AD. A conversion function converts an analog signal into a digital signal. That is, in the present embodiment, the voltage is represented by an analog signal in the circuit outside the control section 50 and is converted into a digital signal when taken into the control section 50 .

Here, the resistance values of the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7, which are the eight resistance sections of the variable resistance circuit 111, may be arbitrarily set. Further, the resistance values of the 0th resistance portion 141-0 to the 7th resistance portion 141-7, which are the eight resistance portions, may be, for example, the same, or at least one resistance value may be different. good too.

As an example, the resistance values of the 0th resistance portion 141-0 to the 7th resistance portion 141-7, which are eight resistance portions, are 256 [kΩ], 128 [kΩ], 64 [kΩ], and 32 [kΩ]. ], 16 [kΩ], 8 [kΩ], 4 [kΩ], and 2 [kΩ]. In this case, the resistance value of the resistance section 131 may be 22 [kΩ]. In this case, the resistance values of the 0th resistance portion 141-0 to the 7th resistance portion 141-7, which are the eight resistance portions, are all different.

Resistors with little variation can be used for each of the resistance section 131 and the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7, which are the eight resistance sections. Generally, resistance variation can be small, such as ±0.1%.

Here, each of the resistance section 131 and the eight resistance sections of the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7 may be configured using, for example, one resistance element, or , may be configured by combining two or more resistive elements. In addition, each of the resistance section 131 and the eight resistance sections, ie, the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7, is configured using, for example, the resistance component of any element other than the resistance element. may

The shift register 211 has 3 input terminals and 8 output terminals. Each of the eight output terminals of the shift register 211 is connected to the respective base terminals of the 0th drive element 161-0 to the 7th drive element 161-7, which are the eight drive elements of the variable resistance circuit 111. . Thus, by controlling the voltage of the signal output from each of the eight output terminals of the shift register 211, the eight driving elements of the variable resistance circuit 111, ie, the 0th driving element 161-0 to the 7th driving element 161-0, are controlled. Each of the elements 161-7 can be controlled to be driven in the on state or not to be driven in the off state. As a result, the shift register 211 selectively turns on or off each of the 0th drive element 161-0 to the 7th drive element 161-7, which are the eight drive elements, thereby enabling selection. It is possible to control whether to drive or not to drive.

Here, in the present embodiment, current flows between the collector terminal and the emitter terminal of each of the 0th drive element 161-0 to the 7th drive element 161-7, which are the eight drive elements, in the ON state. The OFF state represents a state in which no current flows between the collector terminal and the emitter terminal.

In the variable resistance circuit 111, among the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7 which are the 8 resistance sections, the correspondence among the 0th drive element 161-0 to the 7th drive element 161-7 The total resistance is the combined resistance of the resistors that are in the ON state. Thereby, the control unit 50 can switch the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit 111 by controlling the output from each of the eight output terminals of the shift register 211 . Further, in the variable resistance circuit 111 and the external resistance section 131, the combined resistance of the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit 111 and the external resistance section 131 is the total resistance.

The control unit 50 and each of the three input terminals of the shift register 211 are connected via three signal lines, namely, a first signal line 511 to a third signal line 513, respectively. Of the three input terminals of the shift register 211, the first input terminal is the input terminal of the serial data signal, the second input terminal is the input terminal of the serial clock signal, and the third input terminal is the latch. This is the signal input end. These are output from the control unit 50 to the shift register 211 . The shift register 211 outputs signals from eight output terminals based on signals input to three input terminals. The shift register 211 according to this embodiment has serial input and parallel output.

Then, the control unit 50 outputs the serial data signal to the shift register 211 via the first signal line 511, outputs the serial clock signal to the shift register 211 via the second signal line 512, A latch signal is output to the shift register 211 via the third signal line 513 .

The control unit 50 also includes a first storage unit 311 and a second storage unit 312 . Here, the first storage unit 311 and the second storage unit 312 may be configured as different storage areas in the same storage device or the like, or may be configured as different storage devices. Further, in the present embodiment, the first storage unit 311 and the second storage unit 312 are provided in the control unit 50, but as another configuration example, one or both of the first storage unit 311 and the second storage unit 312 may be provided outside the control unit 50 . Also, the first storage unit 311 and the second storage unit 312 may be, for example, non-volatile memories.

<Substrate>
Here, in this embodiment, the variable resistance circuit 111 , the shift register 211 and the control section 50 are mounted on the same substrate 411 . Also, the optical sensors 71 a and 71 b and the selection circuit 81 are mounted on a mounting portion 412 different from the substrate 411 . The mounted portion 412 may be, for example, a substrate different from the substrate 411 , or may be a predetermined portion of the housing of the printing apparatus 1 . Note that the selection circuit 81 may be mounted on the substrate 411 .

<Shift register control value>
The first storage unit 311 stores control values of the shift register 211 . The control unit 50 outputs the control value to the shift register 211 based on the control value stored in the first storage unit 311 . In this embodiment, the control value is represented by a serial data signal output from the control section 50 to the shift register 211 . Here, when the control value stored in the first storage unit 311 is a value already adjusted to a suitable value, the control unit 50 performs suitable control. Note that the control unit 50 may change the control value stored in the first storage unit 311 to update the control value to a more suitable value.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the control value of the shift register 211 and the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit 111 according to the embodiment. In the graph shown in FIG. 5 , the horizontal axis represents the control value of the shift register 211 and the vertical axis represents the combined resistance value [kΩ] of the variable resistance circuit 111 . In addition, in the example of FIG. 5, the vertical axis is displayed in logarithm. In the example of FIG. 5, the control value corresponds to 8 bits and has a value of 0-255. A characteristic 1011 represents the relationship between the control value of the shift register 211 and the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit 111 .

In the present embodiment, the combination of the control value of the shift register 211 and the resistance value of the 0th resistance unit 141-0 to the 7th resistance unit 141-7, which are the eight resistance units, to be in the ON state is , are associated one-to-one. In this embodiment, the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit 111 is set to decrease as the control value of the shift register 211 increases. In this embodiment, the variable combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit 111 can change, for example, within a range from 1 [kΩ] to an open state. In the example of FIG. 5, as the control value supplied from the control unit 50 to the shift register 211 increases, the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit 111 decreases.

<Processing for determining the control value performed by the control unit>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure of control value determination processing performed by the control unit 50 according to the embodiment. In this control value determination process, the control unit 50 determines control values suitable for each of the optical sensors 71a and 71b. In this embodiment, the controller 50 searches for a suitable value by changing the control value output to the shift register 211 . In this embodiment, digital control is performed by the control unit 50 .

(Step S1)
In the control unit 50, the selection circuit 81 selects an arbitrary optical sensor 71 from a plurality of optical sensors 71 including the optical sensors 71a and 71b, and the voltage corresponding to the output from the light receiving element 75 of the selected optical sensor 71 is applied to the variable resistor. A control signal for controlling input to the circuit 111 is output to the selection circuit 81 . Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

(Step S2)
The control unit 50 controls the control value to be output to the shift register 211 so that the shift register 211 outputs “00h” in hexadecimal in parallel to the variable resistance circuit 111 . Then, the process proceeds to step S3.

(Step S3)
The control unit 50 acquires the AD value of the analog signal input to the input terminal. This AD value is a value corresponding to the value detected by the light receiving element 75 of the optical sensor 71 selected by the selection circuit 81 . Then, the process proceeds to step S4.

(Step S4)
The control unit 50 determines whether the acquired AD value is the expected value of the detection value of the optical sensor 71 selected by the selection circuit 81 . The expected value is set in advance, for example. The expected value may be stored, for example, in the first storage unit 311 or the like.

Then, when the control unit 50 determines that the acquired AD value is the expected value of the detection value of the optical sensor 71 selected by the selection circuit 81 (step S4: YES), the control value at that time is As a value suitable for the corresponding optical sensor 71 , it is stored in the first storage unit 311 while being associated with the corresponding optical sensor 71 . Then, the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the acquired AD value is not the expected value of the detection value of the optical sensor 71 selected by the selection circuit 81 (step S3: NO), the process proceeds to step S5. .

(Step S5)
The control unit 50 performs so-called incrementing to increase the value of the parallel output from the shift register 211 by one. Then, the control unit 50 controls the control value to the shift register 211 so that the increased value is output in parallel from the shift register 211 to the variable resistance circuit 111 . Then, the process proceeds to step S3.

