JP6428191B2 - Printing apparatus and printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) that includes a plurality of receiving units (interfaces) and processes data received from a plurality of external devices via a plurality of receiving units using a processing program prepared for each receiving unit is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-312250

The printing apparatus described above needs to prepare and store a processing program for each receiving unit, and it is necessary to start a task for each processing program, and there is a problem in effective use of resources such as storage resources and calculation resources. there were. On the other hand, when it is set as the structure which does not prepare a processing program for every receiving part, it is necessary to perform the process corresponding to the structure provided with a some receiving part.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and a configuration including a plurality of receiving units while effectively using resources for a printing apparatus including a plurality of receiving units and a printing system including the printing devices. The purpose is to enable execution of processing corresponding to.

To achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing unit that prints on a recording medium, a first receiving unit that receives data, and a first reception that stores data received by the first receiving unit. One of a buffer, a second receiving unit that receives data, a second receiving buffer that stores data received by the second receiving unit, and the processing target is the first receiving buffer or the second receiving buffer A print control unit that controls the print unit based on data stored in the buffer to be processed, and the print control unit is configured to print the data based on the data stored in the first reception buffer. When the control of the unit is in a predetermined state, the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer to the second reception buffer, and based on the data stored in the second reception buffer If the control of the serial printing unit is completed, and switches an object to be processed to the first reception buffer.
According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to execute processing corresponding to a configuration including a plurality of reception units while effectively using resources for a printing apparatus including a plurality of reception units.

In the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the print control unit is in a state where data is stored in the second reception buffer, the control of the printing unit based on the data stored in the first reception buffer is completed. The processing object is switched to the second reception buffer when a predetermined period has elapsed.
According to the configuration of the present invention, after the processing based on the data stored in the first reception buffer is reliably completed, the buffer to be processed can be switched from the first reception buffer to the second reception buffer.

In the printing apparatus of the present invention, the data is composed of a plurality of commands, and the print control unit is configured to store the data stored in the first reception buffer when the data is stored in the second reception buffer. After the control of the printing unit based on a specific command is completed, the processing target is switched to the second reception buffer.
According to the configuration of the present invention, improvement in processing efficiency and reduction in time required for processing can be realized.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to the present invention includes a POS terminal that transmits data for issuing a receipt, a control device that transmits data for issuing a piece of paper on which predetermined information is printed, and a recording medium. A first printing unit for printing data, cutting the recording medium and issuing the receipt or the piece of paper, a first receiving unit for receiving data from the POS terminal, and a first receiving unit for storing data received by the first receiving unit. A reception buffer; a second reception unit that receives data from the control device; a second reception buffer that stores data received by the second reception unit; and a processing target that is the first reception buffer and the second reception buffer A printing apparatus having a print control unit that controls the printing unit based on data stored in a buffer to be processed. The print control unit of the printing apparatus changes the processing target from the first reception buffer to the second reception buffer when the control of the printing unit based on the data stored in the first reception buffer is in a predetermined state. When the control of the printing unit based on the data stored in the second reception buffer is completed, the processing target is switched to the first reception buffer.
According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to execute processing corresponding to a configuration including a plurality of receiving units while effectively using resources for a printing system including a printing apparatus having a plurality of receiving units.

In the printing system according to the aspect of the invention, the printing control unit of the printing apparatus may include the printing unit based on the data stored in the first reception buffer when the data is stored in the second reception buffer. When a predetermined period elapses after the control is completed, the processing target is switched to the second reception buffer.
According to the configuration of the present invention, after the processing based on the data stored in the first reception buffer is reliably completed, the buffer to be processed can be switched from the first reception buffer to the second reception buffer.

In the printing system of the present invention, the data includes a plurality of commands, and the print control unit of the printing apparatus stores the data in the first reception buffer when the data is stored in the second reception buffer. Among the commands included in the received data, after the control of the printing unit based on a specific command is completed, the processing target is switched to the second reception buffer.
According to the configuration of the present invention, improvement in processing efficiency and reduction in time required for processing can be realized.

In the printing system of the present invention, the first receiving unit of the printing apparatus receives data from the POS terminal by wired communication, and the second receiving unit of the printing apparatus receives data from the control device by wireless communication. It is characterized by receiving data.
According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately issue a piece of paper based on the control of a wirelessly connected control device while maintaining a state in which a receipt can be issued based on the control of a wired POS terminal.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of each device included in the printing system. 6 is a flowchart showing operations of a POS terminal and a printing apparatus. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a tablet terminal and a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specification mode of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a state in which the printing system 1 is applied to a restaurant T that provides drinks and food to customers who visit the store.
The restaurant T shown in FIG. 1 is divided into a hall T1 and a kitchen T2.
The hall T1 is an area where a customer who has visited the store stays and a person in charge of the hall T1 (hereinafter referred to as “hall person”) provides services such as provision of food and drinks to the customer. There are a plurality of hall personnel in the hall T1. In the hall T1, a plurality of tables TB on which dishes and the like can be placed and a chair CH on which a customer sits are provided.

In the hall T1, an accounting counter LC for customer accounting is provided in the vicinity of the entrance / exit DG. The accounting counter LC is provided with a POS terminal 10 and a printing device 11 connected to the POS terminal 10 by wire. A monitor MT and a cash drawer KS are connected to the POS terminal 10 as devices.
At the time of customer accounting, the person in charge of the hall makes an input to the POS terminal 10 according to the accounting. The POS terminal 10 controls the monitor MT and the cash drawer KS according to the input, displays information related to accounting on the monitor MT, and enables cash delivery using the cash drawer KS. Further, the POS terminal 10 controls the printing apparatus 11 to cause the printing apparatus 11 to issue a receipt. The receipt issued by the printing apparatus 11 is delivered to the customer.

The tablet terminals 13 (control devices) used when accepting orders from customers are given in advance to a plurality of hall staff. The tablet terminal 13 is a tablet computer provided with a touch panel 41 (see FIG. 2) on the front surface.
When accepting an order from a customer in the hall T1, the person in charge of the hall goes near the customer, listens to the order from the customer, and makes an input corresponding to the order on the tablet terminal 13. When the acceptance of the order is completed, the person in charge of the hall goes near the accounting counter LC and wirelessly connects the tablet terminal 13 and the printing apparatus 11 according to Bluetooth (registered trademark). Next, the hall staff performs a predetermined input to the tablet terminal 13. In response to the predetermined input, the tablet terminal 13 controls the printing device 11 to issue an order slip printed with at least the name of the ordered food and drink and the ordered quantity. The person in charge of the hall places the order slip issued by the printing apparatus 11 at a predetermined position in the kitchen T2.

  The kitchen T2 is an area where a person in charge of the kitchen T2 (hereinafter referred to as “kitchen person in charge”) makes food and drinks, and is provided with a drink server, a gas stove, a refrigerator, and the like. The person in charge of the kitchen receives the order slip placed at a predetermined position by the person in charge of the hall, recognizes the food / drink with the order based on the order slip, and creates the food / drink. The food and drink made by the person in charge of the kitchen is handed over to the person in charge of the hall and delivered to the customer by the person in charge of the hall.

  2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of each device of the printing system 1. FIG.

The printing apparatus 11 is a line thermal printer that stores roll paper (recording medium) and prints an image by forming dots on a roll paper that is thermal paper using a line-type thermal head.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 11 includes a control unit 20, a printing unit 21, a storage unit 22, a USB interface 23 (first receiving unit), a first receiving buffer 24, and a wireless communication interface 25 (first communication unit). 2 receiving unit) and a second receiving buffer 26.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the printing apparatus 11. The control unit 20 functions as the print control unit 201 by reading and executing a predetermined control program. The print control unit 201 will be described later.

  The printing unit 21 includes a transport mechanism that transports roll paper accommodated in the casing of the printing apparatus 11, a printing mechanism that prints an image by forming dots on the roll paper using a thermal head, and cuts the roll paper at a predetermined position. A cutting mechanism is provided. Under the control of the control unit 20, the printing unit 21 prints an image on the roll paper by the printing mechanism while conveying the roll paper by the conveyance mechanism, cuts the roll paper at a predetermined position by the cutting mechanism, and the above-described receipt. And issue an order slip.

  The storage unit 22 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data. The storage unit 22 stores the setting file SF. The setting file SF will be described later.

The USB interface 23 includes an interface board having a port conforming to the USB standard, and communicates with the POS terminal 10 according to the USB standard via the USB cable connected to the port under the control of the control unit 20.
The first reception buffer 24 is a buffer that stores data received from the POS terminal 10 by the USB interface 23.

The wireless communication interface 25 includes a wireless communication module having a wireless communication function according to the Bluetooth standard, and wirelessly communicates with the tablet terminal 13 according to the Bluetooth standard under the control of the control unit 20.
The second reception buffer 26 is a buffer for storing data received from the tablet terminal 13 by the wireless communication interface 25.

The POS terminal 10 is a host computer that controls the printing apparatus 11.
As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 10 includes a POS terminal control unit 30, a POS terminal storage unit 31, a POS terminal communication interface 32, a POS terminal input unit 33, and a POS terminal device communication unit 34. .

  The POS terminal control unit 30 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the POS terminal 10.

  The POS terminal storage unit 31 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data.

  The POS terminal communication interface 32 communicates with the printing apparatus 11 according to the USB standard under the control of the POS terminal control unit 30.

  The POS terminal input unit 33 includes input means such as a numeric keypad and operation switches, detects an input to the input means, and outputs it to the POS terminal control unit 30. The POS terminal control unit 30 performs processing corresponding to the input based on the input from the POS terminal input unit 33.

