JP3274339B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applicable to an automatic transaction apparatus or a bookkeeping machine which is installed in a store of a bank or other financial institution and performs deposit / withdrawal transactions based on the operation of an operator such as a customer. It relates to a printing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a conventional example. Conventionally,
For example, an automatic transaction device installed at a bank or other financial institution store has a printing device (passbook printer) for printing transaction information on a customer's transaction passbook (hereinafter referred to as “passbook” or “medium”). Was built-in. Hereinafter, an example of a printing device incorporated in the automatic transaction device will be described.

(1): Description of the configuration of the printing device As shown in the drawing, the printing device includes a printing unit (not shown) for printing on a passbook using a ribbon, and printing for performing various controls of the printing device. A device control unit 2 and an optical reading unit 3 for reading a printing state of a passbook (medium) are provided. The printing device control unit 2 includes a print density determination unit 5, a counter 6, a counter 7, and the like. It is provided. The automatic transaction apparatus is provided with a management operation unit 4 for performing maintenance and management of the apparatus. The management operation unit 4 has a keyboard for inputting information and a display panel for displaying information. Etc. are provided.

The print density determining section 5 checks the print density of a line printed in a transaction based on the paper surface information read by the optical reading section 3 and determines a normal state, a near-end state, a no-print state according to the print density level. Is determined.
The counter 6 counts the number of times that the print density determination unit 5 determines that the state is the near-end state, and the counter 7 counts the number of times that the print density determination unit 5 determines that there is no print state.

In this case, when the counter 6 counts the number of determinations in the near-end state n times, the counter 6 gives a ribbon replacement notification, and when the counter 7 counts the number of determinations in the no-print state once, it gives a ribbon end notification. After the clerk exchanges the ribbon of the printing unit and operates a keyboard or the like of the management operation unit 4 to send a reset signal from the management operation unit 4 to the printing device control unit 2, the counters 6 and 7 are reset by the reset signal. Are configured to be reset.

(2) Description of the operation of the printing device The operation of the printing device is as follows. After the customer's passbook is inserted into the printing device, a transaction is performed, the transaction information is printed on the passbook, a predetermined process (such as writing of magnetic information) is performed, and the processed passbook is returned to the customer. At this time, the printing state printed on the passbook by the optical reading unit 3 is read,
The print density determination unit 5 determines the print density. In the determination of the print density, the print density level of the last line among the print lines printed in the current transaction is detected, and a normal state, a near-end state, and a no-print state are determined according to the print density level. .

For example, the non-printing state is a state in which the print density level does not reach the preset minimum print density level, and the near-end state is a print density higher than the minimum print density level, but the normal print density level (minimum print density level). (Normal concentration level higher than the normal concentration level).

As described above, the print density determining unit 5 determines the print density, and when it is determined that the printing is in the near-end state, the counter 6 counts the number of determinations. When the count value of the counter 6 reaches n (n: any integer equal to or greater than 2), the printing apparatus control unit 2 has notified the upper control unit of ribbon replacement. That is, when the number of times determined to be in the near-end state reaches n times (not necessarily continuous), the ribbon replacement notification is performed.

When the print density determination section 5 determines that there is no printing, the number of determinations is counted by the counter 7 and when the count value becomes 1, ie, the print density determination section 5 Judgment that there is no printing by judgment (one judgment)
When it was done, the ribbon end was immediately notified to the upper control unit.

[0010] Further, when the staff replaces the ribbon of the printing unit by a ribbon replacement notification, a ribbon end notification, or the like,
When a reset signal is sent to the printing device control unit 2 by a keyboard operation or the like of the management operation unit 4, the count values of the counter 6 and the counter 7 are reset by the reset signal.
When the reset operation of the counter is performed in this manner,
The ribbon exchange notification or the ribbon end notification is canceled.

[0011]

The above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. (1): In the conventional printing apparatus, when the print density of the last printed line is determined to be the near end state n times (including the case where the count is discontinuous), the ribbon replacement notification is performed. For this reason, printing line deviation, blurred printing, or the like occurs due to unevenness or deformation of the medium (passbook), and when the state is determined to be the near end state n times, a ribbon replacement notification is performed. In such a case, although the ribbon status is normal, the ribbon replacement notification is erroneously made, and the correct ribbon status may not be notified.

(2): In the conventional printing apparatus, when the print density of the last line on which printing is performed is determined once to be in a no-print state, a ribbon end notification is issued. For this reason, a print line shift, a blur print, or the like occurs due to irregularities or deformation of the medium, and when it is determined that there is no printing, a ribbon end notification is performed. In such a case, although the ribbon state is normal, the ribbon end is erroneously notified, and the correct ribbon state may not be notified.

(3): If a ribbon defect occurs during transaction printing in an unmanned store, it is necessary for an attendant to immediately rush to the printing device to replace the ribbon. However, in the case of the true ribbon end, since the print density is only low, the ribbon may be replaced according to the convenience of the staff. That is, there is no need to replace the ribbon immediately when it is determined that the end of the ribbon is true.

Conventionally, however, the ribbon end is not distinguished from the ribbon end. If a ribbon end notification is issued, it is possible that the ribbon may be defective. Therefore, the staff immediately rushes to the printer to exchange the ribbon. I was
Therefore, the work amount of the attendant increases, and the ribbon management of the printing apparatus is troublesome.

(4) Conventionally, when the ribbon of the printing apparatus is replaced, a clerk performs an operation for completing the ribbon replacement from the management operation unit, and sends a reset signal for resetting the counter to the printing apparatus control unit. I needed to. Performing the ribbon exchange completion operation every time the ribbon is exchanged in this way requires a staff member's operation to be troublesome, and sometimes causes the operator to forget the operation. In addition, if the operation of completing the ribbon replacement is forgotten, the counter is not reset, and the ribbon replacement notification or the ribbon end notification remains output, and the subsequent operation cannot be performed normally.

