JP5828398B2 - RECORDING DEVICE, RECORDING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus connectable to a control apparatus, a control method for the recording apparatus, and a program for controlling the recording apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a printing system that includes a control device (host) and a recording device (printer) connected to the control device, and the recording device transmits a status to the control device at a predetermined timing (for example, Patent Document 1).
Generally, the recording apparatus transmits a status to the control apparatus when a request for a status response is received from the control apparatus or when a predetermined state change occurs in the recording apparatus. For example, when a request for a status response indicating the cover open / closed state is received from the control device, the recording device detects the cover open / closed state and then transmits a status indicating the state. When the cover shifts from the closed state to the open state, this is detected and a status indicating that is transmitted.

JP 2009-116595 A

Here, in addition to the procedure described above, if the status can be transmitted to the control device by an appropriate procedure based on the fact that the recording device has a function of recording on the recording medium, the status is displayed. The choices of procedures that can be adopted when transmitting are expanded, and it becomes possible to transmit a status according to the situation.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable a recording apparatus to transmit a status to a control apparatus by a new procedure using a function of recording on a recording medium. To do.

To achieve the above object, the present invention includes a string, a receiver for receiving a control command for instructing recording of the character string, based on the control command received by the receiving unit, a recording medium a recording unit for recording a string to, when the whether Ru contains a specific character string to determine the control command received by the receiving unit, Ru is included, associated with the specific character string And a status response unit that transmits the status to the control device.
According to this configuration, when a specific character string is included in the control command, the recording apparatus transmits a status associated with the specific character string. For this reason, the recording apparatus can transmit the status in a new procedure that has not been conventionally used by using the control command received from the control apparatus when the character string is recorded. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, for example, when the control device causes the recording device to record a specific character string, when there is a situation where a specific status is required at the same time, the recording device The status can be transmitted without waiting for a status response request command from the control device, and the status according to the situation can be efficiently transmitted.

Further, the present invention, the recording medium is roll paper, the status response unit, when the control command to Ru contains specific string received by the receiving unit, the status regarding the remaining amount of the roll paper Is transmitted to the control device.
Conventionally, in order for the control device to obtain a status relating to the remaining amount of roll paper, a process for requesting a response to the status is performed, or that the remaining amount of roll paper has fallen below a threshold value. Although the processing for transmitting the status as a trigger has been performed, according to the above configuration, the recording device uses a control command received from the control device at the time of recording a character string to create a new It is possible to transmit the status regarding the remaining amount of roll paper in a simple procedure.
Further, according to the above configuration, for example, when the control device causes the recording device to record a specific character string, at the same time, there is a situation in which a status regarding the remaining amount of roll paper is required. The recording apparatus can transmit the status without waiting for the status response request command from the control apparatus, and can efficiently transmit the status according to the situation.

Further, the present invention comprises a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium, the status response unit, when the control command received by the receiving unit Ru contains specific string, according to the cutting of the cutting portion A status relating to the state of the mechanism is transmitted to the control device.
Here, conventionally, in order for the control device to obtain a status related to the state of the mechanism related to the cutting at the cutting unit, processing for requesting a response of the status is performed, or some abnormality or the like has occurred in the mechanism However, according to the above-described configuration, the recording device uses a control command received from the control device when recording a character string. It is possible to transmit a status regarding the state of the mechanism in a new procedure that is not present.
Furthermore, according to the above configuration, for example, when the control device causes the recording device to record a specific character string, there is a situation in which a status relating to a mechanism related to cutting in the cutting unit is required at the same time. In addition, the recording apparatus can transmit the status without waiting for the status response request command from the control apparatus, and can efficiently transmit the status according to the situation.

Further, the present invention is transmitted, the status response unit, when the control command received by the receiving unit Ru contains a specific character string, the status on the state of the mechanism according to the recording of the recording unit to the control device It is characterized by doing.
Here, conventionally, in order for the control device to obtain a status related to the state of the mechanism related to recording in the recording unit, a process for requesting a response to the status is performed, or some abnormality or the like has occurred in the mechanism However, according to the above-described configuration, the recording device uses a control command received from the control device when recording a character string. It is possible to transmit a status regarding the state of the mechanism in a new procedure that is not present.
Furthermore, according to the above configuration, for example, when the control device causes the recording device to record a specific character string, there is a situation in which a status regarding a mechanism related to recording in the recording unit is required at the same time. In addition, the recording apparatus can transmit the status without waiting for the status response request command from the control apparatus, and can efficiently transmit the status according to the situation.

Further, the present invention, the recording unit, an ink jet head for recording on the recording medium by ejecting Lee ink, the status response unit, said particular string to the control command received by the receiving unit If it included Ru, characterized by sending the status of the remaining amount of the ink.
Here, conventionally, in order for the control device to acquire a status regarding the remaining amount of ink, a process for requesting a response to the status is performed, or when the remaining amount of ink falls below a threshold value as a trigger Although the recording device has performed processing for transmitting the status, according to the above configuration, the recording device uses a control command received from the control device when recording a character string, and uses a new procedure that has not been conventionally performed. It becomes possible to transmit the status regarding the state of the mechanism.
Further, according to the above configuration, for example, when the control device causes the recording device to record a specific character string, at the same time, there is a situation where a status relating to the remaining amount of ink is required. The apparatus can transmit the status without waiting for the status response request command from the control apparatus, and can efficiently transmit the status according to the situation.

Further, either in order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a string, receives a control command for instructing recording of the character string, Ru contains specific string to the control command received It determines whether, if included Ru, characterized by sending said associated with a particular character string status.
According to this control method, the recording apparatus transmits a status associated with a specific character string when the control command includes a specific character string. For this reason, the recording apparatus can transmit the status in a new procedure that has not been conventionally used by using the control command received from the control apparatus when the character string is recorded. Further, according to the above control method, for example, when the control apparatus records a specific character string in the recording apparatus, the recording apparatus The status can be transmitted without waiting for the status response request command from the control device, and the status according to the situation can be efficiently transmitted.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a string, a receiver for receiving a control command for instructing recording of the character string, based on the control command received by the receiving unit, And a recording unit that records a character string on a recording medium, and a program executed by a control unit that controls a recording apparatus, wherein the control unit receives a specific character string in the control command received by the receiving unit. including whether determined Ru, if included Ru, characterized in that to function as a status response unit that sends the associated with the particular character row status.
When this program is executed, the recording apparatus transmits a status associated with the specific character string if the control command includes a specific character string. For this reason, the recording apparatus can transmit the status in a new procedure that has not been conventionally used by using the control command received from the control apparatus when the character string is recorded. Furthermore, when the above program is executed, for example, when the control device causes the recording device to record a specific character string, the recording device may need a specific status at the same time. The status can be transmitted without waiting for the status response request command from the control device, and the status according to the situation can be efficiently transmitted.

