JP4266615B2 - Printing condition setting method and printing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing condition setting method and a printing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The printer supports multiple types of recording media (recording media such as paper, transfer media such as ink ribbons) and connected devices (host devices such as personal computers and portable terminals, keyboards, scanners and other input devices, etc.) For optimum printing, there are many printing conditions that must be set for use.
[0003]
In particular, in a small portable printer, there is a possibility that the device used in connection with the printer may be changed frequently, and there are cases where the communication speed, interface selection, and the like must be frequently set.
[0004]
For this reason, there is a known one in which a dip switch is provided in the cover of the printer and the printing condition is set by switching the dip switch.
[0005]
However, since the DIP switch is set by a combination of the ON / OFF states of the switches, there is a problem that the setting contents are difficult to understand and a tool such as a screwdriver is necessary for the operation.
[0006]
On the other hand, it is known to perform settings by operating a numeric keypad or a cursor (arrow) key while confirming a display screen provided on the printer body. However, printers that are supposed to be connected to external devices are difficult to operate because the input devices such as keyboards and display devices are simplified, and the initial screen is displayed especially on LCD screens that can display only letters and katakana. In the menu format in which the mode is switched and set hierarchically, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to understand even if the mode currently being operated is switched to another mode in addition to the individual input operations.
[0007]
A printer processor is known from Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133, etc., in which a bar code recorded in a manual is read by a bar code reader to simplify the operation for general users. .
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-161249
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the technique known from Patent Document 1 has a problem that the printer cannot be operated unless the manual on which the barcode is recorded is always carried with the printer.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to create an input sheet by itself, record printing conditions on the input sheet, and read it by an optical sensor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing condition setting method that can be easily operated and a printing apparatus for carrying out this method.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the means adopted by the printing condition setting method according to claim 1 is a printing apparatus capable of printing on continuous paper and cut sheet paper, and sets the setting sheet on the continuous paper according to the print condition setting start operation. A process of printing and discharging to the outside of the printing apparatus; a process of recording printing conditions on the setting sheet; a process of inserting the recorded setting sheet into the printing apparatus; and an optical device provided in the printing apparatus while conveying the setting sheet The process of reading with the automatic sensor, the process of setting the printing conditions of the printing device according to the reading result, the process of performing test printing with the newly set printing conditions, and reading the test print with the optical sensor The process of determining whether or not it has been read, and if it is defective, the setting sheet for resetting that describes the current settings is excluded from the options for the current settings and the test printing is continued. Characterized by comprising a step of printing out the connection sheet.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus capable of printing a continuous sheet and a cut sheet on a continuous sheet and a cut sheet according to a print condition setting start operation and discharging the setting sheet to the outside of the printing apparatus. When the recorded setting sheet is inserted into the printing device, it is conveyed by means of an optical sensor provided in the printing device, means for setting the printing conditions of the printing device according to the reading result, and newly set printing conditions The test sheet is read with the optical sensor, and the test sheet is read with an optical sensor. Is provided with means for printing out on continuous paper after test printing, excluding current setting options .
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of a printing condition setting method and printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus for carrying out a printing condition setting method according to the present invention, and is an example of a portable printer 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer”) that can be driven by a battery. As shown in FIG. 1, a supply reel 14 is rotatably provided on one side of a casing 12 that forms the outer frame of the printer 10, and a roll-shaped continuous paper 15 is wound around the supply reel 14. Yes. Further, in the vicinity of the supply reel 14, a first feed roller 16 and a pinch roller 18 that comes into contact with the feed roller 16 are provided. A printing unit 24 including a thermal head 20 and a platen roller 22 is provided at a substantially central position in the casing 12. An upper plate 26 and a lower plate 26 are disposed between the printing unit 24 and the pair of rollers 16 and 18. A continuous paper guide path 30 composed of the plate 28 is formed, and a continuous paper detection sensor 27 is provided facing an opening 32 formed in the middle of the lower plate 28. The lower plate 28 has a curved portion 28A that is curved along the lower peripheral edge of the platen roller 22 so that the continuous paper 15 can be easily inserted between the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 22. The platen roller 22 and the first feed roller 16 are connected to a forward / reverse rotation motor (not shown), and are rotated forward / reversely according to an instruction from a controller (conveyance control means) 34. The continuous paper detection sensor 27 detects the presence or absence of the continuous paper 15, and the detection signal is output to the controller 34.
[0015]
Further, an insertion port 38 for inserting the cut sheet 36 is formed on the side surface of the casing 12 opposite to the supply reel 14, and an upper plate 40 is interposed between the insertion port 38 and the printing unit 24. A cut sheet guide path 44 composed of a lower plate 42 is provided. The cut sheet guide path 44 is divided in the middle, and a second feed roller 46 and a second pinch roller 48 that presses against the second feed roller 46 are provided at the dividing position. The second feed roller 46 is connected to a motor (not shown) and rotates so as to feed the cut sheet 36 to the printing unit 24. An opening 50 is formed in the upper plate 40 between the insertion port 38 and the pair of rollers 46 and 48, and a cut sheet detection sensor 52 is provided facing the opening 50. The cut sheet detection sensor 52 detects the presence or absence of the cut sheet 36, and the detection signal is output to the controller 34.
[0016]
Further, the controller 34 performs a printing operation of the printing unit 24 based on detection signals from the continuous paper detection sensor 27 and the cut sheet detection sensor 52, forward and reverse rotations of the platen roller 22 and the first feed roller 16, The rotation of the second feed roller 46 is controlled, and power necessary for these operations is supplied from a battery 54 provided in the casing 12. A discharge port 56 for the continuous paper 15 or cut sheet 36 printed by the print unit 24 is formed on the upper surface of the casing 12 above the print unit 24, and a discharge port 56 is formed between the print unit 24 and the discharge port 56. A path 58 is formed.
[0017]
Reference numeral 62 denotes a slit-shaped scanner mounting portion formed facing the discharge path 58, and a handy scanner 64 (hereinafter simply referred to as “scanner”) shown in FIG. It is like that. 2, the scanner main body 66 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped rod shape, and engaging grooves 68 that engage with the scanner mounting portion 62 are formed on both side surfaces extending along the reading surface. As shown in FIG. Can be attached to.
[0018]
Reference numeral 70 denotes a cable for connecting to the printer 10, and a connector 72 is provided at the tip opposite to the scanner body 66.
[0019]
The scanner 64 scans an image by moving the scanner main body 66 away from the printer 10 in the same manner as a conventionally known scanner. Alternatively, the scanner 64 is attached to the printer 10 as shown in FIG. You can also scan and capture images.
[0020]
Next, a method for printing by switching the continuous paper 15 and the cut paper 36 with the printer 10 will be described. First, the case of printing on the continuous paper 15 will be described. The leading end of the roll-shaped continuous paper 15 mounted on the supply reel 14 is pulled out, between the first feed roller 16 and the first pinch roller 18, and The paper is manually fed to the continuous paper detection sensor 27 through the continuous guide path 30. When the continuous paper detection sensor 27 detects the leading edge of the continuous paper 15, a detection signal is output to the controller 34. Based on the detection signal, the controller 34 rotates the platen roller 22 and the first feed roller 16 by a predetermined amount in the rotation direction in which the continuous paper 15 is fed to the printing unit 24. As a result, the continuous paper 15 is guided to the continuous paper guide path 30 and fed to the printing unit 24, temporarily stops at the print start position of the thermal head 20, and the print preparation is completed. Next, printing information from the controller 34 is input to the thermal head 20 and printed on the continuous paper 15 from the thermal head 20, and the printed continuous paper 15 is nipped and conveyed by the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 22 and discharged. It is discharged from the outlet 56. At this time, the first feed roller 16 may or may not be involved in the conveyance of the continuous paper 15 during printing. Further, the continuous paper 15 discharged to the discharge port 56 is cut by a cutter knife or the like (not shown) at a position where printing is well separated. Moreover, you may use the continuous paper 15 which entered the perforation for a cutting | disconnection beforehand.
[0021]
Next, the case of printing on the cut sheet 36 will be described. At this time, the continuous paper 15 is set in the printing unit 24. First, the cut sheet 36 is inserted into the cut sheet guide path 44 from the insertion port 38. When the cut sheet detection sensor 52 detects the leading edge of the cut sheet 36, a detection signal is output to the controller 34. Based on the detection signal, the controller 34 first rotates the platen roller 22 and the first feed roller 16 by a predetermined amount in the rotation direction in which the continuous paper 15 is retracted, and the continuous paper 15 is moved to a position before the continuous paper detection sensor 27. The continuous paper 15 is retracted from the printing unit 24 by retreating. At this time, the first pinch roller 18 is driven to rotate through the continuous paper 15 by the rotation of the first feed roller 16. When the continuous paper detection sensor 27 does not detect the continuous paper 15, a signal is output to the controller 34 to stop the rotation operation of the platen roller 22 and the first feed roller 16. Next, the controller 34 rotates the second feed roller 46 and the platen roller 22 by a predetermined amount so that the cut sheet 36 is fed to the printing unit 24. At this time, the second pinch roller 48 is driven to rotate via the cut sheet 34 by the rotation of the second feed roller 46. As a result, the cut sheet 36 is guided to the cut sheet guide path 44 and fed to the printing unit 24, temporarily stops at the print start position of the thermal head 20, and printing preparation is completed. Similarly to the continuous paper 15, the thermal head is activated by the printing information from the controller 34 to print on the cut paper 36, and the printed cut paper 36 is discharged from the discharge port 56.
[0022]
As described above, in the printer 10, when printing on the cut paper 36, the continuous paper 15 set in the printing unit 24 is retracted and before the cut paper 36 is fed to the printing unit 24. The continuous paper 15 is retracted from the printing unit 24. Accordingly, since the continuous paper 15 does not exist in the printing unit 24 when the cut paper 36 is fed to the printing unit 24, the cut paper 36 can be smoothly fed to the printing unit 24. Further, since the cut paper 36 is smoothly conveyed during printing, printing defects such as printing misalignment do not occur. Further, the continuous paper 15 and the cut paper 36 are fed to the printing unit 24 through the separate guide paths 30 and 44. As a result, the feeding of the continuous paper 15 and the carrying operation for moving backward from the printing unit 24 and the carrying operation for feeding the cut sheet 36 to the printing unit 24 do not interfere with each other, and the carrying of each of the papers 15 and 36 is smooth. It can be carried out.
[0023]
Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer 10. In the figure, reference numeral 74 denotes a CPU which controls the entire printer 10 including the controller 34 and the like.
[0024]
A ROM 75 stores a control program for realizing the printing condition setting process according to the present embodiment. The control program stored in the ROM 75 is executed by the CPU 74.
[0025]
A RAM 76 provides a work area and an auxiliary storage area for the CPU 74 to execute various processes.
[0026]
Reference numeral 77 denotes a storage device that stores images read by the scanner 64 and print information.
[0027]
Reference numeral 78 denotes an operation button for starting / ending the printing condition setting process. The operation button 78 may be provided with a dedicated switch or the like, and may also be used as another operation button (for example, while pressing the feed switch, Pressing a switch (none of which is shown), pressing an online switch while pressing a feed switch, or clicking a switch). Moreover, you may make it start operation from a menu format like a prior art.
[0028]
Next, a printing condition setting operation method will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power is turned on, the device is initialized and the startup program is read. At this time, the printer setting mode is set by continuously pressing the operation button 78 together with the power button (S1).
[0029]
In the printer setting mode, a printer setting sheet (mark sheet) 79 as shown in FIG. 6 is printed using the continuous paper 36 (S2). The operator of the printer 10 cuts the continuous paper 36 on which the printer setting sheet 79 is printed to form a single sheet of paper, and fills the options (□) of each setting item using a writing instrument.
Then, the completed printer setting sheet 79 is inserted from the insertion slot 38 of the cut sheet (S3). In the printer setting mode, printing by the printing unit 24 is not performed on the cut sheet inserted from the insertion port 38.
[0030]
Next, the entered mark sheet is read and analyzed from the scanner 64 (S4), and the printing conditions of the printer are set (S5).
Then, test printing and verification are performed according to the set printing conditions (S6). That is, the test pattern 80 of FIG. 7 is printed on the continuous paper 36 from the printing unit 24 and is read by the scanner 64.
[0031]
Next, as a result of the verification, it is determined whether or not the reading is good (S7).
If it is defective (in the case of “N” in S7), the printer setting sheet 82 for resetting with the current setting 81 written on the right end is printed out on the continuous paper 36 following the test printing. Reference numeral 83 denotes a cut perforation formed in advance on the continuous paper 36.
[0032]
Here, on the mark sheet 82 for resetting, the current setting 81 is printed at the right end, and at the same time, the option (□) of the current setting is not printed in the left mark field 84. This eliminates the need to fill in items that repeat the same selection as the previous time when the settings are updated, thus eliminating duplicate operations.
[0033]
Then, only the resetting printer setting sheet 82 is cut off, the process returns to S3 again, inserted into the cut sheet paper insertion port 38, and the above operation is repeated until the test print verification is normal.
[0034]
When the verification result is normal in S7 (in the case of “Y”), it is possible to select whether or not to end the setting mode by operating the operation button 78 or the like (S9).
This is a step provided to enable visual confirmation by an operator or the like even when the result of verification by the printer 10 is good. If the process does not end here (in the case of “N”), the process returns to S3 via S8.
When the process ends in S9 (in the case of “Y”), the above settings are stored and the series of processes ends.
[0035]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printer itself prints and issues the mark sheet for setting the printing conditions, and after the entry, this is read and set by the scanner. Even if the input device is simplified or omitted, the printing conditions can be easily set.
[0036]
Further, since the leading edge of the continuous sheet is retracted when the printer setting sheet is inserted from the insertion slot of the cut sheet, it is possible to simplify the sheet passing and prevent the printer from being jammed.
[0037]
Also, test printing is performed immediately after setting the printing conditions, and this is verified and if the reading is defective, the printer setting sheet is printed again, so that good printing conditions can be found quickly.
[0038]
In particular, a sheet for test printing and resetting is issued on continuous paper, and the current setting is displayed in readable characters on the resetting sheet, and items that maintain the current setting do not need to be rewritten. Since the mark column is not displayed, it is convenient to compare the test print with the setting, and it is possible to quickly and easily and easily derive the conditions for performing the desired quality print.
[0039]
And since the verification of the test print can be performed in duplicate with the scanner and the visual verification, it is only necessary to be able to machine-read barcodes, etc. It can correspond to both.
[0040]
In addition, this invention is not limited only to embodiment mentioned above, A various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
[0041]
For example, an example in which a detachable handy scanner is used by being fixed to the printer casing from the outside has been shown, but the scanner may be fixedly installed inside the printer.
[0042]
Further, although a battery-driven portable printer that performs thermal printing has been illustrated, any type of printing device may be used in terms of driving power, printing method, size, and the like.
[0043]
Furthermore, although the case of a mark sheet as an example of the setting sheet has been illustrated, it may be a punch card in which a punching position is printed and designated.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the printer itself prints and issues a print condition setting sheet, and after entry, this is read and set by an optical sensor, so that the display device and input device can be simplified or Printing conditions can be set easily even with omitted printers.
[0045]
Further, since the leading edge of the continuous paper is retracted when the printer setting sheet is inserted from the insertion slot of the cut paper, it is possible to simplify paper passing and to prevent the printer from being jammed.
[0046]
Also, test printing was performed immediately after setting the printing conditions, and this was verified and if the reading was defective, the printer setting sheet was issued again, so that good printing conditions could be found quickly and test printing was performed. By issuing continuous and resetting sheets on continuous paper, it is convenient to compare test printing and setting, and it is possible to quickly and easily and easily derive the printing conditions of the desired quality Play.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a scanner.
3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing a state in which a cut sheet is inserted from the insertion slot with the scanner installed. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing print setting processing.
FIG. 6 is an external view of a printer setting sheet.
FIG. 7 is an external view of a test print and resetting mark sheet.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Portable printer, 12 ... Casing, 15 ... Continuous paper, 38 ... Insertion port, 16 ... Feed roller, 18 ... Pinch roller, 20 ... Thermal head, 22 ... Platen roller, 62 ... Scanner mounting part, 64 ... Scanner, 79 ... Printer setting sheet, 80 ... Test pattern (test printing), 82 ... Printer setting sheet (mark sheet)

Claims (2)

A process of printing a setting sheet on a continuous sheet according to a print condition setting start operation in a printing apparatus capable of printing on continuous paper and cut sheet paper, and a process of recording the printing condition on the setting sheet; A process for inserting the recorded setting sheet into the printing apparatus, a process for reading the setting sheet with an optical sensor provided in the printing apparatus while conveying the setting sheet, a process for setting the printing conditions of the printing apparatus according to the reading result, and a new setting The process of performing test printing under the specified printing conditions, the process of reading the test print with an optical sensor and determining whether or not it was successfully read as a result of verification, and the current setting if it is defective are described A setting method for printing conditions, characterized in that a setting sheet for resetting is provided with a process of excluding current selection options and printing output on continuous paper following test printing . A printing device capable of printing on continuous paper and cut sheet paper, means for printing the setting sheet on the continuous paper according to the print condition setting start operation, and discharging it to the outside of the printing device. Means for reading with an optical sensor provided in the printing apparatus while conveying the paper, means for setting the printing conditions of the printing apparatus according to the reading result, and performing test printing under the newly set printing conditions, and the test printing is performed by the optical sensor. In the case of a failure, test the setting sheet for resetting that describes the current setting, excluding the options for the current setting. A printing apparatus comprising: means for printing on continuous paper following printing.

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