JP3531303B2 - Printer and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing device,
In particular, the present invention relates to a printing apparatus suitable for a system for handling money such as POS / ECR and for processing a check (check).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional check processing system, a magnetic ink character printed on a check is read into a host device by using a dedicated magnetic ink character reading device, and after recognizing the read magnetic ink character to determine whether it is valid or not. , Table,
The printer performed necessary printing processing such as endorsement.

[0003]

However, in the control method using the printer and the magnetic ink character reading device, since the front and back printing and the magnetic ink character reading are performed by the respective devices, the operator has to do so. Depending on the procedure of the process, the check must be loaded into the printer, the magnetic ink character reading device, or even the check can be repeated many times. Also, because the front and back of the check and the insertion direction differ each time you load,
There is a problem that the processing procedure becomes difficult to understand and the processing time per customer becomes long.

Further, from the perspective of the entire system, since the printer and the magnetic ink character reading device are separate bodies, it is necessary to have an installation place having a space large enough to place the printer and the magnetic ink character reading device side by side. Also, the host device must separately prepare and control the interface between the printer and the magnetic ink character reading device. Further, since the processing performed by the operator is complicated, it is necessary to frequently display the processing procedure on a display or the like, which causes a problem that the control program becomes complicated.

[0005]

In order to solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a magnetic ink character reading head on the print sheet path of a printer to read magnetic ink characters. With a printer,
By loading the check that has been read to the print start position and printing it on this,
An object of the present invention is to provide a printer that is easy to operate, does not require a large installation space, saves hardware, and can build a highly reliable system, and a control method thereof.

More specifically, the printer of the present invention is capable of printing
A print media path that guides the media and at least one of the print media
A mark installed in the print media path, such as for some surface
A magnetic pattern that detects the magnetic patterns recorded on the printing medium.
Of the print media sent through the print media route
Printhead that can print on at least one of the sides
The print head and the magnet in the print media path.
A common transfer means that can be transferred to the air pattern detection means, and a magnetic
Magnetic pattern detection end detection to detect the end of pattern detection
Means and means for conveying a print medium for detecting a magnetic pattern
And a transfer control means for controlling
Transport amount storing means for storing the amount of transported transport, and host device
Interface means for sending and receiving data to and from
Information based on magnetic patterns obtained by the tongue detection means
Information sent to the host device via the interface means.
Information sending means, magnetic pattern detection result, and host device
Depending on the information received from the
And the magnetic pattern re-detection process will be continued.
And a transfer control unit that has a process selection unit that selects a process.
After the detection of the magnetic pattern is completed,
Selected by the processing selection means based on the carry amount to be stored.
Print media in place suitable for subsequent processing.
Characterized by carrying the body. In this case,
The information received from the storage device should be processed
It is a control command to be executed.

The printer of the present invention is characterized in that the magnetic pattern detection by the magnetic pattern detection means ends when the magnetic pattern undetected state reaches a certain amount.

The print medium detecting means for detecting the print medium in the print medium path is further provided on the print medium path, and the end of the magnetic pattern detection by the magnetic pattern detecting means is the end of the print medium on which the magnetic pattern is recorded. May be detected.

The magnetic pattern detection end detecting means is
After the print medium is conveyed by a predetermined amount, the magnetic pattern detection is performed.
The detection operation of the end of the magnetic pattern detection by the output means is opened.
It is characterized by starting.

Further, the magnetic pattern detection end detecting means is
Based on the fact that the print medium has been conveyed by a predetermined amount
It is characterized by detecting the end of the magnetic pattern detection.

Further, there is further provided character conversion means for converting the magnetic pattern output from the magnetic pattern detection means into a corresponding character code, and the information sent by the information sending means is a character code corresponding to the magnetic pattern. Is also good.

Further, the above information includes information indicating the state of the printer at the time of magnetic pattern detection. Information indicating the state of the printer is information indicating whether or not the magnetic pattern detection is normally performed, immediately after the magnetic pattern detection. It may be information indicating whether or not magnetic pattern re-detection can be performed.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

Another printer control method of the present invention is
A print medium path for guiding the print medium, and at least the print medium
Installed in the print media path as for either side
In addition, the magnetic field that detects the magnetic pattern recorded on the print medium
Air pattern detection means and printing sent through the print medium path
Printable markings on at least one side of the media
In a method of controlling a printer having a printing head,
A magnetic pattern detection step of detecting a magnetic pattern by conveying a print medium based on a predetermined control command, and a host of information based on the magnetic pattern obtained by the magnetic pattern detection step.
An information sending step of sending the device, an information receiving step of receiving a magnetic pattern detection result information from the host device, a magnetic
Based on the pattern detection result and the information from the host device
Print processing, print medium ejection processing, magnetic pattern re-detection processing
And a print medium setting step of transporting the print medium to a predetermined position suitable for subsequent processing after the magnetic pattern detection is completed. To do.

[0019]

According to the above configuration of the present invention, the magnetic ink character reading device is provided on the print sheet path of the printer, the magnetic ink character is read by the printer, and the check of which reading is completed is loaded to the print start position. By making it possible to read the magnetic ink characters printed on the check and print on the check continuously, the number of times the operator loads the check is reduced and the operator's processing is reduced. It will be easier and the processing time per customer will be shorter.

Further, from the perspective of the entire system, since the printer and the magnetic ink character reading device are integrated, the installation place is sufficient to accommodate the printer, and the host device only needs to prepare an interface for the printer. In addition, since the operator's processing is simplified, it is not necessary to provide many instructions for processing procedures displayed on the display or the like, and the control program is simplified.

As a result, it is possible to provide a printer which is easy to operate, does not require a wide installation space, saves hardware, and is capable of constructing a highly reliable system, and a printer control method.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Generally, recording paper used in the distribution industry is roughly classified into single-cut paper and roll paper. Single-cut sheets are used as slips and the like, roll paper is used as store journal paper, and cut and used as receipts, and are usually printed by a single printer.

