JP4947024B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus connected to an external terminal, and more particularly to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on a print file written from the external terminal.

  Conventionally, in a printing system to which a printing apparatus and an external terminal are connected, USB (Universal Serial Bus) is widely used as an interface for connecting both. For example, an external terminal (for example, a personal computer) on which an editor, which is a program for creating various edits, is operated as a USB host that controls communication control. On the other hand, a printing apparatus that executes print processing according to an instruction from an external terminal is a USB device that operates according to communication control by a USB host.

  Here, when the external terminal is a personal computer, a general operating system (OS) is equipped with a USB controller for functioning as a USB host as standard. On the other hand, the printing apparatus is also equipped with a USB controller for causing it to function as a USB device, but there are several device classes defined in the communication protocol for USB devices. As long as the USB device functions in any device class defined in the communication protocol, the USB host can normally communicate with the USB device.

A printing system is known in which a personal computer is connected to a printing apparatus corresponding to the USB mass storage class via USB so that the personal computer recognizes the printing apparatus as a storage device. In this printing apparatus, access can be made in file units between a personal computer as a USB host and a printing apparatus as a USB device. Therefore, for example, a file stored in the memory of the printing apparatus can be easily copied to a hard disk of a personal computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-82256 A

  However, in a printing system in which a personal computer is connected to a printing apparatus compatible with the USB mass storage class, the main body of file management is on the personal computer side that functions as a USB host. For this reason, when an edited file created by a PC editor is transferred to the printing apparatus and written to the memory, the printing apparatus functioning as a USB device recognizes whether or not the writing of the file to the memory has been completed. I can't. Then, when the printing device performs the printing process based on the file written to the memory, if the printing process is started at the stage where the file writing to the memory is not completed, a printing error that cannot execute an appropriate printing operation may occur. There is a problem that the printed image is garbled or the image is lost.

  In the printing system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228620, the storage status and storage result of files transferred and stored from the printer to the personal computer can be confirmed not only by the personal computer but also by the printer. This is merely a configuration in which the personal computer on the USB host side, which is the main body of file management, displays the file storage status on the printer on the USB device side. For this reason, in this conventional technique, it is not possible to determine whether or not the writing of the file transferred from the personal computer has been completed by the printer on the USB device side that is not the main body of file management, thus solving the above-described problem. It is not possible.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in a printing apparatus that is recognized as an external storage device by an external terminal, before writing to a storage area of a file transferred from a personal computer is completed, An object is to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the printing process is started based on this file.

In order to solve the above problem, a printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal, a storage unit that stores data received from the external terminal by the communication unit, and As an external storage device that controls writing and reading of data to and from the storage means, and when communication by the communication means is executed, the storage means can be written as a unit of a print file containing a group of print data. Control means for recognizing the external terminal; and writing completion determination means for determining whether writing of the print file to the storage means is completed when writing of the print file is executed by the control means. When the writing completion determining unit determines that the writing of the print file has been completed, it is stored in the storage unit. Printing means for executing printing based on the print data included in the print file, and the writing completion determination means receives a write command for instructing writing of the print file by the communication means. If the process of transmitting a response signal indicating completion of transfer of the print data included in the write command to the external terminal is executed , the communication means calculates the other document. When a predetermined time elapses without receiving an embedded command, it is determined that writing of the print file is completed.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the storage unit identifies the file together with the file stored in the storage unit. Is stored as file information, and the writing completion determining unit searches the file name in the storage unit at a predetermined timing and finds a file name indicating the print file, It is determined that writing of the print file is completed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the storage means includes a file stored in the storage means and data of the file. The file size indicating the amount is stored as file information, and the writing completion determining unit searches the file size in the storage unit at a predetermined timing and indicates a predetermined data amount predetermined as the unit. When the file size is found, it is determined that writing of the print file is completed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, when the control unit receives the print file by the communication unit, a and writes the print file in a predetermined area in said storage means, said write completion determination means, when data is written with respect to the head position of a predetermined region in the storage means, oN a specific flag set, when the response signal to the external terminal from the printing device is transmitted, and sets the previous SL specific flag to OFF, counting from the time when the specific flag is set to OFF, the predetermined time It is characterized by judging whether it passed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second or third aspect of the invention, the storage means stores a first area for storing the file and the file information. And the write completion judging means searches the storage means when the file information is written to the second area as the predetermined timing. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the communication means communicates with the external terminal via a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The control unit uses a mass storage class driver as a USB device driver, thereby causing the external terminal to recognize the storage unit as the external storage device.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the storage means further stores an execution file of a program, and the control means Is characterized in that the execution of the program is enabled in the external terminal by transmitting the executable file to the external terminal by the communication means.

According to the printing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, when a print file is written from an external terminal that recognizes the printing apparatus as an external storage device, it is determined whether or not the writing of the print file to the storage unit is completed. Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the writing of the print file is completed on the printing apparatus side which is not the main body of file management. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the printing operation from being started while the print file is being written, and to suppress a printing error in which an appropriate printing operation cannot be executed, a garbled character in the printed image, an image loss, or the like.
Further, when a predetermined time elapses without receiving another write command from the time when the process of transmitting the response signal indicating that the transfer of the print data included in the write command is completed to the external terminal is executed , the memory is stored. It is determined that the writing of the print file to the means is completed. In other words, the print device may receive a plurality of write commands for one print file, so another write command is received before a predetermined time elapses from the completion of transfer of the print data included in the write command. Otherwise, it is considered that the file writing has been completed without receiving any further write command for this print file. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately specify whether or not the writing of the print file is completed on the side of the printing apparatus that is not the main body of file management, based on the write command transmitted from the external terminal.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, when the storage unit is searched at a predetermined timing to find a file name indicating the print file, it is determined that the writing of the print file to the storage unit is completed. That is, when the writing of the print file to the storage means is completed, the file name indicating this print file is stored in the file information stored in the storage means. Therefore, when file information is searched at a predetermined timing and a file name indicating a print file is found, it is considered that the file writing is completed. As a result, it is possible to accurately specify whether or not the writing of the print file is completed on the side of the printing apparatus that is not the main body of file management only by simple control of searching for the file name.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the storage unit is searched at a predetermined timing and a file size indicating the prescribed data amount is found, it is determined that the writing of the print file to the storage unit is completed. That is, when the writing of the print file to the storage unit is completed, the file size of the specified data amount that the print file has is stored in the file information stored in the storage unit. Therefore, when file information is searched at a predetermined timing and a file size of a prescribed data amount is found, it is considered that the file writing is completed. As a result, it is possible to accurately specify whether or not the writing of the print file is completed on the side of the printing apparatus that is not the main body of file management, only by simple control of searching for the file size.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when data is written to the start position of the predetermined area in which the print file is written, the specific flag is set to ON and a response signal is transmitted to the external terminal. Then, the specific flag is set to OFF, and the elapsed time is counted from the time when the specific flag is set to OFF. As a result, the printing device side that is not the file management entity can accurately grasp the start of transfer of the print file and the completion of transfer of the print data, and can prevent a problem of starting counting elapsed time at an incorrect timing. In particular, by counting the elapsed time from the point at which the print data has been transferred based on the latest write command (that is, writing to the latest predetermined area), multiple write commands can be executed for one print file. Even when it is received, the completion of the file writing can be accurately specified.

  According to the printing apparatus of the invention of claim 5, the printing apparatus has a first area for storing a file and a second area for storing file information, and the file information is stored in the second area at a predetermined timing. When there is a write, the storage means is searched. According to this, when the file information is written in the second area, it is highly likely that the print file has been written in the first area. Therefore, the file is triggered when the second area is accessed. By searching for information, it is possible to suppress unnecessary file searches and speed up processing.

  According to the printing apparatus of the invention of claim 6, the printing apparatus and the external terminal are connected using the USB that is a general-purpose interface. Further, the printing apparatus uses a mass storage class driver to allow a general-purpose PC as an external terminal to recognize the printing apparatus as an external storage device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved and the present invention can be easily realized without requiring troublesome setting work by the user.

