JP6665563B2 - Printer and printer control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer and a printer control method, and in particular, can stably read setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) from a wireless tag (as a result, setting information can be set quickly and appropriately. The present invention relates to a printer and a printer control method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printers (network-compatible printers) that communicate with a host computer using a network address (for example, an IP address) are known.

  When replacing a printer of this type (hereinafter referred to as a printer before replacement) with another printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer after replacement) (typically, replacing a failed printer with another printer that operates normally) In the case of replacement, setting information (for example, network setting information (for example, IP address) and printer setting information (for example, paper width, printing area, print density, printing speed)) can be reset in the printer after replacement. Desired.

  However, in order to set the setting information in the printer after the exchange, specialized knowledge and a dedicated PC are required. For example, when exchanging a printer installed in a store such as a supermarket where a POS system is installed, a specialty is required. It is difficult for a person other than the house (for example, a clerk at the store) to quickly and appropriately set the setting information in the printer after the exchange.

  On the other hand, conventionally, when replacing a printer, setting information is wirelessly read by a reader / writer from a wireless tag (for example, an RF tag) attached to a communication cable (the cable main body), and the read setting information after the replacement is read. It has been proposed to set a printer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-74344 A

  However, according to Patent Document 1, although the setting information can be set relatively easily in the printer after the exchange, there is the following problem.

  That is, in Patent Document 1, the wireless tag is attached to a flexible communication cable (cable body), and the relative positional relationship between the wireless tag and the reader / writer is not determined. However, depending on the relative positional relationship, the setting information cannot be stably read from the wireless tag in the printer after replacement (as a result, the setting information cannot be quickly and appropriately set).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can stably read setting information (for example, network setting information, printer setting information) from a wireless tag (as a result, setting information can be quickly and appropriately read). It is an object to provide a printer and a printer control method which can be set.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a printer main body connectable to a network, a cover member detachably attached to the printer main body, and provided on the cover member, and network setting information. A wireless tag storing setting information including the setting information, a reading device provided in the printer main body and reading the setting information wirelessly from the wireless tag, and a setting for performing setting based on the setting information read by the reading device. And a unit.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a printer that can stably read setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) from a wireless tag (as a result, setting information can be set quickly and appropriately).

  This is because since the wireless tag is provided on the cover member, the cover member (and the wireless tag) and the printer body are integrated with the cover member provided with the wireless tag attached to the printer body, This is because the relative positional relationship between the wireless tag and the reading device can be kept constant, and the setting information can be wirelessly read from the wireless tag having the fixed positional relationship.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, in the wireless tag, a position facing the reading device or a position facing a substrate surface on which the reading device is mounted when the cover member is mounted on the printer body. It is characterized by being arranged in.

  According to this aspect, just by attaching the cover member to the printer body, the wireless tag provided on the cover member is moved to a position facing the reading device (or a position facing the substrate surface on which the reading device is mounted). They can be arranged, and the relative positional relationship between the wireless tag and the reading device can be kept constant. As a result, the setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) can be stably read from the wireless tag.

  Further, in the above invention, a preferable aspect further includes a detection unit that detects whether the cover member is mounted on the printer main body, and the reading device is configured such that the detection unit mounts the cover member on the printer main body. When the setting information is detected, the setting information is wirelessly read from the wireless tag.

  According to this aspect, setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) can be stably read from the wireless tag automatically by simply attaching the cover member to the printer body.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the reading device wirelessly reads the setting information from the wireless tag at a timing when the power of the printer body is turned on or reset.

  According to this aspect, setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) can be stably read from the wireless tag automatically only by turning on or resetting the power.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the setting unit performs setting based on the network setting information, and enables communication with a host computer connected to the network.

  According to this aspect, communication becomes possible with the host computer connected to the network.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the cover member is attached to the printer main body, the cover member covers at least a part of a power cable or a communication cable connected to the printer main body.

  According to this aspect, the user can set the network only by attaching the cover member for protecting the cable.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a printer control method comprising: a printer main body to which a network can be connected; and a cover member detachably attached to the printer main body. A reading step of wirelessly reading setting information from a wireless tag provided on the cover member by a reading device provided on the printer main body; and a setting for setting based on the setting information read in the reading step. And step.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a printer control method capable of stably reading setting information (for example, network setting information and printer setting information) from a wireless tag (as a result, setting information can be set quickly and appropriately). .

  This is because since the wireless tag is provided on the cover member, the cover member (and the wireless tag) and the printer body are integrated with the cover member provided with the wireless tag attached to the printer body, This is because the relative positional relationship between the wireless tag and the reading device can be kept constant, and the setting information can be wirelessly read from the wireless tag having the fixed positional relationship.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a POS system to which a printer and a printer control method according to an embodiment of the invention are applied. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a positional relationship between an RF tag provided on a cable cover and a reader / writer; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation (a printer control method) of the printer 40 according to the embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of writing setting information PD (for example, printer setting information PD2) stored in a ROM 42c of a printer 40 before replacement to an RF tag 62. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a modified example of the printer 40. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a printer according to a first modification; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a positional relationship between an RF tag provided on a cable cover and a reader / writer; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printer 40A according to a first modification. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation (a printer control method) of a printer 40A according to a first modification. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a modified example of a printer 40A.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the respective drawings, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  First, an outline of a printer control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a POS system 10 to which a printer and a printer control method according to the present invention are applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the printer 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the printer 40 of the present embodiment includes a printer main body 40a to which a network can be connected, and a cable cover 40b (cover member) detachably attached to the printer main body 40a. In the printer, the RF tag 62 (wireless tag) provided on the cable cover 40b and storing the setting information PD including the network setting information PD1, and the setting information PD provided on the printer body 40a and read out of the RF tag 62 wirelessly. The system includes a reader / writer 60 (reading device) and a setting unit 50b for performing setting based on the setting information PD read by the reader / writer 60.

  According to the printer 40 of the present embodiment, the setting information PD (for example, the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2) can be stably read from the RF tag 62 (wireless tag). Printer (and a printer control method) that can be set appropriately.

  This is because, since the RF tag 62 is provided on the cable cover 40b, the relative position between the RF tag 62 and the reader / writer 60 in a state where the cable cover 40b provided with the RF tag 62 is attached to the printer main body 40a. This is because the positional relationship can be kept constant, and the setting information PD can be wirelessly read from the RF tag 62 having the positional relationship kept constant.

  Hereinafter, a POS system 10 to which a printer and a printer control method of the present invention are applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 10 includes a host computer 20 and a printer 40. The host computer 20 and the printer 40 are installed in each lane (first to n-th lanes) in a store such as a supermarket.

  First, the host computer 20 will be described.

  Although not shown, the host computer 20 includes, as a hardware configuration, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a HDD, and various I / Fs connected to the CPU via a bus.

  The printer 40 is connected to the host computer 20 via an I / F (not shown). Although not shown, the host computer 20 includes a barcode reader for reading a barcode via an I / F, a keyboard for inputting a deposit from a customer, a display for displaying a product name, a price, and the like. Connected.

  The host computer 20 includes, as functional components, a function of performing a payment process based on an input from a barcode reader or a keyboard, a function of generating print data, a printer 40 and a LAN cable C1 (typically, Ethernet (registered trademark)). (A cable), a function of transmitting print data to the printer 40 via the LAN cable C1, a function of setting setting information PD in the printer 40 (ROM 42c) via the LAN cable C1, and a function of setting the setting information PD via the LAN cable C1. And a function of changing the setting information PD stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40.

  The above functions are mainly performed by the host computer 20 (CPU) setting or changing a predetermined program (typically, an operating system, a POS application, a printer driver, setting information PD, etc.) read from the ROM or the HDD into the RAM. (A utility for performing the operation). Although not shown, the host computer 20 is also connected to a store network via an I / F.

  Next, the printer 40 will be described.

  The printer 40 is typically a receipt printer (for example, a dot impact, thermal or ink jet system), and as shown in FIG. 1, a printer main body 40a connectable to a network and a printer main body 40a (housing 64). A cable cover 40b (cover member) that is detachably mounted.