In addition to cash and credit cards, checks are used for payment at stores. The check is issued by a bank, and the user's account number, check serial number, etc. are printed on the surface using magnetic ink characters.

There are various types of magnetic ink characters, such as E13B and CMC7, which have standardized character shapes and print qualities.
Also, the printing position of the magnetic ink character in the check is standardized. Since magnetic ink characters are printed using magnetic ink, they are converted into current waveforms by moving them on the magnetic head after being magnetized by a magnet, and the waveforms vary depending on the characters. Can be recognized.

When the store receives a check from the customer,
The date the store was used, the store name, the amount of money, etc. are printed and recorded on the front side of the check, and the authentication of the check, the account number of the store, etc. are printed and recorded on the back side. In the following description, these records will be referred to as front end and endorsement, respectively.

In the past, endorsement and front writing were performed by handwriting by an operator, but recently, in order to perform check processing more reliably and efficiently, a system for printing using a printer has become common. There is.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a printer mechanism section of a printer for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. While the print head 1 reciprocates along the print head moving shaft 2, the built-in wire is driven to strike the ink ribbon 3 toward the platen 4, thereby causing the ink ribbon 3 and the platen 4 to move.
Printing is performed on the roll paper 5 or the single-cut paper 6 that passes between the sheets. A step motor is generally used as a power source for moving the print head 1, and a step motor 7 (not shown) is also used in this embodiment.

The roll paper 5 is inserted into the printer along the roll paper path 8, is sandwiched by roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b, and is fed in the direction of arrow A. The roll paper path 8 guides the roll paper 5 so as to pass between the platen 4 and the print head 1, where printing is performed.

A step motor is generally used as a power source for the roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b, and a step motor (not shown) is also used in this embodiment.
The step motor drives the roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b via a roll paper feed power transmission mechanism composed of gears (not shown).

The single-cut sheet 6 is inserted into the printer along the single-cut sheet path 12 from the lower right of the drawing, and is sandwiched by the single-cut sheet feed roller 13 and / or the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 to be indicated by arrows B and C. It is sent in both directions. Cut sheet feed roller 13 and cut sheet loading roller 1
The power source of No. 4 is the same as that of the roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b. Then, the power source drives the single-cut sheet feeding roller 13 and the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 via a single-cut sheet feeding power transmission mechanism (not shown) configured by gears or the like. Further, the roll paper feed power transmission mechanism 11 and the cut sheet paper feed power transmission mechanism 15 transmit the power of the step motor 10 to either one by a paper feed power transmission system switching mechanism 16 configured by a plunger or the like (not shown). Can be switched. Cut sheet 6 is also platen 4
And the print head 1 and the printing is performed there.

The cut sheet 6 is not usually set in the printer, but is loaded when printing. When the operator inserts the cut sheet 6 and presses it against the form stopper 18, the right end of the cut sheet 6 is detected by the cut sheet insertion detector 21, and the detector 21 outputs a signal corresponding to the presence of the sheet. . In this embodiment, a photo sensor is used as the cut sheet insertion detector 21.

At this time, the position of the right end portion of the cut sheet paper 6, that is, the position of the form stopper is set to the cut sheet paper insertion position 1
It will be referred to as 9. In this state, the form stopper is retracted to the outside of the single-cut sheet path 12, the single-cut sheet 6 is nipped by the single-cut sheet loading roller 14, and the interval 25 from the single-cut sheet insertion position 19 to the single-cut sheet feed roller 13 is set. Send the corresponding distance. After that, the single-cut sheet feed roller 13 and the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 feed a distance corresponding to an interval 26 from the single-cut sheet feed roller 13 to the single-cut sheet printing start position 24. After that, printing on the cut sheet 6 is possible.

The single-sheet paper loading roller 14 is made movable in the directions of arrows D and E by a loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 composed of a plunger or the like (not shown). It is designed to move in each direction.
That is, the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is in the open state,
That is, when the cut sheet 6 is not sandwiched, the cut sheet loading roller 14 is moving in the direction of arrow E, and at the same time, the form stopper 18 is moved in the direction of arrow F to cut the cut sheet. It blocks the path 12. On the contrary, when the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is in the closed state, that is, in the state where the cut sheet paper 6 is nipped, the cut sheet paper loading roller 14 is in the direction of arrow D and the form stopper 18 is in the direction of arrow G. The form stopper 18 is retracted from the cut sheet path 12 in each direction. The loading / roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is set to a closed state when the single-cut sheet 6 is fed from the single-cut sheet insertion position 19 in the direction of arrow B to the loading start position 24 of the single-cut sheet, or in the direction of arrow C. Become. As described above, in the closed state, the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 is moved in the direction of the arrow D to hold the single-cut sheet 6 and convey it.

Further, the cut sheet 6 is the form stopper 18
, The form roller 18 is opened and the form stopper 18 is moved in the direction of arrow F so that the form stopper 18 protrudes into the single-cut sheet feeding path. The form sheet 6 is pressed in the form sheet path 12. However, the foam stopper 18 has a structure in which it is biased in the direction of the arrow F by a spring having a weak force, and in the opened state, it projects into the cut sheet paper path 12 by this spring force, so that the cut sheet paper 6 is The pressing force is sufficiently weak, and there is no problem in feeding the single-cut sheet 6.

Magnetic head 22 for reading magnetic ink characters
Is arranged on the cut sheet paper path 12, and when the check is passed through the cut sheet paper path 12, the magnetic ink character portion passes over the magnetic head 22. Further, a magnet 23 is built in the cut sheet paper path 12 so as to face the same path, and is arranged so as to magnetize the magnetic ink characters before reaching the magnetic head 22.

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram showing an example of the layout of elements involved in reading magnetic ink characters on the cut sheet path 12 in FIG. Reference numeral 28 denotes a cut sheet paper path, which is the cut sheet paper path 12 in FIG. 3 viewed from the upper right side in FIG. Also, in the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The magnet 23 and the magnetic head 22 were sent in the direction of arrow H with the right end of the check aligned with the right end of the cut sheet path, with the face of the check magnetic ink character on the back side and the magnetic ink character on the right side. In this case, the magnetic ink character is arranged at a position where the character passes. It should be noted that the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 is arranged at a position where the upper right end portion of the cut sheet paper can be detected when the cut sheet paper is inserted in the cut sheet paper insertion position 19 in the direction of the arrow H.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. The command input from the host device 61 to the command receiving means 62 via the transmission circuit is analyzed by the command analyzing means 63 and executed by the command executing means 64.

The printer mechanism control means 65 follows the instructions of the command execution means 64, the printing mechanism 66, the paper feeding mechanism 67 for feeding the roll paper and the cut sheet, and the cut sheet for loading the cut sheet at the print start position. The printer mechanism 52 (see FIG. 2) including the paper loading mechanism 68 and the magnetic ink character reading mechanism 69 for reading the magnetic ink characters printed on the check is controlled.

The data read by the magnetic ink character reading mechanism 69 is temporarily stored in the read data storing means 70 under the control of the command executing means, and then converted into character data by the read data analyzing means 71. , After being temporarily stored in the recognition result storage means 72,
The data is transmitted to the host device 61 by the data transmitting means 73.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing the overall configuration of a printer for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. The printer mechanism 52 includes a print head 53 included in the print mechanism 66, a step motor 54 that is a drive power source of the print head, a step motor 55 that is a power source of paper feed included in the paper feed mechanism 67, and a paper feed power. Transmission system switching mechanism 56,
A loading roller opening / closing mechanism 57 included in the single-cut sheet loading mechanism 68, and a single-cut sheet insertion detector 58,
It also has a magnetic head 59 and the like included in the magnetic ink character reading mechanism 69.

The CPU 42 functions as the command executing means 64 and the read data analyzing means 71 according to the control program stored in the ROM 43. RAM44
Is used as a temporary memory of the CPU 42, a read data storage means 70 for temporarily storing read data obtained by converting a character waveform read by the magnetic head 59 into a digital value, and a recognition result for temporarily storing a recognition result of a magnetic ink character. It functions as the storage means 72. The interface 41 functions as command receiving means 62 for receiving the data transmitted by the host device and data transmitting means 73 for transmitting the recognition result of the magnetic ink characters to the host. In addition, the print head control circuit 45 and the motor control circuit 4
6, motor control circuit 47, plunger control circuit 48, plunger control circuit 49, single-cut sheet insertion detector control circuit 5
0, the magnetic head control circuit 51 constitutes a printer mechanism section control means 65.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method when the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 is controlled to load a single-cut sheet. When the command "load a cut sheet at the print start position" is transmitted from the host device 61, reception, analysis, and execution are performed in the above procedure. First, if it is determined that the command is the one in step 101, the state of waiting for the insertion of cut sheets is entered. (Step 103). That is, the paper feed power transmission system switching mechanism 16 switches the connection with the power source to the side that drives the single-cut sheet feed roller 13 and the single-cut sheet loading roller 14, and opens the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 to open the single-cut sheet. Loading
The roller 14 is moved in the direction of arrow E (see FIG. 3) and the foam stopper 18 is moved in the direction of arrow F.

Next, when the operator inserts the single-cut sheet 6 into the single-cut sheet insertion position 19 and the single-cut sheet insertion detector 21 detects the single-cut sheet (step 104), loading of the single-cut sheet is performed. Is started (step 105). That is, by closing the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 and moving the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 in the direction of arrow D, the single-cut sheet 6 is nipped, and at the same time, the form stopper 18 is moved in the direction of arrow G. Retract from the cut sheet path. Then, the step motor 55, which is the power source of the paper feeding mechanism, is activated, and the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 and the single-cut sheet feed roller 13 start to convey the single-cut sheet 6 in the direction of arrow B. .

The feed amount of the cut sheet paper 6 is the step motor 55.
Since it corresponds to the number of driving steps of, the step motor 55 corresponds to a predetermined amount (the distance from the cut sheet paper insertion position 19 of the cut sheet path to the cut sheet print start position 24 (the sum of 25 and 26)). It is possible to feed the cut sheet 6 to the cut sheet printing start position 24 by rotating it. In this state, the single-cut sheet 6 is held at least by the single-cut sheet feed roller 13. Therefore, the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is opened, the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 is moved in the direction of arrow E, and the form stopper 18 is moved in the direction of arrow F, and the loading is completed (step 106).

Thus, the preparation for printing the cut sheet is completed. After that, printing on the cut sheet 6 is performed by repeating the printing by the print head 1 (53) and the cut sheet feeding by the cut sheet feeding roller 13.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 101 that another command is received, the other command is executed (step 102).

Next, the operation of ejecting cut sheets will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method when the printer mechanism unit according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. When the host device 61 sends a command for "ejecting cut sheets", the command is received, analyzed, and executed in the procedure described above. First, if it is determined in step 111 that the command is a cut sheet paper discharge command, the step motor 55 is activated to start the conveyance of the cut sheet paper 6 in the direction of arrow B, that is, in the discharge direction (step 113). After the cut sheet 6 is moved to a position where it is not detected by the cut sheet insertion detector 21 (step 11
4), the single-cut sheet feeding position 1 from the single-cut sheet insertion position 19
Further send a distance slightly longer than the interval 25 up to 3. As a result, the single-cut sheet 6 is released from being held by the single-cut sheet feed roller 13, so that the operator can remove the single-cut sheet 6 (step 115).

In this example, the paper feed power transmission system switching mechanism 16 is switched to a state in which the roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b are driven so that the roll paper 5 can be printed (step 116).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 111 that a command other than the single-cut sheet ejection is received, the command is executed (step 112).

Next, the operation of reading the magnetic ink characters printed on the check and the endorsement printing operation on the check will be described. FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of a control method from the reading of magnetic ink characters to endorsement printing by controlling the printer mechanism unit according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. is there. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a detailed procedure of the magnetic ink character reading operation (step 126) in FIG. Further, FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of a detailed procedure of the back feed operation (step 137) for re-reading the check in FIG.

First, in step 121, it is determined whether the command transmitted from the host device is a "read magnetic ink character" command, and if it is not a magnetic ink character read command, the command is executed (step 122). .

On the other hand, if the command is a magnetic ink character read command, the MICR function is selected. That is, the paper feed power transmission system switching mechanism 16 is switched to drive the single-cut sheet feed roller 13 and the single-cut sheet loading roller 14, the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is opened, and the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 is indicated by an arrow. E
Direction, the foam stopper 18 is moved in the direction of arrow F, and the MICR function described below is set to the selected state to start waiting for the check insertion (step 12).
3).

MICR is Magnetic Ink C
It is an abbreviation for character Recognition. In this example, the MICR function is a function of reading the magnetic ink characters printed on the check, and when the MICR function is in the selected state, that is, in the magnetic ink character reading mode, the printer of this example is a normal printer. Check processing is performed without printing on single-cut sheets. The reason for selecting such a function is nothing but the fact that the sheet feeding path and the mechanism are used for both printing on the single-cut sheet and the checking process. When the MICR function is in the selected state, the cut-sheet paper 6 is treated as a check that magnetic ink characters are printed. Therefore, hereinafter, the single-cut sheet 6 in the drawing will be referred to as a check 6 until the MICR function is deselected.

In the waiting for the check insertion, if a cancel operation described later is executed before the operator inserts the check 6 (step 124), the waiting for the check insertion is ended, and the status indicating the abnormal reading end is transmitted (step 139). ). Further, the paper feed power transmission system switching mechanism 16 is switched so as to drive the roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b so that the roll paper 5 is printed (step 140), and the MICR function is deselected (step 1).
41).

Here, the cancellation is performed on the basis of a command for instructing the cancellation of the waiting for check insertion transmitted from the host device or a switch operation by the operator.

The operator makes check 6 so that the magnetic ink characters are on the back and right sides, that is, in the same manner as when the above-mentioned endorsement printing is performed, and the right end of the check is the right end of the cut sheet transport path. Insert it into the cut sheet insertion position 19 along the line. When the check is detected by the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 (step 125), the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is closed and the cut sheet paper loading roller 14 is moved in the direction of the arrow D to sandwich the check 6. At the same time, move the foam stopper 18 to the arrow G
In this direction, the magnetic ink is read back from the paper path, and the magnetic ink character reading is started (step 126).

Here, the control method in the magnetic ink character reading (step 127) will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the step motor 55 is activated to drive the single-cut sheet loading roller 14, and the conveyance of the check 6 in the arrow B direction is started (step 151).

Thereafter, until the reading is completed (step 160), the magnetic ink character on the check remagnetized by the magnet 23 built in the path of the cut sheet passes through the magnetic head 22, and the magnetic head 22 keeps this. The change in the magnetic flux generated by is detected, converted into an electric signal, and output (step 152). This output signal is converted into a digital value by the magnetic head control circuit 51 and stored in the read data storage means 70 in the RAM 44.

When it is detected by the output signal of the magnetic head 22 that the magnetic flux has changed (step 153), it is considered that a magnetic ink character has been detected and it is determined that the character waveform has been detected (step 154).

In the magnetic ink character reading, the carry amount of check 6 is the paper feed resolution of the printer mechanism unit 52 and the RAM 4.
Until the maximum readable length determined by the capacity of 4 is reached (step 155) or after the check 6 reaches the cut sheet paper print start position 24 (step 156), immediately before the end of the magnetic head 22 is removed. Until check 6 reaches the cut sheet paper print start position 24 (step 156), or step 15
On the condition that the character waveform has been detected in step 4 (step 158), after the character waveform is no longer detected,
The process is repeated until a predetermined amount is sent (step 159).

In this example, in step 159, the above-mentioned "predetermined amount" is set to three characters when converted into magnetic ink characters. Therefore, if there is no character waveform detection,
When three magnetic ink characters continue, it is determined that the reading is completed, and the reading ending process (step 160) is performed. Since this "predetermined amount" is preferably determined in correspondence with the format of the magnetic ink characters, it may be set or changed by a predetermined command from the host device 61.

When the above reading end condition is satisfied, the conveyance of check 6 is stopped and the reading is ended (step 160).

In the above reading procedure, when the character waveform is not detected (step 161) or when the command for discharging the check has already been received at the end of reading (step 162), the loading roller is opened / closed. With the mechanism 17 opened, the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 is moved in the direction of arrow E and the form stopper 18
Respectively in the direction of arrow F to activate the step motor 55 to send the check 6 in the direction of arrow B. Check 6
Passes the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 and passes the cut sheet paper detector 2
When it is no longer detected by 1, the amount of paper slightly longer than the distance 25 from the single-cut sheet insertion position 19 to the single-cut sheet feed roller 13 is fed. As a result, the check 6 is released from being held by the single-cut sheet feed roller 13, so that the operator can easily remove the check 6 (steps 166 and 169).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 154 that the character waveform has been detected (step 161), the data stored in the read data storage means 70 after the discharge (step 166) is analyzed by the read data analysis means 71, It is recognized and converted into character data (step 167). The recognized character is stored in the recognition result storage means 72 as character data. Since the data analysis and recognition processing in the read data analysis means 71 can be performed by using a known technique in the related art, description thereof will be omitted here.

After the check 6 is discharged, the MICR function end flag is set to end the MICR function in step 128 after returning to the processing shown in FIG. 7 (step 168).

When the character waveform is detected (step 161) and the check discharge command is not received at the end of reading (step 16).
2) Adjust the amount of paper feed performed in the reading process. That is, if the leading edge of the check has been sent beyond the check standby position 27 described later (step 163), it is sent in the direction of arrow C (step 164) and returned to the check standby position 27.

The check standby position 27 in this example is set at a position where it is difficult for the operator to grasp the check 6. This is because the tip of the check 6 is the printer mechanism section 5.
This is because when the printer 2 or the case that stores it is stopped in a state of being largely protruded, for example, the operator may erroneously pull out the check 6 in which the printing process is not completed. Therefore, the check standby position 27 is not limited to the position of this example, and may be a position different from that of this example depending on the structure of the printer mechanism unit and the like.

After the adjustment of the paper feed amount is completed, the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is opened to move the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 in the arrow E direction and the form stopper 18 in the arrow F direction. In this case, since further processing such as re-reading may be performed in the processing of FIG. 7, the MICR function end flag is cleared so that the MICR function is not ended even when returning to the processing of FIG. 7 (step 165). ). Further, in step 165, the total paper feed amount sent from the cut sheet paper insertion position 19 to the current position is set as the “reading step number”, and after the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 detects the absence of paper. The total of the paper feed amounts sent up to the current position is held as the "paper out detection step number".

The subsequent processing will be further described with reference to FIG.
When the MICR function end flag is set in the magnetic ink character reading process (step 126) (step 128), the processing result is transmitted to the host device by the data transmitting means 73 (step 139), and the paper feed power transmission system is switched. The mechanism 16 is set to drive the roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b (step 140), and the MICR
The function ends (step 141). The result transmitted to the host device in step 139 is stored in the recognition result storage means 72 when the recognition is completed after the status information indicating whether the reading is normally completed and the character waveform is detected. It is the character data.

Magnetic ink character reading process (step 1
When the MICR function end flag is cleared in step 26) (step 128), the data stored in the read data storage means 70 is analyzed and recognized by the read data analysis means 71 and converted into character data.
Further, this character data is further stored in the recognition result storage means 72 (step 129). When the recognition process ends,
The recognition result is transmitted to the host device by the data transmitting means 73 (step 130), and the next command reception waiting state is entered. The recognition result transmitted in step 130 is the status information indicating whether or not the reading is normally completed, and the character data stored in the recognition result storage means 72.

After that, a command reception waiting state is prepared in preparation for a retransmission request of the recognition result from the host device.
This state is released when a command other than the command for retransmitting the recognition result is received (step 133).

The commands which can be executed when the MICR function is selected, that is, in the magnetic ink character reading mode are the following five commands. That is, it is a check insertion wait cancel command, a recognition result resend command, a check loading command, a check ejection command, and a magnetic ink character reading command, which will be described later. However, when the number of reading operations in one insertion of the check is limited due to the restriction of the printer mechanism section and the reading is performed by the limited number of times (step 136) and thereafter. The magnetic ink character reading command is not executed, and the discharge of check 6 is executed as in the case where a command other than the above commands is received (step 142). When the number of readings is limited as described above, a status indicating whether or not the subsequent magnetic ink character reading command can be executed is added to the recognition result transmitted after the reading is completed.

Further, the check insertion wait cancel command, the check loading command, and the check ejection command cannot be executed when the MICR function is not in the selected state, and the respective processes are not executed even when received.

When the recognition result resend command is received (step 131), the printer sends the recognition result of the last read to the host device (step 13).
2).

When the check loading command is received (step 134), the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is closed and the cut sheet loading roller 14 is moved in the direction of arrow D to hold the check 6 and form stopper 18 is provided. After moving in the direction of arrow G,
Start the step motor 10 to load single-cut sheets.
The roller 6 sends the check 6 in the direction of arrow C to the cut sheet paper print start position 24 (step 143). The feed amount at this time is determined in step 16 during the reading process shown in FIG.
5 is the difference between the "reading step number" stored in 5 and the known "number of steps up to the cut sheet paper print start position" unique to the printer.

When the loading of the check 6 to the printing start position is completed, the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is opened to move the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 in the arrow E direction and the form stopper 18 in the arrow F direction. . After that, the MICR function is terminated, and the check printing is set in the same manner as the normal cut sheet printing (step 144, step 141).

Whether a command other than the check loading command and the magnetic ink character reading command is received in the command reception waiting state (step 13)
3, step 134, step 135), or if the magnetic ink read command is received more than the predetermined number of times of reading execution (step 136), check 6
Is discharged (step 142). In the discharge process,
First, the step motor 55 is activated to send the check 6 in the direction of arrow B. When the check 6 passes through the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 and is no longer detected by the detector 21, the check sheet 6 is further fed a distance slightly longer than the distance 25 from the cut sheet paper insertion position 19 to the cut sheet paper feed roller 13. As a result, the check 6 is released from the nipping by the single-cut sheet feed roller, so that the operator can easily take out the check 6. After that, the paper feed power transmission system switching mechanism 1
6 is switched to drive the roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b (step 140), and the MICR function is terminated (step 141).

The command not executed at this time is not discarded but executed after the MICR function is completed. For example, if the magnetic ink character reading command is received and the predetermined number of readings has been exceeded, the command is not executed and the discharging process is performed (step 133, step 134, step 135,
Step 136 and step 142), once MICR
After finishing the function (step 140, step 14
1) The magnetic ink character reading command is executed again.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned command reception waiting state, a magnetic ink read command is received (step 1
33, step 134, step 135) and if the number of readings has not reached the predetermined value (step 13
6) In order to perform the reading process again, back feeding is performed (step 137) and check 6 is returned to the cut sheet paper insertion position 19.

Here, the back feed processing in step 137 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14. The back-feed for re-reading is started by moving the single-sheet paper loading roller 14 in the direction of arrow D and the form stopper 18 in the direction of arrow G with the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 closed (step). 171).