  According to the present invention, the recording apparatus can transmit the status to the control apparatus by a new procedure using the function of recording on the recording medium.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the recording system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows a control command and a receipt. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a host computer and a printer. It is a figure which shows a status table.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a recording system 10 according to the present embodiment.
The recording system 10 is a system that is applied to a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and issues a receipt in response to payment for a customer who has visited the store. As shown in FIG. 1, a host computer 11 (control device) And a POS server 25 and a printer 26 (recording device).

  The POS server 25 is communicably connected to the host computer 11 via a network such as a LAN, and is necessary for issuing receipts such as product codes, names, and amounts of products sold in stores. Data indicating information is stored as a database. When the receipt is issued, the host computer 11 refers to the database stored in the POS server 25 as appropriate, and acquires necessary information.

The host computer 11 includes a host side control unit 28, a host side display unit 29, a host side input unit 30, an interface unit 31 (I / F), and a host side storage unit 32.
The host-side control unit 28 centrally controls each unit of the host computer 11 and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits.
The host side display unit 29 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various types of information on the display panel under the control of the host side control unit 28.
The host-side input unit 30 is connected to input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a barcode reader, and a card reader, and outputs output signals from these input devices to the host-side control unit 28. The bar code reader is used for reading a bar code recorded on a product wrapping paper or the like, and the card reader is used for reading information recorded on a credit card, a member card or the like. Information acquired using an input device such as a barcode reader or a card reader is used for processing relating to receipt issuance.
The interface unit 31 (I / F) performs communication based on the communication standard with the printer 26 under the control of the host-side control unit 28.
The host-side storage unit 32 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and stores the above-described printer driver, other programs, and various data in a rewritable manner.

On the other hand, the printer 26 transports roll paper (recording medium) wound in a roll shape by a roller, and records an image by ejecting ink from the inkjet head 37 (recording unit) onto the recording surface of the roll paper. The inkjet printer issues a receipt by cutting roll paper at a predetermined position by the cutter unit 38 (cutting unit).
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 26 includes a printer-side control unit 40, a printer-side display unit 41, a printer-side input unit 42, a print engine 43, a printer-side storage unit 44, and an interface unit 45 (I / I F).
The printer-side control unit 40 centrally controls the printer 26 and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, other peripheral circuits, and the like. The printer-side control unit 40 includes a status response unit 50, a near-end detection unit 51, a cutter position detection unit 52, an ejection failure detection unit 53, and an ink remaining amount detection unit 54. It will be described later.
The printer-side display unit 41 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel that displays various types of information such as the operating state of the printer 26, and displays various types of information on the display panel under the control of the printer-side control unit 40. The printer-side display unit 41 includes an LED, and turns on / off the LED to notify the state of the printer 26.
The printer-side input unit 42 is connected to an operation switch provided in the printer 26, detects an operation on the operation switch, and outputs it to the printer-side control unit 40.
Under the control of the printer-side control unit 40, the print engine 43 monitors the detection values of various sensors such as a paper edge sensor and a paper remaining amount sensor, and in addition to the inkjet head 37 described above, a roller for conveying the roll paper. By operating a conveyance motor for driving and a cutter driving motor for driving the cutter included in the above-described cutter unit 38, an image is recorded on the roll paper, and the roll paper on which the image is recorded is cut to obtain the receipt. Issue.
The interface unit 45 (I / F) performs communication based on the communication standard with the printer 26 under the control of the printer-side control unit 40. In the present embodiment, the printer-side control unit 40 and the interface unit 45 cooperate to function as a receiving unit that receives a control command described later.
The printer-side storage unit 44 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM and stores various data in a rewritable manner. The printer-side storage unit 44 stores the firmware of the printer 26 and the status table 70. The status table 70 will be described later.

  In addition, the printer 26 includes a near-end sensor 56. The near-end sensor 56 is a sensor that detects that the remaining amount of roll paper has fallen below a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as “roll paper near-end”) for roll paper stored in the printer 26. This is a transmissive optical sensor that is turned off while the remaining amount of paper is above a predetermined threshold and turned on when it is below. The near end detection unit 51 of the printer-side control unit 40 detects the near end of the accommodated roll paper based on the detection value of the near end sensor 56. The function of the near-end detection unit 51 is realized by the cooperation of hardware and software, such as the CPU of the printer-side control unit 40 reads and executes firmware.

  The printer 26 includes a cutter position detection sensor 57. The cutter position detection sensor 57 is a sensor that detects whether or not the movable blade in the cutter unit 38 is located at a predetermined standby position. For example, the cutter position detection sensor 57 is turned off when the movable blade is located at the standby position. If it is not located, it is a transmissive optical sensor that is turned on. The cutter position detection unit 52 of the printer-side control unit 40 detects whether or not the movable blade in the cutter unit 38 is located at the standby position based on the detection value of the cutter position detection sensor 57. In the present embodiment, when the roll paper is cut by the cutter unit 38, the movable blade needs to be in a standby position before the cutting is executed. The function of the cutter position detection unit 52 is realized by the cooperation of hardware and software, such as the CPU of the printer-side control unit 40 reads and executes firmware.

The printer 26 includes a nozzle check unit 58. The nozzle check unit 58 is a mechanism for executing nozzle check processing for detecting whether or not ejection failure has occurred for each nozzle provided in the inkjet head 37.
The ejection failure detection unit 53 of the printer-side control unit 40 is, for example, a nozzle check unit at a predetermined timing such as immediately after the power is turned on or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last recording by the inkjet head 37. The nozzle check process is performed in 58, and if there is a nozzle in which ejection failure is found, information for specifying the nozzle is stored in the printer-side storage unit 44. The function of the ejection failure detection unit 53 is realized by the cooperation of hardware and software in which the CPU reads and executes firmware.
As a method of nozzle check processing, for example, charged ink is discharged onto a conductive material, and a discharge failure is detected by a change in the current of the conductive material, or ink is discharged onto roll paper to form dots, There is a method of detecting a discharge failure by inspecting the dot by an optical method.

  The ink remaining amount detection unit 54 of the printer-side control unit 40 counts the number of ink shots by the inkjet head 37 and manages the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank.

