JP3192853B2 - Journal printer device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used in an automatic transaction apparatus installed in a bank or the like, an ECR or a POS terminal installed in a store, and prints journal data such as transaction results on journal paper. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic transaction apparatus, an ECR, a POS terminal and the like are provided with a journal printer apparatus for printing journal data such as transaction results on journal paper.

In such a journal printer, the number of transactions that can be printed on journal paper is limited. Therefore, if there is no journal paper loaded, you will not be able to print transaction results and so on.
In some cases, the apparatus is stopped before the scheduled operation end time.

In such a case, if a spare journal sheet is prepared, an attendant can continuously operate the apparatus by newly refilling the journal sheet.

[0005] However, automatic transaction devices installed in banks and the like, ECRs and POS terminals installed in stores, etc., are used at night and on holidays so that business operations can be continued even after the window of the bank or store is closed. In addition, unattended operation has been performed in unmanned stores, and the duration of unattended operation has been increasing in recent years.

[0006] In such an unattended apparatus, there is no clerk, so the journal paper cannot be replenished, and the apparatus stops.

In view of the above circumstances, it has been desired to increase the number of prints that can be made on journal paper, and a journal printer device as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-31998 has been devised.

In this journal printer device, the font size and line / character space used for journal printing are printed smaller than the characters used for receipt printing, and the number of cases that can be printed on journal paper is increased.

[0009]

In the case of a conventional journal printer, the apparatus is set in advance so that the font size of characters and the space between lines and characters are reduced and printed. Therefore, if reduced printing is set, all characters are printed in a reduced size even if there is room in the rest of the journal paper. Therefore, even if there is room in the journal paper, it is printed in reduced characters.

Incidentally, the journal data is used later by a staff member to confirm the transaction result and the like. For this reason, if all the journal data is printed in a reduced size, the attendant must check the reduced printed journal data, which makes the checking operation difficult.

When performing unattended operations at night or on holidays or in unmanned stores, there is the inconvenience that the attendant must go to the site and set data for reduced printing. Further, at this time, there is a possibility that a mistake such as the attendant forgetting to set the reduced printing may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a journal printer apparatus which eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks, reduces journal data to be printed in a reduced size, and at the same time reduces pauses due to running out of journal paper.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a journal printer for printing journal data on a journal sheet, the journal being used from a predetermined first time to a reference time. Based on the amount of paper used, the amount of journal paper used from the reference time to a predetermined second time is estimated, the remaining amount of the journal paper is detected, and the estimated amount of journal paper is used. A comparison is made between the usage amount and the remaining amount of the journal paper detected by the detection means, and when it is determined that the usage amount of the journal paper is larger than the remaining amount of the journal paper, printing for printing on the journal paper The journal data is printed with the space reduced from the normal printing space.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a journal printer for printing journal data on journal paper.
Based on the number of prints from a predetermined time to the present, the number of prints performed between the present and the end of operation of the apparatus is estimated, the remaining amount of journal paper is detected, and journal data for the estimated number of prints is detected. Is used to determine whether printing is possible within the remaining amount of detected journal paper, and if it is not determined that printing is possible, print the journal data by reducing the printing space printed on journal paper from the normal printing space It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a journal printer for printing journal data on a journal sheet, wherein the apparatus operation is terminated from the present time based on the number of prints from the apparatus operation start time to the present time. Estimate the number of prints performed up to the time, detect the remaining amount of journal paper, and determine whether the estimated number of prints of journal data can be printed within the detected remaining amount of journal paper. If it is not determined that printing is possible, the print space to be printed on journal paper is reduced from normal and printing is performed, and the estimated number of journal data can be printed within the detected amount of journal paper. If it is determined, print the journal data in the normal print space for the print space to be printed on the journal paper. A.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a journal printing apparatus for printing, on a journal sheet, a transaction result of a transaction business at a financial institution and an operation state of the apparatus, the start time and the end of an unmanned operation time. The time is stored, and the start time and the end time of the recorded unattended operation time are compared with the current time to determine whether or not the apparatus is operating unattended. When the apparatus is determined to be operating unattended, Estimating the number of transactions performed from the present to the end of the operation of the device based on the number of transactions from the start of the operation of the device to the present, detecting the remaining amount of journal paper, and journaling for the estimated number of transactions. It is determined whether the data can be printed within the remaining amount of the detected journal paper, and if it is not determined that printing can be performed, the print space to be printed on the journal paper is set as a normal mark. It is intended for printing of the journal data to shrink from space.

In order to achieve the above object, a fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein journal data for the number of transactions when the apparatus is not determined to be unattended and when the number of transactions is estimated. If it is determined that printing can be performed within the detected amount of journal paper, journal data is printed in a normal printing space.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a journal printer for printing journal data on a journal sheet, wherein the journal data can be printed on the remaining journal sheets based on the result of detecting the remaining amount of the journal sheet. Calculate the number of prints, estimate the number of prints to be performed from the present to the end of the operation of the device based on the number of prints from the start of the device operation to the present, and calculate the estimated number of prints and the number of printable prints It is determined whether or not the estimated number of journal data can be printed within the remaining amount of journal paper by comparing with the estimated number of prints, and if it is not determined that printing is possible, the estimated number of prints and the calculated printable The reduction ratio at the time of printing is determined from the ratio with the number of records, and the journal data is printed by reducing the reduction ratio to the determined reduction ratio.

[0019]

According to the above construction, first, a predetermined second time from the reference time, for example, based on the amount of journal paper used from the predetermined first time, for example, the operation start time to the reference time, for example, the present time. For example, the amount of journal paper used by the operation end time is estimated. Also, the remaining amount of journal paper is detected. The amount of journal paper used is obtained from the number of prints, the number of transactions, the length of the journal paper sent, and the like. Also, the remaining amount of journal paper is
It can be obtained from the number of prints and transactions, the length of the journal paper sent, or the sensor.

Then, the estimated usage amount of the journal paper is compared with the remaining amount of the journal paper. When the comparison indicates that the usage amount of the journal paper is larger than the remaining amount of the journal paper, The printing space for printing on the journal paper is reduced from the normal printing space, and the journal data is printed. The journal data estimated to be generated by a predetermined second time, for example, the operation end time, is printed within the remaining amount of the journal paper. I can do it.

Further, if the amount of journal paper used for setting the print mode is appropriately determined, the number of journal data to be reduced and printed can be reduced even when the number of prints and transactions during operation is large. A pause due to running out of journal paper during unattended operation can be reduced.

[0022]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the external configuration of an automatic transaction apparatus (for example, an automatic teller machine) 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The automatic transaction apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 has a substantially L-shaped customer service operation area 2 on the front surface of a box-shaped casing 1A.

A bill slot 3 is provided on the horizontal surface of the customer service operation area 2 to accept a large number of bills at a time and to collectively receive released bills. It has become.

On the horizontal surface of the customer service operation area 2, there is provided an operation unit 5 which functions as input means and display means combining a transparent touch sensor panel and a color CRT. On the color CRT of the operation unit 5, operation procedures and other information are displayed on the screen in characters, words, illustrations, or image information to guide customers. In addition, desired information can be input by touching a portion of the touch sensor panel corresponding to display of numbers, katakana, alphabets, and characters for confirmation and cancellation with a finger.

On the other hand, a card slot 6 for receiving a card as a transaction medium in which a personal identification number, an account number, an issuing bank code and the like are recorded on a magnetic stripe is provided on a vertical surface of the customer service operation area 2. A passbook port 7 for receiving a passbook or a transfer card as a medium, a receipt port 8 for discharging printed receipts (details), a coin slot 9 for inputting a large number of coins at once, and a collective operation for ejected coins. A coin receiving slot 10 for receiving coins, a staff key 11 operated by a staff, and the like are provided.

FIG. 3 shows a control system of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. The card reader unit 2 is provided in the housing 1A.
0, a receipt printer unit 21, a journal printer unit 22, a passbook printer unit 23 as a transaction medium processing means, a banknote depositing / dispensing unit 24, a coin depositing / dispensing unit 25, and a customer service unit 2 including the operation unit 5.
6. It has a voice guidance unit 27 and an internal monitor 28.

The automatic transaction apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 29, a floppy disk unit 30, a transmission control unit 31, a main control unit 32 for performing overall control, a power supply unit 33, and the like.

The card reader unit 20 reads account information such as a personal identification number and an account number from a magnetic stripe of a card used for a normal transaction received from the card slot 6, and also returns the card to the card slot 6. It has become.

The card reader unit 20 writes, reads, and deletes information on a card received from the card slot 6, and reads an image of an embossed portion of the card.

The receipt printer unit 21 issues a receipt (statement slip) on which the contents of the transaction are printed, or prints the self-diagnosis result on the receipt, and
It is designed to be discharged from.

The journal printer unit 22 comprises:
The contents of the transaction and the operating status of the device are printed on journal paper.

The passbook printer unit 23 includes:
The transfer card is issued by recording the transfer information of the transfer transaction on the transfer card's original ticket, and the transfer card is issued from the passbook mouth 7 or further transferred to the magnetic stripe of the transfer card received from the passbook mouth 7 For reading and writing.

The banknote depositing / dispensing unit 24 includes a banknote opening 3
In addition to discriminating, counting and storing the banknotes that have been collectively inserted into the safe, a predetermined number of banknotes that have been stored in the safe in advance are taken out and paid out collectively from the banknote slot 3 as necessary. .

The coin receiving / dispensing unit 25 discriminates, counts, and stores coins which have been collectively inserted into the coin insertion slot 9, and if necessary, picks up a predetermined number of coins previously stored in a safe. The coins are paid out from the coin receiving slot 10 in a lump.

The voice guidance unit 27 guides the operation of the customer by voice.

The internal monitor 28 informs the staff involved in the operation of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 of the status of the apparatus,
The operator inputs operation instructions.

The main control unit 32 controls each of the units 20 to 27, the internal monitor 28, the storage unit 29 as storage means, and the transmission control unit 31 while referring to the program information in the floppy disk unit 30. , And a predetermined operation.

The main controller 32 diagnoses the remaining amount of various media (banknotes, coins, receipt paper, journal paper, transfer cards, etc.) and checks the operation of each unit 20 to 27 (check). ).

A remote monitor 34 is connected to the main control unit 32 as necessary, so that monitoring can be performed from a distance. The remote monitor 34 is controlled by the main control unit 32 and displays substantially the same information as the internal monitor 28. When an abnormality occurs in the automatic transaction apparatus 1, the abnormality is detected by using a sounding means such as a buzzer. To inform.

The floppy disk unit 30 stores a program of a processing means, which will be described later, relating to the operation of the automatic transaction apparatus 1, records various kinds of information to be provided for the transaction, records the transaction, and records the operation status of the automatic transaction apparatus 1. It performs recording, storage of special information set uniquely for the automatic transaction apparatus 1, and the like.

The transmission control unit 31 is connected online with a host computer of the center via a communication line.
It communicates online with the host computer as needed.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the journal printer unit 22. A belt 42 is stretched over rollers 41a, 41b and 41c, and a journal sheet P1 is set on the belt 42. Four sensors 43a, 43b, 43c and 43d are provided on the plate 44 in order to detect the remaining amount of journal paper with the journal paper P1 set.

The sensors 43a, 43b, 43c, 43
In d, the sensors 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d sequentially output detection signals as the remaining amount of journal paper decreases.

A guide 45 is provided above the belt 42, and is rotatably supported about a shaft 46. When the journal paper P1 is set, the guide 45 is rotated upward as indicated by an arrow A. As the belt 42 conveys, the leading end of the journal paper P is guided to an introduction portion B between the belt 42 and the roller 41d.

The journal paper P transported by the belt 42 is sent between a linear thermal head 47 and a roller 48 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the journal paper, and the thermal head 47 records transactions. Is printed.

The journal paper P1 that has passed through the thermal head 47 is transported by guides 49b and 49c and rollers 50 and 51, and is transported between a pair of guides 52 and 53. The distal ends of the pair of guides 52 and 53 face the slit 55 of the journal paper drum 54 on which the journal paper is wound.

After the leading end of the journal paper has entered the slit 55 of the journal paper drum 54 for a predetermined length, the journal paper drum 54 rotates in the direction of arrow C to take up the journal paper, and the setting of the journal paper P1 is completed. I do.

The pair of guides 52 and 53 are rotatably supported, and the guide 52 moves upward (in the direction of arrow D) and guide 53 as the journal paper P1 is wound up.
Is retracted downward (in the direction of arrow E).

When setting the journal paper, the guide 52 is located at a position facing the slit 55 by its own weight.
Although not shown, the guide 53 is lifted upward by the force of a spring, and the upper end position is regulated by a positioning pin 56 provided integrally with the guide 53 so that the leading end faces the slit 55.

Below the above-mentioned thermal head 47,
A cutter 57 is arranged, and the journal paper P1 is cut by operating the lever 58.

On the left side of the cutter 57, a cutter operation detector 59 for detecting the operation state of the cutter 57 is arranged, and on the right side of the cutter 57, it is detected whether the cutter 57 operates normally and the paper is cut. Paper cut detector 6
0 is arranged.

A drive motor 61 is provided as a drive source for conveying the journal paper.
A paper presence / absence detector 62 is provided to detect whether journal paper exists on the transport path.

The operation of the journal printer unit 22 of the above embodiment will be described.

When the journal paper P1 is set on the belt 42 as described above, the guide 45 rotates upward as shown by the arrow A, and the leading end of the journal paper P is transported by the belt 42. The belt 42 and the roller 41
Guide d to the introduction section B.

The journal paper P conveyed by the belt 42 is sent between a thermal head 47 and a roller 48, and the thermal head 47 prints a transaction record and the like.

The journal paper P1 that has passed through the thermal head 47 is conveyed by guides 49b and 49c and rollers 50 and 51, conveyed between a pair of guides 52 and 53, and enters a slit 55 for a predetermined length. The journal paper drum 54 rotates in the direction of arrow C to take up the journal paper.

Thereafter, the transaction result and the operation state of the apparatus are printed by the thermal head 47, and the journal paper drum 5
4 is wound up.

In order to check the printing result of the journal printer unit 22 in the middle, it is necessary to cut the journal paper by the cutter 57 and take out the printed roll paper P2 from the journal paper drum 54.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the journal printer unit 22 of this embodiment. The print unit changeover switch 70, the timer 71, the ROM 73, the RAM 74, the thermal head drive circuit 75, the motor drive circuit 76, the control unit 77, Thermal head 47, motor 80, coil 81
a, 81b, 81c, and 81d, and the operation of the entire apparatus is controlled by the main control unit 32.

The print means changeover switch 70 is a switch for manually setting the print mode, and is either a normal print mode in which printing is performed as usual or a reduced print mode in which printing is performed in a method that requires less printing space than normal printing. The mode setting is switched.

This reduced printing mode is a mode in which the height and width of characters to be printed, the margin between characters, and the margin between lines are reduced with respect to normal printing, and printing is performed with less printing space than in normal printing. .

This is because the journal paper is used up as in the prior art, so that the apparatus can be operated for as long as possible by reducing the printing space on the journal paper and printing it, rather than suspending the automatic transaction device or the automatic dispensing device. This is provided for the purpose.

The timer 71 serves as a clock for counting the current time, and the time at which the transaction was performed is printed on a receipt or journal paper when the transaction is performed.

Sensor 4 for detecting remaining amount of journal paper
Reference numerals 3a, 43b, 43c, and 43d detect the remaining amount of journal paper.

The ROM 73 stores control data such as control programs and font data.

The RAM 74 temporarily stores print data and work data read by the card reader unit 20 via the main control unit 32 in a data management table as shown in FIG.

The thermal head drive circuit 75 drives the thermal head 47 to print the print data read by the card reader unit 20, transaction results, and the like on journal paper.

The motor drive circuit 76 has four coils 81a to 81c for rotating a motor 80 for conveying the journal paper.
81d is controlled.

The rotating shaft of the motor 80 is connected to a transport roller for transporting journal paper, and is driven to rotate.

The four coils 81a to 81d are connected to the motor 8
The rotating shaft of the motor 80 is rotated by a magnetic field generated by sequentially applying voltages to the four coils 81a to 81d.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data management table stored in the RAM 74.

As the initial setting data, when a predetermined first time, for example, an unmanned operation start time of the apparatus, a predetermined second time, for example, data (D1) of an end time, a manual switching mode and an automatic switching mode are set, Data indicating whether to perform the normal print mode or the reduced print mode (D2
To D5) are stored. Also, a function indicating, for example, the number of transactions is used to estimate the amount of journal paper used.
In this case, a function formula (D6) for estimating how many transactions are performed between a reference time, for example, the current time when the calculation is performed and, for example, the operation end time, is stored.

Next, as journal paper remaining amount data,
Four sensors 43a for detecting the remaining amount of journal paper,
The detection results (D7 to D10) of 43b, 43c, and 43d are stored.

The length of the journal paper required to print one transaction can be estimated statistically, and the detection results of the four sensors 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d are applied to the remaining journal paper, respectively. 800, 500,
It shows that 300 and 100 transactions can be recorded by normal printing.

As the remaining amount of journal paper, the printable number L detected by the sensors 43a to 43d is stored. The number L of transactions indicates the number of transactions that can be printed on the remaining journal paper by normal printing (D11).

When all of the four sensors 43a to 43d are OFF, an unused roll paper is set. In this case, 1200 prints can be made and the journal paper remains. 1200 is stored as the quantity (L).

The amount of journal paper used can be obtained from the number of transactions, for example. As this transaction number count data, stores the number of transactions performed during operation of the apparatus, transactions are counted by one every 1, transactions that have been printed with normal printing as N _1, 1 half the transactions of the printed with reduced print is counted as N _2, the total number of transactions are counted as N ₃ (D12~14).

The number of normal prints N ₁ and the number of reduced prints N ₂
Is for estimating the remaining amount (L) of journal paper between the four sensors 43a to 43d, and counts the number of prints performed between the sensors.

Therefore, when a detection signal is output from any of the sensors 43a to 43d, for example, N ₁ , N ₂
Is cleared. In this case, the values N ₁ and N ₂ can be used without clearing the number of normal prints N ₁ and the number of reduced prints N ₂ .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing output waveforms of pulse signals sent to the four coils 81a to 81d for rotating the motor 80.

