Printer and program

Abstract

To provide a printer and a program capable of omitting setting of near-end.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a storage unit for storing, for each of multiple kinds of roll paper, near-end information indicating whether or not to report near-end of the roll paper; a paper set part capable of setting the roll paper; determination means for determining the kind of the roll paper to be used; setting means for reading the near-end information related to the determined roll paper from the storage unit to set; a near-end detection unit for detecting near-end of the roll paper set at the paper set part; and near-end processing means which, only when the near-end information indicating that near-end is to be reported is set by the setting means, reports near-end in accordance with the detection of near-end of the roll paper by the near-end detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a printer and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there are receipt printers that print and issue receipts, and label printers that print and issue labels or linerless labels. Receipt printers are installed together with POS terminals in the checkout area of ​​supermarkets, mass retailers, convenience stores, and other stores where merchandise is paid for, and issue receipts that print product information and payment information for merchandise (products purchased by customers) that have been paid for at the POS terminal. Label printers are mainly installed in the backroom of stores, and print product information (product name, price, expiration date, etc.) on label paper or linerless label paper to issue labels. The printed labels are then affixed to the merchandise.

[0003] Recently, there are printers that function as both receipt printers and label printers. In other words, when receipt paper (roll paper) is set in this printer, it functions as a receipt printer that issues receipts, and when labels or linerless labels (both roll paper) are set in the printer, it functions as a label printer.

[0004] When using such a printer as a receipt printer, you would set it to use receipt paper and enable the near-end notification function, and when using it as a label printer, you would set it to use label paper or linerless label paper and disable the near-end notification function. In this way, the settings for the paper used in the printer and the settings for enabling or disabling the near-end notification were made separately. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer and a program that can omit the near-end setting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The printer of the embodiment comprises a memory unit that stores near-end information indicating whether or not to notify the user that the roll paper is near-end, for each of multiple types of roll paper, a paper setting unit into which the roll paper can be set, a determination means that determines the type of roll paper to be used, a setting means that reads out and sets the near-end information for the determined roll paper from the memory unit, a near-end detection unit that detects the near-end of the roll paper set in the paper setting unit, and a near-end processing means that notifies the user that the roll paper is near-end when the near-end detection unit detects that the roll paper is near-end, only if the setting means has set near-end information indicating that the near-end should be notified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the open printer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the display window. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the near-end portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printer. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the printer. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the near-end setting process. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the near-end selection process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the display unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following describes an embodiment. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printer 1 according to the embodiment. The printer 1 according to the embodiment can use receipt paper PA, label paper PB, and linerless paper PC. The printer 1 according to the embodiment is used, for example, as a receipt printer that issues receipts. When the printer 1 is used as a receipt printer, a receipt roll paper PAa, which is a roll of long paper, is loaded inside the printer 1. The receipt paper PA has a printable surface. The printer 1 as a receipt printer is installed, for example, in the checkout area of ​​a store, adjacent to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal (not shown), which serves as an information processing device. The printer 1 receives product information (such as product code, product name, and product price) and payment information (such as the total amount of the product, the deposit, and any change due) for items processed for payment by the POS terminal, and prints the product information and payment information related to the transaction on a receipt pull-out paper PAb pulled from the receipt roll paper PAa loaded inside the printer 1. Printer 1 cuts the printed paper and issues it as receipt PAc.

[0009] The printer 1 is also used, for example, as a label printer that issues labels. When the printer 1 is used as a label printer, a label roll paper PBa, in which multiple labels are wound lengthwise around a long backing sheet, is set inside the printer 1. The label paper PB has a printable surface on the front side and an adhesive surface on the back side, which is removably attached to the backing sheet. The printer 1 as a label printer is installed, for example, in the back room of a store. The printer 1 receives printing information from an information processing device, such as a connected PC (Personal Computer), and prints product information (such as product name and price) related to the product on each label pull-out paper PBb pulled out from the label roll paper PBa set inside the printer 1. The printer 1 issues printed labels PBc from an issuing slot.

[0010] The printer 1 is also used, for example, as a linerless printer that issues linerless labels. When the printer 1 is used as a linerless printer, a linerless roll paper PCa around which a long linerless label is wound is set inside the printer 1. The linerless paper PC is paper used as a long, continuous label, with a printable front side and an adhesive back side. The printer 1 as a linerless printer is installed, for example, in the back room of a store. The printer 1 receives printing information from, for example, a connected information processing device, and prints product information (such as product name and price) related to the product on a linerless pull-out paper PCb pulled out from the linerless roll paper PCa set inside the printer 1. The printer 1 issues the printed linerless label PCc from the issuing slot.

[0011] In the following explanation, receipt paper PA, label paper PB, and linerless paper PC may be collectively referred to as paper P (for example, when not referring to a specific paper). Receipt roll paper PAa, label roll paper PBa, and linerless roll paper PCa may be collectively referred to as roll paper Pa (for example, when not referring to a specific roll paper). Receipt pull-out paper PAb, label pull-out paper PBb, and linerless pull-out paper PCb may be collectively referred to as pull-out paper Pb (for example, when not referring to a specific paper). Receipt PAc, label PBc, and linerless label PCc may be collectively referred to as paper Pc (for example, when not referring to a specific paper).

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing of the printer 1 is formed by a main body 2 and a cover 3. Inside the main body 2, a power supply unit, a circuit board (neither of which is shown), a paper setting unit 9 for setting paper (see FIG. 2), a platen 33 (see FIG. 2) as a transport unit for transporting paper, and the like are provided. The cover 3 is connected to the main body 2 via a hinge 5. The cover 3 is attached to the main body 2 so that it can rotate in the vertical direction (in the direction of the arrow Ya in FIG. 2) relative to the main body 2, with the hinge 5 as the pivot point. When the cover 3 is rotated upward relative to the main body 2, it opens the interior, and when it is rotated downward, it closes the interior of the printer 1.

[0013] The cover 3 is formed with a print head 32 (see Figure 2) and a display window 4. The main body 2 or the cover 3 is also provided with a power switch 6 for turning the printer 1 on and off. When the cover 3 is closed to the main body 2, a paper discharge outlet 8 is formed. The paper discharge outlet 8 discharges (issues) printed paper Pc to the outside.

[0014] 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the printer 1 with the lid 3 opened from the main body 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 3 can be rotated relative to the main body 2 in an opening direction and a closing direction indicated by the arrow Ya.

[0015] The main body 2 has a paper setting section 9 inside which roll paper Pa is set. The method of setting (attaching) roll paper Pa to the paper setting section 9 may be a drop-in type, in which the roll paper Pa is dropped into the paper setting section 9, or a support type, in which the axis of the roll paper Pa is inserted into an axis (not shown) provided in the main body 2 and supported by a shaft. The roll paper Pa is set in the paper setting section 9 with the cover 3 open from the main body 2. In Figure 2, the main body 2 is provided with a cutter 34, which is moved upward to cut the printed paper Pc.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and positional relationship of each part when the cover 3 is closed on the main body 2. As shown in FIG. 3, roll paper Pa is set in the paper setting unit 9. The print head 32 is positioned opposite the platen 33 and is pressed against the platen 33. When the cover 3 is closed on the main body 2 with the paper roll Pb pulled out from the roll paper Pa set in the paper setting unit 9, the paper P is sandwiched between the press-contacting print head 32 and platen 33, as shown in FIG. 3. When the platen motor 31 is driven in this state, the platen 33 rotates in the direction of arrow Yc. This generates tension in the paper P sandwiched between the print head 32 and the platen 33, causing the roll paper Pa set in the paper setting unit 9 to rotate in the direction of arrow Yd, and the paper roll Pb pulled out from the roll paper Pa to move in the direction of arrow Ye. In this manner, the paper P is transported.

[0017] The print head 32 is, for example, a thermal head, and prints by applying heat to the paper P being transported. The paper P is, for example, thermal paper, and by applying heat, characters and figures are printed on its surface (the surface in contact with the print head 32). After printing is complete, the paper Pc is discharged from the paper discharge outlet 8. At this time, the receipt paper PA and linerless paper PC are cut by the cutter 34, and are issued from the paper discharge outlet 8 as a receipt PAc and a linerless label PCc. Label paper PB is issued from the paper discharge outlet 8 without being cut by the cutter 34. The receipt paper PA and linerless paper PC are cut when the cutter motor 58 is driven and the cutter 34 moves up and down.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 1 is also provided with a near-end detector 57. The near-end detector 57 is attached to the cover 3. When the cover 3 is closed to the main body 2, a contact finger 571 comes into contact with the outer periphery of the roll paper Pa. When the paper Pb is pulled out from the roll paper Pa set in the paper setting unit 9 and the diameter of the roll paper Pa decreases, the contact finger 571 moves in the direction of arrow Yb while remaining in contact with the outer periphery. The near-end detector 57 is adjusted so that a mechanical switch is turned on when the contact finger 571 moves to a predetermined position (i.e., when the diameter of the roll paper Pa decreases to a predetermined length). The predetermined position is when the paper P is near the end. Near-end refers to a state where the end (the innermost terminal end) of the paper P is a predetermined length away, indicating that the paper P should be replaced. When the mechanical switch is turned on, the near-end detector 57 detects the near-end of the roll paper Pa and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection. When the cover 3 is rotated in the release direction from the main body 2, the near-end detector 57 moves away from the paper P together with the contact part 571 as the cover 3 rotates. Therefore, the near-end detector 57 does not get in the way when the roll paper Pa is set in the paper setting part 9.

[0019] In this embodiment, when the printer 1 is used as a receipt printer, it notifies the printer 1 that the receipt paper PA (specifically, receipt roll paper PAa) is near-end, but when the printer 1 is used as a label printer, it does not notify the printer 1 that the label paper PB (specifically, label roll paper PBa) is near-end. Furthermore, when the printer 1 is used as a linerless printer, it does not notify the printer 1 that the linerless paper PC (specifically, linerless roll paper PCa) is near-end. Therefore, the printer 1 pre-sets and stores near-end valid information (near-end information) indicating that the printer 1 should not be notified of a near-end, and near-end invalid information (near-end information) indicating that the printer 1 should not be notified of a near-end, depending on the mode of use of the printer 1. That is, in this embodiment, when the printer 1 is used as a receipt printer, near-end valid information indicating that the printer 1 should be notified is set in the printer 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, when receipt paper PA is loaded in the printer 1, near-end valid information is set in the printer 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the printer 1 is used as a label printer or linerless printer, near-end invalid information is set in the printer 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, when label paper PB or linerless paper PC is set in the printer 1, near-end invalid information is set in the printer 1.

[0020] A printer 1 for which near-end valid information is set notifies the near-end, whereas a printer 1 for which near-end invalid information is set does not notify the near-end.

[0021] Next, we will explain the display window 4. The printer 1 has a display window 4 on the top surface of the lid 3. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the display window 4. As shown in Figure 4, the display window 4 has a display unit 48 and an operation unit 47. The display unit 48 displays information to the operator operating the printer 1. The display unit 48 displays the type of paper P being used (i.e., the roll paper Pa set in the paper setting unit 9). Furthermore, if the display unit 48 determines that the paper P being used is receipt paper PA (i.e., the roll paper Pa set in the paper setting unit 9 is receipt roll paper PAa), it will display (notify) a near-end if the near-end detection unit 57 detects a near-end.

[0022] The operation unit 47 has various keys, such as a setting key 471, a selection key 472, a valid key 473, an invalid key 474, a receipt key 475, a label key 476, and a linerless key 477. The receipt key 475, the label key 476, and the linerless key 477 are designation keys for specifying the type of roll paper Pa.

[0023] The setting key 471 is used to set (store) near-end information (near-end valid information or near-end invalid information) in the near-end section 442 (see FIG. 5) in association with each of the usable papers P (receipt paper PA, label paper PB, linerless paper PC). To set near-end valid information, the valid key 473 is operated. To set near-end invalid information, the invalid key 474 is operated. In this embodiment, near-end valid information is set in association with receipt paper PA. Near-end valid information is also set in association with label paper PB and linerless paper PC. The selection key 472 is used to set the near-end information stored (set) in association with paper P in the printer 1. Specifically, when the receipt key 475 is operated after operating the selection key 472, the near-end information stored in association with receipt paper PA (near-end valid information in this embodiment) is called up and set in the printer 1. Furthermore, when the label key 476 is operated after the selection key 472 is operated, the near-end information (in this embodiment, near-end invalid information) stored in correspondence with the label paper PB is called up and set in the printer 1. Furthermore, when the linerless key 477 is operated after the selection key 472 is operated, the near-end information (in this embodiment, near-end invalid information) stored in correspondence with the linerless paper PC is called up and set in the printer 1.

[0024] The operator of the printer 1 operates the selection key 472 and then operates the key corresponding to the type of roll paper Pa loaded in the paper loading unit 9 (either the receipt key 475, label key 476, or linerless key 477) to specify the type of paper P. The display unit 48 displays characters 481 indicating the specified paper P according to the type of key operated after operating the selection key 472. Specifically, when the receipt key 475 is operated after operating the selection key 472, receipt paper PA is specified, and the characters 481 "RECEIPT" are displayed. Furthermore, when the label key 476 is operated after operating the selection key 472, label paper PB is specified, and the characters 481 "LABELS" are displayed. Furthermore, when the linerless key 477 is operated after operating the selection key 472, linerless paper PC is specified, and the characters 481 "LINERLESS" are displayed. In the example of FIG. 4, "RECEIPT" is displayed.

[0025] Next, the hardware of the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, a memory unit 44, and the like. The CPU 41 is the main controller. The ROM 42 stores various programs. The RAM 43 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 44 stores various programs. The CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, and memory unit 44 are connected to one another via a bus 45. The CPU 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 constitute a control unit 400. That is, the control unit 400 executes the control processing of the printer 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 41 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 42 and memory unit 44 and loaded in the RAM 43.

[0026] The RAM 43 includes a print information section 431, a near-end setting section 432, and a flag section 433. The print information section 431 stores print information received from the information processing device. The near-end setting section 432 stores near-end information read from a near-end section 442, which will be described later. The flag section 433 stores flag information corresponding to the type of paper P selected.

[0027] The memory unit 44 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 44 has a control program unit 441 and a near-end unit 442 (storage unit). The control program unit 441 stores a control program for controlling the printer 1. The near-end unit 442 stores near-end information in association with the roll paper Pa to be used (the roll paper Pa set in the paper setting unit 9). The near-end unit 442 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0028] In addition, the control unit 400 is connected to the operation unit 47, display unit 48, print head 32, platen motor 31, near-end detection unit 57, and cutter motor 58 via bus 45 and controller 46. The operation unit 47 is a set of keys for operating the printer 1, and includes a setting key 471, a selection key 472, a valid key 473, an invalid key 474, a receipt key 475, a label key 476, and a linerless key 477. The display unit 48 displays information to the operator operating the printer 1.

[0029] The print head 32 applies heat to print characters and figures on the surface of the paper P. The platen motor 31 rotates the platen 33 when driven. The near-end detection unit 57 detects the near-end of the roll paper Pa. When the control unit 400 receives a detection signal from the near-end, it determines that the roll paper Pa set in the paper setting unit 9 is near-end. The cutter motor 58 moves the cutter 34 up and down when driven.

[0030] The controller 46 receives instructions from the control unit 400 and controls the operation unit 47 and the display unit 48. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the control performed by the controller 46 is performed by the control unit 400.

[0031] The control unit 400 is also connected to a communication unit 49 via a bus 45. The communication unit 49 is communicably connected to an information processing device that transmits print information via a communication line L such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0032] Next, the near-end unit 442 will be described. FIG. 6 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the near-end unit 442. The near-end unit 442 stores near-end information set for each type of paper P (specifically, roll paper Pa) that is associated with multiple types of paper P (specifically, roll paper Pa) that can be used in the printer 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the near-end unit 442 has a paper type unit 4421 and a near-end setting unit 4422. The paper type unit 4421 stores information about paper P (specifically, roll paper Pa) that can be used in the printer 1 (that can be loaded in the paper loading unit 9). In this embodiment, the information about paper P that can be used (loaded) in the printer 1 stores information specifying receipt paper PA (specifically, receipt roll paper PAa), information specifying label paper PB (specifically, label roll paper PBa), and information specifying linerless paper PC (specifically, linerless roll paper PCa). The near-end setting unit 4422 stores near-end information in association with each paper sheet P (specifically, roll paper Pa) stored in the near-end unit 442. In this embodiment, near-end valid information indicating that a near-end will be notified is stored in association with receipt paper PA (specifically, receipt roll paper PAa). Near-end invalid information indicating that a near-end will not be notified is stored in association with label paper PB (specifically, label roll paper PBa). Near-end invalid information indicating that a near-end will not be notified is stored in association with linerless paper PC (specifically, linerless roll paper PCa).

[0033] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the printer 1. Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printer 1. The control unit 400 of the printer 1 functions as a determination unit 401, a setting unit 402, and a near-end processing unit 403 by following a control program stored in the ROM 42 or a control program unit 441 of the memory unit 44.

[0034] The determination unit 401 determines the type of roll paper Pa to be used. Specifically, the determination unit 401 determines the type of roll paper Pa to be used based on input information indicating the type of roll paper Pa. In this embodiment, when any of the receipt key 475, label key 476, and linerless key 477 is operated, a key signal indicating the operated key is input to the determination unit 401, and the determination unit 401 determines the type of the operated key (i.e., the type of roll paper Pa to be used) based on the input key signal.

[0035] The setting unit 402 reads and sets the near-end information for the determined roll paper Pa from the near-end unit 442. Specifically, the setting unit 402 reads the near-end information for the determined roll paper Pa from the near-end unit 442 and stores it in the near-end setting unit 432. In this embodiment, the setting unit 402 determines which key of the receipt key 475, label key 476, or linerless key 477 was operated based on the input key signal, determines which roll paper Pa to use, and reads the near-end information corresponding to the determined roll paper Pa from the near-end unit 442 and stores it in the near-end setting unit 432.

[0036] The near-end processing means 403 notifies the near-end of roll paper Pa when the near-end detection unit 57 detects it, only if the setting unit 402 has set near-end valid information indicating that a near-end should be notified. In this embodiment, near-end valid information is set for receipt paper PA, and near-end invalid information is set for label paper PB and linerless paper PC (i.e., near-end valid information is not set), so the near-end processing means 403 notifies the near-end when the near-end detection unit 57 detects it is near the end of receipt roll paper PAa, and does not notify the near-end when the near-end detection unit 57 detects it is near the end of label roll paper PBa, or when the near-end detection unit 57 detects it is near the end of linerless roll paper PCa.

[0037] Next, we will explain the control of the printer 1. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the printer 1. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 400 of the printer 1 determines whether the setting key 471 has been operated (S11). If it is determined that the setting key 471 has been operated (Yes in S11), the control unit 400 executes a near-end setting process (S12).

[0038] 9 is a flowchart showing the near-end setting process executed in S12. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 400 determines whether the receipt key 475 has been operated (S41). If it determines that the receipt key 475 has been operated (Yes in S41), the control unit 400 then determines whether the valid key 473 has been operated (S42). If it determines that the valid key 473 has been operated (Yes in S42), the control unit 400 sets (stores) "near-end validity information," which is near-end information indicating that a near-end is to be notified when the near-end detection unit 57 detects a near-end, in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating the receipt roll paper PAa stored in the paper type unit 4421 (S43). The control unit 400 then returns to S41.

[0039] If it is determined that the valid key 473 was not operated (No in S42), the control unit 400 determines whether the invalid key 474 was operated (S44). If it is determined that the invalid key 474 was operated (Yes in S44), the control unit 400 sets (stores) "near-end invalid information," which is near-end information indicating that the near-end detection unit 57 did not determine whether the near-end was detected, in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating the receipt roll paper PAa stored in the paper type unit 4421 (S45). The control unit 400 then returns to S41. In this embodiment, when receipt roll paper PAa is set, "near-end valid information" is set in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating the receipt roll paper PAa to notify the user that the receipt roll paper PAa is near-end. Note that if it is determined that the invalid key 474 was not operated (No in S44), the control unit 400 returns to S42.

[0040] Furthermore, if it is determined that the receipt key 475 was not operated (No in S41), the control unit 400 determines whether the label key 476 was operated (S51). If it is determined that the label key 476 was operated (Yes in S51), the control unit 400 next determines whether the valid key 473 was operated (S52). If it is determined that the valid key 473 was operated (Yes in S52), the control unit 400 sets (stores) in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating the label roll paper PBa stored in the paper type unit 4421 "near-end valid information," which is near-end information indicating that a near-end is to be notified when the near-end detection unit 57 detects a near-end (S53). Then, the control unit 400 returns to S41.

[0041] Furthermore, if it is determined that the valid key 473 has not been operated (No in S52), the control unit 400 determines whether the invalid key 474 has been operated (S54). If it is determined that the invalid key 474 has been operated (Yes in S54), the control unit 400 sets (stores) "near-end invalid information," which is near-end information indicating that the near-end detection unit 57 has not determined whether a near-end has been detected, in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating the label roll paper PBa stored in the paper type unit 4421 (S55). The control unit 400 then returns to S41. In this embodiment, when the label roll paper PBa is set, a near-end is not notified, so "near-end invalid information" is set in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating the label roll paper PBa. Note that if it is determined that the invalid key 474 has not been operated (No in S54), the control unit 400 returns to S52.

[0042] If it is determined that the label key 476 was not operated (No in S51), the control unit 400 determines whether the linerless key 477 was operated (S61). If it is determined that the linerless key 477 was operated (Yes in S61), the control unit 400 then determines whether the valid key 473 was operated (S62). If it is determined that the valid key 473 was operated (Yes in S62), the control unit 400 sets (stores) in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating the linerless roll paper PCa stored in the paper type unit 4421, "near-end valid information," which is near-end information indicating that a near-end is to be notified when the near-end detection unit 57 detects a near-end (S63). Then, the control unit 400 returns to S41.

[0043] If it is determined that the valid key 473 was not operated (No in S62), the control unit 400 determines whether the invalid key 474 was operated (S64). If it is determined that the invalid key 474 was operated (Yes in S64), the control unit 400 sets (stores) "near-end invalid information," which is near-end information indicating that the near-end detection unit 57 will not determine whether a near-end has been detected, in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating linerless roll paper PCa stored in the paper type unit 4421 (S65). The control unit 400 then returns to S41. In this embodiment, if linerless roll paper PCa is set, a near-end is not notified, so "near-end invalid information" is set in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating linerless roll paper PCa. Note that if it is determined that the invalid key 474 was not operated (No in S64), the control unit 400 returns to S62.

[0044] Furthermore, if it is determined that the linerless key 477 has not been operated (No in S61), the control unit 400 again determines whether the setting key 471 has been operated (S66). If it is determined that the setting key 471 has been operated (Yes in S66), the control unit 400 returns to S11, and if it is determined that the setting key 471 has not been operated (No in S66), the control unit 400 returns to S41.

[0045] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 8, if it is determined that the setting key 471 has not been operated (No in S11), the control unit 400 determines whether the selection key 472 has been operated (S13). If it is determined that the selection key 472 has been operated (Yes in S13), the control unit 400 executes a near-end selection process (S14).

[0046] 10 is a flowchart showing the near-end selection process executed in S14. When the operator of the printer 1 sets receipt roll paper PAa in the paper setting unit 9, he or she operates the selection key 472 and then the receipt key 475; when the operator of the printer 1 sets label roll paper PBa in the paper setting unit 9, he or she operates the selection key 472 and then the label key 476; and when the operator of the printer 1 sets linerless roll paper PCa in the paper setting unit 9, he or she operates the selection key 472 and then the linerless key 477.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 10, the determination unit 401 determines whether the receipt key 475 has been operated (S71). If it determines that the receipt key 475 has been operated (Yes in S71), the setting unit 402 reads the near-end information ("near-end validity information" in this embodiment) stored in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the receipt roll paper PAa stored in the paper type unit 4421, and stores it in the near-end setting unit 432 (S72). The control unit 400 then stores flag information "1" in the flag unit 433, indicating that the cutter 34 is to be operated (S73). The control unit 400 then displays on the display unit 48 the character 481 ("RECEIVE" in this embodiment), indicating that the receipt roll paper PAa has been set in the paper setting unit 9 (S74). The control unit 400 then returns to S71.

[0048] Furthermore, if it is determined that the receipt key 475 was not operated (No in S71), the determination means 401 determines whether the label key 476 was operated (S75). If it is determined that the label key 476 was operated (Yes in S75), the setting means 402 reads out the near-end information ("near-end invalid information" in this embodiment) stored in the near-end setting section 4422 corresponding to the label roll paper PBa stored in the paper type section 4421, and stores it in the near-end setting section 432 (S76). Then, the control unit 400 stores flag information "0" indicating that the cutter 34 is not to be operated in the flag section 433 (S77). Then, the control unit 400 displays on the display unit 48 characters 481 ("LABEL" in this embodiment) indicating that the label roll paper PBa has been set in the paper setting section 9 (S78). Then, the control unit 400 returns to S71.

[0049] If it is determined that the label key 476 was not operated (No in S75), the determination unit 401 determines whether the linerless key 477 was operated (S79). If it is determined that the linerless key 477 was operated (Yes in S79), the setting unit 402 reads out the near-end information (in this embodiment, "near-end invalid information") stored in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the linerless roll paper PCa stored in the paper type unit 4421, and stores it in the near-end setting unit 432 (S80). The control unit 400 then stores flag information "1" in the flag unit 433, indicating that the cutter 34 is to be operated (S81). The control unit 400 then displays on the display unit 48 the character 481 (in this embodiment, the display "LINERLESS") indicating that linerless roll paper PCa has been set in the paper setting unit 9 (S82). The control unit 400 then returns to S71.

[0050] Furthermore, if it is determined that the linerless key 477 has not been operated (No in S79), the control unit 400 again determines whether the selection key 472 has been operated (S83). If it is determined that the selection key 472 has been operated (Yes in S83), the control unit 400 returns to S11, and if it is determined that the selection key 472 has not been operated (No in S83), the control unit 400 returns to S71.

[0051] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8, if it is determined that the selection key 472 has not been operated (No in S13), the control unit 400 determines whether print data has been received from the information processing device (S21). If it is determined that print data has not been received (No in S21), the process returns to S11, and if it is determined that print data has been received (Yes in S21), the control unit 400 drives the platen motor 31 to rotate the platen 33 and start transporting the paper P (S22). Then, the control unit 400 drives the print head 32 to start printing information on the surface of the paper P (S23).

[0052] Next, the control unit 400 determines whether printing of the received print information has been completed (whether all of the received print information has been printed) (S24). The control unit 400 continues transporting and printing the paper P until printing is completed (No in S24), and if it determines that printing of the print information has been completed (Yes in S24), the control unit 400 stops the rotation of the platen 33 and stops transporting the paper P (S25). The control unit 400 then ends printing by the print head 32 (S26). In this way, the printed paper Pc is discharged from the paper discharge port 8.

[0053] Next, the control unit 400 checks the flag information stored in the flag unit 433 and determines whether flag information "1" is stored in the flag unit 433 (S27). If it is determined that flag information "1" is stored (Yes in S27), the control unit 400 drives the cutter 34 to cut the paper Pc discharged (issued) from the paper discharge port 8 (S28). On the other hand, if flag information "1" is not stored in the flag unit 433 (i.e., if flag information "0" is stored) (No in S27), the control unit 400 does not drive the cutter 34. In other words, the control unit 400 does not execute the process of S28.

[0054] Next, the control unit 400 determines whether near-end validity information is stored in the near-end setting unit 432 (S29). If it is determined that near-end validity information is stored (Yes in S29), the control unit 400 then determines whether the near-end detection unit 57 has detected the near-end of the roll paper Pa (S30). If it is determined that the near-end has been detected (Yes in S30), the near-end processing means 403 displays (notifies) near-end detection information indicating that the paper P is near the end on the display unit 48 (S31).

[0055] FIG. 11 shows the display unit 48 displaying near-end detection information 482 indicating that receipt paper PA (receipt roll paper PAa) is near the end in S31. As shown in FIG. 11, the display unit 48 displays near-end detection information 482 indicating that receipt roll paper PAa is near the end. In the example of FIG. 11, the near-end detection information 482 displays, for example, "Receipt paper will soon run out. Please replace it." The control unit 400 then ends processing and returns to S11.

[0056] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 8, if it is determined that near-end valid information is not stored in the near-end setting unit 432 (i.e., near-end invalid information is stored) (No in S29), the control unit 400 ends the process without determining whether the near-end detection unit 57 has detected the near-end (determination in S30), and returns to S11. In other words, if it is determined No in S29, the control unit 400 does not make the determination in S30, and therefore does not perform the process of S31 (process of displaying (notifying) the near-end detection information on the display unit 48). If it is determined that the near-end has not been detected (No in S30), the control unit 400 ends the process and returns to S11.

[0057] In this embodiment, when a type of roll paper Pa is specified with a specification key, the near-end information stored in the near-end section 442 and corresponding to the specified roll paper Pa is stored in the near-end setting section 432, and, provided that near-end valid information indicating that a near-end notification is to be stored in the near-end setting section 432, a determination is made as to whether the near-end detection section 57 has detected a near-end, and if it is determined that the near-end detection section 57 has detected a near-end, near-end detection information indicating that the roll paper Pa is near-end is displayed on the display section 48. Conversely, if near-end invalid information indicating that a near-end notification is not to be stored in the near-end setting section 432, the near-end detection section 57 does not determine whether it has detected a near-end, and the near-end detection information indicating that the roll paper Pa is near-end is not displayed on the display section 48.

[0058] Next, we will explain modified examples of the printer 1. In the embodiment, if near-end valid information indicating that a near-end is to be notified is stored in the near-end setting unit 432, the near-end detection unit 57 determines whether or not it has detected the near end of the paper P (if the determination in S29 is Yes, the determination in S30 is made), and if near-end invalid information indicating that a near-end is not to be notified is stored in the near-end setting unit 432, the near-end detection unit 57 does not determine whether or not it has detected the near end of the paper P (if the determination in S29 is No, the determination in S30 is not made).

[0059] In the modified example of the embodiment, first it is determined whether the near-end detection unit 57 has detected the near end of the paper P, and if it is determined that the near end has been detected, it is then determined whether near-end valid information indicating that the near end should be notified is stored in the near-end setting unit 432. In the description of the modified example, the same reference numerals are used for configurations that are the same as those in the embodiment, and the description will be omitted or simplified.

[0060] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in the modified example. Fig. 12 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 8 in the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, steps S11 to S28 and S31 are the same as those in the embodiment. In the modified example, steps S45, S55 and S65 in Fig. 9 in the near-end setting process (S12) are performed as follows.

[0061] That is, in the case of the modified example, if the determination in S44 is Yes, the control unit 400 sets (stores) in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information representing the receipt roll paper PAa stored in the paper type unit 4421, "near-end invalid information," which is near-end information indicating that a near-end will not be notified even if the near-end is detected by the near-end detection unit 57 (S45). Also, if the determination in S54 is Yes, the control unit 400 sets (stores) in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information representing the label roll paper PBa stored in the paper type unit 4421, "near-end invalid information," which is near-end information indicating that a near-end will not be notified even if the near-end detection unit 57 detects a near-end (S55). Also, if the judgment in S64 is Yes, the control unit 400 sets (stores) "near-end invalid information", which is near-end information indicating that a near-end will not be notified even if a near-end is detected by the near-end detection unit 57, in the near-end setting unit 4422 corresponding to the information indicating the linerless roll paper PCa stored in the paper type unit 4421 (S65).

[0062] Furthermore, after executing the process of S28, the control unit 400 determines whether the near-end detection unit 57 has detected the near-end of the roll paper Pa (S91). If it is determined that the near-end has been detected (Yes in S91), the control unit 400 then determines whether near-end validity information is stored in the near-end setting unit 432 (S92). If it is determined that near-end validity information is stored (Yes in S92), the near-end processing means 403 displays (notifies) near-end detection information indicating that the paper P is near-end on the display unit 48 (S31). If it is determined that near-end validity information is not stored (near-end invalidity information is stored) (No in S92), the near-end processing means 403 does not display the near-end detection information on the display unit 48. In other words, if it is determined that near-end validity information is not stored (No in S92), the near-end processing means 403 does not execute the process of S31. In other words, even if the near-end detection unit 57 detects the near end of the roll paper Pa, if near-end invalid information is stored in the near-end setting unit 432, the near-end processing means 403 will not display the near-end detection information on the display unit 48.

[0063] According to this variation, when the type of roll paper Pa is specified with the specification key, the near-end information corresponding to the selected roll paper Pa stored in the near-end section 442 is stored in the near-end setting section 432, and on the condition that the near-end detection section 57 detects a near-end, it is determined whether near-end valid information is stored in the near-end setting section 432, and if it is determined that near-end valid information is stored, near-end detection information indicating that the roll paper Pa is near-end is displayed on the display section 48. Conversely, if near-end invalid information is stored in the near-end setting section 432, the display section 48 does not display near-end detection information indicating that the roll paper Pa is near-end, even if the near-end detection section 57 detects a near-end.

[0064] As described above, the printer 1 of the embodiment and modified examples comprises a near-end unit 442 that stores near-end information indicating whether or not to notify the user that the roll paper Pa is near-end, for each of multiple types of roll paper Pa; a paper setting unit 9 into which the roll paper Pa can be set; a determination unit 401 that determines the type of roll paper Pa to be used; a setting unit 402 that reads and sets the near-end information for the determined roll paper Pa from the near-end unit 442; a near-end detection unit 57 that detects the near-end of the roll paper Pa set in the paper setting unit 9; and a near-end processing unit 403 that notifies the user that the roll paper Pa is near-end when the near-end detection unit 57 detects that the roll paper Pa is near-end, only if the setting unit 402 has set near-end information indicating that the near-end should be notified.

[0065] With printer 1 in these embodiments and variations, when the type of roll paper Pa being used is determined, near-end information for that roll paper Pa is read from the near-end unit 442 and stored in the near-end setting unit 432, and if near-end validity information is set in the near-end setting unit 432, a near-end notification is issued when the near-end detection unit 57 detects that the roll paper Pa is near-end. This makes it possible to omit near-end setting, which previously had to be done separately each time the roll paper Pa was set.

[0066] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0067] For example, in the embodiment and the modified example, the near-end detector 57 has been described as a mechanical switch, but is not limited to this, and the near-end detector 57 may be, for example, a transmissive or reflective optical sensor.

[0068] In the embodiment and modified examples, near-end validity information is stored in association with receipt paper PA, and near-end invalidity information is stored in association with label paper PB and linerless paper PC. However, this is not limiting, and near-end validity information may be stored in association with any paper type P for which a near-end notification is required.

[0069] Furthermore, in the embodiment and modified examples, receipt paper PA and linerless paper PC are cut by the cutter 34, but cutting paper P is not an essential requirement.

[0070] The programs executed by the printer 1 in the embodiment and variant examples are provided as files in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0071] The programs executed by the printer 1 of the embodiment and the modified examples may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.The programs executed by the printer 1 of the embodiment and the modified examples may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0072] Furthermore, the programs executed by the printer 1 of the embodiment and the modified example may be configured to be provided in advance by being stored in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Printer 4 Display window 9 Paper set section 32 print head 33 Platen 34 Cutter 41 CPU 47 Operation section 48 Display section 49 Communications Department 57 Near-end detector 400 control section 401 Judgment means 402 Setting Method 403 Near-end processing means 431 Printing information section 432 Near-end setting section 433 Flag Section 441 Control Program Section 442 Near-end section 471 Setting Key 472 selection key 473 Valid Key 474 Invalid Key 475 Receipt Key 476 Label Key 477 Linereski 571 Tentacle part 4421 Paper type section 4422 Near-end setting unit PAa receipt roll paper PAb receipt paper PAc receipt PBa label roll paper PBb Label Pull-out Paper PBc Label PCa linerless roll paper PCB Linerless Drawer Paper PCc linerless label PA receipt paper PB label paper PC linerless paper [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0074] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-37175

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores near-end information indicating whether or not to notify the user of a near-end of the roll paper for each of a plurality of types of roll paper; a paper setting unit into which the roll paper can be set; a determining means for determining the type of roll paper to be used; a setting unit that reads out the determined near-end information for the roll paper from the storage unit and sets it; a near-end detector that detects a near-end of the roll paper set in the paper setting unit; a near-end processing unit that notifies the user of a near-end when the near-end detection unit detects that the roll paper is near-end only when the setting unit sets near-end information indicating that the near-end should be notified; A printer equipped with

2. The multiple types of roll paper include receipt roll paper on which long receipt paper is wound, label roll paper on which multiple labels are wound and aligned in the longitudinal direction around a long backing paper, and linerless roll paper on which long linerless paper is wound, the storage unit stores near-end information that notifies a near-end corresponding to the receipt roll paper, and stores near-end information that does not notify a near-end corresponding to the label roll paper and the linerless roll paper; the setting means sets near-end information indicating that the near-end is to be notified when the determination means determines that the receipt roll paper is in use. The printer of claim 1 .

3. When the setting means sets near-end information indicating that the near-end is not to be notified, the near-end processing means does not determine whether the near-end detection unit has detected the near-end of the roll paper, and does not notify the near-end.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When near-end information indicating that the near-end should not be notified is set by the setting means, the near-end processing means does not notify the near-end even if the near-end detection unit detects that the roll paper is near-end.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a designation key that is operated to designate the type of roll paper; the determining means determines the roll paper for which the designation key is operated.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A computer as a printer comprising: a storage unit that stores near-end information indicating whether or not to notify a near-end of a roll of paper for each of a plurality of types of roll paper; a paper setting unit in which the roll paper can be set; and a near-end detection unit that detects the near-end of the roll paper set in the paper setting unit. a determining means for determining the type of roll paper to be used; a setting unit that reads out the determined near-end information for the roll paper from the storage unit and sets it; a near-end processing unit that notifies the user of a near-end when the near-end detection unit detects that the roll paper is near-end only when the setting unit sets near-end information indicating that the near-end should be notified; A program that can function as a

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