Printer and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a technology for controlling the shift of an operation mode from a normal mode to a sleep mode.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a printer includes a printing head, a cutter, a detection part and a mode control part. The printing head prints an image based on print data on a recording medium. The cutter cuts the recording medium on the basis of a cut command. The detection part detects that a duration time of an idle state in a first mode exceeds a prescribed time. The mode control part changes shift control of an operation mode from a first mode to a second mode having power consumption lower than in the first mode according to an event about the shift to the idle state in response to detection that the duration time of the idle state exceeds the prescribed time by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Many payment processing devices involved in the transfer of money, such as POS (Point Of Sales) terminals, payment processing terminals, and automated settlement machines, issue receipts by sending print data to be printed on receipts and a cut command to a printer. At this time, data communication from the payment processing device is interrupted, and the printer goes into sleep mode after a certain period of time has passed. However, if the printer goes into sleep mode before receiving the cut command, the printing position on the receipt may become clogged when printing on the receipt based on the print data received thereafter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-80890 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique for controlling the transition of an operation mode from a normal mode to a sleep mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the printer includes a print head, a cutter, a detection unit, and a mode control unit. The print head prints an image based on print data onto a recording medium. The cutter cuts the recording medium based on a cut command. The detection unit detects that the duration of the idle state in the first mode has exceeded a predetermined time. In response to the detection by the detection unit that the duration of the idle state has exceeded the predetermined time, the mode control unit changes transition control of the operation mode from the first mode to a second mode that consumes less power than the first mode in accordance with an event related to transition to the idle state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a printer according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt paper printed by the printer according to the reference example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a receipt paper printed by the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process by the processor of the printer according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system S. The information processing system S includes a printer 10 and a payment processing terminal 30. The printer 10 and the payment processing terminal 30 are connected to each other via a network, either wired or wirelessly, so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the network may be a LAN (Local Area Network), but is not limited thereto.

[0008] Printer 10 is an electronic device for printing receipts, slips, etc. For example, printer 10 may be a thermal printer, an inkjet printer, etc. Printer 10 will be described using a thermal printer as an example. Printer 10 receives print data from payment processing terminal 30 via printer interface 308. The print data includes some of the data, such as store identification data that identifies the store, such as the store name and logo of the store, and accounting data that indicates the names, amounts, and total amounts of items purchased by a customer. An example of the configuration of printer 10 will be described later. In FIG. 1, the interface is described as "I / F."

[0009] The payment processing terminal 30 is an electronic device that enables payment for purchased goods. The payment processing terminal 30 includes a processor 301, a main memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a clock unit 304, a communication unit 305, a touch panel 306, a reader / writer 307, a printer interface 308, and a scanner 309. The processor 301 is electrically and communicatively connected to the main memory 302, the auxiliary storage device 303, the clock unit 304, the communication unit 305, the touch panel 306, the reader / writer 307, the printer interface 308, and the scanner 309.

[0010] Processor 301 corresponds to the central part of payment processing terminal 30. For example, processor 301 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. Processor 301 may be composed of various circuits. Processor 301 loads a program that is pre-stored in main memory 302 and auxiliary storage device 303 into main memory 302. The program is a program that causes processor 301 of payment processing terminal 30 to realize or execute each unit described below. Processor 301 executes the program loaded into main memory 302 to perform various operations.

[0011] The main memory 302 corresponds to the main storage portion of the payment processing terminal 30. The main memory 302 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 302 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 302 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 301. For example, the main memory 302 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 302 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 302 stores a program.

[0012] The auxiliary storage device 303 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the payment processing terminal 30. The auxiliary storage device 303 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The auxiliary storage device 303 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 301 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 301.

[0013] The clock unit 304 functions as a time information source for the payment processing terminal 30. The processor 301 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock unit 304.

[0014] The communication unit 305 connects to a registration terminal via a wired or wireless network, and receives accounting data sent from the registration terminal.

[0015] The touch panel 306 functions as an input device and a display device for the payment processing terminal 30. The display device is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processor 301. A device for store clerks and a device for customers may be provided separately. For example, the display device may be a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. The input device is a device that functions as a data input interface to the payment processing terminal 30. For example, the input device may be a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.

[0016] The reader / writer 307 reads data recorded on a recording medium such as a card or an IC (integrated circuit) chip, which is a type of payment medium, and writes data to the recording medium. Cards include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as member cards and point cards. IC chips may be provided on the above-mentioned various cards as well as on information terminals such as smartphones.

[0017] Printer interface 308 connects payment processing terminal 30 and printer 10. Printer interface 308 outputs print data generated by processor 301 to printer 10. "Output" includes the meaning of "send".

[0018] The scanner 309 scans and reads the barcode or the like of the purchased item held over the reading window. The scanner 309 reads the barcode symbol attached to the purchased item every time the barcode symbol is held over the reading window. Here, the barcode may be replaced with a two-dimensional data code. The scanner 309 may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning with a laser beam. The scanner 309 may be of a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device such as a camera.

[0019] The hardware configuration of the payment processing terminal 30 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The payment processing terminal 30 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0020] Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 301 will be described. The processor 301 implements a generation unit 321 and an issuance control unit 322. Each unit implemented in the processor 301 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 301 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 301 and the main memory 302.

[0021] The generating unit 321 generates print data. For example, the generating unit 321 generates print data including store identification data based on the start of a transaction. A transaction is the delivery of purchased items based on payment. The store identification data is an example of the first print data of a transaction. The generating unit 321 generates print data including accounting data of each purchased item each time a purchased item is registered during a transaction using the scanner 309. The accounting data of each purchased item is an example of print data during a transaction. The generating unit 321 generates print data including accounting data of a total amount based on the end of a transaction. The end of a transaction includes the end of the payment process for the transaction. The accounting data of the total amount is an example of the last print data of a transaction.

[0022] In response to the generation of print data by the generation unit 321, the issuance control unit 322 outputs the print data to the printer 10 via the printer interface 308. For example, in response to the generation of print data including store identification data by the generation unit 321, the issuance control unit 322 outputs the print data including store identification data to the printer 10. In response to the generation of print data including billing data by the generation unit 321, the issuance control unit 322 outputs the print data including billing data to the printer 10. The issuance control unit 322 outputs a cut command to the printer 10 via the printer interface 308 to instruct the printer 10 to cut the receipt paper. For example, the issuance control unit 322 outputs the final print data of a transaction to the printer 10 based on the completion of a transaction, and then outputs a cut command to the printer 10. The issuance control unit 322 controls the issuance of a receipt on which an image based on the print data is printed. In the following description, "in response" may be read as "based on".

[0023] An example of the configuration of the printer 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the printer 10 according to the embodiment. The printer 10 includes a paper feed roller 12, a platen roller 13, a print head 14, a cutter 15, a sensor 18, a processor 101, a main memory 102, a timer 103, a communication interface 104, a conveyance motor 105, a head driver 106, a cutter motor 107, an input port 108, and a power supply circuit 109. The processor 101 is electrically and communicatively connected to the main memory 102, the timer 103, the communication interface 104, the conveyance motor 105, the head driver 106, the cutter motor 107, and the input port 108. An example of the configuration of the paper feed roller 12, the platen roller 13, the print head 14, the cutter 15, and the sensor 18 will be described later. In FIG. 2, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0024] The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the printer 10. The processor 101 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned processor 301. The processor 101 loads a program prestored in the main memory 102 into the main memory 102. The program is a program that causes the processor 101 of the printer 10 to realize or execute each unit described below. The processor 101 executes the program loaded into the main memory 102 to perform various operations.

[0025] The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage portion of the printer 10. The main memory 102 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned main memory 302. The main memory 102 stores programs.

[0026] The timer 103 measures a preset time. The timer 103 times out when the set time has been measured. The set time is arbitrary. The timer 103 resets the measured time under the control of the processor 101.

[0027] The communication interface 104 includes various interfaces that communicatively connect the printer 10 to other electronic devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 104 connects the printer 10 to the payment processing terminal 30, and performs data communication between the printer 10 and the payment processing terminal 30.

[0028] The conveying motor 105 drives the paper feed roller 12 and the platen roller 13. The paper feed roller 12 and the platen roller 13 rotate in a predetermined direction when driven by the conveying motor 105, and convey the strip-shaped receipt paper wound in a roll to the receipt issuing port. The receipt paper is an example of a recording medium. The conveying motor 105 is an example of a component related to printing.

[0029] The head driver 106 is a drive circuit that drives the print head 14. Driven by the head driver 106, the print head 14 prints an image based on print data from the payment processing terminal 30 onto receipt paper. The print head 14 is also called a thermal head. The head driver 106 is an example of a component related to printing.

[0030] The cutter motor 107 drives the movable blade of the cutter 15. The cutter motor 107 can drive the movable blade in two stages: partial cut drive and full cut drive. When the cutter motor 107 drives for partial cut, the cutter 15 performs a partial cut, leaving part of the receipt paper uncut. When the cutter motor 107 drives for full cut, the cutter 15 performs a full cut, completely cutting off the receipt paper.

[0031] The input port 108 receives an ON signal or OFF signal output from the sensor 18. Based on the signal input to the input port 108, the CPU 101 determines whether the sensor 18 has detected receipt paper.

[0032] The power supply circuit 109 converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power and supplies power to the processor 101, main memory 102, timer 103, communication interface 104, conveyance motor 105, head driver 106, cutter motor 107, input port 108, etc. "Power supply" may be interpreted as "power supply." The power supply circuit 109 can be controlled by the processor 101.

[0033] The hardware configuration of the printer 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and the printer 10 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0034] Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 101 will be described. The processor 101 implements a detection unit 121, a determination unit 122, and a mode control unit 123. Each unit implemented in the processor 101 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 101 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 101 and the main memory 102.

[0035] The detection unit 121 detects the duration of the idle state of the printer 10 in the normal mode using the timer 103. The detection unit 121 detects that the duration of the idle state has exceeded a predetermined time. The duration of the idle state is the time during which the idle state continues from the timing when the printer 10 transitions from the operating state to the idle state. The operating state and the idle state will be described later. The normal mode is one of the operating modes of the printer 10. The normal mode is an example of a first mode. The operating modes of the printer 10 will be described later. The predetermined time is, for example, several seconds or several tens of seconds. The predetermined time may be set in advance or may be updated as appropriate by a user of the printer 10, etc.

[0036] The determination unit 122 determines an event related to a transition to an idle state. An event related to a transition to an idle state is an event that causes the printer 10 to transition from an operating state to an idle state. For example, an event related to a transition to an idle state includes a cut event based on a cut command from the payment processing terminal 30, and an interruption of communication from the payment processing terminal 30. A cut event includes cutting of receipt paper by the cutter 15 based on a cut command. The term "cut" may be interpreted as either a partial cut or a full cut. An interruption of communication includes a case where the printer 10 does not receive a cut command after receiving the first print data of a transaction from the payment processing terminal 30. For example, an interruption of communication occurs when the interval between registration of purchased items during a transaction becomes longer. As the interval between registration of purchased items during a transaction becomes longer, the interval between transmission of print data including accounting data of the purchased items from the payment processing terminal 30 to the printer 10 also becomes longer. The determination unit 122 determines whether an event related to a transition to an idle state is a cut event based on a cut command from the payment processing terminal 30. The cut event corresponds to an event based on a cut command.

[0037] The mode control unit 123 changes the transition control of the operation mode from the normal mode to the sleep mode in response to an event related to the transition to an idle state. In response to the event related to the transition being a cut event, the mode control unit 123 transitions the operation mode of the printer 10 from the normal mode to the sleep mode. In response to the event related to the transition not being a cut event, the mode control unit 123 maintains the operation mode of the printer 10 in the normal mode. The sleep mode is an example of the second mode.

[0038] The operation modes of the printer 10 will now be described. The printer 10 has at least a normal mode and a sleep mode. The normal mode is a mode in which power supply from the power supply circuit 109 to the processor 101, main memory 102, timer 103, communication interface 104, conveyance motor 105, head driver 106, cutter motor 107, input port 108, etc. The sleep mode is a mode in which the power consumed by the printer 10 is reduced more than in the normal mode. The sleep mode is a mode in which power consumption is lower than in the normal mode. The sleep mode is also called a power saving mode.

[0039] Normal modes include a print state, a cut state, and an idle state. The print state is a state in which the printer executes a process of printing an image based on print data from the payment processing terminal 30 onto receipt paper. The print state is an example of an operating state in which the printer 10 is operating. The cut state is a state in which the printer executes a process of cutting receipt paper 20 based on a cut command from the payment processing terminal 30. The cut state is an example of an operating state. The idle state is a state in which the printer is able to execute a process based on the print data and cut command from the payment processing terminal 30. The idle state is also called a standby state.

[0040] The sleep mode is a mode in which power supply from the power circuit 109 to the transport motor 105, head driver 106, cutter motor 107, input port 108, etc. is stopped, and power supply to the processor 101, main memory 102, timer 103, communication interface 104, etc. is maintained. The targets to which power supply is stopped and the targets to which power supply is maintained in the sleep mode are not limited to these. The reason that power supply to a portion of the printer 10 is maintained is to maintain functions related to communication between the printer 10 and the payment processing terminal 30 even in the sleep mode.

[0041] The main parts of the printer 10 will now be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the printer 10 according to the embodiment. The printer 10 has a housing 11 capable of housing receipt paper 20. Inside the housing 11, the printer 10 has a paper feed roller 12, a platen roller 13, a print head 14, and a cutter 15. The printer 10 also has a receipt issuing port 16 on one side of the housing 11. The printer 10 forms a paper transport path so that the leading edge of the receipt paper 20 housed in the housing 11 is discharged from the receipt issuing port 16.

[0042] The paper feed roller 12 is located at the most upstream side of the paper transport path, that is, on the side closest to the rolled receipt paper 20. The paper feed roller 12 pinches the leading edge of the receipt paper 20 that has been unwound from the roll between a pair of rollers and transports it downstream by its rotational force.

[0043] The platen roller 13 is disposed downstream of the paper feed roller 12. The platen roller 13 conveys the receipt paper 20 sent out from the paper feed roller 12 further downstream by rotating.

[0044] The print head 14 is disposed in a position facing the platen roller 13 with the paper transport path in between. The print head 14 prints print data on the receipt paper 20 transported over the platen roller 13 using a thermal method.

[0045] The cutter 15 is located at the most downstream end of the paper transport path, in other words, before the receipt issuing port 16. The cutter 15 consists of a fixed blade 151 located above and a movable blade 152 located below, with the paper transport path in between. The cutter 15 cuts the receipt paper 20 discharged from the receipt issuing port 16 just before the receipt issuing port 16 when the movable blade 152 rises and pushes the receipt paper 20 between the fixed blade 151 and the cutter 15. At this time, a partial or full cut is performed depending on the amount the movable blade 152 has moved. The cutter 15 cuts the receipt paper 20 based on a cut command from the payment processing terminal 30.

[0046] After the receipt paper 20 is fully cut by the cutter 15, the scraps P at the leading edge of the receipt paper 20 fall from the receipt issuing port 16 due to gravity. For this reason, the printer 10 is equipped with a box 17 below the receipt issuing port 16 to store the scraps P. The printer 10 also has a sensor 18 installed near the receipt issuing port 16 to detect the presence or absence of receipt paper 20 discharged from the receipt issuing port 16. The sensor 18 is, for example, an optical sensor, which outputs an ON signal while it is detecting receipt paper 20 and outputs an OFF signal when it no longer detects receipt paper 20.

[0047] An example of receipt paper printed by a printer will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt paper printed by the printer according to the reference example.

[0048] The printer prints an image based on the print data from the payment processing terminal 30 onto receipt paper. The receipt paper includes the name of the store where the payment processing terminal 30 and the printer are installed, the name of the product purchased by the customer, the price, and the total price. In this example, it is assumed that the printer receives print data including billing data corresponding to the image indicated by "002" from the payment processing terminal 30, and then the printer switches to sleep mode after the idle state continues for a set period of time. The printer switches to sleep mode, and power supply from the power supply circuit to the conveyor motor, head driver, cutter motor, input port, etc. is stopped. This initializes the phase control of the printer's motors. In this state, the printer receives print data including billing data corresponding to the image indicated by "003" from the payment processing terminal 30. In response to receiving the print data, the printer switches to normal mode and prints an image based on the print data onto the receipt paper 20. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, in the printer of the reference example, a phenomenon occurs in which the printing position of an image based on the print data indicated by "003" becomes clogged immediately after the printer switches from the sleep mode to the normal mode.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a receipt paper 20 printed by the printer 10 according to the embodiment.

[0050] The printer 10 prints an image based on the print data from the payment processing terminal 30 onto the receipt paper 20. The receipt paper 20 includes the name of the store where the payment processing terminal 30 and the printer 10 are installed, the name of the product purchased by the customer, the amount, and the total amount. In this example, the printer 10 transitions to an idle state after receiving print data including billing data corresponding to the image indicated by "002" from the payment processing terminal 30, and the detection unit 121 detects that the duration of the idle state has exceeded a set predetermined time. The determination unit 122 determines whether the event related to the transition to the idle state is a cut event based on a cut command from the payment processing terminal 30. In this example, the event related to the transition to the idle state is the interruption of communication from the payment processing terminal 30 after printing an image based on print data including billing data corresponding to the image indicated by "002". In this case, the event related to the transition to the idle state is the interruption of communication from the payment processing terminal 30 when the cut command has not been received from the payment processing terminal 30. In response to the event related to the transition to the idle state determined by the determination unit 122 not being an event based on a cut command, the mode control unit 123 maintains the operation mode of the printer 10 in the normal mode. The printer 10 maintains the power supply state from the power supply circuit 109 in the normal mode. Therefore, the phase control of the motor of the printer 10 is not initialized.

[0051] In this state, printer 10 receives print data from payment processing terminal 30, including billing data corresponding to the image indicated by "003." In response to receiving the print data, printer 10 prints an image based on the print data onto receipt paper 20. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, even if printer 10 receives print data indicated by "003" when the duration of the idle state has exceeded a set predetermined time, printer 10 is able to print the image based on the print data indicated by "003" in the appropriate print position. Printer 10 does not experience the phenomenon of the print position of the image based on the print data becoming clogged immediately after switching from sleep mode to normal mode, as occurs with the printer in the reference example.

[0052] The process performed by the processor 101 of the printer 10 will now be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process by the processor 101 of the printer 10 according to the embodiment. Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, operations may be omitted, replaced, or added to the process steps described below as appropriate depending on the embodiment. It is assumed that the printer 10 is in the normal mode.

[0053] The detection unit 121 detects the duration of the idle state in the normal mode of the printer 10 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the detection unit 121 detects that the duration of the idle state has exceeded a predetermined time. If the detection unit 121 detects that the duration of the idle state has exceeded the predetermined time (ACT1: YES), the process transitions from ACT1 to ACT2. If the detection unit 121 does not detect that the duration of the idle state has exceeded the predetermined time (ACT1: NO), ACT1 is repeated.

[0054] In response to the detection by the detection unit 121 that the duration of the idle state has exceeded a predetermined time, the determination unit 122 determines an event related to the transition to the idle state (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the determination unit 122 determines whether or not the event related to the transition to the idle state is a cut event based on a cut command from the payment processing terminal 30. For example, the processor 101 stores data such as the print data and the cut command from the payment processing terminal 30 in the main memory 102. When the processor 101 acquires a cut command from the payment processing terminal 30, the processor 101 sets a flag indicating the cut command in the main memory 102. For example, when the processor 101 acquires a cut command after starting to acquire print data of one transaction, the flag is set to "1". When the processor 101 does not acquire a cut command after starting to acquire print data of one transaction, the flag is set to "0". The determination unit 122 determines whether or not the event related to the transition to the idle state is an event based on the cut command based on the flag indicating the cut command. The determination unit 122 determines that the event related to the transition to the idle state is a cut event based on a cut command, based on the flag indicating the cut command being "1". On the other hand, the determination unit 122 determines that the event related to the transition to the idle state is not a cut event based on a cut command, based on the flag indicating the cut command being "0". The fact that the event related to the transition to the idle state is not a cut event includes the event related to the transition to the idle state being an interruption of communication from the payment processing terminal 30.

[0055] If the determination unit 122 determines that the event related to the transition to the idle state is a cut event (ACT2: YES), the process transitions from ACT2 to ACT4. If the determination unit 122 determines that the event related to the transition to the idle state is not a cut event (ACT2: NO), the process transitions from ACT2 to ACT3. The mode control unit 123 changes the transition control of the operation mode from the normal mode to the sleep mode according to the event related to the transition to the idle state determined by the determination unit 122.

[0056] In response to the event regarding the transition to the idle state determined by the determination unit 122 not being an event based on a cut command, the mode control unit 123 maintains the operation mode of the printer 10 in the normal mode (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the mode control unit 123 controls the power supply circuit 109 to maintain the power supply from the power supply circuit 109 to the processor 101, main memory 102, timer 103, communication interface 104, conveyance motor 105, head driver 106, cutter motor 107, input port 108, etc. The mode control unit 123 maintains the printer 10 in the idle state of the normal mode. The process returns to ACT1. Note that if the processor 101 receives print data from the payment processing terminal 30 during a transaction, it prints an image based on the print data on the receipt paper 20. If the processor 101 receives a cut command from the payment processing terminal 30, it cuts the receipt paper 20.

[0057] In response to the event regarding the transition to the idle state determined by the determination unit 122 being an event based on a cut command, the mode control unit 123 transitions the operation mode of the printer 10 from the normal mode to the sleep mode (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the mode control unit 123 transitions the operation mode of the printer 10 from the normal mode to the sleep mode by controlling the power supply to at least the components related to printing. Specifically, the mode control unit 123 controls the power circuit 109 to stop the power supply to the conveyance motor 105, the head driver 106, the cutter motor 107, the input port 108, etc. The mode control unit 123 maintains the power supply to the processor 101, the main memory 102, the timer 103, the communication interface 104, etc. The mode control unit 123 transitions the operation mode of the printer 10 from the normal mode to the sleep mode by controlling the power supply as described above. Note that when the processor 101 acquires the first print data of one transaction from the payment processing terminal 30, it resets the flag indicating the cut command to "0" in the main memory 102.

[0058] According to this example, the mode control unit 123 can change the transition control of the operation mode from the normal mode to the sleep mode in response to an event related to the transition to the idle state, in response to detection by the detection unit 121 that the duration of the idle state has exceeded a predetermined time. This allows the mode control unit 123 to control the operation mode of the printer 10 to an appropriate mode, even if the duration of the idle state exceeds a predetermined time. Therefore, the mode control unit 123 can control the transition of the operation mode from the normal mode to the sleep mode at an appropriate timing.

[0059] If the event related to the transition to the idle state is not a cut event, the mode control unit 123 can maintain the operation mode of the printer 10 in the normal mode. As a result, even if the duration of the idle state exceeds a predetermined time, the mode control unit 123 can maintain the supply of power from the power supply circuit 109 without transitioning the operation mode of the printer 10 to the sleep mode. As a result, for example, the printer 10 can maintain the state of motor phase control. When the printer 10 receives print data in the middle of a transaction from the payment processing terminal 30, it can appropriately transport the receipt paper 20 by the transport motor 105. The printer 10 can print an image at an appropriate print position on the receipt paper 20.

[0060] Furthermore, when the event related to the transition to the idle state is a cut event, the mode control unit 123 can transition the operation mode of the printer 10 to the sleep mode. As a result, when the duration of the idle state after the cut event exceeds a predetermined time, the mode control unit 123 can transition the operation mode of the printer 10 to the sleep mode. The mode control unit 123 can partially stop the power supply from the power supply circuit 109 to reduce power consumption.

[0061] As described above, the printer 10 can appropriately control the transition to the sleep mode in response to an event that occurs immediately before the printer 10 transitions to the idle state. Therefore, the printer 10 can achieve a transition of the operating mode that reduces power consumption while avoiding clogging of the printing position when print data is received in the middle of a transaction in the sleep mode.

[0062] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is an electronic device-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is readable by an electronic device.

[0063] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10... printer, 11... housing, 12... paper feed roller, 13... platen roller, 14... print head, 15... cutter, 16... receipt issuing port, 17... box, 18... sensor, 20... receipt paper, 30... payment processing terminal, 101... processor, 102... main memory, 103... timer, 104... communication interface, 105... conveyor motor, 106... head driver, 107... cutter motor, 108... input port, 10 9...power supply circuit, 121...detection unit, 122...determination unit, 123...mode control unit, 151...fixed blade, 152...movable blade, 301...processor, 302...main memory, 303...auxiliary storage device, 304...clock unit, 305...communication unit, 306...touch panel, 307...reader / writer, 308...printer interface, 309...scanner, 321...generation unit, 322...issuance control unit, P...paper piece, S...information processing system.

Claims

1. a print head that prints an image based on print data onto a recording medium; a cutter that cuts the recording medium based on a cut command; a detection unit configured to detect, in a first mode, that a duration of the idle state exceeds a predetermined time after the idle state is transitioned to based on an event related to the transition to the idle state; a mode control unit that transitions an operation mode from the first mode to a second mode having lower power consumption than the first mode when the detection unit detects that the duration of the idle state has exceeded a predetermined time and an event related to transition to the idle state is an event based on a cut command; and A printer comprising:

2. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the mode control unit maintains the operation mode in the first mode in response to the event relating to the transition not being an event based on the cut command.

3. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the mode control unit transitions the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode by controlling power supply to components related to printing.

4. In an information processing system including a printer and a payment processing terminal, The printer includes: a print head that prints an image based on print data from the payment processing terminal onto receipt paper; a cutter that cuts the receipt paper based on a cut command from the payment processing terminal; a detection unit configured to detect, in a first mode, that a duration of the idle state exceeds a predetermined time after the idle state is transitioned to based on an event related to the transition to the idle state; a mode control unit that transitions an operation mode from the first mode to a second mode having lower power consumption than the first mode when the detection unit detects that the duration of the idle state has exceeded a predetermined time and an event related to transition to the idle state is an event based on a cut command; and Equipped with Information processing system.

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