Receipt system, method for controlling the same, and server

Abstract

To make it possible to know how many printable receipts there are.SOLUTION: A receipt system includes: a receipt printer capable of performing printing on paper-wrapped roll paper; a server; and a POS terminal. When receiving data from the POS terminal, the receipt printer calculates a receipt length which is a length of a receipt to be issued, and transmits it to the server. The server calculates, based on the received receipt length, an average receipt length, an accumulated paper feed length which is an accumulated paper feed length, and the number of printable sheets which is the number of receipts printable on the roll paper, and transmits the number of printable sheets to the POS terminal. The POS terminal notifies the received number of printable sheets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a receipt system, a control method for a receipt system, and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system using a printer that prints receipts on roll paper is known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-204385 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above system, it was not possible to know the number of receipts that could be printed from the roll of paper stored in the printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A receipt system includes a receipt printer capable of printing on roll paper, a server, and a POS terminal. When the receipt printer receives data from the POS terminal, it calculates the receipt length, which is the length of the receipt to be issued, and sends it to the server. Based on the received receipt length, the server calculates the average receipt length, the cumulative paper feed length, and the number of printable sheets, which is the number of receipts that can be printed on the roll paper, and sends this number of printable sheets to the POS terminal. The POS terminal then reports the received number of printable sheets.

[0006] A control method for a receipt system including a receipt printer capable of printing on roll paper, a server, and a POS terminal; when the receipt printer receives data from the POS terminal, it calculates the receipt length, which is the length of the receipt to be issued, and sends it to the server; based on the received receipt length, the server calculates the average receipt length, the cumulative paper feed length, which is the cumulative length of paper feed, and the number of printable sheets, which is the number of receipts that can be printed on the roll paper, and sends this number of printable sheets to the POS terminal; the POS terminal notifies the received number of printable sheets.

[0007] A server capable of communicating with a receipt printer capable of printing on roll paper and a POS terminal receives the receipt length, which is the length of receipts to be issued, from the receipt printer, calculates the average receipt length, the accumulated paper feed length, and the number of printable sheets, which is the number of receipts that can be printed on the roll paper, and transmits the number of printable sheets to the POS terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a receipt system. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view of the receipt printer when a large-diameter roll of paper is installed. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of the receipt printer when the roll paper near-end is detected. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of the receipt printer when the real end of the roll paper is detected. [Figure 5] 10 is a state transition diagram of the receipt system when the server calculates the average receipt length and cumulative paper feed length. [Figure 6] This is a state transition diagram of the receipt system when the receipt printer is near end. [Figure 7] This is a state transition diagram of the receipt system when the receipt printer reaches the real end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1. Receipt system configuration As shown in Figure 1, the receipt system 1 according to this embodiment includes a receipt printer 10, a server 20, and a POS (Point of Sale) terminal 30. The server 20 is an information processing device with so-called server functions, while the POS terminal 30 is an information processing device with so-called client functions. Note that below, the receipt printer 10 will simply be referred to as the printer 10. The printer 10 and POS terminal 30 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 40, which is a communications network within a limited area, such as a store 2, and are capable of communicating with each other. The store 2 refers to the premises of a building in which the printer 10, POS terminal 30, and LAN 40 are installed. The POS terminal 30 is used to settle payments for products and services at the store 2. As will be described later, the printer 10 issues a receipt CP related to the settlement. The server 20 provides information services related to the printer 10 and POS terminal 30 in the store 2. The receipt system 1 is also known as a POS system.

[0010] The printer 10 and the POS terminal 30 can communicate with a server 20 outside the store 2 via a LAN 40 and a WAN (Wide Area Network) 50, such as the Internet. The LAN 40 includes a router and a firewall (registered trademark), and includes a function that enables communication between the LAN 40 and the WAN 50. For example, a unique IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is assigned to each of the printer 10, POS terminal 30, and server 20. These devices can communicate with a communication destination by specifying the IP address assigned to the communication destination.

[0011] The printer 10 includes a first control unit 11, a first communication unit 12, a first storage unit 13, a printing unit 14, a cutter 15, a real-end sensor 16, a near-end sensor 17, and a cover sensor 18. The first control unit 11 comprehensively controls each unit of the printer 10. The first control unit 11 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is also called a processor. The first storage unit 13 includes a memory such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a volatile memory. The first control unit 11 reads out a program stored in the flash ROM of the first storage unit 13, and executes the program using the RAM of the first storage unit 13 as a working area.

[0012] The first communication unit 12 of the printer 10 includes a circuit that can communicate with the LAN 40 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The first communication unit 12 is capable of communicating with the POS terminal 30 via the LAN 40. The first communication unit 12 is also capable of communicating with the server 20 via the LAN 40 and the WAN 50. Although the printer 10 uses the first communication unit 12 to send and receive data with a communication destination, the following description will omit the sending and receiving via the first communication unit 12 for the sake of brevity. The first communication unit 12 also communicates via the LAN 40 and the WAN 50, but the following description will omit the sending and receiving via the LAN 40 and the WAN 50.

[0013] The POS terminal 30 is, for example, a computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. The POS terminal 30 includes a third control unit 31, a third communication unit 32, and a third storage unit 33. These components of the POS terminal 30 are almost the same as those of the printer 10, so a description of the components will be omitted.

[0014] Furthermore, the POS terminal 30 has a third input / output unit 34. The third input / output unit 34 is a user interface for the operator. The third input / output unit 34 is, for example, a touch panel display. The third input / output unit 34 includes a display panel, which is an output unit that displays various information, and a detection panel, which is an input unit. The detection panel is configured to be overlaid on the display panel, and detects the operation of a person's finger using a method such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, or an optical method. In the third input / output unit 34, the input unit may include a keyboard, a mouse, a barcode reader, etc., and the output unit may be a stand-type liquid crystal display, etc.

[0015] The POS terminal 30 uses the third communication unit 32 to send and receive data with the communication destination, but as with the printer 10, the following description will omit the sending and receiving via the third communication unit 32 for simplicity's sake. The third communication unit 32 also communicates via the LAN 40 and the WAN 50, but the following description will omit the sending and receiving via the LAN 40 and the WAN 50.

[0016] The server 20 is configured to include a second control unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a second storage unit 23. These components of the server 20 are almost the same as those of the printer 10, so a description of the configuration will be omitted. The server 20 may also have an input / output unit similar to the third input / output unit 34 of the POS terminal 30.

[0017] Note that when the server 20 sends and receives data with the communication destination, it does so using the second communication unit 22; however, as in the case of the printer 10, in the following explanation, for the sake of brevity, the sending and receiving using the second communication unit 22 will be omitted. Furthermore, the second communication unit 22 communicates via the WAN 50 and the LAN 40, but in the following description, the communication via the WAN 50 and the LAN 40 will be omitted.

[0018] 2. Receipt printer configuration A receipt printer 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Directions in the figures will be described using a three-dimensional coordinate system. For ease of explanation, the positive direction of the Z axis will be referred to as the upward direction, upward, or simply upward; the negative direction will be referred to as the downward direction, downward, or simply downward; the positive direction of the X axis will be referred to as the rightward direction, rightward, or simply right; the negative direction will be referred to as the leftward direction, leftward, or simply left; the positive direction of the Y axis will be referred to as the forward direction, forward, or simply forward; and the negative direction will be referred to as the backward direction, backward, or simply backward.

[0019] 2 shows the printer 10 in a so-called vertical orientation, in which the cover 106 is located at the front of the printer 10 and can be opened forward. The printer 10 is arranged, in this order from upstream to downstream in the transport direction F of the paper P: a storage unit 104, a paper guide 19, a printing unit 14, a cutter 15, and an outlet 107. The first control unit 11 is arranged inside the case 105 as a control board (not shown).

[0020] Cover 106 is rotatable around hinge 106a located at the bottom front of case 105, allowing storage section 104 to be opened and closed. Case 105 near hinge 106a is provided with cover sensor 18 that detects whether cover 106 is open or closed. Cover sensor 18 is composed of a mechanical switch, a photosensor, or the like. Figures 2 to 4 show cover 106 in a closed state, and cover sensor 18 can detect that cover 106 is closed.

[0021] The storage section 104 shown in Figure 2 contains a new, unused roll of paper R with a large outer diameter D1. The cover 106 can cover the roll of paper R stored in the storage section 104. The outer diameter D1 is, for example, 83 mm. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 also shows a receipt CP that has been printed and cut, as described below. The receipt length L, which is the length of the receipt CP, is also shown.

[0022] The paper P is, for example, a long piece of thermal paper. The paper P has a thermal material applied to one surface thereof, on which an image can be printed. The roll paper R is wound around a core R0 with the paper P facing outward. The outer diameter of the core R0 is, for example, 18 mm. Note that the outer diameter will also be simply referred to as the diameter below. A printer 10 that prints on such roll paper R is also called a roll paper printer.

[0023] The width of the paper P is, for example, 80 mm. A partition plate (not shown) can be inserted into either the left or right side of the storage section 104 to match the width of the roll paper R that corresponds to the paper P being used. The partition plate allows roll paper R that is smaller than 80 mm in width, for example 58 mm, to be stored in the storage section 104 with both sides stable.

[0024] The printing unit 14 has a head 14a mounted on the case 105 side and a platen 14b mounted on the cover 106 side. As shown in Fig. 2, when the cover 106 is closed, the head 14a and the platen 14b are positioned opposite each other, sandwiching the paper P pulled out from the roll paper R. The head 14a abuts against the front side of the paper P and is ready to print, and the platen 14b abuts against the other side, or back side, of the paper P and is ready to be transported. When the cover 106 is open, the head 14a and the platen 14b are not positioned to face each other, and therefore printing cannot be performed on the paper P. The printing unit 14 does not perform a printing operation.

[0025] The head 14a is, for example, a line-type thermal head with multiple heating elements lined up in the left-right direction. Based on data received from the POS terminal 30, multiple heating elements in the head 14a are selected and heated, and an image can be printed on the paper P. Specifically, a printing operation is performed in which the head 14a prints on the paper P while the paper P is transported by the platen 14b. In this embodiment, the printing operation is also simply referred to as printing.

[0026] The platen 14b has a roller shape and is rotated counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow by a platen motor (not shown), transporting the paper P in the transport direction F. At this time, as the paper P is pulled out from the roll paper R by the platen 14b, the roll paper R stored in the storage section 104 also rotates counterclockwise. Alternatively, the head 14a may be mounted on the cover 106 side, and the platen 14b may be mounted on the case 105 side.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, the platen motor may be a step motor, and the first control unit 11 may calculate the length of the transported paper P based on the number of steps driven. The platen motor may also be a DC motor, and the first control unit 11 may calculate the length of the transported paper P using a rotary encoder or the like. In this way, as will be described later, the first control unit 11 can calculate the receipt length L of the receipt CP, the paper feed length of the paper P, and the like.

[0028] The paper guide 19 has a bent portion 19b mounted on the cover 106 side and a protrusion 19a mounted on the case 105 side. As shown in Figure 2, when the cover 106 is closed, the bent portion 19b and the protrusion 19a are positioned opposite each other with the paper P in between. The paper guide 19 guides the paper P upstream of the printing unit 14 in the transport direction F. The protrusion 19a can come into contact with the paper P and can move toward and away from the bent portion 19b. The protrusion 19a is pressed toward the bent portion 19b by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring.

[0029] The paper P is wound around the core R0 and has a tendency to curl. When the paper P curls toward the back surface, the protrusions 19a come into contact with the front surface and act to correct the curl of the paper P. Furthermore, the movement of the protrusion 19a can also buffer the tension of the paper P that fluctuates due to the inertia of the roll paper R. Alternatively, the bent portion 19b may be mounted on the case 105 side, and the protrusion 19a may be mounted on the cover 106 side.

[0030] A real end sensor 16 is mounted on the bending portion 19b of the paper guide 19. The real end sensor 16 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper P, in contrast to a near end sensor 17 that detects the remaining amount of paper P on the roll paper R, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover 106 is closed, the real end sensor 16 is positioned upstream of the printing unit 14 in the transport direction F so that it can detect paper P. 2, the real-end sensor 16 can detect the presence of printable paper P just before the printing unit 14. When the real-end sensor 16 detects the presence of paper P, the printing unit 14 can start printing. The real end sensor 16 is composed of a mechanical switch, a photosensor, or the like.

[0031] The cutter 15 has a fixed blade 15a mounted on the case 105 side and a movable blade 15b mounted on the cover 106 side. As shown in Fig. 2, when the cover 106 is closed, the fixed blade 15a and the movable blade 15b are positioned to face each other with the paper P sandwiched between them. A cutter motor (not shown) moves the movable blade 15b upward toward the fixed blade 15a, so that the paper P between them can be cut. The paper P printed by the printing unit 14 and cut by the cutter 15 is discharged from the discharge port 107 as a receipt CP of length L. Alternatively, the fixed blade 15a may be mounted on the cover 106 side, and the movable blade 15b may be mounted on the case 105 side.

[0032] The near-end sensor 17, which includes a movable lever-shaped portion, is located below the storage section 104. The near-end sensor 17 can detect the remaining amount of paper P on the roll paper R. In Figure 2, roll paper R with a diameter D1 is stored, and the near-end sensor 17 can abut against the outer periphery S of the roll paper R. The near-end sensor 17 is pushed downward by the roll paper R with a diameter D1, and is at position A1, which is lower than position A2 shown in Figure 3, which will be described later.

[0033] The near-end sensor 17 detects the position A1, thereby detecting that there is a sufficient amount of paper P remaining on the roll paper R. The near-end sensor 17 includes a mechanical switch or a photosensor (both not shown) that can detect the position of the lever-shaped portion. The near-end sensor 17 is pushed upward by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring.

[0034] As receipts CP are printed one after another on the paper P, the diameter of the roll paper R gradually decreases. Then, as shown in Figure 3, the near-end sensor 17 moves away from the outer periphery S of the roll paper R and rises to position A2. The near-end sensor 17 detects position A2, thereby detecting a near-end that indicates that there is little paper P remaining in the roll paper R. Position A2 is the near-end detection position of the near-end sensor 17. Even if the near-end sensor 17 detects the near-end, the printing unit 14 can continue printing because there is still a remaining amount of paper P.

[0035] Furthermore, as the paper P is printed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller, eventually the paper P wound around the roll paper R disappears, and only the core R0 remains, as shown in Figure 4. Then, the real end sensor 16 detects the real end, which is the state where the rear end of the paper P passes and the paper P is no longer there. When the real end is reached, the near-end sensor 17 continues to detect the near end.

[0036] The printing unit 14 stops printing when the real-end sensor 16 detects that the paper P has run out. If the printing unit 14 continues printing without any paper P, it may cause a malfunction. For this reason, the printing unit 14 does not print at the real end. The printer 10 does not print when the cover sensor 18 detects that the cover 106 is open, or when the real-end sensor 16 detects the real-end.

[0037] The printer 10 is equipped with a notification unit (not shown) such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a touch panel display, which can notify the operator of the real end. When the notification unit informs the operator that the printer 10 has reached the real end, the operator replaces the roll paper R with a new one. First, the worker opens the cover 106 and removes the winding core R0. The cover sensor 18 detects that the cover 106 is open. At this time, the real end sensor 16 continues to detect the real end, and the near end sensor 17 continues to detect the near end.

[0038] Next, the worker places a new roll of paper R with a diameter D1 in the storage section 104. Then, when the worker pulls out a small amount of the roll of paper R and closes the cover 106, the state shown in FIG. 2 above is reached. The cover sensor 18 detects when the cover 106 is closed. The real-end sensor 16 detects when there is paper P, but the paper is not at the real end. The near-end sensor 17 detects when there is a sufficient amount of paper P remaining, but the paper is not at the near end. The printing unit 14 becomes able to print on the paper P.

[0039] However, if the worker replaces the paper roll R when the real end is reached, customers who are waiting to pay their bills will have to wait. The printer 10 can also notify the user of a near-end state using a notification unit. The notification unit lets the user know that the printer 10 is near-end. The user can replace the roll paper R before the printer reaches its near-end state, for example, when there is no longer a line of customers waiting to pay.

[0040] 3. Receipt system control method The control method of the receipt system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. In the following description, the first control unit 11 of the printer 10, the second control unit 21 of the server 20, and the third control unit 31 of the POS terminal 30 actually perform their respective processes. For the sake of simplicity, the following description will omit the operations performed by each control unit.

[0041] 5, the operator turns on the power switch (not shown) of the printer 10 (S101). The printer 10 starts up and sends information from each sensor and the like as a notification to the server 20 (S102). Specifically, the printer 10 sends notifications such as the open / closed state of the cover 106 detected by the cover sensor 18, the real-end state detected by the real-end sensor 16, and the near-end state detected by the near-end sensor 17. 2, the printer 10 is in a state where the cover sensor 18 detects that the cover 106 is closed, the real-end sensor 16 has not detected the real end, and the near-end sensor 17 has not detected the near-end. The printer 10 may send a notification to the server 20 that there is paper and that printing is possible.

[0042] The POS terminal 30 performs the customer settlement and sends data for issuing a receipt CP to the printer 10 (S103). The printer 10 prints on paper P using the printing unit 14 based on the received data (S104). The end of the data includes a cutting command that instructs the cutter 15 to cut the paper P. After printing on the paper P with the printing unit 14, the printer 10 can cut the paper P with the cutter 15 based on the cutting command and issue a receipt CP.

[0043] As described above, the printer 10 can calculate the length of paper feed based on the number of steps of the platen motor, etc. Here, the printer 10 can calculate the receipt length L of the receipt CP. Specifically, the printer 10 can calculate the length of paper feed from the position where the paper P was last cut by the cutter 15 to the position where the paper P is currently cut as the receipt length L of the receipt CP.

[0044] The data received by the printer 10 may include fonts of various sizes, different line feed amounts, graphics, margins, etc. It is complex and time-consuming for the printer 10 to calculate the receipt length L of the receipt CP from this data. The printer 10 can easily calculate the length from the position where the paper P was previously cut to the position where the paper P is currently cut, based on the number of steps of the platen motor, etc.

[0045] The printer 10 sends the calculated receipt length L to the server 20 (S105). The server 20 calculates the average receipt length from the received receipt length L (S106). In this case, since this is the first receipt CP, the average receipt length is the receipt length L of the first receipt CP. The server 20 also calculates the cumulative paper feed length, which is the accumulated length of paper feed (S106). Here, the only paper feed performed is for producing the receipt CP, so the cumulative paper feed length is the receipt length L. The received receipt length L, the calculated average receipt length, and the cumulative paper feed length are stored in the second storage unit 23 of the server 20.

[0046] The POS terminal 30 sends the next data to the printer 10 (S107). Here, the printer 10 determines that an error occurred when attempting to print the received data, such as a paper jam in the printing unit 14 or cutter 15 (S108). In this case, the printer 10 will notify the user of the error using the notification unit. The receipt CP that was being printed is removed from the printer 10 and discarded by the operator, as it may not have been printed correctly.

[0047] The printer 10 can determine that an error has occurred in the following manner. For example, the printer 10 is equipped with a rotation detector (not shown), such as a rotary encoder, that can detect the rotation speed of the platen 14b. If the rotation detector detects that the rotation speed of the platen 14b has decreased or stopped, the printer 10 can determine that an error, such as a paper jam, has occurred on the platen 14b. Furthermore, for example, the printer 10 is equipped with a position detector (not shown), such as a mechanical switch or photosensor, that can detect the position of the movable blade 15b of the cutter 15. If the position detector does not detect the movement of the movable blade 15b even though the cutter motor is attempting to move the movable blade 15b, the printer 10 can determine that an error such as a paper jam has occurred in the cutter 15.

[0048] When the printer 10 determines that an error has occurred, it calculates the error length, which is the length of paper feed from the position where the paper P was previously cut until the error occurred, and sends this to the server 20 together with information related to the error (S109). The server 20, upon learning that an error has occurred, reads out the cumulative paper feed length from the second storage unit 23, adds the received error length to it, calculates a new cumulative paper feed length (S110), and stores it in the second storage unit 23. In this way, the server 20 can calculate the cumulative paper feed length by adding the error length of receipts CP that are discarded due to errors such as paper jams. In the event of an error, the printer 10 does not send the receipt length L of the receipt CP, and the server 20 does not calculate the average receipt length.

[0049] The operator is notified of the occurrence of the error by the notification unit of the printer 10 and attempts to resolve the error. For example, the printer 10 is equipped with an operation unit (not shown) such as a touch panel display that instructs the printer 10 to feed paper. The operator operates the operation unit to cause the printer 10 to feed paper and perform recovery processing from the paper jam error (S111). Furthermore, if the printer 10 does not recover from the error even after operating the operation unit, the operator opens the cover 106, removes any paper jams in the platen 14b or cutter 15, and then closes the cover 106. Once the cover 106 is closed, the printer 10 can perform its own initial operations, such as feeding paper, and perform recovery processing from the error (S111).

[0050] The printer 10 can determine that it has recovered from the error when the rotation detector and position detector detect a normal state with no paper jam, and the printer 10 stops reporting the error via the reporting unit. The printer 10 calculates the recovery length, which is the length of paper feed in the recovery process described above, and sends this to the server 20 along with information related to the recovery (S112). The server 20 reads out the cumulative paper feed length from the second storage unit 23, adds the received recovery length to it, calculates a new cumulative paper feed length (S113), and stores it in the second storage unit 23. In this way, the server 20 calculates the cumulative paper feed length by adding the recovery length resulting from the error recovery process.

[0051] The operator feeds the necessary paper to confirm that the printer 10 has recovered from the paper jam error or to prepare for issuing the next receipt CP. The operator operates the third input / output unit 34 of the POS terminal 30 to instruct the printer 10 to feed paper (S114). Specifically, the POS terminal 30 sends a paper feed command to the printer 10. The printer 10 feeds the paper based on the paper feed command (S115). The printer 10 calculates the paper feed length, which is the length of paper feed based on the paper feed command, and sends this to the server 20 (S116). The server 20 reads out the accumulated paper feed length from the second storage unit 23, adds the received paper feed length to it, calculates a new accumulated paper feed length (S117), and stores it in the second storage unit 23. In this way, the server 20 calculates the cumulative paper feed length by adding the paper feed length based on the paper feed command.

[0052] The POS terminal 30 sends data to the printer 10 to print the next receipt CP (S118). In this case, the POS terminal 30 may, based on instructions from the operator, send data to the printer 10 again to reprint the receipt CP that was discarded due to the error described above. Based on the received data, the printer 10 prints on paper P using the printing unit 14 (S119), calculates the receipt length L, and sends it to the server 20 (S120).

[0053] The server 20 calculates the average receipt length from the received receipt length L (S121). Specifically, the server 20 reads the receipt length L received previously from the second storage unit 23, adds the receipt length L received this time, and divides by the number of received receipt lengths L to calculate a new average receipt length. Note that the receipt length L may be different each time it is received, or it may remain the same. The server 20 also calculates the cumulative paper feed length from the received receipt length L (S121). These are stored in the second storage unit 23.

[0054] In this way, the server 20 receives from the printer 10 at least one of the receipt length L, the error length, which is the length of paper feed from the position where the paper P was last cut until the error occurred, the recovery length, which is the length of paper feed during the error recovery process, and the paper feed length, which is the length of paper feed based on the paper feed command received from the POS terminal 30, and calculates the cumulative paper feed length.

[0055] As receipts CP are further printed, the near-end sensor 17 of the printer 10 detects the near-end state (S201), as shown in Figure 6, which follows Figure 5. The printer 10 then sends near-end information to the server 20, indicating that the printer is near-end (S202). At this point, the printer 10 is in the state shown in Figure 3. The printer 10 notifies the user that the roll paper R is near the end using the notification unit. The user is informed of this by the notification unit of the printer 10. In this example, it is assumed that the user attempts to replace the roll paper R when the roll paper R is near the end.

[0056] The operator opens the cover 106 of the printer 10 and removes the roll paper R, which has now reduced to diameter D2. After detecting the near-end, the printer 10 detects that the cover 106 is open using the cover sensor 18 (S203), and sends cover open information indicating that the cover 106 is open to the server 20 (S204). Next, the operator places a new roll of paper R with a diameter D1 in the storage section 104 and closes the cover 106. After detecting that the cover 106 is open, the printer 10 detects that the cover 106 is closed using the cover sensor 18 (S205), and sends cover closed information indicating that the cover 106 is closed to the server 20 (S206).

[0057] The printer 10 is now in the state shown in Figure 2. After detecting that the cover 106 is closed, the printer 10 detects with the near-end sensor 16 that there is paper P, and with the near-end sensor 17 that there is a sufficient amount of paper P remaining on the roll paper R. These states are referred to as the "paper present state." That is, the printer 10 detects the paper present state using the real-end sensor 16 and the near-end sensor 17 (S207). The printer 10 then sends paper present information to the server 20 indicating that there is enough paper P for printing (S208).

[0058] In this way, the server 20 can determine that the roll paper R has been replaced (S209) by receiving the near-end information (S202), cover open information (S204), cover closed information (S206), and paper present information (S208) from the printer 10 in this order. In other words, the server 20 can determine that the operator replaced the roll paper R in the printer 10 in the above order.

[0059] The server 20 reads the average receipt length and cumulative paper feed length from the second memory unit 23. The server 20 can determine that the cumulative paper feed length is the length of paper P up to the near-end of the roll paper R with diameter D1. The server 20 can calculate the number of receipts CP that can be printed on the replaced roll paper R with diameter D1 by dividing the average receipt length by the cumulative paper feed length. Below, the number of receipts CP that can be printed on the roll paper R with diameter D1 is referred to as the "printable number." The server 20 sends the calculated printable number to the POS terminal 30 (S210).

[0060] The server 20 may store the printable number in the second memory unit 23. Each time the server 20 receives receipt length L, it can read this printable number from the second memory unit 23, subtract one from it, and send the resulting number to the POS terminal 30. The subtracted printable number is stored in the second memory unit 23.

[0061] When the POS terminal 30 receives the printable number of sheets, it can notify the operator via the third input / output unit 34. The operator can know the printable number of sheets for the roll paper R stored in the storage unit 104 of the printer 10. The POS terminal 30 may store the printable number in the third memory unit 33. Each time the POS terminal 30 sends data for printing a receipt CP to the printer 10, it can read this printable number from the third memory unit 33, subtract one from it, and display and notify the user via the third input / output unit 34. The subtracted printable number is stored in the third memory unit 33.

[0062] However, because the thickness of the paper P varies, the length of the paper P on the roll paper R also varies. Also, the amount of paper P remaining on the roll paper R when the near-end sensor 17 of the printer 10 detects the near-end also varies. However, the near-end sensor 17, which detects the diameter of the roll paper R, cannot determine the exact remaining length of paper P.

[0063] It can be assumed that the roll paper R used within store 2 is the same type. Therefore, server 20 can infer that the cumulative paper feed length calculated for the previous roll paper R is the same as the length of paper P on the currently replaced roll paper R. Furthermore, by using the average receipt length, which is the average length of receipts CP issued within store 2, server 20 can more accurately calculate the number of printable sheets.

[0064] Next, as shown in Figure 7, which follows Figure 5, the printer 10 detects the near-end using the near-end sensor 17 (S301), sends the near-end information to the server 20 (S302), and continues to print receipts CP. In other words, the operator causes the printer 10 to print until the near-end is reached. At this time, the printer 10 is in the state shown in Figure 3. Even if the printer 10 is near the end, it can still print up to the amount of paper P remaining.

[0065] The POS terminal 30 sends data for producing the next receipt CP to the printer 10 (S303). Based on the received data, the printer 10 prints on paper P using the printing unit 14 (S304), calculates the receipt length L, and sends it to the server 20 (S305). The server 20 calculates the average receipt length from the received receipt length L (S306). The server 20 also calculates the cumulative paper feed length from the received receipt length L (S306). These are stored in the second storage unit 23.

[0066] After detecting the near-end, the receipt CP is printed and the real-end sensor 16 of the printer 10 detects the real end (S307). The printer 10 sends real-end information indicating that the real end has occurred to the server 20 (S308). At this point, the printer 10 is in the state shown in Figure 4. The printer 10 notifies the user that the roll of paper R has reached its real end via the notification unit of the printer 10. The user learns from the notification unit of the printer 10 that the roll of paper R has reached its real end, and attempts to replace the roll of paper R because the paper P has run out and printing is no longer possible.

[0067] That is, the operator opens the cover 106 of the printer 10 and removes the core R0 that has run out of paper P. The process that follows is the same as in the case of FIG. After detecting the real end, the printer 10 detects that the cover 106 is open using the cover sensor 18 (S309), and sends cover open information to the server 20 (S310). Next, the operator places a new roll of paper R with diameter D1 in the storage section 104 and closes the cover 106. That is, after detecting that the cover 106 is open, the printer 10 detects that the cover 106 is closed using the cover sensor 18 (S311) and sends cover closed information to the server 20 (S312).

[0068] The printer 10 is now in the state shown in Figure 2. After detecting that the cover 106 is closed, the printer 10 detects the presence of paper P using the near-end sensor 16, and detects the above-mentioned paper-present state, in which there is a sufficient amount of paper P remaining on the roll paper R, using the near-end sensor 17. That is, the printer 10 detects the presence of paper using the real-end sensor 16 and the near-end sensor 17 (S313). The printer 10 then sends the paper presence information to the server 20 (S314).

[0069] The server 20 can determine that the roll paper R has been replaced (S315) by receiving the following information from the printer 10 in this order: near-end information (S302), real-end information (S308), cover open information (S310), cover closed information (S312), and paper present information (S314). In other words, the server 20 can determine that the operator replaced the roll paper R in the printer 10 in the above order.

[0070] The server 20 reads the average receipt length and the cumulative paper feed length from the second memory unit 23. The server 20 can determine that the cumulative paper feed length is the length of paper P until the roll paper R with diameter D1 reaches the near-end. The server 20 calculates the number of printable sheets by dividing the average receipt length by the cumulative paper feed length, and sends this to the POS terminal 30 (S316). The POS terminal 30 that receives the number of printable sheets can process it in the same way as in the case of Figure 6 described above. The operator can know the number of printable sheets for the roll paper R stored in the storage unit 104 of the printer 10. As described above, the server 20 or the POS terminal 30 can also subtract one sheet at a time from the number of printable sheets and send or notify the result.

[0071] In the case of Figure 6 described above, when the platen 14b pulls out the paper P from the roll paper R, the roll paper R may roll back and forth within the storage section 104, which may cause variations in the timing at which the near-end sensor 17 detects the near-end. 7, when the real end is detected by the real end sensor 16, the number of printable sheets can be calculated more accurately without variation. Therefore, it is preferable that the server 20 calculates the number of printable sheets by prioritizing the real end case over the near end case.

[0072] As described above, the receipt system 1 includes a receipt printer 10 capable of printing on paper P from a roll of paper R, a server 20, and a POS terminal 30. When the receipt printer 10 receives data from the POS terminal 30, it calculates the receipt length L, which is the length of the receipt CP to be printed, and sends this to the server 20. Based on the received receipt length L, the server 20 calculates the average receipt length, the cumulative paper feed length, and the number of printable receipts CP that can be printed on the roll paper R, and sends this number to the POS terminal 30. The POS terminal can then report the received number of printable receipts. The operator can know the number of printable sheets for the roll paper R stored in the storage unit 104 of the printer 10.

[0073] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0074] For example, in the above description, the server 20 calculates the average receipt length and cumulative paper feed length, but the printer 10 may calculate these and send the results to the server 20. Also, in the above description, the server 20 calculates the number of printable sheets, but the printer 10 may calculate these and send the results to the POS terminal 30.

[0075] While FIG. 1 shows an example of one pair of POS terminal 30 and printer 10 in store 2, multiple pairs are also possible. In this case, the server 20 may receive and tally receipt lengths L from multiple printers 10 to calculate the average receipt length and cumulative paper feed length. As mentioned above, it can be assumed that the roll paper R used in store 2 is the same, and that the contents of the receipts CP issued tend to be the same.

[0076] The near-end sensor 17 shown in FIG. 2 includes a lever-shaped portion that can contact the outer periphery S of the roll paper R, but other configurations are also possible. For example, a reflective photosensor may be used. The detection light of the photosensor is irradiated onto the cross section of the roll paper R, and as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases, the detection light passes through and is no longer reflected at the position of the hole in the core R0. This type of change may be used to detect the near-end.

[0077] Although the head 14a has been described as a thermal head, any printing method can be used. For example, the head 14a may be an inkjet head. In this case, since the inkjet head cannot contact the platen 14b to sandwich the paper P, a driven roller that faces the platen 14b and sandwiches the paper P can be mounted in the case 105.

[0078] FIG. 2 shows the printer 10 in a so-called portrait orientation, in which the cover 106 can be opened forward. The printer 10 may also be in a so-called landscape orientation, in which the cover 106 is positioned on top and can be opened upward. In this case, the roll paper R is positioned so that it contacts the recess on the right side of the storage section 104 shown in FIG. 2. A near-end sensor 17 can also be provided on the right side of the storage section 104, allowing the printer 10 to be configured to detect the near end when in a landscape orientation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1...Receipt system, 10...Receipt printer, 15...Cutter, 16...Real end sensor, 17...Near end sensor, 18...Cover sensor, 20...Server, 30...POS terminal, 106...Cover, CP...Receipt, L...Receipt length, P...Paper, R...Roll paper.

Claims

1. A receipt system including a receipt printer capable of printing on roll paper, a server, and a POS terminal, When the receipt printer receives data from the POS terminal, it calculates the receipt length, which is the length of the receipt to be printed, and sends it to the server. Based on the received receipt length, the server calculates the average receipt length, the cumulative paper feed length, and the printable number of receipts that can be printed on the roll paper, and sends the printable number of receipts to the POS terminal. The POS terminal notifies the received number of printable sheets.

2. The receipt printer is 2. The receipt system according to claim 1, further comprising a near-end sensor that detects the remaining amount of paper on the roll paper, a near-end sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper, and a cover sensor that detects the opening or closing of a cover that can cover the roll paper.

3. The receipt printer is When the near-end sensor detects that the remaining amount of paper is low, the near-end information is transmitted to the server. Next, when the cover sensor detects that the cover is open, cover open information is transmitted to the server; Next, when the cover sensor detects that the cover is closed, cover closed information is transmitted to the server; Next, when the real-end sensor and the near-end sensor detect a paper presence state, the paper presence information is sent to the server, The receipt system according to claim 2 , wherein the server determines that the roll paper has been replaced by receiving the near-end information, the cover open information, the cover closed information, and the paper present information in that order.

4. The receipt printer is When the near-end sensor detects that the remaining amount of paper is low, the near-end information is transmitted to the server. Next, when the real end sensor detects the real end, that is, the absence of paper, the real end information is transmitted to the server, Next, when the cover sensor detects that the cover is open, cover open information is transmitted to the server; Next, when the cover sensor detects that the cover is closed, cover closed information is transmitted to the server; Next, when the real-end sensor and the near-end sensor detect a paper presence state, the paper presence information is sent to the server, The receipt system according to claim 2, wherein the server determines that the roll paper has been replaced by receiving the near-end information, the real-end information, the cover open information, the cover closed information, and the paper present information in that order.

5. the receipt printer includes a cutter that cuts the paper based on a cutting command included in the data; The receipt system according to claim 1 , wherein the receipt length is calculated as the length from the position where the paper was previously cut by the cutter to the position where the paper is currently cut by the cutter.

6. 2. The receipt system according to claim 1, wherein the server receives from the receipt printer at least one of the receipt length, the error length, which is the length of paper feed from the previous position where the paper was cut until the error occurred, the recovery length, which is the length of paper feed during the process to recover from the error, and the paper feed length, which is the length of paper feed based on a paper feed command received from the POS terminal, and calculates the cumulative paper feed length.

7. A control method for a receipt system including a receipt printer capable of printing on roll paper, a server, and a POS terminal, comprising: When the receipt printer receives data from the POS terminal, it calculates the receipt length, which is the length of the receipt to be printed, and sends it to the server. Based on the received receipt length, the server calculates the average receipt length, the cumulative paper feed length, and the printable number of receipts that can be printed on the roll paper, and sends the printable number of receipts to the POS terminal. The POS terminal notifies the received number of printable sheets.

8. A receipt printer capable of printing on roll paper and a server capable of communicating with a POS terminal, Receives a receipt length from the receipt printer, which is the length of the receipt to be issued; The server calculates the average receipt length, the cumulative paper feed length, which is the cumulative length of paper feed, and the printable number, which is the number of receipts that can be printed on the roll paper, and sends the printable number to the POS terminal.

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