Next, an operation when the host computer 11 causes the printer 26 to issue a receipt will be described.
When issuing a receipt, first, the host computer 11 is a control command that complies with the command system of the printer 26 according to a predetermined application installed and the function of the printer driver, and performs various operations related to issuance of a receipt. A control command for instructing execution is generated and transmitted to the printer 26.
The printer 26 issues a receipt by controlling each mechanism of the print engine 43 based on the control command received from the host computer 11 by the function of the installed firmware.

  Next, in issuing a receipt, a specific mode of a control command transmitted from the host computer 11 to the printer 26 and contents of a receipt issued by executing the control command will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a control command and a receipt generated by the control command.
As shown in FIG. 2B, an issue date image 60 indicating the date the receipt was issued is recorded at the top of the receipt.
A logo image 61 indicating a logo is recorded below the issue date image 60. The logo is an image that is routinely recorded at the top of the receipt, such as a mark indicating a subject issuing the receipt (for example, a company that manages a store to which the recording system 10 is applied).
Below the logo image 61, an accounting content image 62 is recorded. In this embodiment, the accounting content image 62 indicates the name of the product purchased by the customer, the purchase quantity of the product, and the information indicating the unit price of the product, and the total amount of money that the customer should pay in accounting. It is an image containing information.
A coupon image 63 is recorded below the transaction content image 62. The coupon image 63 is an image relating to a coupon for allowing a receipt to be used as a coupon, and includes a character string coupon image 63a indicating a character string “COUPON” and a barcode image 63b indicating a barcode. It is out. In the coupon image 63, the character string “COUPON” is fixedly recorded. That is, in the coupon image 63, the character string “COUPON” is recorded at the head regardless of the content of the barcode image 63b.
A terminal image 64 is recorded below the coupon image 63. The end image 64 is an image relating to a character string that is routinely recorded at the end of the receipt. In the present embodiment, the end image 64 is a character string “THANKΔYOU” (Δ is a space; the same applies hereinafter).

In the present embodiment, the layout of the receipt is basically in accordance with the layout of the receipt shown in FIG. That is, in the receipt according to the present embodiment, the issue date image 60, the logo image 61, the transaction content image 62, the coupon image 63, and the end image 64 are recorded in order from the top to the rear end.
However, the coupon image 63 is recorded only when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is, for example, when the total amount exceeds a predetermined amount or during a campaign. Therefore, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the host computer 11 does not transmit a command for instructing recording of the coupon image 63 to the printer 26.
Note that the layout of the receipt is simplified in consideration of the convenience of explanation, and information other than the above, such as information on tax and information on change, is usually recorded.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2A, the control command is composed of a plurality of commands.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the control command includes an issue date recording instruction command HC. The issue date recording instruction command HC is a command for instructing recording of the issue date image 60. In this embodiment, the issue date recording instruction command HC is composed of an instruction code for instructing recording of a character string and a character string indicating the issue date. The character string indicating the issue date is a character string made up of a combination of characters expressed by a predetermined character code (for example, Unicode or ASCII code). In this embodiment, the issue date recording instruction command HC is “XXX“ 2011/1/1 ”” (where “XXX” is an instruction code for instructing recording of a character string. Characters to be recorded are included in double quotations. Column)). In this embodiment, for each character that can be recorded by the printer 26, font data of each character is registered in the printer 26 in advance. When the issue date recording instruction command HC is input, the printer 26 converts each character constituting the character string to be recorded into font data, and performs recording based on the converted font data.

  The control command includes a logo recording instruction command LC. The logo recording instruction command LC is a command for instructing recording of the logo image 61. In the present embodiment, the logo recording instruction command LC includes an instruction code for instructing recording of a graphic image and image data of an image to be recorded as a logo. Image data refers to data such as bitmap data that holds color information for each pixel, for example, as a gradation value. In this embodiment, the logo recording instruction command LC is configured as “YYY“ logo image data ”” (where “YYY” is an instruction code for instructing image recording based on the image data). And If the image data related to the logo image 61 is registered in the printer 26 in advance and the logo image 61 can be recorded using the registered image data, the logo image instruction data LC is used for the logo image data. Instead, information specifying image data registered in the printer 26 may be included.

The control command includes a transaction content recording instruction command TC. The accounting content recording instruction command TC is a command for instructing recording of the accounting content image 62.
The control command includes a coupon image recording instruction command PC. The coupon image recording instruction command PC includes a character string coupon recording instruction command PCa and a bar code recording instruction command PCb. ing.
The character string coupon recording instruction command PCa includes an instruction code for instructing recording of a character string and a character string “COUPON”. In the present embodiment, the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa has a configuration of “XXX“ COUPON ””. Shall. As described above, since the character string coupon image 63a is fixedly recorded in the coupon image 63, the mode of the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa is constant regardless of the mode of the bar code recording instruction command PCb. is there.
The barcode recording instruction command PCb is a command for instructing recording of the barcode image 63b. In the present embodiment, the barcode image 63b has a configuration of “YYY“ barcode image data ”” (where “YYY” is an instruction code for instructing image recording based on the image data). Yes.

The control command includes a terminal image recording instruction command GC. The end image recording instruction command GC is a command for instructing recording of the end image 64. The terminal image recording instruction command GC includes an instruction code for instructing recording of a character string and a predetermined character string related to the terminal image 64. In the present embodiment, the terminal image recording instruction command GC is referred to as “XXX“ THANKΔYOU ””. It is assumed that it is configured.
The control command includes a cut command CC. The cut command CC is a command for instructing cutting of the roll paper.
In a series of operations related to receipt issuance, the operation of cutting the roll paper is the last operation. Accordingly, the cut command CC is a control command that is finally output from the host computer 11 to the printer 26 among a series of control commands related to receipt issuance.
Note that the configuration of the control command shown in FIG. 2A is a simplified series of control commands transmitted from the host computer 11 to the printer 26 for convenience of explanation. Actually, in addition to the commands illustrated in FIG. 2, a command for designating decorations to be applied to a character string to be recorded, a command for setting left and right margins, a command for designating the mode of an image buffer formed in the RAM, etc. Although necessary commands are included, in the present embodiment, these commands are omitted.