  In the printing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the execution file of the program is further stored in the storage means, the program can be started up and operated from an external terminal. This eliminates the need to install a program in the external terminal in advance, so that the convenience of use for the user is improved when editing a print file.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a printing apparatus embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used for explaining the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the configuration of the apparatus described, the flowcharts of various processes, etc., unless otherwise specified. It is not intended to be limited to that, but merely an illustrative example.

  In the present embodiment, a single file created by an editing program (for example, an editor) for use in printing processing in a printing apparatus is referred to as a “print file”, and a plurality of data included in the print file. Will be referred to as “print data”, and both will be described in terms of words. The “print data” is assumed to be data of the minimum unit necessary for the printing process in the printing apparatus.

  First, the printing system 1 to which the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20 of the present invention are connected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a printing system 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 has a configuration in which a printing apparatus 10 and a personal computer 20 are connected via a USB cable 11. The printing apparatus 10 is a so-called label printer that performs printing on a printing tape. The personal computer 20 is a desktop computer including a main body 22, a display 21, a keyboard 23, a mouse 24, and the like. The personal computer 20 is positioned as a USB host of the printing system 1 that instructs the printing apparatus 10 to execute printing processing.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 10 stores a CPU 31 that controls the entire apparatus, a control program, and the like, can be rewritten, and stores temporary data that is generated when the CPU 31 executes the control program. SRAM 33 that is a volatile storage element, FlashROM 34 that is a nonvolatile storage element that does not lose data even when the power is turned off, and EEPROM 35 that is a nonvolatile storage element in which parameter information, history information, and the like of the printing apparatus 10 are stored. It has. The CPU 31 is connected via a bus so that the information stored in the SRAM 33, the Flash ROM 34, and the EEPROM 35 can be referred to by the CPU 31.

  The printing apparatus 10 includes an input / output interface 36. The input / output interface 36 is inserted between the CPU 31 and various devices (operation keys 37, a display controller (LCDC) 38, a drive circuit 43, a drive circuit 44, and a USB controller 42) connected to the CPU 31. By performing voltage conversion processing between input and output signals, impedance conversion processing, timing adjustment processing, and the like, signals output from the CPU 31 to various devices can be recognized by various devices, and the CPU 31 from various devices. Can be recognized by the CPU 31.

  In addition, the printing apparatus 10 includes an operation key 37. The operation key 37 is provided to cause various desired operations to the printing apparatus 10 by a user operation. The operation key 37 and the input / output interface 36 are electrically connected so that the CPU 31 can recognize the operation content when the operation key 37 is operated by the user.

  The printing apparatus 10 includes a display controller (hereinafter referred to as “LCDC38”) and a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as “LCD39”). The LCDC 38 includes a display RAM (not shown) that stores display data, and is electrically connected to the LCD 39 in order to control the LCD 39 and display the display data. The LCDC 38 is electrically connected to the input / output interface 36 so as to be controllable by the CPU 31.

  The printing apparatus 10 includes a thermal head 40 and a drive circuit 43 that can control the thermal head 40. The thermal head 40 is a device capable of transferring ink to a printing tape by applying heat to an ink ribbon (not shown). The drive circuit 43 is electrically connected to the thermal head 40 so that the thermal head 40 can be controlled and printed on the print tape. The drive circuit 43 is electrically connected to the input / output interface 36 so that it can be controlled by the CPU 31.

  The printing apparatus 10 also includes a tape feed roller 41 and a drive circuit 44 that can control the tape feed roller 41. The tape feeding roller 41 is provided for feeding the printing tape during ink transfer by the thermal head 40. The drive circuit 44 is electrically connected to the tape feed roller 41 so that the print head can be fed by controlling the tape feed roller 41 during printing on the print tape by the thermal head 40. The drive circuit 44 is electrically connected to the input / output interface 36 so that it can be controlled by the CPU 31.

  The printing apparatus 10 includes a USB controller 42. The USB controller 42 is a controller device for performing voltage conversion processing and impedance conversion processing so as to be able to communicate with the personal computer 20 while being connected to the personal computer 20 via the USB cable 11. The signal received from the personal computer 20 via the USB cable 11 can be recognized by the CPU 31 or the signal transmitted by the CPU 31 can be transmitted to the personal computer 20 via the USB cable 11. As described above, the USB controller 42 and the input / output interface 36 are electrically connected.

  Next, the storage areas of the flash ROM 34 and the SRAM 33 that are storage elements included in the printing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a storage area of the FlashROM 34. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a storage area of the SRAM 33.

  The storage area of the FlashROM 34 will be described with reference to FIG. A control program area 51 is provided in the Flash ROM 34. The control program area 51 stores a control program that is driven when the CPU 31 controls various devices to execute processing. The control program is read from the CPU 31 when the CPU 31 executes various processes. Further, the control program area 51 is provided with an application program area 52, a USB device driver area 53, and other areas.

  In the application program area 52, among the control programs executed by the CPU 31, a high-level control program (file operation (writing, reading, etc.), determination based on file contents, instructions to various driver programs, etc.) is stored. Yes. Such a higher-level control program includes a main program that controls the overall operation of the printing apparatus 10.

  The USB device driver area 53 stores a USB device driver 57 that executes protocol control for communication via the USB cable 11. Specifically, a printer class driver 58 and a mass storage class driver 59 are stored as the USB device driver 57. When the printing apparatus 10 communicates with the personal computer 20 via the USB cable 11, one of the USB device drivers 57 is read from the CPU 31 and used as necessary.

  When the printer class driver 58 is used as the USB device driver 57 by the CPU 31, the printing apparatus 10 is recognized as a printing device by the personal computer 20. As a result, as in the conventional method of using a general printing apparatus, printing data can be printed on the printing tape by the printing apparatus 10 by transmitting print data from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10. . Hereinafter, a driving state that is recognized as a printing device is referred to as a “printing device state”.

  When the mass storage class driver 59 is used as the USB device driver 57 by the CPU 31, the printing apparatus 10 is recognized as a storage device by the personal computer 20. As a result, specific storage areas (disc area 90 and disk area 101 described later) in the printing apparatus 10 can be used as storage areas of the personal computer 20. Hereinafter, a drive state that is recognized as a storage device is referred to as a “storage device state”.

  Further, the flash ROM 34 is provided with a disk area 90. The disk area 90 is set to be usable as a storage area of the personal computer 20 in a state where the printing apparatus 10 is recognized as a storage device by the personal computer 20. In the present embodiment, FAT (File Allocation Tables) is adopted as a file system for managing files and directories on the disk area 90. Therefore, the disk area 90 is provided with an MBR area 91, a BPB area 92, a FAT area 93, an RDE area 94, and a DATA area 95.

  An MBR (Master Boot Record) area 91 stores the file system type (FAT 12 in this embodiment) of each partition in the disk area 90 and the head sector of the BPB area 92.

  In the BPB (BIOS Parameter Block) area 92, as the FAT configuration information, the number of bytes of one sector (512 bytes in this embodiment) which is the minimum recording unit (physical format) and one cluster which is the actual file read / write unit The physical attribute such as the number of sectors (1 sector in the present embodiment) is stored.

  The FAT area 93 is a table for managing the arrangement of a plurality of data distributed in the DATA area 95 (that is, the data position (cluster) of the file), and the next cluster information for each sector constituting the FAT. Are recorded to indicate a continuous data area. Note that the FAT area 93 includes two FATs having the same contents, and reliability is improved by duplicating the FAT.

  In an RDE (Root Directory Entry) area 94, file information data (file name, initial cluster position, update date, file size, etc.) that is attribute information of a file stored in the disk area 90 is stored. Note that the size of the file information data stored in the RDE area 94 is 32 bytes per file.

  The DATA area 95 is an area where actual data of various files is stored in cluster units. In the present embodiment, an editing program execution file area 96, a status file area 97, a print file area 98, and a blank file area 99 are provided in the DATA area 95. The editing program execution file area 96 is an area for storing an execution file of a program for editing a print file (hereinafter referred to as an editing program execution file). The status file area 97 is an area for storing a status file including various data indicating the status relating to the printing apparatus 10 (for example, model code, country code, error information, media information, etc.). The print file area 98 is an area for storing a print file including a group of print data and print start command data. However, the status file and the print file stored in the status file area 97 and the print file area 98 of the flash ROM 34 are copied to the SRAM 33 and stored in the status file area 105 and the print file area 106 (see FIG. 4) as will be described later. It is a dummy file for securing the area.

  In the DATA area 95, areas other than the file areas 96, 97, and 98 are blank file areas in which blank files composed of meaningless data strings (for example, 0) are stored without gaps. For this reason, the file system recognizes that there is no free area in the DATA area 95 that can store other files.

  Next, the storage area of the SRAM 33 will be described with reference to FIG. The SRAM 33 is provided with a disk area 101 and a local area 107. The disk area 101 is an area for temporarily storing various data read from the flash ROM 34. The local area 107 is an area for storing information necessary when various processes are executed by the CPU 31.

  The disk area 101 has a FAT area 102, an RDE area 103, and a DATA area 104. Here, when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on, the CPU 31 expands a part of the file system in the SRAM 33 in an initialization process (see S11 in FIG. 7) described later. At this time, the FAT area 93, the RDE area 94, and the DATA area 95 of the FlashROM 34 are copied to form the FAT area 102, the RDE area 103, and the DATA area 104 of the SRAM 33. In the DATA area 104 of the SRAM 33, the status file area 97 and the print file area 98 are copied from the DATA area 95 of the FlashROM 34, and the status file area 105 and the print file area 106 are formed.

  In other words, when the power of the printing apparatus 10 is operated to be in an ON state, a minimum area required for a part of the SRAM 33 to operate as a USB mass storage in the disk area 90 of the Flash ROM 34 (that is, the FAT area 93). , RDE area 94, status file area 97, and print file area 98) are expanded as the disk area 101 of the SRAM 33. As a result, the disk area 101 of the SRAM 33 is set so that it can be used as a storage area of the personal computer 20 in a state where the printing apparatus 10 is recognized as a storage device by the personal computer 20, similarly to the disk area 90.

  As a result, in the printing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the disk area 101 of the SRAM 33 operates as a USB mass storage instead of the disk area 90 of the FlashROM 34. The disk area 90 of the flash ROM 34 is dedicated to data reading, and data reading / writing actually occurs only in the disk area 101 of the SRAM 33.

  Here, the management entity of the file system of the USB mass storage (that is, each of the disk areas 90 and 101) is the USB host (that is, the personal computer 20). In the present embodiment, the flash ROM 34 and the SRAM 33 that are physically separated by the control of the firmware stored in the control program area 51 are recognized as a continuous memory space on the personal computer 20 side. In addition, when accessing the file system on the personal computer 20 side, data operations are performed on the disk area 101 (specifically, the FAT area 102, the RDE area 103, the status file area 105, and the print file area 106) of the SRAM 33.

  In this way, the reason why only the minimum necessary area for USB mass storage is expanded from the FlashROM 34 to the SRAM 33 and the file operation is performed on the SRAM 33 is that the SRAM has no limit on the number of times of writing unlike the FlashROM, and This is because SRAM has a faster write time than FlashROM. Further, since only the minimum area necessary for USB mass storage is expanded in the SRAM 33, the data capacity of the SRAM 33 can be smaller than copying the entire FAT structure, and the product cost of the printing apparatus 10 can be suppressed. . In the present embodiment, the data capacity of the FlashROM 34 is 4 megabytes, whereas the data capacity of the SRAM 33 is 128 kilobytes.

  On the other hand, the local area 107 of the SRAM 33 includes a print buffer area 108, a flag area 109, a ring buffer area 110, a reception buffer area 111, and the like. The print buffer area 108 is an area for temporarily storing print data used when printing on the print tape. The flag area 109 is an area for storing various flag information. The ring buffer area 110 is an area for storing various data received from the personal computer 20 when the printing apparatus 10 is recognized as a printing device by the personal computer 20. The reception buffer area 111 is an area for storing various data received from the personal computer 20 in a state where the printing apparatus 10 is recognized as a storage device by the personal computer 20.

  By the way, in this embodiment, FAT is adopted as a file system for managing the memory (SRAM 33 and Flash ROM 34) of the printing apparatus 10, and therefore, the number of bytes in one sector, the number of sectors in one cluster, and the like are defined. In addition, the storage capacity (sector size) and storage position (cluster position) of each of the storage areas 90 to 99 and 101 to 106 are defined in advance. Further, only one fixed-length print file is stored in the print file areas 98 and 106.

  With such a data structure, when a file operation is performed in the print file area 106 in the SRAM 33, the data write position or data read position of the print file is always the same (that is, the first sector of the specific cluster). Similarly, only one status file is stored in the status file area 105, and the data writing position or data reading position of the status file is always the same. In this embodiment, the status file is 512 bytes (1 sector) of fixed length data per file, and the print file is 32 kilobytes (40 sectors) of fixed length data per file.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, a print file created by using the editing program execution file in the personal computer 20 is always created with a prescribed file size (32 kilobytes). Even if the print image data created by the user operation is smaller than 32 kilobytes, the editing program execution file includes dummy data (for example, 0) in the remaining area, so that the file size of the entire file is 32 kilobytes. Create a print file that Thus, even if a print file is written in the print file area 106 of the SRAM 33, the CPU 31 can overwrite the print file without changing the storage area of the print file area 106.

  Next, the flow of data in the printing apparatus 10 when the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 10 communicates with the personal computer 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an internal block diagram illustrating a flow of data transmitted and received between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the flash ROM 34 has an application program 54 (for example, a main program) and a USB device driver 57 (here, a printer class driver 58 and a mass storage class driver 59) as control programs, as described above. I have. The USB device driver 57 is a program that is read and used in advance by the CPU 31 when the USB controller 42 is actually controlled to execute communication with the personal computer 20 via the USB cable 11.

  When the CPU 31 selects the mass storage class driver 59 as the USB device driver 57, the personal computer 20 recognizes the printing apparatus 10 as a storage device. As a result, the disk areas 90 and 101 can be used as storage areas of the personal computer 20 in a state where the personal computer 20 is connected to the printing apparatus 10 via the USB cable 11. When the CPU 31 selects the printer class driver 58 as the USB device driver 57, the personal computer 20 recognizes the printing apparatus 10 as a printing device. As a result, when the personal computer 20 is connected to the printing apparatus 10 via the USB cable 11, the print data is transferred from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10 and a printing instruction is issued, thereby executing a printing process on the printing apparatus 10. It becomes a state that can be made to.

  Next, the USB controller 42 will be described. The USB controller 42 transmits / receives a packet via the USB cable 11 using an end point (EP). An EP is a transmission / reception buffer having a FIFO structure. When data is stored in a transmission EP (EP1 with a buffer size of 64 bytes) allocated for transmission, the USB controller 42 can packetize the stored data and transmit it to the USB cable 11. . On the other hand, when the USB controller 42 receives a packet via the USB cable 11, the data in the packet is stored in a reception EP (EP2 with a buffer size of 64 bytes) allocated for reception. Therefore, the CPU 31 can transmit packets to the personal computer 20 by storing transmission data in the transmission EP. Further, the CPU 31 can recognize the packet from the personal computer 20 by reading the data stored in the reception EP.

  Next, the operation of the USB controller 42 during packet communication will be outlined. Between the USB controller 42 and the CPU 31, at least a bulk IN transfer request line 62 and a bulk OUT transfer request line 63 are provided as control signals for notifying the CPU 31 of the state of the USB controller 42. Here, when data is stored in the transmission EP, the USB controller 42 displaces the potential of the bulk IN transfer request line 62. When the CPU 31 detects that the potential of the bulk IN transfer request line 62 has been displaced, the CPU 31 determines that the USB controller 42 is ready to transmit a packet to the personal computer 20. Then, the CPU 31 controls the USB controller 42 at a timing at which a packet can be transmitted to the personal computer 20, packetizes the data stored in the transmission EP, and transmits the packet to the personal computer 20.

  On the other hand, when data is stored in the reception EP, the USB controller 42 displaces the potential of the bulk OUT transfer request line 63. Since the data of the packet received by the USB controller 42 via the USB cable 11 is automatically stored in the reception EP, the CPU 31 detects that the potential of the bulk OUT transfer request line 63 has been displaced, It is determined that the controller 42 has received a packet from the personal computer 20. Then, the CPU 31 controls the USB controller 42 to read out data stored in the reception EP and store it in the SRAM 33.

  By executing the processing outlined above, the CPU 31 executes packet transmission processing to the personal computer 20 and packet reception processing from the personal computer 20 in a state connected via the USB cable 11.

  Next, a communication sequence executed between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication sequence between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 6, first, the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20 are connected via the USB cable 11 (81). In this state, since the power switch of the printing apparatus 10 is not in the ON state, the personal computer 20 cannot recognize the printing apparatus 10 and no communication is performed between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20.

  Next, the power switch of the printing apparatus 10 is turned on (70). In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 selects and reads the mass storage class driver 59 as the USB device driver 57 immediately after the power switch is turned on. As a result, the printing apparatus 10 enters a state recognized as a storage device by the personal computer 20, that is, a “storage device state”. Also, the printing apparatus 10 pulls up the D + signal on the signal line of the USB cable 11 at the same time when the power switch is turned on. When the pull-up state of the D + signal is detected by the personal computer 20, the personal computer 20 determines that the printing apparatus 10 is connected via the USB cable 11.

  If it is determined that the printing apparatus 10 is connected by the personal computer 20, then plug and play communication (PnP communication) is executed between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20 (82). In PnP communication, packet communication is performed for the personal computer 20 functioning as a USB host to grasp the driving state of the printing apparatus 10 functioning as a target USB device. In this case, the control EP (EP0 having a buffer size of 8 bytes) assigned for control transfer by the USB controller 42 is used, and packet transmission / reception is executed. By the PnP communication, in the personal computer 20, the drive state of the connected printing apparatus 10 is “storage device state”, and the disk areas 90 and 101 of the SRAM 33 and FlashROM 34 can be used as storage areas of the personal computer 20. Recognize that.

  After the end of the PnP communication (82), each time a file in each disk area 90, 101 is referred to by the personal computer 20, a packet including the referenced data is transferred from the printing apparatus 10 to the personal computer 20 ( 83). When a file is stored in each of the disk areas 90 and 101 by the personal computer 20, a packet including data constituting the stored file is transferred from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10 (84).

  Here, a specific example in which the personal computer 20 causes the printing apparatus 10 to execute print processing when the printing apparatus 10 is in the “storage device state” will be described with reference to FIG. 6. First, the editing program execution file stored in the disk area 90 of the Flash ROM 34 is selected by the user operating the personal computer 20. Then, the editing program execution file is transferred from the printing apparatus 10 to the personal computer 20 (83). Then, the transferred editing program execution file is stored in a storage area (not shown) of the personal computer 20. As a result, the user of the personal computer 20 can use the editing program execution file, and the user creates an arbitrary print file using the editing program execution file.

  When the creation of the print file is completed, the user instructs to save the print file created on the personal computer 20 in the memory of the printing apparatus 10. Then, this print file is transferred from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10 (84) and written in the print file area 106 of the SRAM 33. Then, the printing apparatus 10 executes print processing based on each data included in the print file stored in the print file area 106.

  Next, a case where the driving state of the printing apparatus 10 is switched will be described. In the state where the printing apparatus 10 is driven in the “storage device state”, an instruction to switch the driving state of the printing apparatus 10 by the operation of the operation key 37 by the user or the operation of the keyboard 23 or the mouse 24 of the personal computer 20 Is input (71). Then, the personal computer 20 transmits drive state information, which is information for switching the drive state, to the printing apparatus 10 (85).

  Upon receiving the driving state information, the printing apparatus 10 switches the USB device driver 57 used by the CPU 31 from the mass storage class driver 59 to the printer class driver 58, and performs USB disconnection / reconnection processing (86). That is, first, in order to cancel the connection state with the personal computer 20, the pull-up state of the D + signal in the signal line of the USB cable 11 is cleared to enter the high impedance state. When the personal computer 20 detects clearing of the pull-up state of the D + signal, the personal computer 20 determines that the connection state with the printing apparatus 10 has been released.

  Then, the printing apparatus 10 selects and reads the printer class driver 58 as the USB device driver 57. As a result, the printing apparatus 10 enters a state recognized by the personal computer 20 as a printing device, that is, a “printing device state”. Then, the D + signal in the signal line of the USB cable 11 is again pulled up. When the pull-up state of the D + signal is detected by the personal computer 20, the personal computer 20 determines that the printing apparatus 10 has been reconnected via the USB cable 11.

  If it is detected by the personal computer 20 that the printing device is reconnected, then PnP communication is executed between the printing device 10 and the personal computer 20 (87). In PnP communication, similar to PnP communication (82) when the power switch is turned on, the personal computer 20 functioning as a USB host executes packet communication for grasping the driving state of the printing apparatus 10 functioning as a target USB device. Is done. Then, the personal computer 20 recognizes that the drive state is “printing device state” and that the print processing to the print tape can be executed by transferring the print data.

  After the PnP communication (87) is completed, every time print data is transmitted from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10 to execute print processing, a packet including the print data is transferred from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10. (88).

  Here, a specific example in which the personal computer 20 causes the printing apparatus 10 to execute print processing when the printing apparatus 10 is in the “printing device state” will be described with reference to FIG. 6. First, print data creation processing is executed by the personal computer 20. Here, an editing program installed in the personal computer 20 in advance is operated by the user, and print data creation work is executed.

  When the creation of the print data by the user is completed, the created print data is stored in a storage area (not shown) of the personal computer 20. When a print instruction for print data is issued from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10 in response to a user operation, the print data is transferred from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10. Further, print start command data for causing the printing apparatus 10 to start printing processing is transferred from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10. In the printing apparatus 10, based on the print data transferred from the personal computer 20, print processing is executed in accordance with an instruction by the print start command data.

  Next, processing executed by the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the main process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the mode switching process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the printer process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the mass storage process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the bulk reception process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the sector information acquisition process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of command processing. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the printing operation control process.

  First, the main process of the printing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The main process shown in FIG. 7 is a process that the CPU 31 activates and starts the main program described above when the power switch of the printing apparatus 10 is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the main process of the printing apparatus 10, first, the CPU 31 executes an initialization process (S11). In the initialization process, the drive circuit 43, the drive circuit 44, and the USB controller 42 are initialized so that the printing process by the printing apparatus 10 can be executed. The CPU 31 initializes the drive circuit 43 and the drive circuit 44 based on a predetermined initialization condition (for example, device reset or initialization setting). As a result, the thermal head 40 and the tape feed roller 41 are driven so that the print tape can be printed. Further, the CPU 31 expands a part of the file system from the flash ROM 34 to the SRAM 33 as described above.

  Further, the CPU 31 initializes the USB controller 42 (for example, device reset or initialization setting) based on a predetermined initialization condition. As a result, the USB controller 42 can be used. In this state, the CPU 31 does not select and read the USB device driver 57.

  Next, the CPU 31 executes a mode switching process (S13). In the mode switching process, the reconnection process with the personal computer 20 is executed based on the content of the drive state setting operation executed by operating the operation key 37. The printing apparatus 10 can arbitrarily set a driving state (storage device state or printing device state) by a user operation on the operation key 37. The CPU 31 determines the driving state set by the user and executes processing necessary for driving in the set driving state. The drive state setting method for the printing apparatus 10 is not limited to the input operation from the operation key 37 as described above, and the drive state may be set by another method (for example, the personal computer 20). To set the driving state from).