The POS terminal device communication unit 34 communicates with a device connected to the POS terminal 10 under the control of the POS terminal control unit 30. A monitor MT and a cash drawer KS are connected to the POS terminal 10 as devices.
The monitor MT includes display means such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various images on the control picture and display means of the POS terminal control unit 30.
The cash drawer KS includes a tray that stores cash, a drawer mechanism that pulls out the tray from the housing, and a lock mechanism that locks the tray. The cash drawer KS unlocks the lock mechanism under the control of the POS terminal control unit 30, and pulls out the tray from the housing by the drawer mechanism.

The tablet terminal 13 is a tablet computer provided with a touch panel 41 on the front surface.
As shown in FIG. 2, the tablet terminal 13 includes a tablet terminal control unit 40, a touch panel 41, a tablet terminal storage unit 42, and a tablet terminal communication interface 43.

  The tablet terminal control unit 40 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the tablet terminal 13.

  The touch panel 41 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel and a touch sensor provided so as to overlap the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the tablet terminal control unit 40. The touch sensor detects a touch operation and outputs it to the tablet terminal control unit 40. The tablet terminal control unit 40 executes processing corresponding to the touch operation based on the input from the touch panel 41.

  The tablet terminal storage unit 42 includes a nonvolatile memory and stores various data.

  The tablet terminal communication interface 43 performs wireless communication with the printing apparatus 11 according to the Bluetooth standard under the control of the tablet terminal control unit 40.

Next, operations of the POS terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 when issuing a receipt will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when the processing target is switched to either the first reception buffer 24 or the second reception buffer 26, and the first reception buffer 24 is the processing target, printing is performed. The apparatus 11 executes processing related to receipt issuance. However, in the following description using the flowchart of FIG. 3, it is assumed that a state in which the processing target is the first reception buffer 24 is maintained in consideration of the convenience of the description.

As described above, at the time of customer accounting at the accounting counter LC, the person in charge of the hall performs input corresponding to the accounting via the numeric keypad of the POS terminal 10 or the like. The POS terminal 10 controls the monitor MT and the cash drawer KS according to the input, displays information related to accounting on the monitor MT, and enables cash delivery using the cash drawer KS.
The POS terminal control unit 30 of the POS terminal 10 performs a payment process according to the customer's transaction, and generates control data (hereinafter referred to as “receipt issue data”) instructing the issue of a receipt based on the payment process. (Step SA1).
Specifically, the POS terminal 10 includes, as functional blocks, a POS application execution unit that executes a POS application and a printer driver execution unit that executes a printer driver.
The POS application execution unit generates receipt information including information to be printed on the receipt according to the customer's transaction. Receipt information includes information on the logo to be printed on the receipt, information indicating the date and time (date + time) of issuing the receipt, the name of the product purchased by the customer, the unit price of the product, the quantity of the purchased product, information on the tax, total purchase Information including the amount of money, the amount of money received from the customer, information indicating change, and other information. The POS application execution unit generates receipt information based on the input of the cashier in charge with an input means such as a numeric keypad. After the receipt information is generated, the POS application execution unit outputs the receipt information to the printer driver execution unit.
The printer driver execution unit generates receipt issuance data in accordance with the command system of the printing apparatus 11 based on the input receipt information. The receipt issue data is data including a plurality of control commands according to the command system of the printing apparatus 11.

  After generating the receipt issuance data, the POS terminal control unit 30 controls the POS terminal communication interface 32 and transmits the generated receipt issuance data to the printing apparatus 11 (step SA2).

As shown in FIG. 3B, the USB interface 23 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the receipt issuance data and stores it in the first reception buffer 24 (step SB1).
The print control unit 201 of the control unit 20 refers to the setting file SF stored in the storage unit 22 (step SB2).
The setting file SF is data in which a plurality of setting information regarding the printing apparatus 11 is recorded. The setting information is information configured by a combination of setting items and setting values set in the setting items.
In the present embodiment, there are image setting information and operation setting information as types of setting information.

Image setting information is setting information that affects the print result of an image recorded on a recording medium. The setting items of the image setting information include, for example, left and right margins, fonts, line spacing, and the like.
The image setting information is set in advance by a predetermined means in accordance with the receipt layout.

  The operation setting information is setting information that affects an operation when the printing apparatus 11 executes a process related to printing. The setting items of the operation setting information include, for example, print density and print speed.

  The information recorded in the setting file SF can be rewritten at an arbitrary timing by a user by a predetermined means.

After referring to the setting file SF, the print control unit 201 reads the receipt issue data stored in the first reception buffer 24 (step SB3).
Next, the print control unit 201 controls the printing unit 21 in accordance with the setting information (image setting information and operation setting information) recorded in the setting file SF based on the read receipt issuing data, and issues a receipt. (Step SB4).

Next, operations of the tablet terminal 13 and the printing apparatus 11 when issuing an order slip will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when the processing target is switched to either the first reception buffer 24 or the second reception buffer 26, and the second reception buffer 26 is the processing target, printing is performed. The device 11 executes processing related to the issue of the order slip. However, in the following description using the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the processing target is the second reception buffer 26 in consideration of the convenience of the description.

  A predetermined native application is installed in the tablet terminal 13 in advance. In the following description, the function of the tablet terminal control unit 40 of the tablet terminal 13 is realized by a native application and other accompanying programs.

  As described above, the person in charge of the hall listens to the order from the customer, and inputs corresponding to the order to the predetermined user interface provided by the function of the native application. When the acceptance of the order is completed, the person in charge of the hall goes near the accounting counter LC and wirelessly connects the tablet terminal 13 and the printing apparatus 11 according to Bluetooth. During wireless connection, pairing is performed between the tablet terminal 13 and the printing device 11 in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, a communication link is established between these devices, and a state in which data can be transmitted and received between these devices is established. Is done. After the tablet terminal 13 and the printing apparatus 11 are wirelessly connected, the person in charge of the hall performs a predetermined input on the user interface.

In response to a predetermined input to the user interface, the tablet terminal control unit 40 generates control data (hereinafter referred to as “order slip issue data”) instructing the issue of the order slip (step SC1). As described above, the order slip is a piece of paper on which at least the name of the ordered food and drink and the ordered quantity are printed. Here, the native application includes a program having the same functions as those of the POS application and the printer driver described above. The tablet terminal control unit 40 generates order slip issue data by the function of the native application.
The order slip issue data is data including a plurality of control commands according to the command system of the printing apparatus 11. In particular, the order slip issue data includes a setting file rewrite command in the head control command. The setting file rewrite command will be described later.

  After generating the order slip issue data, the tablet terminal control unit 40 controls the tablet terminal communication interface 43 to transmit the order slip issue data to the printing apparatus 11 (step SC2).

As shown in FIG. 4B, the wireless communication interface 25 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the order slip issue data and stores it in the second reception buffer 26 (step SD1).
Next, the print control unit 201 of the control unit 20 refers to the setting file SF stored in the storage unit 22 (step SD2).
Next, after referring to the setting file SF, the print control unit 201 reads the order slip issue data stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step SD3).
Next, the print control unit 201 controls the printing unit 21 according to the setting information (image setting information and operation setting information) recorded in the setting file SF on the basis of the read order slip issuing data. Issue (step SD4).

By the way, in the restaurant T, a system composed of the POS terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 (hereinafter referred to as “POS system”) is an existing system, and accounting is performed using this POS system. It was. Conventionally, an order slip is issued by a person in charge of the hall writing information relating to an order on a paper medium. On the other hand, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the printing apparatus 11 issues not only a receipt but also an order slip, thereby reducing the work burden on the hall staff.
Here, in the restaurant T, a dedicated device having a function of issuing a piece of paper is newly provided, and the dedicated device is configured to issue an order slip, thereby reducing the work burden of the hall staff. It is also possible. However, with this configuration, it is necessary to provide a dedicated device, which leads to an increase in cost. Based on this, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 is configured to issue both a receipt and an order slip, and an increase in cost due to the provision of a dedicated device for issuing an order slip is prevented. However, this configuration has the following problems and needs.

In other words, the POS system is an existing system, and the POS terminal 10 included in the POS system needs to be modified as much as possible (for example, program modification of an installed POS application or printer driver program modification). There is a need to do. This is because when the POS terminal 10 is modified, a work for modification is required, and the work load increases.
The existing POS system is a system on the premise that the POS terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 are always connected in a one-to-one relationship. Therefore, it is necessary to issue the order slip of the printing apparatus 11 under the control of the tablet terminal 13 while maintaining the state where the receipt of the printing apparatus 11 is normally issued under the control of the POS terminal 10. . Further, the image setting information recorded in the setting file SF of the printing apparatus 11 is content corresponding to the layout of the receipt, not the content corresponding to the layout of the order slip, and it is necessary to execute processing corresponding to this. is there.
Further, since the printing apparatus 11 uses an existing apparatus, the storage resources and calculation resources of the printing apparatus 11 are effectively used, and the printing apparatus 11 is not increased in memory or replaced with a high-performance CPU. There is a need to be able to do it.

  Based on these problems and needs, the printing apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment executes the following processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 11.
As will be described later, the print control unit 201 of the control unit 20 of the printing apparatus 11 switches the buffer to be processed to either the first reception buffer 24 or the second reception buffer 26. At the start of the flowchart of FIG. 5, the processing target buffer is the first reception buffer 24.

As shown in FIG. 5, the print control unit 201 newly receives the order slip issue data from the tablet terminal 13 and monitors whether the received order slip issue data is stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step S <b> 5). SE1). As described above, when receiving the order slip issuing data, the wireless communication interface 25 sequentially stores the received order slip issuing data in the second reception buffer 26.
The print control unit 201 monitors the states of the first reception buffer 24 and the second reception buffer 26, and can detect this when new data is stored in these buffers.

  When the order slip issuance data is stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step SE1: YES), the print control unit 201 reads all the receipt issuance data for the receipt issuance data stored in the first reception buffer 24. It is determined whether or not the processing based on all receipt issuance data (issue of receipt) has been completed (step SE2). This completed state includes a state in which the control of the printing unit 21 based on the data stored in the first reception buffer 24 by the print control unit 201 is completed.