(Step S6)
The control unit 50 determines whether or not searching for suitable control values has been completed in all of the plurality of optical sensors 71 provided in the detection unit 70 . Then, when it is determined that the search for suitable control values has been completed in all the optical sensors 71 (step S6: YES), the control unit 50 ends the control value determination processing, which is the processing of this flow. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the search for suitable control values has not been completed in all the optical sensors 71 (step S6: NO), the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S7.

(Step S7)
In the control unit 50, the selection circuit 81 selects an arbitrary optical sensor 71 for which the search for a suitable control value has not been completed from a plurality of optical sensors 71 including the optical sensors 71a and 71b, and selects the light receiving element of the selected optical sensor 71. A control signal is output to the selection circuit 81 for controlling the voltage corresponding to the output from 75 to be input to the variable resistance circuit 111 . Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

Then, the control unit 50 searches all the optical sensors 71 of the plurality of optical sensors 71 of the detection unit 70, and in this embodiment, searches for suitable control values in both the optical sensors 71a and 71b are completed. Continue this flow until After this flow ends, the control unit 50 outputs a control signal for selecting one of the plurality of optical sensors 71 to the selection circuit 81, and outputs the selected optical sensor stored in the first storage unit 311. A control value corresponding to sensor 71 is used to control shift register 211 .

Here, in the processing of this flow, for example, even if the AD value corresponding to the detection value reaches its maximum, it is set so as not to saturate. In addition, in the present embodiment, the AD value of the mount portion 12A and the AD value of the test portion 13A are set so that the S/N (Signal to Noise Ratio) is sufficiently large. As a specific example, the AD value at the mount portion 12A is a value within the range of 2.5 [V] to 3.0 [V], and the AD value at the test portion 13A is 0.3 [V] to 0.3 [V]. It is set to a value within the range of 5 [V].

In this embodiment, when the sensitivity of the optical sensor 71 is high, the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit 111 and the resistance section 131 is set lower than when the sensitivity is low. According to Ohm's law, the voltage corresponding to the AD value is the product of the current output from the light receiving element 75 of the optical sensor 71 and the combined resistance. When the sensitivity of the optical sensor 71 is high, the current is high and the combined resistance is low compared to when the sensitivity is low. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 is shipped after the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit 111 is adjusted. For example, the AD value may be set within 0 to 3 [V].

In this flow example, the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit 111 is changed from low to high. Any processing procedure that is used may be used.

<Process of calculating the control value performed by the control unit>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure of control value calculation processing performed by the control unit 50 according to the embodiment. In this process, the controller 50 obtains a control value suitable for each of the plurality of optical sensors 71 by calculation. That is, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed for each of the multiple optical sensors 71 . In this embodiment, the control unit 50 automatically executes the processing of this flow. For example, the second storage unit 312 stores a predetermined value related to the AD value. The predetermined value may be called a target AD value or the like.

In the processing of this flow, a predetermined type of recording paper 11 is used. Then, the controller 50 calculates a control value suitable for the type of recording paper 11 used.

(Step S11)
The control unit 50 outputs a predetermined control value to the shift register 211 . Then, the process proceeds to step S12. The predetermined control value may be preset or randomly determined, for example.

(Step S12)
The control unit 50 acquires the AD value of the analog signal input to the input terminal. This AD value is a value corresponding to the value detected by the light receiving element 75 of the optical sensor 71 selected by the selection circuit 81 . Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

Here, in the present embodiment, variations in the resistance values of the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7 used in the variable resistance circuit 111 can be reduced. Therefore, the control unit 50 can calculate the load current flowing through the optical sensor 71 based on the variable resistance value corresponding to the combined resistance set in the variable resistance circuit 111 and the output voltage from the optical sensor 71. is. Then, the control unit 50 can accurately calculate the sensitivity of the optical sensor 71 based on the load current of the optical sensor 71 .

The sensitivity of the optical sensor 71 is calculated by, for example, {(sensitivity of the optical sensor 71)=(output voltage from the optical sensor 71)/(variable resistance value corresponding to the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit 111 and the resistance section 131)}. can do. This makes it possible to grasp variations in the sensitivity of the optical sensor 71 . Here, the sensitivity of the optical sensor 71 does not necessarily have to be an absolute value, as long as it is a value that can be used to evaluate whether or not the control value is suitable.

Here, as the recording paper 11, a type of paper having known optical characteristics is used. Here, the optical property is a transmittance property. Information on the optical characteristics of the paper is pre-stored in the second storage unit 312 . Such information may be registered in the second storage unit 312 by, for example, a user or a predetermined device, or may be registered in the second storage unit 312 by downloading via a network or the like.

(Step S13)
The control unit 50 uses the predetermined AD value stored in the second storage unit 312 and the acquired AD value to determine the AD value and the AD value acquired by the control unit 50 based on the detection result of the optical sensor 71 . 2 Calculate a control value for the shift register 211 that matches a predetermined value for the AD value stored in the storage unit 312 . In this process, the control value is set to a value suitable for the type of paper used. Then, the processing of this flow ends.

Here, for example, the control unit 50 stores in the first storage unit 311 information that associates the type of the recording paper 11 used for calculating the control value with the calculated control value. Based on the information stored in the first storage unit 311, the control unit 50 uses the control value corresponding to the type when the recording paper 11 of the type is used. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, for example, it is possible to eliminate the work of adjusting the control values when replacing the paper.

For example, the recording paper 11 is set in the printing apparatus 1 so that the user can use the recording paper 11 of a predetermined type. Also, the user instructs the printing apparatus 1 to indicate the type. Based on the information about the type, if a suitable control value is already stored, the control unit 50 uses the control value. On the other hand, if a suitable control value is not yet stored, the control unit 50 calculates a suitable control value based on the information about the type. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 50 can calculate the control value of the shift register 211 so as to acquire the desired AD value by grasping the sensitivity of each of the plurality of optical sensors 71. Therefore, adjustment work every time can be omitted.

In this embodiment, the processing flow shown in FIG. 7 is performed using a predetermined recording paper 11, and a control value for controlling the variable resistance circuit 111 is determined so that the AD value becomes a predetermined value. be done. The predetermined recording paper 11 may be called adjustment paper or recommended paper. For a predetermined recording paper 11, the transmittance characteristics may be known, for example, if a transmissive optical sensor is used.

Here, the predetermined value may be, for example, a single point value or a set of point values within a predetermined range. A predetermined value, in such a set, corresponds to a value that falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the second storage unit 312 stores the predetermined value of the AD value and predetermined known information about the recording paper 11 . Such known information may be called profile information, for example.

In this embodiment, for example, even if the AD value corresponding to the detection value reaches its maximum, it is set so as not to saturate. In addition, in the present embodiment, the S/N is set to be sufficiently large between the AD value of the mount portion 12A and the AD value of the test portion 13A. As a specific example, the AD value at the mount portion 12A is a value within the range of 2.5 [V] to 3.0 [V], and the AD value at the test portion 13A is 0.3 [V] to 0.3 [V]. It is set to a value within the range of 5 [V].

<Reflective optical sensor>
Here, in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 4, both the optical sensors 71a and 71b as the plurality of optical sensors 71 are transmissive optical sensors, and the test object 13 of the recording paper 11 is a label. Although an example of the case is shown, at least one of the optical sensors 71a and 71b may be a reflective optical sensor. In this case, for example, the test object 13 of the recording paper 11 is a marker.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration when using a reflective optical sensor. FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the detection unit 70 includes an optical sensor 71c as a reflective optical sensor.

The optical sensor 71c includes a light emitting element 73c and a light receiving element 75c. Here, FIG. 8 shows the reflective detection position P1. Also, the recording paper 11 may be a reflective recording paper used for a reflective optical sensor. For convenience of explanation, in the example of FIG. Any one of the plurality of optical sensors 71 including 71b may be replaced with a reflective optical sensor 71c, and the detection unit 70, in addition to the plurality of optical sensors 71 including the optical sensors 71a and 71b, It may have an optical sensor 71c.

As shown in FIG. 8, the optical sensor 71c includes a light emitting element 73c arranged below the transport path T and a light receiving element 75c arranged below the transport path T. As shown in FIG. Here, as another configuration, the light emitting element 73c may be arranged above the transport path T, and the light receiving element 75c may be arranged above the transport path T. FIG.

