JPH01204775A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable printing and adjustment to be performed speedily through easy operations, by storing printing and adjustment data into a printing buffer according to inputs from command switches, thereby adjusting a printing-starting position according to each data in an adjustment data table and performing automatic reciprocative printing. CONSTITUTION:A CPU 21 as a main body of a controlling pert comprises an instruction executing block B1 for interpreting and executing a program, a controlling block B2 for controlling total operations, a calculating part B3 for performing calculations, and a discriminating block B4 for discriminating status. A printing quality switch 36 having a function of selecting printing quality of characters at the time of a normal printing operation and a function as a command switch for commanding an execution at the times of printing and adjustment, an adjustment data specifying switch group 37 comprising switches SW1-SW4 for selecting adjustment data at a plurality of stages in printing and adjustment, and the like are connected to an input port 28. By operating the adjustment switch group 37, it is possible to enhance operability in printing and adjustment, and to achieve a highly accurate adjustment speedily and efficiently.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a printer device having a dot-type print head.

[Prior Art] Some printers print one line of print data in a print buffer onto a sheet of paper set on a platen using a dot-type print head mounted on a carrier that is controlled to move along the axial direction of the platen. Some printers have a reciprocating printing function that prints from left to right, and after a line feed, prints the next line of print data from right to left. In the case of this reciprocating printing, if the printing start position when printing from left to right and the printing start position when printing from right to left are not always constant, the printing order of each line will not be aligned.

For this reason, this type of printer device requires a function to adjust at least one print start position, a so-called print alignment adjustment function.

In this type of conventional printer device, multiple patterns are prepared for at least one print start position, and when adjusting the print alignment, a print data transmitting device such as a personal computer is connected to this device. to create print data for print alignment adjustment, and transmit the print data each time while selecting the print start position one pattern at a time. In this way, the selected number of pieces of print data are printed back and forth on the paper with different print start positions, so the operator only has to look at the print results and select the best print start position pattern.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, conventional printer devices of this type have the following problems. In other words, when adjusting the print alignment, it is necessary to prepare a program to connect a data transmitting device such as a personal computer to the printer and create special print data, and adjustments must be made with the printer alone. It was very complicated because it was not possible. In addition, the operation of selecting an adjustment pattern for the print start position and the operation of transmitting print data must be performed every time printing arrangement data is collected, resulting in poor operability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer device that does not require the preparation of a special device or program for adjusting the print alignment, and can accurately adjust the print alignment in a short time with simple operations. shall be.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a printer device capable of reciprocating printing.
As shown in the figure, there is a print start position memory 1 in which a print start position in one direction is set, an adjustment data table 2 that stores adjustment data of multiple stages for the print start position set in this memory 1, and this table 2. An adjustment data designation switch 3 that designates any one of the multiple stages of adjustment data stored in the switch 3, and a control button 3 that adjusts the printing start position according to the adjustment data designated by this switch 3 and determines when to start printing to print in the relevant direction. an adjustment means 4; a command switch 5 for instructing execution of print alignment adjustment; a data storage means 7 for storing print data for print alignment adjustment in a print buffer 76 in response to input from the command switch 5; Adjustment data collection means 8 performs reciprocating printing while sequentially adjusting the print start position in the direction using each adjustment data in the adjustment data table 2, and each of the data stored in the adjustment data collection means 8 performs reciprocating printing. The apparatus includes a switch identifying means 9 for recording identification data on print data corresponding to the adjustment data designated by the adjustment data designation switch 3 among the print data corresponding to the adjustment data.

[Function] If the printer device has such a method, when the command switch is input, print data for print alignment adjustment is stored in the print buffer, and this print data is applied to each adjustment data in the adjustment data table. Accordingly, the printing start position in one direction is sequentially adjusted and printing is automatically performed back and forth, and identification data is recorded in the print data corresponding to the adjustment data specified by the adjustment data designation switch. Then, based on this printing result, the current position of the adjustment data designation switch is recognized, and if necessary, the optimum adjustment data is specified by switching it, and the printing start position in the corresponding direction is adjusted using the specified adjustment data. The print data in the print buffer is printed back and forth.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the printer device of this embodiment with the top cover removed. In the figure, 11 is a casing, and a platen 12 whose both ends are supported by both side walls of the casing 11 is installed inside the casing 11. Further, a paper pressing roller 13 is provided parallel to this platen 12. Furthermore, a carrier 14 that moves in parallel along the axial direction of the platen 12 is provided within the housing 11, and this carrier 14 has a dot-type print head 15 as a printing mechanism.
A ribbon cassette 16 containing F3 and ink ribbon is mounted. In addition, the housing 11 behind the platen 12
A paper insertion slot 17 is formed on the top surface, and an operation panel 18 is provided on the front surface of the housing 11. This printer device has a reciprocating printing function, and when the paper inserted from the paper insertion slot 17 is wrapped around the platen 12 and pressed by the paper presser roller 13, the carrier 14 is When the printing mechanism prints one line of paper on the paper by moving parallel from left to right, platen 1
By the rotation of 2, the paper is moved forward, and this time it is moved in parallel from the right to the left to print the next one line.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic circuit configuration of the printer device. In the figure, 21 is a CPU (central processing unit) as the main body of the control unit, which includes an instruction execution block B1 that interprets and executes programs, a control block B2 that controls the overall operation, and an arithmetic block B3 that performs v4 calculations. , a determination block B4 for determining the state is formed. 22 is a ROM (read only memory) that stores fixed data such as various programs and character generator data processed by the CPU 21;
3 is a RAM (random access memory) that temporarily stores variable data such as print data provided from a data transmitting device such as a personal computer. The ROM 22 and RAM 23 are connected to the CP via an address/data bus line 24 and a control line 25.
Connected to U21.

Further, a reception control circuit 26 for controlling reception of print data from the data transmitting device, an output port 27 and an input port 28 are connected to a data bus line 29 and a control line 3.
0 to the CPLI 21.

The output boat 27 includes a motor drive circuit 32 that drives and controls a line feed mode 31 in which paper is fed by rotating the platen 12, and a head drive circuit 33 that drives and controls the dot type print head 15. A motor drive circuit 35 that controls the drive of a carrier motor 34 that controls the movement of the carrier 14 is connected thereto.

The input boat 28 also includes a print quality switch 36 that has the function of selecting character print quality during normal printing operations and functions as a command switch for commanding execution when adjusting the print alignment, and a print quality switch 36 that functions as a command switch for commanding execution when adjusting the print alignment. Adjustment data specifying switch group (hereinafter abbreviated as adjustment switch group) 3 including switches SW1 to SW4 for selecting adjustment data
7 etc. are connected. In addition, the print quality switch 36
are provided on the operation panel 18, and the adjustment switch group 37 is provided in a hidden part within the housing 11 to prevent unnecessary changes.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a memory map of the RAM 23. In addition to the print buffer 41 that stores one line of print data, the RAM 23 includes the adjustment switch group 37.
Adjustment data for the print start position D1 (+0.10>, D2 (+0.05
).

A wA adjustment data table 42 that stores D3 (±0.00) and D4 (-0,05), and a print start position memory 4 that sets the print start position R when printing from right to left.
3. A print start position memory 44 for setting the print start position when printing from left to right, a print direction memory 45 for specifying the print direction, and a memory 46 for the adjustment switch counter (count value K), etc. It is formed.

The CPU 21 is programmed to execute the flowchart shown in FIG.

In other words, when the power is turned on, the input/output ports 27.28
After performing predetermined initialization such as clearing the RAM 23 and clearing the RAM 23, reference value data R and L of the print start position set in advance are stored in the print start position memory 43, 44 as ST1.
are set respectively, and the count value K of the memory 45 is set as “
0''.Next, as ST2, print quality switch 36
is input. Here, if the switch 36 is not input, it is determined that it is normal printing work, and the switch is turned ON from among the adjustment switch group 37 as Sr1.
The operated switch (SW1 in FIG. 3) is searched, and the adjustment data (DI in this case) corresponding to this switch SW1 is taken out from the adjustment data table 42 and added to the data R in the print start position memory 43. do. Then, during normal printing processing, when printing from left to right, printing is performed from position data L set in the printing start position memory 44, and when printing from right to left, printing is performed from position data L set in the printing start position memory 44. The position data (R
+D1) to perform printing.

On the other hand, if the print quality switch 36 is turned on in Sr2, it is determined that the print alignment adjustment work is being performed. Then, the count value K of the counter memory 46 is set as Sr4.
+1'', and it is determined at Sr5 whether this count value K has become larger than 4 or not.

If the count value K is 4 or less in Sr5, the state of the adjustment switch SWK corresponding to this count value K is taken in from the input port 28 as Sr1.

If the state of the switch fetched in Sr7 is on, the character pattern "*" as identification data is read from the character generator in the ROM 22 as Sr1, and one character pattern "*" is stored in the print buffer 41. Then, a space is stored for the number of remaining characters in one line, for example 79 characters.Next, Sr9 outputs the data in the print buffer 41, drives and controls the carrier 14, print head 15, etc., and prints the paper set on the platen 12. Print the character ``*'' on the . After printing is completed, 5T1
0, the line feed motor is driven and controlled to perform a line feed for one line. After one line of line feed ends at 5T10, or Sr7
If the state of the switch captured in is off, 5T1
1, the character pattern "H11" is read out from the character generator, and the character pattern "H" is stored in the print buffer 41 as print data for adjusting the print arrangement, for example, 80 characters, the maximum number of characters per line. Next, data specifying printing from left to right is stored in the printing direction memory 45 as 5T12. Then, as 5T13, print data for adjusting the print alignment in the print buffer 41 is outputted, and the carrier 14, print head 15, etc. are driven and controlled.
Printing is performed on the paper set on the platen 12 from the left to the right from the print start position IL. After printing is completed, once the carrier 14 is stopped, the line feed motor 31 is activated as 5T14.
is driven and controlled to perform a line feed for one line, and then 5T15
Data specifying printing from right to left is stored in the print direction memory 45 as follows. Further, as 5T16, adjustment data of the adjustment switch S W K corresponding to the count value K (if K=1, Dl.

If it is K-2, D2...) is read out from the adjustment data table 42 and added to the data R in the print start position memory 43. Then, as 5T17, the print data for adjusting the print alignment in the print buffer 41 is outputted, and the carrier 14, the print head 15, etc. are driven and controlled, and the platen 1
Print start position (from right to left) on the paper set in 2.
R+Di = 1≦i≦4). After printing is finished,
After driving and controlling the line feed motor 31 as 5T18 to perform a line feed for two lines, the process returns to Sr4 and the count value K is set to ``+''.
1" and repeat the same process. In this way, when the count value K becomes larger than 4, this printing arrangement adjustment work is ended.

In the printer device of this embodiment configured as described above, when adjusting the print alignment after maintenance and inspection, for example, the operator sets paper on the platen 12 and turns on the power while inputting the print quality switch 36. Here, in the adjustment switch group 37, switch SW1 is set to on,
It is assumed that the other switches SW2 to SW4 are set to off.

After the power is turned on, the state of the adjustment switch SW1 is first read, and since it is on, one character pattern "*" is stored in the print buffer 41 as identification data, and this pattern °"
*'' is printed out on the paper (■ in Figure 6). Then,
After a line feed is carried out, the character pattern "H" is stored in the print buffer 41 as print data for adjusting the print alignment for the maximum number of characters in one line. Then, the print data for adjusting the print alignment is printed out from the left to the right from the print start position on the paper (■ in FIG. 6). Next. After a line feed is performed, the print alignment adjustment data is printed out from the print start position (R+D1) from the right to the left (6th
(■ in the figure). Next, after two line feeds are performed, the state of the m adjustment switch SW2 is taken in, and since it is off, the character pattern ゛H ``'' is stored. Then, the print data for adjusting the print alignment is printed out from the left to the right from the print start position on the paper (■ in FIG. 6).

Next, after one line feed is performed, the printing start position ff1
(Print alignment adjustment data is printed from right to left from R+D2> (■ in Figure 6).Then, in the same way, the state of switch SW3 is taken in after two line feeds, and the OFF state prints. The character pattern ``H'' is stored in the buffer 41 for the maximum number of characters in one line as print data for adjusting the print alignment.
is stored, and the print data for adjusting the print alignment is printed out from the left to the right from the print start position on the paper (indicated by ■ in Figure 6).
)Printing starts after one line break! (R+D3), the print alignment adjustment data is printed out from right to left (6th
(■ in the figure). Furthermore, after two line feeds, the state of the switch SW4 is taken in, and due to the off state, the character pattern 'H' is stored in the print buffer 41 as print data for adjusting the print alignment for the maximum number of characters in one line, and printing begins on the paper. The print data for print alignment adjustment is printed out from the left to the right from the position (■ in Figure 6), and after one line feed, the print start position 1t (R
+D4), the print alignment adjustment data is printed out from right to left (■ in FIG. 6).

In this way, when adjusting the print alignment, all you have to do is input the print quality switch 36 and turn on the power.As shown in FIG.
A result in which 1R is adjusted is obtained. Moreover, rl is printed out as identification data above the print data corresponding to the adjustment data specified by the adjustment switch group 37 among the print data corresponding to each of the adjustment data D1 to D4. Therefore, the operator looks at this print result and selects the adjustment data (D3 in the case of FIG. 6) that makes the print arrangement R suitable, and also selects the adjustment data (D3 in the case of FIG. 6) specified by the current adjustment switch group 37 In the case of the figure, check Dl). In this case, since the optimum adjustment data is not currently selected, the switch SW1 of the adjustment switch group 37 is turned on, and the switch SW1 of the adjustment switch group 37 is turned on.
Turn on W3. Then, the printing start position in the rightward direction thereafter becomes R+D3, and the printing start position in the leftward direction becomes R+D3, so that the printing order becomes uniform.

In this way, according to the present embodiment, adjustment data D1 of multiple stages can be obtained by using a single printer device and by performing one simple input operation without preparing any special device or program.
~D4 allows printing results whose printing start positions are sequentially adjusted to be easily visible at appropriate intervals, and the printing data corresponding to the adjustment data specified by the adjustment switch group 37 is printed separately from other data. The operator can select the most suitable adjustment data by viewing the printed results and operating the adjustment switch group 37 as necessary.

Since the adjustment switch group 37 is provided in a hidden part within the housing 11 to prevent it from being operated unnecessarily, it is necessary to check the adjustment switch group 37 if the currently optimal adjustment data is selected based on the print result. It is efficient and has no problems. Therefore, the operability of print alignment adjustment can be improved, and high IIr can be achieved in a short time and efficiently! 1 can be adjusted, greatly improving work efficiency.

In the above embodiment, the adjustment data D1 to D1 for adjusting the print arrangement are
Although D4 has 4 stages, it may be set to 2.3 stages or 5 stages or more. However, it goes without saying that the number of switches in the adjustment switch group 37 is required depending on the number of adjustment data.

Further, the values of each of the adjustment data D1 to D4 are determined empirically, and are not particularly limited to this actual flow example. Further, in the embodiment described above, a case has been shown in which the printing start position R is adjusted in the right direction, but it goes without saying that the printing start position R in the left direction may be adjusted.

Furthermore, although the above actual flow example shows the case where the application is applied to a printer device where data is transmitted from a print data transmitting device such as a personal computer, it is also applicable to so-called typewriters etc. where print data is input from a keyboard etc. It is possible. Further, although the print quality switch is used as a switch for instructing execution of print alignment adjustment, other switches may be provided with such a function. Further, although the character pattern "*" is used as the identification data, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this. It goes without saying that various other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, there is no need to prepare a special device or program for adjusting the print alignment, and printing can be performed efficiently in a short time with simple operations. It is possible to provide a printer device that can perform alignment adjustment with high accuracy.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram functionally showing a printer device of the present invention, FIGS. 2 to 6 are diagrams showing an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of the printer device. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the printer device, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the memory map of the RAM, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the printer device.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the PU, and is a diagram showing an example of the printing result when adjusting the printing arrangement. 12...platen, 14...carriage, 15...
・Dot type print head, 21...CPU123...
RAM. 36... Print quality switch, 37... Adjustment switch group, 41... Print buffer, 42... Adjustment data table, 43.44... Print start position memory, 45.
・・Print direction memory. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Suzue Takehiko III Figure 2 Scene 4rllj 1B5 Figure 6

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a printer device that prints print data in a print buffer back and forth on paper set on a platen by a printing mechanism mounted on a carrier whose movement is controlled along the axial direction of the platen, the printing start position in one direction is set. Specify any one of the print start position memory to be set, an adjustment data table that stores multi-step adjustment data for the print start position set in this memory, and the multi-step adjustment data stored in this table. an adjustment data designation switch; a print start position adjusting means for adjusting the print start position and printing in the relevant direction according to the adjustment data specified by the switch; a command switch for commanding execution of printing and adjustment; a data storage means for storing print data for print alignment adjustment in the print buffer in response to an input of a switch; and a data storage means for storing print data for print alignment adjustment in the print buffer; Adjustment data collection means for reciprocating printing while sequentially adjusting the adjustment data; Out of the print data corresponding to each adjustment data printed reciprocally by this adjustment data collection means, the print data corresponding to the adjustment data specified by the adjustment data designation switch. A printer device comprising switch identification means for recording identification data.