  Details of the mode switching process (S13) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the mode switching process, first, the CPU 31 detects the driving state set by the user via the operation key 37 (S33). Then, it is determined whether the drive state set by the user is “storage device state” or “printing device state”. Further, the CPU 31 determines the current driving state (S33). Information on the current driving state is set in a driving state flag stored in the flag area 109 of the SRAM 33. The CPU 31 reads this driving state flag and determines the current driving state.

  Then, the CPU 31 compares the current driving state with the driving state set by the user (S35). Immediately after the power switch is turned on, the drive state flag is in a “no setting” state, and therefore, in this determination, it is always determined that a different drive state is set by the user.

  If the current driving state and the driving state set by the user are the same (S35: NO), the printing apparatus 10 is already driven in the driving state set by the user, and the USB device driver 57 is There is no need to read and change a new one. Therefore, the mode switching process is terminated without performing any special process, and the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, when the current driving state is different from the driving state set by the user (S35: YES), it is necessary to change the driving state by changing the USB device driver 57 used by the CPU 31. Therefore, after storing the driving state information in the driving state flag of the flag area 109 of the SRAM 33, the CPU 31 first cancels the pull-up setting of the D + signal as the USB disconnection / reconnection process described above, and then starts a new one. The pull-up setting of the D + signal is made valid while the USB device driver 57 is in operation.

  By executing the processing described above, USB disconnection / reconnection processing is executed (S37). As a result, the personal computer 20 recognizes that it is in a state of being reconnected to the printing apparatus 10 via the USB cable 11. Next, communication (PnP) for recognizing the driving state of the printing apparatus 10 and enabling communication. Communication) is executed.

  That is, if the driving state of the printing apparatus 10 is “printing device state” (S41: YES), the CPU 31 operates the printer class driver 58 as the USB device driver 57 and executes PnP communication (S43). As a result, the personal computer 20 functioning as a USB host recognizes the target printing apparatus 10 as a USB printing device, and communication between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20 is performed in accordance with a communication protocol conforming to the printer class.

  On the other hand, if the drive state of the printing apparatus 10 is “storage device state” (S41: NO), the CPU 31 operates the mass storage class driver 59 as the USB device driver 57 and executes PnP communication (S45). As a result, the personal computer 20 functioning as a USB host recognizes the target printing apparatus 10 as a USB storage device, and communication is performed between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20 according to a communication protocol conforming to the mass storage class. .

  Returning to the main process of FIG. 7, when the driving state of the printing apparatus 10 is determined in the mode switching process of S13 (see FIG. 8), the CPU 31 monitors the state of the power switch (S15). If it is detected that the user has operated the power switch to the OFF state (S15: YES), post-processing is performed in the OFF processing (S17), and then the main processing is terminated.

  If the user has not operated the power switch to the OFF state (S15: NO), the CPU 31 refers to the driving state flag of the SRAM 33 to determine the existing driving state (S19). If the drive state determined in S19 is “printing device state” (S19: YES), the CPU 31 executes printer processing (S21) which is communication processing with the personal computer 20 in “printing device state”. To do. On the other hand, when the drive state determined in S19 is “storage device state” (S19: NO), the CPU 31 performs mass storage processing (S23) which is communication processing with the personal computer 20 in “storage device state”. Execute.

  Here, the details of the printer process (S21) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, in the printer process, first, the CPU 31 monitors the state of the bulk OUT transfer request line 63 from the USB controller 42 to determine whether or not there is a bulk OUT transfer request (S51). When the displacement of the potential in the bulk OUT transfer request line 63 is detected (S51: YES), the CPU 31 determines that the USB controller 42 has received a packet from the personal computer 20, and reads the packet data stored in the reception EP. Then, ring buffer processing for storing the received data read from the packet in the ring buffer area 110 of the SRAM 33 is performed (S57). Thereafter, the printer process is terminated and the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, when the potential of the bulk OUT transfer request line 63 is not displaced (S51: NO), the CPU 31 determines that the USB controller 42 has not received a packet. Next, the CPU 31 monitors the state of the bulk IN transfer request line 62 from the USB controller 42, and determines whether there is a bulk IN transfer request (S53). When the displacement of the potential in the bulk IN transfer request line 62 is detected (S53: YES), the CPU 31 performs a status buffer process for transmitting status data including error information during printing to the personal computer 20 (S55).

  In the status buffer process of S55, the CPU 31 extracts the status data from the status buffer (not shown) provided in the SRAM 33 and stores it in the transmission EP of the USB controller. Then, the USB controller 42 is controlled so that the status data stored in the transmission EP is packetized and transmitted to the personal computer 20. Thereafter, the printer process is terminated and the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 7). If no bulk IN transfer request is detected (S53: NO), the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 7).

  Next, the details of the mass storage process (S23) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the mass storage process, first, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a bulk OUT transfer request has been made in the same manner as S51 described above (S61). When it is determined that there is a bulk OUT transfer request (S61: YES), the CPU 31 determines that the USB controller 42 has received a packet from the personal computer 20, and the packet data stored in the reception EP is received by the reception buffer of the SRAM 33. Data is read into the area 111 and bulk reception processing is performed (S63). The bulk reception process is a process for receiving data sent out by the USB host (here, the personal computer 20), and includes a command transport process for receiving various commands and a data transport process for receiving actual data of a file. Including.

  Here, the details of the bulk reception process (S63) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, in the bulk reception process, first, the CPU 31 analyzes the received data stored in the reception buffer area 111 and receives a print file write request command (Write command) from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10. Whether or not (S81). If it is determined that the Write command has been received (S81: YES), it is determined whether or not the predetermined file area of the SRAM 33 has been rewritten (S83). The “predetermined file area” is the print file area 106 of the SRAM 33 (more specifically, the first sector of the print file area 106).

  If it is determined that the predetermined file area has been rewritten (S83: YES), the CPU 31 sets the write trigger flag stored in the flag area 109 of the SRAM 33 to ON (S85). The CPU 31 further reads out the packet data stored in the reception EP into the reception buffer area 111 of the SRAM 33 and receives the actual data (sector data) of the Write command to be written in each sector of the print file area 106. Data reception processing is performed (S87). The CPU 31 sequentially writes each sector data stored in the reception buffer area 111 to each sector in the print file area 106 as a print file. Even when the predetermined file area has not been rewritten (S83: NO), the sector data receiving process is performed in S87.

  When all the sector data included in the Write command is received in the sector data reception process of S87, the CPU 31 stores a CSW (Command Status Wrapper) as a response signal in the transmission EP of the USB controller 42 (S89). As a result, the CSW is transmitted from the printing apparatus 10 to the personal computer 20, and the personal computer 20 can determine the completion of sector data reception based on the CSW.

  Next, the CPU 31 refers to the flag area 109 of the SRAM 33 and determines whether or not the write trigger flag is ON (S91). When determining that the light trigger flag is ON (S91: YES), the CPU 31 sets the light trigger flag stored in the flag area 109 to OFF (S93). Then, the CPU 31 performs a write command completion setting in a predetermined storage area of the SRAM 33, and acquires and records the current time from an internal timer (not shown) (S95). Note that the elapsed time is counted by an internal timer (not shown) from the time when the completion of the Write command is set (that is, the current time acquired in S95). Thereafter, the bulk reception process is terminated and the process returns to the mass storage process (see FIG. 10). If it is determined that the write trigger flag is not ON after CSW transmission (S93: NO), the process returns to the mass storage process (see FIG. 10).