  The printer main body 40a has, as a hardware configuration, a control unit 42, a power switch 44, a LAN connector 46, a printing mechanism 50, a reader / writer 60 connected to the control unit 42 via a bus, and a synthetic resin housing 64 for accommodating these components. (Printer case).

  The control unit 42 includes a CPU 42a, a RAM 42b, a ROM 42c, and the like. The ROM 42c is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM, and is a storage area for storing network setting information PD1 that is set or changed by the setting unit 50b (or by an operation from the host computer 20) described below. A storage area (for example, a memory switch) for storing printer setting information PD2 set or changed by an operation from the printer 20 (or an operation from the printer 40) is included. The ROM 42c stores various programs such as firmware (control program), a printer ID, and lane information. The printer ID and the lane information are wirelessly written to the RF tag 62 by the reader / writer 60 at a predetermined timing. By referring to (or printing) the printer ID and the lane information written (stored) in the RF tag 62, the exchange history of the printer 40 for each lane can be grasped.

  The power switch 44 is a power switch for supplying power to the printer 40.

  The LAN connector 46 is a connector provided for connecting the printer 40 to the host computer 20. The printer 40 (the LAN connector 46) and the host computer 20 can be connected by a LAN cable C1, as shown in FIG. Specifically, one plug C1a of the LAN cable C1 is attached to the printer 40 (LAN connector 46), and the other plug C1b is attached to the host computer 20.

  The printing mechanism 50 includes a print head, a paper feeding mechanism, a paper cutting mechanism, and the like (all not shown).

  The reader / writer 60 wirelessly reads the setting information PD from the RF tag 62 and writes the setting information PD to the RF tag 62 wirelessly.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cable cover 40b is attached to the various cables (for example, the LAN cable C1 attached to the LAN connector 46 and the power connector 80) pulled out from the printer 40 (the housing 64 of the printer main body 40a). The power cable C2, at least a part of the USB cable C3) attached to the USB connector 66, or at least a part of a connection portion with the printer main body 40a (the housing 64) are covered and protected from external impacts and droplets. And a cover member made of synthetic resin. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the RF tag 62 provided on the cable cover 40b and the reader / writer 60. The cable cover 40b is detachably mounted in a state where the cable cover 40b is positioned on the back surface (or a side surface, a bottom surface, or the like) of the printer main body 40a (the housing 64).

  As means for detachably attaching the cable cover 40b to the printer main body 40a in a state of being positioned on the printer main body 40a, various means (not shown) such as an engaging claw (or an engaging hole) provided on the cable cover 40b, An engagement hole (or an engagement claw) provided on the 40a (for example, the housing 64) and engaged with the engagement claw can be used (see, for example, JP-A-2011-72065).

  The RF tag 62 is provided on the cable cover 40b. Specifically, when the RF tag 62 is mounted with the cable cover 40b positioned on the printer body 40a, the RF tag 62 can be read and written stably by the reader / writer 60, for example, as shown in FIG. At a position P1 (preferably, the inner surface 40b1) facing the reader / writer 60 (or the substrate surface 68a of the substrate 68 on which the reader / writer 60 is mounted), it is attached by means such as bonding.

  The setting information PD including the network setting information PD1 is stored in the RF tag 62 (more precisely, a memory in the RF tag) (see FIG. 1). The setting information PD includes at least one of the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2. The RF tag 62 also stores a printer ID and lane information. Note that the RF tag 62 may be called an electronic tag, an IC tag, a wireless tag, or an RFID tag.

  The network setting information PD1 is, for example, a unique IP address assigned to the printer 40 (or a lane in which the printer 40 is installed). The printer setting information PD2 is, for example, paper width, print area, print density, print speed, font settings, and margin settings. The printer ID is unique identification information (for example, a serial number) assigned to the printer 40. The lane information is unique identification information assigned to the lane where the printer 40 is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 40 includes, as functional components, a reading unit 50a, a setting unit 50b, a writing unit 50c, a print control unit 50f, a setting change determination unit 50g, and the like.

  Each of the above functions is realized mainly by the printer 40 (CPU 42a) executing a predetermined program such as firmware read from the ROM 42c into the RAM 42b.

  The reading unit 50a wirelessly reads the setting information PD from the RF tag 62 at a predetermined timing. The reading unit 50a is realized by the reader / writer 60 (reading device).

  The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing when the power switch 44 of the printer 40 is turned on while the cable cover 40b provided with the RF tag 62 is attached to the printer main body 40a.

  The setting unit 50b sets the setting information PD read by the reading unit 50a in the printer 40. Specifically, the setting unit 50b stores the setting information PD read by the reading unit 50a in the ROM 42c of the printer 40.

  The writing unit 50c wirelessly writes the setting information PD to the RF tag 62. The writing unit 50c is realized by the reader / writer 60 (writing device).

  For example, when the setting change determination unit 50g described later determines that at least a part of the setting information PD stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 has been changed, the writing unit 50c stores the changed setting information PD in RF. It writes to the tag 62 wirelessly.

  The print control unit 50f controls the printing mechanism 50 to print a receipt based on the print data (and the printer setting information PD2 and the like stored in the ROM 42c) received from the host computer 20.

  The setting change determination unit 50g determines whether at least a part of the setting information PD stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 has been changed.

  Next, an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 40 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 40 of the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, in the POS system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the printer 40 installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) breaks down, and the failed printer 40 (hereinafter, referred to as the printer 40 before replacement) becomes normal. The following describes an example in which the printer 40 is replaced with another printer 40 (hereinafter, referred to as a replaced printer 40) that operates.

  The process shown in FIG. 4 is, for example, a process executed in the printer 40 after the replacement. The printer 40 (CPU 42a) after the replacement mainly executes a predetermined program such as firmware read from the ROM 42c into the RAM 42b. It is realized by.

  In the following description, it is assumed that network setting information PD1 (IP address assigned to the lane) and printer setting information PD2 are stored in advance as setting information PD in RF tag 62. As the printer setting information PD2, a process described below (a process of writing the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before the replacement into the RF tag 62; see FIG. 5) is executed in the printer 40 before the replacement. As a result, the data is written to the RF tag 62.

  When the printer 40 installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) breaks down, the printer 40 before replacement is replaced with the printer 40 after replacement in the following procedure prior to the processing shown in FIG.

  First, the printer 40 (LAN connector 46) after replacement and the host computer 20 are connected. Specifically, the LAN cable C1 is detached from the printer 40 (the LAN connector 46) before the replacement, and the removed LAN cable C1 is connected to the printer 40 (the LAN connector 46) after the replacement. At the same time, the cable cover 40b is detached from the printer 40 (the printer main body 40a) before the replacement, and the detached cable cover 40b is removably mounted in a state of being positioned on the printer 40 (the printer main body 40a) after the replacement. At this time, since the RF tag 62 storing the setting information PD is attached to the cable cover 40b (see FIGS. 1 and 2), the following effects are obtained.

  First, simply by attaching the cable cover 40b to the printer body 40a, the RF tag 62 provided on the cable cover 40b can be stably read and written by the reader / writer 60, that is, the reader / writer 60 (or It can be arranged at a position facing the substrate surface 68a) of the substrate 68 on which the reader / writer 60 is mounted (see FIG. 2). Second, the relative positional relationship between the RF tag 62 and the reader / writer 60 can be kept constant. Third, since the relative positional relationship between the RF tag 62 and the reader / writer 60 can be kept constant, the setting information PD is more stably wirelessly read from the RF tag 62 by the reader / writer 60 than in the related art. be able to. Further, the setting information PD can be stably written to the RF tag 62 wirelessly by the reader / writer 60.

  As described above, since the RF tag 62 in which the setting information PD is stored is provided on the cable cover 40b, even when a printer 40 is replaced, even a person other than a specialist can set the printer 40 before replacement. Information PD (for example, network setting information PD1 and printer setting information PD2) can be quickly and appropriately set in the printer 40 after the replacement.

  The connection between the printer 40 (LAN connector 46) after the replacement and the host computer 20 is performed while the power switch 44 of the printer 40 after the replacement is off.

  Next, the power switch 44 of the replaced printer 40 is turned on.

  When the power switch 44 of the replaced printer 40 is turned on or reset by receiving a command or a signal line (step S10: Yes), the replaced printer 40 (reading unit 50a) accesses the RF tag 62 (step S12). ), Setting information PD is wirelessly read from the RF tag 62 (step S14). This corresponds to the reading step of the present invention.

  Here, since the RF tag 62 stores the network setting information PD1 (IP address assigned to the lane) and the printer setting information PD2 as the setting information PD, the network setting information PD1 ( The IP address assigned to the lane) and the printer setting information PD2 are read. When at least one of the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2 is set to be read, at least one of the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2 is read based on the setting.

  As described above, the reading unit 50a turns on the power switch 44 of the printer 40 after replacement at a predetermined timing, that is, with the cable cover 40b provided with the RF tag 62 attached to the printer main body 40a. At the timing (Step S10: Yes), the setting information PD is wirelessly read from the RF tag 62. That is, the setting information PD (for example, the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2) can be automatically and stably read from the RF tag 62 simply by turning on the power switch 44.

  Next, the replaced printer 40 (setting unit 50b) sets the setting information PD read by the reading unit 50a in the replaced printer 40 (Step S16). This corresponds to the setting step of the present invention. Specifically, the setting unit 50b stores the setting information PD read by the reading unit 50a in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 after the replacement.

  As described above, the setting information PD (the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2) is quickly and appropriately set (inherited) to the printer 40 after the replacement.

  Next, a known process is executed based on the network setting information PD1 (IP address) set in the printer 40 after replacement as described above, and a communication path between the host computer 20 and the printer 40 after replacement. (For example, TCP connection) is established (step S18).

  Thereafter, the replaced printer 40 communicates with the host computer 20 via the LAN cable C1 based on the network setting information PD1 (IP address) set in the replaced printer 40 as described above.

  Next, when the printer 40 (print control unit 50f) after the exchange receives the print data from the host computer 20 via the LAN cable C1 (and the LAN connector 46) (Step S20: Yes), the received print data Then, based on the printer setting information PD2 and the like set in the printer 40 after the replacement as described above, the printing mechanism 50 is controlled to print a receipt (step S22).

  Next, an example of a process of writing setting information PD (for example, printer setting information PD2) stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before replacement to the RF tag 62 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of writing setting information PD (for example, printer setting information PD2) stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before replacement into the RF tag 62.

  The process illustrated in FIG. 5 is, for example, a process executed in the printer 40 before replacement (the same applies to the printer 40 after replacement). The printer 40 (CPU 42a) before replacement is mainly read from the ROM 42c to the RAM 42b. This is realized by executing a predetermined program such as firmware.

  The printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before replacement is written to the RF tag 62 every time at least a part of the printer setting information PD2 is changed. Specifically, it is written as follows. At least a part of the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before replacement is changed based on an operation from the host computer 20 (or an operation from the printer 40 before replacement).

  First, the printer 40 before the replacement (the setting change determination unit 50g) determines whether at least a part of the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before the replacement has been changed (Step S30).

  When it is determined that at least a part of the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before replacement has been changed (for example, changed based on an operation from the host computer 20) (Step S30: Yes), The printer 40 (the writing unit 50c) before the replacement wirelessly writes the changed printer setting information PD2 into the RF tag 62 (Step S32).

  As described above, the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before replacement is written to the RF tag 62 every time at least a part of the printer setting information PD2 is changed (for example, overwritten. ). The network setting information PD1 stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40 before replacement is also written (for example, overwritten) on the RF tag 62 every time the network setting information PD1 is changed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the setting information PD (for example, the network setting information PD1 and the printer setting information PD2) can be stably read from the RF tag 62 (wireless tag) (as a result, the setting information Printer 40 and a printer control method can be provided.

  Since the RF tag 62 is provided on the cable cover 40b (cover member), the cable cover 40b provided with the RF tag 62 is attached to the printer main body 40a and the cable cover 40b (and the RF tag 62). ) And the printer main body 40a are integrated, so that the relative positional relationship between the RF tag 62 and the reader / writer 60 (reading device) can be kept constant, and this positional relationship is kept constant. This is because the setting information PD can be wirelessly read from the RF tag 62.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even a person other than an expert can quickly transfer setting information PD (for example, network setting information PD1 and printer setting information PD2) of the printer 40 before replacement to the printer 40 after replacement. And can be set appropriately.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even a person other than a specialist can exchange the changed setting information PD changed (for example, changed based on an operation from the host computer 20) in the printer 40 before the exchange. The settings can be quickly and appropriately set in the subsequent printer 40.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the cable cover 40b removed from the printer 40 (the printer body 40a) before the replacement is attached to the printer 40 (the printer body 40a) after the replacement, and the power switch 44 of the printer 40 after the replacement is turned on. The setting information PD can be set (succeeded) to the printer 40 after replacement by an extremely simple procedure of turning on the printer.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the cable cover 40b is used as the cover member provided with the RF tag 62 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) may be used as a cover member provided with the RF tag 62. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a modified example of the printer 40. As the AC adapter unit 72, for example, the one described in JP-A-2011-72065 can be used.

  The AC adapter unit 72 includes an AC adapter 74, a storage tray 76 (cover member) that stores the AC adapter 74, and the like.

  The AC adapter 74 is a power supply device that converts AC power into DC power and supplies the DC power to the printer 40.

  The storage tray 76 is a synthetic resin housing that houses the AC adapter 74, and is detachably mounted in a state where it is positioned on the bottom surface of the printer main body 40a (the housing 64). As means for detachably mounting the storage tray 76 in a state where the storage tray 76 is positioned on the printer main body 40a, various means (not shown) such as an engagement claw provided on the storage tray 76 (or An engagement hole (or an engagement claw) provided in the printer main body 40a (for example, the housing 64) and engaged with the engagement claw can be used.

  When the AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) is used as the cover member, the RF tag 62 is provided on the AC adapter unit 72 (for example, storage tray 76) as shown in FIG. Specifically, when the RF tag 62 is mounted with the AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) positioned in the printer main body 40a, the RF tag 62 can be read and written stably by the reader / writer 60, for example, the reader / writer 60 ( Alternatively, it is attached to a position facing the substrate surface 68a) of the substrate 68 on which the reader / writer 60 is mounted by means such as bonding.

  As described above, even when the AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) is used as the cover member, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which an RF tag is used as a wireless tag storing the setting information PD and the setting information PD is wirelessly read from the wireless tag (for example, an RF tag) by the reader / writer 60. However, other wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), IrDA (registered trademark), and NFC (registered trademark) can also be used.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the receipt printer is exemplified as the printer 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to printers other than the receipt printer.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the printer and the printer control method according to the present invention are applied to the POS system 10 shown in FIG. 1 in which the printer 40 installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) fails and the failure occurs. In the case where the printer 40 is replaced with another printer 40 that operates normally, an example in which the printer 40 is applied to another printer 40 after the replacement has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, when the printer 40 is newly installed in a specific lane (for example, the (n + 1) th lane) in the POS system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the present invention can be applied to the printer 40 after the new installation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the network setting information PD1 is an IP address has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another network address can be used as the network setting information PD1.

  Next, a printer 40A according to a first modification will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a printer 40A according to a first modification. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the RF tag 62 provided on the cable cover 40b and the reader / writer 60. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printer 40A according to a first modification.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the printer 40A of this modification has a hardware configuration in addition to the hardware configuration of the printer 40 of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 1), and further includes a cover switch 70; As shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the functional configuration of the printer 40 of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 3), a difference is that a detection unit 50h is further provided. It has a similar configuration. Hereinafter, differences from the printer 40 of the above embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

  The cover switch 70 is turned on when the cable cover 40b is attached to the printer main body 40a (housing 64) while being positioned, and is turned off when the cable cover 40b is removed from the printer main body 40a (housing 64). The switch which is in the state is connected to the control unit 42 via the bus (see FIG. 7). Various switches such as a mechanical switch and an optical switch can be used as the cover switch 70. The cover switch 70 is turned on when a part of the cable cover 40b abuts, for example, when the cable cover 40b is mounted in a state where the cable cover 40b is positioned on the printer main body 40a (the housing 64). A cover switch 70 is provided on the printer main body 40a (for example, the housing 64) so that when the battery is removed from the main body 40a (the housing 64), the contact is released and the printer is turned off. Switch).

  The detection unit 50h detects whether or not the cable cover 40b is attached to the printer main body 40a (the housing 64) based on the state of the cover switch 70 (on / off state). Specifically, the detection unit 50h is mounted with the cable cover 40b positioned on the printer main body 40a (housing 64), and when the cover switch 70 is turned on, the cable cover 40b is connected to the printer main body 40a (housing 64). It is detected that it is attached to the body 64). On the other hand, when the cable cover 40b is removed from the printer main body 40a (housing 64) and the cover switch 70 is turned off, the detecting unit 50h removes the cable cover 40b from the printer main body 40a (housing 64). Detect that.

  The detection unit 50h is realized mainly by the printer 40A (CPU 42a) executing a predetermined program such as firmware read from the ROM 42c into the RAM 42b.

  Next, an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 40A of the present modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation (printer control method) of the printer 40A of the first modification.

  The flowchart (FIG. 10) of the printer 40A of the present modified example is equivalent to the flowchart of the printer 40 of the above embodiment (between steps S10 and S12 shown in FIG. 4) with the addition of step S24. This is the same as the flowchart of the printer 40 of the embodiment. Hereinafter, differences from the flowchart of the printer 40 of the above embodiment will be mainly described, and the same steps will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

  Hereinafter, in the POS system 10A illustrated in FIG. 7, the printer 40A installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) breaks down, and the failed printer 40A (hereinafter, referred to as a printer 40A before replacement) becomes normal. The following describes an example in which the printer 40A is replaced with another printer 40A (hereinafter, referred to as a replaced printer 40A).

  The process illustrated in FIG. 10 is, for example, a process executed in the printer 40A after the replacement. The printer 40A (CPU 42a) after the replacement mainly executes a predetermined program such as firmware read from the ROM 42c into the RAM 42b. It is realized by.

  In the following description, it is assumed that network setting information PD1 (IP address assigned to the lane) and printer setting information PD2 are stored in advance as setting information PD in RF tag 62. The printer setting information PD2 is obtained by executing the process illustrated in FIG. 5 (the process of writing the printer setting information PD2 stored in the ROM 42c of the printer 40A before replacement into the RF tag 62) in the printer 40A before replacement. The data is written on the RF tag 62.

  When the printer 40A installed in a specific lane (for example, the first lane) breaks down, prior to the processing shown in FIG. 10, the printer 40A before replacement is replaced with the printer 40A after replacement by the same procedure as in the above embodiment. Replace with

  Next, the power switch 44 of the replaced printer 40 is turned on.

  When the power switch 44 of the printer 40 after replacement is turned on (Step S10: Yes), the printer 40 (detection unit 50h) after replacement replaces the cable cover 40b based on the state (on / off state) of the cover switch 70. It is detected whether or not it is mounted on the printer body 40a (housing 64) (step S24).

  Here, if the cable cover 40b removed from the printer 40A (printer main body 40a) before replacement is detachably mounted while being positioned on the printer 40A (printer main body 40a) after replacement, the cover switch 70 is turned on. The detection unit 50h detects that the cable cover 40b is attached to the printer main body 40a (the housing 64) (Step S24: Yes).

  As described above, when the detection unit 50h detects that the cable cover 40b is attached to the printer main body 40a (the housing 64) (step S24: Yes), thereafter, as in the above-described embodiment, steps S12 to S22 are performed. The processing is executed. That is, the setting information PD (network setting information PD1 and printer setting information PD2) is wirelessly read from the RF tag 62 provided on the cable cover 40b attached to the printer 40 after the replacement (step S14), and the reading is performed. The setting information PD thus set is set in the printer 40 after the replacement (step S16), and a communication path between the host computer 20 and the printer 40 after the replacement based on the set network setting information PD1 (IP address). (For example, a TCP connection) is established (step S18), and thereafter, when print data is received from the host computer 20 via the LAN cable C1 (and the LAN connector 46) (step S20: Yes), the received print data is received. And the pre-exchanged Based on the set to coater 40 printer setting information PD2, etc., a receipt is printed by controlling the print mechanism 50 (step S22).

  According to this modification, in addition to the effects of the above embodiment, setting information (for example, network setting information, printer setting information) is automatically obtained simply by attaching the cable cover 40b (cover member) to the printer main body 40a. Can be stably read from the RF tag 62 (wireless tag).

  In this modified example, the timing of attaching the cable cover 40b removed from the printer 40A (printer main body 40a) before replacement to the printer 40A (printer main body 40a) after replacement is determined by turning off the power switch 44 of the printer 40 after replacement. Although an example after turning on is described, the invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the timing of attaching the cable cover 40b removed from the printer 40A (printer main body 40a) before replacement to the printer 40A (printer main body 40a) after replacement is before turning on the power switch 44 of the printer 40 after replacement. You may. With this, the same effect as that of the present modification can be obtained.

  Further, in the present modification, the example in which the cable cover 40b is used as the cover member provided with the RF tag 62 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) may be used as a cover member provided with the RF tag 62.

  When the AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) is used as the cover member, the cover switch 70 is, for example, mounted when the AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) is positioned in the printer main body 40a (housing 64). When the AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) comes into contact with the printer main body 40a (housing 64) when the AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) is detached from the printer body 40a (housing 64), the contact state is established. Is provided in the printer main body 40a (for example, the housing 64) so that the cover switch 70 is turned off by releasing (when the cover switch 70 is a mechanical switch).

  As described above, even when the AC adapter unit 72 (storage tray 76) is used as the cover member, the same effect as that of the present modification can be obtained.

  The above embodiments are merely examples in every respect. The present invention is not construed as being limited by the description of the above embodiment. The present invention may be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.

  10, 10A POS system, 20 host computer, 40, 40A printer, 40a printer body, 40b cable cover, 40b1 inner surface, 42 control unit, 42a CPU, 42b RAM, 42c ROM, 44 power switch, 46 LAN connector, 50 printing mechanism, 50a reading unit, 50b setting unit, 50c writing unit, 50f print control unit, 50g setting change determination unit, 50h detection unit, 60 ... Reader / writer, 62 ... RF tag, 64 ... Housing, 66 ... USB connector, 68 ... Substrate, 68a ... Substrate surface, 70 ... Cover switch, 72 ... AC adapter unit, 74 ... AC adapter, 76 ... Storage tray, 80 ... power connector, C1 ... LAN cable, C1a, C1b ... plug, C2 ... power cable, C3 ... SB cable, PD ... setting information, PD1 ... network configuration information, PD2 ... printer configuration information.

Claims (5)

A printer body connectable to a network, a cover member detachably attached to the printer body,
A wireless tag provided on the cover member and storing setting information including network setting information,
A reading device provided on the printer main body and reading the setting information wirelessly from the wireless tag;
A setting unit that performs setting based on the setting information read by the reading device ,
The printer further includes a detection unit that detects whether the cover member is attached to the printer body,
The printer, wherein the reading device wirelessly reads the setting information from the wireless tag when the detection unit detects that the cover member is attached to the printer body .   2. The wireless tag according to claim 1, wherein the wireless tag is arranged at a position facing the reading device or a position facing a substrate surface on which the reading device is mounted in a state where the cover member is mounted on the printer body. 3. printer. The setting unit is configured to set based on the network configuration information, to enable communication with the connected host computer in the network, according to claim 1 or 2 printer. When the cover member is attached to the printer main body, cover at least a portion of the power cable or a communication cable connected to the printer main body, the printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A printer control method, comprising: a printer main body connectable to a network, and a cover member detachably attached to the printer main body,
When it is detected that the cover member is attached to the printer body, by a reading device provided in the printer body, a reading step of reading setting information wirelessly from a wireless tag provided in the cover member,
A setting step of setting based on the setting information read by the reading step.

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