Movement device, movement system, movement method, and movement control program

Abstract

To shorten a period of printing interruption.SOLUTION: A movement device 400 includes: movement mechanisms 2, 2A which support a plurality of printers 1 for executing printing processing to print on roll paper P and move positions of the plurality of printers 1; a take-out port 511 from which a user takes out a receipt discharged from a first printer 1A as one printer 1 out of the plurality of printers 1; and a first control part 31 which is structured so as to communicate with the plurality of printers 1 and controls the movement mechanisms 2, 2A. The first control part 31 includes a monitoring part 311 which monitors respective states of the plurality of printers 1, and a movement instruction part 312 which makes the movement mechanisms 2, 2A move a position of the first printer 1A to a take-out position PT in which the receipt can be taken out from the take-out port 511 on the basis of a monitoring result of the monitoring part 311.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile device, a mobile system, a mobile method, and a mobile control program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Printing devices capable of storing roll paper are known in the art. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing device that can reduce paper jams while saving recording paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-121273 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In printing devices such as printers that print on roll paper, such as the printing device described in Patent Document 1, if printing is interrupted for some reason, it is desirable to shorten the amount of time that printing is interrupted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the invention that solves the above problem is a moving device that supports multiple printing devices that execute a printing process to print on roll paper and includes a moving mechanism that moves the positions of the multiple printing devices, an outlet through which a user removes a printed material ejected from a first printing device that is one of the multiple printing devices, and a control unit that is configured to communicate with the multiple printing devices and controls the moving mechanism, wherein the control unit includes a monitoring unit that monitors the status of each of the multiple printing devices, and a movement instruction unit that, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit, causes the moving mechanism to move the position of the first printing device to a removal position where the printed material can be removed from the outlet.

[0006] Another aspect that solves the above problem is a mobile system that includes a mobile device that supports multiple printing devices that execute a printing process to print on roll paper and moves the positions of the multiple printing devices, an outlet through which a user removes a printed material ejected from a first printing device that is one of the multiple printing devices, and a control device that is configured to communicate with the multiple printing devices and controls the mobile device, wherein the control device includes a monitoring unit that monitors the status of each of the multiple printing devices, and a movement instruction unit that causes the mobile device to move the position of the first printing device to a removal position where the printed material can be removed from the outlet based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit.

[0007] Another aspect for solving the above problem is a moving method for a moving device that includes a moving mechanism that supports multiple printing devices that execute a printing process to print on roll paper and moves the positions of the multiple printing devices, an outlet through which a user removes a printed material ejected from a first printing device, which is one of the multiple printing devices, and a control unit that is configured to communicate with the multiple printing devices and controls the moving mechanism, the method including a monitoring step in which the control unit monitors the status of each of the multiple printing devices, and a movement instruction step in which the control unit, based on the monitoring results in the monitoring step, causes the moving mechanism to move the position of the first printing device to a removal position where the printed material can be removed from the removal outlet.

[0008] Yet another aspect that solves the above problem is a movement control program that, in a movement device that supports multiple printing devices that execute a printing process to print on roll paper and that moves the positions of the multiple printing devices, an outlet through which a user removes a printed material ejected from a first printing device, which is one of the multiple printing devices, and a control unit that is configured to communicate with the multiple printing devices and controls the movement mechanism, causes a processor provided in the control unit to function as a monitoring unit that monitors the status of each of the multiple printing devices, and as a movement instruction unit that, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit, causes the movement mechanism to move the position of the first printing device to a removal position where the printed material can be removed from the outlet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration of a printer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a moving mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a moving mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a first control unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a maintenance process for the first control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to one another. The Z-axis indicates the up-down direction and vertical direction when the printer 1 is installed. The X-axis and Y-axis are each parallel to the horizontal direction. The Y-axis indicates the front-to-back direction of the printer 1. The X-axis indicates the left-to-right direction of the printer 1. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the forward direction. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rightward direction. Note that the front of the printer 1 is the front of the printer 1.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a printer 1 according to this embodiment. The printer 1 of this embodiment has a printing function. The printer 1 corresponds to an example of a "printing device." In this embodiment, a case will be described where the "printing device" is a printer 1, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "printing device" only needs to have a printing function. For example, the "printing device" may be a copier. Also, for example, the "printing device" may be an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals). An MFP is a multifunction device that has various functions such as a printing function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and a scanning function.

[0012] 1, the printer 1 has a housing 10. The housing 10 houses each of the components that make up the printer 1. The housing 10 is formed in a substantially cubic shape. The housing 10 has an outlet 11 and a door 15. Receipts are discharged to the outside through the discharge port 11. The discharge port 11 is formed in the upper part of the front surface of the housing 10. The discharge port 11 is formed in the shape of a slit that extends in the left-right direction. The door 15 is configured to be openable and closable, and is opened, for example, when performing maintenance on the printer 1. The door 15 is disposed on the front side of the housing 10. A receipt corresponds to an example of a "printed matter."

[0013] Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the printer 1. For convenience, the right side of the housing 10 is omitted in Fig. 2. 2, the printer 1 includes a storage tray 215, a print head 113, a movable blade 114c, a fixed blade 114b, and a support shaft 216. The storage tray 215, the print head 113, the movable blade 114c, the fixed blade 114b, and the support shaft 216 are stored inside the housing 10.

[0014] The storage tray 215 stores the roll paper P. The roll paper P is, for example, thermal paper. The storage tray 215 is disposed in the lower part of the housing 10. The print head 113 is, for example, a thermal head. The print head 113 has multiple heating elements. The multiple heating elements generate heat when electricity is applied. Heat is applied from the print head 113 to thermal paper, forming an image on the thermal paper.

[0015] The movable blade 114c and the fixed blade 114b cut the printed thermal paper. The movable blade 114c is configured to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 2. When the movable blade 114c moves upward, the thermal paper is sandwiched between the fixed blade 114b and the movable blade 114c, and the thermal paper is cut. The generated receipt is then discharged from the discharge port 11.

[0016] Moreover, the door 15 described with reference to Fig. 1 is supported by a support shaft 216 shown in Fig. 2. The support shaft 216 extends in the left-right direction. The lower end of the door 15 is supported by the support shaft 216 so as to be freely rotatable. The door 15 is opened by rotating it forward. When the door 15 is in the open state, the user can perform maintenance such as replacing the roll paper P.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the moving mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the moving mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment. The left diagram of Fig. 3 is a front view, and the right diagram of Fig. 3 is a side view.

[0018] 3, the movement mechanism 2 is housed, for example, inside a housing 51 of a so-called self-checkout register 5. The self-checkout register 5 is a cash register where a customer performs a payment operation. The self-checkout register 5 is placed, for example, in a supermarket or the like. The housing 51 includes an outlet 511 and a maintenance door 512 .

[0019] The outlet 511 is a tray for receipts that allows the user to remove receipts that have been ejected from the first printer 1A. The removal position PT is set so that the output port 11, through which receipts from the first printer 1A are ejected, overlaps at least partially with the outlet 511 when viewed from the front of the outlet 511. The removal position PT is, for example, a position of the first printer 1A where receipts from the first printer 1A can be removed from the outlet 511. Note that the position of the first printer 1A refers to the vertical position of the first printer 1A when using the movement mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment. The first printer 1A corresponds to an example of a "first printing device."

[0020] The maintenance door 512 is located opposite the maintenance position PM, allowing the user to perform maintenance work on the third printer 1C. The maintenance position PM is the position where maintenance work is carried out. The third printer 1C is the printer 1 on which the user will perform maintenance work. 3, in the first embodiment, the maintenance door 512 is located on the front side of the housing 51. The maintenance door 512 is opened by, for example, pivoting forward about a support shaft that is located at the bottom end of the maintenance door 512. The maintenance door 512 is configured so that the roll paper P of the third printer 1C can be replaced by opening the maintenance door 512. The third printer 1C corresponds to an example of a "third printing device."

[0021] The movement mechanism 2 moves the positions of the multiple printers 1. The movement mechanism 2 moves the multiple printers 1 in the vertical direction relative to the outlet 511. In the movement mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment, the multiple printers 1 are made up of a first printer 1A, a second printer 1B, and a third printer 1C.

[0022] The movement mechanism 2 includes a first support member 21A, a second support member 21B, a third support member 21C, and a lifting mechanism 22. The lifting mechanism 22 includes a lifting member 221. The lifting member 221 extends in the vertical direction. The lifting member 221 is formed of, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member. The lifting member 221 is configured to be able to move up and down along a guide member (not shown) provided in the lifting mechanism 22. The lifting member 221 is driven to move up and down by, for example, a motor (not shown) provided in the lifting mechanism 22. The motor drives the lifting member 221 to move up and down in accordance with instructions from the control device 3. Furthermore, a sensor (not shown) is disposed in the lifting mechanism 22 to detect the vertical position of the lifting member 221. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the control device 3 drives the motor. The configuration of the control device 3 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0023] The first support member 21A, the second support member 21B, and the third support member 21C are, for example, configured from rectangular plate-shaped members. The first support member 21A, the second support member 21B, and the third support member 21C are formed to have substantially the same shape and size as one another. The first support member 21A, the second support member 21B, and the third support member 21C are sequentially arranged from top to bottom along the vertical direction. The distance between the first support member 21A and the second support member 21B is the same as the distance between the second support member 21B and the third support member 21C. The distance between the first support member 21A and the second support member 21B, and the distance between the second support member 21B and the third support member 21C are determined according to the height of the printer 1. Further, for example, the right end of each of the first support member 21A, the second support member 21B, and the third support member 21C is fixed to the lifting member 221. That is, the first support member 21A, the second support member 21B, and the third support member 21C are integral with the lifting member 221 and driven to move up and down by a motor (not shown). The first support member 21A, the second support member 21B, and the third support member 21C are configured substantially identically, and therefore may be referred to as support members 21 when there is no need to distinguish one from another.

[0024] 3, in the movement mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment, the first printer 1A is placed on the top surface of the second support member 21B. The second printer 1B is placed on the top surface of the first support member 21A. The third printer 1C is placed on the top surface of the third support member 21C. In the first embodiment, the printer 1 is placed on the upper surface of the support member 21, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The printer 1 may be fixed to the upper surface of the support member 21 with bolts or the like. In this case, for example, even if the acceleration caused by the lifting mechanism 22 driving the lifting member 221 is relatively large, it is possible to prevent the position of the printer 1 from moving relative to the support member 21.

[0025] In the movement mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first printer 1A is placed in the removal position PT. The removal position PT is a position on the printer 1 where receipts ejected from the printer 1 can be removed from the outlet 511. The position of the printer 1 is, for example, the center position of the printer 1 in the vertical direction. For example, the removal position PT is set so that the discharge outlet 11, which discharges receipts from the first printer, overlaps with the discharge outlet 511 when viewed from the front of the outlet 511. For example, the removal position PT is set so that the discharge outlet 11 is included in the discharge outlet 511 when viewed from the front of the outlet 511. In this case, receipts discharged from the discharge outlet 11 can be placed reliably in the discharge outlet 511.

[0026] In the movement mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the third printer 1C is placed at the maintenance position PM. The maintenance position PM is the position of the printer 1 when maintenance work is performed on the printer 1. In other words, the maintenance position PM is a position facing the maintenance door 512. The position of the printer 1 is, for example, the center position of the printer 1 in the up-down direction. Maintenance work includes, for example, replacing the roll paper P. Maintenance work can be easily performed by opening the maintenance door 512.

[0027] In the first embodiment, a case is described in which the movement mechanism 2 includes a lifting mechanism 22, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The movement mechanism 2 may include, for example, a slide mechanism instead of the lifting mechanism 22. The slide mechanism moves the multiple printers 1 in the horizontal direction relative to the outlet 511. The multiple printers 1 include, for example, a first printer 1A, a second printer 1B, and a third printer 1C. The slide mechanism includes, for example, a slide member instead of the lifting member 221. The slide member extends, for example, in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction. The slide member is configured to be slidable, for example, in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction, by a motor (not shown). A first support member, a second support member, and a third support member 21C are arranged on the slide member, for example, at equal intervals in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction. The first printer 1A is placed on the top surface of the second support member. The second printer 1B is placed on the top surface of the first support member. The third printer 1C is placed on the top surface of the third support member. In this case, the first support member, the second support member, and the third support member may be configured as a single unit.

[0028] If the movement mechanism 2 includes, for example, a slide mechanism that moves multiple printers 1 in the left-right direction, the size of the movement mechanism 2 in the up-down and front-rear directions can be reduced. Furthermore, if the movement mechanism 2 includes a slide mechanism that moves multiple printers 1 in the front-to-rear direction, for example, the size of the movement mechanism 2 in the up-down and left-right directions can be reduced.

[0029] Next, the configuration of a moving mechanism 2A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a moving mechanism 2A according to the second embodiment. The upper diagram of Fig. 4 is a plan view, the left diagram of Fig. 4 is a front view, and the right diagram of Fig. 4 is a side view.

[0030] 4, the movement mechanism 2A is housed, for example, inside a housing 51 of a so-called self-checkout register 5. The self-checkout register 5 is a cash register where a customer performs a payment operation. The self-checkout register 5 is placed, for example, in a supermarket or the like. The housing 51 includes an outlet 511 and a maintenance door 512 .

[0031] The outlet 511 is a tray for receipts that allows the user to remove receipts that have been ejected from the first printer 1A. The removal position PT is set so that the output port 11, through which receipts from the first printer 1A are ejected, overlaps at least partially with the outlet 511 when viewed from the front of the outlet 511. The removal position PT is, for example, a position of the first printer 1A where receipts from the first printer 1A can be removed from the outlet 511. Note that the position of the first printer 1A refers to the position in the left-right and front-rear directions for the movement mechanism 2A according to the second embodiment. The first printer 1A corresponds to an example of a "first printing device."

[0032] The maintenance door 512 is located opposite the maintenance position PM, allowing the user to perform maintenance work on the third printer 1C. The maintenance position PM is the position where maintenance work is carried out. The third printer 1C is the printer 1 on which maintenance work is to be carried out. 4, in the second embodiment, the maintenance door 512 is located on the right side of the housing 51. The maintenance door 512 is opened by, for example, rotating to the right about a support shaft that is located at the bottom end of the maintenance door 512. The maintenance door 512 is configured so that by opening the maintenance door 512, it is possible to replace the roll paper P of the third printer 1C. The third printer 1C corresponds to an example of a "third printing device."

[0033] The movement mechanism 2A moves the positions of the multiple printers 1. The movement mechanism 2A rotates and moves the multiple printers 1 around a central axis CL along the vertical direction. In the movement mechanism 2A according to the second embodiment, the multiple printers 1 are made up of a first printer 1A, a second printer 1B, a third printer 1C, and a fourth printer 1D.

[0034] The moving mechanism 2A includes a rotating mechanism 23. The rotating mechanism 23 includes a rotating member 231. The rotating member 231 is configured to be rotatable around a central axis CL. The central axis CL is approximately parallel to the vertical direction. The rotating member 231 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. The rotating member 231 is disposed so that the upper surface of the rotating member 231 is horizontal. The rotating member 231 is supported by a support member (not shown) included in the rotating mechanism 23 and configured to be rotatable. The rotating member 231 is rotationally driven around the central axis CL by a motor (not shown) included in the rotating mechanism 23. The motor rotationally drives the rotating member 231 around the central axis CL in accordance with an instruction from the control device 3. Further, a sensor (not shown) is disposed in the rotation mechanism 23 to detect the rotational position of the rotation member 231. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the control device 3 drives the motor. The configuration of the control device 3 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0035] On the upper surface of the rotating member 231, the first printer 1A, the second printer 1B, the third printer 1C, and the fourth printer 1D are placed. As shown in the plan view of Figure 4, the first printer 1A and the fourth printer 1D are positioned so that the left-right center positions of the first printer 1A and the fourth printer 1D coincide with the left-right central axis CLY of the rotating member 231. The central axis CLY is a straight line that is parallel to the Y axis and passes through the central axis CL. The first printer 1A is positioned at the front end of the rotating member 231, and the fourth printer 1D is positioned at the rear end of the rotating member 231. Additionally, the second printer 1B and third printer 1C are positioned so that the front-to-rear center positions of the second printer 1B and third printer 1C coincide with the front-to-rear central axis CLX of the rotating member 231. The central axis CLX is parallel to the X-axis and is a straight line that passes through the central axis CL. The second printer 1B is positioned at the left end of the rotating member 231, and the third printer 1C is positioned at the right end of the rotating member 231.

[0036] 4, in the first embodiment, the printer 1 is placed on the upper surface of the rotating member 231, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The printer 1 may be fixed to the upper surface of the rotating member 231 with bolts or the like. In this case, for example, even if the acceleration caused by the rotation mechanism 23 driving the lifting member 221 is relatively large, it is possible to prevent the position of the printer 1 from moving relative to the rotation mechanism 23.

[0037] In the movement mechanism 2A according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first printer 1A is placed in the removal position PT. The removal position PT is a position of the printer 1 where receipts ejected from the printer 1 can be removed from the outlet 511. The position of the printer 1 is, for example, the center position of the printer 1 in the left-right and front-back directions. For example, the removal position PT is set so that the discharge outlet 11, which discharges receipts from the first printer, overlaps with the discharge outlet 511 when viewed from the front of the outlet 511. For example, the removal position PT is set so that the discharge outlet 11 is included in the discharge outlet 511 when viewed from the front of the outlet 511. In this case, receipts discharged from the discharge outlet 11 can be placed reliably in the discharge outlet 511.

[0038] In the movement mechanism 2A according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the third printer 1C is placed at the maintenance position PM. The maintenance position PM is the position of the printer 1 when maintenance work is performed on the printer 1. In other words, the maintenance position PM is a position facing the maintenance door 512. The position of the printer 1 is, for example, the center position of the printer 1 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. Maintenance work includes, for example, replacing the roll paper P. Maintenance work can be easily performed by opening the maintenance door 512.

[0039] In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the movement mechanism 2A includes a rotating member 231 that rotates around a central axis CL that is approximately parallel to the vertical direction, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Instead of the rotating member 231, the movement mechanism 2A may include, for example, a rotating member that rotates around a central axis that is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. The movement mechanism 2A may include, for example, a rotating member that rotates around a central axis that is approximately parallel to the front-rear direction. The rotating member rotates and moves the multiple printers 1 around a central axis that is approximately parallel to the front-rear direction. The multiple printers 1 are, for example, a first printer 1A, a second printer 1B, a third printer 1C, and a fourth printer 1D. In the second embodiment, the first printer 1A, second printer 1B, third printer 1C, and fourth printer 1D are mounted on a rotating member 231, but when multiple printers 1 are rotated around a central axis that is approximately parallel to the front-to-rear direction, for example, each of the multiple printers 1 must be fixed to the rotating member with bolts or the like. Also, instead of fixing each of the multiple printers 1 to a rotating member with bolts or the like, a support member may be provided that supports the multiple printers 1 so that their tops always face upwards, regardless of the rotational position of the rotating member.

[0040] If the movement mechanism 2A includes, for example, a rotation mechanism that rotates the multiple printers 1 around a central axis that is approximately parallel to the front-to-rear direction, the size of the movement mechanism 2A in the front-to-rear direction can be reduced. Furthermore, if the movement mechanism 2A includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the multiple printers 1 around a central axis that is approximately parallel to the left-right direction, the left-right size of the movement mechanism 2A can be reduced.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the mobile system 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobile system according to this embodiment. 5, the moving system 300 includes multiple printers 1 and a moving device 400. The moving device 400 includes a moving mechanism 2 or a moving mechanism 2A, a control device 3, a notification mechanism 4, an outlet 511 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and a maintenance door 512 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The multiple printers 1 include, for example, a first printer 1A, a second printer 1B, and a third printer 1C. The moving mechanism 2 is the moving mechanism 2 described with reference to Fig. 3. The moving mechanism 2A is the moving mechanism 2A described with reference to Fig. 4. The notification mechanism 4 is, for example, an indicator lamp equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits light in a plurality of colors. The notification mechanism 4 causes the LED to emit light in accordance with an instruction from the control device 3. For convenience, the following description will be mainly directed to a case where the moving device 400 includes the moving mechanism 2. When the moving device 400 includes the moving mechanism 2A, the moving mechanism 2 can be replaced with the moving mechanism 2A. When the moving mechanism 2 cannot be replaced with the moving mechanism 2A, the case will be described.

[0042] The control device 3 is connected to be able to communicate with the multiple printers 1, the movement mechanism 2, and the notification mechanism 4. The control device 3 controls the multiple printers 1, the movement mechanism 2, and the notification mechanism 4. The control device 3 includes a first control unit 31, an operation mechanism 32, a display mechanism 33, and a first communication interface 34. The control device 3 is configured, for example, as a personal computer. The control device 3 is housed, for example, inside a housing 51 of the self-checkout register 5.

[0043] The first control unit 31 includes a first processor 11A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a first memory 31B such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The first memory 31B stores a first control program PG1. The first control unit 31 corresponds to an example of a "control unit."

[0044] The first processor 11A may be configured with multiple processors, or may be configured with a single processor. The first processor 11A may be hardware programmed to realize the functions of each unit described below. That is, the first processor 11A may be configured to have the first control program PG1 installed as a hardware circuit. In this case, for example, the first processor 11A is configured with an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like. In the following description, a case will be described in which the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to thereby realize various functions of the first control unit 31.

[0045] The first memory 31B has a storage area for storing programs executed by the first processor 11A and data processed by the first processor 11A. The first memory 31B stores the first control program PG1 executed by the first processor 11A, and various image data, setting data, and the like related to the operation of the control device 3. The first memory 31B has a nonvolatile storage area that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The first memory 31B may have, for example, a ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like as the nonvolatile storage area. The first memory 31B may also have a volatile storage area and configure a work area that temporarily stores programs executed by the first processor 11A and data to be processed. The first memory 31B may have, for example, a random access memory (RAM), or the like as the volatile storage area.

[0046] The operation mechanism 32 is communicably connected to, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, receives an operation from a user, and outputs to the first control unit 31 an operation signal corresponding to the received operation. The display mechanism 33, under the control of the first control unit 31, displays various types of information on a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The first communication interface 34 is a communication interface that communicates with the printer 1 in accordance with, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The first communication interface 34 includes a transmission / reception circuit that transmits and receives Ethernet (registered trademark) signals, and an interface circuit that processes signals transmitted through the transmission / reception circuit. The first communication interface 34 is an interface board that has the transmission / reception circuit and interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the first processor 31A and the like of the first control unit 31 are mounted. Alternatively, the transmission / reception circuit and interface circuit that make up the first communication interface 34 are mounted on the main board of the first control unit 31. The first communication interface 24 receives status information indicating the status of the printer 1 from the printer 1, and sends print instruction information to the printer 1.

[0047] The printer 1 includes a second control unit 100, a printing mechanism 103, and a second communication interface 104. The second control unit 100 includes a second processor 101 such as a CPU, and a second memory 102 such as a ROM. The second memory 102 stores a second control program PG2.

[0048] The second processor 101 may be configured with multiple processors, or may be configured with a single processor. The second processor 101 may be hardware programmed to realize various functions. That is, the second processor 101 may be configured to include the second control program PG2 as a hardware circuit. In this case, the second processor 101 is configured, for example, with an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like.

[0049] 2. The printing mechanism 103 transports the rolled paper P and forms various images on the rolled paper P with the print head 113. The printing mechanism 103 then cuts the rolled paper P on which the images have been formed with the fixed blade 114b and movable blade 114c, and discharges the receipt from the discharge opening 11.

[0050] The second communication interface 104 is a communication interface that communicates with the control device 3 in accordance with, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The second communication interface 104 includes a transmission / reception circuit that transmits and receives Ethernet (registered trademark) signals, and an interface circuit that processes signals transmitted through the transmission / reception circuit. The second communication interface 104 is an interface board that includes the transmission / reception circuit and an interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the second processor 101 and the like of the second control unit 100 are mounted. Alternatively, the transmission / reception circuit and the interface circuit that constitute the second communication interface 104 are mounted on the main board of the second control unit 100. The second communication interface 104 transmits status information indicating the status of the printer 1 to the control device 3, and receives print instruction information from the control device 3.

[0051] The first control unit 31 controls each unit of the printer 1 by the first processor 31A reading and executing the first control program PG1 stored in the first memory 31B. The first processor 31A executes the first control program PG1 stored in the first memory 31B to function as a monitoring unit 311, a movement instruction unit 312, a selection unit 313, a reception unit 314, a notification unit 315, and a cancellation unit 316. The first control program PG1 corresponds to an example of a "movement control program".

[0052] The monitoring unit 311 monitors the status of each of the multiple printers 1. The monitoring unit 311 acquires status information JP indicating the status of the printer 1 from each of the multiple printers 1. The status of the printer 1 includes the following five statuses. First state C1: A state in which printing processing is possible. Second state C2: The remaining amount of roll paper P is insufficient. Third state C3: A state in which a transport error has occurred. Fourth state C4: A fault has occurred. Fifth condition C5: Replacement is required.

[0053] The first status C1 is a normal status of the printer 1. The second status C2, the third status C3, and the fourth status C4 are statuses in which maintenance is required. The fifth status C5 is a status in which the printer 1 needs to be replaced.

[0054] When the reception unit 314 receives the unrepairable information, the monitoring unit 311 changes the status information JP of the third printer 1C to the fifth status C5. The unrepairable information indicates that the printer 1 is in a state where printing is not possible due to maintenance.

[0055] The movement instruction unit 312, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 311, causes the movement mechanism 2 to move the first printer 1A to a removal position PT where receipts can be removed from the removal opening 511. The first printer 1A is the printer 1 selected by the selection unit 313.

[0056] If printing is suspended on the first printer 1A due to an insufficient remaining roll paper P, the movement instruction unit 312 moves the position of the second printer 1B to the removal position PT on the movement mechanism 2. The second printer 1B is the printer 1 selected by the selection unit 313. Furthermore, if the first printer 1A stops transporting the roll paper P due to a transport failure, the movement instruction unit 312 moves the position of the second printer 1B to the removal position PT by the movement mechanism 2. Furthermore, if a malfunction occurs in the first printer 1A and transport of the roll paper P is stopped, the movement instruction unit 312 will move the position of the second printer 1B to the removal position PT by the movement mechanism 2. The second printer 1B corresponds to an example of a "second printing device."

[0057] When the reception unit 314 receives a maintenance instruction to perform maintenance work on a third printer 1C that is different from the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1, the movement instruction unit 312 causes the movement mechanism 2 to move the third printer 1C to the maintenance position PM. The maintenance position PM is the position where the maintenance work is carried out. The third printer 1C is a printer 1 whose status information JP is in the second status C2, the third status C3, or the fourth status C4.

[0058] The selection unit 313 selects the first printer 1A from the multiple printers 1 as the printer 1 capable of executing the print process, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 311. The print process is the process of printing an image on roll paper P. In other words, the first printer 1A is the printer 1 whose status information JP is in the first status C1.

[0059] The selection unit 313 selects the second printer 1B if printing by the first printer 1A is interrupted, or if the transport of the roll paper P by the first printer 1A is stopped. The second printer 1B is a printer 1 other than the first printer 1A out of the multiple printers 1, and is a printer 1 that is capable of executing print processing. In other words, the second printer 1B is a printer 1 whose status information JP is in the first status C1 and is other than the first printer 1A.

[0060] The reception unit 314 receives a maintenance instruction to carry out maintenance work on a third printer 1C, which is different from the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1. For example, when a maintenance button (not shown) is pressed by a user, the reception unit 314 receives a maintenance instruction. The user is, for example, a manager of the self-checkout register 5 or a serviceman who performs maintenance on the printer 1.

[0061] The reception unit 314 also receives unrepairable information indicating that the third printer 1C will not be able to perform printing due to maintenance. For example, when a user presses an unrepairable button (not shown), the reception unit 314 receives the unrepairable information. The user is, for example, a manager of the self-checkout 5 or a serviceman who performs maintenance on the printer 1.

[0062] When the reception unit 314 receives a maintenance instruction, if the third printer 1C is not in the maintenance position PM, the notification unit 315 causes the notification mechanism 4 to output a warning. For example, the notification unit 315 causes the LED of the notification mechanism 4 to light up in red. When the reception unit 314 receives a maintenance instruction, if the third printer 1C is not in the maintenance position PM, the movement instruction unit 312 moves the position of the third printer 1C to the maintenance position PM by the movement mechanism 2. In other words, as the movement mechanism 2 operates to move multiple printers 1, a warning is output to the notification mechanism 4 to ensure safety.

[0063] If the reception unit 314 receives unrepairable information, the cancellation unit 316 cancels the maintenance instruction for the third printer 1C. In other words, if the reception unit 314 receives unrepairable information, the cancellation unit 316 cancels the maintenance instruction for the third printer 1C. The monitoring unit 311 then changes the status information JP of the third printer 1C to the fifth status C5.

[0064] Next, the process of the first control unit 31 of the control device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the first control unit 31. As shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S101, the monitoring unit 311 acquires status information JP indicating the status of the printer 1 from each of the multiple printers 1. Next, in step S103, the selection unit 313 determines whether or not there is a printer 1 among the multiple printers 1 that can execute the print process. If the selection unit 313 determines that there is no printer 1 capable of executing the print process (step S103; NO), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, in step S105, the notification unit 315 outputs a print impossible message to the notification mechanism 4. The notification unit 315, for example, causes the LED of the notification mechanism 4 to blink in red. After that, the process ends. If the selection unit 313 determines that there is a printer 1 capable of executing the print process (step S103; NO), the process proceeds to step S107. Then, in step S107, the selection unit 313 selects the first printer 1A as the printer 1 capable of executing the print process.

[0065] Next, in step S109, the movement instruction unit 312 causes the movement mechanism 2 to move the first printer 1A to the removal position PT. The removal position PT indicates the position of the printer 1 where a receipt can be removed from the removal opening 511. Next, in step S111, the first control unit 31 determines whether or not a print job has been accepted. The print job is instructed to the first control unit 31 from a POS (Point of Sale) terminal device (not shown) arranged at the self-checkout register 5, for example. If the first control unit 31 determines that a print job has not been accepted (step S111; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the first control unit 31 determines that a print job has been accepted (step S111; YES), the process proceeds to step S113. Then, in step S113, the first control unit 31 instructs the first printer 1A to execute the print job.

[0066] Next, in step S115, the monitoring unit 311 determines whether execution of the print job has been interrupted in the first printer 1A. For example, if the monitoring unit 311 receives status information JP from the first printer 1A indicating the second status C2, the third status C3, or the fourth status C4, the monitoring unit 311 determines that execution of the print job has been interrupted in the first printer 1A. If the monitoring unit 311 determines that the print job has been interrupted in the first printer 1A (step S115; YES), the process proceeds to step S119. If the monitoring unit 311 determines that the print job has not been interrupted in the first printer 1A (step S115; NO), the process proceeds to step S117. Then, in step S117, the first control unit 31 determines whether the print job is complete in the first printer 1A. If the print job is complete, the receipt is discharged from the discharge slot 11 to the outlet 511. If the first control unit 31 determines that the print job is completed (step S117; YES), the process ends. If the first control unit 31 determines that the print job is not completed (step S117; NO), the process returns to step S115.

[0067] If the answer is YES in step S115, then in step S119, the selection unit 313 determines whether or not there is a printer 1 among the multiple printers 1 that is capable of executing the print process. If the selection unit 313 determines that there is no printer 1 capable of executing the print process (step S119; NO), the process proceeds to step S121. Then, in step S121, the notification unit 315 outputs a print impossible message to the notification mechanism 4. The notification unit 315, for example, causes the LED of the notification mechanism 4 to blink in red. After that, the process ends. If the selection unit 313 determines that there is a printer 1 capable of executing the print process (step S119; YES), the process proceeds to step S123.

[0068] Then, in step S123, the selection unit 313 selects the second printer 1B. The second printer 1B is a printer 1 among the multiple printers 1 that is different from the first printer 1A, and is a printer 1 that is capable of executing print processing. Next, in step S125, the movement instruction unit 312 causes the movement mechanism 2 to move the second printer 1B to the removal position PT. The removal position PT indicates the position of the printer 1 from which a receipt can be removed from the removal opening 511. Next, in step S127, the first control unit 31 instructs the second printer 1B to execute the print job. After that, the process returns to step S115, and the process from step S115 onwards is repeated. Note that in the process from step S115 onwards, the first printer 1A is replaced with the second printer 1B and the process is executed.

[0069] Step S101 corresponds to an example of a "monitoring step." Step S109 corresponds to an example of a "movement instruction step."

[0070] Next, an example of maintenance processing by the first control unit 31 will be described with reference to Figure 7. "Maintenance processing" refers to processing in which a printer 1 requiring maintenance, for example the third printer 1C, is moved to a maintenance position PM and a service technician performs maintenance on the third printer 1C. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the maintenance process of the first control unit 31.

[0071] First, in step S201, the reception unit 314 determines whether a maintenance instruction to perform maintenance work on the third printer 1C has been received. For example, if a maintenance button (not shown) is pressed by the user, the reception unit 314 receives the maintenance instruction. If the reception unit 314 determines that a maintenance instruction has not been received (step S201; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the reception unit 314 determines that a maintenance instruction has been received (step S201; YES), the process proceeds to step S203. Then, in step S203, the movement instruction unit 312 determines whether the third printer 1C is in the maintenance position PM.

[0072] If the movement instruction unit 312 determines that the third printer 1C is in the maintenance position PM (Step S203; YES), the process proceeds to Step S209. If the movement instruction unit 312 determines that the third printer 1C is not in the maintenance position PM (Step S203; NO), the process proceeds to Step S205. Then, in step S205, the notification unit 315 causes the notification mechanism 4 to output a message that the third printer 1C is not in the maintenance position PM. For example, the notification unit 315 causes the LED of the notification mechanism 4 to light up in red. Next, in step S207, the movement instruction unit 312 moves the third printer 1C to the maintenance position PM. After that, the process returns to step S203.

[0073] If the answer is YES in step S203, then in step S209 the reception unit 314 determines whether or not irreparable information has been received indicating that the third printer 1C has been rendered unable to perform printing due to maintenance. If the reception unit 314 determines that the irreparable information has not been received (step S209; NO), the process proceeds to step S217. If the reception unit 314 determines that the irreparable information has been received (step S209; YES), the process proceeds to step S211. Then, in step S211, the notification unit 315 causes the notification mechanism 4 to output a message indicating that the maintenance has caused the printer 1 to be unable to perform print processing. For example, the notification unit 315 causes the LED of the notification mechanism 4 to light up in yellow. Then, in step S213, the cancellation unit 316 cancels the maintenance instruction for the third printer 1C. Next, in step S215, the monitoring unit 311 changes the status of the third printer 1C to the fifth status C5. The fifth status C5 indicates that replacement is necessary. After that, the maintenance process ends.

[0074] If the result in step S209 is NO, then in step S217 the monitoring unit 311 determines whether maintenance of the third printer 1C is complete. If the monitoring unit 311 determines that maintenance of the third printer 1C is not complete (Step S217; NO), the process returns to Step S209. If the monitoring unit 311 determines that maintenance of the third printer 1C is complete (Step S217; YES), the process proceeds to Step S219. Then, in step S219, the monitoring unit 311 changes the status of the third printer 1C to the first status C1. The first status C1 indicates a status in which printing processing is possible. After that, the maintenance processing ends.

[0075] As described above with reference to Figures 1-7, the movement device 400 of this embodiment supports multiple printers 1 that perform a printing process to print on roll paper P, and is equipped with a movement mechanism 2, 2A that moves the positions of the multiple printers 1, an outlet 511 through which a user removes a receipt ejected from the first printer 1A, which is one of the multiple printers 1, and a first control unit 31 that is configured to be able to communicate with the multiple printers 1 and controls the movement mechanisms 2, 2A. The first control unit 31 is equipped with a monitoring unit 311 that monitors the status of each of the multiple printers 1, and a movement instruction unit 312 that, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 311, moves the position of the first printer 1A to the movement mechanism 2, 2A to a removal position PT where the receipt can be removed from the outlet 511.

[0076] This allows the status of each of the multiple printers 1 to be monitored, and based on the monitoring results, the movement mechanism 2, 2A moves the first printer 1A to the removal position PT where receipts can be removed from the outlet 511. Therefore, for example, if a printer 1 located at the removal position PT breaks down, the first printer 1A, which is the printer 1 that can perform printing, can be moved to the removal position PT, shortening the amount of time that printing is interrupted. This improves user convenience.

[0077] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, the first control unit 31 includes a selection unit 313 that selects the first printer 1A from the multiple printers 1 as a printer 1 that can execute print processing, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 311.

[0078] According to this, the first printer 1A is selected from the multiple printers 1 as the printer 1 that can execute the print process based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 311. Therefore, the first printer 1A can be selected from the multiple printers 1 as the printer 1 that can execute the print process. Therefore, it is possible to select an appropriate printer 1 as the first printer 1A.

[0079] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, when printing by the first printer 1A is interrupted due to a lack of remaining roll paper P, the selection unit 313 selects the second printer 1B, which is a printer 1 other than the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1 and is capable of executing printing processing, and the movement instruction unit 312 moves the position of the second printer 1B to the removal position PT by the movement mechanism 2, 2A.

[0080] According to this, when printing is interrupted by the first printer 1A due to a lack of remaining roll paper P, the second printer 1B, which is a printer 1 other than the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1 and which is capable of executing printing processing, is selected, and the position of the second printer 1B is moved by the moving mechanism 2, 2A to the removal position PT. Therefore, if the first printer 1A interrupts printing because there is not enough roll paper P remaining, the second printer 1B, which is the printer 1 that can execute printing, moves to the removal position PT, shortening the amount of time that printing is interrupted, thereby improving user convenience.

[0081] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, when the first printer 1A stops transporting the roll paper P due to a transport failure, the selection unit 313 selects the second printer 1B, which is a printer 1 other than the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1 and is capable of executing printing processing, and the movement instruction unit 312 moves the position of the second printer 1B to the removal position PT by the movement mechanism 2, 2A.

[0082] According to this, when the first printer 1A stops transporting the roll paper P due to a transport failure, the second printer 1B is selected as a printer 1 different from the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1 and is a printer 1 that can execute printing processes, and the second printer 1B is moved to the removal position PT by the movement mechanism 2, 2A. Therefore, if the first printer 1A stops transporting the roll paper P due to a transport failure, the second printer 1B, which is the printer 1 that can execute print processing, moves to the removal position PT, shortening the amount of time that printing is interrupted, thereby improving user convenience.

[0083] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, when the first printer 1A stops transporting the roll paper P due to a malfunction, the selection unit 313 selects the second printer 1B, which is a printer 1 other than the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1 and is capable of executing printing processing, and the movement instruction unit 312 moves the position of the second printer 1B to the removal position PT by the movement mechanism 2, 2A.

[0084] According to this, when the first printer 1A experiences a malfunction and stops transporting the roll paper P, the second printer 1B is selected as a printer 1 different from the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1 and is a printer 1 that can execute printing processes, and the second printer 1B is moved to the removal position PT by the movement mechanism 2, 2A. Therefore, if a malfunction occurs and the first printer 1A stops transporting the roll paper P, the second printer 1B, which is the printer 1 that can execute print processes, will move to the removal position PT, shortening the amount of time that printing is interrupted, thereby improving user convenience.

[0085] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, the first control unit 31 includes a reception unit 314 that receives a maintenance instruction to perform maintenance work on a third printer 1C that is different from the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1, and when the reception unit 314 receives a maintenance instruction, the movement instruction unit 312 causes the movement mechanism 2, 2A to move the third printer 1C to the maintenance position PM, which is the position where the maintenance work is performed.

[0086] According to this, when a maintenance instruction is received to perform maintenance work on a third printer 1C, which is different from the first printer 1A among the multiple printers 1, the third printer 1C is moved by the moving mechanism 2, 2A to the maintenance position PM, where the maintenance work will be performed. Therefore, for example, if the maintenance position PM is different from the removal position PT, the printing process of the first printer 1A and maintenance work on the third printer 1C can be carried out in parallel. This makes it possible to shorten the amount of time that the printing process by the first printer 1A is interrupted due to maintenance work being carried out on the third printer 1C.

[0087] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, the movement mechanism 2 includes a lifting mechanism 22 that moves the multiple printers 1 in a direction vertical to the outlet 511, and the multiple printers 1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the lifting mechanism 22.

[0088] According to this, the movement mechanism 2 includes a lifting mechanism 22 that moves the multiple printers 1 in a direction vertical to the outlet 511, and the multiple printers 1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the lifting mechanism 22, so that the front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions of the movement mechanism 2 can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce, for example, the front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions of the housing 51 of the self-checkout 5 in which the movement mechanism 2 is housed. This makes it possible to reduce the space required to place the self-checkout 5.

[0089] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, the movement mechanism 2 includes a slide mechanism that moves multiple printers 1 horizontally relative to the outlet 511, and the multiple printers 1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the slide mechanism.

[0090] According to this, the movement mechanism 2 includes a slide mechanism that moves the multiple printers 1 horizontally, for example left and right, relative to the outlet 511, and the multiple printers 1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the slide mechanism, so that the vertical and front-to-back dimensions of the movement mechanism 2 can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce, for example, the vertical and front-to-back dimensions of the housing 51 of the self-checkout 5 in which the movement mechanism 2 is housed. This makes it possible to reduce the space required to place the self-checkout 5.

[0091] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, the movement mechanism 2A includes a rotation mechanism 23 that rotates the multiple printers 1 around a central axis along the vertical direction, and the multiple printers 1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the rotation mechanism 23.

[0092] According to this, the movement mechanism 2A includes a rotation mechanism 23 that rotates the multiple printers 1 around a central axis along the vertical direction, and the multiple printers 1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the rotation mechanism 23, so that the vertical size of the movement mechanism 2 can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce, for example, the vertical size of the housing 51 of the self-checkout 5 in which the movement mechanism 2 is housed. This makes it possible to reduce the space required to arrange the self-checkout 5.

[0093] Furthermore, in the movement device 400, the movement mechanism 2A includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the multiple printers 1 around a central axis that is aligned in the horizontal direction, and the multiple printers 1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the rotation mechanism.

[0094] According to this, the movement mechanism 2A includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the multiple printers 1 about a central axis that is horizontal, for example, along the front-to-rear direction, and the multiple printers 1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the rotation mechanism, so the front-to-rear size of the movement mechanism 2 can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce, for example, the front-to-rear size of the housing 51 of the self-checkout 5 in which the movement mechanism 2 is housed. This makes it possible to reduce the space required to arrange the self-checkout 5.

[0095] The moving device 400 is also provided with a maintenance door 512 that is positioned opposite the maintenance position PM and enables the user to perform maintenance work on the third printer 1C, and the maintenance door 512 is configured so that the roll paper P can be replaced by opening the maintenance door 512.

[0096] According to this, the maintenance door 512 is positioned opposite the maintenance position PM, and is configured so that opening the maintenance door 512 allows the roll paper P to be replaced. Therefore, by placing the third printer 1C in the maintenance position PM, the user can easily perform maintenance on the third printer 1C, thereby improving user convenience.

[0097] Additionally, when the first printer 1A is located in the removal position PT on the moving device 400, the maintenance door 512 is located in a position that allows the user to perform maintenance work on the third printer 1C.

[0098] As a result, when the first printer 1A is located in the removal position PT, the maintenance door 512 is positioned to allow the user to perform maintenance on the third printer 1C. This allows the printing process of the first printer 1A and maintenance work on the third printer 1C to be carried out in parallel. This makes it possible to shorten the amount of time that printing work by the first printer 1A is interrupted due to maintenance work being carried out on the third printer 1C.

[0099] Furthermore, in the moving device 400, the removal position PT is set so that the outlet 11 through which receipts of the first printer 1A are ejected overlaps at least a portion of the outlet 511 when viewed from the front of the outlet 511.

[0100] According to this, the removal position PT is set so that the discharge outlet 11, which discharges receipts from the first printer 1A, overlaps at least a portion of the discharge outlet 511 when viewed from the front of the discharge outlet 511. As a result, receipts discharged from the discharge outlet 11 of the first printer 1A can be placed in the discharge outlet 511. As a result, the user can receive the receipt from the discharge outlet 511 formed in the housing 51 of the self-checkout 5, for example.

[0101] The moving device 400 also has a notification mechanism 4 that outputs a warning to the outside, and the first control unit 31 has a notification unit 315 that causes the notification mechanism 4 to output a warning when the reception unit 314 receives a maintenance instruction and the third printer 1C is not at the maintenance position PM.

[0102] According to this, when a maintenance instruction is received and the third printer 1C is not in the maintenance position PM, the notification mechanism 4 outputs a warning. This allows the user to know that the third printer 1C is not in the maintenance position PM. This allows the user to prepare for the operation to move the third printer 1C to the maintenance position PM. As a result, the safety of the user can be ensured.

[0103] Furthermore, in the mobile device 400, the reception unit 314 receives unrepairable information indicating that the third printer 1C will not be able to perform printing due to maintenance, and the first control unit 31 includes a cancellation unit 316 that cancels a maintenance instruction for the third printer 1C when the reception unit 314 receives the unrepairable information.

[0104] According to this, if the third printer 1C receives unrepairable information indicating that maintenance will not bring it into a state where printing is possible, the maintenance instruction for the third printer 1C is canceled. This makes it possible to avoid carrying out the operation corresponding to the maintenance instruction if maintenance will not bring the third printer 1C into a state where printing is possible. It is also possible to determine that the third printer 1C needs to be replaced. As a result, the first control unit 31 can notify the user that the third printer 1C needs to be replaced.

[0105] The moving system 300 according to this embodiment also includes a moving device 400 that supports multiple printers 1 that execute a printing process to print on roll paper P and moves the positions of the multiple printers 1, an outlet 511 through which a user removes a receipt ejected from the first printer 1A, which is one of the multiple printers 1, and a control device 3 that is configured to communicate with the multiple printers 1 and controls the moving mechanisms 2, 2A. The control device 3 also includes a monitoring unit 311 that monitors the status of each of the multiple printers 1, and a movement instruction unit 312 that, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 311, moves the position of the first printer 1A to a removal position PT where the receipt can be removed from the outlet 511 by the moving device 400.

[0106] According to this, the same effects as those of the moving device 400 described above can be achieved.

[0107] Furthermore, in a movement device 400 including a movement mechanism 2, 2A that supports multiple printers 1 executing a printing process to print on roll paper P and moves the positions of the multiple printers 1, an outlet 511 through which a user removes a receipt ejected from a first printer 1A, which is one of the multiple printers 1, and a first control unit 31 that is configured to be able to communicate with the multiple printers 1 and controls the movement mechanism 2, 2A, the movement method includes a monitoring step in which the first control unit 31 monitors the status of each of the multiple printers 1, and a movement instruction step in which the first control unit 31 moves the position of the first printer 1A to a removal position PT where the receipt can be removed from the outlet 511, based on the monitoring results in the monitoring step.

[0108] According to this, the same effects as those of the moving device 400 described above can be achieved.

[0109] Furthermore, the first control program PG1 according to this embodiment of the invention supports multiple printers 1 that execute a printing process to print on roll paper P, and includes a moving mechanism 2, 2A that moves the positions of the multiple printers 1, an outlet 511 through which a user removes a receipt ejected from the first printer 1A, which is one printer 1 of the multiple printers 1, and a first control unit 31 that is configured to be able to communicate with the multiple printers 1 and controls the moving mechanisms 2, 2A. In this case, the first processor 31A included in the first control unit 31 functions as a monitoring unit 311 that monitors the status of each of the multiple printers 1, and a movement instruction unit 312 that, based on the monitoring results of the monitoring unit 311, moves the position of the first printer 1A to the moving mechanism 2, 2A to a removal position PT where the receipt can be removed from the outlet 511.

[0110] According to this, the same effects as those of the moving device 400 described above can be achieved.

[0111] The above-described embodiment is merely a specific example of the application of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the control device 3 is configured as a personal computer, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The control device 3 may be configured as, for example, a smartphone or a tablet device.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the moving mechanism 2 is described as being stored inside the housing 51 of the self-checkout 5, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The moving mechanism 2 may be stored inside the housing of an unmanned checkout machine, for example.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the control device 3 communicates with multiple printers 1 in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The control device 3 may communicate with multiple printers 1 in accordance with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example, or the control device 3 may communicate with multiple printers 1 in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, for example.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the printer 1 ejects receipts, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The printer 1 may also eject labels, for example.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the multiple printers 1 are mainly composed of a first printer 1A, a second printer 1B, and a third printer 1C, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The multiple printers 1 may be composed of two printers 1, or the multiple printers 1 may be composed of four or more printers 1.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the maintenance door 512 is disposed in a position opposite the maintenance position PM has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the maintenance door 512 may be disposed in a position opposite the removal position PT. In this case, the user may perform maintenance work during a time period when the self-checkout register 5 is not in use, for example, during a time period when the supermarket where the self-checkout register 5 is located is closed.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the notification mechanism 4 is an indicator light having an LED that emits light in multiple colors, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The notification mechanism 4 may be, for example, a display such as an LCD. In this case, the notification mechanism 4 can notify detailed information.

[0119] The first processor 31A of the control device 3 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The first processor 31A may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, the first processor 31A may be configured with, for example, an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0120] Each part of the control device 3 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is of course possible to configure the functions of each part by having one processor execute a program. In addition, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of each other part of the control device 3 can also be arbitrarily changed.

[0121] The step units of the operation shown in Figures 6-7 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the first control unit 31 of the control device 3, and the present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The processing units may be further divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Also, one step unit may be further divided to include more processing. Also, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not impede the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1... printer (printing device), 1A... first printer (first printing device), 1B... second printer (second printing device), 1C... third printer (third printing device), 11... discharge port, 103... printing mechanism, 2... movement mechanism, 2A... movement mechanism, 22... lifting mechanism, 23... rotation mechanism, 3... control device, 31... first control unit (control unit), 31A... first processor (processor), 31B... first memory, 311... monitoring unit, 312... movement instruction unit, 313 ...selection unit, 314...reception unit, 315...notification unit, 316...cancellation unit, 4...notification mechanism, 5...self-checkout, 51...casing, 511...removal outlet, 512...maintenance door, 300...moving system, 400...moving device, C1...first state, C2...second state, C3...third state, C4...fourth state, C5...fifth state, JP...status information, P...roll paper, PG1...first control program (movement control program), PM...maintenance position, PT...removable position.

Claims

1. a movement mechanism that supports a plurality of printing devices that execute a printing process for printing on roll paper and moves the positions of the plurality of printing devices; an outlet through which a user removes a printed matter discharged from a first printing device, which is one of the plurality of printing devices; a control unit configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of printing devices and controlling the movement mechanism; Equipped with The control unit is a monitoring unit that monitors the state of each of the plurality of printing devices; a movement instruction unit that causes the movement mechanism to move the position of the first printing device to a removal position where the printed material can be removed from the removal opening based on a monitoring result of the monitoring unit; A mobile device comprising:

2. The control unit is a selection unit that selects the first printing device from the plurality of printing devices as a printing device capable of executing the print process based on a monitoring result of the monitoring unit; The mobile device of claim 1 .

3. The control unit is When the first printing device stops printing due to a shortage of roll paper, the selection unit selects a second printing device, which is one printing device different from the first printing device among the plurality of printing devices and is a printing device capable of executing the printing process; the movement instruction unit causes the movement mechanism to move the second printing device to the removal position; The mobile device of claim 2.

4. The control unit is When the first printing device stops transporting the roll paper due to a transport failure, the selection unit selects a second printing device, which is one printing device different from the first printing device among the plurality of printing devices and is a printing device capable of executing the printing process; the movement instruction unit causes the movement mechanism to move the second printing device to the removal position; The mobile device of claim 2.

5. The control unit is When the first printing device stops transporting the roll paper due to a malfunction, the selection unit selects a second printing device, which is one printing device different from the first printing device among the plurality of printing devices and is a printing device capable of executing the printing process; the movement instruction unit causes the movement mechanism to move the second printing device to the removal position; The mobile device of claim 2.

6. The control unit is a reception unit that receives a maintenance instruction to perform a maintenance operation on a third printing device that is different from the first printing device among the plurality of printing devices, when the reception unit receives the maintenance instruction, the movement instruction unit causes the movement mechanism to move the third printing device to a maintenance position where the maintenance work is performed. The mobile device of claim 1 .

7. the movement mechanism includes a lifting mechanism that moves the printing devices in a vertical direction relative to the outlet, the plurality of printing devices are disposed at substantially equal intervals in the lifting mechanism; A mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the movement mechanism includes a slide mechanism that moves the printing devices in a horizontal direction relative to the outlet, the plurality of printing devices are disposed at substantially equal intervals on the sliding mechanism; A mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. the movement mechanism includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the plurality of printing devices about a central axis along a vertical direction; the plurality of printing devices are disposed at substantially equal intervals in the rotation mechanism; A mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. the movement mechanism includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the plurality of printing devices about a central axis aligned in a horizontal direction; the plurality of printing devices are disposed at substantially equal intervals in the rotation mechanism; A mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. a maintenance door that is disposed at a position opposite to the maintenance position and allows a user to perform maintenance work on the third printing device; the maintenance door is configured so that the roll paper can be replaced by opening the maintenance door. The mobile device of claim 6.

12. when the first printing device is located at the removal position, the maintenance door is disposed at a position that allows a user to perform maintenance work on the third printing device. The mobile device of claim 11.

13. the removal position is set so that an outlet for discharging the printed matter of the first printing device overlaps with at least a portion of the removal port in a front view of the removal port; The mobile device of claim 1 .

14. Equipped with a notification mechanism that outputs a warning to the outside, The control unit is a notification unit that causes the notification mechanism to output a warning when the third printing device is not at the maintenance position when the reception unit receives the maintenance instruction, The mobile device of claim 6.

15. the receiving unit receives irreparable information indicating that the third printing device will not be able to perform printing due to maintenance, The control unit is a canceling unit that cancels the maintenance instruction for the third printing device when the reception unit receives the irreparable information, The mobile device of claim 6.

16. a moving device that supports a plurality of printing devices that execute a printing process for printing on roll paper and moves the positions of the plurality of printing devices; an outlet through which a user removes a printed matter discharged from a first printing device, which is one of the plurality of printing devices; a control device configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of printing devices and controlling the moving device; Equipped with The control device includes: a monitoring unit that monitors the state of each of the plurality of printing devices; a movement instruction unit that causes the moving device to move the position of the first printing device to a removal position where the printed material can be removed from the removal opening based on a monitoring result of the monitoring unit; A movement system comprising:

17. a movement mechanism that supports a plurality of printing devices that execute a printing process for printing on roll paper and moves the positions of the plurality of printing devices; an outlet through which a user removes a printed matter discharged from a first printing device, which is one of the plurality of printing devices; a control unit configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of printing devices and controlling the movement mechanism; A mobile device comprising: a monitoring step in which the control unit monitors a state of each of the plurality of printing devices; a movement instruction step of causing the control unit to move the position of the first printing device to a removal position where the printed material can be removed from the removal opening based on a monitoring result in the monitoring step; Including, how to move.

18. a movement mechanism that supports a plurality of printing devices that execute a printing process for printing on roll paper and moves the positions of the plurality of printing devices; an outlet through which a user removes a printed matter discharged from a first printing device, which is one of the plurality of printing devices; a control unit configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of printing devices and controlling the movement mechanism; A mobile device comprising: A processor included in the control unit, A monitoring unit that monitors the status of each of the plurality of printing devices; and a movement instruction unit that causes the movement mechanism to move the position of the first printing device to a removal position where the printed material can be removed from the removal opening based on a monitoring result of the monitoring unit; A movement control program that acts as a

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