JP2828357B2 - Ribbon life determining method and device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining the life of an ink ribbon used for an impact printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an impact printer using an ink ribbon, the number of marks printed from the time the ink ribbon is replaced until the mark density is inversely proportional to the print quality. In particular, in a device for printing on a bankbook, a slip, etc., it is important to determine the ribbon life since the mark printed last time is detected and the printing position is determined. Are being developed. For example, a ribbon density determination method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-36014 is one of them. According to the ribbon density determination method disclosed in the publication, a mark detecting means for generating a signal in accordance with the density of the mark and a slicing means for slicing at two levels are provided, and the printing process is completed and the printing medium is discharged. In this case, a mark on the last print line is detected when the operation is completed, and when the mark is located between two set slice levels, an alarm signal is output to prompt the operator to change the ribbon.

[0003]

Normally, even if the ink ribbon is partially thinned, the ink ribbon is immediately replenished from the surroundings and returns to a usable state. In particular, when it is wound on a ribbon spool, it is spirally wound and comes into contact, so that ink is further replenished.

However, in the conventional ribbon density determination system, after an alarm signal is output, the operator cannot know how much printing can be performed using the ribbon. Even if the alarm signal disappears due to ink replenishment from the surrounding area, or even if the number of printable characters is known, the number of characters printed cannot be counted. When the ink ribbon is output, there is a problem that the ink ribbon is replaced psychologically for safety while the ribbon is still usable.

According to the present invention, a ribbon life judging method for judging an accurate ribbon life rather than outputting an uncertain alarm signal and letting an operator judge a ribbon replacement time, and a ribbon life determining method using the method. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for notifying the replacement time by a message after the determination is made.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method of storing a specified number of prints, which stores a specified number of prints that can be printed from a time when a reference density is reached to a life of a ribbon. A counter for accumulatively counting the number of prints based on the start signal, and a life determining means for inputting the contents of the counter and the specified number of prints and performing a comparison operation, and notifying the notification means when the number of prints is equal to or greater than the specified number of prints ,
After the printing operation, if the mark density is lower than the reference density, a count start signal is output to the counter, and if the mark density is higher than the reference density, a reset signal for clearing the contents of the counter is output. Generating means.

[0007]

[0008]

[0009]

The counting start / reset signal generating means of the ribbon life judging device constructed as described above,
If the mark density is lower than the reference density, a count start signal is output to the counter to start cumulative counting of the number of prints, and if the mark density exceeds the reference density, a reset signal for clearing the contents of the counter is output. . The life determining means inputs and compares the contents of the counter and the specified print number storage means, and when the number of prints is equal to or greater than the specified print number, notifies the display means that the ribbon life has been reached.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the ink on the ink ribbon is partially thinned, the mark density becomes lower than the reference density in the mark density check after the printing operation, and the counter counts the number of prints. Even if counting is started, if ink is replenished from the surrounding area and the mark density after printing operation exceeds the reference density, the accumulated count value up to that point is reset, ink replenishment is stopped, and When the density is equal to or less than the reference density and the number of prints is equal to or greater than the specified number of prints, the notification means displays the ribbon life.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a first embodiment. Mar
When the medium is discharged after printing for one transaction, the mark density detecting means 1 determines whether the specific mark density has reached a reference density having a predetermined margin until the life of the ribbon (hereinafter referred to as less than the reference density). An on or off signal is output as a mark density detection signal according to whether the density exceeds the reference density (hereinafter referred to as the reference density or more). The count start signal generation means 2 receives the mark density detection signal from the mark density detection means 1 and outputs a count start signal to the counter 3. When the counter 3 receives the count start signal, the counter 3 receives the print enable signal and counts the number of prints. The specified number of prints storage means 4 stores, as the specified number of prints, the number of prints that can be performed from the time the mark density reaches the reference density to the life of the ribbon. The life judging means 5 compares the contents of the counter 3 and the specified print number storage means 4 with each other, and when the count value is equal to or more than the specified number of prints, judges that the ribbon has expired, and outputs a message display signal to the display means 6. The display means 6 displays a ribbon exchange message.
The ribbon exchange message data is read out from the storage means 7 and displayed. When the reset key 10 is pressed, the test pattern printing means 9 outputs the test pattern.
Then, the recorded pattern is detected by the pattern density detecting means 11, and if the density is equal to or higher than the reference density, a reset signal is output to the reset means to the life determining means 5 to reset the ribbon life determination.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment implemented using a microcomputer. The central processing unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as CPU 12) includes a memory 13 (hereinafter referred to as MEM 13), a driver circuit 14 for driving the print head 15 (hereinafter referred to as DV circuit 14), and the display device 1.
6. The input device 17, the counter 18 and the bus line 20 are connected. The clear terminal C of the counter 18 is connected to the CPU
12 and a signal line 21, and a print enable signal is output from the DV circuit 14 to the count input terminal in a pulse form every time one character is printed. Sensor 19
Are connected to the CPU 12 by a signal line 23. The MEM 13 has a "specified number of prints", a "ribbon exchange message", and a "test" that can be printed from the time when the detection signal output from the sensor 19 to the CPU 12 changes to the level "L" signal until the end of the life of the ink ribbon. pattern"
And other data are stored. The specified number of prints is a value obtained by an experiment. 1 is the CPU 12, and the mark and pattern density detecting means are the sensors 19.

