JP2548019Y2 - Serial type image scanner printer - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] A. Purpose of the invention 1) Industrial application field The invention relates to a serial type image scanner printer.

2) Prior Art Conventionally, an optical sensor member of an image scanner (a light source for illuminating an original, 2. Description of the Related Art A serial image scanner printer supporting an element array and a member including an imaging optical system for forming reflected light from the document on the light receiving element and the like, hereinafter referred to as an "image sensor", and a print head is known. .

Next, an outline of a conventional serial type image scanner printer will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 12, a serial type image scanner printer 01 is provided with an operation panel Pa on a front surface thereof, and a paper inlet port 03 and a paper discharge port 04 extending right and left with a roller cover 02 interposed therebetween at the center of the upper surface. I have. A sheet guide 05 is mounted on the rear side of the paper inlet 03, and a detachable canopy 06 is provided on the front side of the paper outlet 04.

Below the roller cover 02 and canopy 06
As shown in FIG. 13, there is provided a carriage B whose lower surface is fixed to an endless carriage driving belt 07 and which is guided along a guide bar 08 extending in the main scanning direction X. A sheet A such as a printing sheet such as a thermal transfer sheet or a document (hereinafter, simply referred to as “sheet” including the printing sheet and the document) is fed to a surface of the platen P by a paper feed roller 09 and a guide member (not shown). , And further fed in the sub-scanning direction Y. The carriage B reciprocally driven in the main scanning direction X along the guide bar 08 includes a print head support member B1 and an image sensor support member B2. The print head support member B1
Is configured to support the print head H and to detachably mount the ink ribbon cassette 010.

The image sensor supporting member B2 supports a light sensor member for image scanner such as a document illuminating light source, an imaging optical system, and a light receiving element array, not shown, that is, an image sensor Im (not shown).

In the conventional serial image scanner printer having the above-described configuration, a Centronics connection terminal (not shown) and an RS232-C connection terminal (not shown) are provided at a lower rear portion thereof, and a Centronics connection for print control (not shown) is provided. It is used by being connected to a personal computer via a cable and an RS232-C connection cable for image reading control.

Conventionally, when printing in a predetermined entry field of a sheet printed in a predetermined format using the serial image scanner printer 01 or an ordinary serial printer without an image scanner as described above, for example,
When appropriate characters or numbers are printed in the entry fields (that is, printing ranges) A1 and A2 of the paper A as shown in FIG. 14, the printing range printed by the print head H is automatically set when the paper A is set. Is determined with reference to a reference point P0 (x0, y0). However, the (x0, y0) has the x-axis leftward (main scanning direction X) and the y-axis downward (sub-scanning direction Y) with the upper left point of the paper A as the origin (0, 0). Indicates the coordinates of the case. For example, x0 and y0 are set to about x0 = 2 mm and y0 = about 15 mm in the case of A4 paper.

That is, the point P1 (x1, y1) of the sheet A shown in FIG.
And when printing in a rectangular area having both ends of a diagonal with the point Q1 (x10, y10), that is, a partial print area A1, the coordinates of the point P0 of the upper left corner of the paper A are set to (0, 0);
In the case where the coordinates of the reference point P0 'are (x0, y0), conventionally, the point P0 (0, 0) is manually and upper-left point of the print range A1 (hereinafter, referred to as "print start point") P1 ( The values of the main skip length data (x1-x0) and the sub skip length data (y1-y0) are calculated by actually measuring the dimensions x1, y1 up to (x1, y1). Further, the printing start point P1 (x1, y1) and a lower right point of the printing range A1 (hereinafter referred to as “printing end point”) Q1 (x10, y1)
0), the field width (x10-x1) and the field height (y10-y1) are actually measured.

The values of the sub-skip length data (y1-y0), the main skip length data (x1-x0), the field height v1 = (y10-y1) and the field width h1 = (x10-x1) are the values of the printing on the paper A. Since it is print range data necessary for printing in the range A1, it is stored in a storage device of the host computer by a suitable input device such as a keyboard.

Next, when printing the print data such as the image information stored in the internal memory or the external memory of the host computer by the serial image scanner printer 01, first, the paper A is set on the serial image scanner printer 01. Then, the host computer reads out the print data stored in the memory and outputs it to the serial type image scanner printer 01, and simultaneously outputs the print range data designating the print range to the serial type image scanner printer 01. . Then, the serial type image scanner printer 01 prints the input print data in the print ranges A1, A2, etc. determined by the input print range data.

3) Problems to be Solved by the Invention By the way, when printing is performed in a predetermined printing range by the serial type image scanner printer 1, the print head H (or the carriage B) is moved to a predetermined printing range on the paper A. Sometimes it is necessary to input a print signal to the print head H. In this case, it is necessary to always detect the position of the print head H on the paper A in the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction.

