Source: http://patents.com/us-7770793.html
Timestamp: 2017-12-18 03:24:33
Document Index: 762276191

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 35', 'art 35', 'art 35', 'art 3', 'art 35', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 35', 'art 3', 'art 35', 'arts 35', 'art 35', 'art 35', 'art 35', 'art 35', 'art 35', 'art 35', 'art 35', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 102', 'art 102']

US Patent # 7,770,793. Printing apparatus and printing method - Patents.com
United States Patent 7,770,793
Sasaki , et al. August 10, 2010
A printer 1 has transportation paths for conveying media in two directions, that of a first transportation path P1 and that of a second transportation path P2 (or third transportation path P3) perpendicular to the first transportation path P1. With this printer 1 a single compact unit can be used for media processing by reading and printing the media, as well as for printing receipts and validation printing.
Inventors: Sasaki; Toshiyuki (Nagano-ken, JP), Fujikawa; Masashi (Nagano-ken, JP), Omura; Kunio (Shiojiri, JP)
Appl. No.: 12/188,760
11417840 May., 2006 7435023
10763901 Jan., 2004 7056047
Jan 24, 2003 [JP] 2003-016784
Jan 24, 2003 [JP] 2003-016785
Current U.S. Class: 235/449 ; 235/379; 235/380
Field of Search: 235/379,454
58-047960 Mar., 1983 JP
01-161474 Jun., 1989 JP
02-033042 Feb., 1990 JP
03-135264 Jun., 1991 JP
04-278693 Oct., 1992 JP
05-178515 Jul., 1993 JP
05-201095 Aug., 1993 JP
06-047967 Feb., 1994 JP
08-048465 Feb., 1996 JP
11-291572 Oct., 1999 JP
2000-289893 Oct., 2000 JP
2001-058749 Mar., 2001 JP
2001-063030 Mar., 2001 JP
2001-272830 Oct., 2001 JP
2002-160414 Jun., 2002 JP
2002-192759 Jul., 2002 JP
2002-200762 Jul., 2002 JP
2002-255393 Sep., 2002 JP
2002-361938 Dec., 2002 JP
This is a continuation application of Ser. No. 11/417,840 filed on May 3, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,435,023, which in turn is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/763,901 filed on Jan. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,047.
1. A reading apparatus for reading data from a slip of paper comprising: (a) a transportation mechanism for transporting said slip along one of a plurality of transportation paths inclusive of a first transportation path having a first discharge exit and a second transportation path having a second discharge exit with the first and second transportation paths and the first and second discharge exits being perpendicular to one another; (b) a magnetic ink character reader for initially reading magnetic ink characters on the slip along said first transportation path; (c) at least one scanner for capturing an image of the slip; and (d) a processor or computer responsive to the output from said magnetic ink character reader and/or said scanner for directing the slip onto the second transportation path so that the slip is discharged from the second discharge exit in a direction perpendicular to the first discharge direction when an error is generated in said magnetic ink character reader or said scanner.
2. A system for processing a slip of paper comprising: (a) a transportation mechanism for transporting said slip along one of a plurality of transportation paths inclusive of a first, second and third transportation path with at least the first and second transportation path being perpendicular to one another and with the third transportation path for transporting roll paper; (b) a magnetic ink character reader for initially reading magnetic ink characters on the slip along said first transportation path; (c) a scanner for capturing an image of the slip during transportation on a selected one of the plurality of transportation paths; (d) a processor or computer responsive to a read or data error signal generated by said magnetic ink character reader and/or said scanner for directing the transportation of a slip other than roll paper onto the first transportation path when no error signal is generated and for directing the transportation of said slip onto the second or third transportation path when said error signal is generated; and wherein said first and second transportation paths each have a separate discharge exit associated therewith such that when a read or data error is generated by said magnetic ink character reader and/or said scanner the transportation of the slip is directed by said processor or computer onto the second transportation path for discharge from its respective discharge exit in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction associated with the first transportation path.
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and to a printing method.
Payment systems using commercial bank checks ("checks") to transfer money are common particularly in Europe and North America. Payments and transfers of many kinds are accomplished by accepting checks, and these checks are typically brought to a financial institution such as a bank for deposit in a bank account or for check cashing.
.sup.1The printing apparatus and method of the present invention solves the problems described above using two print medium transportation paths which intersect at a given location so that checks or other print media can be printed at the intersecting location after it was read by a magnetic ink character reader and/or a scanner on one transportation path and a receipt or another print media transported from the other transportation path can be also printed at the intersecting location, using a common print head aligned along said intersecting location. The printing apparatus of the present invention broadly comprises a first transportation path for transporting a first print medium; a second transportation path for transporting a second print medium with the second transportation path disposed substantially perpendicular to and intersecting the first transportation path; and a print head disposed in a printing area where the first transportation path and second transportation path intersect for printing to the first print medium while it is conveyed on the first transportation path. .sup.1 MICR and Scanners are not disposed at the intersecting location on the both transportation path.
FIG. 2(a-b) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the first transportation path, second transportation path, and third transportation path in a printer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with FIG. 2(a) showing the direction for a check and roll paper and FIG. 2(b) showing the direction for a check or slips of paper along the first transportation path and a separate validation check or validation slip along the second transportation path;
FIG. 8(a) is a schematic diagram showing the first transportation path when the print head is stationary, and FIG. 8(b) is a schematic diagram showing the first transportation path when the print head is movable;
FIG. 9(a-c) schematically shows operation from supplying a slip to the paper supply part to selection of the discharge means;
FIG. 11(a) is a schematic plan view of a printer according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11(b) FIG. 11(b) is a section view of the storage unit 105 through line H-H in FIG. 11(a).
FIGS. 13(a-c) are plan views showing the movement of components of the paper feed mechanism in which FIG. 13(a) shows the relative positions of the components in the retracted position, that is, when a check 103 is not transported; FIG. 13(b) shows the start of paper feeding with the curved part of the paper feed roller 130 contacting the check 103; and FIG. 13(c) shows the paper feed roller 130 when it rotated further and feeds just the single top check 103.
FIGS. 14(a-c) are plan views showing the movement of components of the switching mechanism FIG. 14(a) showing the discharge rollers 108 in the paper feed position with the movable roller 108b contacting the drive roller 108a; FIG. 14(b) showing the retracted position where the movable roller 108b is separated from the drive roller 108a; and FIG. 14(c) is a side section view as seen from arrow I in FIG. 14(a); and
FIG. 15(a-b) are plan views showing the movement of the switching lever of the switching mechanism with the switching lever shown in two different positions respectively.
The printer 1 according to this embodiment of the invention has a substantially U-shaped first transportation path P1 as shown in FIG. 2(a) or 2(b) for conveying a first slip of paper S (representing e.g. a check) in a direction parallel to the horizontal, and has a second transportation path P2 and a third transportation path P3 both of which lie substantially perpendicular to and intersect the first transportation path P1 for conveying a second slip S or for conveying roll paper P in the vertical direction. This printer 1 is a check processing apparatus that can, for example, be installed at a teller window visited by customers in a bank to process checks as received from the customer, and to print receipts using roll paper P.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the first transportation path P1 has a transportation path section 2c between an outside guide 2a and an inside guide 2b, which is generally U-shaped and has straight section parts 35a, 35b connected to opposite ends of the bottom portion 34 of the U-shaped section 2c. This first transportation path P1 conveys a slip S in the direction of arrow A first along straight part 35a, then changes the direction of the slip S 180 degrees from the direction of insertion by way of the U-shaped bottom portion 34 of the path P1, and then discharges the slip S in the direction of arrow B by way of straight part 35b.
A paper supply part 3 is aligned with the straight part 35a. This paper supply part 3 is where slips S are loaded before being conveyed through the first transportation path P1. The paper supply part 3 could also be configured to include an auto-feeder for automatically supplying a plurality of slips S one by one into the first transportation path P1. If the slips S are checks, they are in principle loaded with the back facing the inside guide 2b in this printer 1.
First transportation rollers 6, second transportation rollers 7, and discharge rollers 8 are disposed along the first transportation path P1 and represent a first transportation mechanism for conveying slips S. The first transportation rollers 6, second transportation rollers 7, and discharge rollers 8 each include a respective drive roller 6a, 7a, 8a, and a pressure roller 6b, 7b, 8b for pressing a slip S against the drive roller 6a, 7a, 8a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a pulley 6c, 7c, 8c is disposed coaxially to the drive roller 6a, 7a, 8a. Three belts 41 are wound around these pulleys 6c, 7c, 8c and a pulley (not shown in the figure) is mounted on the horizontal paper feed motor 40 (hereinafter referred as HF motor). This enables the drive rollers 6a, 7a, and 8a to be driven by a single HF motor 40.
It should be noted as shown in FIG. 3 that the pressure roller 8b of discharge rollers 8 is mounted on the distal end of a rotary arm 8d. Driving an actuator 45 causes the rotary arm 8d to turn so that the pressure roller 8b can be set to a closed position (transportation position) in contact with the drive roller 8a, and an open position (retracted position) separated from the drive roller 8a. The first transportation rollers 6 and second transportation rollers 7 are positioned so that when the leading edge of a slip S reaches the second transportation rollers 7, the trailing edge of the slip S is located downstream the paper supply part 3 and in front of the first transportation rollers 6 leaving a feed margin for the first transportation rollers 6. The second transportation rollers 7 and 8 are likewise positioned so that when the leading edge of a slip S reaches the discharge rollers 8, the trailing edge of the slip S is located downstream of the first transportation rollers 6 leaving a feed margin for the second transportation rollers 7.
A BOF (bottom of form) detector 9 is disposed upstream of the first transportation rollers 6, and a TOF (top of form) detector 10 is disposed downstream of the first transportation rollers 6. These detectors 9, 10 are disposed near the bottom of the first transportation path P1 and detect the leading edge and trailing edge of a slip S conveyed by HF motor 40 operation. The HF motor 40 is driven according to form detection by the BOF detector 9, and the first transportation rollers 6, second transportation rollers 7, and discharge rollers 8 start to turn. The configuration shown in FIG. 3 could also be changed to accommodate multiple motors or may include a clutch to the drive roller 6a, 7a and 8a so that the rollers 6, 7, 8 are turned independently.