Coil 81a, 8 for rotating motor 80
Pulse signals a, b, c, d generated based on the reference pulse CLK are applied to 1b, 81c, 81d, respectively, and by adjusting the timing of applying the pulse signals,
The paper conveyance speed can be changed.

That is, when performing normal printing, the motor drive circuit 76 outputs the reference pulse CLK ₁ as shown in FIG.
In order to make one cycle with four clocks, two coils adjacent in the rotation direction are sequentially
a, 81b → 81b, 81c → 81c, 81d → 81
Pulse signals a, b, c, d are applied as in d, 81a.

When performing reduced printing, the motor driving circuit 76
A pulse is formed based also on reference pulse CLK ₁ in the case of normal printing, the pulse signal as the reference pulse CLK ₁ becomes 1 cycle at 8 clock a ', b',
Generate c 'and d'.

Then, a drive pulse is applied to two coils adjacent to each other in the rotation direction, and the coils 81a, 81
1b → 81b → 81b, 81c → 81c → 81c, 81
Pulse signals a ', b', c ', and d' are applied at the same timing such as d → 81d → 81d, 81a → 81a.

The pulse signals a ',
b ', c', d 'are pulse signals a, b,
Since the cycle is twice as long as c and d, the speed of the motor 80 is halved.

Therefore, the transport speed of the journal paper is reduced to half, and the size of the print character in the vertical direction can be reduced to half.

[0089] The pulse signal a in FIG. 7 (a) (b), b, c, d, a ', b', c ', d' 7 a reference pulse signal CLK ₁ which was the reference for the generation of By lengthening one cycle, such as CLK ₂ shown in (c), the conveying speed of the journal paper can be reduced.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 1 and FIGS.
The operation of the journal printer unit 22 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, at the start of the operation of the apparatus, the initial setting data D1 to D5 are loaded and stored in the RAM 74.

That is, unattended operation time (start time, end time) (D1), data (D4, D5) indicating whether the automatic print mode is the normal print mode or the reduced print mode.
Is loaded from the main control unit 32 and stored in the RAM 74.

Here, the unattended operation time is from 15:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 19:00 on holidays.

That is, the start time and end time of the unattended operation time are loaded from the main control unit 32 at 15:00 and 19:00 on weekdays and at 9:00 and 19:00 on holidays.
Is stored.

Further, the printing means changeover switch 70 is turned on.
If it is, the data (D2, D3) indicating whether the mode is the normal print mode or the reduced print mode is loaded from the print means changeover switch 70 and stored in the RAM 74 (S1).

Next, the initial setting data is read from the data management table of the RAM 74 into the control unit 77, and it is determined whether the journal printing is in the automatic switching mode (S2).

The automatic switching mode (D
If 4) is ON, it is determined that the mode is the automatic journal print switching mode.

Next, it is determined whether the unattended operation is being performed by determining whether the current time from the timer 71 is between the start time and the end time of the unattended operation time (D1) of the initial setting data (S3).

If the device is operating unattended, the timer 71
From the current time to estimate the remaining number of transactions based on transaction volume N ₃ until the start time of the data management table unattended uptime of RAM 74 (D1) end time and the estimated remaining number of transactions function (D6) and the current.

That is, K (χ) = (actual number of transactions / (current time−start time)) ◎ × (end time−current time) is calculated by the control unit 77 until the unattended operation end time. The number of remaining transactions performed during the remaining operating time is obtained (S4).

Sensor 4 for detecting remaining amount of journal paper
When the detection signals 3a to 43d change, among the sensor detection results (D7 to D10) in the data management table, the data of the changed sensor is stored as ON and the journal paper is determined based on the data D7 to D10. The remaining amount (L) is updated to the number of transactions indicated by the sensor. Also, if there is no change in the detection signal of the sensor 43 a to 43 d, Journal of remaining sheets by the number N _1, N ₂ and L which is counted for each journal printing is performed (L ') is detected (S5) .

That is, the remaining amount of journal paper L '= L-N ₁
It is calculated by -N _2/2.

As described above, the sensors 43a-43
If there is a change in d, the remaining amount of journal paper L '= L
And the count values of N ₁ and N ₂ are cleared.

By comparing the estimated number of remaining transactions calculated in S4 with the remaining amount of journal paper data (L '), the transaction results of all the transactions performed from the present to the unmanned operation end time are obtained. It is determined whether or not the operation state of the apparatus can be printed on the loaded journal paper in the normal print character size (S6).

If the estimated number of remaining transactions calculated in S4 is larger than the journal paper remaining data (L '),
It is determined that all the transaction operations cannot be printed in the normal printing, and the reduced printing mode is automatically set (S
7).

Further, an attendant or the like can switch between the normal printing mode and the reduced printing mode by using the printing means changeover switch 70.

As shown in FIG. 8 (a), when performing various unit tests or when printing data or the like on journal paper at the time of staff operation, it is only necessary to confirm the data printed on journal paper. Changeover switch 7
Switching to reduced printing is performed by 0.

Then, when the initial setting data is loaded, the reduced printing mode D3 of the manual switching mode is set to ON. Therefore, since the mode is not the automatic switching mode for journal printing in S2, the manual switching mode is determined in S8, and the reduced printing mode is set in S9 (S7).

Even if the journal print automatic switching mode is set, the current time from the timer 71 is not between the start time and end time of the unattended operation time (D1) of the initial setting data, and the apparatus is not operated unattended. (S3) Or, it is determined that the transaction results for the estimated remaining number of transactions from the present time calculated in S4 to the unmanned operation end time can be reliably printed on the loaded journal paper in the normal print character size. In this case (S6), the normal print mode (S10) is set.

If neither journal print automatic / manual switching mode is initially set (S
8) In the case of the setting of the manual switching mode but the normal print mode (S9), the normal print mode is set (S9).
10).

When the transaction is performed after the setting of the print mode is completed, a print command (S1) for printing the transaction result or the like is made.
1) and the print data are output from the main control unit 32. still,
The print data is temporarily stored in the RAM 74.

Here, it is determined whether or not the print mode is the reduced print mode (S12).
The transaction result and the like are printed on the journal paper in a normal print character size as shown above the line H-H in FIG. 8B (S13).

If the reduced printing mode is set,
The print is reduced so as not to take up a print space as compared with the normal print as shown below the line H-H in FIG. 8B (S14).

That is, as described above, by setting the speed of the motor 80 to 1/2, printing of 1/2 size is performed.

When printing on the journal paper is completed, the number of transactions is counted (S15 to S17).

For normal printing, +1 is the number of normal printing transactions (N ₁ ) and the total number of transactions (N ₃ ) in the data management table.
Is added to

In the case of reduced printing, +1 is added to the number of reduced printing transactions (N ₂ ) and the total number of transactions (N ₃ ).

The above operations (S2 to S16) are repeated every time a transaction is performed, and are continued until the unattended operation end time or the journal paper is exhausted and the apparatus is stopped (S18).

In this embodiment, since the setting of the automatic switching mode of journal printing and the data of the unmanned operation time are loaded from the main control unit 32, the setting work of the attendant is unnecessary, and the attendant performs a print test or the like. The manual setting may be performed by operating the printing means changeover switch 70 only when desired.

In S4 to S6, the number of remaining transactions is estimated and the print mode is set in comparison with the remaining amount of journal paper, so that the reduced print mode can be minimized.

That is, when the estimated number of remaining transactions of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 is larger than the remaining amount of the journal paper, the reduced printing mode is set, but if the number of transactions does not increase much thereafter, S4 to S6. By the operation described above, the normal print mode is set again.

As described above, by switching the print mode according to the remaining amount of journal paper and the estimated number of transactions, it is possible to increase the number of prints while being kind to the attendant.

Further, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is operating unattended, and only when the apparatus is operated unattended, the switching of the print mode is determined and reduced printing is performed. Can be prevented.

Further, since the use of reduced printing can be suppressed to the minimum necessary, it is kind to a staff member who performs a checking operation later.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

9 and 10, the operations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 except for the method of estimating the number of remaining transactions and the setting of the reduced printing mode, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a data management table stored in the RAM 74.

As the initial setting data, two reduced printing modes having different reduction rates of the 50% reduced printing mode and the 67% reduced printing mode among the manual switching modes are provided (D3-1 and D3-2). . The selection of the reduction ratio is performed by the printing unit changeover switch 70.

[0129] Also, as the print mode, a 50% reduced print mode (D5-1) and a 67% reduced print mode (D5-
The two modes 2) can be stored and set. Also in number of transactions count data, is adapted to store divided two transaction volume count data by reduction ratio different reduction printing, respectively, a reduction ratio of 50% of the transaction number N _4, reduction ratio 67% number of transactions stores and N _5.

In this embodiment, the number of transactions performed between the present and the end of operation is estimated based on the statistical value of the number of transactions performed during the operation time.

As the statistics are divided into smaller patterns, the number of remaining transactions can be estimated more accurately.

As the number-of-transactions function, a three-pattern function J on weekdays, holidays, and particularly on specific days with a large number of business transactions
₁ (x), J ₂ (x), and J ₃ (x) are stored in the data management tables (D6-1, D6-2, D6-3).

FIG. 11A is a graph showing the number-of-transactions function, in which the vertical axis represents the number of transactions and the horizontal axis represents time.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention. S19 to S29 are different from those of the flow chart of FIG. 1, and the other parts are the same. Is omitted.

In S19, when estimating the number of remaining transactions, the above-mentioned functions J ₁ (x), J ₂ (x), J ₃ (x)
Estimate the number of remaining transactions based on

FIG. 11B shows a weekday transaction count function J.
₂ (x) is a graph showing the actual number of transactions and the estimated number of remaining transactions, and a case where the number of remaining transactions is estimated based on the function J ₂ (x) will be described.

Operation start time 9:00 to A (timer 71
The current number of transactions performed up to the current time is indicated by N _{3 in} the transaction count data (D14) of the data management table.
The number of transactions N ₃ is calculated as shown in FIG.
(B) is a portion (9-AO) surrounded by a dotted line.

In the transaction count function J ₂ (x) on weekdays in the data management table, the transaction count J ₂ (A) up to time A of the timer 71 is calculated by the portion (9-A) enclosed by the two-dot chain line.
−P), and the total number of transactions J ₂ (19) up to the unmanned name operation end time 19:00 is a portion (9-19-RP) surrounded by a two-dot chain line and a solid line.

The estimation of the number of transactions performed between time A and the unmanned operation end time (19:00) (portion (AOQ-19) enclosed by a dashed line and a dotted line) is based on the number of transactions. From the total number of transactions.

That is, the estimated remaining number of transactions K '(A) is calculated by K' (A) = J ₂ (19) / J ₂ (A) × N ₃ -N ₃ (S19).

The estimated remaining number of transactions issued from the function J ₂ (x) is compared with the size relationship between the journal paper remaining amount data (L) (S6).

In S6, if it is determined that printing cannot be performed on the loaded journal paper, the setting is switched to the reduced printing mode. In this embodiment, reduced printing modes having different reduction rates are provided.

That is, it is determined whether or not the ratio between the estimated number of remaining transactions and the remaining amount of journal paper is greater than 1.5 (S2).
0), if it is 1.5 or less, it is determined whether or not the ratio of the estimated remaining number of transactions to the remaining amount of journal paper is greater than 1 (S21).

If the estimated number of remaining transactions exceeds the predicted number of remaining transactions and is equal to or less than 1.5, D5-2 is turned ON and the reduction rate 67
% Reduction printing mode is set (S22). In particular, when the estimated number of remaining transactions exceeds 1.5 times the number of transactions (S20), D5-1 is turned ON, and a reduction printing mode with a reduction ratio of 50% is set (S23).

Subsequently, based on the journal paper command (S11), it is determined whether or not the mode is the reduction print mode (S1).
2), reduced printing is performed. In this embodiment, the reduction rate is 5
There are a case of 0% and a case of a reduction ratio of 67%. Reduction rate is 6
It is determined whether it is 7% (S24), and the reduction rate is 5
When 0% (D5-1) is set, the speed of the motor 80 is reduced to half and applied as in the first embodiment (S5).
14). If a reduction ratio of 67% (D5-2) is set, the speed of the motor 80 is reduced to two thirds and applied (S25). Then, if the reduction rate is 67%, N ₅
Is counted up by +1 (S26), and the reduction ratio is 50%
For N ₄ is +1 counted up (S16).
Further, N ₁ is +1 counted up if the normal print (S15).

If the setting of the print mode is switched for each transaction, two types of reduced printing and normal printing are irregularly printed on the journal paper, which may be difficult to see later. There is fear.

In order to prevent this, in the present embodiment, it is determined that the print mode setting is switched every 20 transactions.

That is, after printing is completed, the counter n is incremented by 1 in S27, and if the journal is not empty (S1).
8) It is determined whether the counter n has reached 20 (S28). If the counter n is less than 20, the process returns to S11, and the print mode is not changed. If the counter n is 20
In the case of, the counter n is cleared (S29), and by returning to S2, the print mode can be changed.

In this embodiment, two reduced printing modes having different reduction rates are provided.

For this reason, in S19, S5 and S6, the number of remaining transactions is compared with the remaining amount of journal paper. If the estimated number of remaining transactions is not so much larger than the remaining amount of journal paper, the reduction rate is immediately reduced to 50%. Instead of using reduced printing, printing is performed with reduced printing at a 67% reduction ratio between normal printing and reduced printing at a 50% reduction ratio.

That is, since the reduced printing mode is provided stepwise, reduced printing is minimized, and it is possible to avoid printing at a reduced size more than necessary. In addition, since the setting change of the print mode is determined for every 20 business transactions, journal data having different print modes follows the journal paper at least in units of 20 cases. The clutter has been eliminated, making it easier for the attendant to check later.

[0152]

According to the present invention, the usage of journal paper from a certain reference time to a predetermined time is estimated, and it is determined that the estimated usage of journal paper is larger than the remaining amount of journal paper. In addition, the journal data is printed by reducing the print space from the normal size, so that the journal data to be reduced and printed is reduced, and the pause due to running out of the journal paper during the unmanned operation is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a journal printer unit 22 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the automatic transaction apparatus 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the automatic transaction apparatus 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a journal printer unit 22.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the journal printer unit 22.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a data management table of a RAM 74 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an output waveform diagram of a pulse signal of a conveyance motor during printing.

FIG. 8 is a print example of printing in a reduced print mode setting.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data management table according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a method for estimating the number of remaining transactions in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic transaction apparatus 22 Journal printer unit 32 Main control part 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d Journal paper remaining amount sensor 47 Thermal head

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 21/00 B41J 5/30 B41J 29/48 G06F 3/12 G07D 9/00 431 H04N 1/00 108

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A journal printer for printing journal data on journal paper, wherein the journal data is used from the reference time to a predetermined second time based on the amount of journal paper used from a predetermined first time to a reference time. Estimating means for estimating the used amount of journal paper used for detecting; detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of journal paper; and the used amount of journal paper estimated by the estimating means and detected by the detecting means. Determining means for comparing the remaining amount of journal paper with the remaining amount of journal paper, when the determining means determines that the usage of the journal paper is larger than the remaining amount of journal paper,
Means for printing journal data by reducing a printing space for printing on the journal paper from a normal printing space. 2. A journal printer that prints journal data on journal paper. The number of prints performed between a reference time and a device operation end time is estimated based on the number of prints from a device operation start time to a reference time. Estimating means; detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of journal paper; determining whether journal data for the number of prints estimated by the estimating means can be printed within the remaining amount of journal paper detected by the detecting means. And a means for printing journal data by reducing a printing space to be printed on the journal paper from a normal printing space when it is determined that printing cannot be performed by the determining means. Printer device. 3. A journal printer for printing journal data on journal paper, wherein the number of prints performed between the reference time and the device operation end time is estimated based on the number of prints from the device operation start time to the reference time. Estimating means; detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of journal paper; determining whether journal data for the number of prints estimated by the estimating means can be printed within the remaining amount of journal paper detected by the detecting means. A first printing means for reducing the printing space to be printed on the journal paper than usual when the determination means determines that printing is not possible; and a first printing means for performing printing by the estimating means by the determining means. It has been determined that the journal data for the number of prints can be printed within the remaining amount of journal paper detected by the detection means. The case, the journal printer apparatus characterized by having a second printing means for printing the journal data print space to be printed on the journal paper in normal printing space. 4. A journal printing device for printing a transaction result of a transaction business on journal paper, means for storing a start time and an end time of an unattended operation time, a start time and an end time of a current time and an unattended operation time. And a first determination unit that determines whether the device is operating unattended by comparing the device with the device. When the first determination unit determines that the device is operating unattended, the first determination unit determines whether the device is operating unattended. Estimating means for estimating the number of transactions performed between the present time and the apparatus operation end time based on the number of transactions; detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the journal paper; and estimating means for the number of transactions estimated by the estimating means. Second determining means for determining whether journal data can be printed within the remaining amount of journal paper detected by the detecting means; and determining that printing is not possible by the second determining means. Means for printing journal data by reducing a printing space for printing on journal paper when the printing is performed, from a normal printing space. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first determining means does not determine that the apparatus is operating unattended, and the second determining means detects journal data for the number of transactions estimated by the estimating means. 5. The journal printer device according to claim 4, further comprising a second printing unit that prints journal data in a normal printing space when it is determined that printing can be performed within the remaining amount of journal paper detected by the unit. 6. A journal printer that prints journal data on journal paper, a detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the journal paper, and calculating the number of printable sheets on the remaining journal paper based on a detection result of the detecting means. Calculation means for calculating the number of prints performed from the present to the end of the operation of the apparatus based on the number of prints from the start of the apparatus operation to the present, and the estimated number of prints estimated by the estimator. Means for comparing the number of printable sheets calculated by the calculating means with the estimated number of printable sheets to determine whether the journal data can be printed within the remaining amount of journal paper; and determining by the determining means that printing is not possible. In case,
Determining means for determining a reduction rate when printing is performed from a ratio between the number of prints estimated by the estimating means and the number of printable prints calculated by the calculating means; and reducing to a reduction rate determined by the determining means. And a means for printing journal data.