FIG. 3 is a sensor circuit diagram. The sensor 19 includes a reference voltage switching relay 24, a photo interrupter 25, and a comparison circuit 26. The output voltage of the photointerrupter 25 is input to the non-inverting input side of the comparison circuit 26, and the reference voltage is input to the inverting input side. The reference voltage is changed by the relay 24 in two stages. That is, the other end of the resistor R ₁ having one end connected to +5 V is connected to the C of the relay 24.
Resistors R ₂ , R ₃ connected to the common terminal at the contact point and the inverting input terminal of the comparison circuit 26 and having one end respectively grounded
Is connected to the make contact side and the break contact side of the C contact. When the reference voltage is a partial voltage of the resistors R ₁ and R ₂ , the sensor 19 serves as a mark density detecting means,
When the partial pressure of the ₁ and R _3, the sensor 19 is a pattern density detecting means. During the period when the mark density is “more than the reference density”, the output voltage of the photo-interrupter 25 is lower than the reference voltage because the amount of reflected light is small, and the output level of the comparison circuit 26 is “H” during that time. Mark density is "less than reference density"
During the period, the output voltage of the photointerrupter 25 becomes higher than the reference voltage, and the output level of the comparison circuit becomes "L".
When the output level of the comparison circuit becomes "L", the CPU 12 outputs a clear signal to the clear terminal of the counter 18 to cause the counter 18 to enter a count state.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After entering the operating mode, in step S ₁ CPU 12 inputs the print data from the host device (not shown), and stores the MEM13. CP in step S ₂
U12 drives the print head 15 via the DV circuit 14, and starts a printing operation for one transaction. C in step S ₃
The PU 12 terminates the printing operation for one transaction and discharges a medium (not shown) through the sensor 19. CP at the step S ₄
U12 checks a specific mark density with the sensor 19 while discharging the medium. Step S ₅ at a mark density is branched into a step S ₆ and step S ₁₇ in or "less than the reference concentration" or "No". When "No", i.e., when the "reference concentration or more", the flow proceeds to step S ₁₇ branches on whether the "standby" or "No". "Standby" if returns to the step S _1, to wait until the next transaction amount. If “No”, end. When the "less than the reference concentration" in step S _5, CPU from the sensor 19
The level of the detection signal to "12" becomes "L". Step S ₆
Then, the CPU 12 changes the clear signal output to the clear terminal C of the counter 18 from the level "H" to "L", sets the counter value of the counter 18 to "0", and starts the counting operation. Further, the CPU 12 sets the counter value “0” of the counter 18 and the “specified number of prints” stored in the MEM 13.
Is read out by the register unit 12b, the counter value “0” is subtracted from the “prescribed number of prints” by the arithmetic unit 12a, and the result is represented by M
It is stored in the data area X of the EM 13 and displayed on the display device 16. CPU12 at step S ₇ drives the print head 15 via the DV circuit 14 to start the printing operation of one trading min. DV circuit 14 in step S ₈ is outputted to the print data and the print enable signal to the print head 15, the pulse of the print enable signal is output to the counter 18. The counter 18 counts the number of pulses. In step S ₉ CPU 12 discharges the medium to terminate the printing operation. Step S respectively from ₁₀ CPU12 is MEM13 a counter 18. "prescribed number of printed" reads "counter value", the result in the calculating portion 12a from the "prescribed number of printed" by subtracting the "counter value" ME
The data is overwritten on the data area X of M13 and displayed on the display device 16. The process proceeds to step S ₁₈ when the prescribed number of printed> counter value, when the prescribed number of printed ≦ count value proceeds to step S ₁₁ sets a flag in the flag register is provided to the arithmetic unit 12a. When the processing proceeds to step S ₁₈ branches in either "wait" or "not". Return to the "wait" if step S _7, to wait until the next transaction amount. If “No”, the process ends.
In step S ₁₁ CPU 12 is to output a "ribbon exchange message" data on the display device 16 from MEM13 directly displays. Here, the operator sees the message, replaces the ink ribbon, and presses the “reset” key of the input device 17. When in CPU12 step S ₁₂ detects that the "reset" key is pressed, read the "test pattern" data from the MEM13 in step S _13, it is printed by the print head 15. C in step S ₁₄
PU12 energizes the relay 24 of the sensor 19, switches the reference voltage to the partial pressure of the resistor R ₁ and R ₃ are connected to C contacts make contact side. Then, the density of the printed mark is checked. Mark concentration step S ₁₅ is "less than the reference concentration" branches to a step S ₁₁ and step S ₁₆ in either "Fail". If you return to the step S ₁₁ remains to display the "ribbon exchange messages" on the display device 17. When step S ₁₆ is the flag register of the arithmetic unit 12a causes the reset. As a result, CPU12 is the operation screen to clear the ribbon exchange messages that were displayed on the display means 17, returns to the step S _1.

Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a second embodiment. First
The difference from the basic configuration block diagram of the embodiment is that a count start / reset signal generating means 27 is provided in place of the count start signal generating means 2. Start counting /
The reset signal generating means 27 outputs a reset signal to the counter 3 and the life judging means 5 when the mark density detecting means 1 outputs a detection signal corresponding to "above the reference density", and sets the signal to "less than the reference density". When a corresponding detection signal is output, a count start signal is output to the counter 3. That is, in the first embodiment, when the mark density detecting means 1 detects that the mark density is "less than the reference density", the life judging means 5 thereafter judges the ribbon life regardless of the mark density. . In the second embodiment, the mark density detecting means 1 detects that the mark density is "less than the reference density", and
, The counter 3 and the life determining means 5 are cleared when the mark density is detected to be "above the reference density" in the subsequent mark density detection.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Since Steps S ₂₀ to step S ₂₈ is the same as the first embodiment described will be omitted, and enters from the step S _29. In step S ₂₉ CPU12
Checks the mark density of the medium ejected after printing for one transaction via the sensor 19. Step marks concentration step S ₃₀ is at or "less than the reference value" or "No" S ₃₁
And branches to the step S _39. In step S ₃₉ CPU1
2 clears data stored in the counter 18 and the data area X of the memory 13. In step S ₄₀ branches in either "wait" or "not". Returns to the step S ₂₀ when the "stand-by". If "No", the process ends. In step S ₃₁ CPU 12 respectively from MEM13 and counter 18. "prescribed number of printed" reads "counter value", the arithmetic unit 1
In step 2a, the "counter value" is subtracted from the "specified number of prints", and the result is overwritten on the data area X of the MEM 13 and displayed on the display device 16. The process proceeds to step S ₄₁ when the prescribed number of printed> counter value, the process proceeds to step S ₃₂ when the prescribed number of printed ≦ counter value. In step S ₄₁ branches in either "wait" or "not". When the "wait" to return to the step S _26, wait for the next transaction amount. If "No", the process ends. Steps S ₃₂ to S S ₃₇ is omitted because it is the same as step S ₁₆ from step S ₁₁ of the first embodiment.
When the process ^{returns to} step S26, the ME in step S31 ^is executed.
The value read from M13 is not the “specified number of prints” but the value stored in the data area X.

[0018]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

Since the ribbon life is determined when the count value obtained by cumulatively counting the number of prints from the time when the density is detected below the reference density exceeds the specified number of prints, the operator can know the exact ribbon replacement time. Therefore, the ink ribbon that can still be used will not be discarded.

When the reset key is pressed after replacing the ribbon, the mark density is automatically checked and the operation mode is returned to, so that the operator can set a new ink ribbon or replace the used ink ribbon. You can know if you set it.

Further, even if the density is detected to be less than the reference density, if the mark density is detected to be higher than the reference density in the mark density detection after the end of the next transaction, the count value up to that point is cleared. The relationship between the prescribed number of prints and the ribbon life can be made accurate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram realized by using a microcomputer;

FIG. 3 is a sensor circuit diagram.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a basic configuration block diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mark density detection means 2 Count start signal generation means 3 Counter 4 Prescribed printing number storage means 5 Life judgment means 6 Display means 7 Ribbon exchange message storage means 8 Reset means 9 Test pattern printing means 10 Reset key 11 Pattern density detection means 27 count Start / reset signal generation means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenzo Sugiyama 1-7-12 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tetsuzo Ito 1-712 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo No. Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Junichi Otsuki 1-7-12 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akira Nakayama 1-7-1, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo No. Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-59-127173 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G06K 5/00 B41K 29/20 B41J 29 / 46 B41J 35/36

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] The ribbon life is determined when the mark density recorded on the print medium reaches a reference density having a predetermined margin until the ribbon life, and the ribbon is notified to the notifying means when the ribbon life is reached. A service life determining device for storing a specified number of prints that can be printed from when the reference density is reached to the end of the ribbon life; a counter for cumulatively counting the number of prints based on a count start signal; and a counter. The contents of the specified number of prints storage means are input and compared, and when the number of prints is equal to or more than the specified number of prints, the life determining means notifies the notifying means. After the printing operation, the mark density is equal to or less than the reference density. In this case, a count start signal is output to the counter, and when the density exceeds the reference density, a reset signal for clearing the contents of the counter is output. Ribbon life determination apparatus characterized by comprising a Tsu preparative signal generating means.