If the check 6 has passed the single-cut sheet insertion detector 21 at the end of reading (step 172), a margin of several tens of steps is added to the "number of steps for detecting absence of paper" stored at step 165 at the time of reading. With the upper limit of the feed amount, the step motor 55 is activated to send the check 6 in the direction of arrow C (step 173). At this time, the purpose of adding a margin for several tens of steps is to make a gear clearance (backlash) in the printer mechanism shown in FIG.
Another purpose is to prevent the feed amount from becoming insufficient due to the detection position shift caused by the hysteresis error when the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 performs the check detection. The check 6 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow C until the cut sheet insertion detector 21 detects the check 6 (rear end) (step 174) or the feed amount reaches the upper limit (step 175).

After the above processing is completed, the step motor 55
If the remaining feed amount is 0 step when stopping (step 176) (step 177), the trailing end of check 6 cannot be detected even though the feed amount reaches the upper limit of the feed amount described above. From this, it is judged that some kind of abnormality has occurred, and the processing ends abnormally. That is, loading
With the roller opening / closing mechanism 17 opened, the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 is moved in the direction of arrow E, and the form stopper 18
After moving each in the direction of arrow F (step 19
5) The step motor 55 is activated to start discharging the check 6 in the arrow B direction. When the check 6 passes the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21, the distance from the cut sheet paper insertion position 19 to the cut sheet paper feed roller 13 is slightly longer than the distance 25 (step 196). As a result, the check 6 is released from being held by the single-cut sheet feed roller 13, so that the operator can easily take out the check 6. After the discharge, the flag indicating the failure of the back feed is set (step 198), and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the remaining feed amount is not 0 step (step 177), the "paperless detection step number" is subtracted from the "reading step number" and the result is stored again as the "reading step number". (Step 178). Since the trailing edge of the check 6 has reached the detection position of the cut sheet paper detector 21 by the above processing, if the check sheet 6 is detected by the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 at the time of starting the back feed thereafter. Join the process of.

In this process, when the remaining number of reading steps is 6 mm or more in terms of the paper feed amount (step 179), the step motor 55 is started,
The check is read in the direction of arrow C by the amount obtained by subtracting the number of steps for 6 mm from the number of steps (step 18
0), the number of reading steps is updated to the number of steps for 6 mm (step 181). When the remaining number of reading steps is not more than 6 mm when converted into the paper feed amount (step 179), the processing from step 180 to step 181 is not performed.

The above-mentioned processing speeds up the backfeed processing,
In addition, this is a process for performing surely. That is, since it is necessary to accurately detect the tip of the check 6 to be described later, it is confirmed whether or not the check 6 is detected by the single-cut sheet insertion detector 21 every time one step or several steps are sent. Therefore, the conveyance speed of check 6 in the process cannot be set too high. Therefore, the processing is limited to the case where the leading end of the check 6 is in the vicinity of the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21, and in other cases, the fast feed is performed. In this example, as the threshold value of “near”, “the number of steps for 6 mm in terms of paper feed amount”
Is used.

Next, the process of detecting the leading edge of the check 6 will be described. First, the criterion for determining the leading edge detection is that the check 6 is conveyed for a predetermined length without being detected by the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21. In this example, "value obtained by adding the number of steps for 1 mm to the remaining number of reading steps" is used as the "predetermined length". This is because the remaining number of reading steps corresponds to the length of the portion projecting ahead of the foam stopper 18, so if the check 6 is not detected during the conveyance of a length exceeding the length, the portion concerned. This is because even if there is a hole or a scratch in the check mark, it is extremely unlikely that the check 6 will be detected again thereafter. Of course, the larger the predetermined length is, the more reliable the detection is. However, the processing time is increased, and the possibility that the sheet slips off the cut sheet loading roller also increases. In the case of this example, the distance from the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 to the single-cut sheet insertion detector 21 is about 12 mm, and the check 6 is deviated from the roller when the above predetermined value exceeds this value. There is no.

Next, the maximum carry amount of check 6 in the process is set. In the present example, the above predetermined value is calculated as the carry amount until the leading edge of the check 6 reaches the detection position of the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 and the margin when the slip of the check 6 occurs during the carry. It is a value with a margin of 10 steps. In the configuration of this example, this margin corresponds to a carry amount of about 10 mm.

After setting these values, the step motor 55 is activated to start the conveyance of the check 6 in the direction of arrow C (step 182). Then, the step motor 55
Indicates whether the state in which the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 does not detect check 6 continues for the above-described predetermined amount (step 18).
3) or when the carry amount in check 6 reaches the maximum value (step 184), the process stops (step 185).

At this time, if the remaining feed amount is 0 step (step 186), it is determined that no paper has been detected due to some abnormality, and the form stopper 18 to the cut sheet paper print start position 24 are detected. Check 6 is sent in the direction of arrow B by the number of steps corresponding to the distance (step 187), the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is opened, the sheet paper loading roller 14 is in the direction of arrow E, and the form stopper 18 is in the direction of arrow. Each of them is moved in the F direction (step 195) and discharged (step 196). In the discharging process, the step motor 55
And sends check 6 in the direction of arrow B. When the check 6 deviates from the cut sheet paper insertion detector 21 and detects the absence of paper, the step motor 55 is stopped by feeding a distance slightly longer than the distance 25 from the cut sheet paper insertion position 19 to the cut sheet paper feed roller 13. Since the check 6 is not held by the single-cut sheet feed roller 13, the operator can easily remove the check 6. After the discharging process, the flag is set as back feed failure (step 19).
8) and returns to the process shown in FIG.

Before ejecting the check 6, it is necessary to send the number of steps corresponding to the distance from the form stopper 18 to the cut sheet paper print start position 24 in the direction of the arrow B. There is a possibility that it is not held by the single-cut sheet feed roller 13, and in that case, check 6 is held only by the single-cut sheet loading roller 14, so when the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is opened. This is because the rollers are not pinched by any of the check 6 rollers and cannot be discharged.

When the remaining feed amount is not 0 step (step 186), step 182 to step 18
In the process of 5, the number of steps for continuously detecting the absence of paper and a margin of several tens of steps are added, and the step motor 10 is started with this as the maximum long feed amount (step 188), and check 6 is fed in the direction of arrow B. The step motor stops when the insertion detector detects the presence of paper (step 189) or when the maximum feed amount is fed (step 190) (step 1).
91).