The position of the print head H in the sub-scanning direction on the sheet A can be easily and correctly detected by detecting the sheet feed amount of the sheet after the sheet upper end detection sensor detects the sheet upper end. However, the position of the print head H on the paper A in the main scanning direction is detected by the movement amount of the print head with the home sensor SH as a reference position. Therefore, the serial type image scanner printer 1
Is set at a predetermined correct setting position (that is, a position separated from the home sensor SH by a predetermined distance in the main scanning direction), the predetermined printing ranges A1 and A2 on the paper A are set. It is possible to print correctly on the printer. However, if the actual set position of the paper A is shifted from the predetermined correct set position in the main scanning direction, printing is performed at a position shifted from the predetermined print ranges A1 and A2 on the paper A. There was a problem.

Further, when an error is included in the printing range data, there is a problem that printing cannot be performed correctly in a predetermined printing range even if the sheet A is set at a correct position.

In view of the above-described circumstances, the present invention considers the case where the actual setting position of the printing paper set in the serial type image scanner printer is deviated from a predetermined correct setting position or the printing range data contains an error, An object of the present invention is to enable printing to be performed correctly in a predetermined printing range of printing paper.

B. Configuration of the Invention 1) Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the serial image scanner printer of the first invention of the present application has the configuration shown in the claim correspondence diagram of FIG. I have. That is, the serial type image scanner printer of the first invention of the present application includes an image sensor Im for reading and scanning a sheet A arranged along the surface of a platen P extending in the main scanning direction X and printing on the sheet A. A carriage B for supporting a print head H, a carriage driving device D1 for reciprocally driving the carriage B in the main scanning direction X,
Carriage position detecting means for outputting the position signals x1, x2,.
T1, a paper driving device D2 for feeding the paper A at a predetermined pitch in the sub-scanning direction Y, paper position detecting means T2 for outputting position signals y1, y2,... Of the paper A, print data and print range designation Print signal output means Q for outputting a print signal for driving a print head according to the print data when the print head H is located at a position designated by print range designation data while data is being input; An image data output means R for outputting image data of the paper A in response to an output signal of the sensor Im; a serial type image scanner printer comprising: an output signal of the image data output means R; And the print range data, and detects and prints a mark printed to indicate a print reference position of a predetermined print range on the paper A determined by the print range data. A print reference position detecting means S1 for outputting reference position data,
A print range correcting unit for correcting the print range data using the print reference position data and outputting the print range designation data.

As the image data reading position information, for example, the carriage position detecting unit T1 or the sheet position detecting unit
The output signal from T2 can be used directly or indirectly, and the print range data is transmitted from a host computer to a serial image scanner printer or read from a memory provided in the serial image scanner printer. be able to. Further, the print range designation data read from the print range correction means S2 is directly input to the print signal output means Q, or is temporarily stored in a buffer memory or the like and then indirectly sent to the print signal output means. You can also enter it.

2) Operation When printing is performed in a predetermined printing range of printing paper by the serial image scanner printer of the present invention having the above-described configuration, a mark for detecting a printing reference position is printed for each predetermined printing range. Use paper. Print reference position detection means
S1 uses the output signal of the image data output means R, image data reading position information, and printing range data, and indicates a printing reference position of a predetermined printing range on the paper A corresponding to printing range data. The mark is detected and the print reference position data is output. Then, the print range correction means S2 corrects the print range data using the print reference position data and outputs the print range designation data. The print signal output means Q, to which print data and print range designation data are input, performs printing according to the print data when the print head H is in a predetermined print range specified by the print range designation data. Outputs a print signal for driving the head. At this time, the print data is printed in a predetermined print range.

3) Embodiment An embodiment of a serial type image scanner printer according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of functions of the embodiment.
In FIG. 2, elements corresponding to the elements in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

The printing reference position detecting means S1 includes image data reading position information such as a carriage position and a paper position input from the carriage position detecting means T1 and the paper position detecting means T2, and image data input from the image data outputting means R. The print reference position data is detected using the print range data and the print range data, and the detected print reference position data is output to the print range correction means S2.

The print range detecting means S4 is a print range detected from the image data reading position information input from the carriage position detecting means T1 and the paper position detecting means T2 and the image data input from the image data output means R. The data is output to the print range storage means S3. This printing range storage means S3 is a serial image scanner printer 1
And a card-type memory Me such as a ram card detachable therefrom. The print range storage means S3 is configured to store the print range data output from the print range detection means S4 and output the stored print range data to the print reference position detection means S1 and the print range correction means S2. Have been. The skew signal output unit S5 is configured to skew (tilt) a sheet based on image data reading position information input from the carriage position detecting unit T1 and the sheet position detecting unit T2 and image data input from the image data output unit R. ) Is detected, and when the skew amount is equal to or more than the predetermined value, a skew signal is output to the skew notifying unit S6. The skew notification means is configured to turn on an alarm lamp to notify a skew when a skew signal is input.

FIGS. 3 to 5 are detailed illustrations of a serial image scanner printer having the functions shown in FIG.

Since the external view of the serial type image scanner printer 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is the same as the conventional serial type image scanner printer 01 shown in FIGS. For the components of the present embodiment corresponding to the same components as described above, the same reference numerals as those of the conventional example are omitted by omitting the high-order digits of 0 (zero), and their detailed details are omitted. Description is omitted.

3 and 4, an operation panel Pa is provided on the front surface of the serial type image scanner printer 1, a reset switch SW R is provided on the lower left side of the operation panel Pa, and a printing operation is provided on the lower right side of the operation panel Pa. A card memory Me such as a ram card for storing range data and a memory mounting connector Pa1 to which a font rom card (not shown) and the like are removably mounted are provided.

Each time the operation panel Pa is pressed, the operation panel Pa can receive data from an external device such as a computer (select state).
And the state that cannot be received (deselect state)
SEL switch (Select Switch) SW0, LF switch that performs automatic cueing when setting paper in the deselected state and feeds the paper one line (1/6 inch) each time the paper is set and pressed once. (Line Feed Switch) SW
1, When paper is inserted and deselected, the next T
TOF switch (Top of Form Switch) SW2 for feeding paper to the OF position (first printing line of the page), speed selection switch SW3, font changeover switch SW4 for selecting whether to use the font of the font card or the built-in font, A cotton density changeover switch SW5, a gradation mode selection switch SW6, and the like are provided.

The select switch SW0 is provided with a green display light emitting diode (that is, a “select lamp”) LED0 that lights up in a state of receiving a signal from the outside, and the LF switch SW1 has a skew amount of the paper of a predetermined value or more. A skew notification light-emitting diode LED1 that is lit at the same time is provided, and a speed display switch SW3 is provided with a green display light-emitting diode (that is, a "print mode display lamp") LED2 that lights up in the medium-speed printing mode and turns off in the high-speed printing mode. The font changeover switch SW4 is provided with a green display light emitting diode (that is, a "font display lamp") LED3 that is turned on when the mode of printing using the font of the font card is selected. The cotton density changeover switch SW5 has a cotton density reading mode of 180 dpi, 160 dpi or
Green display light-emitting diodes (ie, “reading mode display lamps”) LED4, LED5, and LED6 that light up according to 90 dpi are provided side by side. Further, the gradation mode selection switch SW6 has a green display light-emitting diode (that is, a green display light-emitting diode) that lights according to the gradation reading mode (two gradation mode, dither mode, or multi-gradation mode) of the selected image sensor. "Gradation mode display lamp") LED7, LED8 and LED9 are provided side by side.

On the upper right side of the operation panel Pa, a red display light emitting diode (that is, a "power lamp") LED10 that is turned on when the power is turned on, a red light that is turned on when paper A such as printing paper or a document is not set. Light emitting diode for indicating (ie, "paper detection indicator lamp") LED1
1 and a red light-emitting diode (that is, a “ribbon empty display lamp”) LED12 that is lit when the print ribbon runs out. The power lamp L
The ED 10 is illuminated when a power switch (not shown) provided at a lower portion of the left side wall in FIG. 2 of the serial type image scanner printer 1 is turned on and the power is turned on. .

In FIG. 5, a carriage driving device D1 of the serial type image scanner printer 1 includes a carriage driving step motor M1, an endless carriage driving belt 7 reciprocally driven by the carriage driving step motor M1, and the like. . A carriage B made of a synthetic resin whose lower surface is fixed to the carriage driving belt 7 and guided along a guide bar 8 extending in the main scanning direction X includes a print head supporting member B1, an image sensor supporting member B2, It has. The carriage B is reciprocated along the main scanning direction X along the surface of a platen P extending in the main scanning direction X. The surface of the platen P is colored black.

A correction plate F for shading correction is fixed to the left end side of the platen P. The correction plate F is colored uniformly white on its surface, and its surface and the surface on which the original A is scanned are scanned. Are disposed on substantially the same plane.

A recording paper such as a thermal transfer paper or a paper A such as an original is moved in the main scanning direction X in a main scanning direction X by a paper feed step motor M2, a paper feed roller 9 rotated by the paper feed roller 9 and a paper drive device D2 composed of a guide member (not shown). The sheet is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction Y along the surface of the extended platen P. Each time the carriage B is moved along one scanning line of the sheet A, the sheet A or the like is fed at a predetermined pitch in the sub-scanning direction Y by the sheet driving device D2.

A print head H of a thermal transfer type is supported on a print head support member B1 of the carriage B, and an upper surface of the print head support member B1 is configured such that an ink ribbon cassette 10 is detachably mounted. .

The image sensor supporting member B2 of the carriage B includes
An image sensor including an unillustrated light source for illuminating a document, an imaging optical system having a mirror, a rod lens array, and the like, and a reflected light amount detection unit having a plurality of light receiving element arrays
Im is supported, and the reflected light amount detecting means is arranged to receive the reflected light from the document A or the correction plate F illuminated by the light source via the imaging optical system. The image sensor supporting member B2 has a mark 12 for indicating a reading position in the left-right direction (a position where the reflected light from the document A is incident) and a reading start position in the vertical direction (the light-receiving element arranged at the top of the light-receiving element row). Position) indicating mark 13 is provided.

The print head H is connected to the print head drive circuit 20 of the control unit U connected via an appropriate connection cable.
It is adapted to be driven by. The detection signal detected by the reflected light amount detection means G is input to the shading correction circuit 21 of the control unit U via an appropriate connection cable.

The control unit U includes a print head drive circuit 20, a shading correction circuit 21, a microcomputer 22, and the like.The microcomputer 22 includes a central processing unit CPU, a random access memory RAM, a read only memory ROM, and an input / output interface. It is composed of I / O, etc.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit U includes an output signal Ih of a home position sensor SH for detecting that the carriage B is at the home position, and a paper detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the paper A. An SP output signal Ip and input signals from various switches SWi (i = 0 to 6) of the operation panel Pa shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are input.

The control unit U outputs a drive signal O m1 for the carriage drive step motor M1, a drive signal O m2 for the paper feed step motor M2, a signal O im for driving the reflected light amount detecting means on the carriage B, and the like. doing.

Further, the control unit U is connected to a personal computer 25 via a Centronics connection cable 23 for controlling the printing unit and an RS232-C connection cable 24 for controlling the image scanner unit.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the serial type image scanner printer having the above configuration will be described. The operation is performed by a program stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 22.

The paper A shown in FIG. 6A is a slip or a confirmation application form in which predetermined characters or figures (not shown) are printed in a predetermined format, and a printing range A1 and A2 in which characters or numbers are to be printed are included. Is provided.

First, the operation of reading and storing print range data that defines the print range of the paper A will be described.

7A to 7D are explanatory diagrams of the flow of reading the print range data. When performing this flow, as shown in FIG. 6A, the paper A in which the printing ranges A1 and A2 are solid black
Is used.

This print range reading flow is to turn on the power switch while pressing the linear density switch SW5,
Alternatively, the processing is started by receiving a command code determined from the host computer.

In this print range reading flow, first, the seventh
The skew of the paper A is checked by the skew check flow shown in FIGS.

In step 31, it is determined whether or not the LF switch SW2 has been pressed. If no (NO), step 31 is repeatedly executed. If yes, go to step 32.

In step 32, the sheet is loaded to the initial setting position (see FIG. 8A). This is performed by rotating the paper feed step motor M2 and sucking the paper A to the set position. When the sheet A is in the set position, the upper end of the sheet A passes through the platen P and is disposed above the print head H and the image sensor Im. And the paper feed direction (sub-scan direction Y)
The uppermost one of the plurality of print dots of the print head H and the plurality of light receiving elements of the image sensor Im, which are arranged along the line, may be the upper end of the sheet A if the sheet A is correctly arranged. The sheet faces the sheet at a position below by a predetermined distance (see Im of the solid line in FIG. 8A).

Next, at step 33, the carriage B is moved to a predetermined position x01 in the main scanning direction (for example, a position determined by the moving distance of the carriage B from the home position sensor SH in the main scanning direction X) (two points in FIG. 8A). The position of the chain line, see the position of the solid line in FIG. 8B).

Next, in step 34, the set sheet A is moved one step (one dot) in the direction opposite to the sheet feeding direction Y.

Next, in step 35, it is determined whether the light receiving element arranged at the top of the light receiving element row of the image sensor Im has detected the upper end of the sheet A. This determination is made based on whether or not the light receiving element arranged at the top of the light receiving element row detects black on the surface of the platen P. In the case of no (NO) in this step 35, the process returns to the step 34, and in the case of yes (YES) (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
The process moves to step 36 (see the position of the solid line in the figure).

In step 36, the value of the first upper end position y01 of the sheet A and the position x01 of the carriage B at this time are stored in the microcomputer 22.
Is stored in a random access memory RAM or a register of the CPU. The value of y01 is calculated as (the paper feed amount per step in step 34) × (the number of executions of step 34).

Next, in step 37, the paper is moved by 2 mm in the paper feed direction. For example, if the image sensor Im has 24 light receiving elements and the array density is 8 dots / mm, the 2 mm corresponds to a movement of 16 dots.

Next, at step 38, the carriage B at the position x01 is moved one step (one dot) to the left (see the direction of the solid line position → the two-dot chain line position in FIG. 8D).