The present invention solves such a conventional problem and determines the continuity of the near-end state so that the true ribbon end and the ribbon defect can be distinguished and notified. It is an object of the present invention to be able to notify a correct ribbon state without being affected even when it occurs. It is another object of the present invention to reduce the troublesome work of the staff by enabling the presence / absence of ribbon replacement to be detected without performing the ribbon replacement execution completion operation by the staff.

[0017]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. The present invention is configured as follows to achieve the above object. (1): As shown in FIG. 1, a transport path 12 for transporting a medium to a printing device, a printing unit 15 for printing on a medium using a ribbon, and a state in which the ribbon of the printing unit 15 is operated. The printing apparatus includes a ribbon operation detecting section 16 for detecting, an optical reading section 3 for reading a printing state of a medium, and a printing apparatus control section 2 for controlling a printing apparatus. Print line information storage unit 24, print density determination unit 5, count storage control unit 26, count storage unit 27
And a ribbon state determination unit 28.

(2) A transport unit for transporting the medium, a printing unit for printing on the medium using the ribbon, and a reading unit for reading the printing state of the medium are provided, and the density of the print printed on the medium is checked. A printing device for notifying the ribbon state based on the result, a print line information storage means for storing a line position and the number of lines printed on the medium, and checking a print density of the printed line to determine whether the print density is in a normal state. The print density determining means for determining whether the print density is in the no-print state or in the near-end state between the normal state and the no-print state, and the number of times that the print density is determined to be in the near-end state by the print density determining means. A near-end counting means for counting how many times there is a continuous number; and a near-end counting means for revoking when the number of times determined to be in a near-end state is continuously counted up to a predetermined value or more. And a ribbon status notifying means for notifying the replacement of the ribbon, and a mark stored in the print line information storing means.
In transactions where the number of character lines is two or more,
Check the print density of the last line where the column is printed and the line before it,
If any of the print lines is determined to be in a no-print state,
The ribbon status notifying means has a function of giving a ribbon end notification.
Have.

[0019]

(3): transport means for transporting the medium, and a ribbon
The print unit that prints on the medium using
Equipped with reading means for reading, the density of the print printed on the medium
Printer that checks the status and notifies the ribbon status based on the result
And a mark for storing the line position and the number of lines printed on the medium.
Check the character density information storage means and the print density of the printed line.
Whether the character density is normal, no printing, or
Or near-end state between the normal state and the non-printing state
A print density determining means for determining whether the print density is
The print density is determined to be near-end by the degree determination means.
Near-end counting to count how many times the
Means and a near-end counting means.
Until the number of times that the
Ribbon status notification hand that gives a ribbon replacement notification when it is counted
In a transaction in which the number of printing lines stored in the printing line information storage means is one and the number of printing lines is one, the printing density determination means checks the printing density of the one printed line, and in two consecutive one-line printing transactions. In any case, when it is determined that there is no printing, the ribbon status notifying means has a function of giving a ribbon end notification.

(4): In the printing apparatus according to (2) or (3) , when the ribbon end notifying unit notifies the ribbon end, if the count value of the near-end counting unit is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the true ribbon is detected. An end notification is provided, and if the count value is less than a predetermined value, a ribbon failure instruction notification is provided.

(5) : The printing apparatus according to (2), further including a ribbon operation detecting means for detecting a state in which the ribbon operation of the printing unit is performed, wherein the ribbon state notifying means performs the ribbon replacement notification during the ribbon replacement notification. When a ribbon operation detection notification is received from the ribbon operation detection means, the count value of the near-end counting means is reduced by one to temporarily cancel the ribbon exchange notification, and the count value of the near-end counting means is reduced to a predetermined value within a predetermined number of subsequent transactions. When the value is equal to or more than the value, the ribbon replacement notification is performed again, and when the count value is less than the predetermined value, a function of initializing the count value of the near-end counting means is provided.

(Operation) The operation of the present invention based on the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. : Explanation of Ribbon Replacement Notification In the printing device, the printing process requested by the higher-level control unit is completed, and the optical reading unit 3 reads the paper surface of the medium by receiving the medium return instruction from the higher-level control unit. 2
Stores the page information in the page information storage unit 23.
When the printing process is performed, the printing line information storage unit 24
The print line information (the print line position and the number of print lines) is stored in the storage area.

Thereafter, the print density determining section 5 performs the printing on the corresponding line of the sheet information stored in the sheet information storage section 23 based on the print line information stored in the print line information storage section 24. The density is checked to determine whether the print density is in a normal state, a near-end state, or a no-print state, and the result of the determination is stored in the count storage unit 2.
7 and the ribbon state determination unit 28 are notified.

The count storage control unit 26 receiving the notification
If the notification from the print density determination unit 5 is a notification of the near-end state, it issues an instruction to the count storage unit 27 and
Is initialized (cleared), and the near-end count value is incremented by one. If the notification from the print density determination unit 5 is a notification of a normal state, an instruction is given to the count storage unit 27, and the normal density count value of the count storage unit 27 is incremented by one. When the density count value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (when the print density is determined to be normal for the predetermined number of consecutive times), the near-end count value is initialized (cleared).

When the near-end count value counted by the count storage unit 27 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧ predetermined value), that is, when the number of times of determination of the near-end state continuously exceeds the predetermined value, Count storage unit 27
Notifies the ribbon state determination unit 28 of the ribbon replacement state. In response to this notification, the ribbon state determination unit 28 notifies the transmission / reception unit 22 of ribbon replacement.

Description of Ribbon End Notification The print density determination unit 5 checks the information in the print line information storage unit 24, and in the case of two or more print transactions in which the number of print lines is two or more, the print density determination unit 5 starts from the last print line. The print density of at least two lines is checked, and the print density is determined. As a result, if any of the lines is determined to be in the non-printing state, the state of the ribbon is notified to the ribbon state determining unit 28.

The print density determination unit 5 checks the information in the print line information storage unit 24, and in the case of a one-line print transaction in which the number of print lines is one, checks the print density of the one line. Is determined. As a result, if it is determined that there is no printing,
The print density determination unit 5 instructs the count storage control unit 26 to check whether or not the hold information is stored in the count storage unit 27.
If the hold information is not stored, the count storage control unit 2
6 and the hold information is stored in the count storage unit 27.

However, when the hold information is stored in the count storage unit 27 in the above processing, it is determined that there is no printing in the previous one-line printing transaction. If it is determined that there is no printing, the print density determining section 5 notifies the ribbon state determining section 28 of the state as a ribbon end state. Ribbon state determination unit 28 receiving the notification
Performs a true ribbon end notification or a ribbon failure notification based on the near end count value of the count storage unit 27 as follows.

Upon receiving the notification of the ribbon end state from the print density determining section 5 as described above, the ribbon state determining section 28 determines that the near end count value of the count storage section 27 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (near end count value ≧ predetermined value). If so, the transmitting and receiving unit 2
2 for a true ribbon end notification. However, if the near-end count value is smaller than the predetermined value (near-end count value <predetermined value), the transmission / reception unit 22 is notified of a ribbon failure.

Description of Ribbon Replacement Notification When a Ribbon Operation is Detected The ribbon state determination unit 28 gives a ribbon replacement notification when the near-end count value of the count storage unit 27 is equal to or more than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧ predetermined value). When the ribbon operation detection unit 1
When the ribbon operation detection notification is received from 6, the near end count value is reduced by one (near end count value-1), and the ribbon replacement notification is temporarily released.

Then, within the predetermined number of transactions from the next time on, the result of the determination of the print density becomes the near-end state again, and the near-end count value is equal to or more than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧ predetermined value)
(The ribbon operation has been performed but the ribbon replacement has not been performed), the ribbon replacement notification is performed again.

In the next transaction, if the result of the determination of the print density becomes the normal density and the normal density count value becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (normal density count value ≧ predetermined value) (when the ribbon is replaced), the counting is performed. The near-end count value in the storage unit 27 is initialized.

Conclusion As described above, the true ribbon end and the ribbon defect can be notified separately. Therefore, even when a print line shift, a blur print, or the like occurs, a correct notification of the ribbon state can be performed without being affected by the shift. As a result, for example, when a true ribbon end occurs in transaction printing in an unmanned store, since the printing density is only low, the ribbon can be replaced according to the convenience of the attendant, and the troublesome ribbon management work can be reduced.

When a ribbon operation is detected during the ribbon exchange notification, the ribbon exchange notification is automatically canceled, so that the staff does not have to perform the operation of completing the ribbon exchange, and the staff is troublesome. Can be reduced.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an automatic transaction device that is installed in a bank or other financial institution store and automatically performs transactions such as deposit, withdrawal, and transfer based on the operation of an operator such as a customer. It is an example of a printing device applied to a (ATM) passbook printer.

§1: Description of the configuration of the printing apparatus—see FIG. 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing apparatus. The printing device 10
A device (printer) for printing transaction information on a customer's transaction passbook (hereinafter simply referred to as a "passbook" or "medium"). Alternatively, a medium suction / discharge port 11 for discharging the processed medium is provided.

The transport path 1 is provided inside the printing apparatus 10.
2, a medium transport mechanism 17, a magnetic R / W unit 13, an optical reading unit 3, a printing unit 15, a ribbon operation detecting unit 16, a printing device control unit 2, and the like. The printing device control unit 2 is connected to the host control unit 20. The functions and the like of the respective units are as follows.

(1): The transport path 12 is a transport path for transporting a medium, and is provided with transport rollers and the like for transporting the medium. (2): The medium transport mechanism 17 includes a motor, a belt, a gear, and the like, and transmits the power of the motor to a medium transport roller or the like of the transport path 12 via a belt, a gear, or the like to rotate the roller. Is a mechanism for transporting the medium along the transport path 12.

(3): The magnetic R / W unit 13 reads magnetic information (account number, print information, etc.) from a magnetic stripe on the medium, or reads magnetic information (transaction information, print information, etc.) on the magnetic stripe of the medium. ) Is written.

(4): The optical reading section 3 optically reads information such as a printing state and a page mark printed on the medium paper. (5): The printing unit 15 is constituted by an impact dot printer, and prints transaction information and the like on a medium using a ribbon (ink ribbon stored in a cartridge). In the following description, replacing the ribbon means replacing the ink ribbon cartridge, which is simply referred to as replacing the ribbon.

(6): The ribbon operation detecting section 16 detects a state in which the printing mechanism is opened and the ribbon operation is performed (it is not known whether the ribbon has been actually replaced). (7): The printing device control section 2 performs various controls of the printing device 10.

(8): The upper control unit 20 performs operation instructions and status monitoring of the printing apparatus 10 or is connected to a host computer or a monitoring apparatus to perform various communication controls and the like. For example, the notification of the ribbon state can be sent from the higher-level control unit 20 to a host computer or a monitoring device to notify a staff member.

§2: Description of the printing device control section—see FIG. 3 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the printing device control section. The printing device control unit 2 includes a transmission / reception unit 22, a paper surface information storage unit 23, a print line information storage unit 24, a print density determination unit 5, a count storage control unit 26, a count storage unit 27, a ribbon state determination unit 28, and the like. It is. Then, the printing device control unit 2 includes:
0, optical reading unit 3, ribbon operation detecting unit 16, magnetic R / W
It is connected to the unit 13 and the like. The functions and the like of the respective units are as follows.

(1): The transmission / reception unit 22 includes:
Alternatively, the optical reading unit 3, the ribbon operation detecting unit 16, the magnetic R /
The transmission / reception processing of data (information) is performed with respect to the W unit 13 and the like. For example, when the transmission / reception unit 22 receives a notification of the ribbon state determination result from the ribbon state determination unit 28,
The notification is transmitted to the upper control unit 20.

(2) The paper surface information storage unit 23 stores the paper surface information (information such as print information and page marks) of the medium read by the optical reading unit 3 and the magnetic information (account information) read by the magnetic R / W unit 13. Number, print information, etc.), or print density determination result information determined by the print density determination unit 5 and the like.

(3): The print line information storage unit 24 stores print information including the line position of the line printed on the medium (the position of the last line printed) and the number of print lines. The printing information is stored in the printing device controller 2 when the printing process is performed.
It is performed by

(4): The print density judging section 5 is based on the information stored in the print line information storage section 24,
Checks the print density printed on the relevant line from among the paper information stored in No. 3 and determines whether the print is in a normal state, near-end state, or in a no-print state. It is.

(5): The count storage control unit 26 receives the notification of the determination result from the print density determination unit 5 and instructs the count storage unit 27 to perform count control and storage control of various information. is there.

(6): The count storage unit 27 has a counter or a memory, and counts and stores various information in accordance with an instruction (control) of the count storage control unit 26, or counts and stores information. Is initialized (cleared).

For example, the count storage unit 27 counts the number of times that the print density determination unit 5 has continuously determined the near end state (counting of the near end count value), and determines that the state is normal. It counts the number of consecutive times (counting of the normal density count value) or stores hold information (for example, a hold flag) in a one-line printing transaction.

(7): The ribbon state determination unit 28 changes the ribbon state to the ribbon exchange state and the ribbon end state (true ribbon state) based on the determination result of the print density determination unit 5 and the count result information of the count storage unit 27. An end state), a ribbon failure state, and a ribbon normal state are determined, and the determination result is notified to the transmission / reception unit 22 (ribbon replacement notification, ribbon end notification, ribbon defect notification, ribbon normal notification).

§3: Explanation of the ribbon operation detecting operation by the ribbon operation detecting section--refer to FIG. 4 FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the detecting operation of the ribbon operation detecting section. FIG. 4A shows the printing mechanism closed, and FIG. Shows a state where the printing mechanism is opened, and FIG. C shows a state where the ribbon is mounted.

As described above, inside the printing device 10,
A magnetic R / W unit 13, an optical reading unit 3, a printing unit 15, and the like are provided. In this case, the printing unit 15 includes a printing mechanism 31 and the ribbon 32 is mounted on the printing mechanism 31. The printing mechanism 31 is configured to be able to open and close by rotating about the support shaft 33 as a rotation center.

In the normal printing state, the printing mechanism 31 is closed as shown in FIG. A while the ribbon 32 is mounted on the printing mechanism 31 as shown in FIG. Thus, the transaction information is printed on the medium with the printing mechanism 31 closed. When replacing the ribbon 32, the printing mechanism 31 is lifted upward as shown in FIG. Ribbon 3
After the replacement of 2, the printing mechanism 31 is returned to the closed state again as shown in FIG.

In some cases, the printing mechanism 31 is opened for inspection or the like without replacing the ribbon 32. In this case, the printing mechanism 31 is rotated about the support shaft 33 in the same manner as described above. The printing mechanism 31 is opened or closed.

As described above, the printing mechanism 31 is closed or opened for ribbon exchange or inspection, and the like, and these operations can be detected by the ribbon operation detecting section 16. In this case, the ribbon operation detecting unit 16 includes an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and can detect that the operation of opening or closing the printing mechanism 31 is performed by the optical sensor. ing.

In this case, regardless of whether or not the ribbon 32 has been actually replaced, when the printing mechanism 31 is opened from the closed state (when the ribbon is replaced, when the ribbon is inspected, and when the printing mechanism 3 is replaced).
(Opened at the time of inspection 1), the ribbon operation is performed and the state is detected. Then, when a ribbon operation is detected, a ribbon operation detection signal is output to the printing device control unit 2.

§4: Description of Ribbon State Determination Processing—See FIGS. 2 to 4 Hereinafter, the ribbon determination processing will be described with reference to FIGS. (1): Ribbon exchange notification processing The print processing requested by the higher-level control unit 20 is completed, and when the medium return instruction is received from the higher-level control unit 20, the paper surface of the medium (passbook) is read by the optical reading unit 3. The transmission / reception unit 22 of the printing device control unit 2 receives the page information (page mark, printing state). Then, the printing device control section 2 stores the received page information in the page information storage section 23. The printing device controller 2 stores the print line information (print position, number of print lines) in the print line information storage unit 24 when the printing process is performed.
To memorize it.

Thereafter, the print density judging section 5 determines whether the page information stored in the page information storage section 23 is based on the print line information (print position, number of print lines) stored in the print line information storage section 24. The print density printed on the line to be printed is checked, and it is determined whether the print density is in a normal state, a near-end state, or a non-printing state. The print state and the print density determination state) are stored in the sheet information storage unit 23. Then, the print density determination section 5 notifies the count storage control section 26 and the ribbon state determination section 28 of the print density determination result.

The count storage control unit 26 receiving the notification
If the notification from the print density determination unit 5 is a notification of the near-end state, an instruction is given to the count storage unit 27, the normal density count value in the count storage unit 27 is initialized (cleared), and the near-end count value is incremented by +1 (increment). I do. If the notification from the print density determination unit 5 is a notification of a normal state, an instruction is given to the count storage unit 27, and the normal density count value of the count storage unit 27 is incremented by +1.
When the normal density count value is equal to or more than a predetermined value (normal density count value ≧ predetermined value) (when the print density is determined to be normal continuously for a predetermined number of times), the near-end count value is initialized. (clear.

When the near-end count value counted by the count storage unit 27 is equal to or more than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧ predetermined value), that is, when the number of times that the near-end state is determined continuously exceeds the predetermined value, Count storage unit 27
Notifies the ribbon state determination unit 28 of the ribbon replacement state. In response to this notification, the ribbon state determination unit 28 notifies the transmission / reception unit 22 of ribbon replacement.

(2): Ribbon end notification processing The print density determination unit 5 checks the information in the print line information storage unit 24, and if there is a print transaction of two or more lines in which the number of print lines is two or more, the print end The print density of at least two lines from the row is checked to determine the print density. As a result, if any of the lines is determined to be in the non-printing state, the state of the ribbon is notified to the ribbon state determining unit 28.

The print density determination unit 5 checks the information in the print line information storage unit 24, and in the case of a one-line print transaction in which the number of print lines is one, checks the print density of one line. Make a decision. As a result, when it is determined that there is no printing, the print density determination unit 5 instructs the count storage control unit 26 to check whether or not the hold information (for example, a hold flag) is stored in the count storage unit 27. If the information is not stored, the count control unit 26 is instructed to store the hold information in the count storage unit 27 (information for holding the determination of the ribbon state, for example, a hold flag 1 is set).

However, when the hold information is stored in the count storage unit 27 in the above processing (for example, when the hold flag is set to 1
Is set in the previous one-line printing transaction, it is determined that there is no printing in the previous one-line printing transaction. The end state is notified to the ribbon state determination unit 28. Upon receiving the notification, the ribbon state determination unit 28 performs a true ribbon end notification or a ribbon failure notification based on the near end count value of the count storage unit 27 as follows.

(3): Processing for distinguishing between ribbon end notification and ribbon failure notification As described above, the ribbon state determination unit 28 that has received the ribbon end state notification from the print density determination unit 5 If the near-end count value is equal to or more than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧ predetermined value), it is determined that the state is a true ribbon end state, and a true ribbon end notification is sent to the transmitting / receiving unit 22. However, if the near-end count value is less than a predetermined value (near-end count value <predetermined value), it is determined that the ribbon is in a defective state,
The transmission / reception unit 22 is notified of a ribbon failure.

(4): Processing at the time of ribbon exchange operation detection The ribbon state notifying means, when the near-end count value of the count storage unit 27 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧ predetermined value) and performs ribbon exchange notification, Ribbon operation detector 16
, The near end count value is decremented by one (near end count value-1), and the ribbon exchange notification is temporarily released.

Then, within the predetermined number of transactions after the next time (transactions until the normal density count value ≧ predetermined value), the print density determination result is again in the near-end state, and the near-end count value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (near-end count). When (numerical value ≧ predetermined value) is satisfied (a state where the ribbon operation has been performed but the ribbon replacement has not been performed), the ribbon replacement notification is performed again.

In the next transaction, if the determination result of the print density becomes the normal density, and the normal density count value becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (normal density count value ≧ predetermined value) (when the ribbon is replaced), the counting is performed. The near-end count value in the storage unit 27 is initialized.

§5: Description of Ribbon Density Detection Processing by Specific Example—See FIGS. 5 to 7 FIG. 5 is an example of a passbook, FIG. 5A is an example of a passbook cover, and FIG. This is an example). FIG. 6 shows a print example after the transaction. 7A and 7B show an example of print density determination. FIG. 7A shows an example of print density level detection, and FIG. 7B shows an example of information in the sheet information storage unit.

(1): Description of passbook example--see FIGS. 5 and 6 As shown in FIG. 5A, a magnetic stripe on which customer information is recorded, a customer account and a customer name are shown on the passbook cover. Etc. are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, a page mark print indicating an open page and a transaction statement are printed on the middle page of the passbook.

When a transaction is made with respect to the passbook, the transaction details are printed on the middle page of the passbook as shown in FIG. In this example, a new transaction content is printed on lines 04 to 05 and returned to the customer. In the ribbon management, the newly printed line is optically read, and the ribbon state is notified by distinguishing the ribbon density state into a normal state, a near-end state, and a no-print state.

(2): Description of Print Density Determination Example--See FIG. 7 In the print density determination process by the print density determination unit 5, the print density on the passbook paper is optically read (detected), and A in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
The print density is determined by setting the density slice 2. In this case, density slice 1 and density slice 2 have different density levels (density slice 1 <density slice 2) and are set in advance.

Then, depending on whether the print density level of the printed line exceeds the density slice 1 and the density slice 2,
The ribbon density is determined by distinguishing between a normal state, a no-print state, and a near-end state. In this example, if the print density level is less than density slice 1, it is determined that there is no printing, if it is between density slice 1 and density slice 2, it is determined that it is in the near-end state, and if it is density slice 2 or more, it is in the normal density state. Is determined.

The information of the print density determination result thus determined is stored in the sheet information storage unit 2 as shown in FIG.
3 is stored as a determination result value for each row. That is, for each line position of the printed line, the printing state of the line (whether or not printing has been performed) and the printing density determination state are stored.

According to this example, the print density state determined as the presence of a print on the first line (printed state) is a normal state. In the second line, the print density state determined as having print is a normal state. In the third line, the print density state determined to have printing is the near-end state. In the fourth line, the print density state determined as having print is the near-end state. In the fifth line, the print density state determined as having print is the state of no print. In the sixth line, the print density state determined as no printing is a no printing state. In the seventh line, the print density state determined as no printing is a no printing state.

§6: Explanation of Passbook Processing (Overall Processing) by Flowchart--See FIG. 8 FIG. 8 is a flowchart of passbook processing. Hereinafter, the passbook processing will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, S1 to S11 indicate each processing step.

First, when a customer inserts a passbook (medium) from the medium suction / discharge port 11 (S1), the printing device control unit 2 controls the medium transfer mechanism 17 to transfer the passbook. In this case, the passbook is transported on the transport path 12 by the media transport mechanism 17,
At the magnetic information reading position, magnetic information (account number, print information, etc.) of the passbook is read by the magnetic R / W unit 13 (S)
2). Then, the read magnetic information is stored in the sheet information storage unit 23 by the printing device control unit 2.

