JP6019749B2 - Medium processing apparatus and POS system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium processing apparatus and a POS system.

  Conventionally, a printer that is an example of a medium processing apparatus and a POS system including a plurality of printers are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the configuration of Patent Document 1, a receipt printer that prints a receipt is connected to a POS register, and a label printer that prints a sticker is connected to the first printer. When the POS register outputs the accounting process data, the receipt printer prints the receipt, and the receipt printer outputs the seal print data under a predetermined condition. The label printer prints a sticker according to the sticker print data output from the receipt printer.

JP 2009-199588 A

In the above conventional configuration, a receipt printer dedicated to receipt printing and a label printer dedicated to sticker printing are connected. That is, a dedicated medium processing device for different processing is connected. Therefore, since the role of each media processing device is fixed, it is not necessary to control the proper use of the media processing device.
On the other hand, in a system in which a plurality of media processing devices are connected, when each media processing device has a common function, it is necessary to control which media processing device is operated in which case. Therefore, it is necessary to control each of the plurality of media processing devices in a computer or the like that controls the media processing device.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable a plurality of medium processing apparatuses to be appropriately used by simple control.

To achieve the above object, a medium processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a processing unit that processes a medium, a first connection unit that receives text data transmitted from a host computer, and a first connection unit that is connected to an external processing device. 2 connection units, an analysis unit that retrieves a predetermined character string from text data received by the first connection unit, and a processing unit that executes processing based on a result retrieved by the analysis unit Switching to the first operation mode or the second operation mode for communicating the text data received by the first connection unit to the external processing device connected to the second connection unit, the first operation mode or the And a control unit that executes the second operation mode.
According to the present invention, a medium processing apparatus that receives a command transmitted from a host computer and processes a medium based on the received command transmits text data received from the host computer to an external processing apparatus, for example, An external processing device can perform processing. This medium processing apparatus switches between two operation modes when a preset character string is included in text data transmitted from a host computer. That is, the host computer can switch the operation mode of the medium processing apparatus by including a predetermined character string in the text data to be transmitted. Thereby, the host computer can easily switch the operation mode of the medium processing apparatus, and the medium processing apparatus and the external processing apparatus can be used properly. Further, the host computer can switch the operation mode by including a predetermined character string in the text data. For this reason, even if the command used by the application and the media processing device executed on the host computer does not include a command related to the switching of the operation mode, the command of the operation mode is not expanded. Switching control becomes possible. Therefore, there is no need to change the application that outputs the command of the host computer. For example, there is an advantage that an application executed on an existing host computer can be used as it is.

The present invention is the above-described medium processing apparatus, wherein the processing unit is a printing unit that prints characters on a predetermined sheet, and the predetermined character string is a character string that is not printed by the printing unit. The analysis unit searches for whether or not the character string not printed by the printing unit is included in the text data received by the first connection unit.
According to the present invention, a medium processing device that prints characters based on text data detects a predetermined character string from the text data related to the characters to be printed, and switches the operation mode. For this reason, if the host computer has a function of transmitting a command for instructing printing to the medium processing apparatus and text data relating to characters to be printed, the operation mode can be switched. Therefore, the medium processing device and the external processing device can be used properly without changing the application or command set executed on the host computer. Furthermore, since the character string included in the text data is set as a character string that is not printed by the printing unit, this character string can be clearly distinguished from the text data for printing, and there is no risk of malfunction due to erroneous detection. .

Further, the present invention is the above-described medium processing device, wherein the control unit performs , in advance, the text data from the text data when performing control to execute processing in the printing unit based on the character string detected by the analysis unit. Text data excluding a predetermined character string is printed on the printing unit .
According to the present invention, the medium processing apparatus executes processing based on the text data except for the character string included in the text data for the purpose of switching the operation mode. For this reason, since the character string for switching the operation mode does not affect the processing of the medium, the host computer can properly use the medium processing apparatus and the external processing apparatus properly.

Further, the present invention provides the medium processing device, wherein the conversion unit converts the command received by the first connection unit into a command executed by the processing unit or a command executed by the external processing device. It is characterized by providing.
According to the present invention, a command received by a medium processing device from a host computer is converted into a command executed by a processing unit or an external processing device. Therefore, even when a media processing device or an external processing device is connected to a host computer that uses a different command, the media processing can be performed without altering the command output from the application executed on the host computer. The apparatus and the external processing apparatus can be appropriately operated.

In order to achieve the above object, a POS system of the present invention includes a POS terminal that transmits a command, a processing unit that processes a medium, a first connection unit that receives text data transmitted from the POS terminal , An analysis unit that retrieves a predetermined character string from text data received by the first connection unit; a first operation mode in which processing is executed by the processing unit based on a result retrieved by the analysis unit; or the first A control unit that switches to the second operation mode for transmitting the text data received by the connection unit and executes the first operation mode or the second operation mode , and the text data when switched to the second operation mode a first media processing device having a second connecting unit for transmitting, connected to the second connecting portion of the first media processing device, is transmitted from the second connecting portion And a second medium processing device having a medium processing unit that performs processing common to the processing unit of the first medium processing device based on the data received by the receiving unit. It is characterized by that.
According to the POS system of the present invention, by including a predetermined character string in the text data transmitted by the POS terminal, an operation mode in which the first medium processing device executes processing, and the second medium processing device executes processing. The operation mode can be easily switched. Therefore, the POS terminal can properly use the first and second medium processing devices appropriately by simple processing. In addition, since the operation mode is switched when the text data transmitted by the POS terminal includes a preset character string, the operation mode is included in the command executed by the application executed on the POS terminal and the first medium processing apparatus. Even when a command related to switching is not included, operation mode switching can be controlled without expanding the command. Therefore, there is no need to change the POS terminal command. For example, there is an advantage that the configuration of an application executed on an existing POS terminal can be used.

Further, the present invention is the POS system, wherein the processing unit of the first medium processing apparatus is a printing unit that prints a receipt, and the predetermined character string is a character that is not printed by the printing unit. The analysis unit searches for whether or not the character string not printed by the printing unit is included in the text data received by the first connection unit.
According to the present invention, the first medium processing device that prints characters based on text data detects a predetermined character string from the text data related to the characters to be printed, and switches the operation mode. For this reason, if the POS terminal has a function of transmitting a command for instructing printing to the first medium processing apparatus and text data relating to characters to be printed, the operation mode can be switched. Accordingly, the first and second medium processing apparatuses can be used properly without changing the application or command set executed on the POS terminal. Furthermore, since the character string included in the text data is set as a character string that is not printed by the printing unit, this character string can be clearly distinguished from the text data for printing, and there is no risk of malfunction due to erroneous detection. .

Further, the present invention is the POS system, wherein the medium processing unit of the second medium processing device is a second printing unit that prints a receipt, and the control unit includes the control unit When switching to the second operation mode, the data is transmitted from the second connection unit, and the second medium processing apparatus receives the data at the reception unit and prints a receipt at the second printing unit. It is characterized by that.
According to the POS system of the present invention, the POS terminal can switch and execute the printing operation by the first and second media processing devices to print the receipt from the first media processing device, or the receipt from the second media processing device. It is also possible to print. Thereby, for example, the same printed matter can be appropriately output to a desired device in accordance with the use situation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately use a plurality of processing devices without the host computer performing control for properly using the plurality of processing devices.

1 is a functional block diagram of a POS system according to a first embodiment. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating in detail a configuration of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the multifunction machine. It is a functional block diagram of the POS system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer in detail. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printer.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS system 3 according to the first embodiment.
The POS system 3 is a system that is installed in a retail store or the like, and performs processing such as sales data registration at the time of product sales, accounting processing, and receipt printing. The POS system 3 includes a POS terminal 20 (host computer) operated by an operator, a multifunction device 100 (medium processing device, first medium processing device) connected to the POS terminal 20, and a printer 200 connected to the multifunction device 100. (External processing device, second medium processing device).

  The POS terminal 20 reads an operator display 31 for displaying various information, a customer display 32 for displaying the amount of money for the customer, a cash drawer 33 for storing money, a keyboard 36 operated by the operator, and a product barcode. A barcode scanner 37 and a card reader 38 that reads magnetic information recorded on a card such as a credit card or a cash card are connected. The operator operates the keyboard 36 or performs a reading operation using the barcode scanner 37 and inputs product information. The POS terminal 20 makes an inquiry to the POS server 10 based on the input product information. The POS server 10 searches for the product master based on the product information transmitted from the POS terminal 20, extracts information on the product code, product name, and amount from the product master, and returns the information to the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 displays the product price on the display 31 and the customer display 32 based on the information returned from the POS server 10. When this process is completed for all commodities in one transaction, the operator executes an accounting process by operating the keyboard 36 or the like, and pays change from the cash drawer 33 as necessary. The POS terminal 20 controls the MFP 100 or the printer 200 to print out a receipt.

The multifunction machine 100 has a function of printing a receipt on roll paper as a recording medium. The multi-function device 100 also has a magnetic reading function for reading information magnetically recorded on a form such as a check, and a validation function for printing that the form is used on a form such as a check. In the accounting process, when the customer uses a check, the operator sets the check in the multi-function peripheral 100 and reads the magnetic information of the check. The multi-function device 100 reads magnetic information on checks and performs validation printing. The POS terminal 20 performs accounting processing based on the information read by the multifunction device 100.
The printer 200 has a function of printing a receipt on roll paper. The multifunction device 100 and the printer 200 may be a thermal printer that prints a receipt on thermal roll paper, or may be a serial dot impact printer or an ink jet printer that prints on a roll paper made of plain paper.

  The POS terminal 20 includes a control unit 21 that controls each unit of the POS terminal 20. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like (not shown), and executes a program stored in the storage unit 23. The control unit 21 includes a printer driver execution unit 22 that executes the printer driver program 24 stored in the storage unit 23. The printer driver execution unit 22 generates and transmits a command for instructing print execution and print data to be printed on a receipt to the printer connected to the interface 27. The printer driver execution unit 22 executes a printer driver program 24 corresponding to a specific manufacturer's printer or a specific model. Therefore, the commands and print data generated by the printer driver execution unit 22 are commands and print data of a command system corresponding to a printer of a specific manufacturer or a specific model.

The POS terminal 20 includes an output unit 28 having a connector (not shown) to which a display 31, a customer display 32, and a cash drawer 33 are connected. The output unit 28 outputs display data from the output unit 28 to the display 31 and the customer display 32 under the control of the control unit 21. Further, the output unit 28 outputs a signal for opening the cash drawer 33 to the cash drawer 33 under the control of the control unit 21. The output unit 28 may have a function of detecting the state (open / closed) of the cash drawer 33 and outputting the detection result to the control unit 21. An interface 27 connected to an external printer is connected to the output unit 28. The interface 27 has a connector (not shown) compliant with standards such as USB, RS-232C, Ethernet (registered trademark), and is connected to the printer by a cable connected to the connector. The interface 27 may include a wireless communication interface and be connected to the printer via a wireless communication line. Specific examples of this wireless communication interface are IEEE 802.11, wireless USB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), UWB, and the like. In the present embodiment, the multifunction device 100 is connected to the interface 27 via the cable 6. The POS terminal 20 and the multifunction device 100 are connected on a one-to-one basis.
The POS terminal 20 includes a communication interface 26 connected to the communication line 5, and is connected to the POS server 10 via the communication interface 26. The communication interface 26 may include, for example, a communication interface circuit such as a LAN interface or a modem compliant with Ethernet.

  The multifunction device 100 includes a first interface 110 (first connection unit) and a second interface 115 (second connection unit) connected to an external device. The first interface 110 is connected to the POS terminal 20 via the cable 6. The second interface 115 is connected to the printer 200 via the cable 7. The first interface 110 is connected to the POS terminal 20 on a one-to-one basis, and the second interface 115 is connected to the printer 200 on a one-to-one basis.

The multifunction machine 100 includes a control unit 150. The control unit 150 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and a non-volatile storage device such as an EEPROM or a flash memory (not shown). The control unit 150 controls each unit by executing a program stored in a non-volatile storage device. This program may be so-called firmware for operating the multifunction peripheral 100.
The multi-function device 100 also includes a roll paper printing unit 120 (processing unit), a magnetic reading unit 130, and a form printing unit 140 that operate according to the control of the control unit 150. That is, the multi-function device 100 is a multi-function device having a plurality of functions including a receipt printing function, a form magnetic information reading function, and a form printing function.
The control unit 150 transmits / receives data to / from the POS terminal 20 via the first interface 110 and transmits / receives data to / from the printer 200 via the second interface 115.