  If the processing based on all the receipt issue data stored in the first reception buffer 24 is not completed (step SE2: NO), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE16. The processing after step SE16 will be described later.

  When the process based on the receipt issuance data stored in the first reception buffer 24 has been completed (step SE2: YES), the print control unit 201 performs a first predetermined period after the process is completed. It is determined whether or not the state has elapsed (step SE3). Here, the print control unit 201 has a function of measuring the elapsed time after completion when the processing based on the receipt issuance data performed most recently (= lastly performed) is completed. In step SE <b> 3, the print control unit 201 compares the measured elapsed time with a predetermined first predetermined period and, based on the comparison result, a predetermined first predetermined value after the processing is completed. It is determined whether or not the period has elapsed.

  If the first predetermined period has already elapsed (step SE3: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE6. In this case, as will be apparent later, the print control unit 201 immediately switches the processing target from the first reception buffer to the second reception buffer.

  If the first predetermined period has not elapsed (step SE3: NO), the print control unit 201 has completed the process based on the receipt issuance data stored in the first reception buffer 24 that was last performed. While monitoring whether or not the first predetermined period has passed (step SE5), whether or not receipt issue data is newly received from the POS terminal 10 and the received receipt issue data is stored in the first reception buffer 24. Is monitored (step SE4).

  If the newly received receipt issuance data is stored in the first reception buffer 24 before the first predetermined period has elapsed (step SE4: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE16. . In this case, as will be apparent later, the print control unit 201 preferentially executes processing based on the receipt issuance data stored in the first reception buffer 24 without switching the buffer to be processed.

  If the first predetermined period has elapsed without newly receiving receipt issuance data (step SE5: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE6.

In step SE <b> 6, the print control unit 201 switches the buffer to be processed from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26.
Switching the buffer to be processed means changing the buffer from which data is to be read from one buffer to another buffer. When the first reception buffer 24 is a processing target, the print control unit 201 reads data (receipt issue data) from the first reception buffer 24 and executes it. On the other hand, when the second reception buffer 26 is a processing target, the print control unit 201 reads the data (order slip issue data) from the second reception buffer 26 and executes it.

As described above, after the process based on the data stored in the first reception buffer 24 is completed, the reason for switching the buffer after waiting for the elapse of a predetermined period is as follows.
That is, as described above, the receipt issue data is data including a plurality of control commands. Accordingly, there may be a time lag between the time when one control command is stored in the first reception buffer 24 and the time when the control command next to the one control command is stored in the first reception buffer 24. On the other hand, the control command included in the receipt issuance data instructing the issuance of one receipt needs to be continuously executed in a series of processes. This is because a receipt cannot be issued normally unless it is continuously executed in a series of processes. Based on the above, even if there is a time lag in the timing at which the control command included in the receipt issuance data is stored in the first reception buffer 24, the control included in the receipt issuance data instructing the issuance of one receipt In order to continuously execute the command in a series of processes, after the process based on the data stored in the first reception buffer 24 is completed, the buffer is switched after waiting for the elapse of a predetermined period.

After the processing target buffer is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26 in step SE6, the print control unit 201 stores data obtained by copying the setting file SF in a predetermined storage area (step SE7). The process in step SE7 corresponds to a process for saving the setting file SF.
Next, the print control unit 201 resets the image setting information of the setting file SF (step SE8). To reset the image setting information means to set a setting value set in each setting item included in the image setting information as a default value.

Next, the print control unit 201 reads a setting file rewrite command that is the first control command among the control commands included in the order slip issuing data stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step SE9).
The setting file rewrite command is a control command for executing rewriting of the image setting information recorded in the setting file SF. The rewriting of the image setting information means that a predetermined setting value is set in each setting item included in the image setting information. The setting file rewrite command includes information indicating each setting item of the image setting information and a setting value to be set for each setting item. Information indicating the combination of the setting item and the setting value is registered in the tablet terminal 13 in advance by a predetermined means. When the tablet terminal 13 generates order slip issue data, the tablet terminal 13 generates a setting file rewrite command based on the registered information.

Next, the print control unit 201 executes the read setting file rewrite command, and rewrites the image setting information in the setting file SF (step SE10).
As described above, in the present embodiment, the image setting information of the setting file SF is reset when the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26. Thereafter, the image setting information is rewritten based on the setting file rewriting command included in the order slip issuing data stored in the second reception buffer 26. Due to this configuration, the contents of the image setting information can correspond to the order slip.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26, the operation setting information is not reset among the setting information recorded in the setting file SF. It cannot be rewritten by the file rewrite command. This is due to the following reason. That is, as described above, the operation setting information is setting information that affects the operation when the printing apparatus 11 executes processing related to printing, such as the print density and the print speed. For this reason, the operation setting information is appropriately set in consideration of individual differences of the printing apparatus 11, actual conditions of work performed at the restaurant T, etc., after the print result when the receipt is issued is fed back. is assumed. Accordingly, the operation setting information is not changed according to the type of paper piece to be issued, and it is more appropriate to use the same information regardless of the type of paper piece to be issued.
Note that if the setting file rewrite command includes a control command for instructing rewriting of operation setting information, the print control unit 201 discards the control command without executing the control command. This prevents the operation setting information from being rewritten when the processing target buffer is switched.

  After rewriting the image setting information, the print control unit 201 sequentially reads and executes the control commands included in the order slip issue data stored in the second reception buffer 26 while referring to the setting file SF. The printing unit 21 is controlled to cause the printing unit 21 to issue an order slip (step SE11).

When all the reading of the order slip issue data is completed and the processing related to the issue of the order slip based on the order slip issue data is completed, the print control unit 201 determines whether the second predetermined period has elapsed since the processing was completed. (Step SE13), new order slip issuance data is received from the tablet terminal 13, and it is monitored whether the received order slip issuance data is stored in the second reception buffer 26 (step SE12).
The value of the second predetermined period may be the same as or different from the value of the first predetermined period described above.

If the newly received order slip issuing data is stored in the second reception buffer 26 before the second predetermined period has elapsed (step SE12: YES), the print control unit 201 returns the processing procedure to step SE9. Then, the setting file SF is rewritten based on the setting file rewriting command, and the order slip is issued based on the order slip issuing data.
If the second predetermined period has elapsed without receiving new order slip issue data (step SE13: YES), the print control unit 201 proceeds to step SE14.

In step SE14, the print control unit 201 overwrites the setting file SF (restores the setting file SF) based on the copy of the setting file SF stored in the predetermined storage area.
By the processing in step SE14, the setting file SF is restored to the one immediately before the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26 in step SE6.

  After restoring the setting file SF, the print control unit 201 switches the buffer to be processed from the second reception buffer 26 to the first reception buffer 24 (step SE15).

  On the other hand, in step SE16, the print control unit 201 executes the following processing. The print control unit 201 refers to the setting file SF and executes a process (receipt issue) based on the data (receipt issue data) stored in the first reception buffer 24 (step SE16).

  After executing the process based on the receipt issuance data, the print control unit 201 monitors the receipt issuance data from the POS terminal 10 while monitoring whether or not the first predetermined period has elapsed since the completion of the process (step SE18). It is monitored whether the receipt data newly received and received is stored in the first reception buffer 24 (step SE17).

  If the newly received receipt issuance data is stored in the first reception buffer 24 before the first predetermined period has elapsed (step SE17: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE16. Then, processing based on the newly received receipt issuance data is executed.

  If the first predetermined period has elapsed without newly receiving receipt issuance data (step SE18: YES), the print control unit 201 moves the processing procedure to step SE6. As described above, the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26 by the processing after step SE6, and processing based on the data stored in the second reception buffer 26 is executed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 performs the process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 without changing the data (receipt issue data) transmitted from the POS terminal 10 to the printing apparatus 11. For this reason, it is not necessary to modify the POS terminal 10 (for example, program modification of the installed POS application, program modification of the printer driver, etc.).
Further, when the print control unit 201 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the order slip issuance data from the tablet terminal 13, the predetermined period has elapsed since the processing based on the receipt issuance data received from the POS terminal 10 is completed. In addition, the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26. Next, the print control unit 201 issues an order slip based on the order slip issue data. After the order slip is issued, the print control unit 201 switches the processing target from the second reception buffer 26 to the first reception buffer 24. Therefore, it is possible to issue the order slip of the printing apparatus 11 under the control of the tablet terminal 13 while maintaining the state where the receipt of the printing apparatus 11 is normally issued under the control of the POS terminal 10.
The print control unit 201 saves the setting file SF when switching the processing target from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26, and switches the processing target from the second reception buffer 26 to the first reception buffer 24. The setting file SF is restored. In addition, when executing the process based on the order slip issue data stored in the second reception buffer 26, the print control unit 201 rewrites the contents of the setting file SF based on the setting file rewrite command included in the data. Run after. Therefore, the print control unit 201 can execute printing corresponding to the layout of the receipt when issuing a receipt, and printing corresponding to the layout of the order slip when issuing the order slip.
Further, in the present embodiment, instead of preparing a processing program for each communication interface (USB interface 23, wireless communication interface 25), the print control unit 201 that operates with the same processing program is connected via each communication interface. A process based on the received data is executed. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a processing program for each communication interface, and effective use of storage resources and calculation resources can be realized. In the present embodiment, the configuration file SF is not stored for each communication interface, but one configuration file SF is switched and used as necessary. For this reason, effective use of storage resources can be realized.

As described above, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the POS terminal 10, the tablet terminal 13 (control device), and the printing device 11.
The POS terminal 10 transmits receipt issuance data (data) for issuing a receipt.
The tablet terminal 13 transmits order slip issue data (data) for issuing an order slip (paper piece) on which the name of the ordered food and drink and the ordered quantity (predetermined information) are printed.
The printing apparatus 11 prints on a roll paper (recording medium), cuts the roll paper and issues a receipt or order slip, and a USB interface 23 (first output) that receives receipt issue data from the POS terminal 10. 1 receiving unit), a first receiving buffer 24 for storing receipt issuing data received by the USB interface 23, a wireless communication interface 25 for receiving order slip issuing data from the tablet terminal 13, and an order received by the wireless communication interface 25 The second receiving buffer 26 for storing the slip issue data, and the processing target is switched to either the first receiving buffer 24 or the second receiving buffer 26, and the printing unit 21 is based on the data stored in the processing target buffer. The receipt stored in the first reception buffer 24 When the control of the printing unit 21 based on the line data is in a predetermined state, the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26, and the printing based on the data stored in the second reception buffer 26 is performed. A printing control unit 201 that switches the processing target to the first reception buffer 24 when the control of the printing unit is completed.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 11 can switch and execute processing based on the data received from the POS terminal 10 and the data received from the tablet terminal 13 without preparing a processing program for each communication interface. That is, the printing apparatus 11 and the printing system 1 can execute processing corresponding to a configuration including a plurality of communication interfaces (reception units) while effectively using resources.

In the present embodiment, the print control unit 201 of the printing apparatus 11 performs printing based on the receipt issuance data stored in the first reception buffer 24 when the order slip issuance data is stored in the second reception buffer 26. When the first predetermined period (predetermined period) has elapsed after the control of the unit 21 is completed, the processing target is switched to the second reception buffer 26.
According to this configuration, the processing target can be switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26 after the receipt issuance based on the receipt issuance data is completed.

In the present embodiment, the print control unit 201 switches the processing target to either the first reception buffer 24 or the second reception buffer 26, and sets the setting file based on the data stored in the processing target buffer. When the printing unit 21 is controlled using SF and the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26, the image setting information of the setting file SF is reset, and the processing target is changed from the second reception buffer 26 to the second reception buffer 26. When switching to 1 reception buffer 24, the setting file SF is restored.
According to this configuration, the print control unit 201 can execute printing corresponding to the layout of the receipt when issuing a receipt based on the setting file SF. In particular, since the configuration file SF is not stored for each communication interface, but one configuration file SF is switched as necessary, the storage resources can be effectively used. That is, the printing apparatus 11 and the printing system 1 can execute processing corresponding to a configuration including a plurality of communication interfaces (reception units) while effectively using resources.

In the present embodiment, the order slip issue data includes a setting file rewrite command. Then, the print control unit 201 switches the processing target from the first reception buffer 24 to the second reception buffer 26, and then based on the setting file rewrite command included in the order slip issue data stored in the second reception buffer 26. The setting file SF is rewritten, and the printing unit 21 is controlled based on the order slip issuance data stored in the second reception buffer 26 using the rewritten setting file SF.
According to this configuration, based on the setting file SF, the print control unit 201 performs printing corresponding to the layout of the receipt when issuing a receipt, and printing corresponding to the layout of the order slip when issuing an order slip. Can be executed.

In the present embodiment, the setting file SF records image setting information related to an image printed on roll paper and operation setting information related to an operation when printing on roll paper.
Then, the print control unit 201 rewrites the image setting information of the setting file SF based on the setting file rewriting command, but does not rewrite the operation setting information.
According to this configuration, the print control unit 201 can issue a receipt and issue an order slip based on the same operation setting information.

In the present embodiment, the USB interface 23 of the printing apparatus 11 receives receipt issuance data from the POS terminal 10 by wired communication. The wireless communication interface 25 of the printing apparatus 11 receives order slip issue data from the tablet terminal 13 by wireless communication.
According to this configuration, the printing apparatus 11 issues an order slip based on the control of the wirelessly connected tablet terminal 13 while maintaining a state in which a receipt can be issued based on the control of the wired POS terminal 10. Can be implemented as appropriate.

<Modification>
Next, modifications will be described.
In the embodiment described above, when the processing target is the first reception buffer 24 and the order slip issuance data is received from the tablet terminal 13, the print control unit 201 issues all receipts stored in the first reception buffer 24. After the first predetermined period after the completion of the processing based on the data, the buffer was switched. However, when a specific type of control command among the control commands included in one receipt issue data is the control command to be processed last, the print control unit 201 determines that the specific type of control command After executing, the buffer may be switched immediately without reducing the elapse of the predetermined period. The specific type of control command is, for example, a cut command for instructing cutting of roll paper.
According to this configuration, the buffer can be switched after the control command included in the receipt issuance data instructing the issuance of one receipt is continuously executed in a series of processes. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the buffer can be switched without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined period, so that the processing efficiency can be improved and the time required for the processing can be reduced.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
In the above-described embodiment, the two communication interfaces are the USB interface 23 and the wireless communication interface 25. However, the number of communication interfaces provided in the printing apparatus 11 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The communication protocol supported by the communication interface is not limited to USB or Bluetooth, but may be Ethernet (registered trademark) or a standard related to predetermined serial communication such as RS232C.
In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 issues an order slip in response to a request from the tablet terminal 13, but the printing apparatus 11 issues in response to a request from an apparatus other than the POS terminal 10. The piece of paper is not limited to an order slip, and may be a piece of paper on which a reference number is printed, a coupon, or the like.
Moreover, although the case where the printing system 1 was applied to the restaurant T was illustrated in the above-described embodiment, the facility to which the printing system 1 is applied is not limited to the restaurant T.
In the above-described embodiment, the image setting information is rewritten in the setting information recorded in the setting file SF in accordance with switching of the processing target buffer. However, the operation setting information is also rewritten. It may be a configuration.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system, 10 ... POS terminal, 13 ... Tablet terminal (control apparatus), 11 ... Printing apparatus, 21 ... Printing part, 23 ... USB interface 23 (1st receiving part), 24 ... 1st receiving buffer, 25 ... Wireless communication interface (second receiving unit), 26... Second receiving buffer, 201... Print control unit, SF.

Claims (7)

A printing unit for printing on a recording medium;
A first receiving unit that receives print data including a plurality of commands for executing a series of processes ;
A first reception buffer for storing data received by the first reception unit;
A second receiver for receiving data;
A second reception buffer for storing data received by the second reception unit;
When the processing target is switched to either the first reception buffer or the second reception buffer, and the buffer to be processed is the first reception buffer, the print data stored in the first reception buffer is changed to the print data stored in the first reception buffer. Executing a command included therein to cause the printing unit to execute printing, and when the buffer to be processed is the second reception buffer, the printing unit is controlled based on the data stored in the second reception buffer A printing control unit,
The print control unit
Processed is when the is in the first reception buffer, if the state in which the data in the second reception buffer is stored, after printing based on the print data stored in the first receive buffer is completed, When the first period has elapsed, the processing target is switched from the first reception buffer to the second reception buffer, and after the control of the printing unit based on the data stored in the second reception buffer is completed, A printing apparatus, wherein a processing target is switched to the first reception buffer. A storage unit that stores setting information related to a printing operation of the printing unit;
The second reception unit receives the data including a rewrite command for instructing rewriting of the setting information and a control command,
The print control unit
When switching the processing target from the first reception buffer to the second receiving buffer, the rewriting of the setting information of said storage unit by executing the rewrite command second included in the data stored in the reception buffer performed, the printing apparatus according to claim 1 in which rewriting of the setting information after the end, characterized that you execute the control command included in the data stored in said second receive buffer. Before Symbol print control unit,
After the control of the printing unit before SL based on the data stored in the second reception buffer is completed, restores the setting information of the storage unit, to the state before being rewritten by the rewrite command, after recovery is finished The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the processing target is switched to the first reception buffer. A POS terminal configured to include a plurality of commands for executing a series of processes and transmitting print data for issuing a receipt;
A control device for transmitting data for issuing a piece of paper on which predetermined information is printed;
Printing on a recording medium, cutting the recording medium and issuing the receipt or the piece of paper, a first receiving unit for receiving data from the POS terminal, and storing data received by the first receiving unit A first reception buffer; a second reception unit that receives data from the control device; a second reception buffer that stores data received by the second reception unit; and a processing target that is the first reception buffer and the second reception When the buffer to be processed is the first reception buffer, a command included in the print data stored in the first reception buffer is executed, and the receipt of the receipt is performed by the printing unit. to execute the printing, the buffer was processed is stored in the second reception buffer if said second receive buffer data And a printing apparatus having a print control unit that controls the printing unit Zui,
The print control unit of the printing apparatus stores the data in the first reception buffer when the processing target is the first reception buffer and the data is stored in the second reception buffer . When the first period has elapsed after printing of the receipt based on the print data , the processing object is switched from the first reception buffer to the second reception buffer and stored in the second reception buffer. A printing system, wherein after the control of the printing unit based on data is completed, the processing target is switched to the first reception buffer. The printing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores setting information regarding a printing operation of the printing unit,
The control device transmits the data including a rewrite command for instructing rewriting of the setting information and a control command to the second receiving unit,
The printing control unit of the printing apparatus includes:
When switching the processing target from the first reception buffer to the second receiving buffer, the rewriting of the setting information of said storage unit by executing the rewrite command second included in the data stored in the reception buffer It performs printing system of claim 4 in which the rewriting of the setting information after the end, characterized that you execute the control command included in the data stored in said second receive buffer. The printing control unit of the printing apparatus includes:
After the control of the printing unit based on the data stored in the second reception buffer is completed, the setting information of the storage unit is restored to the state before being rewritten by the rewriting command , and after the restoration is completed, The printing system according to claim 5 , wherein the processing target is switched to the first reception buffer. The first receiving unit of the printing apparatus receives data from the POS terminal by wired communication,
The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the second receiving unit of the printing apparatus receives data from the control apparatus by wireless communication.

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