Next, operations of the host computer 11 and the printer 26 when issuing a receipt will be described in detail.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing in detail the operations of the host computer 11 and the printer 26 when issuing a receipt. (A) shows the operation of the host computer 11 and (B) shows the operation of the printer 26. ing.
In the following description, the status response unit 50 is realized by cooperation of hardware and software such that the CPU of the printer-side control unit 40 reads and executes firmware.
As shown in FIG. 3, when a receipt is issued, first, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 generates an issue date recording instruction command HC and transmits it to the printer 26 (step SA1).
The printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 that has received the command controls the print engine 43 to record the issue date image 60 on the roll paper (step SB1).
Next, the status response unit 50 of the printer-side control unit 40, in the issue date recording instruction command HC, specifies a character string to be recorded based on the command (in the example of this embodiment, enclosed in double quotations). It is determined whether or not a specific character string is included in the portion) (step SB2).
As will be apparent later, when a specific character string is included in the control command instructing recording of a character string, the printer 26 according to the present embodiment transmits a status corresponding to the specific character string. The specific character string and the status to be transmitted are associated with each other and stored in the status table 70 stored in the printer-side storage unit 44.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the status table 70.
As shown in FIG. 4, one record in the status table 70 includes a specific character string field 70a and a transmission status field 70b.
The specific character string field 70a stores a character string that is a target of determination as to whether it is included in the control command. The transmission status field 70b stores information indicating a status to be transmitted when a corresponding character string is included in the control command.
Note that the status table 70 may be data independent of the firmware, or may be defined on the firmware.

In step SB2, the status response unit 50 first refers to the status table 70. Next, for each character string stored in the specific character string field 70a of each record of the status table 70, the status response unit 50 designates a character string to be recorded in the issue date recording instruction command HC. Whether or not a specific character string is included in the issue date recording instruction command HC is determined by determining whether or not a specific character string is included in the issue date recording instruction command HC (in the example of the present embodiment, the portion surrounded by double quotations). Is determined. As described above, in the control command for instructing the recording of the character string, the character string is expressed by a combination of characters expressed by a predetermined character code (for example, Unicode or ASCII code). The determination can be performed using a technique related to existing character string search.
In the present embodiment, each of the character strings stored in the specific character string field 70a corresponds to a “specific character string”.
In this example, the character string ("* / * / *", * indicates a wild card) stored in the specific character string field 70a of the first record R1 in the status table 70 of FIG. 2 is included in the issue date recording instruction command HC (XXX “2011/1/1”), the status response unit 50 in step SB2 specifies a specific character string (“* / * / * ”) Is included.

When a specific character string is included in the issue date recording instruction command HC (step SB2: YES), the status response unit 50 refers to the status table 70, and the status corresponding to the specific character string included therein And the specified status is transmitted to the host computer 11 (step SB3).
Specifically, using the status table 70 of FIG. 4, the status response unit 50 refers to the status table 70 and specifies a specific character string “* / * / *” included in the issue date recording instruction command HC. The record corresponding to (the first record R1) is specified. Next, the status response unit 50 refers to the transmission status field 70b of the identified record R1, and identifies the status to be transmitted.
In the present embodiment, the status to be transmitted when the character string “* / * / *” is included in the control command is a status (whether or not the movable blade of the cutter unit 38 is located at the standby position). The status regarding the state of the function related to the cutting in the cutting unit). Therefore, in step SB3, the status response unit 50 causes the cutter position detection unit 52 to determine whether or not the movable blade is positioned at the standby position, and transmits the determination result to the host computer 11 as a status.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the status response unit 50 determines whether the movable blade of the cutter unit 38 is located at the standby position when the character string “* / * / *” is included in the control command. Send a status indicating that. In other words, the status response unit 50 automatically positions the movable blade of the cutter unit 38 at the standby position when instructed to record the issue date image 60 that is routinely recorded at the top of the receipt. Sends a status indicating whether or not
By performing such an operation, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, when the recording of the issue date image 60 is instructed, the receipt issuance is started, and the roll paper is cut. Here, as described above, in order to cut the roll paper, the movable blade needs to be positioned at the standby position. Based on this, the conventional host computer requests a status response indicating whether or not the movable blade is in the standby position before issuing a receipt or at an appropriate timing while issuing a receipt. The printer transmits a status in response to the response request. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the status response unit 50 automatically determines whether or not the movable blade is positioned at the standby position when the recording of the issue date image 60 is instructed with the start of issuing the receipt. With the configuration in which the status shown is transmitted, the host computer 11 can acquire the status at a timing when the status is required for the subsequent cutting of the roll paper without issuing a response request. For this reason, the host computer 11 does not need to monitor the response request trigger for generating the movable blade position for cutting the receipt, or to generate and output a command related to the response request. 26 does not need to process a command related to a response request, and has high processing efficiency.
That is, in the status response unit 50 according to the present embodiment, the issue date image 60 is routinely recorded at the top of the receipt, and the issue date image 60 includes the character string “* / * / *”. If the received control command is an issue date record instruction command HC for instructing the recording of the issue date image 60, it is properly determined. Automatically transmits a status indicating whether or not the movable blade is in the standby position in preparation for the subsequent cutting of the roll paper. In this way, the status response unit 50 efficiently transmits the status according to the situation that the receipt issuance is started.
In step SB2, if the status response unit 50 determines that a specific character string is not included in the control command, status transmission is not performed.

Now, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 that has received the status transmitted in step SB3 executes processing corresponding to the received status (step SA2). In the present embodiment, when the received status indicates that the movable blade is not positioned at the standby position, the host-side control unit 28 transmits a control command for moving the movable blade to the standby position, Move to the standby position.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the host computer 11 determines whether or not the movable blade is positioned at the standby position without making a status response request at the timing immediately after the receipt issuance is started. Therefore, even when the movable blade is not positioned at the standby position, the movable blade can be positioned at the standby position before cutting is actually performed (before the cut command CC is output). The occurrence of a waiting time or the like due to the fact that the movable blade is not located at the standby position when executing the above can be suppressed as much as possible.

Next, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 generates a logo recording instruction command LC and transmits it to the printer 26 (step SA3).
The printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 that has received the command records the logo image 61 (step SB4). Note that after the logo image 61 is recorded, the status response unit 50 does not determine whether or not a specific character string is included in the logo recording instruction command LC and does not transmit a status based on the determination result. This is because the logo recording instruction command LC is not a command for instructing recording of a character string, and therefore there is no portion for specifying a character string to be recorded. Since the command code is different between the command instructing recording of the character string and the command instructing recording of the image based on the image data, the status response unit 50 determines that the received command is the character string of the character string based on the instruction code. It is determined whether the command is an instruction for recording or not.