By the way, the above S81 to S95 not only receive each sector data of the print file, but also provide a criterion for recognizing the completion of writing of the print file on the printing apparatus 10 side. As described above, since the file system management entity is in the personal computer 20, the printing apparatus 10 cannot determine whether or not the file writing to each memory (SRAM 33 and Flash ROM 34) has been completed. In S81 to S95, when the predetermined file area is rewritten, it is considered that the data transfer of the print file from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10 has started, and the write trigger flag is turned ON (S85). Further, when the CSW is transmitted from the printing apparatus 10 to the personal computer 20, it is considered that the transfer of all the sector data constituting the print file from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10 may be completed, and the write trigger flag is turned off. Then, the write command completion setting and the current time acquisition are performed (S93, S95). As a result, the elapsed time from the completion setting of the Write command (that is, when the sector data transfer is completed) is counted, and it is determined that the writing of the print file is completed when a certain time elapses. Details will be described later.

  Note that the write command from the personal computer 20 is not limited to one time for writing one file in the printing apparatus 10, and a plurality of write commands may be received for writing one file. For example, the reception of a new Write command (S81: YES) is started after a certain period of time has elapsed after the count of elapsed time is started through S85 to S95, triggered by the reception of the Write command (S81: YES). Suppose there was. In this case, when a new Write command is received (S81: YES), a new current time is acquired again through S85 to S95, and counting of elapsed time is started based on the new current time ( In other words, the elapsed time count based on the completion setting of the Write command is reset).

  On the other hand, if the Write command has not been received (S81: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether another command for the printing apparatus 10 has been received from the personal computer 20 (S97). If it is determined that another command has been received (S97: NO), the CPU 31 executes processing according to the received command (S99). Thereafter, the bulk reception process is terminated and the process returns to the mass storage process (see FIG. 10). If no other command is received (S97: NO), the process returns to the mass storage process (see FIG. 10).

  Returning to the mass storage process of FIG. 10, when it is determined that there is no bulk OUT transfer request (S61: NO), the CPU 31 determines that the USB controller 42 has not received a packet. Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a bulk IN transfer request as in the above-described S53 (S65). If it is determined that there is a bulk IN transfer request (S65: YES), the CPU 31 controls the USB controller 42 to packetize the data stored in the transmission EP and send it to the personal computer 20 for bulk transmission processing. (S67). The bulk transmission process is a process of transmitting data to a USB host (in this case, the personal computer 20), and is a status transport process for transmitting a status file stored in the status file area 105 of the SRAM 33, and a file actual process. Includes data transport processing to send data.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no bulk IN transfer request (S65: NO), the CPU 31 refers to a predetermined storage area of the SRAM 33 and determines whether or not the write command has been completed (S69). If it is determined that the write command completion setting has been made (S69: YES), the CPU 31 determines that the transfer of all the sector data constituting the print file from the personal computer 20 to the printing apparatus 10 may have been completed. Then, a sector information acquisition process for acquiring information on each sector of the disk area 90 from the SRAM 33 is executed (S71).

  Here, the details of the sector information acquisition process (S71) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, in the sector information acquisition process, first, the CPU 31 refers to the current time stored in a predetermined storage area of the SRAM 33 and an internal timer (not shown), and when the write command completion setting is made ( That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from when the last writing to the print file area 106 is completed has passed a predetermined time (S101). In the present embodiment, when 100 ms or more (preferably about 200 ms) has elapsed since the completion of setting of the Write command, it is determined that the “certain time” has elapsed. Note that the “certain time” serving as the determination criterion in S101 is a reference time value preset in the EEPROM 35, and the “certain time” can be arbitrarily changed by updating the reference time value.

As described above, a plurality of write commands may be transferred from the personal computer 20 for writing one file in the printing apparatus 10. Therefore, in S101, the elapsed time counted from the current time acquired in S95 (that is, the current time acquired by the latest Write command when there are multiple Write commands) has passed a certain time. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that a certain time has elapsed since the write command completion setting ( sector data reception completion) (S101: YES), a further write is performed for access to the print file stored in the print file area 106. It is assumed that no command is received. In other words, if the CPU 13 does not receive another Write command within a predetermined time from the completion setting of the Write command, the CPU 13 considers that the writing of the print file to the print file area 106 of the SRAM 33 is completed.

  As described above, when it is determined that a certain time has elapsed since the last writing to the print file area 106 (S101: YES), the CPU 31 regards that the printing of the print file is completed. However, if another file operation or command instruction is received from the personal computer 20 at the same timing as the file writing to the print file area 106, various processes in the printing apparatus 10 may be duplicated. In this case, the data processing in the printing apparatus 10 may be delayed, and the writing of the print file may not be completed even after the predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, when a problem occurs in the print file writing process, an appropriate print file may not be stored in the print file area 106. Therefore, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an appropriate print file exists in the print file area 106 by performing the following processing.

  First, the CPU 31 refers to the RDE area 103 of the SRAM 33 and determines whether or not the file name of the print file (PTLITE.PRN in this embodiment) has been found (S103). This is because when the file name of the print file does not exist in the RDE area 103, the file writing to the print file area 106 is not completed. Here, in the RDE area 103, since the storage location of the file information data related to the print file is defined in advance, the CPU 31 can refer to the file name, file size, etc. by reading the predetermined storage location.

  When it is determined that the file name of the print file has been found (S103: YES), the CPU 31 refers to the RDE area 103 of the SRAM 33 and the file size of the print file is the specified size (32 kilobytes in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not (S105). If the file size of the print file in the RDE area 103 is different from the specified size, the print file written in the print file area 106 is damaged or missing.

  If it is determined that the print file has the specified size (S105: YES), the CPU 31 determines that the print file stored in the print file area 106 is appropriate and stores it in the ring buffer area 110 of the SRAM 33. Ring buffer processing is performed (S57). When the ring buffer process of S57 is performed, the CPU 31 clears the write command completion setting in the predetermined storage area of the SRAM 33 and ends the count by the internal timer (not shown).

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 ends the sector information acquisition process and returns to the mass storage process (see FIG. 10). Similarly, when it is determined that a certain time has not elapsed since the last writing (S101: NO), when it is determined that the file name of the print file is not found (S103: NO), and when the file size of the print file is designated. If it is determined that the size is not satisfied (S105: YES), the process returns to the mass storage process (see FIG. 10).

  Returning to the mass storage process of FIG. 10, after any of the bulk reception process (S63), the bulk transmission process (S67), and the sector information transmission process (S69), the mass storage process ends and the main process (FIG. Return to 7). Similarly, when it is determined that the completion setting of the Write command has not been made (S69: NO), the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 7).

  Returning to the main process in FIG. 7, after the printer process in S21 (see FIG. 9) or the mass storage process in S23 (see FIG. 10) is completed, data is received from the personal computer 20 in these printer processes or mass storage processes. It is determined whether or not.

  In other words, the data received from the personal computer 20 in the “printing device state” is print data or print start command data. When these data are received, the CPU 31 needs to execute print processing. Since the data received in the printer process of S21 is stored in the ring buffer area 110 of the SRAM 33 in S57 (see FIG. 9), the CPU 31 refers to the data stored in the ring buffer area 110 (S25). If it is determined that data is stored in the ring buffer area 110 (S25: YES), the CPU 31 executes a command process described later based on the data stored in the ring buffer area 110 (S27). ).

  In addition, even when a print file is received from the personal computer 20 in the “storage device state”, the CPU 31 needs to execute print processing. Each sector data (print data and print start command data) constituting the print file received in the mass storage process of S23 is stored in the ring buffer area 110 of the SRAM 33 in S107 (see FIG. 12). Therefore, when data is stored with reference to the ring buffer area 110, the CPU 31 executes command processing described later (S25, S27) as described above. When it is determined that no data is stored in the ring buffer area 110 (S25: NO), the process returns to S13.

  Next, the details of the command processing (S27) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, in the command processing, first, the CPU 31 determines whether print data is stored in the ring buffer area 110 of the SRAM 33 (in other words, whether print data has been received from the personal computer 20) (S111). . When it is determined that the print data is received (S111: YES), the CPU 31 stores a part of the print data in the print buffer area 108 so that the print process can be executed based on the print data received from the personal computer 20. Is executed (S113).

  In the print image processing in S113, when the print data is in the raster format, print data that can be printed by one scan is extracted and stored in the print buffer. If the print data is in ESC / P format, the character code character data is generated and stored in a predetermined position in the print buffer area. As a result, when print start command data is subsequently received from the personal computer 20, it becomes possible to print based on the print data stored in the print buffer area. Then, the command processing is ended and the processing returns to the main processing (see FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, when determining that the data stored in the ring buffer area 110 is not print data (S111: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the data stored in the ring buffer area 110 is print start command data. Judgment is made (S115). When it is determined that the print start command data is determined (S115: YES), the CPU 31 executes a print operation control process for performing a print process based on the print data stored in the print buffer area 108 in S113. (S117).

  Here, the details of the printing operation control process (S117) will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, in the printing operation control process, first, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the power supply voltage supplied is within a predetermined range (S131). When it is determined that the power supply voltage is outside the predetermined range (S131: NO), the CPU 31 has an abnormal power supply voltage and the drive circuit 43, drive circuit 44, thermal head 40, tape feed roller 41, etc. cannot be driven. If it is determined that there is, the error processing of S141 is executed.

  When it is determined that the supplied power supply voltage is within the predetermined range (S131: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether the charge capacity of the battery is within the predetermined range (S133). When it is determined that the battery charge capacity is outside the predetermined range (S93: NO), the CPU 31 determines that the battery charge capacity is abnormal and executes the error process of S141.

  When it is determined that the battery charge capacity is within the predetermined range (S133: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether the temperatures of the printing apparatus 10 and the thermal head 40 are within the predetermined range (S135). If it is determined that the temperature is outside the predetermined range (S135: NO), the CPU 31 determines that the temperature is abnormal and the thermal head 40 and the like cannot be driven, and executes the error process of S141.

  When it is determined that the temperatures of the printing apparatus 10 and the thermal head 40 are within the predetermined range (S135: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the tape cassette of the printing tape is accommodated (S137). If it is determined that the tape cassette is not accommodated (S137: NO), the CPU 31 determines that there is no print tape to be printed, and executes the error process of S141.

  When it is determined that the tape cassette is accommodated (S137: YES), the CPU 31 determines that the conditions necessary for performing the printing process are satisfied. Then, the CPU 31 controls the drive circuit 43 and the drive circuit 44 based on the print data stored in the print buffer area 108 in S113 (see FIG. 13), and executes a printing process on the print tape (S139). . Then, the printing operation control process is terminated, and the process returns to the command process (see FIG. 13).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the printing process cannot be performed in any of the determinations of S131 to S137, the CPU 31 performs an error process for notifying the user of an abnormal state (S141). For example, in the error processing of S141, an LED (not shown) attached to the printing apparatus 10 is turned on or a notification is given to the personal computer 20, indicating that an abnormal state has occurred on the display 21 and printing is not possible. Display. Then, the printing operation control process is terminated, and the process returns to the command process (see FIG. 13).

  Returning to the command processing in FIG. 13, when the printing operation control processing in S117 (see FIG. 14) is executed, the command processing is terminated and the processing returns to the main processing (see FIG. 7). When the data stored in the ring buffer area 110 is neither print data nor print start command data (S111: NO, S115: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the data is predetermined other data ( S119). If it is determined that the data is predetermined other data (S119: YES), the CPU 31 executes a predetermined process according to the data stored in the ring buffer area 110 (S83). Thereafter, the command process is terminated and the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 7). Also, when it is determined that the data stored in the ring buffer area 110 is not predetermined data (S119: NO), the command processing is terminated and the processing returns to the main processing (see FIG. 7). In the main process of FIG. 7, when the command process of S27 (see FIG. 13) ends, the process proceeds to S13, and the CPU 31 repeatedly executes the above process.

  Here, more specific FAT structure data will be exemplified, and a predetermined file area rewrite determination process (see S83 in FIG. 11) and an RDE area 103 search process (see S103 and S105 in FIG. 12). A preferred embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a table showing the data structure of the disk area 101.

As shown in FIG. 15, the disk area 101 of this embodiment has a file system type of FAT12, 1 sector of 512 bytes, and 1 cluster of 1 sector. Among the disk areas 101, the RDE area 103 includes a plurality of file information data 201 related to the status file stored in the status file area 105 and file information data 202 related to the print file stored in the print file area 106. File information data is stored in 32 bytes per file. Here, the data structure (for one file) of the file information data stored in the RDE area 103 is shown in Table 1 below.

  As shown in Table 1, the file information data stored in the RDE area 103 includes an offset position 0 to 7 “file name”, an offset position 8 to 10 “extension”, an offset position 11 “file attribute”, and an offset. Position 12 “reserved area”, offset position 13 “1/10 second unit of file creation time”, offset position 14-15 “file creation time”, offset position 16-17 “file creation date”, offset position 18-19 “ “Last access date”, offset positions 20 to 21 “highest 2 bytes of first cluster number of file data”, offset positions 22 to 23 “last file write time”, offset positions 24 to 25 “last file write date”, offset position 26 ~ 27 "Lower 2 bytes of the first cluster number of file data", Offset position 28 to 31 is "file size", it is included as data.

  For example, the file information data 201 includes file information such as the file name “PRTSSTATE” at the offset positions 0 to 7, the extension “STS” at the offset positions 8 to 10, and the file size “512 bytes” at the offset positions 28 to 31. Indicated. In the file information data 202, file information such as a file name “PTLITE” at the offset positions 0 to 7, an extension “PRN” at the offset positions 8 to 10, a file size “32 kilobytes” at the offset positions 28 to 31, and the like. Indicated.

  Here, in the determination process in S83 (see FIG. 12), the CPU 31 refers to the offset positions 26 to 27 of the file information data 202 stored in the RDE area 103, and starts the cluster “0x877 in the print file storage area. -2 "is specified. Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the head sector in the start cluster “0x877-2” has been rewritten. In this embodiment, since 1 cluster = 1 sector, if the start cluster “0x877-2” is rewritten, it is determined in S83 that the predetermined file area has been rewritten (S83: YES).

  Further, in the determination process of S103 (see FIG. 13), the CPU 31 refers to the offset positions 0 to 7 of the file information data 202 stored in the RDE area 103, and determines whether or not the file name is “PTLITE”. Judging. If it is determined that the file name is “PTLITE”, it is determined that a print file has been found (S103: YES).

  Further, in the determination process of S105 (see FIG. 13), the CPU 31 refers to the offset positions 28 to 31 of the file information data 202 stored in the RDE area 103, and determines whether or not the file size is “32 kilobytes”. Determine whether. If the file size is determined to be “32 kilobytes”, it is determined that the print file is appropriate (S105: YES).

  When a print file is written in the print file area 106 of the SRAM 33, first, the file information data 202 stored in the RDE area 103 is deleted and the print file is written in the print file area 106. , New file information data 202 is written in the RDE area 103. That is, since the file information data 202 in the RDE area 103 reflects the latest file information related to the print file stored in the print file area 106, the above-described determination process is performed by using this file information data 202. S83, S103, and S105 can be accurately performed.

  As described above, according to the printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, when a print file is written from the personal computer 20 that recognizes the printing apparatus 10 as a storage device, the CPU 31 stores the disk area 101 (specifically, print It is determined whether or not the writing of the print file to the file area 106) is completed. Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the printing of the print file has been completed by the printing apparatus 10 that is not the file management entity. As a result, the printing apparatus 10 is prevented from starting the printing operation in the middle of writing the print file, and can suppress a printing error that prevents the proper printing operation from being executed, a garbled character in the printed image, an image loss, or the like. it can.

In addition, when the CPU 31 receives a write command from the personal computer 20, if a predetermined time elapses without receiving another write command from the time when the process of transmitting the CSW is executed , the CPU 31 stores the print file in the print file area 106. Judge that writing is complete. That is, since the print device 10 may receive a plurality of write commands for one print file, if the print device 10 does not receive another write command before the predetermined time elapses after the sector data transfer is completed, It is considered that the file writing has been completed without receiving any further Write commands for the file. As a result, it is possible to accurately specify whether or not the printing of the print file has been completed by the printing apparatus 10 that is not the file management entity, based on the Write command transmitted from the personal computer 20.

Further, when the CPU 31 searches the file information data 202 in the RDE area 103 and finds the file name “PTLITE” when a predetermined time has elapsed from the completion of the transfer of the sector data , the writing of the print file to the storage means is completed. to decide. In other words, when the writing of the print file to the print file area 106 is completed, the file name “PTLITE” is stored in the file information data 202 stored in the RDE area 103. Therefore, when the file name “PTLITE” is found, the print file Is considered completed. As a result, it is possible to accurately specify whether or not the printing of the print file is completed in the printing apparatus 10 that is not the main body of file management only by simple control of searching for the file name.

When the CPU 31 finds the file size “32 kilobytes” by searching the file information data 202 in the RDE area 103 when a predetermined time elapses after the sector data transfer is completed, the print file is written to the print file area 106. Judge that completed. That is, when the writing of the print file to the print file area 106 is completed, the file size “32 kilobytes” is stored in the file information data 202 stored in the RDE area 103. It is assumed that the print file has been written. As a result, it is possible to accurately specify whether or not the printing of the print file is completed in the printing apparatus 10 that is not the main body of file management only by simple control of searching for the file size.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the personal computer 20 corresponds to the “external terminal” of the present invention. In S55 and S57 in FIG. 9 and S63 and S67 in FIG. 10, the CPU 31 that performs the process of receiving a packet from the personal computer 20 and the process of transmitting the packet to the personal computer 20 corresponds to the “communication means” of the present invention. The SRAM 33 and the Flash ROM 34 correspond to the “storage means” of the present invention. The CPU 31 that operates the mass storage class driver 59 corresponds to the “control unit” of the present invention. The CPU 31 that executes S83 to S85, S91 to S95 in FIG. 11 and S101 to S105 in FIG. 12 corresponds to the “write completion determination unit” of the present invention. The CPU 31 that executes S139 in FIG. 14 corresponds to the “printing unit” of the invention.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, The change in the range which does not change the summary of invention is possible.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the USB controller 42 is assumed to be a device independent of the CPU 31, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Therefore, the CPU 31 may be configured to incorporate the function of the USB controller 42.

  In the above embodiment, it is determined in S83 whether or not the first sector of the print file area 106 has been rewritten. The “predetermined file area” is an arbitrary sector (or cluster) in the print file area 106. can do. For example, when the print file area 106 is rewritten to the last sector, the CPU 31 may determine that the “predetermined file area” has been rewritten.

  In the above embodiment, in the sector information acquisition process of FIG. 12, S103 (file name search) and S105 (file size search) are performed after S101 (determination of elapsed time from the last write) is satisfied. However, it is not limited to this flow. For example, in the sector information acquisition process of FIG. 12, one of the determination processes of S101, S103, and S105 is executed, and if the determination process is satisfied, the writing of the print file is completed and the ring buffer process (S107) May be executed.

  By the way, in the sector information acquisition process of FIG. 12, when performing the determination process of either S103 or S105 without performing S101, it is preferable to execute S103 or S105 at an appropriate timing. For example, when there is an access to the RDE area 103 (more preferably, when the file information data 202 is updated), it is preferable to perform the determination process of S103 or S105. This is because when the file information data 202 is updated, it is highly likely that the print file has been written to the print file area 106, and S103 or S105 can be executed more efficiently.

  In the above embodiment, it is determined in S103 (file name search) whether or not the file name “PTLITE” of the print file matches, but a part of the file name of the print file (for example, “PTL”). ) Or a file name including the extension of the print file (for example, “PTLITE.PRN”) may be determined.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the FAT is adopted as the file system in order to define the file writing position and the reading position is exemplified. However, other file systems may be adopted as long as the present invention can be realized. Even when the FAT is adopted, details of the FAT structure (file system type, data size of one sector, data size of one cluster, etc.) may be arbitrarily designed according to the printing system 1 or the printing apparatus 10.

  In the above embodiment, the print file is fixed-length data of 32 kilobytes, but may be variable-length data corresponding to the print target image. According to this, the file size of the print file can be optimized and the amount of transmission data can be suppressed, but even in this case, the print file write position (particularly, the start position of the write area) on the memory of the printing apparatus 10 is still possible. It is desirable not to change.

  In the above embodiment, a part of the FAT structure is copied from the Flash ROM 34 to the SRAM 33, and the actual file is accessed by the SRAM 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, by adopting a mass storage element (for example, DRAM, SDRAM, etc.) as a memory (SRAM 33 in this embodiment) to which file access is performed by copying the FAT structure, a memory having a main body of the FAT structure (this embodiment) In an embodiment, the entire FAT structure may be copied from the FlashROM 34). Further, the memory (in this embodiment, the SRAM 33) in which the FAT structure is copied and the file access is performed is not provided, and the file access is directly performed in the memory having the main body of the FAT structure (in the present embodiment, the Flash ROM 34). Also good.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a printing system 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a storage area of a FlashROM 34. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a storage area of an SRAM 33. FIG. FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram illustrating a data flow between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication sequence between the printing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 20. FIG. It is a flowchart of a main process. It is a flowchart of a mode switching process. It is a flowchart of a printer process. It is a flowchart of a mass storage process. It is a flowchart of a bulk reception process. It is a flowchart of a sector information acquisition process. It is a flowchart of command processing. It is a flowchart of a printing operation control process. 3 is a table showing a data structure of a disk area 101.

1 Printing System 10 Printing Device 11 USB Cable 20 Personal Computer 31 CPU
33 SRAM
34 FlashROM
42 USB controller 51 Control program area 58 Printer class driver 59 Mass storage class driver 90 Disk area 101 Disk area 102 FAT area 103 RDE area 104 DATA area 105 Status area 106 Print file area 107 Local area

Claims (7)

A communication means for communicating with an external terminal;
Storage means for storing data received from the external terminal by the communication means;
An external storage device that controls writing and reading of data to and from the storage unit, and can write the storage unit as a unit of a print file including a group of print data when communication by the communication unit is executed. Control means for causing the external terminal to recognize,
A writing completion judging means for judging whether or not writing of the printing file to the storage means is completed when writing of the print file is executed by the control means;
A printing unit that executes printing based on the print data included in the print file stored in the storage unit when the writing completion determination unit determines that the writing of the print file is completed;
The write completion determination means is a response signal indicating that the transfer of the print data included in the write command is completed when the communication means receives a write command instructing writing of the print file. Starting from the time when the process of transmitting to the external terminal is executed, it is determined that writing of the print file has been completed when a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the other write command in the communication means. The printing apparatus characterized by performing. The storage means stores a file name for identifying the file as file information together with the file stored in the storage means,
The writing completion judging means searches the file name in the storage means at a predetermined timing and finds a file name indicating the print file, and judges that the writing of the print file is completed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The storage means stores a file size indicating the data amount of the file as file information together with the file stored in the storage means,
The writing completion determining unit searches the file size in the storage unit at a predetermined timing, and when the file size indicating a prescribed data amount predetermined as the unit is found, the writing of the print file is completed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is determined. The control means writes the print file in a predetermined area in the storage means when the print file is received by the communication means,
The writing completion judging means is
When the writing of data is performed with respect to the head position of a predetermined region in the storage means, it sets a specific flag to ON,
When the response signal to the external terminal from the printing device is transmitted, and sets the previous SL specific flag to OFF,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed from a time when the specific flag is set to OFF. The storage means has a first area for storing the file and a second area for storing the file information,
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the writing completion determining unit searches the storage unit when the file information is written to the second area as the predetermined timing. The communication means is a USB port for communicating with the external terminal via USB (Universal Serial Bus),
6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the external terminal to recognize the storage unit as the external storage device by using a mass storage class driver as a USB device driver. Printing device. The storage means further stores an execution file of a program,
The said control means enables operation | movement of the said program in the said external terminal by transmitting the said executable file to the said external terminal by the said communication means. Printing device.

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