Next, in step 39, it is determined whether or not the uppermost light receiving element of the light receiving element row of the image sensor Im has detected the left end of the sheet. This determination is made based on whether or not the light receiving element arranged at the top of the light receiving element row detects black on the surface of the platen P. If the determination in step 39 is no (NO), the process returns to step 38, and
Repeat steps 38 and 39. In the case of YES in step 39 (see the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8D and the position Im in the solid line in FIG. 8E), the position x02 ′ of the carriage B at that time is the left end position of the sheet. The value of x02 'is mm from the reference position to the left end of the sheet from the position of the carriage B detected by the home position sensor SH.
Detect as a unit distance. In this case, the distance is
It is detected by subtracting the value of (moving distance per one step of step 38) × (the number of times of execution of step 38) from the value of x01. If the answer is affirmative in step 39, then in step 40 the left end position of the sheet A is stored.

Next, in step 41, the carriage B is moved rightward by 2 mm.
(16 dots) (see the movement of the solid line position of Im → the position of the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8E), the position x02 becomes x02
= X02 '+ 2 (mm).

Next, in step 42 of FIG. 7B, the set paper is moved one step (for one dot) in the direction opposite to the paper feeding direction.
Move.

Next, in step 43, it is determined whether the uppermost light receiving element of the light receiving element row of the image sensor Im has detected the upper end of the sheet. This determination is made based on whether or not the light receiving element arranged at the top of the light receiving element row detects black on the surface of the platen P. If no in step 43, the process returns to step 42, and the answer is yes.
In the case of (2) (see the sheet A at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8F), the process proceeds to step 44.

In step 44, the value of the second upper end position y02 of the sheet and the value of the position x02 of the carriage B are stored. The value of y02 is a distance in mm from the reference position to the upper end of the sheet with reference to the set position of the sucked sheet,
(Y01-2) mm is added with a value y02 'of (paper feed amount per step in the above step 42) x (number of times of execution of step 42), and is calculated as y02 = y01-2 + y02'.

Next, at step 45, the skew value Q is calculated by the following equation.

Q = (y01−y02) / (x01−x02) = (y01−y02) / x0 where x0 = (x01−x02) Next, in step 46, it is determined whether or not the skew value Q exceeds the allowable value Qa. You. If yes in step 46, proceed to step 47; if no, step
Move to 48.

In step 47, the error lamp (skew notification light emitting diode) LED1 is turned on.

Next, at step 49, it is determined whether or not the error has been cleared. This determination is made based on whether the sheet has been removed. If no, step 49 is repeatedly executed. If yes, go to step 50.

In step 50, the error lamp LED1 is turned off.
Then, the process returns to step 31.

If no in step 46, step 48
Then, the sheet A is transferred to the initial setting position. This is performed by feeding the sheet by, for example, 15 mm in the direction opposite to the sheet feeding direction (sub-scanning direction) Y. At this time,
As shown in FIG. 6B, the uppermost light receiving element of the image sensor Im is 2 mm from the left end of the sheet A and 1 mm from the upper end, as shown in FIG. 6B.
The print head H is located at a position of 5 mm and the image sensor I
It is arranged at a predetermined distance xa in the main scanning direction X from m.

Next, in step 51, one line (image sensor
If the number of light receiving elements in the light receiving element row of Im is 24, the data is read for 24 lines). The reading of one line of data is performed while the carriage B is temporarily moved leftward to the position of the home sensor SH and then moved rightward. In this case, the data to be read is black data 13 (hereinafter, black data is referred to as a “black bit”) for detecting the platen P. When the data is moved rightward from the left end of the paper A, the paper A is read. White data. If the paper A has a solid black portion, the data read in that portion becomes black bits. Then, the process proceeds to step 52 after reading the data for one line.

 In step 52, N = 1 is set.

Next, in step 53, the above-mentioned one line (see FIG. 6B)
Is searched for black bits in the data on the sheet A of the N-th line from the top of the 24 lines included in. If there is a black bit, the process proceeds to step 54; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 56.

In step 54, the black bit start position is stored. The black bit start position to be stored (that is, the XY coordinate with reference to the upper left point P0 (0,0) of the sheet A shown in FIG. 6B)
Is stored in the RAM RAM of the microcomputer 22.

Next, in step 55, the black bit length is stored in the RAM RA.
Remember in M.

 Next, in step 56, N = N + 1 is set.

Next, in step 57, it is determined whether N = 25. If no (N), the process returns to the step 53, and the answer is yes (YE
In the case of S), the process proceeds to step 58.

In step 58, a block in which the black bit start position and the black bit length in the one row (24 lines) substantially match (here, block means a block of continuous black bits) is extracted. .

Next, in step 59, the coordinates of the black bit start position of the extracted block (for example, in the case of reading the first row in FIG. 6B, the coordinates of the black bit start position are (x1, y1)
Is stored. Where X coordinate of black bit start position
x1 is an average value of the start positions of the black bits of each line.

Next, in step 60, the coordinates of the black bit end position Q11 of the extracted block (for example, in the case of reading the first row in FIG. 6B, the coordinates of the black bit end position Q11 are (x
10, y1 + Δy11) is stored. However, the X coordinate x10 of the end position of the black bit is a value obtained by adding the average value of the black bit length to the coordinate x1 of the start position of the black bit.

Next, in step 61, it is determined whether or not there is another block whose black bit start position and black bit length substantially match. If yes, return to step 58; if no, proceed to step 62.

 In step 62, paper is fed by one line.

Next, in step 63, it is determined whether or not the sheet is at the end (lower end). If no, the process returns to step 51, and if yes, the process proceeds to step 64 in FIG. 7D.

In step 64, the black bit block for each row is synthesized. For example, the blocks A11, A12, and A13 on the third, fourth, and fifth rows shown in FIG. 6B are synthesized.

Next, the coordinate data of the upper left corner of the block synthesized in step 65 (for example, coordinates x1 and y1 in the case of the print range A1 in FIG. 6B) is stored.

Next, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the block synthesized in step 66 (for example, v1, h in the case of the print range A1 in FIG. 6B)
Remember 1).

Next, in step 67, the data (printing range data) obtained in steps 65 and 66 is written and stored in the card type memory Me mounted on the connector Pa1. The print range data stored in the card type memory Me is shown in FIG. 6C.

Next, in step 68, it is determined whether there is another block to be combined. If the determination is yes, the process returns to step 64; if the determination is no, the flow of reading the print range data ends.

Next, referring to FIGS. 7E and 9A, the image information stored in the internal memory or the external memory of the host computer using the serial image scanner printer 1 having the card type memory Me storing the print range data attached thereto. A print flow (process) for realizing a function of printing print data such as a print data on a predetermined format paper (that is, a function of the print reference position detecting means S1 and the print range correcting means S2 in FIG. 2) will be described. In this print flow, a sheet whose print range is surrounded by a black frame is used as a predetermined format sheet.

This printing flow is started, for example, by receiving a command code and a format selection code determined from the host computer.

When the printing flow on a predetermined format paper starts, in step 71, the serial type image scanner printer 1 receives data to be printed from the host computer. As shown in FIG. 6D, the received data includes a carriage return code C / R between each data,
Data 1 is data to be printed in the first print range, and data 2 is data to be printed in the second print range. If the format paper to be printed has n printing ranges, as shown in FIG. 6D,
Data 3, 4,..., N are also received from the host computer. The received data 1, 2,..., N are temporarily stored in a memory such as the RAM of the serial type image scanner printer 1.

Next, in step 72, a skew check of the formatted paper to be printed and setting of the paper are performed. The flow of this step 72 is performed in the same manner as the flow shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. At this time, the left end position of the sheet is stored as shown in step 40 of FIG. 7A.

 Next, in step 73, n = 1 is set.

Next, in step 74, the coordinates of the center of gravity G of the n-th print range are calculated from the n-th (n = 1 at first) print range data (see FIG. 6C) stored in the card type memory Me in step 67. .

Next, in step 75, the sheet A is fed and the carriage B is moved to move the center of the light receiving element array of the image sensor Im to the center of gravity of the n-th printing range.
The moving path of the relative position of the image sensor Im on the sheet A at this time is indicated by a broken line in FIG. 9A. The movement of the image sensor Im (that is, the movement of the carriage B) is always performed with reference to the position of the home sensor SH. Therefore, the image sensor Im has the center of gravity G
Is moved to the position of the X coordinate based on the home sensor SH. The value of the X coordinate of the center of gravity G with respect to the home sensor SH is determined based on the coordinates of the left end position (based on the home sensor SH) when the paper is assumed to be set correctly (in an ideal state). This is the sum of the X coordinate of the center of gravity G with the left end of the sheet A calculated in step 74 as a reference position.

Next, in step 76, by feeding the sheet A, the carriage B (image sensor Im) is moved upward on the sheet A as shown in FIG. 9A to search for the upper edge of the frame in the n-th printing range. I do. Then, the value of the Y coordinate of the upper edge of the frame of the n-th printing range with the upper end of the printing paper A as the reference position (that is, the value of the Y coordinate of the printing reference position) yn 'is stored.

Next, in step 77, the carriage B (image sensor Im) is moved to the left along the upper edge of the frame on the sheet A as shown in FIG. Explore. Then, the value of the X coordinate of the left edge of the frame of the n-th printing range with the left end of the printing paper A as the reference position (ie,
The value (x coordinate value) xn 'of the printing reference position is stored.

Next, in step 78, print range designation data (ie, the n-th print range) obtained by replacing the relative vertical position yn and the relative horizontal position xn of the n-th print range data shown in FIG. The n-th print data (see FIG. 6D) is printed in the area specified by the print range data based on the upper left position of the frame. At the time of this printing, n =
In the case of 1, the data 1 up to the first carriage return code C / R and the line feed code L / F in the print data received from the host computer (see FIG. 6D) are 1 Prints in the print range specified by the print range specification data.

 Next, in step 79, n = n + 1 is set.

Next, in step 80, it is determined whether or not all the data transmitted from the host computer has been printed. This determination is made based on whether or not the transmitted print data (see FIG. 6D) remains in the buffer (RAM), or whether or not there is a FF (page break command). If no, the process returns to step 74, and if yes, the process proceeds to step 81.

Step 81 is a process for performing printing on several different printing papers successively. In this step 81, it is determined whether or not printing has been performed on all printing papers. This decision
This is performed depending on the presence or absence of FF (page break command) shown in Fig. 6D. If no, the process returns to step 71, and if yes, the process ends.

Next, the function of printing the print data described above with reference to FIGS. 7E and 9A on a predetermined format paper (that is, the function of the print reference position detecting means S1 and the print range correcting means S2 of FIG. 2) is realized. A second embodiment of the flow (processing) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7F and 9B.

In this print flow, a sheet on which a mark M (see FIG. 9B) is printed at the upper left corner of the print range is used as a predetermined format sheet.

The second embodiment of the printing flow shown in FIG.
The following steps are used instead of steps 74 to 78 in 7E
FIG. 7E is different from FIG. 7E in that steps 84 to 86 are performed, but the other steps are the same.

In step 84, the paper A is fed and the carriage B is moved to move the uppermost light receiving element of the light receiving element row of the image sensor Im to the upper left position of the n-th printing range on the memory card (that is, the above-mentioned position). It is moved to a position 2 mm to the left and 2 mm upward from the upper left position stored in step 65).

Next, in step 85, the sheet A is fed, and the carriage B (image sensor Im) is moved.
A search is made for a 4 mm square area centered on the upper left position of the n-th printing range, and the printed mark M serving as a printing reference position is searched.
The correct values yn ', xn' of the position X, Y coordinates (see FIG. 9B) are detected and stored.

Next, in step 86, the print range designation data (ie, the n-th print range) obtained by replacing the relative vertical position yn and the relative horizontal position xn of the n-th print range data shown in FIG. The n-th print data (see FIG. 6D) is printed in the area specified by the print range data based on the upper left position of the frame.

As described above, the embodiment of the serial type image scanner printer according to the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and deviates from the present invention described in the claims for utility model registration. Various design changes can be made without the need.

For example, the memory for storing the print range data may have another shape (for example, not a card type but a block shape with lead pins) detachable from the memory mounting connector. It is also possible to have internal organs irremovably. Further, the print range data can be transmitted from the host computer.

In the processing of step 33 or 37, when the number of print lines and the number of read lines in one scan is 24 (that is, when the number of print dots and the number of light receiving elements used are 24), The movement amount of the step can be set to 24 lines. In this case, the sheet is moved by 24 dots each time the step 33 is executed once. Therefore, when the step 33 is executed n times, m of the 24 light receiving elements from the bottom are white (paper detection). ), M
When +1 or more is black (platen detection), the number of dots from the reference position to the position of the top edge of the paper is 24 ×
It is calculated as (n-1) + m. 8 dots / mm
In the case of the dot density of, the value of y1 can be calculated in mm by dividing the above 24 × (n−1) + m by 8.

Further, as a method of detecting the skew, for example,
It is also possible to adopt a method as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. That is, when the carriage B is at a predetermined position in the main scanning direction X (when the image sensor Im is at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 10A), the lower 12 of the 24 light receiving element rows detect the sheet and the upper 12 Paper A until the position where the platen P is detected
Paper feed. In this state, the carriage B is moved a predetermined distance x0.
Only in the main scanning direction X, and the movement position (the position of the image sensor Im indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10A and the solid line in FIG. 10B)
The skew amount can be detected by examining how many lower parts of the light receiving element row detect white of the paper and how many upper parts detect black of the plantain P. For example, at the moving position, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the lower r number of light receiving element rows detect the paper and the upper 24-r number detect the platen P, the skew amount Q
Can be calculated by Q = (r−12) / x0. In this case, by setting the value of x0 in advance, it is possible to calculate the skew amount Q without using the position detection signal of the carriage B. Furthermore, the skew Q can be detected by a method as shown in FIG. That is, when the carriage B is at the predetermined position x01 in the main scanning direction X (when the image sensor Im is at the position of the solid line in FIG. 11), the lower 12 of the 24 light receiving element rows detect the white color of the paper. Then, the paper A is fed to a position where the upper 12 pieces detect the black color of the platen P. In this state, the carriage B is moved in the main scanning direction X, and the moving distance until the number of light receiving elements for detecting the white color of the paper increases or decreases by one (for example, until the lower side 13 of the 24 light receiving element rows detects white). Or the moving distance x of the carriage B until the upper 13 blacks are detected as black. The skew amount can be detected based on the magnitude of the moving distance x.

The control unit U shown in FIG. 5 for realizing the various means of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 can be configured using wired logic instead of using the microcomputer 22.

In addition, when the print data is sent from the host computer 25 to the serial type image scanner printer 1 which has been conventionally performed, by adding a decoration command before the print data as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6G, it is also possible to control the printing position.
FIG. 6F is a diagram showing a state in which the printing position is variously controlled in the horizontal direction, and FIG. 6G is a diagram showing a state in which the printing position is controlled in the horizontal direction by equal allocation and variously controlled in the vertical direction. It is.

C. Effects of the Invention The serial image scanner printer of the invention described above uses the output signal of the image data output means, the image data reading position information, and the printing range data, and prints on the paper determined by the printing range data. A printing reference position detecting means for detecting a mark indicating a printing reference position of a predetermined printing range and outputting printing reference position data, and correcting the printing range data using the printing reference position data to obtain the printing range designation data. Since the print range correction means to output is provided,
Even if the actual setting position of the printing paper set in the serial image scanner printer is out of the predetermined correct setting position, the printing range data contains an error, or the paper is deformed, printing is performed. Printing can be performed accurately in a predetermined printing range of the paper.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a claim correspondence diagram showing a configuration of a serial type image scanner according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functions of an embodiment of the serial type image scanner printer of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an external view of an embodiment of a scanner and a host computer connected to the scanner, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion III in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a configuration explanatory view of the embodiment, FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating the printing range A1 and A2 of the paper A, FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating the reading and scanning of the printing range data,
FIG. 6C is a diagram showing the data of the print ranges A1 and A2 stored in the memory, FIG. 6D is an explanatory diagram of an example of print data transmitted from the host computer, and FIG. 6E is a print transmitted from the host computer. Explanatory drawing of another example of data,
6F and 6G are explanatory diagrams of a state in which the printing position is controlled by the printing data shown in FIG. 6E, FIGS. 7A to 7F are flowcharts of the embodiment, and FIGS. 8A to 8F are skews of the embodiment. FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of an operation of an embodiment having different printing flows, and FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a first modification of the skew detection flow of the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a second modification of the skew detection flow of the embodiment, FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic explanatory views of a conventional serial image scanner printer, and FIG. 14 is a predetermined printing on a sheet having a predetermined format. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional operation when printing is performed in a range. A: Original, B: Carriage, H: Print head, Im
…… Image sensor, D1 …… Carriage drive device, D2…
… Paper drive, Me …… Memory (card type memory), P
Platen, Pa1 ... Memory mounting connector, Q ... Print signal output means, R ... Image data output means, S1 ... Print reference position detection means, S2 ... Print range correction means, S3 ... Print range storage Output means, S4 ... print range detecting means, T1 ... carriage position detecting means, T2 ... paper position detecting means, X ...
... Main scanning direction, Y ... Sub-scanning direction,

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takeo Tamura 3-5-24 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan Inside the NEC Electronics Corporation (72) Inventor Hiroaki Togashi 3-chome, Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Osaka No. 5-24 Inside NEC Home Electronics Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-61-54761 (JP, A)

Claims (3)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. An image sensor (Im) for reading and scanning a sheet (A) arranged along the surface of a platen (P) extending in a main scanning direction (X) and printing on the sheet (A). A carriage (B) for supporting the print head (H);
A carriage driving device (D1) for reciprocatingly driving the carriage (B) along the main scanning direction (X); and a carriage position detecting means (T1) for outputting position signals (x1, x2,...) Of the carriage (B). And a paper driving device (D2) for feeding the paper (A) at a predetermined pitch in the sub-scanning direction (Y).
Paper position detecting means (T2) for outputting a position signal (y1, y2,...) Of the paper (A), and a position where print data and print range designation data are inputted and designated by the print range designation data. A print signal output means (Q) for outputting a print signal for driving a print head according to the print data when the print head (H) is present;
m) for outputting image data of the sheet (A) in response to the output signal of (m), wherein the output signal of the image data output means (R) is Using the image data reading position information and the printing range data, detecting a mark printed to indicate a printing reference position of a predetermined printing range on the paper (A) determined by the printing range data, and detecting the printing reference position. A serial type provided with a printing reference position detecting means (S1) for outputting data, and a printing range correcting means (S2) for correcting the printing range data using the printing reference position data and outputting the printing range designation data; Image scanner printer. 2. A printing range storage means comprising a memory mounting connector (Pa1) and a printing range memory (Me) detachable from the memory mounting connector (Pa1) and storing the printing range data. 2. The serial image scanner printer according to claim 1, wherein (S3) is provided. 3. A printing range detecting means (S4) for outputting printing range data of a sheet (A) using an output signal of said image data output means (R) and image data reading position information, and detecting said printing range. 3. The serial image scanner printer according to claim 2, wherein said print range data output by said means (S4) is stored in said print range storage means (S3).