JP5050704B2 - Media processing apparatus and method for controlling media processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a media processing apparatus that reads / writes data from / to a medium such as a CD / DVD and prints on the label side of the medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Media processing apparatuses that read / write data from / to a medium such as a CD / DVD and print on the label side of the medium are known. The media processing device includes a transport mechanism that transports media to each processing unit inside the device. The transport mechanism transports the blank media stored in the blank media stacker to a built-in media drive, and transports the processed media after data writing to the processed media stacker. Further, the medium after data writing is transported to a built-in label printer, and the processed media after label printing is transported to a processed media stacker or transported to a media outlet (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Patent Document 3 describes a transport mechanism including a picker that grips a medium. The blank media stacker and processed media stacker store media stacked in the thickness direction. The picker grabs the media stacked on the top of each stacker, and the transport mechanism transports the media to the media drive and the printer while holding the media. Also, the picker grabs the media on which data has been written and stacks them in order on the processed media stacker.

  Patent Document 4 describes a media processing apparatus including a rotor that rotates a tray unit including a plurality of disk stackers on the bottom surface of the apparatus housing. When the tray unit is rotated and each stacker stops just below the disc clamp unit, the clamp head of the disc clamp unit is lowered. The media is clamped and raised, and the disk tray of the processing unit is unloaded. When the medium clamped by the clamp head is loaded onto the disk tray and then lifted, the disk tray is loaded and the recording process by the processing unit is started.

JP 2000-260172 A JP 2002-056584 A JP 2002-334552 A JP 2004-273048 A

  By the way, in the above-described conventional media processing apparatus, even if some sort of situation occurs during the media transport process and the transport process is not normally performed, the apparatus itself has no means for recognizing an abnormal situation. The process will be executed according to the command. In such a case, there is a possibility that an unexpected situation may occur, for example, the medium falls outside the stacker without being stored in the intended stacker. If left unattended, a failure of the media processing device may occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and in response to an instruction from the host computer, the processing target medium could not be conveyed to at least one of the data writing unit, the printing unit, and the media storage unit. Even in such a case , it is an object to prevent a situation that leads to failure of the media processing apparatus.

The present invention capable of solving the above-mentioned problems is a data writing means for performing a data writing process on one side of a processing target medium,
Printing means for performing a printing process on the other surface of the processing target medium;
Media storage means for storing the media to be processed;
A media processing apparatus comprising: a transport unit configured to transport the processing target medium to at least one of the data writing unit, the printing unit, and the media storage unit in response to an instruction from a host computer;
The transport means notifies the host computer of an abnormality notification when the media to be processed cannot be transported in response to an instruction from the host computer.

Further, the present invention capable of solving the above-described problems includes a data writing unit that performs a data writing process on one side of a processing target medium, and a printing unit that performs a printing process on the other side of the processing target medium. Media storage means for storing the processing target medium; and transport means for transporting the processing target medium to at least one of the data writing means, the printing means, and the media storage means in response to an instruction from a host computer. A method for controlling a media processing apparatus having
An abnormality notification is sent to the host computer when the media to be processed cannot be transported in response to an instruction from the host computer.

  According to the above configuration, when the media to be processed cannot be conveyed in response to an instruction from the host computer, the host computer is notified of the abnormality, so that the host computer can recognize the abnormal state of the media processing device. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the next instruction from being issued thereafter. Therefore, the media processing device can be used safely, and the risk of failure occurring can be reduced.

Further, the media processing apparatus of the present invention includes a position detection unit that detects a position of the transport unit,
Storage means for storing the position where the position detecting means detects the conveying means as a movement source;
The transporting unit does not execute the received instruction when the storage unit does not store the movement source when receiving an instruction from the host computer.

  According to the control method of the media processing apparatus of the present invention, the storage unit stores the position detected by the position detection unit that detects the position of the transport unit when receiving an instruction from the host computer as the movement source. If not, the received instruction is not executed.

  According to the above configuration, the instruction received from the host computer is not executed when the storage means does not store the movement source when the instruction from the host computer is received. When the movement source is not stored, it is unknown where the transport means is located. Even if a command for designating a destination is sent, the distance traveled from the source to the destination cannot be calculated. Therefore, even if an instruction is received from the host computer, the instruction is not executed, thereby preventing the media processing apparatus from executing an unintended operation.

  In the media processing apparatus of the present invention, the transport unit does not execute the received instruction when the transport unit is located at a point other than the movement path when receiving the instruction from the host computer. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the control method of the media processing device of the present invention is such that when the instruction is received from the host computer, the received instruction is not executed if the transport means is located at a point other than the movement path. Features.

  According to the above configuration, for example, when the transport unit deviates from the movement route, the received instruction is not executed. For this reason, it can prevent that a conveyance means breaks. In addition, the possibility that the media processing device will fail can be reduced.

Further, in the media processing apparatus of the present invention, the transport unit includes a gripping unit that picks the processing target medium or releases the picked processing target medium.
When the transport means receives a pick instruction or release instruction from the host computer, it determines whether or not the gripping means can be normally driven and controlled, and if it determines that drive control is impossible, the pick instruction or release is determined. An abnormality notification is notified to the host computer without executing the instruction.

Further, in the control method of the media processing device of the present invention, the media processing device of the present invention is provided with gripping means for picking the processing target medium or releasing the picked processing target medium.
When a pick instruction or release instruction is received from the host computer, it is determined whether or not the gripping means can be normally driven and controlled. If it is determined that drive control is impossible, the pick instruction or release instruction is not executed. An abnormality notification is notified to the host computer.

  According to the above configuration, the pick instruction or the release instruction can be executed only when it is determined that the gripper can be normally driven and controlled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an abnormal operation from being performed by the gripping means. When the pick instruction or release instruction is not executed, an abnormality notification is sent to the host computer, so that the user can grasp that the pick instruction or release instruction has not been executed normally.

  Further, when the gripping means is already in the drive control by another instruction, it is determined that the drive control is impossible. For example, when executing the pick instruction, if the pick instruction already given is being executed, or if the transfer means is moving by the transfer instruction of the transfer means given before that, the gripping means Notification of abnormality is sent to the host computer without controlling the drive. Therefore, when other operations are being performed, the safety of the media processing device can be ensured by not performing drive control by the gripping means.

  In the media processing apparatus of the present invention, when the transport unit receives the pick instruction, the transport unit determines whether the gripping unit is picking the processing target medium and picks the processing target medium. If it is determined, the pick instruction is not executed.

  In the control method of the media processing apparatus of the present invention, when the pick instruction is received, it is determined whether or not the gripping means is picking the processing target medium, and it is determined that the processing target medium is picked. In this case, the pick instruction is not executed.

  According to the above configuration, when the gripping unit is picking the processing target medium when the pick instruction is received, the pick instruction is not executed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the gripping means from performing the picking operation while picking up the medium. That is, it is possible to prevent the picked processing target medium from being dropped at an unintended point.

  In the media processing apparatus of the present invention, when the transport unit receives the release instruction, the transport unit determines whether the gripping unit is picking the processing target medium and does not pick the processing target medium. If it is determined, the release instruction is not executed.

  In addition, when the release instruction is received, the control method of the media processing device of the present invention determines whether the gripping unit has picked the processing target medium, and determines that the processing target medium has not been picked. In such a case, the release instruction is not executed.

  According to the above configuration, when the release instruction is received, it is determined whether or not the gripping unit is picking the processing target medium, and thus the release instruction is executed even though the processing target medium is not picked. It is possible to avoid performing such useless drive control.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of a media processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a CD publisher to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing main parts inside the CD publisher, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanical configuration of the CD publisher. It is.

(Specific configuration example of CD publisher)
The CD publisher 1 (hereinafter referred to as “publisher 1”) includes a device case 31 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and open / close doors 32 and 33 that can be opened and closed to the left and right are attached to the front surface of the device case 31. . An operation surface 34 on which display lamps, operation buttons, and the like are arranged is formed above the open / close doors 32 and 33. Under the opening / closing door 32, a media take-out port 31a for taking out the processed media having a horizontally long rectangular shape opens to the outside.

  In the device case 31 of the publisher 1, a blank media stacker 11 (media storage means) that stores a blank medium 2A that has not been subjected to data writing processing and label printing processing in a portion on the right side when viewed from the front, A processed media stacker 12 (media storage means) for storing processed media on which data writing processing and label printing processing have been performed is arranged vertically in a coaxial state. The blank media stacker 11 includes a slide plate 41 that can be pulled out horizontally forward, and a pair of left and right arc-shaped frame plates 42 and 43 arranged vertically on the slide plate 41, thereby A stacker is configured that can receive the media 2 from the upper end opening and store the media 2 in a coaxially stacked state. The operation of storing or replenishing the processing target media 2 in the blank media stacker 11 can be easily performed by opening the door 32 and pulling the slide plate 41 forward.

  The processed media stacker 12 on the lower side has the same structure, and includes a slide plate 44 that can be pulled out horizontally forward and a pair of left and right arc-shaped frame plates 45 and 46 arranged vertically on the upper surface. Thus, a stacker is configured that can receive the processing target medium 2 from the upper end opening and store it in a coaxially stacked state. These blank media stacker 11 and processed media stacker 12 can store, for example, 50 (= n) processing target media 2.

  A general-purpose stacker is disposed on the left side of the blank media stacker 11 and the processed media stacker 12 on the left side. The general-purpose stacker 13 can be set so that failed media for which data writing processing has failed is stored, or processed media 2B is stored. In front of the general-purpose stacker 13, a discharge media stacker 14 (media storage means) used when discharging the processed media 2B to the outside is disposed. These stackers 13 and 14 are constituted by a common base 47 and side plates 48, 49, and 50 standing upright from the base 47. The rear general-purpose stacker 13 is configured by an arcuate inner peripheral surface 48a of the rear side plate 48 and rear arcuate inner peripheral surfaces 49a, 50a of the left and right side plates 49, 50, and is defined by these. The media 2 received from the upper end opening is stacked and stored coaxially. The front discharge media stacker 14 is constituted by arcuate inner peripheral surfaces 49b, 50b on the front side of the left and right side plate portions 49, 50, and the media 2 received from the upper end opening defined by these is laminated in a coaxial state. And stored.

  Here, the upper end surfaces 49c, 50c of the left and right side plate portions 49, 50 are substantially triangular flat surfaces, and inclined guide surfaces 49d inclined forward in succession to the front side edges of these upper end surfaces 49c, 50c, 50d is formed. These inclined guide surfaces 49d and 50d are continuous with the upper edge portions of the left and right arcuate inner peripheral surfaces 49b and 50b of the discharge media stacker 14. The general-purpose stacker 13 can store, for example, 30 (= n1) media 2 and the ejected media stacker 14 can store, for example, 20 (= n2) media 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a media transport mechanism 6 is disposed behind the blank media stacker 11 and the processed media stacker 12. The media transport mechanism 6 includes a chassis 51 that is vertically attached to the apparatus case 31, a vertical guide shaft 54 that is vertically stretched between upper and lower horizontal support plate portions 52 of the chassis 51, and the vertical guide. And a media transport arm 55 attached to the shaft 54. The media transport arm 55 can move up and down along the vertical guide shaft 54 and can turn left and right about the vertical guide shaft 54.

  Next, on the rear side of the media transport mechanism 6, the media drive 4 is disposed on the upper side, and the label printer 5 is disposed on the lower side. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the media tray 71 of the upper media drive 4 is in the retracted position 71B, and the printer tray 81 of the lower label printer 5 is also in the rear media printing position 81B. Yes. The label printer 5 is an ink jet printer, and each color ink cartridge (not shown) is used as an ink supply source, and these ink cartridges are attached to a cartridge attachment portion (not shown).

  Here, the stackers 11 to 13 are located on the moving path of the media transport arm 55. The media transport arm 55 of the media transport mechanism 6 can be moved up and down between the pair of left and right frame plates 42 and 43 and between the pair of left and right frame plates 45 and 46 in the blank media stacker 11 and the processed media stacker 12. Gaps are formed. In addition, a gap is opened between the blank media stacker 11 and the processed media stacker 12 so that the media transport arm 55 can pivot horizontally and be positioned directly above them. Therefore, the media transport arm 55 can be positioned at a predetermined height position in the stackers 11 and 12.

  Similarly, the media transport arm 55 can be positioned at a predetermined height position in the general-purpose stacker 13 by turning the media transport arm 55 and moving the media transport arm 55 directly above the general-purpose stacker 13 and moving it up and down at this position.

  Further, a position directly above the general-purpose stacker 13 is a media delivery position of the printer tray 81, and a position just above is a media delivery position of the media tray 71. Therefore, these media delivery positions are also located on the movement path of the media transport arm 55.

  Here, the ejected media stacker 14 is disposed adjacent to the front side of the general-purpose stacker 13 and is at a position deviating from the turning trajectory of the media transport arm 55. That is, it is at a position deviating from the movement path of the media transport arm 55. In this example, the processed media 2B is stored in the discharged media stacker 14 as follows.

  It is assumed that the processed medium 2B stops on the printer tray 81 and the upper end surfaces 49c and 50c on both sides. In this state, the printer tray 81 is advanced from the media printing position 81A to the media delivery position. As a result, the processed media 2B is pushed out by the printer tray 81, rides on the front inclined guide surfaces 49d, 50d, slides down here, and falls onto the discharged media stacker 14. In this manner, the processed media 2B is pushed out by the printer tray 81, so that it can be reliably stored in the discharged media stacker 14.

(About the configuration of the media transport mechanism)
Next, the mechanical configuration of the media transport mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a specific configuration example of the media transport mechanism.
As described above, the media transport mechanism 6 includes the chassis 51 that is vertically attached to the device case 31. A vertical guide shaft 54 is attached between the upper and lower horizontal support plate portions 52 and 53 of the chassis 51, and a media transport arm 55 is supported on the vertical guide shaft 54 in a state where it can be raised and lowered and turned.

  The lifting mechanism of the media transport arm 55 includes a lifting motor 56. The rotation of the elevating motor 56 is transmitted to the drive pulley 61 via a reduction gear train including a pinion 57, a composite transmission gear 58 and a transmission gear 59 attached to the motor output shaft. The driving pulley 61 is supported in a freely rotatable state around a horizontal rotation shaft (not shown) at a position near the upper end of the chassis 51. A driven pulley 63 is supported at a position near the lower end of the chassis 51 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal rotating shaft 62. A timing belt 64 is bridged between the driving pulley 61 and the driven pulley 63. The rear end portion of the media transport arm 55 is fixed to one of the left and right belt portions of the timing belt 64. Therefore, when the motor 56 is driven, the timing belt 64 moves in the vertical direction, and the media transport arm 55 attached thereto moves up and down along the vertical guide shaft 54.

  The turning mechanism of the media transport arm 55 includes a turning motor 65. A pinion (not shown) is attached to the output shaft of the turning motor 65. The rotation of the pinion is transmitted to the fan-shaped final gear 69 through a reduction gear train including two composite transmission gears 66 and 67. The fan-shaped last stage gear 69 can turn left and right around the vertical guide shaft 54. In addition, the final stage gear 69 is mounted with a chassis 51 in which components of the lifting mechanism of the media transport arm 55 are assembled. When the turning motor 65 is driven, the fan-shaped last stage gear 69 turns left and right, so that the chassis 51 mounted here turns integrally around the vertical guide shaft 54. As a result, the media transport arm 55 held by the lifting mechanism mounted on the chassis 51 turns left and right around the vertical guide shaft 54.

  The media transport arm 55 includes, for example, three gripping claws (grip means) at the center of the tip side portion, and one of them is movable in the radial direction. The media 2 can be picked (gripped) by inserting these gripping claws into the center hole of the media 2 and moving one of the claws outward in the radial direction. In this gripping state, by moving one nail inward in the radial direction, the processing target medium 2 can be opened and dropped from the gripping nail.

(About publisher behavior)
Next, the operation of the publisher 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. FIG. 5 is a table in which a movement source and a movement destination set for movement control of the media transport arm are associated with each other.
The points [1] to [6] shown in FIG. 3 where the tip of the media transport arm 55 is located correspond to [1] to [6] shown in FIG. Specifically, the position [1] is the HP position (standby position) of the media transport arm 55, [2] is the position of the blank media stacker 11, and [3] is an arbitrary position between the HP and the blank media stacker 11. , [4] means an intermediate point, [5] means a position of the processed media stacker 12, and [6] means an arbitrary position between the intermediate point and the processed media stacker 12.
[7] in FIG. 5 is an arbitrary position between [1] and [4] shown in FIG. 3 or an arbitrary position below [4]. [8] in FIG. It is an arbitrary position between [2] and [5] shown in FIG. 3, or an arbitrary position below [5]. Further, [9] in FIG. 5 is an arbitrary position between [7] and [8].

Normally, the media transport arm 55 moves on a preset movement path. In the present embodiment, the movement route refers to a route connecting any position from [1] to [6] to any position from [1], [2], [4], and [5]. Specifically, the path is indicated by the arrow A to the arrow J shown in FIG. 3, and [9] is at a position deviated from the transport path. That is, when the media transport arm 55 is positioned at [9], for example, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the publisher 1 and the media transport arm 55 has stopped abnormally at a position other than the movement path.
A detector for the media transport arm 55 is provided at the positions [1], [2], [4], and [5] so that the position of the media transport arm 55 can be detected. For this reason, in this embodiment, the media transport arm is calculated by calculating the travel distance from any of the movement sources [1], [2], [4] and [5] to the movement destination specified by the movement command. 55 is moved.

  If the media transport arm 55 is positioned at [3], [6], [7], [8] and [9], the media transport arm 55 is located up to a position ([1] , [2], [4] and [5]), once moved, the movement distance is calculated and moved to the designated destination.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the publisher 1 is communicably connected to the host computer 100, and the publisher 1 includes a media transport mechanism control unit 90 that controls the drive of the media transport mechanism 6. The media transport mechanism control unit 90 controls the movement of the media transport arm 55 in accordance with the movement command of the media transport arm 55 transmitted from the host computer 100.

  Further, when the media transport mechanism control unit 90 detects the media transport arm 55 with the detector, the media transport mechanism control unit 90 stores the detected position among the positions [1], [2], [4] and [5] as the movement source. (In this case, the media transport mechanism control unit 90 functions as a position detection unit and a storage unit.) A movement distance for moving the media transport arm 55 is calculated from the movement source and the movement destination specified by the movement command transmitted from the host computer 100. Based on the calculated moving distance, the lifting / lowering motor 56 and the turning motor 65 are driven to move the media transport arm 55.

  Further, the media transport mechanism control unit 90 operates a gripping claw installed at the center of the front end portion of the media transport arm 55 in response to a media pick command transmitted from the host computer 100 to process the object. Pick media 2. Further, in response to a media release command transmitted from the host computer 100, the media transport arm 55 is lowered at the destination, and the gripping claw is operated to release the processing target media 2. When the processing target medium 2 is released, the media transport arm 55 is raised and stopped at the position where the descent is started.

In the present embodiment, the media transport arm 55 is moved according to the movement command transmitted from the host computer 100, and the processing target medium 2 is picked or released according to the pick command or release command at the movement destination. Therefore, for example, the following media transport mode (operation mode) can be set by combining a plurality of media transport arm movement commands, pick commands or release commands for the media 2 to be processed by the gripping claws.
<Normal processing mode>
(1) Pick the blank media 2A from the blank media stacker 11, transport it to the media drive 4, and release it.
(2) Write data to the blank medium 2A by the media drive 4.
(3) Pick the processing target medium 2 from the media drive 4, convey it to the label printer 5, and release it.
(4) Label printing is performed on the label surface by the label printer 5.
(5) Pick the processed media 2B from the label printer 5, convey it to the ejected media stacker 14, and release it.
<Continuous processing mode>
The blank media 2A is stored in the blank media stacker 11 and the processed media stacker 12, respectively. In this processing mode, a total of 100 processed media 2B are continuously created on the assumption that 50 sheets each can be stored in total of 100 sheets.
(1) Pick the blank media 2A from the processed media stacker 12, transport it to the media drive 4, and release it.
(2) Write data to the blank medium 2A by the media drive 4.
(3) The processing target medium 2 is picked from the media drive 4, conveyed to the label printer 5 and released.
(4) Pick the processed media 2 from the label printer 5, transport it to the general-purpose stacker 13, and release it.
(5) After that, the sequence from (1) to (4) is continuously performed 29 sheets.
(6) The blank media 2A is picked from the processed media stacker 12 which has become the remaining 20 sheets, conveyed to the media drive 4, and released.
(7) Thereafter, after the processing of (2) and (3), the processed media 2B is picked from the label printer 5, transported to the ejected media stacker 14, and released.
(8) After that, 19 sequences of (6) and (7) are continuously performed.
(9) The blank media 2A is picked from the blank media stacker 11, transported to the media drive 4, and released.
(10) Thereafter, after the processing of (2) and (3), the processed media 2B is picked from the label printer 5, transported to the processed media stacker 12, and released.
(11) After that, the sequence of (9) and (10) is continuously performed for 49 sheets.

  In the continuous processing mode, the processed media 2B is stored in the general-purpose stacker 13, the ejected media stacker 14, and the processed media stacker 12. That is, the role of each stacker is not fixed, and the role can be changed according to the operation mode.

  The above is an example, and other media transport modes can be set. As described above, in this embodiment, the media transport arm 55 moves the processing target medium 2 from any one of the media drive 4, the label printer 5, the blank media stacker 11, and the processed media stacker 12 to the media drive 4 and label printer. 5. It is configured to convey to either the processed media stacker 12 or the discharged media stacker 14. Accordingly, a plurality of media transport routes can be set, and various operation processing modes of the publisher 1 can be set.

  Hereinafter, the picking or releasing process of the processing target medium 2 executed in (1) in the normal processing mode will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the picking or releasing operation of the processing target medium 2.

  When receiving from the host computer 100, as a set, a move command for setting the move destination as the position of the blank media stacker 11, a pick command for the medium 2 to be processed, a release command, and a move command for setting the move destination as the position of the media drive 4 (step S11). : Yes), the tip of the media transport arm 55 is moved to the position of [2]: Blank media stacker 11 according to the movement command (step S12).

  Details of the movement process of the media transport arm 55 in step S12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the movement process of the media transport arm shown in step S12 of FIG.

  When the media transport mechanism control unit 90 receives a movement command for the media transport arm 55 in the command set received in step S11 of FIG. 6 (step S21: Yes), the media transport arm 55 performs [1], [2]. , [4] and [5] (step S22). That is, it is determined whether any one of the positions [1], [2], [4] and [5] is held as the movement source of the media transport arm 55. If any of the positions [1], [2], [4] and [5] is held as the movement source (step S22: Yes), the movement command received from the held movement source is used. The movement distance to the designated movement destination is calculated (step S23), and the media transport arm 55 is moved (step S24).

  Here, the movement source of the media transport arm 55 is at the HP position (standby position) [1], and the media transport arm 55 is moved in accordance with a move command in which the destination is the blank media stacker 11. If the movement is normally performed, the media transport mechanism control unit 90 holds [2]: the blank media stacker 11 as the next movement source. The movement path in this case is A → C shown in FIG.

  Further, for example, the movement source held by the media transport mechanism control unit 90 is the position of the processed media stacker 12 of [5], and the received movement command is a command for specifying the position of the media drive 4. In this case, the transport arm moves to the HP position (standby position) of the media transport arm 55 in [1]. In this case, the movement route is H → F → J shown in FIG.

  In addition, the movement source stored in the media transport mechanism control unit 90 is the position of the blank media stacker 11 of [2], and the received movement command is a command for designating the position of the printer tray 81. The transport arm moves to the HP position (standby position) of the media transport arm 55 in [1]. In this case, the movement route is D → B shown in FIG.

  Further, the movement source stored in the media conveyance mechanism control unit 90 is the HP position (standby position) of the media conveyance arm 55 of [1], and the received movement command indicates the position of the processed media stacker 12. If the command is a designated command, the transfer arm moves to the position of the processed media stacker 12 of [5]. In this case, the movement route is I → E → G shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if none of [1], [2], [4] and [5] is held as the movement source in step S22 (step S22: No), the media transport arm 55 is moving. Determine whether. If it is moving (step S25: Yes), the host computer 100 is notified that the media transport arm 55 is moving without executing the received movement command (step S26). When the movement of the media transport arm 55 is completed, an abnormality notification is sent to the host computer 100 (step S25: No, step S27).

  If the media transport arm 55 is not moving at step S25 (step S25: No), this is a case where the media transport arm 55 is located at a position other than the movement path, and there is a destination that cannot be moved from the current position. An abnormality notification is sent to the host computer 100 without executing the move command (step S27). For example, when the transfer arm 55 is abnormally stopped due to motor step-out or the like while the transfer arm 55 is moving from the position [1] to the position [4] (when it is positioned at [7] after the abnormal stop) , [2] or [5] in the middle of picking or releasing the media, if it stops abnormally due to motor step-out etc. (it was located in [8] after abnormal stop) Case). As described above, when the media transport arm 55 is abnormally stopped, the host computer 100 is notified that an abnormal state has occurred without executing the movement command.

From here, it returns to FIG. 6 and demonstrates the pick or release process of a process target medium.
When the media transport arm 55 moves to the blank media stacker 11 (step S12), the media transport mechanism control unit 90 determines whether or not the gripping claws can be normally driven and controlled. Here, the state in which the gripping claw can be normally driven and controlled specifically refers to the media transport arm 55 except when the processing target medium 2 has already been picked by a command other than the pick command received in step S11. Is located at a point where the processing target medium 2 can be picked.

  As described above, the state where the processing target medium 2 is located at a point where the processing target medium 2 can be picked is that the media transport arm 55 has a detector at the points [1], [2], [4] and [5]. In this state, the transfer arm 55 is located. When the media transport arm 55 is located at a point other than [1], [2], [4] and [5], it is not known where the media transport arm 55 is located, so there is a detector. This is because it is necessary to move to a position.

  Since the media transport mechanism control unit 90 stores the blank media stacker 11 of [2] as the movement source, if the media transport arm 55 determines that the media transport arm 55 is positioned at a point where the processing target medium 2 can be picked (step S13). : Yes), the gripping claw is inserted into the center hole of the blank medium 2A, one claw is moved outward in the radial direction, and one blank medium 2A is picked from the blank media stacker 11 (step S14).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the processing target medium 2 has already been picked or the media transport arm 55 is located at a point where the processing target medium 2 cannot be picked, the host computer 100 does not pick the blank medium 2A. An abnormal end of the pick process is notified to (step S18).

  With the blank medium 2A picked in step S14, the media transport arm 55 is moved to the HP position (standby position) [1] in accordance with a move command for setting the move destination to the position of the media drive 4 (step S15). . As in step S12, the operation is performed according to the flowchart of the movement process of the media transport arm 55 in FIG. When the media transport arm 55 is normally moved, the media transport mechanism control unit 90 stores the HP position (standby position) of [1] as the movement source.

  Next, the media transport mechanism control unit 90 determines again whether or not the gripping claws can be normally driven and controlled. Here, the state in which the gripping claw can be normally driven and controlled in step S16 is a state where the processing target medium 2 has already been picked or a point where the processing target medium 2 picked by the media transport arm 55 can be released. It is in a state. Currently, the processing target medium 2 is picked, and the media transport mechanism control unit 90 stores the HP position (standby position) of [1] as the movement source. If it is determined that it is located at a point where it can be released (step S16: Yes), the gripping claw is moved inward in the radial direction to release the blank medium 2A to the media tray 71 of the media drive 4 (step S17). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the processing target medium 2 has not been picked or the media transport arm 55 is positioned at a point where the blank medium 2A cannot be released, the release processing is not performed to the host computer 100 without releasing. The end is notified (step S18).

  By the way, when the blank medium 2A is picked in step S13, if the gripping claw is driven, the picked blank medium 2A may be dropped. In addition, even if the gripping claw is driven and released in the state where the blank medium 2A is not picked in step S16, there is a possibility that a wasteful operation may occur.

  Furthermore, if the gripping claws are driven when the media transport arm 55 is positioned at a point where picking cannot be performed in step S13, there is a problem in safety of the media processing apparatus, which may cause a failure or the like. Further, even when the gripping claws are driven when the media transport arm 55 is located at a point where the media cannot be released, there is a problem in safety of the media processing apparatus, which may cause a failure or the like.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the above case, the pick command or the release command is executed only when it is determined that the gripping claw can be normally driven and controlled without performing the pick or release. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an abnormal operation from being executed. If the pick command or release command is not executed, the host computer 100 is notified of this fact, so that the user can grasp that the pick command or release command has not been executed normally.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the media transport mechanism control unit 90 determines that the movement source of the media transport arm 55 when receiving the movement command from the host computer 100 is [1], [2], [4]. And [5], that is, if the media transfer arm 55 has deviated from the transfer arm movement path, the received movement command is not executed and an error is notified to the host computer 100. I do. Therefore, the host computer 100 can recognize the abnormal state of the publisher 1. Thereafter, it can be set not to issue the next command, the publisher 1 can be used safely, and the risk of a failure occurring can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement source of the media transport arm 55 when a movement command from the host computer 100 is received does not correspond to any of [1], [2], [4], and [5]. If the media transport arm 55 is moving, the host computer 100 is notified that the move command could not be executed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the next command from being issued, and it is possible to reduce the risk of a failure occurring in the publisher 1 because no malfunction occurs.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the media processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view when each part of the publisher to which the present invention is applied is in an open state, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing main parts inside the publisher, and FIG. 10 is a mechanical configuration of the publisher. It is the schematic diagram which showed.

(Specific configuration example of CD publisher)
As shown in FIG. 8, the publisher 200 is a media processing apparatus that writes data on a disk-shaped medium such as a CD or DVD and prints on the label surface of the medium. I have. Opening and closing doors 103 and 104 that can be opened and closed to the left and right are attached to the front surface of the case 102. An operation surface 105 on which display lamps, operation buttons, and the like are arranged is provided at the upper left end portion of the case 102, and a mounting leg portion 106 is provided at the lower end of the case 102 so as to protrude downward. Are provided on both the left and right sides. A drawer mechanism 107 is provided between the left and right legs 106.

As shown in FIG. 8, the opening / closing door 103 on the right side of the front view opens and closes the opening 108 on the front side of the publisher 200, for example, when setting an unused (blank) medium M through the opening 108. Alternatively, the door is opened and closed when the created medium M is taken out through the opening 108.
Further, the opening / closing door 104 on the left side when viewed from the front is for opening and closing when the ink cartridge 112 of the label printer 111 shown in FIG. 9 is replaced. When the opening / closing door 104 is opened, a plurality of cartridges arranged in the vertical direction are opened. The cartridge mounting portion 114 having the holder 113 is exposed.

  In the case 102 of the publisher 200, a first media stacker 121 as a media storage unit capable of stacking a plurality of unused media M (for example, 50) for which data writing processing has not been performed, and a plurality of media stackers A second media stacker 122 as a media storage unit for storing (for example, 50) unused media M or created media M is arranged vertically so that the central axis of the media M is the same. Yes. Each of the first media stacker 121 and the second media stacker 122 is detachable from a predetermined position.

  The first media stacker 121 is provided with a pair of left and right arc-shaped frame plates 124 and 125, thereby allowing the medium M to be received from above and accommodated in a coaxially stacked state. The operation of accommodating or replenishing the media M in the first media stacker 121 can be easily performed by opening the door 103 and taking out the first media stacker 121.

  The second media stacker 122 also has the same structure, and includes a pair of left and right arc-shaped frame plates 127 and 128, thereby configuring a stacker that can receive the media M from above and accommodate it in a coaxially stacked state. Has been.

  A media transport mechanism 131 is disposed behind the first media stacker 121 and the second media stacker 122. The media transport mechanism 131 has a vertical guide shaft 135 that is stretched vertically between the main body frame 130 and the top plate 133 of the chassis 132. A transport arm 136 is supported on the vertical guide shaft 135 in a state where it can be raised and lowered and turned. The transport arm 136 can be moved up and down along the vertical guide shaft 135 by a drive motor 137 and can be swung left and right about the vertical guide shaft 135.

Two media drives 141 and 141 stacked one above the other are arranged at the rear side of the upper and lower stackers 121 and 122 and the media transport mechanism 131, and the label printer 111 is located below these media drives 141 and 141. A carriage (not shown) is movably arranged. The media drive 141 takes up to 5 minutes to write data to the media M. By providing a plurality of media drives 141 and 141 (two in this embodiment), data can be written to a plurality of media M at the same time, so that throughput can be improved.
The media drives 141 and 141 respectively have media trays 141a and 141a that are movable between a data writing position on the medium M and a media delivery position for receiving and delivering the media M.

  The label printer 111 has a media tray 145 that can be moved between a printing position at which label printing can be performed on the label surface of the media M and a media delivery position at which the media M is received and delivered.

  In FIG. 9, the media trays 141a and 141a of the upper and lower media drives 141 and 141 are pulled out to the front and are in the media delivery position, and the media tray 145 of the lower label printer 111 is in the media delivery position on the front side. It is shown. The label printer 111 is an ink jet printer, and ink cartridges 112 of various colors (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta in this embodiment) are used as the ink supply mechanism 160, and these ink cartridges are used. 112 is mounted on each cartridge holder 113 of the cartridge mounting portion 114 from the front.

  Here, between the pair of left and right frame plates 124 and 125 of the first media stacker 121 and between the pair of left and right frame plates 127 and 128 of the media stacker 22, the transport arm 136 of the media transport mechanism 131 can move up and down. A gap is formed. Further, between the first media stacker 121 and the second media stacker 122, the transport arm 136 of the media transport mechanism 131 rotates horizontally so that it can be positioned directly above the second media stacker 122. There is a gap. Further, when both the media trays 141a and 141a are pushed into the media drive 141, the transport arm 136 of the media transport mechanism 131 is lowered to access the media tray 145 at the media delivery position.

  The transport arm 136 of the media transport mechanism 131 is further higher than the height position of the media tray 145 with both media trays 141a and 141a positioned at the data writing position and the media tray 145 positioned at the back printing position. It can be lowered to the lower side. Below the media delivery position of the media tray 145 is a guide hole 165 through which the media M released by the transport arm 136 descending to this position passes, and a media stacker (separate stacker) described later is mounted. A guide hole 165 is formed.

  The drawer mechanism 107 has a drawer tray 170 that can be pulled out from the main body frame 130 and opened or housed and closed under the main body frame 130. The drawer tray 170 is provided with a stacker portion 171 that is recessed downward. When the drawer tray 170 is in the storage position (closed position), the stacker portion 171 is positioned below the guide hole 165, and the center portion of the stacker portion 171 is the media trays 141a and 141a and the media tray 145 at the delivery position. Are positioned so that their central axes are the same. The stacker unit 171 receives the medium M inserted through the guide hole 165, and accommodates the medium M in a relatively small amount (for example, about 5 to 10 sheets). The stacker unit 171 can receive the medium M from above and can be accommodated in a state of being stacked coaxially.

  A third media stacker (separate stacker) 172 having a larger amount of media M than the stacker unit 171 is detachable from the stacker unit 171 and the guide hole 165 of the drawer tray 170 in the stored state. The third media stacker 172 also includes a pair of arc-shaped frame plates 173 and 174, so that a plurality of media (for example, 50) can be accommodated in a state where the media M is received from the upper side and coaxially stacked. It has become. A gap is formed between the pair of arcuate frame plates 173 and 174 so that the transport arm 136 of the media transport mechanism 131 can move up and down. In addition, a handle 175 that is gripped by the user at the time of attachment / detachment is provided on the upper portion of one frame plate 174.

That is, when the third media stacker 172 is attached as shown in FIG. 9, the unused media M is taken out from the second media stacker 122, and data recording and printing are performed by the media drive 141 and the label printer 111. After being performed, it can be accommodated in the third media stacker 172.
Also, for example, the first media stacker 121 and the second media stacker 122 are loaded with the maximum number of unused media M (50 + 50), respectively, and the total number of second media stackers 122 (50 Sheets of media M are sequentially processed and accommodated in the third media stacker 172, and then all the media M (50 sheets) of the first media stacker 121 are sequentially processed to become empty. 2 media stackers 122. In this way, the maximum number of sheets (50 sheets + 50 sheets) of media M of the first media stacker 121 and the second media stacker 122 is processed at once (batch processing mode).

  If the third media stacker 172 is removed, the unused media M is taken out from the first media stacker 121 or the second media stacker 122, and data recording and printing are performed by the media drive 141 and the label printer 111. Can be stored in the stacker portion 171 of the drawer tray 170 in the storage state.

  As a result, the completed medium M can be taken out from the stacker unit 171 by pulling out the drawer tray 170. That is, even during processing on the medium M, it is possible to take out one sheet or a plurality of sheets at a time from the completed medium M with the open / close door 103 closed (external discharge mode).

  Here, by the combined operation of raising and lowering the transport arm 136 of the media transport mechanism 131 and turning to the left and right, the media M is transferred to the first media stacker 121, the second media stacker 122, and the stacker unit 171 of the drawer tray 170 (or The third media stacker 172), the media tray 141a of each media drive 141, and the media tray 145 of the label printer 111 are appropriately conveyed.

(About publisher behavior)
Next, the operation of the publisher 200 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a table in which the movement source and the movement destination set for the movement control of the transfer arm are associated with each other.
The points [1] to [6] where the tip of the transfer arm 136 is located shown in FIG. 10 correspond to [1] to [6] shown in FIG. Specifically, [1] is the HP position (standby position) of the transport arm 136, [2] is the position of the first media stacker 121, and [3] is the position of the first media stacker 121 from the HP. [4] means an intermediate point, [5] means a position of the second media stacker 122, and [6] means an arbitrary position between the intermediate point and the second media stacker 122.
In addition, [7] in FIG. 11 is an arbitrary position between [1] and [4] shown in FIG. 10 or an arbitrary position below [4], and [8] in FIG. It is an arbitrary position between [2] and [5] shown in FIG. 10, or an arbitrary position below [5]. Further, [9] in FIG. 11 is an arbitrary position between [7] and [8].

Normally, the transfer arm 136 moves on a preset movement route. In this embodiment, the movement route is any one of [1], [2], [4] and [5] from any position of [1], [2], [4] and [5]. A route that connects to a location. Specifically, the path is indicated by the arrow A to the arrow J shown in FIG. 10, and [9] is at a position deviated from the transport path. That is, when the transfer arm 136 is positioned at [9], for example, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the publisher 200 and the transfer arm 200 has stopped abnormally at a position other than the movement path.
Note that a detector for the transfer arm 136 is provided at the positions [1], [2], [4], and [5] so that the position of the transfer arm 136 can be detected. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the transfer arm 136 calculates the movement distance from the movement source of any one of [1], [2], [4] and [5] to the movement destination specified by the movement command. Is moving.

  When the transfer arm 136 is located at [3], [6], [7], [8] and [9], the detector of the transfer arm 136 is located to a position ([1], [ 2], [4] and [5]), and once moved, the movement distance is calculated and moved to the designated destination.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the publisher 200 is communicably connected to the host computer 100, and the publisher 200 includes a media transport mechanism control unit 190 that controls the drive of the media transport mechanism 131. The media transport mechanism control unit 190 performs movement control of the transport arm 136 in accordance with the transport command of the transport arm 136 transmitted from the host computer 100.

  Further, when the media transport mechanism control unit 190 detects the transport arm 136 with the detector, the media transport mechanism control unit 190 stores the detected position among the positions [1], [2], [4], and [5] as the movement source ( In this case, the media transport mechanism control unit 190 functions as a position detection unit and a storage unit. A movement distance for moving the transfer arm 136 is calculated from the movement source and the movement destination specified by the movement command transmitted from the host computer 100. Based on the calculated moving distance, the lifting and lowering motors of the media transport mechanism 131 are driven to move the transport arm 136.

  In addition, the media transport mechanism control unit 190 operates the gripping claw installed at the center of the front end portion of the transport arm 136 in response to the media pick command transmitted from the host computer 100 to move the media M. Pick. Further, in response to a media release command transmitted from the host computer 100, the transport arm 136 is lowered at the destination, and the gripping claws are operated to release the media M. When the medium M is released, the transport arm 136 is raised and stopped at the position where the lowering is started.

In the present embodiment, the transfer arm 136 is moved according to the movement command transmitted from the host computer 100, and the medium M is picked or released at the movement destination according to the pick command or release command. Therefore, the above-described media transport mode (operation mode) can be set by combining a plurality of commands for moving the transport arm 136, a pick command or a release command for the media M using the gripping claws. Each media conveyance mode will be described.
<External discharge mode>
As described above, the external ejection mode is executed with the third media stacker 172 removed.
(1) The blank medium M is picked from the first media stacker 121 (or the second media stacker 122), conveyed to one of the media drives 141, and released.
(2) Write data to the blank medium M by the media drive 141.
(3) Pick the medium M from the media drive 141, convey it to the label printer 111, and release it.
(4) Label printing is performed on the label surface of the medium M by the label printer 111.
(5) Pick the medium M from the label printer 111, convey it to the drawer tray 170, and release it.
<Batch processing mode>
As described above, the batch processing mode is executed with the third media stacker 172 attached.
The storable number of blank media M are stored in the first media stacker 121 and the second media stacker 122, respectively. In this processing mode, a total of 100 media M, each of which is 50 sheets, are created continuously.
(1) The blank medium M is picked from the second media stacker 122, conveyed to the media drive 141, and released.
(2) Write data to the blank medium M by the media drive 141.
(3) Pick the medium M from the media drive 141, convey it to the label printer 111, and release it.
(4) Pick the medium M from the label printer 111, convey it to the third media stacker 172, and release it.
(5) Thereafter, the sequence from (1) to (4) is continuously performed for 49 sheets.
(6) The blank medium M is picked from the first media stacker 121, conveyed to the media drive 141, and released.
(7) Thereafter, after the processes (2) and (3), the medium M is picked from the label printer 111, conveyed to the second media stacker 122, and released.
(8) Thereafter, the sequence of (6) and (7) is continuously performed for 49 sheets.

  In the batch processing mode, the processed media M is finally stored in the third media stacker 172 and the second media stacker 122. That is, the role of each stacker is not fixed, and the role can be changed according to the operation mode.

  The above is an example, and other media transport modes can be set. As described above, in the present embodiment, the transport arm 136 moves the medium M from the media drive 141, the label printer 111, the first media stacker 121, or the second media stacker 122 to the media drive 141, label printer. 111, the drawer tray 170, the second media stacker 122, and the third media stacker 172. Accordingly, a plurality of media transport routes can be set, and various operation processing modes of the publisher 200 can be set.

  In the following, the picking or releasing process of the medium M executed in (1) in the external discharge mode will be described in detail according to the flowchart of FIG.

  When receiving from the host computer 100 a set of a move command that sets the move destination as the position of the first media stacker 121, a pick command and release command of the medium M, and a move command that sets the move destination as the position of the media drive 141 (step S11). : Yes), the tip of the transport arm 136 is moved to the position of [2]: the first media stacker 121 in accordance with the movement command (step S12).

  Details of the movement process of the transfer arm 136 in step S12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the transfer arm movement process shown in step S12 of FIG.

  When the media transport mechanism control unit 190 receives the movement command of the transport arm 136 in the command set received in step S11 of FIG. 6 (step S21: Yes), the transport arm 136 performs [1], [2], [ 4] and [5] is determined (step S22). That is, it is determined whether any one of [1], [2], [4] and [5] is held as the movement source of the transfer arm 136. If any of the positions [1], [2], [4] and [5] is held as the movement source (step S22: Yes), the movement command received from the held movement source is used. The movement distance to the designated movement destination is calculated (step S23), and the transfer arm 136 is moved (step S24).

  Here, the movement arm 136 is moved in accordance with a movement command in which the movement arm 136 is located at the HP position (standby position) [1] and the movement destination is the first media stacker 121. When the movement is normally performed, the media transport mechanism control unit 190 holds [2]: the first media stacker 121 as the next movement source. The movement path in this case is A → C shown in FIG.

  Further, for example, the movement source held by the media transport mechanism control unit 190 is the position of the first media stacker 121 with [5], and the received movement command is a command for designating the position of the media drive 141. In this case, the transfer arm moves to the HP position (standby position) of the transfer arm 136 of [1]. In this case, the movement route is H → F → J shown in FIG.

  In addition, the movement source stored in the media transport mechanism control unit 190 is the position of the first media stacker 121 of [2], and the received movement command is a command for specifying the position of the label printer 111. Also in this case, the transfer arm moves to the HP position (standby position) of the transfer arm 136 in [1]. In this case, the movement route is D → B shown in FIG.

  Further, the movement source stored in the media conveyance mechanism control unit 190 is the HP position (standby position) of the conveyance arm 136 of [1], and the received movement command indicates the position of the second media stacker 122. If the command is a designated command, the transfer arm moves to the position of the second media stacker 122 of [5]. In this case, the movement route is I → E → G shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if none of [1], [2], [4] and [5] is held as the movement source in step S22 (step S22: No), is the transfer arm 136 moving? Judging. If it is moving (step S25: Yes), the host computer 100 is notified that the transfer arm 136 is moving without executing the received movement command (step S26). When the movement of the transfer arm 136 is completed, an abnormality notification is sent to the host computer 100 (step S25: No, step S27).

  If the transfer arm 136 is not moving at step S25 (step S25: No), the transfer arm 136 is in a position other than the movement path, and a destination that cannot move from the current position is designated. As a result, the host computer 100 is notified of the abnormality without executing the movement command (step S27). For example, when the transfer arm 136 is abnormally stopped due to motor step-out or the like while moving from the position [1] to the position [4] (when the transfer arm 136 is positioned at [7] after the abnormal stop) , [2] or when the media M is picked or released from the position [5], and it stops abnormally due to motor step-out (after the abnormal stop, it is positioned at [8]. Is considered). As described above, when the transfer arm 136 is abnormally stopped, the host computer 100 is notified that an abnormal state has occurred without executing the movement command.

From here, returning to FIG. 6, the picking or releasing process of the medium M will be described.
When the transport arm 136 moves to the first media stacker 121 (step S12), the media transport mechanism control unit 190 determines whether the gripping claws can be normally driven and controlled. Here, the state in which the gripping claw can be normally driven and controlled specifically means that the transport arm 136 does not pick up the medium M except when the medium M has already been picked by a command other than the pick command received in step S11. Is located at a point where can be picked.

  As described above, the state where the medium M is picked up means that the transport arm 136 has the detector of the transport arm 136 at the points [1], [2], [4] and [5]. It is in a position. When the transfer arm 136 is located at a point other than [1], [2], [4] and [5], it is not known where the transfer arm 136 is located. This is because it needs to be moved.

  Since the media transport mechanism control unit 190 stores the first media stacker 121 of [2] as the movement source, if it is determined that the transport arm 136 is located at a point where the media M can be picked (step S13: Yes), the gripping claw is inserted into the center hole of the medium M, one claw is moved outward in the radial direction, and one piece of the medium M is picked from the first media stacker 121 (step S14).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the medium M has already been picked or the transport arm 136 is located at a point where the medium M cannot be picked, the picking process is abnormally terminated to the host computer 100 without picking the medium M. Is notified (step S18).

  With the medium M picked in step S14, the transport arm 136 is moved to the HP position (standby position) [1] in accordance with a movement command for setting the movement destination as the position of the media drive 141 (step S15). As in step S12, the operation is performed according to the flowchart of the movement process of the transfer arm 136 in FIG. When the transport arm 136 is moved normally, the media transport mechanism control unit 190 stores the HP position (standby position) of [1] as the movement source.

  Next, the media transport mechanism control unit 190 determines again whether or not the gripping claw can be normally driven and controlled. Here, the state in which the gripping claws can be normally driven and controlled in step S16 is a state where the medium M has already been picked or a state where the transport arm 136 is located at a point where the picked medium M can be released. . Currently, the medium M is picked, and the media transport mechanism control unit 190 stores the HP position (standby position) of [1] as the movement source, so that the transport arm 136 can release the processing target medium M. If it is determined that it is located at the point (step S16: Yes), the gripping claw is moved inward in the radial direction, and the medium M is released to the media tray 141a of the media drive 141 (step S17).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the medium M has not been picked or the transport arm 136 is located at a point where the medium M cannot be released, the release is not performed and the host computer 100 is notified of the abnormal end of the release process. (Step S18).

  By the way, if the medium M is picked in step S13, the picked medium M may be dropped if the gripping claw is driven. In addition, even if the gripping claw is driven and released in the state where the medium M is not picked in step S16, there is a possibility that the operation becomes useless.

  Furthermore, if the gripping claws are driven when the transfer arm 136 is positioned at a point where picking cannot be performed in step S13, there is a problem in the safety of the media processing apparatus, which may cause a failure. Further, when the gripping claws are driven when the transfer arm 136 is positioned at a point where it cannot be released, there is a safety problem of the media processing apparatus, which may cause a failure or the like.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the above case, the pick command or the release command is executed only when it is determined that the gripping claw can be normally driven and controlled without performing the pick or release. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an abnormal operation from being executed. If the pick command or release command is not executed, the host computer 100 is notified of this fact, so that the user can grasp that the pick command or release command has not been executed normally.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the media transport mechanism control unit 190 determines that the movement source of the transport arm 136 when the movement command from the host computer 100 is received is [1], [2], [4] and If the point does not correspond to any of [5], that is, if the transfer arm 136 has deviated from the transfer arm movement path, the received movement command is not executed, and an error is notified to the host computer 100. . Therefore, the host computer 100 can recognize the abnormal state of the publisher 200. Thereafter, it can be set not to issue the next command, the publisher 200 can be used safely, and the risk of a failure occurring can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement source of the transfer arm 136 when the movement command from the host computer 100 is received does not correspond to any of [1], [2], [4], and [5] If the transfer arm 136 is moving, the host computer 100 is notified that the move command could not be executed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the next command from being issued, and it is possible to reduce the risk of a failure occurring in the publisher 200 because no malfunction occurs.

It is a schematic block diagram of the publisher to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the principal part inside the publisher of this embodiment. It is the schematic diagram which showed the mechanical structure of the publisher of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the specific structural example of the media conveyance mechanism of this embodiment. 10 is a table in which a movement source and a movement destination set for movement control of the media transport arm are associated with each other. It is a flowchart explaining picking or releasing operation | movement. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a movement process of a media transport arm. It is an external appearance perspective view when each part of the publisher of this embodiment is made into an open state. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part inside a publisher of this embodiment. It is the schematic diagram which showed the mechanical structure of the publisher of this embodiment. It is the table | surface which matched the movement origin set for movement control of a conveyance arm, and a movement destination.

Explanation of symbols

1: media processing device, 2: media to be processed, 2A: blank media, 2B: processed media, 4: media drive (data writing means), 5: label printer (printing means), 6: media transport mechanism, 11: Blank media stacker, 12: processed media stacker, 13: general-purpose stacker, 14: ejected media stacker, 71: media tray, 81: printer tray, 90: media transport mechanism control unit (transport arm control means, position detection means, storage Means), 100: host computer, 111: label printer, 121, 122, 172: media stacker, 131: media transport mechanism, 136: transport arm, 141: media drive, 161: drive control unit, 162: printer control unit, 170: drawer tray, 190: mede A transport unit controller, 200: Publisher

Claims (10)

Data writing means for performing data writing processing on one side of the processing target medium;
Printing means for performing a printing process on the other surface of the processing target medium;
Media storage means for storing the media to be processed;
In accordance with an instruction from a host computer, a transport unit that transports the processing target medium to at least one of the data writing unit, the printing unit, and the media storage unit,
The transport means is a media processing device that notifies the host computer of an abnormality notification when the media to be processed cannot be transported in response to an instruction from the host computer.
A plurality of position detecting means for detecting the position of the conveying means;
When any of the plurality of position detection means detects the transport means, storage means for storing the detected position as a movement source;
Have
When the conveying means receives the instruction from the host computer,
When have both such that the storage unit does not detect the conveying means has stored the move source of the plurality of position detecting means does not execute the instruction received, and notifies the abnormality notification to the host computer A media processing device.   The said conveyance means does not perform the received said instruction | indication, when the said conveyance means is located in points other than a movement path | route when the said instruction | indication is received from the said host computer. The media processing device described. The transport means includes a gripping means for picking the processing target medium or releasing the picked processing target medium,
When the transport means receives a pick instruction or release instruction from the host computer, it determines whether or not the gripping means can be normally driven and controlled, and if it determines that drive control is impossible, the pick instruction or release is determined. 3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an abnormality notification is notified to the host computer without executing an instruction.   Upon receipt of the pick instruction, the transport means determines whether or not the grip means is picking the processing target medium, and executes the pick instruction when it is determined that the processing target medium is picked. The media processing device according to claim 3, wherein the media processing device is not.   Upon receipt of the release instruction, the transport means determines whether the gripping means is picking the processing target medium, and executes the release instruction when it is determined that the processing target medium is not picked The media processing device according to claim 4, wherein the media processing device is not. Data writing means for performing data writing processing on one side of the processing target medium, printing means for performing printing processing on the other side of the processing target medium, media storage means for storing the processing target medium, and host In accordance with an instruction from the computer, the data writing unit, the printing unit, and the media storage unit, the conveyance unit that conveys the processing target medium to at least any one of,
A method of controlling a media processing apparatus that notifies an abnormality notification to the host computer when the media to be processed cannot be conveyed in response to an instruction from the host computer,
When receiving the instruction from the host computer,
When have both such that the storage unit does not detect the conveying means has stored the move source of the plurality of position detecting means does not execute the instruction received, and notifies the abnormality notification to the host computer A method for controlling a media processing apparatus.   7. The media processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the instruction is received from the host computer, the received instruction is not executed if the transport unit is located at a point other than a movement path. Control method. The transport means includes a gripping means for picking the processing target medium or releasing the picked processing target medium,
When a pick instruction or release instruction is received from the host computer, it is determined whether or not the gripping means can be normally driven and controlled. If it is determined that drive control is impossible, the pick instruction or release instruction is not executed. The method of controlling a media processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an abnormality notification is notified to the host computer.   When the pick instruction is received, it is determined whether or not the gripping means is picking the processing target medium, and if it is determined that the processing target medium is picked, the pick instruction is not executed. The method of controlling a media processing device according to claim 8.   When the release instruction is received, it is determined whether or not the gripping means is picking the processing target medium, and when it is determined that the processing target medium is not picked, the release instruction is not executed. The method for controlling a media processing apparatus according to claim 9.

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