JPH09286138A - Scanning type printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the printing of detective characters from developing by a method wherein a first announcing means equipped in an inputting part announces the fact under the condition that the size of the characters sent with an inputting means is the size, which is impossible for a printing means to print. SOLUTION: In this printer, an inputting part 70, in which character data are inputted, is provided separate from a scanning type printing part. A character size switch 60 in the character data inputting part 70 composes a character size setting means, while an ink let head in the scanning type printing part selects and sets the size of the characters to print. A CPU 50 compares the set character size with printable sizes. When the set character size is larger than the printable size, a piezoelectric buzzer 62 sounds for announcement. After that, the address of character size suitable for printing is read out of a character size table in a ROM 52 and stored and retained in a RAM 54. The above-mentioned step is repeated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scanning printer that scans and prints on a scanning surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a scanning type printer which scans a surface on which printing is desired to perform printing. Unlike the stationary printer, this scanning printer is capable of printing not only flat paper but also three-dimensional objects. Therefore, the number of printable objects is dramatically increased, which is very convenient.

[0003]

However, in the conventional scanning type printer, there is a limit to the size that can be printed by one scan of the print head. If the operator tries to print beyond the printable size limit of this print head without noticing this, the unprintable part will not be printed and the printed paper will be wasted. was there.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can prevent incomplete character printing when a character of a size that cannot be printed by one scan is input. An object of the present invention is to provide a scanning printer.

[0005]

In order to achieve this object, the scanning printer according to claim 1 has an input section having an input means for inputting various commands including a character and the size of the character. A scanning distance detecting means for detecting a distance scanned on the scanning surface, and a printing means for printing the character input by the input means on the scanning surface in accordance with an output signal of the scanning distance detecting means. In the scanning printer including the scanning printing unit, when the size of the character set by the input unit is a size that cannot be printed by the printing unit, the first notifying unit provided in the input unit is To inform.

The scanning printer according to claim 2 is
An input section having an input means for inputting various commands including a character and the size of the character, a scanning distance detecting means for detecting a distance scanned with respect to a scanning surface, and an output signal of the scanning distance detecting means. In accordance with the above, in a scanning printer including a scanning printing unit having a printing unit that prints a character input by the input unit on a scanning surface, the character set by the input unit is output to the scanning printing unit. If the size of the character is unprintable by the printing means, the second notifying means provided in the scanning printing unit notifies the user that the character is not printed. You can know that it is possible size.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the scanning type printing apparatus detects the distance scanned by the input unit having the input unit for inputting various commands including the character and the size of the character and the scanning distance. And a scanning type printing unit having a printing unit for printing the character input by the input unit on the scanning surface according to the output signal of the scanning distance detecting unit. In, when the size of the character set by the input means is the unprintable size of the printing means,
The first size changing unit provided in the input unit changes the set size to a size printable by the printing unit.

Further, the scanning printer according to claim 4 is
An input section having an input means for inputting various commands including a character and the size of the character, a scanning distance detecting means for detecting a distance scanned with respect to a scanning surface, and an output signal of the scanning distance detecting means. In accordance with the above, in a scanning printer including a scanning printing unit having a printing unit that prints a character input by the input unit on a scanning surface, the character set by the input unit is output to the scanning printing unit. When the size of the character is unprintable by the printing means, the size set by the second size changing means provided in the scanning printing unit is changed to a size printable by the printing means. To do.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a scanning type printing unit 20 that prints by scanning the surface on which printing is desired.
And an input unit 70 for inputting character data, which is provided separately from the scanning printing unit 20.

First, FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the scanning type printing unit 20 of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. An opening is provided on the lower surface of the scanning printing unit 20, and a roller 2 that is provided so as to project downward and is rotatable is provided in the opening, and is provided in parallel with and adjacent to the roller 2. An inkjet head 4 which constitutes the printing means of the present invention is provided. The direction in which the nozzle rows of the inkjet head 4 are arranged is parallel to the rotation axis of the roller 2. The infrared communication unit 1 is provided on the side of the scanning printing unit 20.
2 are provided.

The roller 2 is rotated by the scanning printing unit 20 moving while being in contact with the recording medium, and the rotary encoder 14 connected to the roller 2 is a slit disk connected to the roller 2 by a belt. And a photo interrupter for optically detecting the slit of the slit disk, and one pulse signal is output for each predetermined rotation angle of the roller 2. The roller 2 and the rotary encoder 14 constitute the scanning distance detecting means of the present invention. Further, in the scanning printing unit 20, an ink tank 6 for supplying ink to the inkjet head 4, a battery 16 for supplying electric power to an electric circuit in the scanning printing unit 20, and a substrate on which a CPU described later is mounted. 18
Is built-in.

Next, the electrical construction of the scanning printing section 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 40 controls the entire scan printing unit 20 and performs various arithmetic processes.
OM41, RAM42, the rotary encoder 14,
The infrared communication unit 12 and the head drive unit 43 that drives the inkjet head 4 are connected.

Further, the ROM 41 is provided in the scanning printing unit 2
The RAM 42 stores various programs defining 0 operation, and the RAM 42 is provided with an area for storing and holding print data, an arithmetic area used in various arithmetic processes, and the like.

Next, the input section 7 of the printing apparatus of the present embodiment
The electrical configuration inside 0 will be described with reference to FIG.

The CPU 50 controls the input unit 70 and performs various arithmetic processes, and is connected to the ROM 52, the RAM 54, the keyboard 56, and the infrared communication unit 58. Further, the ROM 52 stores various programs defining the operation of the input unit 70, a plurality of different size character shape data (dot pattern data), and a character size table. Here, a schematic diagram of the character size table stored in the ROM 52 is shown in FIG. In the character size table, the typeface name of the character data, the character size, and the address where the character shape data are stored are associated with each other.

The RAM 54 has an area for storing characters and the like input from the keyboard 56. The keyboard 56 constituting the input means is for inputting characters such as characters and symbols to be printed (including image data), and the input data is stored in a predetermined area in the RAM 54. The infrared communication unit 58 performs mutual communication of various data including print data between the scanning print unit 20 and the character data input unit 70 together with the infrared communication unit 12 on the scanning print unit 20 side.

The character size switch 60 constitutes a character size setting means, and selects and sets the size of the character to be printed by the ink jet head 4 in the scanning printing section 20. The piezoelectric buzzer 62, which constitutes the first notification means, notifies the operator when print data of a size that cannot be printed by the inkjet head 4 in the scanning printing unit 20 is input. Each component of the input unit 70 is housed in a casing (not shown) provided separately from the scanning printing unit 20, for example, a personal computer.

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the operator selects and sets the character size to be printed with the character size switch 60 in the input unit 70 (step 1, hereinafter abbreviated as S1). The CPU 50 compares the set character size with the printable size of the inkjet head 4 (S2). When the set character size is larger than the printable size (Y in S2), the piezoelectric buzzer 62 is sounded to notify the operator (S3), and the character size is set again. If the set character size is equal to or smaller than the printable character size (N in S2), the character to be printed is input (S4).

For example, assume that the maximum print size of the inkjet head 4 is 16 pt. The operator is 18pt
When the character size is selected (S1), the CPU 50 determines that printing is impossible (N in S2), and notifies the operator by the piezoelectric buzzer 62. So, for example, change the font size to 1
If the setting is changed from 8pt to 14pt (S1),
The print character can be input (S4).

After that, the address of the character size suitable for printing is read from the character size table in the ROM 52 and R is read.
It is stored and held in the AM 54 (S5). Repeat the above steps until you finish inputting characters (N in S6),
Character input ends (Y in S6).

Next, the CPU 50 reads out the character code data to be printed stored in the RAM 54 (S7), and based on the address information of the used characters stored and held in the RAM 54, the character read out in S7. The character shape data (dot pattern data) corresponding to the code data is read from the ROM 52 (S8). Further, based on the pulse signal generated by the rotation of the rotary encoder 14, the infrared communication unit 12 and the infrared communication unit 58 are used to transmit the print data for each dot row to the scanning printing unit 20 side. Outputs the print data to the head drive unit 43 for each one dot row based on the pulse signal generated by the rotation of the rotary encoder 14, and the inkjet head 4 prints characters and the like (S9).

The CPU 50 determines whether or not there remains unprinted character code data in the RAM 54 (S1).
0), if it remains (N in S10), S7 to S
By repeating the procedure of 10, printing can be sequentially performed on the scanning surface.

As described above, according to the scanning printer of the present embodiment, it is determined whether the set character size can be printed, and if the printing is impossible, the piezoelectric buzzer 62 provided in the input unit 70 is provided. Since it is configured to notify the operator, incomplete printing of print data will not occur.

The piezoelectric buzzer 62 is replaced by 2 in FIG.
As indicated by the dotted line, the piezoelectric buzzer 4 is provided on the scanning printing unit 20 side.
It is also possible to provide 4. In this case, the piezoelectric buzzer 44 constitutes the second notification means of the present invention. When the scanning type printing unit 20 is provided with the piezoelectric buzzer 44, the scanning type printing unit 20 operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, when it is determined in S11 that the print data is transmitted from the input unit 70, the CPU 40 compares the character size of the transmitted print data with the printable size of the inkjet head 4 (S12). If the character size is larger than the printable size (Y in S12), the piezoelectric buzzer 44
Is sounded to inform the operator that printing is impossible (S13). If the character size is equal to or smaller than the printable character size (N in S12), the print data is output to the head drive unit 43 for each one dot row based on the pulse signal generated by the rotation of the rotary encoder 14, and the inkjet is performed. The head 4 prints characters and the like (S14).

The CPU 40 determines whether or not there is print data that has not been printed in the RAM 42 (S15), and if there is print data (N in S15), the procedure of S14 is repeated to scan the scan plane. Can be printed in sequence.

Next, different embodiments will be described. Here, the scanning printing unit 20 has the same configuration as that described above, and the input unit 70 will not be described for the same members as those described above.

First, FIG. 7 shows the electrical construction of the input section 71. As compared with the input unit 70, the piezoelectric buzzer 62 is omitted.

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. First, the operator selects and sets the character size to be printed with the character size switch 60 in the input unit 71 (S21). CP
U50 compares the set character size with the printable size of the inkjet head 4 (S22). If the set character size is larger than the printable size (Y in S22), the character size stored in the character size table in the ROM 52 is reduced by one rank (S).
23) Then, the character size is determined again in S22. Finally, when the character size reset by the input unit becomes equal to or smaller than the printable size (N in S22), the character to be printed is input (S24). S22 and S23 form the first resizing means of the present invention. Subsequent steps S25-
S30 corresponds to S5 to S10 described above.

As described above, according to the printing apparatus of the present embodiment, it is configured to judge whether or not the set character size can be printed, and to reduce the character size if printing is impossible. Even if you set the size of non-printable characters, it is automatically corrected, and you do not have to bother setting the character size. It should be noted that the print data size can be changed in the scanning printing unit 20. That is, as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 6, instead of ringing the piezoelectric buzzer 44 in S13, the character size may be reduced in S16. Therefore, this S
16 constitutes the second resizing means of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but various modifications can be made. In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the scanning printing unit and the print data input unit alternately perform infrared communication, but radio communication may be used instead of infrared communication, and the scanning printing unit and input unit may be used. And may be connected by a connecting cord or the like. Also, by connecting the scanning printing unit and the input unit, the print data created and stored by the input unit is stored in the storage device of the scanning printing unit, and then the scanning printing unit and the input unit are separated, The scanning type printing unit may be used for printing. The object of determination as to whether or not the printing means in the scanning type printing unit can print is not limited to the character size, but may be data such as a figure. The notification means is not limited to the piezoelectric buzzer, but may be a vibrator, an LED, or the like.

Further, the ROM 52 may not be provided with a character size table in which various character sizes are prepared, but a scalable font may be built in and a character to be printed may be created by enlarging or reducing the font. Furthermore, although the form in which the inkjet head 4 is used as the print head has been described, it is of course possible to use a thermal head or an impact head. The scanning method of the scanning printing unit is not limited to manual scanning, and may be a self-propelled printing apparatus having a motor built therein.

[0033]

As is apparent from the above description, in the scanning printer according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the size of the character set by the input means is a size unprintable by the printing means. Since the input unit is provided with the first notifying means for notifying this, when a character having an unprintable size is input, the operator is notified of this and the operator is made to correct the size. be able to.

The scanning printer according to claim 2 is
When the character set by the input means is output to the scanning type printing section and the size of the character is a size that cannot be printed by the printing means, the second notifying means provided in the scanning type printing section Since the notification is given, the operator can know that the size is unprintable before printing.

Further, in the scanning printer according to the third aspect, when the size of the character set by the input means is an unprintable size of the printing means, the first size changing means provided in the input section. Since the set size is changed to a printable size by the printing means, the set character can be surely printed even if the character is set in the unprintable size.

Further, the scanning printer according to claim 4 is
When the character set by the input unit is output to the scanning type printing unit and the size of the character is a size that cannot be printed by the printing unit, the second size changing unit provided in the scanning type printing unit is provided. Since the set size is changed to a printable size by the printing means, even if the character is set in a size that cannot be printed, the set character can be reliably printed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a scanning printing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the scanning printing unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of an input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a character size table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the scanning type printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a scanning type printing unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of an input unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the scanning printer according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Inkjet Head 14 Rotary Encoder 20 Scanning Printing Section 44 Piezoelectric Buzzer 56 Keyboard 62 Piezoelectric Buzzer 70 Input Section 71 Input Section

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An input unit having an input unit for inputting various commands including a character and the size of the character, a scanning distance detecting unit for detecting a distance scanned with respect to a scanning surface, and a scanning distance detecting unit. A scanning type printing unit having a printing unit for printing the character input by the input unit on a scanning surface in accordance with an output signal of the unit, and the character set by the input unit. When the size of the printing means is a size that cannot be printed by the printing means, the input section is provided with a first notifying means for notifying the printing type. 2. An input unit having an input unit for inputting various commands including a character and the size of the character, a scanning distance detecting unit for detecting a distance scanned on a scanning surface, and a scanning distance detecting unit. A scanning type printing unit having a printing unit for printing the character input by the input unit on a scanning surface in accordance with an output signal of the unit, and the character set by the input unit. Is output to the scanning type printing unit, and if the size of the character is a size that cannot be printed by the printing unit, the scanning type printing unit is provided with a second notifying unit for notifying this. Scanning printer. 3. An input unit having an input unit for inputting various commands including a character and a size of the character, a scanning distance detecting unit for detecting a distance scanned with respect to a scanning surface, and a scanning distance detecting unit. A scanning type printing unit having a printing unit for printing the character input by the input unit on a scanning surface in accordance with an output signal of the unit, and the character set by the input unit. The input unit includes a first size changing unit that changes the set size to a size printable by the printing unit when the size of the printing unit is a size that cannot be printed by the printing unit. Scanning printer. 4. An input unit having an input unit for inputting various commands including a character and a size of the character, a scanning distance detecting unit for detecting a scanning distance with respect to a scanning surface, and a scanning distance detecting unit. A scanning type printing unit having a printing unit for printing the character input by the input unit on a scanning surface in accordance with an output signal of the unit, and the character set by the input unit. Is output to the scanning printing unit, and if the size of the character is a size unprintable by the printing unit, the set size is changed to a size printable by the printing unit.
A scanning type printing apparatus, characterized in that the scanning type printing section is provided with the size changing means of the above.