Although not shown, the roll paper printing unit 120 detects a print head that prints characters and images on the roll paper, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the roll paper, a cutter mechanism that cuts the roll paper, the presence or absence of the roll paper, and the position of the leading edge. The detector etc. which do are provided. The roll paper printing unit 120 prints on the roll paper under the control of the control unit 150 and outputs it as a receipt.
The magnetic reading unit 130 reads information magnetically recorded on a form such as a check set by the operator. Although not shown, the magnetic reading unit 130 includes a conveyance mechanism that conveys the form, a MICR head that reads information (for example, MICR characters) magnetically recorded on the form, and the like. In addition, the form printing unit 140 prints, for example, characters indicating that processing has been performed on the form read by the magnetic reading unit 130. The form printing unit 140 includes a print head (not shown). For example, the print head is provided at a position where the form is conveyed by the conveyance mechanism of the magnetic reading unit 130, and prints the form.

  The printer 200 is a single-function printer having a function of printing a receipt. The printer 200 includes an interface 210 (reception unit) connected to the multifunction peripheral 100 via the cable 7, a roll paper printing unit 220 (medium processing unit) including a print head for printing on roll paper, and the like. And a control unit 250 for controlling the above. Similar to the first interface 110 or the second interface 115, the interface 210 is a wired interface having a connector (not shown) or a wireless communication interface. The control unit 250 transmits / receives data to / from the multifunction device 100 via the interface 210.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the POS system 3 and particularly shows the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a main board 101 on which a CPU that controls each unit of the multi-function machine 100 is mounted, and an interface board 103 provided separately from the main board 101. For example, the interface board 103 may be connected to the main body board 101 via a bus line (not shown) that can be contacted / separated, and may be detachable from the main body of the multifunction peripheral 100. A first interface 110 and a second interface 115 are mounted on the interface board 103, and a control unit 150 is mounted on the main board 101. The main body substrate 101 is connected to the roll paper printing unit 120, the magnetic reading unit 130, and the form printing unit 140 provided in the main body of the multifunction peripheral 100.

The first interface 110 includes a connector 111 to which the cable 6 can be connected, and the second interface 115 includes a connector 116 to which the cable 7 can be connected. These connectors 111 and 116 are provided independently on the interface board 103. As a specific example, a form in which the connectors 111 and 116 are exposed side by side on the back surface of the main body of the multi-function peripheral 100 can be cited. Further, the first interface 110 and the second interface 115 can execute communication independently of each other.
The connectors 111 and 116 are connectors compliant with standards such as USB, RS-232C, and Ethernet (registered trademark), and can connect cables 6 and 7 compliant with these standards. Further, the first interface 110 and the second interface 115 may include a wireless communication interface, and may be connected to the POS terminal 20 and the printer 200 via a wireless communication line. Specific examples of this wireless communication interface are IEEE 802.11, wireless USB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), UWB, and the like.

  The control unit 150 executes various programs by a CPU mounted on the main body substrate 101, so that an external device control unit 151, an operation mode control unit 153, a data analysis unit 155 (analysis unit), a conversion unit 157, a command analysis unit 158 and the process control unit 159.

  The external device control unit 151 transmits / receives data to / from a device connected to the second interface 115, the device type (multifunction device or printer), model name, manufacturer name, and command system corresponding to the device. (Command type), functions that can be executed by the device, and the like. In the present embodiment, the external device control unit 151 specifies at least the types of processing that can be executed by the device connected to the second interface 115. More preferably, the external device control unit 151 specifies a command system used by a device connected to the second interface 115. The command system is specified by, for example, transmitting data inquiring about the type of command via the second interface 115 and specifying based on a response to the data, or by a device connected to the second interface 115. There is a method for identifying the corresponding command system by determining the model name or manufacturer name. In this embodiment, since the printer 200 is connected to the second interface 115, the external device control unit 151 specifies a command system used by the printer 200.

The operation mode control unit 153 controls switching of the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100. When the POS terminal 20 outputs a command for instructing execution of printing, the multi-function device 100 can execute a first mode in which the multi-function device 100 performs printing and a second mode in which the printer 200 performs printing. The first mode and the second mode are exclusively selected.
In other words, in the first mode, the multifunction device 100 executes all commands related to processing that can be executed by the multifunction device 100 among the commands received by the first interface 110. On the other hand, in the second mode, the multifunction device 100 transmits, from the second interface 115, a command related to processing that can be executed by a device connected to the second interface 115 among the commands received by the first interface 110. The multifunction device 100 executes a command related to processing that cannot be executed by the device connected to the second interface 115.

When receiving a command for instructing execution of printing from the first interface 110 in the first mode, the multifunction peripheral 100 executes printing by the roll paper printing unit 120 based on the print data received together with this command.
When receiving a command for instructing execution of printing from the first interface 110 in the second mode, the multifunction peripheral 100 transmits the command and the print data received together with the command from the second interface 115. The printer 200 receives a command for instructing printing and print data via the interface 210, and executes printing by the roll paper printing unit 220.

  Switching between the first mode and the second mode is executed, for example, when a data analysis unit 155 described later detects a text command. The operation mode control unit 153 may be configured to switch the operation mode when the first interface 110 receives a command defined as a command for switching the operation mode with respect to the multifunction device 100. Further, a physical switch (not shown) may be provided on the exterior panel of the multi-function device 100, and the operation mode control unit 153 may switch the operation mode when an operation of this switch is detected. Alternatively, an operation panel (not shown) may be provided in the multifunction device 100, and the operation mode control unit 153 may switch the operation mode in accordance with the operation of the operation panel. In this case, an indicator lamp (not shown) or a display indicating the operation mode being executed may be provided on the operation panel.

The data analysis unit 155 analyzes text data included in the print data received by the first interface 110 and determines whether or not a text command is included in the text data. The text command is a command included in the print data output from the POS terminal 20. The print data includes text data for printing characters, and this text data is an enumeration of characters and symbols. Since characters and symbols included in the text data are printed on a receipt and viewed by the customer, they usually constitute meaningful content that can be recognized by a person. For this reason, a character string having no specific meaning as a word or symbol (including a case where no meaning is assigned) is not printed. For example, “$ 10” is a character string indicating the amount of money. On the other hand, for example, the character string “# 1122” is a character string having no meaning unless any meaning is assigned to the character “#”. Since the character string having no meaning is not printed on the receipt, it can be used as a command that can be interpreted by the multifunction peripheral 100. A command transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 100 as part of text data in the print data is called a text command in this embodiment.
Here are some specific examples of text commands. It is assumed that “# 1122” is set in advance as a command for instructing the MFP 100 to switch the operation mode. The preset command is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) included in the control unit 150, for example. The data analysis unit 155 acquires text data in the print data received via the first interface 110, and searches for whether “# 1122” is included in the text data. When “# 1122” is detected, the data analysis unit 155 notifies the operation mode control unit 153 that a command instructing switching of the operation mode has been detected. As a result, the operation mode control unit 153 switches the operation mode being executed to another operation mode.

  The text command is output as part of the print data. Therefore, a new command can be added without changing the command set (command system) used by the POS terminal 20. That is, the text data included in the print data is generated by an application program that outputs the print data to the printer driver program 24. The printer driver program 24 converts the print data generated by the application program into a data format for the multifunction peripheral 100, and transmits it together with a command for instructing print execution. Therefore, if the application program outputs print data including a text command, the multifunction peripheral 100 operates according to the text command even if the printer driver program 24 cannot recognize the text command. Therefore, any command related to the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100 can be added without changing the content of the printer driver program 24 executed by the POS terminal 20.

  In addition, when the data analysis unit 155 detects a text command in the print data received by the first interface 110, the data analysis unit 155 deletes the text command and newly generates print data. As a result, a meaningless character string can be prevented from being printed on the receipt. The data analysis unit 155 removes the text command from the print data in both the first and second modes.

  The conversion unit 157 converts the command received by the first interface 110 into a command having the same meaning in another command system. As described above, the POS terminal 20 generates and transmits a command in a predetermined command system by the function of the printer driver program 24. The command system varies depending on the manufacturer and model of the device including the multifunction peripheral 100 and the printer 200. For this reason, the command system transmitted by the POS terminal 20 may not match the command system that can be executed by the multifunction peripheral 100 and / or the printer 200. The conversion unit 157 stores a table that defines a correspondence relationship between commands in at least one command system and commands in another command system. The control unit 150 may store a table that associates a command system of commands transmitted from the POS terminal 20 with a command system that can be executed by the multifunction peripheral 100. The control unit 150 may store a table that associates a command system of commands transmitted from the POS terminal 20 with a command system that can be executed by the printer 200. When the command received by the first interface 110 is not a command command that can be executed by the multifunction device 100, the conversion unit 157 converts the command into a command command that can be executed by the multifunction device 100. Accordingly, the multifunction device 100 can execute all commands received by the first interface 110. In addition, when the command received by the first interface 110 is not a command command that can be executed by the printer 200 during execution of the second mode, the conversion unit 157 converts the command command to a command that can be executed by the printer 200. Perform conversion. Commands that can be executed by the printer 200 can be specified by the external device control unit 151. Therefore, if the command system does not match between the POS terminal 20 and the multifunction peripheral 100 and / or the printer 200, the command transmitted by the POS terminal 20 can be executed in both the first mode and the second mode. Thereby, for example, when the printer constituting the POS system 3 is replaced with the multifunction device 100 or the printer 200 which is a model of another manufacturer, the multifunction device 100 or the printer 200 is operated without changing the printer driver program 24. Can be made.

The conversion unit 157 may convert the content of the command and the content of the print data when converting the command received by the first interface 110 into a command suitable for the printer 200. For example, the printer 100 has the printing conditions such as the resolution of the print head of the printer, the line feed amount, the font size, the font type, the margin between characters, the left and right margins of the roll paper, and the roll paper size. The roll paper printing unit 120 may be different. Further, the printing conditions may be different from those of the roll paper printing unit 220 of the printer 200. Furthermore, printing conditions may differ between the roll paper printing unit 120 and the roll paper printing unit 220.
In such a case, the conversion unit 157 converts the contents of the command and the print data so that the same or similar print result can be obtained even if the printer has different print conditions. For example, the conversion unit 157 may print the print position designation command included in the command received by the first interface 110 so that the roll paper printing unit 120 can print in the same or similar form as the printer corresponding to the printer driver program 24. Command, parameters such as margin specification command, line feed command, font specification command, character margin specification command, etc. are converted. Further, the conversion unit 157 may convert the number of pixels of the image data included in the print data. Similarly, the conversion unit 157 allows the roll paper printing unit 220 to print in the various types of commands included in the command received by the first interface 110 so that printing can be performed in the same or similar form as the printer corresponding to the printer driver program 24. Commands and parameters, and the number of pixels of image data included in print data are converted. As a result, the same or similar printed matter can be obtained by the multifunction device 100 and the printer 200 without modifying the software of the POS terminal 20.

The command analysis unit 158 analyzes a command received by the first interface 110 and identifies a function corresponding to the received command. For example, the command analysis unit 158 specifies whether the received command is a command related to the function of the roll paper printing unit 120, a command related to the function of the magnetic reading unit 130, or a command related to the function of the form printing unit 140.
When the command received by the first interface 110 is a command related to the function of the magnetic reading unit 130 or the form printing unit 140, the command analysis unit 158 causes the processing control unit 159 described later to execute the command.
When the command received by the first interface 110 is a command related to the function of the roll paper printing unit 120, the command analysis unit 158 determines the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100. When the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 is the first mode, the command analysis unit 158 causes the processing control unit 159 to execute a command related to the roll paper printing unit 120. On the other hand, when the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 is the second mode, the command analysis unit 158 causes the second interface 115 to transmit a command related to the roll paper printing unit 120 to the printer 200. Here, when the command received by the first interface 110 is accompanied by print data, the command analysis unit 158 causes the second interface 115 to transmit the command and the print data.

  The processing control unit 159 executes the command received by the first interface 110 and drives the roll paper printing unit 120, the magnetic reading unit 130, and the form printing unit 140 to print receipts, read magnetic information, or to form. Execute printing.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction machine 100.
When the control unit 150 detects that a command has been received by the first interface 110 (step S11), the conversion unit 157 determines whether or not conversion of the received command is necessary (step S12). If the received command is different from the command corresponding to the multifunction device 100, the conversion unit 157 determines that the command needs to be converted (step S12; Yes). In this case, the conversion unit 157 converts the received command into a corresponding command in a command system supported by the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S13). If the conversion unit 157 determines that command conversion is not necessary (step S12; No), the conversion unit 157 does not convert the command.

  Subsequently, the data analysis unit 155 determines whether text data is received together with the command by the first interface 110 (step S14). When text data is received (step S14; Yes), the data analysis unit 155 analyzes the received text data (step S15) and searches for a text command (step S16). If the received text data includes a text command (step S16; Yes), the data analysis unit 155 outputs the text command to the operation mode control unit 153. The operation mode control unit 153 performs a process of switching (setting) the current operation mode to another operation mode in accordance with the text command (step S17). The data analysis unit 155 removes the text command output to the operation mode control unit 153 from the received text data to generate new text data (step S18), and proceeds to the next step S19. If the received text data does not contain a text command (step S16; No), the data analysis unit 155 proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, the command analysis unit 158 analyzes the received command. The command analysis unit 158 determines whether the received command is a print command (step S20). If the received command is not a print command (step S20; No), the command analysis unit 158 outputs the command to the processing control unit 159, and the processing control unit 159 controls the magnetic reading unit 130 or the form printing unit 140, The process is executed according to the command (step S21).
On the other hand, when the received command is a print command (step S21; Yes), the data analysis unit 155 determines the operation mode set by the operation mode control unit 153 (step S22). When the operation mode is the first mode (step S23; Yes), the data analysis unit 155 outputs a command to the processing control unit 159, and the processing control unit 159 controls the roll paper printing unit 120 to perform printing according to the print command. Is executed (step S24). On the other hand, when the operation mode is the second mode (step S23; No), the conversion unit 157 determines whether or not the command needs to be converted (step S25). Since the command is transmitted to the printer 200 in the second mode, the conversion unit 157 determines that the command needs to be converted when the command received by the first interface 110 is different from the command used by the printer 200. (Step S25; Yes). In this case, the conversion unit 157 performs conversion into commands in the command system used by the printer 200 (step S26), and transmits a print command and print data to the printer 200 through the second interface 115 (step S27). If the command conversion is not necessary (step S25; No), the conversion unit 157 transmits the command and print data received by the first interface 110 via the second interface 115. Note that the print data transmitted by the second interface 115 in step S27 is the print data received by the first interface 110 or the data from which the text command has been removed in step S18.

As described above, the MFP 100 included in the POS system 3 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied is transmitted from the roll paper printing unit 120 that processes roll paper as a medium and the POS terminal 20. A first interface 110 for receiving text data; a second interface 115 connected to the printer 200; a data analysis unit 155 for retrieving a predetermined character string from text data received by the first interface 110; based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 155, a first operation mode for executing a process in roll paper printing unit 120, and the second to transmit the text data received by the first interface 110 by the second interface 115 to the printer 200 Control unit 15 which can be executed by switching the operation mode Provided with a door.
As a result, the multifunction peripheral 100 can transmit the command and text data received from the POS terminal 20 to the printer 200 and cause the printer 200 to perform processing, for example. The multifunction device 100 switches the two operation modes when the text data transmitted from the POS terminal 20 includes a preset character string. That is, the POS terminal 20 can switch the operation mode of the multifunction device 100 by including a predetermined character string in the text data transmitted together with the command. For this reason, the POS terminal 20 can easily switch the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 so that the multifunction peripheral 100 and the printer 200 can be used properly. Furthermore, even if the application executed on the POS terminal 20 and the command used by the multifunction device 100 do not include a command related to switching of the operation mode, the operation mode is not expanded without performing the command extension. Switching control becomes possible. Therefore, there is no need to change the application that outputs the command of the POS terminal 20. For example, there is an advantage that an application executed on the existing POS terminal 20 can be used as it is.

Further, the multifunction peripheral 100 that prints characters by the roll paper printing unit 120 based on the text data detects a predetermined character string included in the text data related to the characters to be printed, and switches the operation mode. For this reason, if the POS terminal 20 has a function of transmitting text data relating to characters to be printed, the operation mode can be switched. Therefore, the multifunction device 100 and the printer 200 can be used properly without changing the application of the POS terminal 20.

Further, when the data analysis unit 155 detects a predetermined character string from the text data, the control unit 150 removes the predetermined character string from the text data received by the first interface 110. Based on the above, the operation mode after switching is executed. Therefore, since the character string for switching the operation mode does not affect the printing of the receipt, the POS terminal 20 can more appropriately use the multifunction device 100 and the printer 200 properly.
Furthermore, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a conversion unit 157 that converts a command received by the first interface 110 into a command used by the roll paper printing unit 120 or the printer 200. Therefore, even when the multifunction device 100 or the printer 200 is connected to the POS terminal 20 that uses a different command, the multifunction device is not modified without changing the command output from the application executed on the POS terminal 20. 100 and the printer 200 can be appropriately operated.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the POS system 2 according to the embodiment.
Similar to the POS system 3, the POS system 2 is a system that is installed in a retail store or the like, and performs processing such as sales data registration at the time of product sales, accounting processing, and receipt printing. The POS system 2 includes a POS terminal 20 and two printers 200 and 300. A printer 300 (medium processing apparatus, first medium processing apparatus) is connected to the POS terminal 20, the printer 200 is connected to the printer 300, and the two printers 200 and 300 are connected in a so-called daisy chain.
That is, the POS system 2 according to the second embodiment is obtained by replacing the MFP 100 with the printer 200 in the POS system 3 according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, the input unit 29 corresponds to a host computer, and the printer 200 corresponds to an external processing device and a second medium processing device.
Note that in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the printer 300 is connected to the interface 27 of the POS terminal 20 via the cable 6. The POS terminal 20 and the printer 300 are connected on a one-to-one basis.

Similar to the printer 200, the printer 300 has a function of printing a receipt on roll paper as a recording medium. The printer 300 may be a thermal printer that prints a receipt on heat-sensitive roll paper, or may be a serial dot impact printer or an ink jet printer that prints on roll paper made of plain paper.
The printer 300 includes a first interface 310 (first connection unit) and a second interface 315 (second connection unit) connected to an external device. The first interface 310 is connected to the POS terminal 20 via the cable 6. The second interface 315 is connected to the printer 200 via the cable 7. The first interface 310 is connected to the POS terminal 20 on a one-to-one basis, and the second interface 315 is connected to the printer 200 on a one-to-one basis.

The printer 300 includes a control unit 350. The control unit 350 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and a non-volatile storage device such as an EEPROM or flash memory (not shown). The control unit 350 controls each unit by executing a program stored in a non-volatile storage device. This program may be so-called firmware for operating the printer 300.
The control unit 350 transmits / receives data to / from the POS terminal 20 via the first interface 310 and transmits / receives data to / from the printer 200 via the second interface 315. Further, the control unit 350 controls the roll paper printing unit 330 (processing unit) to print a receipt.
Although not shown, the roll paper printing unit 330 detects a print head that prints characters and images on the roll paper, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the roll paper, a cutter mechanism that cuts the roll paper, the presence or absence of the roll paper, and the position of the tip The detector etc. which do are provided. The roll paper printing unit 330 prints on the roll paper according to the control of the control unit 350 and outputs it as a receipt.

  The printer 300 is connected to the interface 210 of the printer 200 via the cable 7, and the control unit 250 transmits and receives data to and from the printer 300 via the interface 210.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the POS system 2 and particularly shows the configuration of the printer 300.
The printer 300 includes a main body substrate 301 on which a CPU or the like that controls each unit of the printer 300 is mounted, and an interface substrate 303 provided separately from the main body substrate 301. The interface board 303 may be connected to the main body board 301 via, for example, a contactable / separable bus line (not shown), and may be detachable from the main body of the printer 300.
A first interface 310 and a second interface 315 are mounted on the interface board 303, and a control unit 350 is mounted on the main body board 301. The main body substrate 301 is connected to a roll paper printing unit 330 provided in the main body of the printer 300.

The first interface 310 includes a connector 311 that can connect the cable 6, and the second interface 315 includes a connector 316 that can connect the cable 7. These connectors 311 and 316 are provided independently on the interface board 303. As a specific example, there is a form in which connectors 311 and 316 are exposed side by side on the back surface of the main body of the printer 300. In addition, the first interface 310 and the second interface 315 can execute communication independently of each other.
The connectors 311 and 316 may be connectors conforming to various standards, like the connectors 111 and 116 (FIG. 2). Further, the first interface 310 and the second interface 315 may include a wireless communication interface similarly to the first interface 110 and the second interface 115 .

  The control unit 350 executes various programs by the CPU mounted on the main body substrate 301, so that the external device control unit 351, the operation mode control unit 353, the data analysis unit 355 (analysis unit), the conversion unit 357, and the command analysis unit. 358 and the process control unit 359.

The external device control unit 351 functions in the same manner as the external device control unit 151. The external device control unit 351 transmits / receives data to / from a device connected to the second interface 315, and can execute the device type, model name, manufacturer name, command system corresponding to the device, and the device. Specify the function.
The operation mode control unit 353 functions in the same manner as the operation mode control unit 153. The control unit 350 can exclusively select and execute the first mode in which the printer 300 performs printing and the second mode in which the printer 200 performs printing. In the first mode, the printer 300 executes all executable commands among the commands received by the first interface 310. On the other hand, in the second mode, the printer 300 transmits, from the second interface 315, a command related to processing that can be executed by the device connected to the second interface 315 among the commands received by the first interface 310. The operation mode control unit 353 controls switching between the first mode and the second mode.

The switching between the first mode and the second mode is executed, for example, when switching of the operation mode is instructed by a text command detected by a data analysis unit 355 described later.
The operation mode control unit 353 may switch the operation mode when the first interface 310 receives a command defined as a command for switching the operation mode to the printer 300. Further, a physical switch (not shown) may be provided on the exterior panel of the printer 300, and the operation mode control unit 353 may switch the operation mode when an operation of this switch is detected. Alternatively, an operation panel (not shown) may be provided in the printer 300, and the operation mode control unit 353 may switch the operation mode in accordance with the operation of the operation panel. In this case, an indicator lamp (not shown) or a display indicating the operation mode being executed may be provided on the operation panel.

  The data analysis unit 355 acquires text data included in the print data received via the first interface 310, analyzes the text data, and determines whether or not a text command is included in the text data. . The preset text command is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) included in the control unit 350, for example. When the data analysis unit 355 detects a text command from the text data, the data analysis unit 355 notifies the operation mode control unit 353 that a command instructing switching of the operation mode has been detected. As a result, the operation mode control unit 353 switches the operation mode being executed to another operation mode.

  In addition, when the data analysis unit 355 detects a text command in the print data received by the first interface 310, the data analysis unit 355 deletes the text command and newly generates print data. As a result, a meaningless character string can be prevented from being printed on the receipt. The data analysis unit 355 removes the text command from the print data in both the first and second modes.

  The conversion unit 357 converts the command received by the first interface 310 into a command having the same meaning in another command system. For example, the conversion unit 357 stores a table that defines a correspondence relationship between a command in at least one command system and a command in another command system, and converts the command based on this table.

When the command received by the first interface 310 is not a command command that can be executed by the printer 300, the conversion unit 357 converts the command to a command command that can be executed by the printer 300. In addition, when the command received by the first interface 310 is not a command command that can be executed by the printer 200 during execution of the second mode, the conversion unit 357 converts the command command to a command that can be executed by the printer 200. Perform conversion. Thereby, for example, when the printer configuring the POS system 2 is replaced with the printer 300 or the printer 200 which is a model of another manufacturer, the printer 200 or 300 can be operated without changing the printer driver program 24. it can.
Similarly to the conversion unit 157, the conversion unit 357 converts the content of the command and the content of the print data when converting the command received by the first interface 310 into a command suitable for the printer 200. May be. In this case, a similar or similar printed matter can be obtained by the printers 200 and 300 without modifying the software of the POS terminal 20.

Similar to the command analysis unit 158, the command analysis unit 358 analyzes a command received by the first interface 310 and identifies a function corresponding to the received command. For example, the command analysis unit 358 determines whether the received command is a command related to the function of the roll paper printing unit 330 or a command related to other functions. As a command related to functions other than printing, for example, a command related to a function for reading magnetic information recorded on a form such as a check or a command related to a manual print function for a form such as a check is specified.
If the command analysis unit 358 determines that the command received by the first interface 310 is a command related to a function other than the roll paper printing unit 330, the command analysis unit 358 discards the command. This is because neither the printer 300 nor the printer 200 can execute such a command.

When the command received by the first interface 310 is a command related to the function of the roll paper printing unit 330, the command analysis unit 358 determines the operation mode of the printer 300. When the operation mode of the printer 300 is the first mode, the command analysis unit 358 causes the processing control unit 359 to execute a command related to the roll paper printing unit 330. On the other hand, when the operation mode of the printer 300 is the second mode, the command analysis unit 358 causes the second interface 315 to transmit a command related to the roll paper printing unit 330 to the printer 200. If the command received by the first interface 310 is accompanied by print data, the command analysis unit 358 causes the second interface 315 to transmit the command and print data.
The processing control unit 359 executes the command received by the first interface 310 and drives the roll paper printing unit 330 to execute receipt printing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer 300.
When the control unit 350 detects that the command is received by the first interface 310 (step S31), the conversion unit 357 determines whether or not the received command needs to be converted (step S32). If the received command is different from the command corresponding to the printer 300, the conversion unit 357 determines that the command needs to be converted (step S32; Yes). In this case, the conversion unit 357 converts the received command into a corresponding command in the command system supported by the printer 300 (step S33). If the conversion unit 357 determines that command conversion is not necessary (step S32; No), the conversion unit 357 does not convert the command.

  Subsequently, the data analysis unit 355 determines whether text data is received together with the command by the first interface 310 (step S34). When text data is received (step S34; Yes), the data analysis unit 355 analyzes the received text data (step S35) and searches for a text command (step S36). Here, if the received text data includes a text command (step S36; Yes), the data analysis unit 355 outputs the text command to the operation mode control unit 353. The operation mode control unit 353 performs a process of switching (setting) the current operation mode to another operation mode in accordance with the text command (step S37). Further, the data analysis unit 355 removes the text command output to the operation mode control unit 353 from the received text data to generate new text data (step S38), and proceeds to the next step S39. If the received text data does not include a text command (step S36; No), the data analysis unit 355 proceeds to step S39.

In step S39, the command analysis unit 358 analyzes the received command. The command analysis unit 358 determines whether the received command is a command for instructing processing execution and whether the instructed processing is printing on roll paper (step S40). Here, the control command that can be executed by the printer 300 is executed by the control unit 350 regardless of whether or not the command is related to printing on roll paper. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 requests to send a status to the printer 300, a command for instructing transition to the sleep state, a command for instructing return from the sleep state, and an instruction for switching the operation mode. Control commands such as commands are executed at any time by the control unit 350 regardless of the flowchart of FIG.
If the command analysis unit 358 determines that the received command is a command for instructing execution of processing (function) other than printing on roll paper (step S40; No), the command is discarded (step S41). This process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the command analysis unit 358 determines that the received command is a command related to the roll paper printing function (step S41; Yes), the data analysis unit 355 determines the operation mode set by the operation mode control unit 353. Is determined (step S42). When the operation mode is the first mode (step S43; Yes), the data analysis unit 355 outputs a command to the processing control unit 359, and the processing control unit 359 controls the roll paper printing unit 330 to perform printing according to the printing command. Is executed (step S44).
On the other hand, when the operation mode is the second mode (step S43; No), the conversion unit 357 determines whether the command needs to be converted (step S45). Since the command is transmitted to the printer 200 in the second mode, the conversion unit 357 determines that the command needs to be converted when the command received by the first interface 310 is different from the command used by the printer 200. (Step S45; Yes). In this case, the conversion unit 357 performs conversion into commands in the command system used by the printer 200 (step S46), and transmits a print command and print data to the printer 200 through the second interface 315 (step S47). If the command conversion is not necessary (step S45; No), the conversion unit 357 transmits the command and print data received by the first interface 310 via the second interface 315. Note that the print data transmitted by the second interface 315 in step S47 is the print data received by the first interface 310 or the data from which the text command has been removed in step S38.

  As described above, the printer 300 included in the POS system 2 according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied includes the roll paper printing unit 330 and the first interface 310 that receives data transmitted from the POS terminal 20. A second interface 315 that transmits text data received by the first interface 310 to the printer 200, a data analysis unit 355 that searches for a predetermined character string from the text data received by the first interface 310, and a roll A control unit 350 capable of switching and executing a first operation mode in which processing is executed by the paper printing unit 330 or a second operation mode in which text data received by the first interface 310 is transmitted to the printer 200 through the second interface 315; . Thereby, the printer 300 can transmit the text data received from the POS terminal 20 to the printer 200 and cause the printer 200 to perform processing, for example. In addition, the printer 300 switches between two operation modes when the text data transmitted from the POS terminal 20 includes a preset character string. That is, the POS terminal 20 can switch the operation mode of the printer 300 by including a predetermined character string in the text data transmitted together with the command. Therefore, the POS terminal 20 can easily switch the operation mode of the printer 300 so that the printer 300 and the printer 200 can be used properly. Furthermore, even when the command used by the POS terminal 20 and the printer 300 does not include a command related to operation mode switching, it is possible to control operation mode switching without expanding the command. Become. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the software configuration related to the command of the POS terminal 20. For example, there is an advantage that the configuration of the existing POS terminal 20 can be used as it is.

  In addition, the printer 300 that prints characters by the roll paper printing unit 330 based on the text data detects a predetermined character string included in the text data related to the characters to be printed, and switches the operation mode. Therefore, if the POS terminal 20 has a function of transmitting a command for instructing printing to the printer 300 and text data related to characters to be printed, the operation mode can be switched. Accordingly, the printer 300 and the printer 200 can be used properly without changing the software configuration or command set of the POS terminal 20.

Further, when the data analysis unit 355 detects a predetermined character string from the text data, the control unit 350 removes the predetermined character string from the text data received by the first interface 310. Based on the above, the operation mode after switching is executed. Therefore, since the character string for switching the operation mode does not affect the receipt printing, the POS terminal 20 can properly use the printer 300 and the printer 200 more appropriately.
Furthermore, the printer 300 includes a conversion unit 357 that converts a command received by the first interface 310 into a command used by the roll paper printing unit 330 or the printer 200. For this reason, even when the printer 300 or the printer 200 is connected to the POS terminal 20 that uses different commands, the printer 300 and the printer 200 are appropriately connected without changing the function related to the command of the POS terminal 20. It can be operated.

The above-described embodiments merely show one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, the functional units of the external device control unit 151, the operation mode control unit 153, the data analysis unit 155, the conversion unit 157, the command analysis unit 158, and the processing control unit 159 included in the multifunction peripheral 100 described in the first embodiment. Even if a part of the configuration is omitted, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. For example, when information about the type of processing that can be executed and the command system is preset in the control unit 150 for a device connected to the second interface 115, the external device control unit 151 has a function of detecting the printer 200. Can be omitted. For example, when the multifunction device 100 and the printer 200 correspond to the command system of the command transmitted by the POS terminal 20, the function of converting the command by the conversion unit 157 can be omitted. Furthermore, for example, when the command transmitted from the second interface 115 among the commands received by the first interface 110 is set individually or for each corresponding function to the control unit 150, the operation mode control is performed. The unit 153 may transmit the command from the second interface 115 when the received command corresponds to the set command, so that the function of analyzing the command by the command analysis unit 158 can be omitted. The same applies to the functional units of the external device control unit 351, operation mode control unit 353, data analysis unit 355, conversion unit 357, command analysis unit 358, and processing control unit 359 included in the printer 300 described in the second embodiment. It is.

In each of the above embodiments, the MFP 100 and the printer 300 that perform printing on roll paper are given as examples of the medium processing apparatus that processes the medium, and the configuration including the printer 200 is taken as an example of the external processing apparatus. Although described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the medium is not limited to paper, and a synthetic resin sheet may be used, and the surface of the medium may be processed. The medium may be a cut sheet cut to a predetermined size, or may be a continuous sheet such as sprocket paper. Further, for example, a configuration in which copy paper is used as a medium may be adopted. Furthermore, the roll paper printing units 120, 220, and 330 are not limited to thermal printers that print by applying heat to the thermal paper, and various recording methods such as an ink jet method and a dot impact method can be employed. In the above-described embodiment, the magnetic reading unit 130 and the form printing unit 140 are exemplified as processing units other than the printing included in the multifunction peripheral 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and printing is performed on another type of medium. It may be a printing unit, a scanner that optically reads a medium such as a check, or a processing unit that performs authentication using an IC card or the like. Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the POS systems 2 and 3. For example, a single-function printer may be connected to the POS terminal 20 and a multifunction device may be connected to the printer.

In the above embodiments, the POS terminal 20 has been described as an example of the host computer, but the present invention is not limited to this. The host computer is not limited as long as it has a function of transmitting commands and text data to a medium processing apparatus such as the multifunction peripheral 100, and is a computer device such as a general personal computer, mainframe computer, server, Alternatively, a portable device can be used. Further, the use of the host computer is not limited to the accounting processing as POS, and the present invention can be applied to general uses such as document creation processing and image editing processing, or a system including a computer used for a specific use. .
Each of the functional blocks shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 can be arbitrarily realized by cooperation of hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration.
Further, for example, the control unit 150 of the multi-function device 100 may be configured to implement various functions of the control unit 150 by executing a program stored in an externally connected storage medium. Of course, other detailed configurations can be arbitrarily changed.

  2, 3 ... POS system, 10 ... POS server, 20 ... POS terminal (host computer), 21 ... control unit, 22 ... printer driver execution unit, 23 ... storage unit, 24 ... printer driver program, 40 ... checkout system, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Multifunction machine (medium processing apparatus, 1st medium processing apparatus), 101 ... Main body board | substrate, 103 ... Interface board, 110 ... 1st interface (1st connection part), 115 ... 2nd interface (2nd connection part), DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 ... Roll paper printing part (processing part), 130 ... Magnetic reading part, 140 ... Form printing part, 150 ... Control part, 151 ... External apparatus control part, 153 ... Operation mode control part, 155 ... Data analysis part (analysis part) 157 ... conversion unit, 158 ... command analysis unit, 159 ... processing control unit, 200 ... printer (external processing) , Second media processing device), 210 ... interface (receiving unit), 220 ... roll paper printing unit (medium processing unit), 250 ... control unit, 300 ... printer (medium processing device, first media processing device), 301 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Main body board | substrate 303 ... Interface board | substrate 310 ... 1st interface (1st connection part), 315 ... 2nd interface (2nd connection part), 330 ... Roll paper printing part (processing part), 350 ... Control part, 351 ... external device control unit, 353 ... operation mode control unit, 355 ... data analysis unit (analysis unit), 357 ... conversion unit, 358 ... command analysis unit, 359 ... processing control unit, R ... receipt.

Claims (9)

A processing unit for processing the medium;
A first connection unit that receives print data including text data for printing a command transmitted from the host computer and instructing print execution ;
A second connection unit connected to an external processing device;
An analysis unit that searches a character string of a predetermined text command from text data included in the print data received by the first connection unit;
The first operating mode for processing the print data received by the first connecting portion in the processing unit, Moshiku the second mode to communicate to the processing unit of the external connected to the second connection portion prior Symbol And a control unit for switching and executing ,
When the text command instructing switching of the operation mode is detected from the text data of the print data by the analysis unit, the control unit is configured to perform the first operation mode and the second operation mode according to the text command. Switching between
Medium processing apparatus according to claim. The control unit switches the operation mode to one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode and then detects the text command instructing switching to the other operation mode. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the operation modes is maintained. The processing unit is a printing unit that prints characters on a predetermined sheet,
The predetermined character string of the text command is set as a character string that is not printed by the printing unit,
The analysis unit, a character string of the text commands that are not printed by the printing unit, according to claim 1, characterized in that Oite detecting the text data included in the print data received by said first connecting portion or 3. The medium processing apparatus according to 2. When the control unit performs control to execute the processing by the printing unit based on the character string of the text commands detected by the analysis unit, a character string of the text commands said predetermined from the text data The medium processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the removed text data is printed by the printing unit. The command received by the first connecting portion, one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a converter for converting a command to be executed by the processor of command or the external executed by the processing unit The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1. A POS terminal that sends a command;
A first processing unit for receiving print data including a processing unit for processing a medium, a command for instructing execution of printing transmitted from a POS terminal , and text data for printing characters, and received by the first connection unit the to the analysis unit to search for a string of predetermined text commands from the text data included in the print data, processing the print data received by the first connecting portion in front Symbol processor 1 A control unit that switches and executes an operation mode or a second operation mode that transmits the print data received by the first connection unit, and a second that transmits the print data when the operation mode is switched to the second operation mode. A first medium processing device having a connection;
A receiving unit connected to the second connection unit of the first medium processing device and receiving data transmitted from the second connection unit, and the first medium processing device based on the data received by the receiving unit comprising a second media processing device having a medium processing unit for performing the same type of processing as the processing unit, and
The control unit of the first medium processing device detects the first operation mode according to the text command when the analysis unit detects the text command instructing switching of the operation mode from the text data of the print data. And switching between the second operation mode and
POS system according to claim. The control unit of the first medium processing apparatus instructs the switching to the other operation mode after the operation mode is switched to one of the first operation mode or the second operation mode. 7. The POS system according to claim 6, wherein the one operation mode is maintained until a command is detected. The processing unit of the first medium processing apparatus is a printing unit that prints a receipt;
The predetermined character string of the text command is set as a character string that is not printed by the printing unit,
Wherein the analysis unit, the character string of the text commands that are not printed in the printing unit, according to claim 6, characterized in that Oite search text data included in the print data received by said first connecting portion or 8. The POS system according to 7 . The medium processing unit of the second medium processing device is a second printing unit that prints a receipt,
The first medium processing device transmits the data from the second connection unit when the control unit switches to the second operation mode,
The POS system according to claim 8 , wherein the second medium processing apparatus receives the data by the receiving unit and prints a receipt by the second printing unit.

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