The light-emitting element 73c and the light-receiving element 75c are arranged on the same side of the transport path T. As shown in FIG. The light emitting element 73c is controlled by the control unit 50, and when the recording paper 11 is conveyed to the reflective detection position P1 on the conveying path T, the light emitting element 73c emits detection light. The reflective detection position P1 is a position on the transport path T irradiated with the detection light emitted by the light emitting element 73c. The detection light emitted by the light emitting element 73c is reflected by the recording paper 11 and received by the light receiving element 75c. At this time, the amount of detection light received by the light receiving element 75c changes depending on whether the mount portion 12A of the recording paper 11 is positioned at the reflective detection position P1 or when the test portion 13A is positioned. Therefore, based on the change in the output from the light receiving element 75c, it can be determined whether the mounting paper portion 12A is positioned at the reflective detection position P1 or whether the test portion 13A is positioned. For example, by using recording paper 11 in which the difference in light reflectance between the mounting paper portion 12A and the test portion 13A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the detection accuracy of the test object 13 on the recording paper 11 can be improved. can.

Here, when the detection unit 70 has the optical sensor 71c, which is a reflective optical sensor, and the processing shown in FIG. Used. That is, for a predetermined recording paper 11, for example, when a reflective optical sensor is used, the reflectance characteristics may be known.

<Regarding the above embodiment>
As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, suitable resistance values can be set for the optical sensors 71a, 71b, and 71c. In the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, for example, the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit 111 can be set according to the sensitivities of the plurality of optical sensors 71 including the optical sensors 71a, 71b, and 71c.

In the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, for example, setting value information of the shift registers 211 corresponding to each of the plurality of optical sensors 71 including the optical sensors 71a, 71b, and 71c can be stored in a nonvolatile memory or the like. can. In the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the substrate 411 is replaced, the set value information of the shift register 211 can be inherited, thereby inheriting the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit 111 . It becomes unnecessary to adjust the optical sensors 71a, 71b, 71c at the time of replacement.

In the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, even if the variable resistance circuit 111 for adjusting the optical sensors 71a, 71b, and 71c is replaced due to repair or the like, new manual adjustment is not required. 111 replacement becomes easier.

In particular, by using resistors with small variations in resistance value for each of the 0th resistor section 141-0 to the 7th resistor section 141-7, which are the eight resistor sections, compared to the case of DPM, for example, Variation in the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit 111 can be suppressed to about ±1%.

Here, in the present embodiment, the case where the variable resistance circuit 111 is provided with the 0th resistance unit 141-0 to the 7th resistance unit 141-7, which are eight resistance units, is shown. Any number of 2 or more may be used as the number of the plurality of resistance units provided. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the variable resistance circuit 111 is provided with the 0th drive element 161-0 to the 7th drive element 161-7, which are eight drive elements, is shown. Any number of 1 or more may be used as the number of drive elements.

Further, in the present embodiment, the variable resistance circuit 111 has shown the case where the 0th resistance section 141-0 to the 7th resistance section 141-7, which are a plurality of resistance sections, are connected in parallel. Alternatively, a configuration in which a plurality of resistors are connected in series or a configuration in which a plurality of resistors are connected in series and in parallel may be used.

Note that in the portion where a plurality of resistance units are connected in series, for example, while the resistance units whose drive elements are turned on are connected in series, instead of the resistance units whose drive elements are turned off, A configuration in which signal lines provided in parallel are connected in series may be used. In addition, as a configuration in which a plurality of resistance portions are connected to each other, for example, each of the plurality of resistance portions may be directly connected to another resistance portion, or one or more sets of the plurality of resistance portions may be connected separately. may be indirectly connected via a resistor of

In this embodiment, the selection circuit 81 has a switch 82a corresponding to the optical sensor 71a and a switch 82b corresponding to the optical sensor 71b. The selection circuit 81 includes the optical sensors 71a and 71b based on a control signal input from the control unit 50 configured as a selector. One of the multiple optical sensors 71 may be selected and connected to the variable resistance circuit 111 .

<Configuration example>
As one configuration example, in a printing apparatus (printing apparatus 1 in the embodiment), a plurality of resistance units (0th resistance unit 141-0 to 7th resistance unit 141-7 in the embodiment) connected to each other, and a plurality of and one or more drive elements (in the embodiment, 0th drive element 161-0 to 7th drive element 161-7) for causing a current to flow through each of the resistance portions of the variable resistance circuit (in the embodiment, , variable resistance circuit 111), and a first optical sensor (optical sensor 71a or optical sensor 71c in the embodiment) and a second optical sensor (optical sensor 71b or optical sensor 71c in the embodiment) connected to the variable resistance circuit. a selection circuit (selection circuit 81 in the embodiment) for selecting whether the first optical sensor is connected to the variable resistance circuit or the second optical sensor is connected to the variable resistance circuit; A shift register (shift register 211 in the embodiment) that outputs a signal to select and turn on some or all of the driving elements of the first optical sensor or the detection value of the second optical sensor, A control unit (control unit 50 in the embodiment) that controls the shift register based on the detected value and controls selection of the selection circuit.

As a configuration example, in a printing apparatus, the first optical sensor uses transmitted light to detect a label attached to a long first mount (in the embodiment, mount 12 of recording paper 11 on which transmitted light is detected). (In the embodiment, a transmission type sensor that detects the object 13 for which the label is used), or a long-shaped second mount (in the embodiment, the recording paper 11 whose reflected light is detected) using reflected light. It is a reflective sensor that detects a mark (test object 13 on which the mark is used in the embodiment) attached to the mount 12). Then, the control unit controls the shift register so that the detection value of the optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount (detection position P or reflective detection position P1 in the embodiment) becomes a predetermined value. to adjust the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit.

As one configuration example, a printing apparatus includes a first storage unit (first storage unit 311 in the embodiment). Then, the control unit stores the control value of the shift register in the first storage unit when the detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount reaches a predetermined value, and the first optical sensor When detecting a label or a mark, the control value is read from the first memory to control the shift register.

As a configuration example, in a printing apparatus, a substrate on which a variable resistance circuit is mounted (substrate 411 in the embodiment) is different from a mounting portion on which an optical sensor is mounted (mounting portion 412 in the embodiment).

As one configuration example, in the printing apparatus, the first optical sensor may be a transmissive sensor that detects the label attached to the long first backing paper using transmitted light, or a long It is a reflective sensor that detects the mark attached to the second mount. The printing apparatus includes a second storage unit (second storage unit 312 in the embodiment) that stores a predetermined value related to the detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount. The control unit controls the shift register with a predetermined control value to acquire the detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount, and stores the detection value, the predetermined control value, and the second memory. A control value for the shift register is calculated based on the predetermined value stored in the unit.

As one configuration example, a printing device control method (in the embodiment, a control method performed in the printing device 1), wherein the printing device includes a plurality of resistors connected to each other and a current flowing through each of the plurality of resistors. one or more drive elements for flowing a variable resistance circuit; a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor connected to the variable resistance circuit; and a first optical sensor connected to the variable resistance circuit , a selection circuit for selecting whether to connect the second optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit; a shift register for selecting and outputting a signal to turn on some or all of the one or more driving elements; Prepare. Then, the control unit of the printing apparatus performs a selection step (step S1 or step S7 in the embodiment) for controlling selection of the selection circuit, and a detection value of the first optical sensor or the second optical sensor selected by the selection circuit. and controlling the shift register based on the detected value (steps S3 to S5 and S11 to S13 in the embodiment).

It should be noted that a program for realizing the functions of any component in any device such as the printing device 1 described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program is read and executed by a computer system. You may do so. The term "computer system" as used herein includes an operating system (OS) or hardware such as peripheral devices. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, ROMs, CD (Compact Disc)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard discs built into computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" means a certain amount of data, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. It also includes those holding time programs. The volatile memory may be, for example, RAM. The recording medium may be, for example, a non-transitory recording medium.

Moreover, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing this program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in a transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program means a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

Also, the above program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called difference file, which can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. A difference file may be referred to as a difference program.

Also, the functions of any component in any device such as the printing device 1 described above may be implemented by a processor. For example, each process in this embodiment may be realized by a processor operating based on information such as a program and a computer-readable recording medium storing information such as the program. Here, for the processor, for example, the function of each section may be implemented by separate hardware, or the function of each section may be implemented by integrated hardware. For example, a processor may include hardware, which may include at least one of circuitry for processing digital signals and circuitry for processing analog signals. For example, a processor may be configured using one or more circuit devices and/or one or more circuit elements mounted on a circuit board. An IC (Integrated Circuit) or the like may be used as the circuit device, and a resistor, capacitor, or the like may be used as the circuit element.

Here, the processor may be, for example, a CPU. However, the processor is not limited to a CPU, and various processors such as GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) may be used. Also, the processor may be a hardware circuit based on, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Also, the processor may be composed of, for example, a plurality of CPUs, or may be composed of a plurality of ASIC hardware circuits. Also, the processor may be configured by, for example, a combination of multiple CPUs and multiple ASIC hardware circuits. The processor may also include one or more of, for example, amplifier circuits or filter circuits that process analog signals.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, it is also possible to combine the above embodiments as appropriate.

The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations that have the same function, method, and result, or configurations that have the same purpose and effect). Moreover, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential portions of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. In addition, the present invention includes a configuration that achieves the same effects or achieves the same purpose as the configurations described in the embodiments. In addition, the present invention includes configurations obtained by adding known techniques to the configurations described in the embodiments.

The following content is derived from the embodiment described above.

One aspect of the printing device includes:
a variable resistance circuit including a plurality of resistors connected to each other and one or more drive elements for causing current to flow through each of the plurality of resistors;
a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor connected to the variable resistance circuit;
a selection circuit for selecting whether to connect the first optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit or to connect the second optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit;
a shift register that outputs a signal to select and turn on some or all of the one or more drive elements;
a control unit that acquires a detection value of the first optical sensor or the second optical sensor, controls the shift register based on the detection value, and controls selection of the selection circuit;
Prepare.

According to this printing apparatus, the selection circuit selects one of the plurality of optical sensors including the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor, and the shift register drives part or all of the one or more driving elements. By selecting and turning on the elements, suitable resistance values can be set for each of the plurality of optical sensors including the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor. Then, by storing set value information of the shift register in a non-volatile memory or the like as resistance value information suitable for each of the plurality of optical sensors including the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor, the substrate can be Even when the shift register is replaced, the set value information of the shift register can be handed over. That is, it is possible to take over the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit. This eliminates the need to readjust the plurality of optical sensors including the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor when the substrate is replaced.

In one aspect of the printing device,
The first optical sensor is a transmissive sensor that uses transmitted light to detect the label attached to the first elongated mount, or a mark attached to the second elongated mount using reflected light. is a reflective sensor that detects
The control unit controls the shift register so that the detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount becomes a predetermined value, and adjusts the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit. may be adjusted.

In one aspect of the printing device,
A first storage unit is provided,
The control unit stores a control value of the shift register in the first storage unit when a detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount reaches a predetermined value, and When the label or the mark is detected by the first optical sensor, the control value may be read out from the first storage section to control the shift register.

In one aspect of the printing device,
A substrate on which the variable resistance circuit is mounted may be different from a mounting portion on which the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor are mounted.

In one aspect of the printing device,
The first optical sensor is a transmissive sensor that uses transmitted light to detect the label attached to the first elongated mount, or a mark attached to the second elongated mount using reflected light. is a reflective sensor that detects
A second storage unit that stores a predetermined value related to the detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount,
The control unit controls the shift register with a predetermined control value to acquire a detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount, and obtains the detection value and the predetermined control. A control value for the shift register may be calculated based on the value and the predetermined value stored in the second storage unit.

One aspect of a method for controlling a printing device includes:
A control method for a printing device, comprising:
The printing device
a variable resistance circuit including a plurality of resistors connected to each other and one or more drive elements for causing current to flow through each of the plurality of resistors;
a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor connected to the variable resistance circuit;
a selection circuit for selecting whether to connect the first optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit or to connect the second optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit;
a shift register that outputs a signal to select and turn on some or all of the one or more drive elements;
with
The control unit of the printing device,
a selection step of controlling selection of the selection circuit;
a register control step of acquiring the detection value of the first optical sensor or the second optical sensor selected by the selection circuit and controlling the shift register based on the detection value;
including.

According to this printing apparatus control method, in the selection step, the control unit controls the selection circuit to select one of the plurality of optical sensors including the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor, and the register control step for each of the plurality of optical sensors including the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor by selecting and turning on some or all of the one or more driving elements in the shift register In addition to setting a suitable resistance value for each of the plurality of optical sensors including the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor, the set value information of the shift register is stored in a non-volatile memory or the like as information on the resistance value suitable for each of the plurality of optical sensors. do. As a result, even when the board is replaced, the set value information of the shift register can be handed over. That is, it is possible to take over the combined resistance of the variable resistance circuit. This eliminates the need to readjust the plurality of optical sensors including the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor when the substrate is replaced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Printing apparatus 5... Housing 7... Host computer 10... Recording paper accommodation part 11... Recording paper 12... Mounting paper 12A... Mounting paper part 13... Test object 13A... Test part 20... Conveying mechanism 21 Conveying roller 23 Drive motor 30 Print head 50 Control unit 61 Auto cutter 63 Paper ejection port 70 Detection unit 71, 71a, 71b, 71c Optical sensor 73, 73a, 73b, 73c... Light emitting element 75, 75a, 75b, 75c... Light receiving element 80... Communication unit 81... Selection circuit 82a, 82b... Switch 83... Inverter 90... Operation unit 111... Variable Resistor circuit 131... Resistor part 141-0... 0th resistor part 141-1... First resistor part 141-2... Second resistor part 141-3... Third resistor part 141-4... Fourth Resistance section 141-5... Fifth resistance section 141-6... Sixth resistance section 141-7... Seventh resistance section 161-0... 0th drive element 161-1... First drive element 161- 2 Second drive element 161-3 Third drive element 161-4 Fourth drive element 161-5 Fifth drive element 161-6 Sixth drive element 161-7 Seventh drive Elements 211...Shift register 311...First storage part 312...Second storage part 411...Substrate 412...Mounted part 511...First signal line 512...Second signal line 513...Third signal Line, 1011...Characteristics, A...Printing position, B...Cutting position, G...Gap, P...Detection position, P1...Reflective detection position, T...Conveyance path

Claims (6)

a variable resistance circuit including a plurality of resistors connected to each other and one or more drive elements for causing current to flow through each of the plurality of resistors;
a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor connected to the variable resistance circuit;
a selection circuit for selecting whether to connect the first optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit or to connect the second optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit;
a shift register that outputs a signal to select and turn on some or all of the one or more drive elements;
a control unit that acquires a detection value of the first optical sensor or the second optical sensor, controls the shift register based on the detection value, and controls selection of the selection circuit;
a printing device. The first optical sensor is a transmissive sensor that uses transmitted light to detect the label attached to the first elongated mount, or a mark attached to the second elongated mount using reflected light. is a reflective sensor that detects
The control unit controls the shift register so that the detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount becomes a predetermined value, and adjusts the combined resistance value of the variable resistance circuit. adjust,
2. A printing device according to claim 1. A first storage unit is provided,
The control unit stores a control value of the shift register in the first storage unit when a detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount reaches a predetermined value, and reading the control value from the first storage unit and controlling the shift register when the first optical sensor detects the label or the mark;
3. A printing device according to claim 2. The substrate on which the variable resistance circuit is mounted is different from the mounting portion on which the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor are mounted,
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first optical sensor is a transmissive sensor that uses transmitted light to detect the label attached to the first elongated mount, or a mark attached to the second elongated mount using reflected light. is a reflective sensor that detects
A second storage unit that stores a predetermined value related to the detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount,
The control unit controls the shift register with a predetermined control value to acquire a detection value of the first optical sensor at the position of the first mount or the second mount, and obtains the detection value and the predetermined control. calculating a control value for the shift register based on the value and the predetermined value stored in the second storage unit;
2. A printing device according to claim 1. A control method for a printing device, comprising:
The printing device
a variable resistance circuit including a plurality of resistors connected to each other and one or more drive elements for causing current to flow through each of the plurality of resistors;
a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor connected to the variable resistance circuit;
a selection circuit for selecting whether to connect the first optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit or to connect the second optical sensor to the variable resistance circuit;
a shift register that outputs a signal to select and turn on some or all of the one or more drive elements;
with
The control unit of the printing device,
a selection step of controlling selection of the selection circuit;
a register control step of acquiring the detection value of the first optical sensor or the second optical sensor selected by the selection circuit and controlling the shift register based on the detection value;
including,
A method of controlling a printing device.

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