The scanners 11 and 12 are image scanning sensors for capturing images of the slip S. The scanner 11 is disposed on the outside guide 2a side of the first transportation path P1 in order to capture an image of the back of each slip S, and the other scanner 12 is disposed on the inside guide 2b side of the first transportation path P1 to capture an image of the slip S front. Pressure members (rollers) 11a and 12a disposed on the opposite side of the first transportation path P1 press the slip S to the surface of the scanner 11, 12 for scanning.
The MICR 13 is a magnetic sensor for reading magnetic ink characters printed on the front of the slip S, and is disposed on the inside guide 2b side of the first transportation path P1 so as to face the front of the slip S. The MICR 13 reads magnetic ink characters with the slip S pressed to the MICR 13 by an opposing pressure member (pad) 13a disposed on the opposite side of the first transportation path P1.
A print head 14 is disposed as more clearly shown in FIG. 4 facing the first transportation path P1 in the straight part portion 35b between the second transportation rollers 7 and discharge rollers 8. The print head 14 is mounted on a carriage 15, which is movable by way of guide shaft 15a permitting the print head 14 to move on the carriage 15 from between the printing range 18 to the fully retracted position 19. When the print head 14 is in the printing range 18 it is positioned opposite the platen 24, as shown in FIG. 5, which is mounted a cover 25 which in turn, closes the roll paper compartment 20. The print head 14 can print to the back of a slip S and is supplied with ink from an ink tank 17 so that the print head 14 can print for a long time without directly replacing the ink.
The height of the outside guide 2a and inside guide 2b, other than at the U-shape bottom 34 where scanners 11, 12 and MICR 13 are located, is equal to a distance of less than the width of the conveyed slip S so that if there is a paper jam, for example, the slip S can be easily and manually be removed from the printing apparatus.
The slips S are set by the user in the direction of arrow A into the paper supply part 3 which is aligned with the straight part 35a of the first transportation path P1. The slips S are then conveyed from the paper supply part 3 along the first transportation path P1.
The BOF detector 9 detects the leading edge of the slip S when the leading edge of a slip S reaches the BOF detector 9. If the printer 1 has received a slip S processing command from the host computer (not shown), the drive roller 6a of first transportation rollers 6 starts turning in response to the detection signal from the BOF detector 9. The slip S is thus grabbed smoothly between the drive roller 6a and pressure roller 6b, and is conveyed without slipping by rotation of the drive roller 6a through the first transportation path P1 along the wall of the outside guide 2a around the U-shape bottom 34.
As the slip S is conveyed passed the scanners, scanner 11 disposed on the outside guide 2a side of the path captures an image of the back of the slip S while scanner 12 on the inside guide 2b side of the path captures an image of the front of the slip S. The MICR 13 disposed on the inside guide 2b side also reads any magnetic ink characters preprinted on the slip S.
When the leading edge of the slip S reaches the second transportation rollers 7 after passing the TOF detector 10, it is grabbed between the drive roller 7a and pressure roller 7b and conveyed by rotation of the drive roller 7a to straight part 35b.
When the slip S passes through the printing range 18 opposite print head 14, the print head 14 prints to the slip S. The outside guide 2a is disposed between the print head 14 and slip S, but there is an opening in the outside guide 2a around the printing range 18. There is, therefore, no obstruction between the print head 14 and slip S.
After the back is printed by the print head 14, the slip S is discharged in the direction of arrow B by discharge rollers 8, and is ejected from the printer 1 by rotation of the drive roller 8a with the slip S held between the drive roller 8a and pressure roller 8b.
Second Transportation Path
The second transportation path P2 is hereinafter described in detail with reference to FIG. 2(a), FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
A roll paper compartment 20 for holding roll paper P is located between the two straight parts 35a, 35b of the first transportation path P1. One end of the roll paper P is fed from the roll paper compartment 20 into the second transportation path P2 so that the roll paper P may be conveyed along the second transportation path P2.
As shown in FIG. 2(a), FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the second transportation path P2 is used for conveying roll paper P from the roll paper compartment 20 to the printing range 18, and then discharging the roll paper P. This second transportation path P2 overlaps part of the straight part 35b of first transportation path P1, and lies in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the transportation direction of a slip through the first transportation path P1.
Printing to a slip S may occur when a slip is travelling along the first transportation path P1 or along the third transportation path P3 as shown in FIG. 2(b) which lies parallel to the roll paper transportation path P2. The presence of a slip S between the roll paper and print head 14 can be confirmed by the discharge detector 28 or by a validation detector 27 as hereafter described. This eliminates the danger of printing print data which should be printed on a slip S from being printed on roll paper P. Furthermore, when it is necessary to print to roll paper P the roll paper P can be printed on immediately after this intervening slip S passes by or is removed, thereby improving efficiency.
The third transportation path P3 is hereafter described next with reference to FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 6.
The third transportation path P3 is a transportation path for conveying a validation slip S inserted between the outside guide 2a and inside guide 2b from a top opening 37 formed between the outside guide 2a and inside guide 2b near the printing range 18. This third transportation path P3 includes part of the second transportation path P2. The transportation direction of the third transportation path P3 is also substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction of a slip through the first transportation path P1. The third transportation path P3 and second transportation path P2 are therefore both vertical conveyance paths perpendicular to the first transportation path P1.
Vertical discharge rollers which include validation drive rollers 31a and opposing validation pressure rollers 31b are disposed on opposite sides of the third transportation path P3. The validation drive rollers 31a are located below the platen 24 and tension roller 30 for transporting a slip S vertically through the third transportation path P3. The validation drive rollers 31a and vertical drive rollers 22 for conveying roll paper P are selectively driven by a single vertical paper feed motor (not shown) hereinafter referred to as the VF motor. That is, the validation drive rollers 31a and vertical drive rollers 22 are selectively connected to the VF motor by a clutch not shown. In this embodiment, drive power from the VF motor is transferred to the validation drive rollers 31a or vertical drive rollers 22 by moving the carriage 15 to predefined positions.
As shown in FIG. 6, the validation pressure rollers 31b are mounted to the distal end of a rotary arm 31c. An actuator (not shown) is driven to turn the rotary arm 31c, thereby setting the validation pressure rollers 31b to the closed position (transportation position) in contact with the validation drive rollers 31a, or to the open position (retracted position) separated from the validation drive rollers 31a. The validation pressure rollers 31b are held in the retracted position when the slip S is transported along the first transportation path P1 or is inserted from above into the third transportation path P3.
A validation detector 27 for sensing a slip S inserted into the third transportation path P3 is disposed near the bottom of the third transportation path P3. As shown in FIG. 3, a positioning guide 29 for inserting a validation slip S to the third transportation path P3 is disposed to the junction of the straight part 35b of first transportation path P1 and U-shape bottom 34. This validation detector 27 is used to confirm whether a slip S has been inserted in a predefined position. More specifically, the validation detector 27 detects if a slip S has been inserted along the positioning guide 29 and directed toward the bottom of the third transportation path P3. When a slip S is inserted into the third transportation path P3, the slip S is also detected by discharge detector 28. By thus using two detectors 27 and 28 disposed on opposite sides of the printing range 18, slip forms of a predetermined size can be inserted, and slips smaller than an allowed size can be prevented.
Validation printing to a check or a validation slip S using the third transportation path P3 is described next. A slip S is inserted from top opening 37, into the validation transportation path, that is, the third transportation path P3. The slip S is inserted directed to the bottom of the third transportation path P3 without interference from validation drive rollers 31a or validation pressure rollers 31b. The pressure roller 8b of discharge rollers 8 is held in the retracted position at this time with the slip S inserted directed toward the bottom of the third transportation path P3 without interference from the discharge rollers 8.
If the validation detector 27 detects that a slip S has been inserted into the third transportation path P3 and a validation printing command has been received by the printer 1 from the host computer, the validation pressure rollers 31b move from the retracted position to the transportation position so that the slip S is held between the validation pressure rollers 31b and validation drive rollers 31a. The discharge detector 28 simultaneously detects the presence of the slip S. The validation pressure rollers 31b move from the retracted position to the transportation position only if a slip S is detected by both the validation detector 27 and discharge detector 28. If the slip S is detected by only one of these detectors 27, 28, an error is indicated by means such as, e.g. LEDs (not shown) thereby telling the user that the slip S is not properly loaded.
The carriage 15 is then moved horizontally (in parallel to the first transportation path) as shown in FIG. 7 and the print head 14 prints to the slip S held between the validation pressure rollers 31b and validation drive rollers 31a. One line is thus printed to a predetermined position (a fixed distance from the bottom of third transportation path P3 and within the printing range 18) from the bottom edge of the slip S. To print another line, the validation drive rollers 31a are driven to advance the slip S up one line, and the carriage 15 is then driven horizontally again while the print head 14 prints the next line.
When printing ends the slip S is transported further upward until it is released from the validation pressure rollers 31b and validation drive rollers 31a so that the user can remove the slip S exposed from the top opening 37. Removal of the slip S by the user is also confirmed by discharge detector 28 output. This completes the slip S validation printing process.
.sup.2The second transportation path P2 (and third transportation path P3) which conveys the second print medium is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first transportation path P1, which conveys the first print medium. In addition, the second transportation path P2 (or third transportation path P3) are disposed inside the U-shaped first transportation path. Both the first and second print medium are printed with the same print head at the intersecting location between the second transportation path P2 (or third transportation path P3) and the first transportation path P1. Two printing functions can therefore be achieved with a single printer. .sup.2 I add some explanations in this sentence.
A print head 14 according to this embodiment of the invention is mounted on a carriage 15 and is movable horizontally through the printing range 18 along the straight part 35b of the first transportation path P1. There are, therefore, two basic ways of printing to a slip S travelling on the first transportation path P1: a stationary slip printing mode in which the slip S is held stationary and the print head 14 is moved horizontally while printing, and a stationary print head printing mode in which the print head 14 is held stationary and prints to a slip S travelling horizontally.
In the stationary slip printing mode, however, the slip S is paused before the print head 14 as shown in FIG. 8(b), and the slip S is printed by moving the print head 14 on the carriage 15 parallel to the transportation direction of the slip S while ejecting ink.
As shown in FIG. 8(a), if the print data is generated using the image data or magnetic ink character data acquired when the slip S passes the U-shape bottom 34 then the stationary print head printing mode of operation requires, the slip S to be paused on the downstream side of the exit from the U-shape bottom 34, or more precisely, downstream from the position where magnetic ink character reading by the MICR 13 is completed. In this case the print head 14 must be located at or after the position where slip S transportation stabilizes after the image data or magnetic ink character data is processed before transporting the slip S resumes. Therefore, when in the stationary print heat printing mode if printing is to be based on obtaining image data or magnetic ink character data as explained above, the length of the straight part 35b should be increased by length L shown in FIG. 8(a) compared with the length of the path when printing is not based on this data. However, increasing the length of straight part 35b is undesirable, because a longer transportation path makes it harder to install the printer 1 in the extremely limited space available at a bank teller window, for example.
In the stationary slip printing mode shown in FIG. 8(b), the slip S is held stationary and printed by moving the print head 14 parallel to the transportation direction of the slip S by means of carriage 15. In this case the same function described with reference to FIG. 8(a) above can be achieved using a transportation path of exactly the same length as a conventional transportation path that does not stop slip S transportation.
More specifically, slip S transportation is stopped when the trailing edge of the slip S passes out of the U-shape bottom 34 and enters the straight part 35b. The slip S can be transported in this way by, for example, using form detection by the discharge detector 28, which is disposed at the end of the printing range on the discharge rollers 8 side, as a trigger and stopping slip S transportation when the leading edge of the slip S reaches the discharge detector 28. Other methods could also be used, including, for example, detecting the trailing edge of the slip S.
Based on output from the scanners 11, 12 and MICR 13, a printer 1 according to this embodiment of the invention determines at the straight part 35b of the first transportation path P1 whether to discharge the slip S in the direction of arrow B (see FIG. 1), that is, in the same direction as the transportation direction to that point, or in the direction of arrow C (see FIG. 1), that is, substantially perpendicularly to the transportation direction to that point.
FIG. 9(a) to FIG. 9(c) schematically show the movement of the slip S from when it is supplied by the paper supply part 3 to when the discharge means is selected.
FIG. 9(a) shows the slip S delivered by the paper supply part 3 through the first transportation path to the point of discharge. When the slips S are manually inserted, the motor driving the first transportation rollers 6, second transportation rollers 7, and discharge rollers 8 start in response to a signal from the BOF detector 9 whereas the drive motor starts in response to a signal from the ASF detector (not shown) when the stock of slips S are supplied one at a time by an auto-feeder.
FIG. 9(b) shows the slip S conveyed by the first transportation rollers 6 to the position where the leading edge of the slip S is at the TOF detector 10. A signal from this TOF detector 10 starts the power supply to the scanners 11, 12 and MICR 13. The position of the slip S can then be managed based on the number of motor steps driven. This also applies to the other embodiments.
In FIG. 9(c) the slip S has separated from the second transportation rollers 7 and been grabbed by the discharge rollers 8. The slip S is detected by the discharge detector 28 here and the slip ejection direction is selected.
The slip S is discharged in the horizontal direction by the discharge rollers 8, that is, drive roller 8a and pressure roller 8b, and is discharged in the vertical direction by the vertical discharge rollers 31, that is, validation drive rollers 31a and validation pressure rollers 31b shown in FIG. 3.
As described above, the validation pressure rollers 31b can be set to a closed position (transportation position) in contact with the validation drive rollers 31a, or to an open position (retracted position) separated from the validation drive rollers 31a. The validation drive rollers 31a are disposed slightly offset from the transportation line of the slip S, and when in the open position are positioned so that there is no contact with the slip S. The pressure roller 8b of the discharge rollers 8 can also be set to a closed position (transportation position) contacting the drive roller 8a, or to an open position (retracted position) separated from the drive roller 8a.
When in the closed position the validation pressure rollers 31b are urged to the validation drive rollers 31a by spring force so that the slip S is held between the validation drive rollers 31a and validation pressure rollers 31b.
The above-noted offset from the media transportation line is very slight in this embodiment so that there is no interference with grabbing the leading edge of the slip S or conveying the slip S.
Step S1 to S5
If the TOF detector 10 does not detect the leading edge of the slip S even after the motor is driven a specified number of steps (1000 steps in this example) between step S2 and step S3, the motor is stopped and a "form feed error" is reported to the user by means of LEDs not shown, for example. Likewise, if the TOF detector 10 does not detect the trailing edge of the slip S between steps S4 and S5 even though the motor is driven a specified number of steps (2400 steps in this example), the motor is stopped and a "form feed error" is reported to the user. Note, also, that the feed rate of the slip S differs before and after the leading edge of the slip S is detected (step S2). More specifically, the HF motor 40 is driven at 200 pps (pulses per second) in step S2 and at 1100 pps in step S4 in the present embodiment.
If the scanners 11, 12 and MICR 13 return no data read errors and no data errors are detected, the slip S continues to be conveyed until it is ejected in the direction of arrow B. The slip S has been ejected from the printer 1 in this preferred embodiment when the discharge detector 28 detects that the trailing edge of the slip S has passed, and the process therefore ends. (steps S12, S13).
If there is a data error or the scanners 11, 12 or MICR 13 return a data read error, the HF motor 40 is reversed a specified distance (39 steps) to back the slip S up slightly (step S14). The carriage 15 is then moved to the CRI position, and a clutch is operated so that power from the VF motor is transferred to the validation drive rollers 31a instead of the vertical drive rollers 22 for transporting roll paper (step S16). The position of the discharge rollers is then also switched to the vertical discharge direction.
More specifically, the discharge rollers 8 are set to the open position and the vertical discharge rollers 31 are set to the closed position (step S17). The slip S is then printed with the print head 14 while being conveyed upward (step S18). When the slip S is conveyed further upward (step S19), the slip S separates from the validation pressure rollers 31b and validation drive rollers 31a, and the user can remove the slip S exposed from the top opening 37. Removal of the slip S by the user is confirmed by discharge detector 28 output (step S20), causing the clutch to be changed again to transfer VF motor power to the vertical drive rollers 22 for transporting roll paper and resetting the rollers to the normal position for horizontally ejecting slips (steps S14 to S22). The process then ends.
The S-shaped transportation path 102 is composed of an outside guide 102a an inside guide 102 band a transportation part 102c between the inside and outside guides. A check 103 is supported by both guides 102a and 102b as it is conveyed through the horizontally disposed transportation part 102c. Starting from the check insertion entrance side and continuing in the check 103 transportation direction, the transportation path 102 includes a first curved transportation path 102d connected to the loading unit 104, a first straight transportation path 102e connected to the first curved transportation path 102d, and both a second curved transportation path 102f and second straight transportation path 102g connected to the first straight transportation path 102e. The first curved transportation path 102d and second curved transportation path 102f each have a straight part connected to a curved part that bends 90 degrees, and then another curved part bending another 90 degrees connected to the opposite end of the straight part. The transportation direction of a check 103 traversing curved transportation path 102d or 102e therefore changes 180 degrees.
The check 103 supplied to the transportation path 102 is then conveyed by the first transportation rollers 106 into the first curved transportation path 102d. The first transportation rollers 106 include a drive roller 106a and pressure roller 106b. The drive roller 106a is driven by a horizontal paper feed motor not shown, and the pressure roller 106b is urged to the drive roller 106a by spring force.
A scanner 111 for capturing an image of the back of the check 103, a scanner 112 for capturing an image of the front of the check 103, and an MICR 113 for reading magnetic ink character data preprinted on the check 103, are disposed to the first curved transportation path 102d and read data from the check 103 as it travels passed. The captured data can be sent to an internal controller of the printing apparatus 101 for processing, or sent to an external host computer for processing.
The check 103 is then grabbed by the second transportation rollers 107 and conveyed to the first straight transportation path 102e. Like the first transportation rollers 106, the second transportation rollers 107 include a drive roller 107a and pressure roller 107b, the drive roller 107a being driven by a motor not shown and the pressure roller 107b urged by spring force to the drive roller 107a.
A print head 110 is disposed along the first straight transportation path 102e for printing an endorsement on the check 103. The check 103 passes a juxtaposed position opposite the print head 110, and then reaches the discharge rollers 108.
The discharge rollers 108 include a drive roller 108a and movable roller 108b. The movable roller 108b is disposed to an arm 108c that pivots on center of rotation 108e, and can be set to a paper feed position in contact with the drive roller 108a, and a retracted position separated from the drive roller 108a. FIG. 11(a) shows the movable roller 108b set to the paper feed position. When set to the retracted position, the arm 108c rotates in the direction of arrow F.
Further downstream from the first straight transportation path 102e is a junction to which the second curved transportation path 102f and second straight transportation path 102g are connected. The junction has a switching lever 150. The switching lever 150 pivots on center of rotation 150a, and can be set to guide the check 103 into the second curved transportation path 102f (referred to below as the "curved path position"), or to guide the check 103 into the second straight transportation path 102g (referred to below as the "straight path position"). The switching lever 150 is linked to the arm 108c of the movable roller 108b, and moves in conjunction with the arm 108c.
As shown in FIG. 11(a) when the movable roller 108b contacts the drive roller 108a so that the discharge rollers 108 are in the paper feed position, the switching lever 150 is set to the curved path position. When the arm 108c of the movable roller 108b turns in the direction of arrow B to the retracted position, the switching lever 150 also turns in the direction of arrow G and moves to the straight path position.
As shown in FIG. 11(a), the check 103 is normally held by the discharge rollers 108 and conveyed to the second curved transportation path 102f. It is then grabbed by the storage rollers 109 disposed to the second curved transportation path 102f and deposited into the storage unit 105. The storage rollers 109 also include a drive roller 109a and pressure roller 109b, the drive roller 109a driven by a motor not shown and the pressure roller 109b urged by spring force to the drive roller 109a.
As shown in FIG. 11(b), the bottom of the storage unit 105 is sloped, and checks 103 delivered into the storage unit 105 move by force of gravity to the right from the position in line with the transportation path 102 on the left side of the storage unit 105 as seen in the figure. Checks 103 delivered from the transportation path 102 therefore enter the storage unit 105 without interference with other checks 103 already stored in the storage unit 105, and automatically gather in a stack on the right side of the storage unit 105 as seen in the figure.
A validation mechanism 120 is also disposed to the first straight transportation path 102e. This validation mechanism 120 has validation rollers 121a and 121b on the right and left sides of the print head 110 as seen in the figure. These validation rollers 121 transport slip forms in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal conveyance direction of the transportation path 102. The validation mechanism 120 is used to convey forms in the vertical direction for validation printing by the print head 110. To avoid interference with a slip travelling vertically, the movable roller 108b of the discharge rollers 108 must be set to the retracted position. As described above, the switching lever 150 is therefore set to the straight path position. If the length of the slip being transported vertically is such that the leading edge of the form extends outside the first straight transportation path 102e, the form will be guided by the second straight transportation path 102g as an extension of the first straight transportation path 102e, and can therefore travel smoothly vertically without interference with the transportation path guides.
The validation mechanism is described in detail next with reference to FIG. 12. This validation mechanism uses the space between the outside guide 102a and inside guide 102b as the validation transportation path 102h for validation printing to the check 103 or other slip. This validation transportation path 102h uses part of the first straight transportation path 102e, but the transportation direction is perpendicular to that of the first straight transportation path 102e.
The validation mechanism 120 thus comprises this validation transportation path 102h, fixed validation rollers 121a, and pressure validation rollers 121b. The fixed validation rollers 121a are driven by a vertical paper feed motor not shown. The pressure validation rollers 121b are disposed to an arm 121c that pivots on rotational axis 121d, and can therefore be set to a transportation position where the pressure validation rollers 121b contact the fixed validation rollers 121a for paper feeding, and a retracted position where the pressure validation rollers 121b are separated from the fixed validation rollers 121a.
The process for validation printing to a check 103 is described next. The check 103 is inserted from above to the validation transportation path 102h between the outside guide 102a and inside guide 102b. The pressure validation rollers 121b have a mechanism for moving to the transportation position or retracted position as a result of the arm 121c being driven by an actuator not shown. When a check 103 is inserted, the pressure validation rollers 121b are in the retracted position. The check 103 can therefore be inserted to the bottom of the validation transportation path 102h without interference with the fixed validation rollers 121a or pressure validation rollers 121b.
As described in the preceding embodiment, a validation detector 122 is disposed to the bottom of the validation transportation path 102h. When this validation detector 122 detects that a check 103 has been inserted to the bottom of the validation transportation path 102h, the pressure validation rollers 121b move from the retracted position to the transportation position. The fixed validation rollers 121a and pressure validation rollers 121b then start turning and transport the check 103 upward.
The print head 110 is controlled according to the paper feeding distance from a reference position (i.e., the bottom of the validation transportation path 102h) to print to a specified position on the check 103. The check 103 is then transported further upward and ejected from the validation transportation path 102h. This completes the validation printing process.
As shown in FIG. 13(a), the main parts of this paper feed mechanism are paper feed roller 130 for feeding stocked checks 103 from the loading unit 104, a hopper 131 for pressing the check 103 to the paper feed roller 130 during the paper feed operation, and a pad 132 that contacts the leading edge of the checks 103 so that only the single top check touching the paper feed roller 130 is fed. The paper feed roller 130 is a roller of which one side is flattened, and is mounted coaxially with a cam 133 and roller gear 134. The roller gear 134 engages a motor gear of an ASF drive motor. When the ASF drive motor turns the roller gear 134, the coaxial paper feed roller 130 and cam 133 also turn.
The hopper 131 is urged to the paper feed roller 130 side by a hopper pressure spring 131a, and thus functions to push checks 103 to the paper feed roller 130 when transporting checks 103. The cam 133, hopper 131, and pad 132 are linked so that moving the paper feed roller 130 causes the hopper 131 and pad 132 to operate accordingly as further described below.
Operation of the components of this paper feed mechanism when transporting a slip is described next below with reference to FIG. 13(a-c).
If there is no interference, the hopper 131 works to press the checks 103 to the paper feed roller 130 by means of the force from a hopper pressure spring 131a. When in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 13(a), however, the cam 133 holds the hopper 131 so that it does not apply pressure to the checks 103.
To feed the checks 103, the paper feed roller 130 is rotated clockwise by the ASF drive motor not shown to the position shown in FIG. 13(b). In the position shown in FIG. 13(b) the curved part of the paper feed roller 130 begins to touch the check 103. The cam 133 works at this time so that the hopper 131 pushes the checks 103 to the paper feed roller 130 side. The cam 133 also causes the pad 132 to pivot counterclockwise to a diagonal position. If the paper feed roller 130 is then rotated further clockwise, the top check 103 of the stack touching the paper feed roller 130 is carried along the slope of the pad 132.
When the paper feed roller 130 then turns further clockwise to feed the top one check 103 as shown in FIG. 13(c), the cam 133 does not interfere with the hopper 131, and the force of hopper pressure spring 131a therefore causes the hopper 131 to push the checks 103 to the paper feed roller 130.
The switching mechanism for changing the position of the switching lever 150 to the second curved transportation path side (the curved path position) or to the second straight transportation path side (the straight path position) is shown in FIG. 14(a-c).
The positioning of the components is described first with reference to FIG. 14(a) and FIG. 14(c). The drive roller 108a is rotated clockwise by a horizontal paper feed motor not shown. As shown in FIG. 14(c), the movable roller 108b is rotatably mounted to the arm 108c by means of an intervening rotary shaft 108d.
The arm 108c has a double L-shaped configuration when seen from above with two end legs each bent 90 degrees to the main leg, and is rotatably affixed to the document processing system by means of an intervening rotary shaft 108e. One end of this arm 108c is connected to arm 152 by an extension of the rotary shaft 108d. The other end of this arm 152 is connected by a pin 151a to arm 151, which is united with the switching lever 150. The switching lever 150 and arm 152 are united by mounting to a common rotary shaft 150a, and rotate around this rotary shaft 150a.
The other end of the arm 108c is connected to a solenoid 153 by an intervening pin 153a. The other end of the solenoid 153 is connected to a bracket 155 by an intervening pin 155a, and the bracket 155 is affixed to the printing apparatus 101. These link components are disposed below the transportation path 102 traversed by the check 103, and therefore do not interfere with check transportation.
A tension spring 154 is connected to the arm 108c on the side opposite the connection between the arm 108c and solenoid 153. The other end of this tension spring 154 is connected to bracket 154a, which is affixed to the printing apparatus 101.
When the solenoid 153 is not excited, the arm 108c is pulled by the tension spring 154, and the movable roller 108b is set to the paper feed position contacting the drive roller 108a as shown in FIG. 14(a). The switching lever 150 is linked to the arm 108c by arm 152 and arm 151, and is thus set to the curved path position. If the drive roller 108a is then driven to feed a check 103, the check 103 is guided by the switching lever 150 and transported to the second curved transportation path 102f.
When the solenoid 153 is excited, the solenoid arm retracts, turning the arm 108c in the direction of arrow F. The switching lever 150 linked to the arm 108c therefore turns in the direction of arrow G to the position shown in FIG. 14(b). As shown in FIG. 14(b), the force of the solenoid 153 moves the movable roller 108b to the retracted position separated from the drive roller 108a, and the switching lever 150 linked to the arm 108c moves to the straight path position conveying the check 103 into the second straight transportation path 102g, which is parallel to the first straight transportation path. As a result, a check loaded from above for validation printing can be transported vertically without interference from the discharge rollers 108 and second curved transportation path 102f.
The arm 151 and switching lever 150 are united in the switching mechanism described above. As shown in FIG. 15(a,b), however, the switching lever 150 could be mounted to the arm 151 by an intervening rotary shaft 150a, and urged in the direction of arrow J by a torsion spring 156. The strength of this torsion spring 156 is weaker than the rigidity of the check 103.
If the switching lever 150 is set to the second curved transportation path 102f (the curved path position) before the leading edge of the check 103 reaches the switching lever 150, the check 103 is advanced by rotation of the drive roller 108a, guided by the switching lever 150, and conveyed to the second curved transportation path 102f.
However, if the switching lever 150 is set to the second straight transportation path 102g side (straight path position) when the leading edge of the check 103 reaches the switching lever 150, and the switching lever 150 is switched to the second curved transportation path 102f side (curved path position) after the leading edge of the check 103 enters the second straight transportation path 102g, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the check 103 continues to advance into the second straight transportation path 102g as the drive roller 108a turns because the rigidity of the check 103 is greater than the strength of the torsion spring 156. Note, however, that this requires providing second transportation rollers (not shown in the figure) to transport the check 103 until the leading edge of the check 103 enters the second straight transportation path 102g.
If data was read from the check 103 normally, the check 103 travels through the transportation path 102 and is deposited in the storage unit 105. If a data read error occurs, however, the check 103 can be conveyed through the second straight transportation path 102g and ejected. Thus selectively switching the transportation path can be achieved by control that changes the timing of switching lever 150 operation.
The switching mechanism could also be configured so that the switching lever 150 operates independently of the discharge rollers 108. In this case the position of the switching lever 150 can be changed irrespective of whether the discharge rollers 108 are set to the second curved transportation path side or the second straight transportation path side. This switching lever 150 is driven by a solenoid or other actuator different from the discharge rollers 108. This configuration enables changing the transportation path of the check 103 without considering the timing for changing the position of the movable roller 108b.
Form transportation in the vertical direction shall also not be limited to validation printing, and a check 103 travelling horizontally through the first straight transportation path 102e could also be discharged vertically.
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