Next, the passbook is conveyed to the optical reading position, and the optical reading unit 3 reads the page mark of the passbook and the paper surface information (information of the previous transaction) such as the printing state. The read sheet information is stored in the sheet information storage unit 23 by the printing apparatus control unit 2. Thereafter, the passbook is transported to the printing position and set in a printing standby state (S3).

In this state, the host controller 20 communicates with the host to receive the print information, and sends the print information to the printer controller 2 (S4). The print information is transmitted and received by the transmitting / receiving unit 22.
After that, the printing device controller 2 performs a printing process on the passbook based on the printing information (S5). When the printing process is completed, the printing device control unit 2 stores the number of printed lines in the printing line information storage unit 24 (S26), and prints the last line of the printed line (the last printing line) as a printing line position. It is stored in the row information storage unit 24 (S7).

Next, the passbook is returned and conveyed to the reading position of the optical reading unit 3, and the optical reading unit 3 reads the printing state of the passbook. Then, the printing device control unit 2 stores the read sheet information (the printing state printed in the current transaction) in the sheet information storage unit 23 (S8). Next, the passbook is transported to the magnetic reading position, and the magnetic information (print information) of the passbook is updated (S9). The passbook with updated magnetic information is transported again to the medium suction / discharge port 11 and returned to the customer (S10).

Thereafter, the ribbon state determination section 28 performs a ribbon state determination process (S11). When performing the ribbon state determination processing, the print density determination unit 5 is configured to store the paper surface information storage unit 2.
The print density of the passbook is checked based on the information of No. 3 and the information of the print line information storage unit 24, and the print density is determined. Information such as the result of the determination (the line position of the printed line, the printing state, the printing density determination state) is stored in the sheet information storage unit 23 as the sheet information.

The ribbon state determination unit 28 performs a ribbon state determination process based on the determination result of the print density determination unit 5 and notifies the ribbon state (ribbon exchange notification, ribbon end notification, ribbon failure notification, ribbon Normal notification).
This notification of the ribbon state is sent from the ribbon state determination unit 28 to the transmission / reception unit 22, and the transmission / reception unit 22 sends the notification to the higher-level control unit 2.
Sent to 0. Upon receiving the notification, the upper control unit 20 notifies the staff of the ribbon state (for example, lighting of a lamp provided on the housing of the printing apparatus or display on a display screen).

§7: Explanation of Ribbon State Judgment Processing by Flowchart—See FIG. 9 FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the ribbon state judgment processing. Hereinafter, the ribbon state determination process (the process of S11) will be described with reference to FIG. Note that S31 to S56 indicate each processing step. The processing of S31 to S38 is a ribbon replacement notification processing, the processing of S41 to S48 is a ribbon end / ribbon defect determination processing, and the processing of S51 to S56 is a ribbon normal notification processing.

(1): Explanation of Ribbon Replacement Notification Processing The print density determination unit 5 is based on the print line information (print line position, number of print lines) stored in the print line information storage unit 24, and Check the printing density printed on the corresponding line of the paper information (printing state) stored in the printer, and determine whether the printing density is normal, near-end,
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not there is no printing, and information of the determination result (print line position, its printing state, and printing density determination state) is stored in the sheet information storage unit 23. And
The print density determination unit 5 notifies the count storage control unit 26 and the ribbon state determination unit 28 of the print density determination result.

The count storage control unit 26 receiving the notification
Indicates that the notification from the print density determination unit 5 is printed (S32)
If the density determination result of the print line is a notification of the near end state (S33), an instruction is issued to the count storage unit 27, and
The normal density count value in the count storage unit 27 is initialized (cleared) (S34), and the near-end count value is incremented by 1 (S35).

The near-end count value counted by the count storage unit 27 is equal to or more than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧ predetermined value).
Is reached (S36), the count storage unit 27 notifies the ribbon state determination unit 28 that the ribbon is being replaced.
Upon receiving the notification, the ribbon state determination unit 28 determines that the ribbon has been replaced, and notifies the transmission / reception unit 22 of ribbon replacement (S
37), the determination process ends (S38). Note that the S
The predetermined value in the process of 36 may be an arbitrary integer of 2 or more, for example, the predetermined value = 8.

The transmitting / receiving unit 22 having received the ribbon exchange notification
Transmits the notification to the higher-level control unit 20, and transmits the notification to the higher-level control unit 2.
0 gives a ribbon replacement notification (ribbon replacement instruction) to a staff member or the like. Further, in the process of S32, when there is no printing (the line where no printing is performed), the determination process is terminated as it is (S3
8). Further, if the near-end count value is smaller than the predetermined value in the process of S36, the determination process ends (S38).

(2): Explanation of Ribbon End / Ribbon Defect Determination Processing The print density determination unit 5 checks the information in the print line information storage unit 24, and prints two or more lines in which the number of print lines is two or more. In the case of (S42), the print density of at least two lines from the last print line is checked, and the print density is determined. As a result, when it is determined that all the lines are in the non-printing state (S41), it notifies the ribbon state determining unit 28 that the line is in the ribbon end state.

The print density determination unit 5 checks the information in the print line information storage unit 24, and in the case of a one-line print transaction in which the number of print lines is one (S42), checks the print density of the one line.
The print density is determined. As a result, when it is determined that there is no printing (S41), the print density determining unit 5 instructs the count storage control unit 26 to check whether the hold information is stored in the count storage unit 27 (S43). If the information is not stored, the control unit 26 instructs the count storage control unit 26 to store the hold information in the count storage unit 27 (information for holding the determination of the ribbon state, for example, sets a hold flag 1), and executes the determination process. The process ends (S48).

However, if the hold information is stored in the count storage unit 27 in the process of S43, it is determined that there is no printing in the previous one-line printing transaction. If the density is determined to be in the non-printing state, the print density determining section 5 notifies the ribbon state determining section 28 as the ribbon end state.

As described above, the ribbon state determination unit 28 that has received the notification of the ribbon end state from the print density determination unit 5 determines that the near-end count value of the count storage unit 27 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧ predetermined value). If (S44),
It is determined that the state is the true ribbon end state, a true ribbon end notification is made to the transmission / reception unit 22 (S45), and the determination processing ends (S48).

However, if the near-end count value is smaller than the predetermined value (near-end count value <predetermined value) in the processing of S44, it is determined that the ribbon is in a defective state, and a ribbon defective is notified to the transmission / reception unit 22, and the determination processing is performed. The process ends (S48). Note that the predetermined value in the process of S44 may be an arbitrary integer of 2 or more, for example, the predetermined value = 6.

(3): Explanation of Ribbon Normal Notification Process In the process of S41, when there is no printing in the density determination of the print line, that is, the print density of the printed line is normal (the print line is normal density). In this case, the print density determination unit 5 notifies the count storage control unit 26 that the print density of the print line is in a normal state. Upon receiving this notification, the count storage control unit 26 instructs the count storage unit 27 to increment the normal density count value by +1 (increment) (S51).

When the normal density count value of the count storage unit 27 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (normal density count value ≧ predetermined value) (S52), the count storage control unit 26 initializes the near end count value of the count storage unit 27. (S53), and initializes the hold information (for example, resets the hold flag) (S53).
54).

On the other hand, when the normal density count value of the count storage unit 27 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (normal density count value ≧ predetermined value), the count storage unit 27 notifies the ribbon state determination unit 28 of the ribbon normal state. Receiving the notification, the ribbon state determination unit 28 determines that the ribbon state is normal, notifies the transmission / reception unit 22 of the normal ribbon state (S55), and ends the determination processing (S56). However, if the normal density count value is less than the predetermined value in the process of S52, the determination process is terminated (S56). The predetermined value in the process of S52 may be an arbitrary integer of 2 or more. For example, the predetermined value = 5
And

§8: Explanation of Ribbon Operation Monitoring Process by Flowchart--See FIG. 10 FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the ribbon operation monitoring process. Hereinafter, the ribbon operation monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.
In addition, S61 to S67 indicate each processing step.

The ribbon state judging section 28 has a counting storage section 27
The near-end count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (near-end count value ≧
(Predetermined value) (S63). When a ribbon replacement detection notification (a notification that the printing mechanism is being opened) is received from the ribbon operation detection unit 16 while the ribbon replacement notification is being performed (S62), the near end is performed. The count value is reduced by one (near-end count value-1) (S64), the ribbon replacement notification is temporarily released, and a normal ribbon notification (a notification that the ribbon replacement notification has been released) is made to the transmission / reception unit 22. (S65).

Thereafter, after a predetermined time (S66), the processing is repeated from the processing of S62. In addition, even if the near-end count value of the count storage unit 27 is smaller than the predetermined value (near-end count value <predetermined value), the ribbon state determination unit 28 determines (S
63) If the ribbon is in the defective state or the ribbon end state (S67), the processing is repeated from the processing in S65.

However, even if the near-end count value of the count storage unit 27 is smaller than the predetermined value (near-end count value <predetermined value) (S63), the ribbon state determination unit 28 must be in the ribbon defective state or the ribbon end state. If (S67), the process is repeated from the process of S66.

(Other Embodiments) The embodiments have been described above, but the present invention can be implemented as follows.

(1): In the above example, the density slice 1 and the density slice 2 are set as the print density levels with respect to the detection of the print density level (ribbon density level). However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. One density slice may be used to discriminate between a size exceeding the density slice level and printing without printing.

(2) The printing device is not limited to the device (passbook printer) provided in the automatic transaction apparatus, but can be applied to other similar printing devices (for example, a passbook printer of a bookkeeping machine).

[0104]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. (1): Since the true ribbon end and the ribbon failure can be distinguished and notified, the printing line deviation and the
Even if rash printing or the like rarely occurs, it is possible to always notify the correct ribbon state without being affected.

(2): Since a true ribbon end and a defective ribbon can be detected separately, if the ribbon is not a defective ribbon and the true ribbon end is used, the print density is only low and the ribbon replacement is performed by a staff member. Can be exchanged at any time. That is, when a true ribbon replacement notification is issued, there is no need to immediately perform ribbon replacement, so that the ribbon management work of the attendant can be reduced.

(3): Since the ribbon operation can be detected and the ribbon status can be automatically notified without performing the ribbon exchange completion completion operation by the attendant as in the related art, the attendant operation can be reduced. can do.

(4): The state of the ribbon in the printing section can be detected accurately and automatically, and a ribbon replacement notification can be made early for a ribbon defect or a thin print. Therefore, the staff of the printing apparatus can manage the ribbon replacement time with ease.

(5): The ribbon state is notified by distinguishing between the non-printing state that does not pass through the near-end state and the non-printing state that passes through the near-end state, so that it is also determined whether or not it is necessary to replace the ribbon early. be able to.

In addition to the above effects, the following effects are provided corresponding to each claim. (6): In claim 1, a print line information storage means for storing the line position and the number of lines printed on the medium, and checking the print density of the printed line, and determining whether the print density is normal or not. There is, or a print density determination means to determine whether the near end state between the normal state and no printing state,
Near-end counting means for counting how many times the print density has been determined to be in the near-end state by the print density determining means, and the number of times in which the print density has been determined to be in the near-end state is continuously equal to or more than a predetermined value. And a ribbon status notifying means for notifying the ribbon replacement when the count is counted up to, and stored in the print line information storing means.
For transactions with two or more printed lines, the print density
The judgment means determines the print density of the last line printed and the line preceding it.
Inspect, and if any of the above printed lines are judged
In this case, the ribbon status notifying means has a function of making a ribbon end notification .

Therefore, the ribbon replacement notification can be made only when the near end state is determined continuously for a predetermined number of times, so that the ribbon replacement notification can always be made accurately. For example, printing line deviation, blurred printing, or the like may occur rarely due to deformation or unevenness of the medium, and the near end state may be determined.

However, since such a case occurs only rarely, the near end state is not determined continuously for a predetermined number of times. Accordingly, the ribbon exchange notification is not issued even though the ribbon state is normal, and it is possible to always perform the accurate ribbon exchange notification as described above.

[0112] Further, in the number of transactions stored print line is equal to or greater than two rows in the print line information storage means, the last line of printing density determination means is printed and examined printing density of the preceding row, the print line In any case, when it is determined that there is no printing, the ribbon status notifying unit has a function of giving a ribbon end notification. Therefore, although the determination result is unstable in the determination of the print density of only one line, the print density is determined by checking the print density of the last line and the previous line, so that an accurate ribbon end notification is always performed. It becomes possible.

(7): In claim 2 , the line position printed on the medium
A print line information storage means for storing the position and the number of lines;
Check the print density of the line and check if the print density is normal.
There is no character or the normal state and no printing
Print density to determine whether the printer is in the near-end state
The print density is determined by the determination means and the print density determination means.
Count of the number of times that the
Near-end counting means
The number of times that the near-end condition is determined
Notify ribbon replacement when counting is completed
In a transaction in which the number of print lines stored in the print line information storage means is one, the print density determination means checks the print density of one printed line, and prints two continuous lines of one line. The ribbon status notifying means has a function of giving a ribbon end notification when it is determined in any transaction that there is no printing. Therefore, the determination result is unstable in the determination of the print density of only one line.
Since the print density is determined for one-line printing in one transaction, accurate ribbon end notification can always be performed.

(8): In claim 3 , when the ribbon state notifying means performs the ribbon end notification, the ribbon state notifying means performs a true ribbon end notification if the count value of the near-end counting means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and the count value is equal to the predetermined value. If it is less than this, a function to give a ribbon failure instruction notification is provided. Therefore, since the true ribbon end and the ribbon defect can be distinguished and notified, even if the printing line misalignment or the blurred printing rarely occurs due to the deformation or unevenness of the medium, the correct ribbon is always not affected. The status can be notified.

(9): In the fourth aspect , a ribbon operation detecting means is provided, and the ribbon state notifying means receives a ribbon operation detecting notification from the ribbon operation detecting means during the ribbon replacement notification.
The ribbon exchange notification is temporarily released by reducing the count value of the near-end counting means by one, and when the count value of the near-end counting means becomes a predetermined value or more within a predetermined number of transactions after the next time, the ribbon replacement notification is performed again, Has a function of initializing the count value of the near-end counting means if is smaller than a predetermined value.

Therefore, it is possible to detect that the ribbon operation has been performed and to automatically notify the ribbon state without performing the ribbon replacement execution completion operation by the attendant as in the related art.
The troublesome work of the staff can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a printing device control unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detection operation of a ribbon operation detection unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an example of a passbook in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a printing example after a transaction in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an example of print density determination in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a passbook processing flowchart according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a ribbon state determination process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a ribbon operation monitoring process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 printing device control unit 3 optical reading unit 5 print density determination unit 10 printing device 11 medium suction / discharge port 12 conveyance path 13 magnetic R / W unit 15 printing unit 16 ribbon operation detection unit 17 medium conveyance mechanism 20 upper control unit 22 transmission / reception unit 23 Paper surface information storage unit 24 Print line information storage unit 26 Count storage control unit 31 Printing mechanism 32 Ribbon

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] A print unit for printing on the medium by using a ribbon; and a reading unit for reading a print state of the medium. The density of the print printed on the medium is checked. A print line information storage means for storing the line position and the number of lines printed on the medium, and checking the print density of the printed line to determine whether the print density is normal or not. The print density determining means for determining whether the print density is in the near-end state or the near-end state between the normal state and the no-print state. A near-end counting means for counting the number of times the ribbon is exchanged, and a ribbon exchange when the number of times determined to be in the near-end state is continuously counted up to a predetermined value or more. Equipped with a ribbon status notification unit that performs a replacement notification
In addition, the number of print lines stored in the print line information storage means is two or more.
In the above transaction, the print density determination means was printed.
Check the print density of the last line and the previous line, and
If the misalignment is also determined to be in the no-print state, the ribbon status
A printing device characterized in that the informing means has a function of giving a ribbon end notification . 2. Use of a transport means for transporting a medium and a ribbon.
The printing unit prints on the media by reading
Reading means for adjusting the density of prints printed on the medium.
In addition, the printer that notifies the ribbon status based on the result
What, print line information storing row position and number of lines printed on a medium Stories
Check the print density and the print density of the printed line.
In the normal state, in the non-printing state, or
In near-end state between normal state and no printing state
Print density determining means for determining the print density and the print density determining means
The number of times that the print density was
Near-end counting means to count how many times there is
The near-end counting means determines that the state is near-end.
Is counted until the number of times
Equipped with ribbon status notification means for notifying ribbon replacement in case
At the same time, the number of print lines stored in the print line information storage means is one line.
In a transaction, one line printed by the print density determination means
Check the print density of any one of two consecutive one-line printing transactions .
Also determines that there is no printing, the ribbon status notification
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stage has a function of giving a ribbon end notification . 3. The ribbon status notifying means, wherein:
Command notification, the count value of the near-end counting means
If the value is equal to or more than a predetermined value, a true ribbon end notification is performed, and the
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of notifying a ribbon failure when the count value is less than a predetermined value . 4. A state in which the ribbon operation of the printing unit is performed.
A ribbon operation detecting means for detecting, and the ribbon state notifying means is provided with a
Received a ribbon operation detection notification from the ribbon operation detection means
In this case, reduce the count value of the near-end counting means by one.
Temporarily cancels the ribbon exchange notification, and the next predetermined number of transactions
The count value of the near-end counting means has exceeded the predetermined value within
Then, the ribbon replacement notification is performed again, and the counted value is lower than the predetermined value.
If it is full, the count value of the near-end counting means is initialized.
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus has a function of: