JPH03159772A - Menu selector of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten a set-up time in the case of performing a hard copy display and to eliminate wasting a printing paper by having a role-indicating display part provided on a column indicator arranged in the manner of facing a print head and a means for moving the print head to the position of the display part corresponding to a selected role. CONSTITUTION:In an apparatus, a column indicator 13 arranged in the manner of facing a print head 11 is provided with a display part 14 and the apparatus also has a means for moving the print head 11 to the position corresponding to the selected role of the display part 14. Therefore, when the role is divided into functions seen from a plurality of viewpoints, e.g. GROUP, ITEM, SET (Value SELECTION), etc., it is unnecessary to hard-copy a function menu for every selection branch of GROUP.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a menu selection device for a printer that allows various functions of the printer to be set by an operator's operation. (Prior Art) In conventional printers, programs, character patterns, etc. are stored, and the CPU reads out the character patterns based on received data and prints out the characters. In this case, the printer allows you to select various functions using switches on the operation panel. Figure 5 is a block diagram of a conventional printer device. In the figure, l is cpυ and 2 is EEPRO)'! , 3
5a is a read-only memory (ROM) in which programs and character patterns are stored; 4 is a readable/writable memory (RAM) in which received data is stored;
, 5b are I/O ports, 68 to 6e are function setting switches, and 7 is a bus connected to a print head, space motor, line feed motor, etc. (not shown). In the printer control circuit configured in this way, the switch 6 on the operation panel is provided on the front of the printer and usually has the following functions. Figure 6 shows the arrangement of the swifts on the control panel. The SEL switch 6a is a selection switch for selecting whether to use the printer online or offline, and is controlled to switch each time it is pressed. Setting the paper, replacing the ink ribbon, and selecting the switch functions described below are performed offline.F[! HD
The swifter 6b is used to perform a line feed for l lines of paper when pressed. Also, if you press it for 0.4 seconds or more, the paper will be line-feeded to the top position of the next paper. TOF /PA
The RK switch 6c is a switch for storing the position of the sheet at the time it is pressed as the first line, and is used for page management of the sheet. Furthermore, the FONT switch 6d is used to select various character modes by pressing it. The PITCH switch 6e is used to select the print pitch by pressing it. Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned functions, the switches 6a to 6e on the operation panel 6 are used to select between a parallel interface and a serial interface, to set the communication speed and data unit parity detection in the case of a serial interface, to set the paper length, and to set various characters. The additional functions described below are programmed to realize various functions such as setting the set and specifying the operation of printer control codes that differ depending on the connected host control device. The above additional functions will be explained using Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 together. FIG. 7 is an example diagram of the functions selected and stored in the EEFROM, and FIG. 8 is an example diagram showing the transition of i-function selection. That is, in the online state, the FO shown in FIG.
By pressing the NT switch 6d and the PITCH switch 6e at the same time, the function setting mode is entered. Next, PIT
C} When the I switch 6e is pressed, all the function settings currently stored in the EEFROM 2 are printed out as shown in FIG. Here, the operator looks at this printout and selects the Paper Out Override function.
When changing from s (valid) to No (invalid), FO
NT switch 6d and PITC! ! When the switch 6e is pressed at the same time, the function setting mode is entered again, and the first line, for example, Font Print Mode as shown in FIG.
The LQ CourIer (contents stored in EEPROM2) is printed out. Next, FEεO switch 6
By pressing b, the GROIJP setting changes from FONT mode to General as shown by arrow A in Figure 8.
Go to Control mode and select Graphics
Printing IJnidirectiona+ is printed out. Next, TQF /PARK switch 6
By pressing c, as shown by arrow B in Fig. 8,
ITEP4 settings have been moved and Graphics Print
ting jlnjdirectfonalgara Pap
er Out Overrode Yes is printed out. Then, by pressing the F (INT switch 6d), the Paper
Paper from Out Overrtde'les
The message changes to "Out Override No." and is printed out. Then, by pressing the SEL switch 6a in FIG. 6, the function setting mode (menu mode) is terminated and the process shifts to the online mode. By the above operations,
The Paper Out Overrrde function is changed from enabled to disabled and is stored in the non-volatile memory (E2FROM) 2. Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the conventional printer menu retention device described above, since function selection is proceeded through interaction with the printer, it takes time to realize the target function. It takes. Also, for example, Serial Inte in FIG.
rface Baud Rate 19200 8PS
When trying to change from 3008PS to 3008PS, each time a function is selected, even function displays that do not need to be changed are printed out, which takes time. Also, printing paper is wasted. The present invention solves the problems of the conventional printer menu selection device described above, and provides a printer menu selection device that can shorten the setting time when displaying printed output and eliminate waste of printing paper. The purpose is to

(Means for Solving Problem !18) To this end, the present invention provides a menu selection device for a printer that has a plurality of functions and can select each function by selectively pressing a plurality of switches. A display section for displaying the lfl function is provided on a column indicator disposed opposite to the column indicator.

The selected function is displayed numerically on the display. Means is provided for moving the print head to a position on the display corresponding to the function selected by the switch, and 8! is selected according to the movement position of the print head. function will be displayed. (Function) According to the present invention, a display section is provided in the column indicator disposed facing the print head as described above, and means for moving the print head to a position corresponding to the selected function of the display section. Since the function has multiple viewpoints, for example, GROtlP, ITEM, SET (Value
If it is divided into SELEC↑[ON], there is no need to print out the function menu for each technique selected in GROUP. (Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a printer equipped with a printer menu selection device of the present invention, FIG.
Figure 1 (B) is a perspective view of the main parts of the column indicator.
Figure (C) is a perspective view of the tip of the print head. In the figure, 11 is the print head, and 12 is the print head 1.
13 is a column indicator that moves t3 and presses the printing paper against the platen, 14 is a red L attached to the tip of the print head.
The LHD 14, which is an ED, blinks during the menu selection process to facilitate confirmation of the position, and also has the function of blinking quickly to alert the operator to high temperature when the temperature of the print head rises. ．． The printer menu selection device of the present invention will be explained based on FIGS. 2 and 3. The horizontal structure of the printer's menu selection device is the same as the conventional one, so it will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the printer menu selection device of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a function menu. Step ■■ In the online mode, the menu mode is set by pressing the FONT switch 6d and the PITcl{switch 6e at the same time. Stenbu ■ PI! Determines whether the HD switch 6b is pressed and selects No.
If , move to step @, PITC}! switch 6e
Determines whether the button is pressed. When the PITCH switch 6e is pressed, the process moves to step 0, and a menu setting list currently stored in the EEFROM 2 similar to that shown in FIG. 7 is printed out. When step @ is completed, the process returns to step (■), and it is checked whether the FEED switch 6b has been pressed. In the above step @, P I TCI {switch 6e
If is not pressed, processing moves to step [phase] and S
T! Determine whether the L switch 6a is pressed. When pressed, move to step ■ and repeat the loop. Step ■ FE [! When the D switch 6b is pressed, the GROUP guide characters 15a shown in FIG. 3 are printed. Printed GI? The numerical value of the OUP guide character 15a is shown in Figure 1 (
It corresponds to the scale of column indicator 3 in B). Step ■ Determine whether the TOF/PARI switch 6c has been pressed, and if Yes, update the GROUP setting pointer. As a result, GROtlP becomes GI in Figure 3.
? The mode is set in the OtlP guide character 15a. Step (2) The SP head position information 15b is updated and the print head moves to position a.

Step ■ It is determined whether the FONT switch 6d is pressed. If it is not pressed, the process moves to step ■ and returns to TOP.
/PARK switch 6c is pressed four times until the print head moves to position b of the head position information in Figure 3, and the GR
The OUP configuration pointer is updated and Serial Int
It is set to erface mode. Next, TOF again
When /PARK switch 6c is pressed, GRQIIP
The setting pointer is set to Font mode again, the value of head position information 15b is set, and the print head is at position a.
Move to. Step ■ After setting to Serial Interface mode, press PON↑ switch 6d.
GROUP settings are completed and Serial Inter
ITEM15C of face is printed. Step [phase] ~ @ TOP /PARK switch 6
ITI! by pressing c and following the same procedure. Update M setting pointer and sp position information. Step @ Determine whether the FONT switch 6d is pressed.

Here, the FONT switch 6d must be pressed five times without pressing the FONT switch 6d.
When the F/PARII switch 6c is pressed, 60 Baud Rate of the head position information 15d is set.

Step @ rTE by pressing FONT switch 6d?
The settings of Baud R are completed and the set +TEM (Baud R
Print SET15e of ate), 51! T15e
is the printing result, and in the case of Figure 3, the previous printing was 19200 B
Because it is set to PS, the print result is 10 1920
An O mark is printed in front of 0 BPS to inform you of the current settings. Step ■ The print head 11 receives the head position information 15f and prints out the printout, and then stops at position C. Step ■
~[Phase] ↑OF /PARK switch 6c is judged, TOF /PARK switch 6c is pressed and Sl!
? Update the setting pointer and update the sp position information. 6
When pressed twice, the head position information 15f shows 30
08PS is set. When step Φ FONT switch 6d is pressed, S
Determine whether the EL switch 6a is pressed. Step @ When the SEL switch 6a is pressed, the updated GROtlP, ITl! M. The SET information is stored in the north PR (IM 2) and the process ends. This ends the menu mode and goes online. Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of GROUP guide characters. Numerical values are displayed in a horizontal line in correspondence with column indicators.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
Various modifications are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. (Effects of the Invention) As explained in detail above, the column indicator scale and print head positioning are substituted for the printed menu display, so menu selection time can be shortened and printing paper can be saved. ．． Furthermore, since the display contents are not limited, it can also be provided for other display functions.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The first engineering drawing is a diagram showing a printer equipped with the printer menu selection device of the present invention, and FIG.
Figure 1 (B) is a perspective view of the main parts of the column indicator.
Figure (C) is a perspective view of the tip of the print head, Figure 2 is a flowchart of the menu selection device of the printer of the present invention, Figure 3 is an example of a function menu, and Figure 4 is another example of the arrangement of GROUP guide characters. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional printer device, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of switches on the operation panel, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the selected [iEPl? FIG. 8 is an example diagram of functions stored in OI1, and is an example diagram showing changes in function selection. 1...cpu, 2...EBPRO, 3...ROM, 4...RA? I, 5a. 5
b... I/O boat, 6... Operation panel, 1l... Print head, l2... Carriage, 13... Column indicator, 14... I, ED.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A menu selection device for a printer that has a plurality of functions and can select each function by selectively pressing a plurality of switches, which includes: (a) disposed facing a print head; (b) a display section for displaying a function provided on the column indicator; and (c) means for moving the print head to a position on the display section corresponding to the function selected by the switch. A printer menu selection device characterized by: