Printers, printing systems, storage media

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention is a printer for issuing print media. The printer includes a battery that supplies power to the printer and is rechargeable, a printing unit that prints information on the print media, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit calculates A based on the amount of charge remaining in the battery that decreases each time a sheet of print media is issued, the current charge remaining in the battery is B, and a lower limit of the charge remaining in the battery is C. The control unit calculates A based on the amount of charge remaining in the battery that has decreased since a reference time point and the total number of prints printed since the reference time point. The control unit calculates the number of print media that can be issued by calculating the formula (B-C) / A, and displays the number of print media that can be issued on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer, a printing system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, rechargeable and dischargeable batteries (also referred to as secondary batteries) such as lithium-ion batteries have been used in relatively small printers (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-58292).

[0003] When a user carries a printer equipped with a rechargeable battery and uses it at a travel destination, the more print media, such as labels, are printed, the more the printer consumes battery power. Consequently, users may worry about the battery running low, which could affect print quality or prevent print media from being printed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable a printer including a rechargeable and dischargeable battery to notify a user of information regarding the number of print media that can be issued.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a printer for issuing print media, comprising:

[0006] a battery, which provides power to the printer and can be recharged;

[0007] a printing unit for printing information onto the printing medium;

[0008] a display unit; and

[0009] A control unit calculates A based on the amount of charge remaining in the battery that decreases each time a sheet of the printing medium is issued, the current charge remaining in the battery that is issued is set to A, the current charge remaining in the battery that is issued is set to B, and the lower limit value of the charge remaining in the battery that is issued is set to C. The control unit calculates A based on the amount of charge remaining in the battery that has decreased from a reference time point to the present and the total value of the number of printed sheets from the reference time point to the present, and calculates the number of printable sheets of the printing medium that can be issued by calculating the formula (B-C) / A, and displays the number of printable sheets on the display unit.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a printer including a rechargeable and dischargeable battery, it is possible to notify a user of information regarding the number of print media that can be issued. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a printer according to one embodiment with the printer cover closed.

[0012] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of a printer according to one embodiment with the printer cover open.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a schematic cross-section of a printer according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a printer according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing a process for calculating the number of sheets that can be issued by a printer according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the timing for calculating the number of sheets that can be issued by a printer according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing display processing of a printer according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a display image showing the number of sheets that can be issued by a printer according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing a display process during a non-printing period of a printer according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the timing for displaying the number of issuable sheets of a printer according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a display image showing the number of sheets that can be issued by a printer according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a diagram explaining a method of referring to a label database based on a label ID. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following describes a printer equipped with a rechargeable battery that displays the number of print media that can be printed based on the remaining charge level of the battery.

[0025] In this disclosure, "remaining charge" refers to the remaining capacity of a battery and can also be expressed as the state of charge (SOC). Furthermore, SOC is expressed as "remaining capacity (Ah) / fully charged capacity (Ah) × 100." Known methods for estimating SOC include using current integration and estimating the open circuit voltage (OCV) of a battery based on the closed circuit voltage (CCV) and referring to a map of OCV and SOC.

[0026] Generally, the relationship between battery voltage and SOC is one-to-one, so in this disclosure, "remaining charge" is equivalent to battery voltage. In other words, even if battery voltage is used instead of battery SOC, the number of printable sheets displayed by the printer can be calculated.

[0027] Specifically, in one embodiment of a method for calculating the number of printable sheets, the number of printable sheets that can be issued is calculated by obtaining the battery SOC ("A") that decreases each time a sheet of printable medium is issued, and dividing the current battery SOC remaining (current SOC ("B") - SOC lower limit value ("C")) by A (calculation (B-C) / A).

[0028] In another embodiment, the method for calculating the number of printable sheets is performed by obtaining the battery voltage drop ("A") each time a sheet of print media is printed, and then dividing the current remaining battery voltage (current battery voltage ("B") - voltage lower limit ("C")) by A (calculation (B - C) / A). In this case, the number of printable sheets can also be calculated.

[0029] exist Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2 1 shows a printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The printer 1 is a thermal printer that prints on a label having a thermosensitive color developing layer on one side.

[0030] In addition, Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2 In each figure, the directions of up (UP), down (DN), left (LH), right (RH), front (FR), and rear (RR) are defined, but the definition of these directions is specifically for the convenience of explaining the drawings and is not intended to limit the posture of the printer of the present invention when in use.

[0031] In this definition of directions, the “printer front-to-back direction” refers to the front-to-back direction of the printer 1 . The “printer width direction” refers to the left-to-right direction or the lateral direction of the printer 1 .

[0032] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Each is a perspective view of the printer 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1A Indicates that the printer cover 25 is in the closed state. Figure 1B The printer cover 25 is shown in the open state. Figure 1B Indicates a state where roll paper R is set.

[0033] like Figure 1A As shown, the printer 1 has a main body housing 2 and a printer cover 25 to protect the internal functional components. The top surface of the printer 1 is provided with an issuing port 20 for discharging labels.

[0034] In addition, the printer 1 can also be used in a state with the issuing port 20 side facing upward (horizontally), but can also be used in a state with the issuing port 20 side facing horizontally (held vertically) by hooking a belt hook (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the printer 1 to the user's belt, or wearing a shoulder strap (not shown) to hang it on the user's shoulder.

[0035] A display panel 17a is provided in the main housing 2, forward of the printing port 20. The display panel 17a may also include a touch panel input mechanism for receiving user input. The display panel 17a is connected to the circuit board within the printer 1 and, based on display signals supplied from the circuit board, outputs images representing, for example, the operating status of the printer 1 or a user interface related to the operation of the printer 1.

[0036] The printer cover 25 is configured to swing between an open position that opens the interior of the printer 1 and a closed position that closes the interior of the printer 1 .

[0037] If the cover opening lever 25b provided on the main body housing 2 is operated, Figure 1B As shown, the printer cover 25 is open. When the printer cover 25 is open, the roll paper compartment 9 is exposed. The roll paper compartment 9 is a space for storing roll paper R.

[0038] like Figure 1B and Figure 2 As shown, the roll paper R is a continuous paper strip P wound into a roll. The continuous paper P includes a strip of backing paper PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily affixed to the backing paper PM at predetermined intervals. The label-attaching surface of the backing paper PM is coated with a release agent such as silicone to facilitate removal of the labels PL.

[0039] The front side of the label PL is the printing surface for printing information. It has a thermosensitive color-developing layer that develops a specific color when exposed to a predetermined temperature range. The back side of the printing surface is an adhesive surface covered with adhesive. By attaching this adhesive surface to the label attachment surface of the backing paper PM, the label PL is temporarily attached to the backing paper PM.

[0040] In other embodiments, the continuous paper P may also be a linerless label.

[0041] like Figure 1BAs shown, a pair of roll paper guides 6a are provided in the roll paper storage chamber 9. Preferably, the pair of roll paper guides 6a are components that support the roll paper R in a rotatable state while in contact with both side surfaces of the roll paper R to guide the transport of continuous paper drawn from the roll paper R. The pair of roll paper guides 6a are movable in the width direction of the roll paper R so as to change their position according to the width of the roll paper R.

[0042] like Figure 1B As shown, the platen roller 10 is rotatably supported at the front end of the printer cover 25. The platen roller 10 is a conveying unit that conveys the continuous paper P drawn from the paper roll R. It is formed to extend along the width of the continuous paper P. A gear 10b is coupled to one end of the platen shaft of the platen roller 10. When the printer cover 25 is in the closed position, the gear 10b engages with a gear (not shown) located within the main housing 2, thereby mechanically connecting the platen roller to a stepping motor (not shown) or other device that drives the roller.

[0043] The thermal head 15 is a printing unit that prints information such as text, symbols, graphics, or barcodes onto labels on continuous paper P. The thermal head 15 includes a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) arranged along the width of the continuous paper P. Printing is performed by selectively energizing the plurality of heating elements based on signals sent from a circuit board.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, when the printer cover 25 is closed, the thermal head 15 is positioned opposite the platen roller 10 and, together with the platen roller 10, clamps the continuous paper P. The coil spring 29 acts as a biasing element that urges the thermal head 15 toward the platen roller 10, generating a clamping pressure between the thermal head 15 and the platen roller 10 suitable for printing.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, a rechargeable battery BT is housed near the bottom of the printer 1. The printer 1 is configured so that the battery BT can be charged from a commercial power source via a charger (not shown). The terminals of the battery BT are connected to the circuit board 19.

[0046] Circuit components that operate and control various components of the printer 1 are incorporated into the circuit board 19. The circuit board 19 generates power supply voltage for operating various components of the printer 1 and supplies it to the thermal head 15, display panel 17a, and the like.

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 3 The internal structure of the printer 1 will be described. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the printer 1 .

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, the printer 1 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a drive circuit 13, a motor 14 mechanically connected to the platen roller 10, a thermal head 15, a communication interface (I / F) 16, a display unit 17, a battery management unit 18, and a battery BT. Alternatively, the battery management unit 18 may be integrated with the battery BT.

[0049] The control unit 11 includes a microcomputer and memory (RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory)) and controls the operation of the printer 1. For example, the microcomputer executes programs such as firmware when the printer 1 starts up, thereby performing various control functions including transport control and printing control.

[0050] The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 stores, for example, print files acquired from a host computer via the communication interface 16. The storage unit 12 may also store information on a print format for printing information on each label.

[0051] The drive circuit 13 drives the motor 14 that controls the rotation of the platen roller 10 in response to a feed request from the control unit 11. The motor 14 is, for example, a stepping motor. The feed request includes information such as the feed direction (forward or reverse) and the feed amount (e.g., the number of steps).

[0052] The control unit 11 includes a circuit that selectively flows current through each of the multiple heating elements included in the thermal head 15 based on the data for each line of print data, i.e., line data. When the heating elements, heated by the current, are pressed against the labels PL on the continuous paper CP fed by the platen roller 10, the portion of the continuous paper pressed by the heating elements develops color, thereby printing information on the labels PL on the continuous paper CP. The control unit 11 and the thermal head 15 are an example of a printing unit.

[0053] The display unit 17 includes a display panel 17a (see Figure 1A and Figure 1B ), and a driving circuit for driving the display panel 17a based on display data. The display panel 17a is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL.

[0054] In one embodiment, a touch panel input device is mounted on the display panel 17 a .

[0055] The battery management unit 18 includes, for example, a voltage sensor and a current sensor, and a control circuit that processes the detection signals from these sensors to calculate and record the SOC of the battery BT. The voltage sensor detects the closed-circuit voltage of the battery BT (i.e., the battery voltage). The current sensor, located on a cable connected to one end of the battery BT, detects the amount of current flowing through the battery BT.

[0056] The battery management unit 18 transmits the SOC of the battery BT to the control unit 11 in response to an instruction from the control unit 11 or at a predetermined timing.

[0057] Furthermore, since the SOC is dependent on the temperature of the battery BT, the battery management unit 18 is further provided with a temperature sensor, and can also calculate the SOC with higher accuracy based on the detection value of the temperature sensor.

[0058] The battery BT can be charged by the user connecting both terminals of the battery BT of the printer 1 to a charger BC. The charger BC is connected to a commercial power source (such as a 100V AC power source) to charge the battery BT.

[0059] The functions implemented by executing the firmware in the control unit 11 include at least the following functions (i) and (ii).

[0060] (i) obtaining the SOC and battery voltage of the battery BT from the battery management unit 18; and

[0061] (ii) When predetermined conditions are satisfied, the issuable number of labels is calculated and displayed on the display unit 17 .

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 4 The flowchart of illustrates the calculation process of the number of labels that can be issued in (ii) above. Figure 4 and later references Figure 6 、 Figure 8 The flowchart is a process performed by the microcomputer in the control unit 11 executing the program.

[0063] The calculation timing of the issuable number of tags is not limited, and the calculation may be performed every time the SOC of the battery BT decreases by a predetermined amount, for example. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the control unit 11 sequentially obtains the SOC calculated by the battery management unit 18 .

[0064] The control unit 11 monitors whether the SOC sequentially obtained from the battery management unit 18 has decreased by a predetermined amount from the SOC at the time of the previous calculation of the number of issuable tickets. If decreased by the predetermined amount (step S2: YES), the control unit 11 executes the processing from step S4 onwards.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit 11 obtains the SOC from the battery management unit 18 immediately after the printer 1 is started, and executes the process from step S4 onwards every time the SOC decreases by a predetermined amount based on the obtained SOC. Figure 5 , an example of the change in SOC from the time the printer 1 is started up with the passage of time is shown. Figure 5 In the example shown, the processing from step S4 onward is executed at times t1, t2, t3, t4, ..., when the SOC decreases by a predetermined ΔSOC, starting from the start time t0.

[0066] The control unit 11 first calculates the charge level reduction amount (A) when one label is issued (i.e., per label) (step S4). The charge level reduction amount (A) per label can be the reduction amount of battery voltage or the reduction amount of SOC.

[0067] The charge level reduction per label is the value obtained by dividing the charge level reduction since the printer 1 was started by the number of labels issued since the printer 1 was started.

[0068] Next, the control unit 11 calculates the issuable number of labels based on the charge remaining amount reduction amount (A) per label obtained in step S4 , the current charge remaining amount (B), and the lower limit value (C) of the charge remaining amount (step S6 ).

[0069] The lower limit value (C) of the remaining charge can be set appropriately, for example, to the charge capacity of the battery BT when the battery BT voltage is so low that the printer 1 cannot operate normally. The lower limit value (C) of the remaining charge is pre-registered in the control unit 11. In step S6, the number of labels that can be issued is calculated by calculating (BC) / A.

[0070] The control unit 11 overwrites the calculated value of the issuable number of tickets with the previous value and stores the calculated value (step S8).

[0071] Refer again Figure 5 In this example, the printer 1 is started and printing is performed between time ta and tb, and between time tc and td. Figure 5 Table 1 shows an example of the number of issuable labels calculated at times t1 to t4. In this example, the battery BT voltage consumption per label is calculated as the charge level reduction per label (A). In this example, the battery voltage lower limit, which serves as the charge level lower limit (C), is set to 13V.

[0072] [Table 1]

[0073] time t0 t1 t2 t3 t4 B: Current battery voltage 16.8V 16.3V 15.8V 15.3V 14.8V ΔV: The drop in battery voltage from the moment of startup --- 0.5V 1.0V 1.5V 2.0V P: Total number of prints from the start time --- 0 11 photos 11 photos 14 photos A: Voltage consumption per sheet (=ΔV / P) --- 0V 0.091V 0.136V 0.143V N: Number of bonds that can be issued (= (BC) / A) --- 0 31 photos 16 sheets 13 photos

[0074] In the above-mentioned formula for the number of issuable sheets ((BC) / A), the issuable number cannot be calculated if the total number of printed sheets from the start-up time is 0, so the issuable number is set to "0." For example, in Table 1, the issuable number at time t1 is "0."

[0075] When the battery BT is being charged or the printer 1 is in printing operation,

[0076] In this case, since there is a fluctuation in the battery voltage, it is preferable not to execute the issuable number calculation process.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , the display process of the number of printable sheets in one embodiment of the printer 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the display of the number of printable sheets is not immediately displayed. Figure 4 The issuable number of sheets is not calculated by the issuable number calculation process, but is displayed based on a predetermined operation input by the user of the printer 1.

[0078] Specifically, when the control unit 11 receives a predetermined operation input from the user of the printer 1 (step S10: Yes), it reads the latest number of issuable labels at that moment from the memory within the control unit 11 (step S12) and displays it on the display unit 17 (step S14). In short, when the predetermined operation input is performed, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 17 to display the most recently calculated number of issuable labels. This avoids the cumbersome display process of updating the issuable number each time the battery BT's SOC decreases by a predetermined amount. If the user is concerned about the number of issuable labels, they can automatically perform an operation to check the current number of issuable labels.

[0079] also, Figure 6 It is not intended that a predetermined operation input by the user be a condition for displaying the issuable number of sheets. The issuable number of sheets may be displayed every time the issuable number of sheets is updated, regardless of whether the user has inputted an operation.

[0080] That is, the control unit 11 may display the number of issuable tickets every time the SOC of the battery BT decreases by a predetermined value. This allows the user to regularly recognize the number of issuable tickets.

[0081] In other embodiments, the number of issuable tickets may be displayed each time the battery voltage drops to a predetermined value. Figure 4 In step S2, it is determined whether the battery voltage has dropped by a predetermined value.

[0082] The method of the predetermined operation input in step S10 is not limited, and may be, for example, a predetermined button operation input of the printer 1 or a hierarchical selection operation input from a menu screen. Figure 7 An example is shown in which the issuable number of sheets is displayed by inputting a hierarchical selection operation from a menu screen.

[0083] exist Figure 7 In the example, screen G1 shows the home screen of printer 1 operating online. In this example, the user first presses button b1 to take printer 1 offline. Once offline, the home screen (screen G2) containing the settings button b2 is displayed on printer 1. Next, pressing settings button b2 displays multiple options related to printer 1 settings (screen G3). Selecting a specific option ("Estimated Printable") from the multiple options on screen G3 displays the number of printable sheets ("35 sheets"), as shown in screen G4.

[0084] Furthermore, while screen G4 remains displayed, the information on the number of printable sheets is not updated. If you switch from screen G4 to another screen and select the specified option ("Estimated Printable") again, the latest information on the number of printable sheets at that time is displayed. However, this is not limiting. Even if no operation is performed while screen G4 remains displayed, the displayed information on the number of printable sheets may be updated at specified intervals.

[0085] If the total number of printed sheets from the start-up time is 0 and the issuable number of sheets cannot be calculated, for example, “0 sheets” or “cannot be calculated” is displayed on the screen G4 .

[0086] In reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment described above, the printer 1 startup time is used as the reference time point for calculating the number of labels that can be issued. The charge level reduction per label is calculated by dividing the charge level reduction from the printer 1 startup time to the current time by the number of labels issued from the printer 1 startup time to the current time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The reference time point for calculating the number of labels that can be issued can also be changed after the printer 1 is started.

[0087] In reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 While the calculation timing for the number of issuable labels is set each time the SOC decreases by a predetermined ΔSOC in the described embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the calculation timing for the number of issuable labels may be each time a predetermined time has passed, each time a label is issued, or each time a predetermined number of labels are issued.

[0088] In one embodiment, when the printer cover 25 is open, the control unit 11 uses the current time as the reference time point for calculating the number of labels that can be issued. Specifically, when the printer cover 25 is open, it is assumed that the roll paper R in the roll paper compartment 9 has been replaced. Replacing the roll paper R may change the label type, resulting in a change in the amount of label transported per label or a significant change in the layout of printed content (e.g., print rate). This may affect the amount of charge remaining when a label is issued.

[0089] Therefore, when the printer cover 25 is open, the number of labels issued to date and the amount of charge remaining decreased to date are not used to calculate the amount of charge remaining decreased per label. Instead, the time the printer cover 25 was opened is used as the reference time point for calculating the number of labels that can be issued. In other words, the total number of labels printed and the amount of charge remaining decreased after the new reference time point are used to calculate the number of labels that can be issued. This improves the accuracy of calculating the amount of charge remaining decreased per label after the printer cover 25 is opened. As a result, the accuracy of calculating the number of labels that can be issued after the printer cover 25 is opened is improved.

[0090] Furthermore, the opening of the printer cover 25 can be detected by providing an optical sensor, for example.

[0091] In one embodiment, the control unit 11 uses the current time as the reference time point for calculating the number of printable sheets when the printer cover 25 is open, conditioned on a predetermined operation input being made.

[0092] Even when the printer cover 25 is open, there are cases where the label type and the layout of the printed content remain unchanged. In this case, the amount of charge remaining after a label is issued is not affected by whether the printer cover 25 is opened or not, so there is no need to change the reference time point used to calculate the number of labels that can be issued. Furthermore, the user can identify whether the label type or the layout of the printed content has changed.

[0093] Therefore, whether to update the reference time point for calculating the issuable number of tickets may be determined based on a user operation. In other words, the validity / invalidity of the change of the reference time point for calculating the issuable number of tickets may be set based on a user operation.

[0094] In one embodiment, the number of labels that can be issued may be displayed when the remaining charge level of the battery BT decreases significantly during a non-printing period (a period when printing is not being performed). That is, in one embodiment, when the remaining charge level of the battery BT decreases by more than a predetermined value during the non-printing period, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 17 to display the number of labels that can be issued based on the remaining charge level of the battery BT at that time.

[0095] Even during non-printing periods, power consumption can be high depending on the functions configured for the printer 1. For example, if the printer 1 is configured to play back a help animation, the user playing back the help animation will consume significant power. Help animations may include animations that explain how to use the printer 1, such as how to replace consumables or how to operate the printer 1.

[0096] By displaying the issuable number of sheets when a significant decrease in the remaining charge level occurs during a non-printing period, the user can be reminded of the issuable number of sheets.

[0097] exist Figure 8 , a flowchart of a process for displaying the number of issuable sheets during a non-printing period is illustrated.

[0098] First, if printing is in progress (step S20: YES), the control unit 11 sets the flag to "0" (step S22) to terminate the process because the number of issuable sheets is not displayed. The flag is data indicating whether printing is in progress ("0": printing, "1": non-printing).

[0099] If the printing is not in progress (step S20: No), the control unit 11 determines whether the flag is "1" (step S24). If the flag is not "1" in step S24 (step S24: No), it means that the printing is just after the non-printing period. Figure 8 In the routine shown, the flag is set to "0" while printing is in progress (step S22: Yes). However, in the routine immediately after printing is completed, printing is not in progress (step S20: No), and the flag is also set to "0" (step S24: No). In this case, the control unit 11 sets the flag to "1" (non-printing period) (step S26) and records the remaining charge level of the battery BT (step S28). In step S28, the remaining charge level of the battery BT at the start of the non-printing period is recorded.

[0100] exist Figure 9 In FIG. 1 , the change in SOC from the start-up time of the printer 1 is shown. Figure 5 Different examples. Figure 9 , it is shown that the user plays the help animation between time te and time tf.

[0101] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, at time tb when the non-printing period starts, the flag is set to "1" to record the remaining charge level of the battery BT.

[0102] Once the flag is set to "1" (i.e., during a non-printing period), the control unit 11 determines whether the amount of charge remaining has decreased by a predetermined value (an example of a first predetermined value) or more since the flag was set to "1" (step S30). If the amount of charge remaining has decreased by a predetermined value or more (step S30: No), the condition for displaying the number of sheets that can be issued is not met, and the control unit 11 terminates the process.

[0103] If the amount of charge remaining is reduced by more than the prescribed value (step S30: Yes), the control unit 11 calculates the number of issuable labels (step S32), and displays the calculated number of issuable labels on the display unit 17 (step S34). Figure 9 In the example shown, at time tx, the amount of decrease in the remaining charge reaches the predetermined value TH, and the display unit 17 displays the issuable number of tickets.

[0104] exist Figure 10 An example of the display method in step S34 is shown in FIG.

[0105] exist Figure 10 In the example, screen G10 shows an example of a screen in which the user is reproducing a help animation. While the help animation is reproducing, if the remaining charge level during the non-printing period decreases by a specified value or more, screen G11 including a window W1 indicating the number of issuable sheets is displayed. The display duration (i.e., the duration during which the number of issuable sheets is displayed) is not limited but can be set to a time that the user can recognize.

[0106] Refer again Figure 8 According to the flowchart, after the control unit 11 displays the number of issuable sheets, it sets the flag to "0" and ends the process (step S36). Thereafter, if the non-printing period continues, the flag is set to "1" again in step S26. That is, if the non-printing period continues, in the routine immediately after the flag is set to "0" in step S36, since printing is not in progress (step S20: No) and the flag is "0" (step S24: No), the flag is set to "1" again. As a result, the remaining charge is recorded again, and it is determined whether the amount of decrease since the flag was set to "1" is greater than the specified value. That is, as long as the non-printing period continues, the number of issuable sheets is calculated and displayed each time the remaining charge decreases by the specified value.

[0107] In one embodiment, the control unit 11 may cause the display unit 17 to display the number of issuable sheets when the rate of decrease in the remaining charge of the battery BT during a non-printing period exceeds a predetermined value (an example of a second predetermined value). For example, if the voltage of the battery BT drops significantly in a short period of time due to, for example, continuous playback of a help animation, the display of the number of issuable sheets can remind the user of the number of issuable sheets.

[0108] In this case, the control unit 11 monitors the amount of decrease in the remaining charge of the battery BT within a predetermined time period from the current time, and determines whether the rate of decrease in the remaining charge of the battery BT is greater than a predetermined value.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the printer 1 calculates the number of labels that can be issued by calculating the amount of charge remaining (A) reduced per label. In contrast, in other embodiments, the amount of charge remaining (A) reduced per label may be stored in a server, and the printer may access the server to obtain the amount of charge remaining (A) reduced per label, thereby calculating the number of labels that can be issued. Figure 11 and Figure 12 This embodiment will be described.

[0110] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system 100 according to one embodiment.

[0111] like Figure 11 As shown, the printing system 100 is configured such that the printer 1A and the server 5 can communicate via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet.

[0112] Printer 1A and Figure 3 The difference of the printer 1 shown is that it has a reader 21. Figure 12 As shown, a label sticker 31 is attached to the roll paper R used in the printer 1A. The label sticker 31 is a wireless tag such as an RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​and stores a label ID that identifies the type of label on the roll paper R. The reader 21 (an example of a label reading unit) is configured to receive the label ID of the label sticker 31 attached to the roll paper R when the roll paper R is set in the printer 1A.

[0113] like Figure 11 As shown, the server 5 includes a control unit 51 , a storage unit 52 , and a communication interface (communication I / F) 53 .

[0114] The control unit 51 includes a microcomputer and memories (RAM, ROM), and controls the operation of the server 5. When the server 5 is activated, the microcomputer reads and executes a program stored in the ROM.

[0115] The storage unit 52 (an example of a storage unit) is a storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Figure 12 The label database exemplified in . Figure 12 As shown, the tag database includes, for example, values ​​of the fields "label ID," "label type," and "consumption voltage per sheet" in one record.

[0116] Considering that the layout of printed content varies from user to user, and the voltage consumption per sheet also varies, the label database can be created for each user of the printer 1A. Alternatively, the label database can be updated for each user by obtaining the user's past actual voltage consumption per sheet from the printer 1A.

[0117] The communication interface 53 includes a communication circuit for communicating with the printer 1A.

[0118] In the printing system 100 , for the printer 1A, at a predetermined timing (eg, immediately after startup), the reader 21 reads the label ID of the label sticker 31 attached to the set roll paper R, and the control unit 11 queries the server 5 including the label ID.

[0119] like Figure 12 As shown schematically, upon receiving the query, the server 5 references the label database, reads the per-sheet voltage consumption value corresponding to the label ID included in the query, and feeds it back to the printer 1A. The printer 1A then calculates the number of printable sheets based on the per-sheet voltage consumption value obtained from the server 5 immediately after startup.

[0120] Since the printer 1A obtains the charge level reduction amount (A) per label from the server 5 in this manner, it can continue to calculate the correct number of issuable labels even when the roll paper R is replaced with a different label type.

[0121] While the embodiments of the printer, printing system, and program of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various improvements or modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0122] The present invention relates to patent application No. 2021-29779 filed with the Japan Patent Office on February 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A printer that issues print media. The printer is characterized by comprising: a battery, which provides power to the printer and is capable of being recharged; a printing unit for printing information on the printing medium; Display unit; as well as a control unit that, when the remaining charge of the battery that decreases each time one sheet of the print medium is issued is set as A, the current remaining charge is set as B, and the lower limit value of the remaining charge is set as C, calculates A based on the amount of decrease in the remaining charge from a reference time point to the present and the total value of the number of printed sheets from the reference time point to the present, calculates the issuable number of sheets of the print medium by calculating the formula (B-C) / A, and displays the issuable number of sheets on the display unit, When the battery charge level decreases by more than a first predetermined value while the printing unit is not printing, the control unit causes the display unit to display the printable number of print media based on the battery charge level.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein: The printer further includes a cover for opening or closing a storage portion for storing the print medium. When the cover is opened, the control unit sets the current time as the reference time point.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control unit calculates the issuable number of print media every time the remaining charge of the battery decreases by a predetermined amount, and displays the most recently calculated issuable number of print media on the display unit when a predetermined operation input is performed.

4. The printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control unit causes the display unit to display the issuable number of banknotes every time the charging rate of the battery decreases by a predetermined value.

5. The printer according to claim 2, wherein: When the cover is open, the control unit determines whether to set the current time as the reference time point based on a predetermined operation input.

6. The printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the rate of decrease in the remaining charge of the battery is greater than a second predetermined value during a period in which printing is not being performed by the printing unit, the control unit causes the display unit to display the issuable number of sheets.

7. A printing system comprising a server and the printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The printing system is characterized in that A wireless tag is attached to the printing medium, and the wireless tag stores identification information for identifying any one of a plurality of types of printing media. The printer also has: a tag reading unit configured to read identification information of the wireless tag; and a communication unit for communicating with the server, The server includes a storage unit that stores the A for each of a plurality of types of print media. The control unit of the printer obtains the A for the type of print medium corresponding to the identification information read by the label reading unit from the server.

8. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined method in a printer that is operated by a rechargeable battery and issues printed media. The storage medium is characterized in that The method comprises the following steps, namely: When the remaining charge of the battery that decreases each time one sheet of the printing medium is issued is set as A, the current remaining charge is set as B, and the lower limit of the remaining charge is set as C, A is calculated based on the amount of decrease in the remaining charge from a reference time point to the present and the total number of printed sheets from the reference time point to the present, and the number of printable sheets of the printing medium that can be issued is calculated by calculating the formula (B-C) / A, and causing the number of issuable sheets to be displayed on the printer, When the battery charge level decreases by more than a first predetermined value during a period in which no printing is performed, the printer displays the printable number of print media based on the battery charge level.

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