U.S. patent application number 14/740375 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-22 for magnetic data processing device and printing apparatus having the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Toshiharu SEKINO.
Application Number | 20160373596 14/740375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57483632 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160373596 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SEKINO; Toshiharu |
December 22, 2016 |
MAGNETIC DATA PROCESSING DEVICE AND PRINTING APPARATUS HAVING THE
SAME
Abstract
A magnetic data processing device includes a magnetic head
configured to read data from or write data to a magnetic stripe
extending in a first direction on a medium, while moving in the
first direction, a pad facing the magnetic head and extending in
the first direction, and a controller configured to cause the pad
to be in contact with the magnetic head and cause the magnetic head
to move in the first direction while being in contact with the
pad.
Inventors: |
SEKINO; Toshiharu; (Izu
Shizuoka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
57483632 |
Appl. No.: |
14/740375 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00339 20130101;
G06K 7/084 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00; G06K 7/08 20060101 G06K007/08 |
Claims
1. A magnetic data processing device, comprising: a storage device
that stores: a first predetermined elapsed time period, a second
predetermined elapsed time period different from the first
predetermined elapsed time period, and a current cleaning execution
counter; a magnetic head configured to read data from or write data
to a magnetic stripe extending in a first direction on a medium,
while moving in the first direction; a pad facing the magnetic head
and extending in the first direction; and a controller configured
to: increment the current cleaning execution counter when a
predetermined event occurs, determine whether the current cleaning
execution counter is equal to either the first or second
predetermined elapsed time period, if the current cleaning
execution counter is determined to be equal to the first
predetermined elapsed time period, perform a first magnetic head
cleaning operation including causing the pad to be in contact with
the magnetic head and causing the magnetic head to move in the
first direction while being in contact with the pad, and if the
current cleaning execution counter is determined to be equal to the
second predetermined elapsed time period, perform a second magnetic
head cleaning operation different from the first magnetic head
cleaning operation, including causing the pad to be in contact with
the magnetic head and causing the magnetic head to move in the
first direction while being in contact with the pad.
2. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 1,
further comprising: an actuator configured to move the pad towards
the magnetic head.
3. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 1,
further comprising: an actuator configured to move the magnetic
head towards the pad.
4. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 1,
further comprising: a conveying unit configured to convey the
medium between the magnetic head and the pad, in a second direction
that is different from the first direction.
5. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 1,
wherein the pad has a polishing surface that contacts the magnetic
head when cleaning the magnetic head.
6.-7. (canceled)
8. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 1,
wherein the controller is further configured to, while performing
the first and second magnetic head cleaning operations, reciprocate
the magnetic head along the first direction while being in contact
with the pad for cleaning, and change the number of times of
reciprocation depending on whether the first magnetic head cleaning
operation or the second magnetic head cleaning operation is being
performed.
9. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 1,
wherein the controller is further configured to, while performing
the first and second magnetic head cleaning operations, cause a
pressing force between the magnetic head and the pad to be changed
depending on whether the first magnetic head cleaning operation or
the second magnetic head cleaning operation is being performed.
10. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 1,
wherein the controller is further configured to, while performing
the first and second magnetic head cleaning operations, change a
moving speed of the magnetic head depending on whether the first
magnetic head cleaning operation or the second magnetic head
cleaning operation is being performed.
11. A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit configured to
print an image on a medium having a magnetic stripe extending in a
first direction thereon; a conveying unit configured to convey the
medium in a second direction different from the first direction; a
storage unit that stores: a first predetermined elapsed time
period, a second predetermined elapsed time period, and a current
cleaning execution counter; a magnetic head configured to read data
from or write data to the magnetic stripe, while the medium is
conveyed in the first direction; a pad facing the magnetic head and
extending in the first direction; and a controller configured to:
increment the current cleaning execution counter when a
predetermined event occurs, determine whether the current cleaning
execution counter is equal to either the first or second
predetermined elapsed time period, if the current cleaning
execution counter is determined to be equal to the first
predetermined elapsed time period, perform a first magnetic head
cleaning operation including causing the pad to be in contact with
the magnetic head and causing the magnetic head to move in the
first direction while being in contact with the pad, and if the
current cleaning execution counter is determined to be equal to the
second predetermined elapsed time period, perform a second magnetic
head cleaning operation different from the first magnetic head
cleaning operation, including causing the pad to be in contact with
the magnetic head and causing the magnetic head to move in the
first direction while being in contact with the pad.
12. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising: an actuator configured to move the pad towards the
magnetic head.
13. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising: an actuator configured to move the magnetic head
towards the pad.
14. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
conveying unit is further configured to convey the medium between
the magnetic head and the pad.
15. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pad
has a polishing surface that contacts the magnetic head when
cleaning the magnetic head.
16.-17. (canceled)
18. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
controller is further configured to, while performing the first and
second magnetic head cleaning operations, reciprocate the magnetic
head along the first direction while being in contact with the pad
for cleaning, and change the number of times of reciprocation
depending on whether the first magnetic head cleaning operation or
the second magnetic head cleaning operation is being performed.
19. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
controller is further configured to, while performing the first and
second magnetic head cleaning operations, cause a pressing force
between the magnetic head and the pad to be changed depending on
whether the first magnetic head cleaning operation or the second
magnetic head cleaning operation is being performed.
20. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
controller is further configured to, while performing the first and
second magnetic head cleaning operations, chance a moving speed of
the magnetic head depending on whether the first magnetic head
cleaning operation or the second magnetic head cleaning operation
is being performed.
21. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 1,
wherein the predetermined event is an elapsed time period from a
recent magnetic head cleaning operation.
22. The magnetic data processing device according to claim 21,
wherein the elapsed time period is an elapsed operation time of the
magnetic data processing device since the recent magnetic head
cleaning operation.
23. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
predetermined event is an elapsed time period from a recent
magnetic head cleaning operation.
24. The printing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the
elapsed time period is an elapsed operation time of the magnetic
data processing device since the recent magnetic head cleaning
operation.
Description
FIELD
[0001] Embodiments described herein relate generally to a magnetic
data processing device which performs reading and writing of data
with respect to a magnetic stripe attached to a booklet, and a
printing apparatus having the magnetic data processing device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] One type of automated teller machines (ATM), used in
financial institutions, print on a bankbook and the like. Some of
the bankbooks include a stripe of a magnetic material, or a
so-called magnetic stripe. Transaction data is stored in the
magnetic stripe by causing the magnetic stripe and a magnetic head
to contact and slide with each other. Since the magnetic head
contacts the magnetic stripe when storing the transaction data,
contaminants may be attached on a surface of the magnetic head
during usage, which may cause a reading or writing error.
Therefore, it would be desirable to remove the contaminants.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a main portion of a printing apparatus
according to a first embodiment.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of control units of the printing
apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a booklet, and a
pressing pad and a magnetic head of the printing apparatus
according to the first embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a top view of the booklet, the pressing pad, and
the magnetic head in FIG. 4.
[0007] FIGS. 5A to 5C are flowcharts illustrating a method of a
printing process on a booklet carried out by the printing apparatus
according to the first embodiment.
[0008] FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating a method of a
printing process on a roll sheet, carried out by the printing
apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0009] FIGS. 7A to 7C are flowcharts illustrating a method of a
printing process on a booklet, carried out by the printing
apparatus according to a second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] One or more embodiments are directed to provide a printing
apparatus that cleans a magnetic head without using a special
bankbook.
[0011] In general, according to one embodiment, a magnetic data
processing device includes a magnetic head configured to read data
from or write data to a magnetic stripe extending in a first
direction on a medium, while moving in the first direction, a pad
facing the magnetic head and extending in the first direction, and
a controller configured to cause the pad to be in contact with the
magnetic head and cause the magnetic head to move in the first
direction while being in contact with the pad.
First Embodiment
[0012] Hereinafter, a printing apparatus according to a first
embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a main portion of the printing apparatus
according to the first embodiment.
[0014] A multifunction printing apparatus 1 has a plurality of
printing mechanisms. Even though the exemplary embodiment describes
the printing apparatus having the plurality of printing mechanisms,
the exemplary embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto as long
as the printing apparatus has at least a printing mechanism
handling a bankbook and the like. In the descriptions of the
exemplary embodiment, the left side in FIG. 1 is referred to as a
front side of the multifunction printing apparatus 1, and the right
side is referred to as a rear side of the multifunction printing
apparatus 1.
[0015] An insertion ejection port 2 is provided on the front side
of the multifunction printing apparatus 1. Through the insertion
ejection port 2, a booklet P such as a bankbook is inserted, and
the booklet P or a cut-off roll sheet 15 (described below) such as
a cut-form is ejected outside the multifunction printing apparatus
1 after printing. In the exemplary embodiment, a sheet in a rolled
state is referred to as the roll sheet 15, and a portion of a roll
sheet 15 which is cut off after being subjected to necessary
printing is referred to as a cut-form C.
[0016] A collection tray 14 is provided on the rear side of the
multifunction printing apparatus 1, thereby collecting and
retaining the booklets P and the cut-forms C left behind by
users.
[0017] First transportation upper guides 3 and first transportation
lower guides 4 are provided extending from the insertion ejection
port 2 to the collection tray 14. The booklet P or the cut-form C
is transported through a first sheet transportation path 5 between
the first transportation upper guides 3 and the first
transportation lower guides 4. In the descriptions of the exemplary
embodiment, a transportation direction in which the booklet P and
the cut-form C are transported from the insertion ejection port 2
toward the collection tray 14 is referred to as a transportation
direction A. Unless otherwise specifically denoted, the left side
(the front side) in FIG. 1 is referred to as an upstream side, and
the right side may be referred to as a downstream side in the
descriptions.
[0018] A feed roller 6 and an idler roller 7 are provided on the
downstream side of the insertion ejection port 2 in the
transportation direction A. The feed roller 6 is rotatable by a
motor (not illustrated), and the idler roller 7 is provided to face
the feed roller 6 so as to form the first sheet transportation path
5 therebetween. The feed roller 6 and the idler roller 7 form a
pair, thereby pinching and transporting the booklet P and the
cut-form C. There are a plurality of pairs of the feed roller 6 and
the idler roller 7 along the first sheet transportation path 5.
[0019] An alignment unit 8 is provided on the downstream side of
the insertion ejection port 2 in the transportation direction A.
The alignment unit 8 includes a sheet position detection sensor, a
shutter, a sheet pinching mechanism, an alignment side end wall,
and the like (not illustrated). The alignment unit 8 corrects skew
and misalignment of the booklet P inserted from the insertion
ejection port 2, so that the booklet P is in a preset position in a
preset orientation.
[0020] A magnetic head 36 and a pressing pad 34 are provided on the
downstream side of the alignment unit 8 in the transportation
direction A. The magnetic head 36 performs reading and writing of
information with respect to a magnetic stripe portion (not
illustrated) which is provided on a rear side of the booklet P. The
pressing pad 34 faces the magnetic head 36 with the first sheet
transportation path 5 therebetween. The magnetic head 36 includes a
head motor 37 (refer to FIG. 2) which moves the magnetic head 36 in
a direction orthogonal to the transportation direction of the
booklet P, and the pressing pad 34 includes a pad motor 35 (refer
to FIG. 2) which causes the pressing pad 34 to make
approach-separation movements in the direction of the first sheet
transportation path 5, respectively. A magnetic stripe (MS) reading
and writing section 9 includes the magnetic head 36, the head motor
37, the pressing pad 34, and the pad motor 35.
[0021] A page line finder (PLF) unit 10 is provided on the
downstream side of the MS reading and writing section 9 in the
transportation direction A. The PLF unit 10 includes a CCD image
sensor and the like, thereby checking the currently open page and
printed lines of the booklet P.
[0022] A dot head 11 and a platen 12, which faces the dot head 11
with the first sheet transportation path 5 therebetween, are
provided on the downstream side of the PLF unit 10 in the
transportation direction A. A first printing section 13 includes
the dot head 11 and the platen 12, and printing is performed on the
booklet P at the first printing section 13.
[0023] The collection tray 14 is provided on the downstream side of
the first printing section 13 in the transportation direction
A.
[0024] The roll sheet 15 is a sheet which is loaded on the rear
side of the multifunction printing apparatus 1 and is wound around
a winding shaft 16. The winding shaft 16 is rotatably supported by
a frame (not illustrated).
[0025] Only a printing surface 17, that is, one surface of the roll
sheet 15 includes thermal-sensitive layer which generates a color
when being heated.
[0026] An idler roller 18 is provided in the multifunction printing
apparatus 1 so as to apply uniform tension to the roll sheet
15.
[0027] A second transportation upper guide 19 and a second
transportation lower guide 20 are provided extending from the idler
roller 18 to the front side of the multifunction printing apparatus
1. The roll sheet 15 is transported through a second sheet
transportation path 21 between the second transportation upper
guide 19 and the second transportation lower guide 20. The second
sheet transportation path 21 joins the first sheet transportation
path 5 on the downstream side of the first printing section 13 in
the transportation direction A. In the descriptions of the
exemplary embodiment, a junction position of the first sheet
transportation path 5 and the second sheet transportation path 21
is referred to as a junction section 29. A transportation direction
in which the roll sheet 15 and the cut-form C are transported from
the idler roller 18 toward the insertion ejection port 2 via the
junction section 29 is referred to as a transportation direction
B.
[0028] A feed roller 22 and an idler roller 23 are provided on the
downstream side of the idler roller 18 in the transportation
direction B. The feed roller 22 is rotatable by a motor (not
illustrated), and the idler roller 23 is provided to face the feed
roller 22 with the second sheet transportation path 21
therebetween. The feed roller 22 and the idler roller 23 are a
pair, and pinch and transport the roll sheet 15. There are a
plurality of pairs of the feed roller 22 and the idler roller 23
along the second sheet transportation path 21.
[0029] A thermal printing head 24 and a platen roller 25 are
provided on the downstream side of the idler roller 18 in the
transportation direction B. The platen roller 25 faces the thermal
printing head 24 with the second sheet transportation path 21
therebetween and is rotatable by a motor (not illustrated). A
second printing section 26 is configured to include the thermal
printing head 24 and the platen roller 25, and printing is
performed on the printing surface 17 of the roll sheet 15 at the
second printing section 26.
[0030] A cutter 27 is disposed on the downstream side of the second
printing section 26 in the transportation direction B. The cutter
27 includes a fixed blade and a movable blade (neither
illustrated). A cutter motor (not illustrated) is driven to cause
the movable blade to slide toward the fixed blade, thereby cutting
the roll sheet 15 which is inserted into a slit (not illustrated)
provided in the cutter 27. In this case, even though the cutter 27
is described as a so-called slide-type cutter of which the movable
blade slides toward the fixed blade, the cutter is not limited
thereto. The cutter may be a so-called rotary type which cuts a
sheet by bringing the rotating movable blade into contact with the
fixed blade.
[0031] The first sheet transportation path 5 and the second sheet
transportation path 21 merges on the downstream side of the cutter
27 in the transportation direction B. A flapper 28 is provided in
the junction section 29 which is the junction position. The flapper
28 is rotatable about a flapper rotary shaft 28-1. If the flapper
28 is turned counterclockwise, the second sheet transportation path
21 and the first sheet transportation path 5 communicate with each
other. If the flapper 28 is turned clockwise, transportation is
allowed through the first sheet transportation path 5 only from the
insertion ejection port 2 to the collection tray 14.
[0032] An insertion ejection table 30 is provided in the vicinity
of the insertion ejection port 2, which is disposed on the front
side of the multifunction printing apparatus 1. The booklet P is
temporarily placed on the insertion ejection table 30 when being
inserted into the multifunction printing apparatus 1 and the
booklet P or the cut-form C upon being ejected toward a user. A
collection sensor 31 is provided at the insertion ejection port 2
so as to detect whether or not the booklet P or the cut-form C is
taken by a user. A display unit 32 is provided on an upper surface
of the multifunction printing apparatus 1 so as to display various
states of the multifunction printing apparatus 1, including paper
jam and running-out of paper.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit in the
multifunction printing apparatus 1 according to the exemplary
embodiment. A control unit 50 individually controls sheet
transporting, printing, sheet cutting, sheet ejecting, sheet
collecting, cleaning of the magnetic head, and displaying of status
of the multifunction printing apparatus.
[0034] The control unit 50 is, for example, a microcomputer, which
communicates with a host computer 70 and executes various controls.
The host computer 70 is connected to an external server 80 such as
financial institutions which manage information of deposits,
savings, and the like.
[0035] A micro-processor unit (MPU) 51 of the control unit 50
carries out various controls and computations such as sheet
transporting controls, printing controls, sheet cutting controls,
sheet ejecting controls, and sheet collecting controls in
accordance with programs.
[0036] The MPU 51 includes a timer 52, which performs time setting
and time controlling.
[0037] A ROM 53 and a RAM 54 are included in the control unit 50 as
a main storage unit which respectively stores control programs
executed by the MPU 51 and data being processed for controlling and
computing.
[0038] The ROM 53 is a read only memory which includes control
programs and tables. The RAM 54 is a random access memory which
stores data being processed for computing.
[0039] The ROM 53 includes a cleaning execution condition storage
unit 90 which stores conditions for cleaning the magnetic head 36
(described below). The RAM 54 includes a cleaning execution counter
unit 91 which stores information of elapsed days after cleaning
(described below).
[0040] The control unit 50 includes an input output unit (I/O) 55
which fetches various input data from the host computer 70 and
retrieves control outputs from the control unit 50 to the host
computer 70. The I/O 55 is connected to the MPU 51, the ROM 53, and
the RAM 54 through a bus.
[0041] A first driver 56, a second driver 57, a third driver 58, a
fourth driver 59, a fifth driver 60, a sixth driver 61, a seventh
driver 62, an eighth driver 63, a ninth driver 64, a tenth driver
65, an eleventh driver 66, a twelfth driver 67, and a thirteenth
driver 68 are connected to the I/O 55, as units configured to
retrieve the control outputs.
[0042] The first driver 56 supplies necessary driving outputs to
the first printing section 13. The second driver 57 supplies
necessary driving outputs to the second printing section 26. The
third driver 58 supplies driving outputs to the feed roller 6. The
fourth driver 59 supplies driving outputs to the alignment unit 8.
The fifth driver 60 supplies driving outputs to the magnetic head
36. The sixth driver 61 supplies driving outputs to the pad motor
35. The seventh driver 62 supplies driving outputs to the head
motor 37. The eighth driver 63 supplies driving outputs to the PLF
unit 10. The ninth driver 64 supplies driving outputs to the feed
roller 22. The tenth driver 65 supplies driving signals to the
cutter 27. The eleventh driver 66 supplies driving signals to the
flapper 28. The twelfth driver 67 supplies driving outputs to the
collection sensor 31. The thirteenth driver 68 supplies driving
signals to the display unit 32.
[0043] Hereinafter, operations of the multifunction printing
apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6.
The multifunction printing apparatus 1 is used in a state of being
built in an automated teller machine (ATM) and the like. Here,
operations of the multifunction printing apparatus 1 will be
described with an example of making entries in an account book. The
booklet P in the descriptions of the exemplary embodiment is
considered to have a magnetic stripe M provided in a direction
orthogonal to the transportation direction of the booklet P (refer
to FIG. 4).
[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bankbook P, the
pressing pad 34, and the magnetic head 36. FIG. 4 is a top view of
the bankbook P, the pressing pad 34, and the magnetic head 36.
[0045] The pad motor 35 (not illustrated) enables the pressing pad
34 to move in a C-direction and a D-direction as illustrated in
FIG. 3 with respect to the booklet P which is transported through
the first sheet transportation path 5. The pressing pad 34 moves
apart from the booklet P when moving in the C-direction, and the
pressing pad 34 contacts the booklet P when moving in the
D-direction. While being in the contact state, the pressing pad 34
is in a state of being pressed against the booklet P. The pressing
pad 34 is in a state of being moved in the C-direction when reading
and writing of data are not executed by the magnetic head 36. The
head motor 37 (not illustrated) enables the magnetic head 36 to
move in an E-direction and an F-direction as illustrated in FIG. 3
with respect to the booklet P which is transported through the
first sheet transportation path 5. The magnetic head 36 contacts
the booklet P when the magnetic head 36 is moved in the
E-direction. The magnetic head 36 moves apart from the booklet P
when the magnetic head 36 is moved in the F-direction. The magnetic
head 36 is in a state of being moved in the F-direction when
reading and writing of data are not executed by the magnetic head
36. The head motor 37 (not illustrated) moves the magnetic head 36
in a G-direction and an H-direction, which are orthogonal to the
transportation direction of the booklet P as illustrated in FIG. 4.
The magnetic head 36 moves from a position indicated by a solid
line in FIG. 4 to a position indicated by a dotted line in order to
carry out reading and writing of data, and then, the magnetic head
36 returns to the solid-lined position. The magnetic head 36 is in
the position indicated by the solid line when reading and writing
of data are not executed.
[0046] A user starts a transaction by pressing a button used when
making entries in an account book on a screen (not illustrated) of
an automated teller machine (S1). If the button for making entries
in the account book is pressed, the control unit 50 instructs a
user through the display unit 32 to open and insert the booklet P,
that is, a bankbook through the insertion ejection port 2 of the
multifunction printing apparatus 1.
[0047] The user opens the booklet P and inserts the booklet P
through the insertion ejection port 2 in accordance with the
instruction (S2). The multifunction printing apparatus 1 causes the
feed roller 6 to rotate, thereby transporting the booklet P to the
alignment unit 8 (S3) in cooperation with the idler roller 7. The
alignment unit 8 uses the sheet position detection sensor, the
shutter, the sheet pinching mechanism, and the alignment side end
wall (not illustrated) to correct skew and misalignment of the
booklet P transported to the alignment unit 8, thereby positioning
the booklet P in a preset position and orientation (S4). Since an
alignment mechanism thereof is a known mechanism, a detailed
description thereof will be omitted.
[0048] Subsequently, the control unit 50 determines whether or not
the magnetic head 36 is to be cleaned (S5). In determining whether
or not cleaning is performed, the determination is made in
accordance with data stored in the cleaning execution counter unit
91 in accordance with conditional formula stored in the cleaning
execution condition storage unit 90. In the exemplary embodiment,
the cleaning execution condition storage unit 90 is set to have a
condition of performing shading every one-hundred-operation-day of
the printing apparatus 1, and the cleaning execution counter unit
91 is set to have a condition of counting up one by one every
operation day. The condition set to the cleaning execution
condition storage unit 90 may be arbitrarily determined in advance
by a user, such as execution on a monthly basis, or execution on a
certain period of operation time basis. A type of data stored in
the shading target counter unit 91 varies depending on the
condition set to the cleaning execution condition storage unit
90.
[0049] When it is determined that the cleaning is not necessary (N
in S5), the feed roller 6 is caused to rotate, thereby transporting
the booklet P to the MS reading and writing section 9 (S6) in
cooperation with the idler roller 7. The booklet P stops being
transported at a position where the magnetic head 36 and the
magnetic stripe M correspond to each other in the transportation
direction of the booklet P (S7).
[0050] Subsequently, the magnetic head 36 moves in the E-direction
so as to come into contact with the magnetic stripe M (S8).
Moreover, the pressing pad 34 moves in the D-direction so as to
cause the booklet P to be pressed by the pressing pad (S9).
Accordingly, the booklet P is pinched between the magnetic head 36
and the pressing pad 34. Subsequently, after moving in the
G-direction, the magnetic head 36 moves in the H-direction (S10),
thereby performing reading and writing of data with respect to the
magnetic stripe M (S11). Reading and writing of data are performed
with respect to the external server 80 via the magnetic head
36.
[0051] After performing reading and writing of data, the pressing
pad 34 moves in the C-direction, thereby releasing the pressed
state caused by the pressing pad 34 (S12). Then, the magnetic head
36 moves in the F-direction, thereby causing the magnetic head 36
to be separated from the magnetic stripe M (S13).
[0052] Subsequently, while transporting the booklet P, the control
unit 50 acquires page information of the booklet P using the PLF
unit 10 provided on the downstream side of the MS reading and
writing section 9 in the transportation direction A (S14). As
described above, transaction information has been already acquired
by the control unit 50 from the external server 80. The transaction
information also includes information regarding a page where
entries are to be printed in the booklet P. If a page which is not
supposed to be printed is open when the information and the
detected page acquired by the PLF unit are compared, the booklet P
is transported in the transportation direction B, thereby
indicating a user so as to open the right page of the booklet and
to reinsert. If a booklet page turning mechanism unit (not
illustrated) is provided in the multifunction printing apparatus 1,
the booklet P may be transported to the booklet page turning
mechanism unit and transported to the position again after being
turned to the right page.
[0053] Subsequently, after the booklet P is transported to the
first printing section 13 (S15), printing is performed on the
booklet P using the dot head 11 and a platen roller 12 (S16).
[0054] After completing printing on the booklet P, the control unit
50 causes the feed roller 6 to rotate so as to transport the
booklet P in the transportation direction B in cooperation with the
idler roller 7. The booklet P stops being transported at a position
where the booklet P is placed on the insertion ejection table 30
and a portion of the booklet P protrudes outward from a front face
33 of the multifunction printing apparatus 1 (S17).
[0055] The collection sensor 31, which is a transmission-type
sensor, is provided at the insertion ejection port 2. The
collection sensor 31 may detect whether or not the booklet P is
present at the position when the booklet P stops at the position
protruding outward from the front face 33 of the multifunction
printing apparatus 1.
[0056] When the booklet P stops at the position where a portion of
the booklet P protrudes outward from the front face 33 of the
multifunction printing apparatus 1, the collection sensor 31
detects that the booklet P is present at the position. Upon the
detection, the timer 52 activates a timer to start time measurement
(S18). In this case, a sensor signal of the collection sensor 31 is
turned on. Setting time for a measurement performed by the timer 52
will be described below.
[0057] Subsequently, the control unit 50 checks whether or not the
booklet P is taken by a user, every constant period of time (S19).
Whether or not the booklet P is taken by a user is checked based on
a detected signal of the collection sensor 31. When the booklet P
is present, the signal of the collection sensor 31 is in an
ON-state. However, if the booklet P is taken by a user, the
detected signal of the collection sensor 31 is switched to an
OFF-state. It is possible to check whether or not the booklet P is
taken by a user, based on the switched state.
[0058] As it is checked that the booklet P is taken by the user (Y
in S19), a process for the user ends (S20).
[0059] After checking whether or not the booklet P is taken by a
user, every constant period of time (S19), if it is determined that
the booklet P is not taken by the user (N in S19), the control unit
50 checks the time of the time measurement which is started when
the booklet P stops at the position where a portion of the booklet
P protrudes outward from the front face 33 of the multifunction
printing apparatus 1, thereby checking whether or not the time
exceeds a regulation time (S21). The aforementioned regulation time
denotes a certain period of time when the booklet P is considered
to be forgotten to be taken by a user, elapsed from the time when
the booklet P stops at the position where a portion of the booklet
P protrudes outward from the front face 33 of the multifunction
printing apparatus 1, that is, when the booklet P is allowed to be
taken by a user, for example, thirty seconds which is set in
advance.
[0060] When the time does not exceed the regulation time (N in
S21), since there is still a possibility that the booklet P is
taken by a user, thereby repeating to check whether or not the
booklet P is taken (S19).
[0061] After checking whether or not the time exceeds the
regulation time (S21), when the time exceeds the regulation time (Y
in S21), it is determined that the booklet P is likely to be
forgotten to be taken by a user. Thus, the control unit 50 first
turns the flapper 28 in a clockwise direction having the flapper
rotary shaft 28-1 as a turning axis (S22). Accordingly, the first
transportation path 5 and the collection tray 14 communicate with
each other. Subsequently, the control unit 50 causes the feed
roller 6 to rotate so as to transport the booklet P in the
transportation direction A in cooperation with the idler roller 7
so that the booklet P is collected in the collection tray 14 (S23),
thereby ending the process (S20).
[0062] When it is determined that cleaning is necessary (Y in S5),
the magnetic head 36 moves in the E-direction so as to come into
contact with the magnetic stripe M (S24). Then, the pressing pad 34
moves in the D-direction so as to cause the magnetic head 36 to be
pressed by the pressing pad 34 (S25). A surface of the pressing pad
34 is a polishing surface. Subsequently, after moving in the
G-direction, the magnetic head 36 moves in the H-direction (S26).
As described above, since the surface of the pressing pad 34 is the
polishing surface, a surface of the magnetic head 36 is polished
and cleaned by moving in the G-direction and the H-direction.
[0063] After performing polishing and cleaning, the pressing pad 34
moves in the C-direction, thereby releasing the pressed state by
the pressing pad (S27). Then, the magnetic head 36 moves in the
F-direction, thereby causing the magnetic head to be separated from
the magnetic stripe M (S28). Subsequently, the control unit 50
rewrites the condition stored in the cleaning execution counter
unit 91 as zero (S29).
[0064] Subsequently, while transporting the booklet P, the control
unit 50 acquires page information provided in the booklet P using
the PLF unit 10 provided on the downstream side of the MS reading
and writing section 9 in the transportation direction A (S14).
Since the process thereafter is the same as when it is determined
that cleaning is not necessary, a description thereof will be
omitted.
[0065] Hereinbefore, descriptions are given with the example of
making entries in the booklet P. However, the printing apparatus 1
is not limited to execute only processing of the booklet P. There
is another method to be used for outputting only a cut-form as a
transaction statement without adopting the booklet P. Hereinafter,
a case of printing a cut-form will be described with reference to
FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0066] When a transaction in which printing is performed on the
roll sheet 15, which is to be issued as the cut-form C, starts
(S31), printing data for printing on the roll sheet 15 is received
(S32). Subsequently, the flapper 28 turns (S33) so as to cause the
second transportation path 21 and the first transportation path 5
to communicate with each other. Subsequently, the feed roller 22 is
caused to rotate in order to transport the roll sheet 15 (S34) so
as to reach the second printing section 26, thereby performing
printing on the printing surface 17 of the roll sheet 15 through
the thermal printing head 24 (S35). Subsequently, the feed roller
22 is caused to rotate in order to transport the roll sheet 15
(S36), and then, the cutter 27 cuts the roll sheet 15 (S37). The
cut-off roll sheet 15 is issued as the cut-form C to a user.
[0067] Subsequently, the multifunction printing apparatus 1 causes
the feed roller 22 to rotate in order to transport the cut-form C
in the transportation direction A to the position where the
cut-form C is placed on the insertion ejection table 30 and a
portion thereof protrudes outward from the front face 33 of the
multifunction printing apparatus 1, in cooperation with the idler
roller 23, and then, the roll sheet 15 stops being transported
(S38). In addition, while the multifunction printing apparatus 1
transports the cut-form C to the insertion ejection port 2 in the
transportation direction A, the feed roller 22 is caused to rotate.
Thus, a main portion of the roll sheet 15 in a wound state is
transported to a position on the upstream side of the second
printing section 26 in the transportation direction B in
cooperation with the idler roller 23 (S39). The reason for
transporting the roll sheet 15 is to shorten an issuing time taken
for the next issue of the cut-form by transporting a tip end
portion of the roll sheet 15 to the position on the upstream side
of the second printing section 26 in the transportation direction B
preparing for the next issue of the cut-form C.
[0068] The collection sensor 31, which is a transmission-type
sensor, is provided at the insertion ejection port 2. If the
cut-form C stops at the position where a portion of the cut-form C
protrudes outward from the front face 33 of the multifunction
printing apparatus 1, the collection sensor 31 detects that the
cut-form C is present at the position, and thus, the timer 52
activates the timer to start time measurement (S40).
[0069] Subsequently, the control unit 50 checks whether or not the
cut-form C is taken by a user, every constant period of time (S41).
If it is checked that the cut-form C is taken by the user (Y in
S41), a process for the user ends (S42).
[0070] When it is determined that the cut-form C is not taken by
the user (N in S41), the time of the time measurement is checked,
thereby checking whether or not the time exceeds a regulation time
(S43).
[0071] When the time does not exceed the regulation time (N in
S43), it is repeatedly checked whether or not the cut-form C is
taken away (S41). When the time exceeds the regulation time (Y in
S43), the control unit 50 firstly turns the flapper 28 (S44).
Accordingly, a section from the insertion ejection port 2 to the
collection tray 14 is in a communicated state. Subsequently, the
control unit 50 causes the feed roller 6 to collect the cut-form C
in the collection tray 14 in cooperation with the idler roller 7
(S45), thereby ending the process (S42).
[0072] As described above, in the first embodiment, it is
automatically determined whether or not the magnetic head 36 is to
be cleaned. When the magnetic head 36 needs to be cleaned, the
pressing pad 34 and the magnetic head 36 are caused to come into
contact with each other without transporting the booklet, and then,
the magnetic head 36 moves. The surface of the pressing pad 34 is
the polishing surface. Accordingly, the surface of the magnetic
head 36 is polished, thereby being cleaned. In this manner, since
the surface of the generally used pressing pad 34 is the polishing
surface, there is no need to periodically perform cleaning by
inserting a cleaning sheet for polishing. Moreover, the pressing
pad 34 is caused to retreat to a position being separated from the
first sheet transportation path 5 when the booklet P is
transported. Accordingly, even though the surface of the pressing
pad 34 is the polishing surface, there is no chance to be in
contact with the surface of the booklet P being transported through
the first sheet transportation path 5, the booklet P is prevented
from being damaged.
Second Embodiment
[0073] Hereinafter, the printing apparatus according to a second
embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7A
to 7C. Descriptions for the same portions as those in the first
embodiment will be omitted.
[0074] In the second embodiment, a polishing condition change unit
is included so as to change a polishing condition depending on the
time of cleaning.
[0075] When an error occurs in the magnetic head 36 when performing
reading and writing of data, it is necessary to immediately perform
the cleaning. However, it is preferable to periodically perform the
cleaning in order to prevent the magnetic head from causing an
error. In the latter case, the cleaning is lightly performed after
a short period has elapsed, and the cleaning needs to be
extensively performed after a long period has elapsed.
[0076] In the second embodiment, an execution period information
unit (not illustrated) is included in the ROM 53.
[0077] A user starts a transaction (S51). If the button for making
entries in the account book is pressed, the control unit 50
instructs a user through the display unit 32 to open and insert the
booklet P, that is, a bankbook, through the insertion ejection port
2 of the multifunction printing apparatus 1.
[0078] The user opens the booklet P and inserts the booklet P
through the insertion ejection port 2 in accordance with the
instruction (S52). The multifunction printing apparatus 1 causes
the feed roller 6 to rotate, thereby transporting the booklet P to
the alignment unit 8 in cooperation with the idler roller 7 (S53).
The alignment unit 8 corrects skew and misalignment of the booklet
P transported to the alignment unit 8, thereby positioning the
booklet P in a preset position and orientation (S54).
[0079] Subsequently, the control unit 50 determines whether or not
the magnetic head 36 is to be cleaned (S55).
[0080] When it is determined that cleaning is necessary (Y in S55),
conditions for cleaning are set referring to the execution period
information unit (not illustrated), the cleaning execution
condition storage unit 90, and the cleaning execution counter unit
91, which are provided in the ROM 53. Here, it is assumed that
conditions of one round-trip cleaning for every one-hundred day and
two round-trip cleaning for every two-hundred day are stored in the
execution period information unit.
[0081] The magnetic head 36 moves in the E-direction (S74). Then,
the pressing pad 34 moves in the D-direction so as to cause the
magnetic head 36 to be pressed by the pressing pad 34 (S75).
Subsequently, after moving in the G-direction, the magnetic head 36
moves in the H-direction. In this case, if two hundred days
elapsed, the magnetic head 36 is subjected to two round-trips
(S76). Thereafter, polishing and cleaning is performed, and then,
the pressing pad 34 moves in the C-direction, thereby releasing the
pressed state by the pressing pad 34 (S77). Then, the magnetic head
36 moves in the F-direction, thereby causing the magnetic head 36
to be apart from the pressing pad 34 (S78). Since the processing
after the magnetic head 36 is separated from the pressing pad 34 or
the processing after it is determined that cleaning of the magnetic
head is not necessary (N in S55) are the same as those in the first
embodiment, descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0082] As described above, in the second embodiment, the execution
period information unit is provided, and the conditions of cleaning
are changed in accordance with the time of cleaning. Accordingly,
it is possible to perform an optimal cleaning. In the second
embodiment, the number of movements of the magnetic head 36 is
varied between the elapsed time of one-hundred day and the elapsed
time of two-hundred day as an example. However, without being
limited thereto, it is possible to change a pressing force of the
pressing pad 34 or change a speed of the movement of the magnetic
head 36.
[0083] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be made
without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The
accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover
such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and
spirit of the inventions.
* * * * *