JPH1067156A - Method for controlling printer apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing method enduring consistency of a form of a slip and print contents when a printer apparatus using the slip having the form already printed to regulate a printing area is connected to a main body apparatus and an automatic printing is carried out. SOLUTION: A first sheet of a slip loaded to a paper feed part B15 of a printer device B10 is read by a sensor B15 of the printer device B10, thereby to recognize a form of the slip. An application program matching the form of the slip is selected and activated at a main body device B20. Or, it is confirmed that the slip of the form matching the activated application program is set and a printing operation is started.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slip type loaded in a slip supply unit of a printer connected to a main body,
The present invention relates to a technique for guaranteeing consistency with a slip type specified by an application program started in a main device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printer connected to a main unit,
By applying a fixed format in which necessary ruled lines and common items are printed in advance, it is possible to reduce the burden on the printer device and improve the printing efficiency.

In addition, by installing an optical reading sensor on a movable portion such as a print head of a printer device, a function as a simple image scanner can be additionally provided.

[0004] A printing operation by a conventional printer will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a conventional main unit and a printer connected thereto. A processing program B24, which is one of the application programs incorporated in the main device B20, has been activated.

The above-mentioned processing program B24 includes one or more slip processing units B26a, B2
6b to B26n are provided, and each slip processing function is selectively activated by a slip processing activation unit B25. For example, when the slip processing unit B26a is selected and activated, necessary printing is performed at a predetermined position of the slip corresponding to the slip processing unit B26a.

When the job is switched from the slip processing section B26a to another slip processing function such as the slip processing section B26b, the slip processing section B26b, which is the slip processing function in the processing program B24, is selected, and the supply of the printer B10 is performed. The slips to be loaded on the paper section B15 are replaced.

The operation flow of the printing process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S101, a processing program B24 of the main unit is started. Next, in step S102, for example, the slip processing unit B26a is selected for necessary business processing.

After processing the print data in step S103, the print data is transferred to the data transfer unit B2 in step S104.
2 to the printer B10.

On the other hand, in the printer B10, in step S111, the operator confirms the slip corresponding to the slip processing section B26a and stacks it on the sheet feeding section B15. In step S112, the data receiving section B19 is transferred from the main unit. The print data is sent to the operation unit B17.

The arithmetic unit B17 performs necessary processing on the print data, issues an instruction to the paper feed control unit B14 in step S113, takes out the first sheet from the slips stacked on the paper feed unit B15, and sets it at the print location. Then, in S114, an instruction is issued to the print line feed control unit B16 to execute the printing process.

When the printing process is completed, the processing unit B17 notifies the main unit B20 of the completion of the printing process via the data transfer unit B18.

From the printer B10, the data receiving unit B
The processing program B24, which has received the notification of the end of the print processing via the program 21, checks in step S105 whether or not there is a continuing job.
Then, the operator replaces the slip loaded on the sheet feeding unit B15 with a slip of a required format. If there is no continuing work, the process is terminated.

[0015]

As described above, the conventional method of controlling a printer apparatus has the following problems.

In the printing process performed by the printer device, applying a format in which ruled lines and major fixed portions are printed in advance on a voucher to be printed can greatly improve the printing efficiency of the printing printer device. But,
As the types of printing operations increase, it becomes more difficult to correctly select the corresponding slip format.

[0017]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.

1) A slip which is to be printed by the printer device by a printer device having an optical reading sensor installed on a movable portion such as a print head of the printer device and additionally having an image scanner function. The first application reads the first sheet, recognizes the format of the loaded slip, and executes the application program that the main unit is trying to execute.
Automatically start a program that matches the form of the form.

By taking this means, the main unit automatically obtains the data processing conforming to the form of the slip loaded on the printer.

2) The printing operation is started after confirming that the slip is in a format conforming to the application program started by the main unit by the printer device having the optical reading sensor installed in the movable portion such as the print head. Let it.

By adopting this means, the main unit has the effect of checking the format of the slip loaded on the printer and starting the printing operation.

3) At the beginning of the slip loaded on the printer device, a mark portion that can be identified by the optical sensor of the printer device is provided.

By adopting this means, the main unit has an effect of recognizing the form of the slip loaded on the printer while securing the print start position of the slip.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention takes the following forms.

1) The first sheet of the slip loaded in the paper feed unit of the printer connected to the main unit is read by a sensor provided in the printer to recognize the slip format, and the main unit determines the type of the slip. Start the corresponding application program.

By adopting this form, the main unit has an effect of automatically executing a process according to the type of the slip.

2) The data read by the sensor is
A slip recognition section provided in the printer device makes a determination to recognize the slip format, and notifies the main device.

By adopting this mode, the main unit has an effect of automatically executing a process according to the type of the slip.

3) The data read by the sensor is notified from the printer to the main unit, and the slip recognition unit provided in the main unit determines the slip format and recognizes the slip format.

By adopting this mode, the main unit has an effect of automatically executing a process according to the type of the slip.

4) The first sheet of the slip loaded in the paper feed unit of the printer connected to the main unit is read by a sensor provided in the printer to recognize the slip format, and the application activated in the main unit is started. Check the consistency with the program.

By adopting this form, an effect is obtained that the consistency between the application program running on the main unit and the slip loaded on the paper feed unit of the printer is automatically confirmed.

5) The data read by the sensor is
A slip recognition section provided in the printer device makes a determination to recognize the slip format, and notifies the main device.

By adopting this form, an effect is obtained that the consistency between the application program running on the main unit and the slip loaded on the paper feeding unit of the printer is automatically confirmed.

6) The data read by the sensor is notified from the printer to the main unit, and the slip recognition unit provided in the main unit determines the slip format and recognizes the slip format.

By adopting this mode, an effect is obtained that the consistency between the application program running on the main unit and the slip loaded on the paper feeding unit of the printer is automatically checked.

7) The slip loaded on the printer has a mark area in which a mark indicating the format of the slip is described at the beginning, and a sensor of the printer reads the mark area.

By taking this form, the above-described printer device has an effect of taking in a slip and reading the form of the slip in a standby state of waiting for printing.

[0039]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A typical embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a typical embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram according to the present invention.
A slip (not shown) is stacked on a sheet feeding unit B15 provided in the printer B10. The printer B10 has a sensor B11 to read the form of the slip supplied from the paper feeding unit B15. The sensor B11 may be provided near a print head (not shown) and driven together with the print head.

The printer B10 is connected to the main unit B20, and a processing program B24, which is an application program built in the main unit B20, is activated. The processing program B24 usually has a plurality of slip processing units B26a, B26b, B26c, etc., each of which corresponds to a slip of a different format.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart according to the present invention. The main unit B20 that has started the processing starts the processing program B24 in step S01, and issues a paper feed command from the paper feed command issuing unit B27 in step S02.

The printer B10 is in a standby state with the slip loaded on the sheet feeding unit B15 in step S11, and feeds the first slip in step S12 in accordance with the feed command transmitted from the main unit B20. .

In step S13, it is confirmed whether or not reading is to be performed. If so, the process proceeds to step S14, in which the sensor driver B13 reads the form of the slip using the sensor B11. The unit B12 recognizes the slip type and proceeds to step S16 to transfer the slip to the main unit B20 via the data transfer unit B18.

The first slip that was read is:
If the reading of the sensor B11 is performed over a wide range and the print head is out of the printing area of the slip as a result, the sheet is discharged as it is when the reading operation is completed, and the second slip is fed again. Alternatively, the operation of returning the slip to the printing standby state after the paper feeding is performed.

In step S03, the data receiving section B21 of the main body apparatus B20 which has received the form data of the slip type from the data transfer section B18 of the printer apparatus B10 transfers the data to the processing program B24.

The processing program B24 includes a step S04
Then, the slip processing starting unit B25 is started, and for example, the slip processing unit B26a is selected according to the above-mentioned slip format data, and the necessary print data processing work is executed in step S05 accordingly.

The processed print data is sequentially stored in step S
At 06, the data is transferred from the data transfer unit B22 to the data reception unit B19 of the printer B10.

The arithmetic unit B17 of the printer B10 expands the slip processing data received by the data receiving unit B19 in step S17, and proceeds to step S18 where the print line feed control unit B16 performs a printing process. In this printing process, the form in the form loaded in step S11 is applied as it is.

The slip for which the printing process has been completed is discharged and notified to the main unit B20. The main unit B20 performs step S0.
In step 7, it is checked whether or not to continue printing. If so, the flow advances to step S08 to issue a paper feed command from the paper feed command issuing unit B27, and returns to step S05 to continue print data processing.

Next, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG.
A representative embodiment of the invention described in (1) will be described.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram according to the present invention.
A slip (not shown) is stacked on a sheet feeding unit B15 provided in the printer B10. The printer B10 has a sensor B11 to read the form of the slip supplied from the paper feeding unit B15. The sensor B11 may be provided near a print head (not shown) and driven together with the print head.

The printer B10 is connected to the main unit B20, and a processing program B24, which is an application program built in the main unit B20, is activated. The processing program B24 usually has a plurality of slip processing units B26a, B26b, B26c, etc., each of which corresponds to a slip of a different format.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart according to the present invention. The main unit B20 that has started the processing starts the processing program B24 in step S21, and issues a paper feed command from the paper feed command issuing unit B27 in step S22.

The printer B10 is in a standby state with the slip loaded on the sheet feeding unit B15 in step S31, and feeds the first slip in step S32 in accordance with the feed command transmitted from the main unit B20. .

In step S33, it is confirmed whether or not reading is to be performed. If so, the flow proceeds to step S34, in which the sensor driver B13 reads the form of the slip using the sensor B11, and proceeds to step S35 to proceed to the data transfer section B1.
8 to the main unit B20.

The first form read for reading is:
If the reading of the sensor B11 is performed over a wide range and the print head is out of the printing area of the slip as a result, the sheet is discharged as it is when the reading operation is completed, and the second slip is fed again. Alternatively, the operation of returning the slip to the printing standby state after the paper feeding is performed.

In step S23, the data receiving unit B21 of the main unit B20 that has received the form data of the slip type from the data transfer unit B18 of the printer B10 transfers the data to the processing program B24.

The processing program B24 includes a step S24
In step S25, the form recognition unit B28 recognizes the form of the form and specializes the form of the form of the printer. In step S25, the form processing start unit B25 is activated to select, for example, the form processing unit B26a according to the form format data. At the same time, a necessary print data processing operation is executed in step S26.

The processed print data is sequentially stored in step S
At 27, the data is transferred from the data transfer unit B22 to the data receiving unit B19 of the printer B10.

The arithmetic unit B17 of the printer B10 expands the slip processing data received by the data receiving unit B19 in step S36, and proceeds to step S37 where the print line feed control unit B16 performs a printing process. In this print processing, the form in the form loaded in step S31 is applied as it is.

The slip for which the printing process has been completed is discharged and notified to the main unit B20. The main unit B20 performs step S2.
In step S8, it is confirmed whether or not printing is to be continued. If the printing is to be continued, the flow advances to step S29 to issue a paper feed command from the paper feed command issuing unit B27, and returns to step S26 to continue print data processing.

Next, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG.
A typical embodiment of the invention described in claim 5 will be described.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, the flow subsequent to step S47 is indicated by A, and the flow is connected to the portion indicated by A in step S47.
52 is shown.

The main unit B20 that has started the processing starts the processing program B24 in step S41, and proceeds to step S4.
In step 2, a target slip processing unit such as B26a is started.

In step S43, the paper feed command issuing unit B2
7 issues a paper feed command.

The printer B10 is in a standby state with the slip loaded on the sheet feeding unit B15 in step S52, and feeds the first slip in step S53 in accordance with the feed command transmitted from the main unit B20. .

In step S54, it is confirmed whether or not reading is to be performed. If so, the process proceeds to step S55, where the sensor driver B13 reads the form of the form using the sensor B11, and the read data is used in step S56 for form recognition. The unit B12 recognizes the slip type and proceeds to step S57 to transfer the slip type to the main unit B20 via the data transfer unit B18.

In step S44, the data receiving unit B21 of the main unit B20 that has received the form data of the slip type from the data transfer unit B18 of the printer B10 transfers the data to the processing program B24.

Slip processing starter B of processing program B24
25 checks the data of the slip type in step S45, and the slip processing unit, for example, B26a, which has already been activated and is waiting.
Check whether the slip type is suitable for the processing content of the above. As a result of the confirmation, if no match is found, step S4
Then, the process proceeds to step S7, where an instruction to change the slip is given on a display unit (not shown) of the main unit B20, and the type of the slip is displayed.

According to the instruction on the display section of the main body B20, the operator returns to step S52 and replaces the slip loaded on the sheet feeding section B15 with a suitable slip. At the same time, it instructs the printer B10 to discharge the first slip at the sensor B11 of the printer B10.

If it is confirmed in step S45 that the slip processing starting unit B25 of the processing program B24 has already been started and is of a slip processing unit, for example, a slip type suitable for the processing content of B26a, the process proceeds to step S46 and waits. The slip processing unit, for example, B26a, performs the print data processing, and transfers the print data to the printer device B10 via the data transfer unit B22 in step S48.

The data receiving section B19 of the printer B10
Receives the print data in step S58,
Transfer to Further, in step S59, the print line feed control unit B
The print processing is performed via the server 16.

The slip for which the printing process has been completed is discharged and notified to the main unit B20. The main unit B20 performs step S4.
In step S9, it is confirmed whether or not to continue printing. If so, the flow advances to step S50 to issue a paper feed command from the paper feed command issuing unit B27, and returns to step S46 to continue print data processing.

Next, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG.
A representative embodiment of the invention described in (1) will be described.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, the flow following step S68 is indicated by B, and the flow is connected to the location indicated by B as well in step S68.
74 is shown.

The main unit B20 that has started the processing starts the processing program B24 in step S61, and proceeds to step S6.
In step 2, a target slip processing unit such as B26a is started.

In step S63, the paper feed command issuing unit B2
7 issues a paper feed command.

The printer B10 is in a standby state with the slip loaded on the sheet feeding unit B15 in step S73, and feeds the first slip in step S74 in accordance with the feed command transmitted from the main unit B20. .

In step S75, it is confirmed whether or not reading is to be performed. If so, the flow proceeds to step S76, where the sensor driver B13 reads the form of the slip using the sensor B11, and the read data proceeds to step S77. The data is transferred to the main unit B20 via the data transfer unit B18.

In step S64, the data receiving unit B21 of the main unit B20 which has received the form data of the slip type from the data transferring unit B18 of the printer B10 transfers the data to the processing program B24.

At step S65, the slip recognition unit B28 of the processing program B24 recognizes the slip type based on the received data, and the slip processing starting unit B25 executes step S6.
In step 6, the data of the slip type is verified, and it is confirmed whether or not the slip type is suitable for the processing contents of the slip processing unit, for example, B26a, which has been activated and is on standby. As a result of the confirmation, if no match is found, the process proceeds to step S68, and the main unit B
An instruction to change the slip is given on a display unit (not shown) 20 and the type of the slip is displayed.

In accordance with the instruction on the display of the main unit B20, the operator returns to step S73 and replaces the slip loaded on the sheet feeding unit B15 with a suitable slip. At the same time, it instructs the printer B10 to discharge the first slip at the sensor B11 of the printer B10.

If it is confirmed in step S66 that the slip processing starting unit B25 of the processing program B24 has already been started and is of a slip processing unit, for example, a slip type suitable for the processing contents of B26a, the process proceeds to step S67 and waits. The slip processing unit, for example, B26a, performs the print data processing, and transfers the print data to the printer device B10 via the data transfer unit B22 in step S69.

Data receiving section B19 of printer B10
Receives the print data in step S78,
Transfer to Further, in step S79, the print line feed control unit B
The print processing is performed via the server 16.

The slip for which the printing process has been completed is discharged and notified to the main unit B20. The main unit B20 performs step S7.
At 0, it is confirmed whether or not to continue the printing. If the printing is to be continued, the flow advances to step S71 to issue a paper feed command from the paper feed command issuing unit B27, return to step S67, and continue the print data processing.

Next, a representative embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the slip 1 inserted from the upper end has a marker area 4 in which the slip format data is written at a position located at the beginning. The marker area 4 is set so as not to overlap the print area 3.

FIG. 7A shows a bar code 4a in the marker area 4.
FIG. As described in the description of the representative embodiment according to claims 1 to 6, the paper feeding section B of the printer apparatus B10 shown in FIGS.
After the paper is fed from the sensor B15, the marker area 4 is
Stop at the scanning position.

The sensor B11 is located in the sign area 4 in the slip 1.
And scan the form data. Since the sign is displayed as a barcode, the reading by the sensor B11 can be completed by one scan. After the reading operation is completed, the slip continues to be stopped as it is to prepare for the next printing operation.

FIG. 7B shows an example in which the sign area 4 has a sign character 4b for directly displaying the slip type. As described in the description of the representative embodiment according to claims 1 to 6, after the sheet is fed from the sheet feeding unit B15 of the printer B10 shown in FIGS. It stops at the position where the sensor B11 scans.

The sensor B11 is located in the sign area 4 in the slip 1.
And scan the form data. Since the character of the sign is displayed by being fixed by the ruled line, the reading by the sensor B11 can be completed by one scan. After the reading operation is completed, the slip continues to be stopped as it is to prepare for the next printing operation.

[0094] The sign by the bar code shown in FIG. 7A and the sign by the sign character shown in FIG. 7B may be used together. Further, it is a matter of course that a slip according to the present invention can be realized by applying an appropriate sign other than the barcode and the sign character.

[0095]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

1) The first sheet of the slip loaded on the paper feeding unit of the printer connected to the main unit is read by a sensor provided in the printer to recognize the slip format, and the main unit determines the type of the slip. Start the corresponding application program.

By adopting this means, the main unit automatically executes the processing according to the type of the slip, so that an effect of guaranteeing a reliable printing operation is obtained.

2) The data read by the sensor is
A slip recognition section provided in the printer device makes a determination to recognize the slip format, and notifies the main device.

By adopting this means, the main unit automatically executes the processing according to the type of the slip, so that the effect of ensuring a reliable printing operation is obtained.

3) The data read by the sensor is notified from the printer device to the main unit, and the slip recognition unit provided in the main unit determines the slip format and recognizes the slip format.

By adopting this means, the main unit automatically executes the processing according to the type of the slip, so that the effect of ensuring a reliable printing operation is obtained.

4) The first sheet of the slip loaded on the paper feed unit of the printer connected to the main unit is read by a sensor provided in the printer, the slip format is recognized, and the application running on the main unit is activated. Check the consistency with the program.

By adopting this means, the consistency between the application program running on the main unit and the slip loaded on the paper feeding unit of the printer is automatically checked, so that a reliable printing operation is guaranteed. Get.

5) The data read by the sensor is
A slip recognition section provided in the printer device makes a determination to recognize the slip format, and notifies the main device.

By adopting this means, the consistency between the application program running on the main unit and the slip loaded on the paper feeding unit of the printer is automatically checked, so that a reliable printing operation is guaranteed. Get.

6) The data read by the above-mentioned sensor is notified from the printer to the main unit, and a slip recognition unit provided in the main unit determines and recognizes the slip format.

By adopting this means, the consistency between the application program running on the main unit and the slip loaded on the paper feeding unit of the printer is automatically checked, so that a reliable printing operation is guaranteed. Get.

7) The slip loaded on the printer has a mark area in which a mark indicating the form of the slip is described at the beginning, and the sensor of the printer reads the mark area.

By adopting this means, the above-described printer device takes in the slip and reads the form of the slip in a standby state of waiting for printing, so that the loaded slip can be used for printing without waste.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram according to the present invention. (When a slip recognition unit is provided in the printer device).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram according to the present invention. (When the main unit has a slip recognition unit)

FIG. 3 is a flowchart according to the present invention. (When the slip recognition unit is included in the printer)

FIG. 4 is a flowchart according to the present invention. (When the main unit has a slip recognition unit)

FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to the present invention. (When the slip recognition unit is included in the printer)

FIG. 6 is a flowchart according to the present invention. (When the main unit has a slip recognition unit)

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sign indicating a type of a slip according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 B10: Printer B11: Sensor B12: Slip Recognition Unit B15: Sheet Feeding Unit B20: Main Unit B28: Slip Recognition Unit 1: Slip 4: Sign Area

Claims (7)

[Claims] In the method of controlling a printer (B10) connected to a main unit (B20), the printer (B10) uses the first sheet of a slip loaded on a paper feeder (B15) as the printer. Sensor (B1) provided for (B10)
1) is supplied to the reading position to read the form of the print description of the slip, and the main unit (B20) responds to the form of the print description of the form based on the data read by the printer (B10). A method for controlling a printer device, characterized by automatically starting an application program. 2. A slip recognition unit (B12) for recognizing a print description format of the slip.
The type of the form is determined based on the data of the form described in the form of the form read by the sensor (B11) and transferred to the main unit (B20), and the main unit (B20) is connected to the printer (B10). 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein an application program corresponding to the obtained slip type is automatically started. 3. The printer (B10) transfers data obtained by reading the print description format of the slip to the main unit (B20), and the main unit (B20) obtains the data from the printer (B10). Data obtained from the main unit (B
2. The form recognition unit (B28) incorporated in the form (20) recognizes the form of the print description of the form and automatically starts an application program corresponding to the form of the form. Printer device control method. 4. A control method for a printer (B10) connected to a main unit (B20), wherein the printer (B10) uses the first sheet of a slip loaded on a paper feeding unit (B15) as the printer (B10). (B10)
It is supplied to the reading position of 1) to read the form of the printing description of the form, and the main unit (B20) performs comparison and collation with the form of the form required for the started application program, and the form is required for the application program. A method for controlling a printer device, comprising: confirming that a document is in a proper slip format and starting a data processing operation. 5. A slip recognizing unit (B12) for recognizing a print description format of the slip.
The type of the form is determined based on the data of the form described in the form of the form read by the sensor (B11) and transferred to the main unit (B20), and the main unit (B20) is connected to the printer (B10). 5. The control method according to claim 4, further comprising automatically confirming that the obtained form has a format corresponding to the application program running on the main unit (B20). . 6. The printer (B10) transfers data obtained by reading the print description format of the slip to the main unit (B20), and the main unit (B20) obtains the data from the printer (B10). Data obtained from the main unit (B
20) The form recognition unit (B28) incorporated in the form recognizes the form of the print description of the form, and the form of the form has a form corresponding to the application program running on the main unit (B20). 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising automatically checking that 7. A paper feeding section (B) of the printer device (B10).
15) A signature area (4) for displaying a form in advance on a form (1) to be loaded and printed for printing is displayed at the beginning and displayed on the form (1) by a sensor (B11) of a printer device (B10). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising recognizing a print description format of the slip (1) by reading the format.