Next, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 generates a transaction content recording instruction command TC and transmits it to the printer 26 (step SA4).
The printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 that has received the command controls the print engine 43 to record the transaction content image 62 on the roll paper (step SB5).
Next, the status response unit 50 of the printer-side control unit 40, in the transaction content recording instruction command TC, specifies a character string to be recorded based on the command (in the example of this embodiment, enclosed in double quotations). It is determined whether or not a specific character string is included in the portion) (step SB6). In step SB6, the same processing as in step SB2 is performed. In other words, the status response unit 50 refers to the status table 70, and for each character string stored in the specific character string field 70a of each record of the status table 70, each character string is recorded in the transaction content recording instruction command TC. It is determined whether or not a specific character string is included in the accounting content recording instruction command TC by determining whether or not the character string to be specified is included in the designated part.
In this example, none of the character strings stored in the specific character string field 70a of the status table 70 of FIG. 4 is included in the transaction content recording instruction command TC. Therefore, in step SB6, the status response unit 50 Discriminate that the specific character string is not included in the transaction content recording instruction command TC. For this reason, the processing related to the status transmission in step SB7 is avoided.

Next, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 generates a character string coupon recording instruction command PCa and transmits it to the printer 26 (step SA5).
The printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 that has received the command controls the print engine 43 to record the character string coupon image 63a on the roll paper (step SB8).
Next, the status response unit 50 of the printer-side control unit 40, in the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa, specifies a character string to be recorded based on the command (in the example of this embodiment, double quotations are used). It is determined whether or not a specific character string is included in the enclosed portion (step SB9). In step SB9, the same processing as in step SB2 is performed.
That is, the status response unit 50 refers to the status table 70, and for each character string stored in the specific character string field 70a of each record of the status table 70, each character string is the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa. It is determined whether or not a specific character string is included in the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa by determining whether or not the character string to be recorded is included in the designated portion.
In this example, the character string (character string “COUPON”) stored in the specific character string field 70a of the second record R2 of the status table 70 in FIG. 4 is the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa (XXX In step SB9, the status response unit 50 determines that the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa includes a specific character string (character string “COUPON”).

When the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa includes a specific character string (step SB9: YES), the status response unit 50 refers to the status table 70 and corresponds to the specific character string included. The status is specified, and the specified status is transmitted to the host computer 11 (step SB10).
In this embodiment, when the control command includes the character string “COUPON”, the status to be transmitted is the status indicating the result of the most recently performed nozzle check process, that is, the ejection check is detected by the nozzle check process. If there is a nozzle, the status includes information for identifying the nozzle (status regarding the state of the mechanism related to recording in the recording unit). Accordingly, in step SB10, the status response unit 50 refers to the information indicating the result of the nozzle check process stored by the ejection failure detection unit 53, and transmits the information to the host computer 11 as the status indicating the result of the nozzle check process.

Receiving the status indicating the result of the nozzle check process, the host computer 11 performs a process corresponding to the status (step SA6).
Specifically, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 can record the barcode image 63b that the printer 26 records next to the character string coupon image 63a with a certain degree of accuracy based on the status. It is determined whether or not. Here, since the barcode image 63b is an image optically read later by a barcode reader, it needs to be recorded with a certain level of accuracy. However, when a discharge failure occurs in a predetermined manner in a nozzle, for example, when a discharge failure occurs in a predetermined number or more of nozzles, or a discharge failure occurs in a nozzle that continues for a predetermined number or more. If so, the barcode image 63b may not be recorded with a certain degree of accuracy. Based on this, in the present embodiment, a mode in which the barcode image 63b cannot be recorded with a certain level of accuracy is determined in advance for the mode of the nozzle in which the ejection failure has occurred. Then, the host-side control unit 28 determines whether or not the mode of the nozzle in which the ejection failure occurs corresponds to the predetermined mode based on the status according to Step SB10. In this case, it is determined that the recording is possible with a certain level of accuracy.
Then, if the host-side control unit 28 determines that the printer 26 is not in a state where the barcode image 63b can be recorded with a certain degree of accuracy, the host-side control unit 28 is scheduled to transmit in step SA7 and the barcode recording instruction command PCb By avoiding transmission and canceling the recording of the barcode image 63b, or replacing the barcode image 63b, an appropriate image (for example, a service that should have been applied by reading the barcode image 63b is indicated by characters) Image). At this time, a warning may be given to the host-side display unit 29 that a predetermined process is to be performed due to defective nozzle ejection. The user can select which process is executed.
Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the host-side control unit 28 determines that the printer 26 can record the barcode image 63b with a certain accuracy.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the status response unit 50 transmits a status indicating the result of the nozzle check process when the character string “COUPON” is included in the control command. In other words, when the bar code image 63b is recorded, the status response unit 50 is automatically instructed to record the character string coupon image 63a that must be recorded before recording the image. The status indicating the result of the nozzle check process is transmitted.
By performing such an operation, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, when the recording of the character string coupon image 63a is instructed, the barcode image 63b is recorded next (as described above, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the bar code image 63b is recorded). The coupon image 63 including the code image 63b is not recorded.) Here, as described above, in order to record the barcode image 63b with a certain level of accuracy, it is necessary that the nozzle ejection failure does not occur in a predetermined manner. Based on this, the conventional host computer has a status indicating the result of the nozzle check process for the receipt for recording the coupon image 63 before issuing the receipt or at an appropriate timing while issuing the receipt. The printer transmits a status in response to the response request.
On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the status response unit 50 is instructed to record the character string coupon image 63a, the host computer 11 automatically transmits a status indicating the result of the nozzle check process. The status can be acquired only when the barcode image 63b is recorded without issuing a response request, that is, when the status is required. For this reason, the host computer 11 does not need to monitor the response request trigger for the status, or generate and output a command related to the response request, and the printer 26 processes the command related to the response request. There is no need to do this, and processing efficiency is good.
That is, when the barcode image 63b is recorded, the status response unit 50 according to the present embodiment records the character string coupon image 63a in front of the image and the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa. Utilizing the fact that the character string “COUPON” is included, it is appropriately determined whether or not the received control command is a character string coupon recording instruction command PCa for instructing recording of the character string coupon image 63a. In the case of the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa, a status indicating the result of the nozzle check process is automatically transmitted to ensure that the next recorded barcode image 63b is recorded with a certain level of accuracy. To do. In this way, the status response unit 50 efficiently transmits the status according to the situation where the barcode image 63b is recorded on the receipt.
In step SB9, if the status response unit 50 determines that the control command does not include a specific character string, status transmission is not performed.