If the remaining feed amount is 0 step when the step motor 10 is stopped (step 19
2) It is determined that the presence of paper cannot be detected due to the occurrence of an abnormality, the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17 is opened, and the cut sheet paper loading roller 14 is moved in the direction of arrow E and the form stopper 18 is moved in the direction of arrow F. (Step 19
7), as backfeed failure (step 198),
Returning to FIG.

Since the check 6 is held only by the single-cut sheet loading roller 14 here, it can be released by opening the loading roller opening / closing mechanism 17. Therefore, the discharging operation is not necessary.

When the remaining feed amount is not 0 step (step 192), the number of steps corresponding to the distance from the cut sheet insertion detector 21 to the form stopper 18 is set to B.
Direction, the flag is set as a successful back feed (step 194), and the process returns to the process of FIG.

In the printer of this embodiment, back feeding for re-reading is performed by the method shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, but the check 6 is sent in the direction of arrow C by the number of steps equal to the number of reading steps. Re-reading is possible by itself. In this case, backfeed failure detection is not performed, and therefore the determination is not necessary.

Even if the leading edge of the check 6 is not sent to the cut sheet paper insertion position 19 in the direction of arrow C, rereading is possible if it is sent to the side closer to the cut sheet paper insertion opening than the magnetic head 22. Is. Further, it is also possible to perform control such that the reading is performed while sending in the direction of arrow C, and when the reading is completed, the reading is sent to the cut sheet paper print start position 24 in the direction of arrow B.

Returning to the processing of FIG. 8, the processing after the back feed processing (step 137) will be described. If it is determined that the backfeed has failed in the backfeed process (step 137) for rereading (step 1
38), the status indicating the abnormal reading end is transmitted (step 139), and the paper feed power transmission system switching mechanism 1 is sent.
6 is switched so as to drive the roll paper feed rollers 9a and 9b, and thereafter, the roll paper 5 is set to be printed (step 140), and the MICR function is terminated (step 14).
1). On the other hand, when it is determined that the back feed has succeeded (step 138), the processing after the magnetic ink character reading (step 127) is executed again.

FIG. 15 shows the MICR in the printer of this example.
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of performing the command which retransmits a recognition result, when the function is not selected. When the printer receives a command for retransmitting the recognition result when the MICR function is not selected (step 201), the printer recognizes the data stored in the recognition result storage unit 72, that is, the last magnetic ink character reading. The result is transmitted to the host device (step 20)
2). As described above, the status information indicating whether or not “the reading has been performed the maximum number of times” is returned at the same time as the recognition result. However, since the status originally has meaning only in the magnetic ink character reading mode, it is not necessary here. The state is set to indicate that the reading has been performed the maximum number of times, that is, re-reading is prohibited. When another command is received, the command is executed (step 203).

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the check processing procedure by the printer of the present invention. In the description of FIG. 16, it is assumed that the POS terminal is used as the host device in FIG.

When the operator receives the check from the customer (step 301), the operator operates the POS terminal to pay the check. The POS terminal is
The process of payment by check is started, and a command for reading is transmitted to the printer of the present invention. The printer receives, analyzes and executes the command, and waits for the check insertion. When the operator inserts the check in the direction for printing the endorsement, the printer reads the magnetic ink characters printed on the check by the procedure shown in FIGS.
It is transmitted to the S terminal (step 302). The POS terminal confirms whether the reading is normally completed based on the transmitted status (step 303). When the reading is normally completed, the transmitted recognition result is confirmed (step 304), and if there is no unrecognized character, it is confirmed whether the check is valid or invalid (step 305).

Whether the check is valid or invalid is determined by referring to a database that stores the number of the invalid check. If it is determined that the check is valid, the PO
The S terminal sends a command to load the check to the cut sheet paper print start position, the printer executes it, and the check is loaded to the cut sheet paper print start position (step 306). From here, the check can be printed in the same way as normal cut sheet paper,
The POS terminal sends the data for endorsement printing and the cut sheet paper discharge command, and the printer receives it, prints it, and discharges the check (step 30).
7).

Next, the POS terminal sends a command to load a cut sheet for printing a front cover. The printer executes the command and waits for the insertion of cut sheets. When the operator inserts the check into the cut sheet paper insertion position in the direction for writing the check, the printer loads the check at the cut sheet paper print start position. When the loading is completed, the POS terminal sends the data for the table writing and the cut sheet paper discharge command, and the printer receives it, prints it, and discharges the check (step 3).
08).

When the check is discharged, the operator passes the check to the customer for signature, and the operator receives it again to complete the payment (step 309).

When the reading is abnormally terminated (step 303), there may be situations such as when the operator inserts the check in the wrong direction, or when the check is clogged and the subsequent processing cannot be performed. The operator operates to determine whether or not rereading is performed (step 310). If there is an unrecognized character (step 304), the POS terminal determines whether or not to reread (step 31).
0).

When it is determined to reread, PO
The S terminal sends a read command. The printer re-reads when the previous reading was completed normally, and waits for check insertion when it was abnormally ended or when the limit number of readings was completed.
The operator reads the document by inserting a check into the cut sheet insertion position (step 302). After reading, the processing from step 302 onward is performed again.

When it is determined that the re-reading is not performed (step 310), the POS terminal sends a command for ejecting the check. The printer executes the command,
The check is discharged (step 311). If the reading ends abnormally, the ejection is completed when the reading ends, but even if the command to eject the check is executed again here, the MICR function is terminated and the command is invalid. , Nothing works, so there is no change in operation.

When the check is ejected, the operator returns the check to the customer and payment is made in another way, such as cash.

In this example, magnetic ink character reading is performed when the check is inserted in the direction for endorsement printing, but both the magnetic head 22 and the magnet 23 in FIG. By arranging the check at a position symmetrical with respect to the center, magnetic ink character reading can be performed when the check is inserted face-up.

[0109]

As described above, according to the present invention, the magnetic ink character reading device is provided on the print sheet path of the printer, the magnetic ink character is read by the printer, and the check that the reading is completed is performed at the print start position. By loading the check, the magnetic ink characters printed on the check can be continuously read and printed on the check, so the number of times the operator performs the check loading operation can be reduced. Can be reduced. This facilitates operator processing and reduces processing time per customer.

Further, from the perspective of the entire system, since the printer and the magnetic ink character reading device are integrated,
It suffices to prepare an area where the printer can be installed as an installation place, and the host device only needs to prepare an interface for the printer. Further, since the processing by the operator is simplified, the instruction of the processing procedure by the display on the display or the like can be simplified, which simplifies the control program.

As a result, it is possible to obtain a printer which is easy to operate, does not require a large installation space, can improve the utilization efficiency of hardware, and can construct a highly reliable system, and a method of controlling the printer. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing the overall configuration of the printer according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a mechanical portion of the printer according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram illustrating the layout of elements on the cut sheet path in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control method when loading a cut sheet by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control method when ejecting cut sheet paper by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method for reading magnetic ink characters by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control method (sequel to FIG. 7) for reading magnetic ink characters by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control method (continuation of FIG. 8) relating to reading of magnetic ink characters by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a flowchart showing a magnetic ink character reading processing step in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a magnetic ink character reading processing step (continuation of FIG. 10) in FIG. 7;

12 is a flowchart showing a backfeed process step for rereading in FIG.

13 is a flowchart showing a backfeed process step (remaining from FIG. 12) for rereading in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a backfeed processing step (sequel to FIG. 13) for rereading in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process of retransmitting a recognition result obtained by reading magnetic ink characters by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a check processing procedure using the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

61 Host device 63 Command analysis means 64 Command execution means 66 printing mechanism 67 Paper feed mechanism 68 Single sheet paper loading mechanism 69 Magnetic ink character reading mechanism 65 Printer mechanism control means 70 read data storage means 72 recognition result storage means 71 Read data analysis means 73 Data transmission means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tsutomu Momose 3-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Seiko Epson Corporation (56) References JP-A-2-248278 (JP, A) JP-A 3-169664 (JP, A) JP 4-319794 (JP, A) JP 5-34792 (JP, A) JP 64-58076 (JP, A) JP 63-80364 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/12 B41J 21/00 G06K 7/08 H04N 1/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A print medium path for guiding a print medium, and a magnetic pattern for detecting a magnetic pattern recorded on the print medium, the magnetic pattern being installed in the print medium path so as to face at least one surface of the print medium. Detection means; a print head capable of printing on at least one of the surfaces of the print medium sent through the print medium path; and the print head and magnetic pattern detection for the print medium in the print medium path. Common conveying means capable of conveying to the means, magnetic pattern detection end detecting means for detecting the end of the detection of the magnetic pattern, and conveyance control means for controlling the conveying means of the print medium to detect the magnetic pattern. A transfer amount storage unit that stores the transfer amount performed by the transfer control unit, and an interface unit that sends and receives data to and from the host device
And the magnetic pattern obtained by the magnetic pattern detecting means.
Information based on the host via the interface means.
Information transmission means for transmitting to the host device, the detection result of the magnetic pattern and the reception from the host device.
Depending on the information received, print processing, print medium ejection processing, magnetic
And a process selection unit that selects a process to be subsequently performed from the air pattern re-detection process , wherein the transfer control unit stores the transfer stored in the transfer amount storage unit after the detection of the magnetic pattern is completed. A printer characterized in that the print medium is conveyed to a predetermined position suitable for the subsequent processing selected by the processing selection means based on the amount. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic pattern detection end detecting means is based on the fact that the magnetic pattern detecting means does not detect the magnetic pattern reaches a predetermined carry amount. A printer characterized by detecting the end of detection. 3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic pattern detection end detecting means detects the end of the magnetic pattern detection by the magnetic pattern detecting means after the print medium is conveyed by a predetermined amount. A printer characterized by starting. 4. The printer of claim 1, wherein the magnetic pattern detection end detection means, a feature that detects the end of the magnetic pattern detected based on the transport of the print medium is performed for a predetermined amount Printer to do. 5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the information sent by the information sending means includes information indicating a state of the printer when the magnetic pattern is detected. 6. The printer according to claim 5 , wherein the information indicating the state of the printer when the magnetic pattern is detected is:
A printer having information indicating whether or not magnetic pattern detection has been normally performed. 7. The printer according to claim 5 , wherein the information indicating the state of the printer when the magnetic pattern is detected is
A printer, which is information indicating whether or not magnetic pattern re-detection can be performed immediately after magnetic pattern detection. 8. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the information received from the host device is a control command for performing a process to be performed subsequently. 9. The printer according to claim 1 , further comprising character conversion means for converting a magnetic pattern output from the magnetic pattern detection means into a corresponding character code, wherein the information sent by the information sending means is A printer including a character code corresponding to the magnetic pattern. 10. A print medium path for guiding a print medium, and a magnetic pattern for detecting a magnetic pattern recorded on the print medium, the magnetic pattern being installed on the print medium path so as to face at least one surface of the print medium. A method of controlling a printer having a detection means and a print head capable of printing on at least one of the surfaces of the print medium sent through the print medium path, the print medium being based on a predetermined control command. A magnetic pattern detection step of conveying the magnetic pattern and detecting the magnetic pattern, an information transmission step of transmitting information based on the magnetic pattern obtained by the magnetic pattern detection step to a host device, and the magnetic pattern detection from the host device. An information receiving step of receiving information on the result, a detection result of the magnetic pattern and the information based on the information from the host device. Print processing, print medium discharge processing, magnetic
A process selection step of selecting a process to be subsequently performed from the pattern re-detection process, and a print medium setting process of transporting the print medium to a predetermined position suitable for the process to be continuously performed after the detection of the magnetic pattern is completed. A method for controlling a printer, comprising: