Printing device and method for controlling printing device

Abstract

To allow a printing apparatus in an error state to operate immediately after replacement.SOLUTION: A printing apparatus includes: a communication section configured to perform wireless communication with a first external device using a first communication mode and with a second external device using a second communication mode different from the first communication mode; a printing section which performs printing on a recording sheet; a storage section configured to store first communication setting information relating to the first communication mode, second communication setting information relating to the second communication mode, and print setting information relating to the printing section; a detector configured to detect a predetermined input; and a controller which determines a predetermined error state. The controller determines a predetermined error state, generates, when the detector detects the predetermined input, based on the second communication setting information in the storage section, symbol image information, controls the printing section to print the symbol image information on the recording sheet, controls the communication section to communicate with the second external device using the second communication mode, based on the second communication setting information, and transmits, when a request from the second external device is received, the first communication setting information and the print setting information in the storage section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a control method for a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a printing device that prints out a wireless communication connection method is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-111258 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a printing device used for wireless communication breaks down and goes into an error state, it is necessary to replace it with a new printing device. Printing devices used for business purposes in particular are required to be able to operate as soon as possible after replacement. However, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the need to be able to operate as soon as possible after replacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device comprises a communication unit capable of wireless communication with a first external device using a first communication mode and wireless communication with a second external device using a second communication mode different from the first communication mode, a printing unit that prints on recording paper, a memory unit capable of storing first communication setting information related to the first communication mode, second communication setting information related to the second communication mode, and printing setting information related to the printing unit, a detection unit that detects a predetermined input, and a control unit that determines a predetermined error state, wherein the control unit determines the predetermined error state, and when the detection unit detects the predetermined input, generates symbol image information based on the second communication setting information of the memory unit and causes the printing unit to print it on the recording paper, communicates with the second external device using the second communication mode via the communication unit based on the second communication setting information, and when a request is received from the second external device, transmits the first communication setting information and the printing setting information of the memory unit.

[0006] A control method for a printing device comprising a communication unit capable of wireless communication with a first external device using a first communication mode and capable of wireless communication with a second external device using a second communication mode different from the first communication mode, a printing unit that prints on recording paper, a memory unit that stores first communication setting information related to the first communication mode, second communication setting information related to the second communication mode, and printing setting information related to the printing unit, and a detection unit that detects a predetermined input, wherein a predetermined error state is determined, and when the detection unit detects the predetermined input, symbol image information is generated based on the second communication setting information of the memory unit and printed on the recording paper by the printing unit, and based on the second communication setting information, the communication unit communicates with the second external device using the second communication mode, and when a request is received from the second external device, the first communication setting information and the printing setting information of the memory unit are transmitted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS system before the first printing device is replaced. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a printed material printed by a first printing device. [Diagram 3]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration when backing up information from a first printing device to a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration when information is restored from the terminal device to the second printing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a printed matter printed by a second printing device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing control when backing up information from the first printing device to the terminal device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing control when information is restored from the terminal device to the second printing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS system after the second printing apparatus has been replaced. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1. Embodiment The POS system 100 according to the embodiment is a system used in, for example, retail businesses such as shopping centers, department stores, convenience stores, and in-car sales, and food and beverage businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, and izakayas. The POS system 100 has a function of performing accounting according to the products and services purchased by the customer, a function of issuing a receipt according to the accounting, and the like. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS system 100 before the first printing device 1 is replaced, and FIG. 8 shows a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS system 100 after the first printing device 1 goes into an error state and is replaced with a second printing device 4, as described below. As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the POS system 100 includes a first printing device 1 or a second printing device 4 as printing devices that can wirelessly communicate with each other via an access point (hereinafter referred to as AP) 200, and a host device 2 as a first external device.

[0009] 1-1.First printing device 1, the first printing device 1 includes a control unit 10, a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a printing unit 13, and a detection unit 14. Each of these units will be described in detail below.

[0010] The control unit 10 of the first printing apparatus 1 includes a CPU that executes various types of control. The CPU is also called a processor. The storage unit 12 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM, and can store predetermined information including firmware such as a control program, and setting information related to communication and printing. The setting information related to printing includes information related to adjustments made during printing, such as paper width, as well as information related to the print contents, such as logo data. The storage unit 12 also includes a RAM that the control unit 10 uses as a work area. The control unit 10 reads and executes firmware stored in the storage unit 12, and controls each unit of the first printing device 1. The control unit 10 also reads setting information related to communication and printing from the storage unit 12, and performs communication and printing. The control unit 10 checks the communication unit 11, the storage unit 12, the printing unit 13, and the detection unit 14, and judges the error state of each. If the control unit 10 judges that any of them is in an error state, it notifies the fact by a notification unit such as an LED or a buzzer, or transmits the fact to the host device 2 as status information.

[0011] The communication unit 11 is composed of a module for performing wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication and a circuit including an antenna. The communication unit 11 is capable of communication according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) system and the Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) system, each of which is a wireless communication system based on the IEEE802.11 standard group, which is a standard for wireless LANs. The communication unit 11 is capable of communication in infrastructure mode (hereinafter referred to as the first communication mode) in the Wi-Fi system, while it is capable of communication in Wi-fi Direct Simple AP mode (hereinafter referred to as the second communication mode) in the Wi-Fi Direct system. In the second communication mode, the communication unit 11 has an AP function. In this case, the first printing device 1 can communicate directly with the other device without going through the AP 200. This also makes it possible to prevent erroneous connections and security vulnerabilities.

[0012] The storage unit 12 can store information including the first printing device 1's Media Access Control (MAC) address-1, the first printing device 1's Internet protocol (IP) address-1, the AP 200's Service Set Identifier (SSID)-AP, password (security key)-AP, certificate information, etc., which are usable in the first communication mode, in association with each other. The storage unit 12 can also store information including the first printing device 1's SSID-1, password-1, etc., which are usable in the second communication mode, in association with each other. The storage unit 12 can also store information identifying the first printing device 1, such as the model name and serial number of the first printing device 1, in association with each other.

[0013] The control unit 10 reads out at least the SSID-AP and password-AP of AP200, which are the first communication setting information related to the first communication mode, from the memory unit 12, controls the communication unit 11 to set up communication related to the first communication mode, performs authentication with AP200, etc., and establishes communication in the first communication mode. At this time, security can be further improved if the control unit 10 also uses the certificate information of the AP 200 as the first communication setting information for authentication. Also, security can be further improved by associating the IP address-1 with the MAC address-1 as the first communication setting information.

[0014] After the communication is established, the control unit 10 controls the communication unit 11 to enable communication with the host device 2 via the AP 200 in the first communication mode. The control unit 10 performs predetermined encryption and decryption on data to be transmitted and received by the communication unit 11, thereby enhancing security. When the control unit 10 is in the first communication mode, when it receives IP address-1 from the host device 2 via the communication unit 11 through the AP 200, it compares it with the IP address-1 in the memory unit 12, and if there is a match, it can establish a connection with the host device 2. Thereafter, the control unit 10 can receive print data, commands, and the like from the host device 2 via the communication unit 11 and execute processes such as printing.

[0015] Meanwhile, the control unit 10 reads out from the storage unit 12 at least the SSID-1 and password-1 of the first printing device 1, which are second communication setting information related to the second communication mode, and controls the communication unit 11 to perform communication settings related to the second communication mode in which the communication unit 11 functions as an AP. The control unit 10 performs authentication and the like with the terminal device 3 through the communication unit 11, and establishes communication in the second communication mode. After communication is established, the control unit 10 controls the communication unit 11 to enable communication with the terminal device 3 directly in the second communication mode without going through the AP 200. Furthermore, the control unit 10 can also perform the same control as in the first communication mode with regard to security and connections.

[0016] The printing unit 13 includes a printing mechanism such as a head, a transport mechanism, and a cutter. One example of the head is a line thermal head. The line thermal head has a number of heating elements arranged in a line. The recording paper is thermal paper wound in a roll. The transport mechanism pulls out and transports the rolled thermal paper. The line thermal head applies heat to the thermal paper transported by the transport mechanism to print characters and images. The cutter cuts the printed thermal paper. The cut pieces of thermal paper are issued as receipts.

[0017] The memory unit 12 stores print setting information related to the printing unit 13, such as the paper width setting of the thermal paper and registered logo data. The control unit 10 reads the print setting information from the memory unit 12 and sets the print settings. The control unit 10 controls the printing unit 13 based on the print settings, prints the print data on the storage medium within the set paper width, prints logo data such as the store name, and prints it as a specified receipt.

[0018] The detection unit 14 includes, for example, a paper feed switch, a cover open / close detector, and other components that detect predetermined inputs by user operations. When the control unit 10 detects an input from the paper feed switch, it controls the transport mechanism of the printing unit 13 to transport the recording paper. The cover covers the printing unit 13. When the user opens the cover, the control unit 10 detects an input indicating that the user has opened the cover using a cover open / close detector, and stops or prohibits the operation of the printing unit 13. The control unit 10 prevents the user from touching the operating printing unit 13 when the user opens the cover. The detection unit 14 may also be a sensor such as a near-end sensor that detects the remaining amount of thermal paper wound in a roll. The near-end sensor is configured to detect the diameter of the roll around which the thermal paper is wound, and to detect the remaining amount. The detection unit 14 may be another switch or sensor that can be operated by the user.

[0019] 1-2. Host device The host device 2 shown in Figure 1 is a first external device for payment processing in the POS system 100, a first external device that can communicate with the first printing device 1 via AP200 in a first communication mode, and also a printing control device that controls the first printing device 1 to issue receipts. 1, the host device 2 includes a control unit 20, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a scanner 23, a keyboard 24, and a display 25. Each of these will be described in detail.

[0020] The control unit 20 of the host device 2 includes a CPU that executes various types of control. The CPU is also called a processor. The storage unit 22 is, for example, a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM, and stores an OS (Operating System), an API (Application Programming Interface), drivers, and application programs. The control unit 20 reads and executes the OS, API, drivers, and application programs stored in the storage unit 22, and controls each part of the host device 2. The storage unit 22 also includes a RAM that the control unit 20 uses as a work area.

[0021] The storage unit 22 can store setting information related to communication in the first communication mode, such as the MAC address-H and IP address-H of the host device 2, and the IP address-1 and MAC address-1 of the first printing device 1, in association with each other. The storage unit 22 can also store setting information related to communication in the first communication mode, such as the SSID-AP, password-AP, and certificate information of the AP 200, in association with each other.

[0022] The control unit 20 reads out at least the SSID-AP and password-AP of the AP 200 from the memory unit 22, controls the communication unit 21 to set up communication for the first communication mode, performs authentication with the AP 200, and establishes communication in the first communication mode. At this time, security can be further improved if the control unit 20 also uses the certificate information of the AP 200 for authentication. Also, security can be further improved by associating the IP address-H with the MAC address-H. The control unit 20 controls the communication unit 21 to set up communication, and becomes capable of communicating with the first printing device 1 via the AP 200 in the first communication mode. The control unit 20 performs predetermined encryption and decryption on data to be transmitted and received by the communication unit 21, thereby enhancing security.

[0023] The control unit 20 reads and executes an application program for payment processing stored in the memory unit 22. The scanner 23 reads the barcode information of the product that the customer wishes to purchase. The control unit 20 obtains product information based on the barcode information and displays it on the display 25. The user inputs the amount received from the customer via the keyboard 24. The control unit 20 performs payment processing such as calculating the total amount and generates payment information.

[0024] The control unit 20 generates print data for a receipt based on the payment information. At this time, the control unit 20 may read and execute a provided API or driver from the storage unit 22 to generate the print data. The control unit 20 uses the first communication mode by the communication unit 21 to transmit the IP address-1 read from the storage unit 22 to the first printing device 1 via the AP 200. The first printing device 1 can establish a connection with the host device 2. Thereafter, the control unit 20 transmits print data, commands, and the like to the first printing device 1 via the communication unit 21, and causes the first printing device 1 to carry out processing such as printing.

[0025] 1-3. Error status of the first printing device The control unit 10 of the first printing device 1 checks the status of the communication unit 11, memory unit 12, printing unit 13, and detection unit 14. If the control unit 10 determines that any of them is in a specified error state, it notifies the host device 2 of the specified error state using a notification unit such as an LED or display, or transmits status information indicating the specified error state via the communication unit 11 to the host device 2.

[0026] The user can be made aware of a specific error state of the first printing device 1 by the notification unit of the first printing device 1 notifying the user of the error state, or by the control unit 20 of the host device 2 displaying the error state on the display 25 based on status information. At this time, the control unit 10 may read out the model name and serial number of the first printing device 1 from the storage unit 12 and notify the same via the notification unit, or may transmit them in addition to the status information so that the control unit 20 of the host device 2 displays them on the display 25. The user can view the model name and serial number of the first printing device 1 and prepare a second printing device 4 of the same type.

[0027] The determination of a specific error state by the control unit 10 will be specifically described with several examples. First, an example of the cutter of the printing unit 13 will be described. The cutter is configured to cut the recording paper between the movable blade and the fixed blade by moving the movable blade toward the fixed blade. The cutter is equipped with a motor that moves the movable blade and a sensor that detects the movement of the movable blade. When the control unit 10 tries to move the movable blade by the motor, but the sensor cannot detect the movement of the movable blade, it determines that an error state has occurred in which the movable blade cannot be moved.

[0028] Further, examples of the determination of a predetermined error state include the following. When the radio wave strength of the communication unit 11 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the control unit 10 determines that the communication is in an error state. When a value written to a part of an address in the RAM of the storage unit 12 differs from the value read out, the control unit 10 determines that a part of the RAM is in an error state. When a near-end sensor that detects the remaining amount of thermal paper does not change even after a predetermined length of thermal paper has been consumed, the control unit 10 determines that the near-end sensor is in an error state.

[0029] Even in these error states, the printing unit 13 can still print on recording paper. When the control unit 10 determines that a specified error state has occurred, it reads information including second communication setting information relating to the second communication mode from the memory unit 12, encodes the information into a barcode, two-dimensional code, etc. to generate symbol image information, and prints the symbol image on recording paper by the printing unit 13.

[0030] 2 shows a printed matter R1 as an example of a printed matter on which a symbol image is printed by the printing unit 13. In this example, the symbol image C12 is a two-dimensional code. The control unit 10 may print information including the second communication setting information as characters together with the symbol image by the printing unit 13. In this example, in addition to the SSID-1 and password-1 of the first printing device 1 related to the second communication setting information, the MAC address-1 of the first printing device 1, the model name of the first printing device 1, and the serial number are printed by the printing unit 13 as characters C11. In the case of an error state, the first printing device 1 prints a symbol image and characters using the printing unit 13, so there is no need for a display unit such as a display.

[0031] 1-4. Terminal device When the first printing device 1 goes into an error state, the control unit 10 of the first printing device 1 reads out predetermined information including at least various setting information such as first communication setting information related to the first communication mode stored in the storage unit 22 and print setting information related to the printing unit 13, and transmits the information to the terminal device 3 in the second communication mode via the communication unit 11 for backup. The terminal device 3 then transmits the backed up predetermined information in the second communication mode to the second printing device 4 replaced by the first printing device 1 for restoration. The terminal device 3 is a second external device, for example a mobile terminal such as a tablet.

[0032] 3, the terminal device 3 includes a control unit 30, a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a camera 33, and a touch panel 34. Each of these will be described in detail. The control unit 30 of the terminal device 3 includes a CPU that executes various types of control. The CPU is also called a processor. The storage unit 22 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM, and stores an OS, application programs, and utility programs. The control unit 30 reads and executes the OS, application programs, and utility programs stored in the storage unit 32, and controls each unit of the terminal device 3. The storage unit 32 also includes a RAM that the control unit 30 uses as a work area. The utility program includes a program that causes the control unit 30 to process the following: receiving specific information stored in the memory unit 12 of the first printing device 1, backing it up in the memory unit 32, and transmitting the backed up specific information to the second printing device 4 that has been replaced by the first printing device 1, thereby restoring it.

[0033] The camera 33 reads the symbol image C12 from the printout R1 printed on the recording paper by the first printing device 1. The control unit 20 acquires information by decoding the symbol image C12 read by the camera 33. The acquired information includes predetermined information such as second communication setting information related to the second communication mode, and is stored in the storage unit 32 in correspondence with each other.

[0034] The touch panel 34 displays, for example, a menu of a utility program and detects user input based on the display. For example, based on execution of a utility program by the control unit 20, the touch panel 34 displays to the user actions to be taken when the first printing device 1 enters a specified error state, actions to back up information including each setting information of the first printing device 1, actions to back up information to the replaced second printing device 4, and the like, and detects user input.

[0035] Under the control of the control unit 30, the communication unit 31 sets up communication in the second communication mode with the first printing device 1 as the AP, based on the second communication setting information included in the symbol image C12 read by the camera 33. The control unit 30 reads out at least password-1 of the first printing device 1 from the storage unit 32, and transmits it to the first printing device 1 via the communication unit 31. The first printing device 1 performs authentication and the like by referring to the storage unit 12 based on the received password-1, and establishes communication in the second communication mode. After communication is established, the control unit 30 controls the communication unit 31 to enable direct communication with the first printing device 1 in the second communication mode without going through the AP 200.

[0036] 1-5.Second printing device 4, the second printing device 4 is a printing device with a similar configuration to the first printing device 1. The second printing device 4 includes a control unit 40, a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a printing unit 43, and a detection unit 44 similar to those of the first printing device 1. The storage unit 42 can store information including second communication setting information such as SSID-2 and password-2 of the second printing device 4 that can be used in the second communication mode. Furthermore, the storage unit 42 can also store the model name and serial number of the second printing device 4. Note that SSID-2 and password-2 may be the same as SSID-1 and password-1. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 3 can be set to the second communication mode with the second printing device 4, which has been replaced from the first printing device 1, in the same way as with the first printing device 1, to enable direct communication.

[0037] 5 shows printed matter R2 on which the second printing device 4 has printed a symbol image C22. In addition to the SSID-2 and password-2 of the second printing device 4 related to the second communication setting information, the MAC address-2 of the second printing device 4, the model name of the second printing device 4, and the serial number are also printed as characters C21 on recording paper by the printing unit 43. Like printed matter R1, printed matter R2 includes information such as the second communication setting information related to the second communication mode. As with the first printing device 1, the terminal device 3 can read the symbol image C22 on the printed matter R2 shown in FIG. 5 and set the second communication mode to enable communication with the second printing device 4.

[0038] Incidentally, initial values ​​are stored in the memory unit 42 of the second printing device 4 in an initial state, such as at the time of shipment from the factory. These initial values ​​include the contents to be printed by the printing unit 43 when the power is turned on or when the device is restarted. The control unit 40 is configured to read the initial values ​​from the memory unit 42 when the power is turned on or when the device is restarted, and to print information including the second communication setting information as the printed matter R2 by the printing unit 43. Incidentally, in the initial state, the memory unit 42 does not store at least a part of the first communication setting information and the printing setting information.

[0039] 4 executes a utility program and requests the first printing device 1 to transmit predetermined information including the first communication setting information and print setting information in the second communication mode via the communication unit 31. Upon receiving this request, the first printing device 1 reads the predetermined information from the storage unit 12 and transmits it to the terminal device 3 in the second communication mode via the communication unit 11. The request to transmit is made using a predetermined command. The terminal device 3 can store the received predetermined information in the storage unit 32 and back it up.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 3 can transmit specific information stored in the memory unit 32 directly to the second printing device 4 replaced by the first printing device 1 in the second communication mode without going through the AP 200, and store the information in the memory unit 42 of the second printing device 4 for restoration. After storing the specified information in the memory unit 42, the control unit 40 of the second printing device 4 enables communication with the host device 2 using the first communication mode via the communication unit 41 based on the first communication setting information contained in the specified information stored in the memory unit 42 when the power is turned on or restarted, and makes printing settings for the printing unit 43 based on the printing setting information contained in the specified information stored in the memory unit 42. As a result, the replaced second printing device 4 is able to operate in the same way as the first printing device 1 did before the error condition occurred.

[0041] 1-6. Back up from the first printer to the terminal device Using the flowchart shown in Figure 6, we will explain the control of the first printing device 1 and the terminal device 3, which backs up specific information including the first communication setting information and printing setting information stored in the memory unit 12 of the first printing device 1 to the terminal device 3 when the first printing device 1 enters an error state. It is assumed that before the error occurred, the first printing device 1 was communicating normally with the host device 2 via AP200 in the first communication mode, receiving print data from the host device 2, operating normally, and able to issue valid receipts.

[0042] First, a description will be given of the control executed by the first printing device 1. The first printing device 1 is turned on when the user operates the power switch (S101). In this case, the first printing device 1 may be restarted by operating a reset switch. The control unit 10 starts control by reading firmware from the storage unit 12, and checks each of the communication unit 11, storage unit 12, printing unit 13, and detection unit 14 to determine whether any of them are in an error state (S102). If the control unit 10 determines that there is no error state (S102: NO), it continues checking each unit while waiting for print data and commands to be received from the host device 2. Note that if the control unit 10 determines that there is no error state, when it receives print data or a command, it executes the respective processes.

[0043] When the control unit 10 determines that any of the components is in a predetermined error state (S102: YES), it causes the detection unit 14 to detect a predetermined operation in order to detect a predetermined input by the user (S103). In this case, the control unit 10 may notify the user of the error state by the notification unit, or may transmit a message to that effect to the host device 2. The detection unit 14 is, for example, a paper feed switch. The user can know that an error state exists from the display on the notification unit or the host device 2 and press the paper feed switch. The control unit 10 waits until the detection unit 14 detects the predetermined operation (S103: NO).

[0044] When the detection unit 14 detects a specified operation (S103: YES), the control unit 10 determines that a specified input by the user has been detected, encodes information including second communication setting information related to the second communication mode to generate symbol image information, and prints the information including the second communication setting information on recording paper as a printed matter R1 including a symbol image C12 by the printing unit 13 (S104). As a result, the terminal device 3 can easily obtain information including the second communication setting information by using the camera 33, and the user does not need to input characters or the like using the touch panel .

[0045] After printing the symbol image C12, the control unit 10 detects a predetermined operation using the detection unit 14 to detect a predetermined input by the user (S105). When the user visually recognizes the printed matter R1 on which the first printing device 1 has printed the symbol image C12, the user operates the detection unit 14. In this case, the detection unit 14 is, for example, a cover opening / closing detector. The first printing device 1 may print on the printed matter R1 operations required by the user and procedures for backup, etc. The user can learn the operations and procedures of the first printing device 1 from the printed matter R1 by the first printing device 1 and open and close the cover. The control unit 10 waits until the predetermined operation is detected by the cover opening / closing detector (S105: NO).

[0046] When the cover opening / closing detector, which is the detection unit 14, detects a predetermined operation (S105: YES), the control unit 10 determines that a predetermined input by the user has been detected, reads out second communication setting information from the storage unit 12, controls the communication unit 11, activates communication setting in the second communication mode, and starts communication (S106). The control unit 10 transmits, for example, information on SSID-1 as the second communication setting information via the communication unit 11 on a beacon signal. When the control unit 10 receives, for example, a password from the terminal device 3 as second communication setting information used for authentication in the second communication mode, it compares it with password-1 corresponding to SSID-1 stored in the storage unit 12 and determines whether they match to perform authentication. If the control unit 10 determines that the password received from the terminal device 3 matches password-1 and can authenticate, it causes the communication unit 11 to function as an AP between the terminal device 3 and the terminal device 3, and establishes communication in the second communication mode (S107). After the communication is established, the control unit 10 controls the communication unit 11 to enable direct communication with the terminal device 3 in the second communication mode without going through the AP 200.

[0047] As described above, the detection unit 14 can use, for example, a paper feed switch as the first detection unit, and can use, for example, a cover opening / closing detector different from the paper feed switch as the second detection unit. When the control unit 10 detects a predetermined error state and detects a pressing operation input as a first input by the paper feed switch, it generates symbol image information and causes the printing unit 13 to print it on recording paper. When the control unit 10 detects a cover opening / closing operation input as a second input by the cover opening / closing detector, it communicates with the terminal device 3 by the communication unit 11 using the second communication mode. The user can proceed with the treatment correctly by following the procedure by operating different detection units 14 as the first input and the second input. Note that the control unit 10 may use the same detection unit 14 for the first input and the second input.

[0048] The terminal device 3 requests the transmission of predetermined information of the first printing device 1, including setting information such as the first communication setting information and the print setting information, in the second communication mode. When the control unit 10 receives this request in the second communication mode by the communication unit 11 (S108), it reads out the predetermined information of the first printing device 1, including setting information such as the first communication setting information and the print setting information, from the storage unit 12, and transmits it to the terminal device 3 by the communication unit 11 in the second communication mode (S109). The request for transmission is made by a predetermined command.

[0049] When the user operates the power switch of the first printing apparatus 1, the power is turned off (S110) and control ends. Thereafter, the user removes the first printing device 1 in the error state and replaces it with a new second printing device 4.

[0050] Next, a description will be given of the control executed by the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 is turned on when the user operates the power switch (S201). In this case, the terminal device 3 may be restarted by operating a reset switch.

[0051] The control unit 30 of the terminal device 3 reads out and starts the utility program stored in the storage unit 32 (S202). The touch panel 34 displays menus and the like, and based on the user's input, displays the necessary operating procedures when the first printing apparatus 1 enters a specific error state (S203). The camera 33 reads the symbol image C12 from the printout R1 printed on the recording paper by the first printing device 1. The control unit 30 decodes the symbol image C12 read by the camera 33 to acquire information. The acquired information includes second communication setting information, which is communication information related to the second communication mode, and is stored in the storage unit 32. In this way, the terminal device 3 can easily acquire the second communication setting information printed on the recording paper by the first printing device 1 (S204).

[0052] The control unit 30 controls the communication unit 31 based on the acquired second communication setting information, activates communication settings related to the second communication mode in which the first printing device 1 serves as an AP, and starts communication (S205). The communication unit 31 broadcasts and receives information, for example, SSID-1 of the first printing device 1 from a beacon signal transmitted by the first printing device 1. The control unit 30 reads, for example, password-1 corresponding to SSID-1 as second communication setting information from the storage unit 32, and displays SSID-1 and password-1 on the touch panel 34. The user checks the SSID-1 and password-1 displayed on the touch panel 34, and inputs a command to proceed to the next step. The control unit 30 may allow the user to input or select SSID-1 on the touch panel 34.

[0053] When the control unit 30 detects an input on the touch panel 34, it transmits, for example, password-1 as second communication setting information used by the first printing device 1 for authentication to the first printing device 1 via the communication unit 31. If the first printing device 1 is able to authenticate using the transmitted password-1, direct communication with the first printing device 1 becomes possible in the second communication mode with the first printing device 1 as the AP.

[0054] The control unit 30 transmits a request for transmission of the predetermined information of the first printing device 1, including setting information such as the first communication setting information and the print setting information, to the first printing device 1 via the communication unit 31 (S206). When the predetermined information of the first printing device 1, including setting information such as the first communication setting information and the print setting information, is received from the first printing device 1 that has received this request via the communication unit 31 (S207), the control unit 30 stores the information in the storage unit 32 in association with each other, and ends control. In this way, if the first printing device 1 enters an error state, specific information including the first communication setting information and printing setting information stored in the memory unit 12 of the first printing device 1 is backed up to the memory unit 32 of the terminal device 3.

[0055] 1-7. Restoring to the second printing device Using the flowchart shown in Figure 7, we will explain the control of the terminal device 3 and the second printing device 4 to restore specific information including the first communication setting information and printing setting information of the first printing device 1 that has been backed up in the memory unit 32 of the terminal device 3 to the second printing device 4. It is assumed that the second printing device 4 is in an initial state at the time of shipment from the factory, and initial values ​​are stored in the storage unit 42. The initial values ​​include content instructing printing of the printed matter R2. The initial values ​​do not include at least a portion of the predetermined information, including the first communication setting information and the printing setting information.

[0056] First, the control executed by the second printing device 4 will be described. The second printing device 4 is turned on when the user operates the power switch (S301). In this case, the second printing device 4 may be restarted by operating a reset switch. The control unit 40 reads firmware from the storage unit 42 and starts control. After turning on the power, the control unit 40 encodes information including second communication setting information related to the second communication mode based on the initial values ​​stored in the memory unit 42 to generate symbol image information, and prints it on recording paper as a printed matter R2 including the symbol image C22 by the printing unit 43, as shown in Figure 5 (S302). As a result, the terminal device 3 can easily obtain information including the second communication setting information by using the camera 33, and the user does not need to input information via the touch panel .

[0057] When the control unit 40 prints the information including the second communication setting information by the printing unit 43, it reads the second communication setting information from the storage unit 42 and controls the communication unit 41 to activate the communication setting related to the second communication mode and start communication (S303). The control unit 40 transmits, for example, information on SSID-2 as the second communication setting information by using the communication unit 41 as a beacon signal. The second printing device 4 automatically performs these controls after the power is turned on. When the control unit 40 receives, for example, a password from the terminal device 3 as second communication setting information used for authentication, it compares it with password-2 corresponding to SSID-2 stored in the storage unit 42, and determines whether they match to perform authentication. If the control unit 40 determines that the password received from the terminal device 3 matches password-2 and is able to authenticate, it establishes communication with the terminal device 3 in the second communication mode in which the communication unit 41 functions as an AP (S304). After the communication is established, the control unit 40 controls the communication unit 41 to enable direct communication with the terminal device 3 in the second communication mode without going through the AP 200.

[0058] When the control unit 40 receives the predetermined information of the first printing device 1 including setting information such as the first communication setting information and the print setting information from the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 41, the control unit 40 stores the information in the storage unit 42 in association with each other, and sets the information related to the communication unit 41 (S305). The second printing device 4 may request the terminal device 3 to transmit the predetermined information in advance. The request for transmission is made by a predetermined command. The memory unit 42, like the memory unit 12 of the first printing device 1, stores information that can be used in the first communication mode, including at least the IP address-1 of the first printing device 1, and the SSID-AP, password-AP, certificate information, etc. of AP200, in correspondence with each other, and the control unit 40 sets up communication related to the communication unit 41. The storage unit 42 can also store information for identifying the second printing device 4, such as the MAC address-2, model name, and serial number of the second printing device 4, in association with each other.

[0059] Next, the control unit 40 automatically resets and restarts itself (S306). In this case, the user may also turn on the power switch of the second printing apparatus 4 again. The control unit 40 reads out the first communication setting information for the first communication mode, which is at least the SSID-AP and password-AP of AP200, from the memory unit 42, and controls the communication unit 41 to set up communication for the first communication mode, receive a beacon signal from AP200, perform authentication with AP200, and establish communication in the first communication mode (S306). At this time, the control unit 40 can further increase security by using the certificate information of the AP 200 as the first communication setting information for authentication, and by associating the IP address-1 with the MAC address-1 as the first communication setting information. After communication is established, the control unit 40 controls the communication unit 11 to enable communication with the host device 2 via the AP 200 in the first communication mode, and ends control of the restoration of the second printing device 4. The second printing device 4, like the first printing device 1 before the error occurred, can receive print data and commands from the host device 2 and print receipts that reflect the paper width and logo data print settings related to the printing unit 43. The control unit 40 can enhance security by encrypting and decrypting data to be transmitted and received by the communication unit 41 in a predetermined manner.

[0060] Next, a description will be given of the control executed by the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 is turned on when the user operates the power switch. In this case, the terminal device 3 may be restarted by operating a reset switch.

[0061] The control unit 30 of the terminal device 3 reads out and starts a utility program stored in the storage unit 32 (S401). The touch panel 34 displays menus and the like, and displays the restore operation procedure for the second printing device 4 based on the user's input. The camera 33 reads the symbol image C22 from the printed matter R2 printed on recording paper by the second printing device 4. The control unit 30 decodes the symbol image C22 read by the camera 33 to acquire information. The acquired information includes second communication setting information, which is communication information related to the second communication mode, and is stored in the storage unit 32. In this way, the terminal device 3 can easily acquire communication information from the printed matter R2 printed on recording paper by the first printing device 1 (S402).

[0062] The control unit 30 controls the communication unit 31 based on the acquired second communication setting information, activates communication settings related to the second communication mode in which the second printing device 4 serves as an AP, and starts communication (S403). The communication unit 31 broadcasts and receives, for example, information on the SSID-2 of the second printing device 4 from a beacon signal transmitted by the second printing device 4. The control unit 30 reads, for example, password-2 corresponding to SSID-2 from the storage unit 32 as second communication setting information, and causes the touch panel 34 to display SSID-2 and password-2. The user confirms the SSID-2 and password-2 displayed on the touch panel 34, and inputs an instruction to proceed to the next step. The control unit 30 may allow the user to input or select SSID-2 on the touch panel 34.

[0063] When the control unit 30 detects an input on the touch panel 34, it transmits, for example, password-2 as second communication setting information used by the second printing device 4 for authentication to the second printing device 4 via the communication unit 31 (S403). If the second printing device 4 is authenticated using the transmitted password-2, direct communication with the second printing device 4 in the second communication mode with the second printing device 4 as the AP becomes possible.

[0064] The control unit 30 reads out predetermined information of the first printing device 1, including setting information such as the first communication setting information and print setting information, from the storage unit 32, and transmits it to the second printing device 4 in the second communication mode via the communication unit 31 (S404). A request to transmit the predetermined information may be made from the second printing device 4 to the terminal device 3 in advance, and the predetermined information may be transmitted in response to the request. After transmission, the control unit 30 terminates control.

[0065] 1-8. POS system after replacing with second printing device FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS system 100 after the first printer 1 in the error state has been replaced with the second printer 4. As shown in FIG.

[0066] By the restoration control described above, the memory unit 42 of the second printing device 4 stores information including setting information such as the first communication setting information and print setting information that was stored in the memory unit 12 of the first printing device 1 before the replacement, in the same manner as the first printing device 1. Therefore, the control unit 40 of the second printing device 4 reads out that information from the memory unit 42 and controls each unit, allowing the second printing device 4 to operate in the same manner as the first printing device 1 before the error state occurred.

[0067] Similar to the storage unit 12 of the first printing device 1 before replacement, the storage unit 42 of the second printing device 4 stores first communication setting information, which is usable in the first communication mode and includes at least the IP address-1 of the first printing device 1, and the SSID-AP, password-AP, certificate information, etc. of the AP200, in association with each other. The control unit 40 of the second printing device 4 reads these and controls the communication unit 41, and is able to communicate with the host device 2 via the AP200 in the first communication mode, similar to the first printing device 1 before it entered the error state.

[0068] Similarly to the memory unit 12 of the first printing device 1 before replacement, the memory unit 42 of the second printing device 4 stores print setting information related to the printing unit 43, such as paper width settings and registered logo data. The control unit 40 of the second printing device 4 can read this information and set print settings related to the printing unit 43. When the control unit 40 of the second printing device 4 receives print data, commands, etc. from the host device 2 in the first communication mode via the communication unit 41, it can print a receipt similar to that of the first printing device 1 before the error state occurred, using the paper width and logo data printed and set by the printing unit 43.

[0069] In a POS system 100 or the like, when the first printing device 1 that has been used in wireless communication with the host device 2 breaks down or falls into an error state, it is necessary to replace it with a new second printing device 4. In particular, the second printing device 4 used for business purposes is required to be able to start operating immediately after replacement. As described above, in this embodiment, with the first printing device 1 and the second printing device 4 having the same configuration as the first printing device 1, a user can simply perform simple operations using the terminal device 3 to set up the second printing device 4 in the same way as the first printing device 1 before replacement, and the second printing device 4 can be put into operation immediately after replacement.

[0070] Although the embodiment has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this, and may be changed, substituted, deleted, etc. without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0071] For example, the first printer 1 and the second printer 4 are described as being line thermal heads, but the printing method is not limited thereto. For example, inkjet heads may be used. Also, the error state of the first printing device 1 has been described as an example in which the printing unit 13 is able to print on recording paper. However, even if the printing unit 13 is in an error state in which it is unable to print on recording paper, if the first printing device 1 is equipped with a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag and a reader / writer, and the terminal device 3 is also equipped with a reader / writer, it is possible to back up and restore the first communication setting information, printing setting information, and the like, via the NFC tag.

[0072] Furthermore, the above-mentioned firmware, utility programs, and other programs may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the programs may be read into and executed by a computer system. Furthermore, the above-mentioned firmware, utility programs, and other programs may be transmitted from a computer system in which the programs are stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the programs refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above program may be for implementing some of the above functions. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called differential file or differential program that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...first printing device, 2...host device, 3...terminal device, 4...second printing device, 10...control unit, 11...communication unit, 12...memory unit, 13...printing unit, 14...detection unit, 100...POS system, 200...AP, C12...symbol image, C22...symbol image.

Claims

1. a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with a first external device using a first communication mode and wirelessly communicating with a second external device using a second communication mode different from the first communication mode; A printing unit that prints on recording paper; a storage unit capable of storing first communication setting information related to the first communication mode, second communication setting information related to the second communication mode, print setting information related to the print unit, a model name, and a serial number; A detection unit that detects a predetermined input; A control unit that determines a predetermined error state, The control unit is when the predetermined error state is determined and the detection unit detects the predetermined input, generating symbol image information based on the second communication setting information of the storage unit, and causing the printing unit to print on the recording paper the symbol image information and character information including the model name and the serial number; A printing device that communicates with the second external device using the second communication mode via the communication unit based on the second communication setting information, and when receiving a request from the second external device, transmits the first communication setting information and the printing setting information of the memory unit.

2. the storage unit does not store at least a part of the first communication setting information and the printing setting information in an initial state; the control unit generates the symbol image information based on the second communication setting information of the storage unit, and causes the printing unit to print the symbol image information on the recording paper; A printing device as described in claim 1 , wherein the communication unit communicates with the second external device using the second communication mode based on the second communication setting information, and when the first communication setting information and the printing setting information are received, they are stored in the memory unit.

3. The control unit is When the power is turned on or the device is restarted after the first communication setting information and the print setting information received are stored in the storage unit, enabling communication with the first external device using the first communication mode by the communication unit based on the first communication setting information of the storage unit; The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein print settings related to the printing unit are made based on the print setting information in the storage unit.

4. 4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication mode is an infrastructure mode, and the second communication mode is a Wi-Fi Direct Simple AP mode.

5. 5. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the first external device is a host device for payment processing, the print setting information includes logo data, and the printing unit is capable of printing the logo data as a receipt.

6. The detection unit includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit different from the first detection unit, The control unit is When the predetermined error state is detected, when the first detection unit detects a first input, the symbol image information is generated, and the printing unit prints the symbol image information, the model name, and the serial number on the recording paper, together with the symbol image information; The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein when the second detection unit detects a second input, the communication unit starts communication with the second external device using the second communication mode.

7. 1. A method for controlling a printing device comprising: a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with a first external device using a first communication mode and capable of wirelessly communicating with a second external device using a second communication mode different from the first communication mode; a printing unit that prints on recording paper; a storage unit that stores first communication setting information relating to the first communication mode, second communication setting information relating to the second communication mode, print setting information relating to the printing unit, a model name, and a serial number; and a detection unit that detects a predetermined input, when a predetermined error state is determined and the detection unit detects the predetermined input, generating symbol image information based on the second communication setting information of the storage unit, and causing the printing unit to print on the recording paper the symbol image information and character information including the model name and the serial number; A control method for a printing device, which communicates with the second external device using the second communication mode via the communication unit based on the second communication setting information, and when a request is received from the second external device, transmits the first communication setting information and the printing setting information of the memory unit.

Images