Now, after executing the process corresponding to the status indicating the result of the nozzle check process, the host computer 11 generates a bar code recording instruction command PCb and transmits it to the printer 26 (step SA7).
Upon receiving the command, the printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 controls the print engine 43 to record the barcode image 63b on the roll paper (step SB11). Since the bar code recording instruction command PCb is not a command for instructing recording of a character string, it is determined whether or not a specific character string is included in the command, and status transmission based on the determination result is performed. Absent.

Next, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 generates a terminal image recording instruction command GC and transmits it to the printer 26 (step SA8).
The printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 that has received the command controls the print engine 43 to record the end image 64 on the roll paper (step SB12).
Next, the status response unit 50 of the printer-side control unit 40 in the terminal image recording instruction command GC specifies a character string to be recorded based on the command (in the example of this embodiment, enclosed in double quotations). It is determined whether or not a specific character string is included in the portion) (step SB13). In step SB13, processing similar to that in step SB2 is performed.
That is, the status response unit 50 refers to the status table 70, and for each character string stored in the specific character string field 70a of each record of the status table 70, each character string is recorded in the terminal image recording instruction command GC. It is determined whether or not the specific character string is included in the terminal image recording instruction command GC by determining whether or not the character string to be specified is included in the designated part.
In this example, the character string (character string “TANKΔYOU”) stored in the specific character string field 70a of the third record R3 in the status table 70 of FIG. XXX “THANKΔYOU”), in step SB13, the status response unit 50 includes a specific character string (character string “THANKΔYOU”) in the terminal image recording instruction command GC. Is determined.

When the specific character string is included in the terminal image recording instruction command GC (step SB13: YES), the status response unit 50 refers to the status table 70 and the status corresponding to the included specific character string. And the specified status is transmitted to the host computer 11 (step SB14).
In this embodiment, when the control command includes the character string “THANKΔYOU”, the status to be transmitted is a status indicating whether the roll paper is near-end (status regarding the remaining amount of roll paper). , And a status indicating the remaining amount of ink (status regarding the remaining amount of ink). Accordingly, in step SB14, the status response unit 50 causes the near-end detection unit 51 to detect whether the roll paper is near-end, and transmits the detection result as a status indicating whether the roll paper is near-end. Further, the ink remaining amount managed by the ink remaining amount detecting unit 54 is acquired and transmitted as a status indicating the ink remaining amount.

The host computer 11 that has received the two statuses performs processing corresponding to these statuses (step SA9).
Specifically, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 determines whether or not the roll paper is near-end based on the status relating to the near-end of the roll paper. The side display unit 29 displays that fact and, depending on the setting, further prompts the user to replace the roll paper.
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the control command includes the character string “THANKΔYOU”, the status response unit 50 transmits a status indicating whether or not the roll paper is near-end. Based on the status, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 determines whether or not the roll paper is near-end, and if it is near-end, displays that fact.
By performing such an operation, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, since the end image 64 is a character string recorded at the end of the receipt, the roll paper is cut immediately after the end image 64 is recorded, and the consumption of the roll paper is limited. It is. Therefore, after the end image 64 is recorded, it is determined whether the roll paper is near-end, thereby reflecting the amount of roll paper used for the receipt on which the end image 64 is recorded. It is possible to appropriately determine whether or not enough roll paper remains to issue a receipt to be issued later. Based on this, in this embodiment, the status response unit 50 is configured to automatically transmit a status indicating whether or not the roll paper is near-end when recording of the end image 64 is instructed. The computer 11 can acquire a status including information useful for determining whether sufficient roll paper remains to issue a subsequent receipt without issuing a response request. Further, the host computer 11 can notify that the roll paper is near-end before the next receipt issuance is started, and accordingly, the user can replace the roll paper at an early stage. .
In other words, the status response unit 50 according to the present embodiment indicates that the roll paper to be used is limited after the end image 64 is recorded, and that the character string “THANKΔYOU is included in the end image recording instruction command GC. ”Is appropriately used to determine whether the received control command is a terminal image recording instruction command GC for instructing recording of the terminal image 64, and further, the terminal image recording instruction command GC is determined. In the case of, a status indicating whether or not the roll paper is near-end is automatically transmitted so that appropriate processing according to the remaining amount of roll paper is performed. In this way, the status response unit 50 efficiently transmits the status according to the situation that the end image 64 is an image recorded at the end of the receipt.

Furthermore, in step SA9, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 determines whether or not the remaining ink level is below a predetermined threshold based on the received status indicating the remaining ink level. Is displayed on the host-side display unit 29 and, depending on the setting, the user is prompted to replace the ink cartridge. The threshold value is a value serving as a reference for determining whether or not it is desirable to replace the ink cartridge. For example, the threshold value is a reference value for determining whether a sufficient amount of ink remains to issue a plurality of (for example, 10) receipts.
As described above, in this embodiment, the status response unit 50 transmits a status indicating the remaining ink amount when the character string “THANKΔYOU” is included in the control command. Then, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 determines whether or not the remaining amount of ink is below the threshold based on the status, and if so, displays that fact.
By performing such an operation, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, since the terminal image 64 is a character string recorded at the end of the receipt, after the terminal image 64 is recorded, no ink is consumed for the receipt on which the terminal image 64 is recorded. Therefore, after the end image 64 is recorded, it is determined whether the remaining amount of ink is below a predetermined threshold value, thereby reflecting the amount of ink used in the receipt on which the end image 64 is recorded. It is possible to appropriately determine whether or not sufficient ink remains to issue a receipt issued after the receipt. Based on this, in the present embodiment, when the status response unit 50 is instructed to record the terminal image 64, the host computer 11 automatically transmits a status indicating the remaining amount of ink. In this case, it is possible to obtain a status including information useful for determining whether or not sufficient ink remains to issue a subsequent receipt. For this reason, the host computer 11 does not need to monitor the response request trigger for the status, or generate and output a command related to the response request, and the printer 26 processes the command related to the response request. There is no need to do this, and processing efficiency is good. Conventionally, the host computer 11 makes a status response request indicating the remaining amount of ink each time a receipt is issued, for example.
That is, in the status response unit 50 according to the present embodiment, ink is not consumed after the end image 64 is recorded, and the character string “THANKΔYOU” is included in the end image recording instruction command GC. By utilizing this, it is appropriately determined whether or not the received control command is a terminal image recording instruction command GC for instructing recording of the terminal image 64, and if it is the terminal image recording instruction command GC, ink is In order to perform appropriate processing according to the remaining amount of ink, a status indicating the remaining amount of ink is automatically transmitted. In this way, the status response unit 50 efficiently transmits the status according to the situation that the end image 64 is an image recorded at the end of the receipt.

In step SA9, after executing processing corresponding to the received status, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 generates a cut command CC and transmits it to the printer 26 (step SA10).
The printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 that has received the command controls the print engine 43 to cut the roll paper (step SB15).
The receipt issuance is thus completed.

As described above, the printer 26 according to the present embodiment receives a control command from the host computer 11 in cooperation with the interface unit 45, and based on the received control command, the inkjet head 37 (recording unit). To record on roll paper (recording medium).
Then, the status response unit 50 of the printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 determines whether or not a specific character string is included in the control command received from the host computer 11. The status associated with the character string is transmitted to the host computer 11.
According to this, when a specific character string is included in the control command, the printer 26 transmits a status associated with the specific character string. For this reason, the printer 26 can transmit the status in a new procedure that has not been conventionally used by using a control command received from the host computer 11 when the character string is recorded. Furthermore, according to the above, for example, when the host computer 11 causes the printer 26 to record a specific character string, and there is a situation where a specific status is required at the same time, the printer 26 The status can be transmitted without waiting for a status response request command from the host computer 11, and the status according to the situation can be efficiently transmitted.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the control command includes the character string “THANKΔYOU”, the status response unit 50 indicates a status (roll paper remaining amount) indicating whether or not the roll paper is near-end. Status). Based on the status, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 determines whether or not the roll paper is near-end, and if it is near-end, displays that fact.
By performing such an operation, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, since the end image 64 is a character string recorded at the end of the receipt, the roll paper is cut immediately after the end image 64 is recorded, and the consumption of the roll paper is limited. It is. Therefore, after the end image 64 is recorded, it is determined whether the roll paper is near-end, thereby reflecting the amount of roll paper used for the receipt on which the end image 64 is recorded. It is possible to appropriately determine whether or not enough roll paper remains to issue a receipt to be issued later. Based on this, in this embodiment, the status response unit 50 is configured to automatically transmit a status indicating whether or not the roll paper is near-end when recording of the end image 64 is instructed. The computer 11 can acquire a status including information useful for determining whether sufficient roll paper remains to issue a subsequent receipt without issuing a response request. Further, the host computer 11 can notify that the roll paper is near-end before the next receipt issuance is started, and accordingly, the user can replace the roll paper at an early stage. .
In other words, the status response unit 50 according to the present embodiment indicates that the roll paper to be used is limited after the end image 64 is recorded, and that the character string “THANKΔYOU is included in the end image recording instruction command GC. ”Is appropriately used to determine whether the received control command is a terminal image recording instruction command GC for instructing recording of the terminal image 64, and further, the terminal image recording instruction command GC is determined. In the case of, a status indicating whether or not the roll paper is near-end is automatically transmitted so that appropriate processing according to the remaining amount of roll paper is performed. In this way, the status response unit 50 efficiently transmits the status according to the situation that the end image 64 is an image recorded at the end of the receipt.

In the present embodiment, the status response unit 50 determines whether or not the movable blade of the cutter unit 38 is located at the standby position when the character string “* / * / *” is included in the control command. The status to be shown (status related to the state of the mechanism related to cutting in the cutting unit) is transmitted. In other words, the status response unit 50 automatically positions the movable blade of the cutter unit 38 at the standby position when instructed to record the issue date image 60 that is routinely recorded at the top of the receipt. Sends a status indicating whether or not
By performing such an operation, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, when the recording of the issue date image 60 is instructed, the receipt issuance is started, and the roll paper is cut. Here, as described above, in order to cut the roll paper, the movable blade needs to be positioned at the standby position. Based on this, the conventional host computer requests a status response indicating whether or not the movable blade is in the standby position before issuing a receipt or at an appropriate timing while issuing a receipt. The printer transmits a status in response to the response request. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the status response unit 50 automatically determines whether or not the movable blade is positioned at the standby position when the recording of the issue date image 60 is instructed with the start of issuing the receipt. With the configuration in which the status shown is transmitted, the host computer 11 can acquire the status at a timing when the status is required for the subsequent cutting of the roll paper without issuing a response request. For this reason, the host computer 11 does not need to monitor the response request trigger for generating the movable blade position for cutting the receipt, or to generate and output a command related to the response request. 26 does not need to process a command related to a response request, and has high processing efficiency.
That is, in the status response unit 50 according to the present embodiment, the issue date image 60 is routinely recorded at the top of the receipt, and the issue date image 60 includes the character string “* / * / *”. If the received control command is an issue date record instruction command HC for instructing the recording of the issue date image 60, it is properly determined. Automatically transmits a status indicating whether or not the movable blade is in the standby position in preparation for the subsequent cutting of the roll paper. In this way, the status response unit 50 efficiently transmits the status according to the situation that the receipt issuance is started.

In the present embodiment, the status response unit 50 transmits a status indicating the result of the nozzle check process when the control command includes the character string “COUPON”. In other words, when the bar code image 63b is recorded, the status response unit 50 is automatically instructed to record the character string coupon image 63a that must be recorded before recording the image. The status indicating the result of the nozzle check process is transmitted.
By performing such an operation, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, when the recording of the character string coupon image 63a is instructed, the barcode image 63b is recorded next (as described above, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the bar code image 63b is recorded). The coupon image 63 including the code image 63b is not recorded.) Here, as described above, in order to record the barcode image 63b with a certain level of accuracy, it is necessary that the nozzle ejection failure does not occur in a predetermined manner. Based on this, the conventional host computer has a status indicating the result of the nozzle check process for the receipt for recording the coupon image 63 before issuing the receipt or at an appropriate timing while issuing the receipt. The printer transmits a status in response to the response request.
On the other hand, in this embodiment, when recording of the character string coupon image 63a is instructed, the status response unit 50 automatically transmits a status indicating whether or not the movable blade is located at the standby position. Therefore, the host computer 11 can acquire the status only when recording the barcode image 63b without issuing a response request, that is, only when necessary. For this reason, the host computer 11 does not need to monitor the response request trigger for the status, or generate and output a command related to the response request, and the printer 26 processes the command related to the response request. There is no need to do this, and processing efficiency is good.
That is, when the barcode image 63b is recorded, the status response unit 50 according to the present embodiment records the character string coupon image 63a in front of the image and the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa. Utilizing the fact that the character string “COUPON” is included, it is appropriately determined whether or not the received control command is a character string coupon recording instruction command PCa for instructing recording of the character string coupon image 63a. In the case of the character string coupon recording instruction command PCa, a status indicating the result of the nozzle check process is automatically transmitted to ensure that the next recorded barcode image 63b is recorded with a certain level of accuracy. To do. In this way, the status response unit 50 efficiently transmits the status according to the situation where the barcode image 63b is recorded on the receipt.

In the present embodiment, the status response unit 50 transmits a status indicating the remaining ink amount when the control command includes the character string “THANKΔYOU”. Then, the host-side control unit 28 of the host computer 11 determines whether or not the remaining amount of ink is below the threshold based on the status, and if so, displays that fact.
By performing such an operation, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, since the terminal image 64 is a character string recorded at the end of the receipt, after the terminal image 64 is recorded, no ink is consumed for the receipt on which the terminal image 64 is recorded. Therefore, after the end image 64 is recorded, it is determined whether the remaining amount of ink is below a predetermined threshold value, thereby reflecting the amount of ink used in the receipt on which the end image 64 is recorded. It is possible to appropriately determine whether or not sufficient ink remains to issue a receipt issued after the receipt. Based on this, in the present embodiment, when the status response unit 50 is instructed to record the terminal image 64, the host computer 11 automatically transmits a status indicating the remaining amount of ink. In this case, it is possible to obtain a status including information useful for determining whether or not sufficient ink remains to issue a subsequent receipt. For this reason, the host computer 11 does not need to monitor the response request trigger for the status, or generate and output a command related to the response request, and the printer 26 processes the command related to the response request. There is no need to do this, and processing efficiency is good. Conventionally, the host computer 11 makes a status response request indicating the remaining amount of ink each time a receipt is issued, for example.
That is, in the status response unit 50 according to the present embodiment, ink is not consumed after the end image 64 is recorded, and the character string “THANKΔYOU” is included in the end image recording instruction command GC. By utilizing this, it is appropriately determined whether or not the received control command is a terminal image recording instruction command GC for instructing recording of the terminal image 64, and if it is the terminal image recording instruction command GC, ink is In order to perform appropriate processing according to the remaining amount of ink, a status indicating the remaining amount of ink is automatically transmitted. In this way, the status response unit 50 efficiently transmits the status according to the situation that the end image 64 is an image recorded at the end of the receipt.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the status indicating whether or not the roll paper is near-end is given as an example of the status relating to the remaining amount of roll paper. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a status indicating that this is the case. That is, the status regarding the remaining amount of roll paper may be a status indicating some information regarding the remaining amount of roll paper, and the specific contents can be arbitrarily changed depending on the mechanism, function, and other factors of the printer 26. is there.
Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the status related to the state of the mechanism related to the cutting in the cutting unit, the status indicating whether or not the movable blade is positioned at the standby position is given, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the status may indicate whether any error has occurred in the cutter unit 38. That is, the status regarding the state of the mechanism related to the cutting in the cutting unit may be a status indicating some information regarding the mechanism, and the specific contents can be arbitrarily changed depending on the mechanism, function, and other factors of the printer 26. It is.
Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the status indicating the result of the nozzle check process is given as an example of the status related to the state of the mechanism related to printing in the printing unit. However, the status is not limited to this. It may be a status indicating whether any error has occurred. That is, the status relating to the state of the mechanism related to recording in the recording unit may be a status indicating some information related to the mechanism, and the specific contents can be arbitrarily changed depending on the mechanism, function, and other factors of the printer 26. It is.
Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the status indicating the remaining amount of ink is given as an example of the status related to the remaining amount of ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ink is empty or close to empty. It may be a status indicating that it is in a state. That is, the status regarding the remaining amount of ink may be a status indicating some information regarding the remaining amount of ink, and the specific contents can be arbitrarily changed depending on the mechanism, function, and other factors of the printer 26.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the aspect in which a control command instructing recording of a character string including a specific character string is output and the timing have been specifically described with an example of issuing a receipt. The mode and timing at which the control command is output are arbitrary. For example, when a status indicating the remaining amount of ink is required, the host computer 11 controls the recording of a specific character string (in this example, “THANKΔYOU”) associated with the status. Can be generated and output, thereby obtaining a status indicating the remaining amount of ink.
Each functional block shown in FIG. 1 can be arbitrarily realized by cooperation of hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration.
Further, for example, the function of the printer-side control unit 40 of the printer 26 may be provided in another device externally connected to the printer 26.
Further, each step of each flowchart shown in FIG. 3 may be executed by executing a program stored in an externally connected storage medium.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Recording system, 11 ... Host computer (control device), 26 ... Printer (recording device), 37 ... Inkjet head (recording unit), 38 ... Cutter unit (cutting unit), 40 ... Printer side control unit (control unit, Receiving unit), 45 ... interface unit (receiving unit), 50 ... status response unit.

Claims (7)

Includes a string, a receiver for receiving a control command for instructing recording of the string,
Based on the control command received by the receiving unit, a recording unit for recording a character string into a recording medium,
Determine whether Ru contains a specific character string to the control command received by the receiving unit, if included Ru, status of sending the associated with the particular character string status to the controller A response unit;
A recording apparatus comprising: The recording medium is roll paper,
The status response unit
If that is part of a specific character string to the control command received by the receiving unit, a recording apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 1 for transmitting status regarding the remaining amount of the roll paper to the controller. A cutting unit for cutting the recording medium;
The status response unit
If that is part of a specific character string to the control command received by the receiving unit, a recording apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 1 or 2 sends a status relating to the state of the mechanism according to the cutting of the cutting unit to the control device . The status response unit
If that is part of a specific character string to the control command received by the reception unit, according to any one of 請 Motomeko 1 to 3 to send status about the state of the mechanism according to the recording of the recording unit Recording device. The recording unit is an ink jet head for recording on the recording medium by ejecting Lee ink,
The status response unit
If the control command received by the receiving portion and the Ru contains a specific character string, a recording apparatus according to any one of 請 Motomeko 1 to 4 sends status about the remaining amount of the ink. Includes a string, receives a control command for instructing recording of the string,
It is determined whether or not received Ru contains signal identifies the string to the control command, if contained Ru, recording apparatus, characterized by sending said associated with a particular character string status Control method. It includes a string, comprising a receiver for receiving a control command for instructing recording of the character string, based on the control command received by the receiving unit, and a recording unit for recording a character string on a recording medium A program executed by a control unit that controls the recording apparatus,
The control unit
Whether Ru contains a specific character string to determine the control command received by the receiving unit, if included Ru, as a status response unit that sends the associated with a particular character string status A program characterized by functioning.

Images