Seiko Epson Corporation

Masashi Fujikawa

Toshiyuki Sasaki

Kunio Omura

Yoshiaki Kinoshita

Tomoji Suzuki

Hiroyuki Nakayama

Toshihiro Imae

Hideki Kawakami

Morimichi Mizuno

Norio Nagata

Hirotaka Miyabayashi

A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printerhas a magnetic headthat magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording headthat is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic headand records images on the recording medium S, and a back scannerthat optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic headdoes not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scanner, the MICR information is read by the back scanner, the reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.

Recording device and control method for a recording device

A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printerhas a magnetic headthat magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording headthat is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic headand records images on the recording medium S, and a back scannerthat optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic headdoes not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scannerthe MICR information is read by the back scannerthe reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.

An inkjet printer including: a print head for printing by discharging ink droplets from nozzles; a recovery process unit that executes a print head recovery process; a clock unit that counts time; a print operation measuring unit that acquires printing frequency per unit time; and a memory unit that memorizes the printing frequency per unit time; wherein the recovery process unit executes the print head recovery process based on the printing, frequency per unit time in the memory.

Inkjet printer and recovery method for a print head

An ink cartridge is detachably mounted on a cartridge holder. At least one first reflector is provided in the cartridge holder. A reflective-type optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light receiver. The optical sensor is operable to form an optical path originated from the light emitter to the light receiver via the first reflector. A shading member is provided in the ink cartridge operable to shade the optical path when the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder. A second reflector is provided in the ink cartridge. The second reflector reflects light emitted from the light emitter and varies an intensity thereof in accordance with an ink amount remaining in the ink cartridge.

Ink cartridge

A data reading apparatus for reading and/or scanning data from a first and second scanned medium comprising a first transportation path P, along which the first scanned medium is conveyed and a second transportation path P, along which the second scanned medium is conveyed and wherein the first and second transportation paths each have a common mutually shared middle transportation path through which both scanned media must pass and a common data reader reading data from each scanned medium respectively. Checks S are conveyed on the first transportation path P, cards C are conveyed on the second transportation path Pat a different transportation height from that of the first transportation path Pwith data read from the respective media as they are being conveyed. Because the transportation heights differ, scanned media can be transported on different transportation paths without involving special switching devices.

Data reading apparatus

A printer has transportation paths for conveying media in two directions, including a first transportation path Pand a second transportation path P(or third transportation path P) perpendicular to the first transportation path P. The printer is constructed and configured to provide a single compact unit that can be used for media processing by reading and printing the media, as well as for printing receipts and validation printing.

Printer for printing on sheet paper and orthogonally fed roll paper

A recovery process starting unit extracts a low print demand period, and sets the extracted low print demand period as the start time for the print head recovery process. When the start time comes, the recovery process starting unit activates the head recovery drive control unit. When the start signal is received from the recovery process starting unit, the head recovery drive control unit operates the ink vacuum mechanism and head wiping mechanism of the recovery process unit by means of a drive, and runs the print head recovery process.

In a method of processing recording media on which magnetic ink characters are printed, the media is transported at a first speed in an upright position along a transportation path from a supply unit to a discharge unit. The magnetic characters are read and output signals representative of the reading generated. The output signals are analyzed, including comparing the output signals with previously stored signal patterns of magnetic ink characters to determine if the magnetic characters can be recognized or not. The transporting of the recording media is paused, or slowed to a second speed substantially lower than the first speed, for a period of time during the analyzing of the output signals. A processing apparatus includes components for carrying out the operations of such method.

Processing method and apparatus for recording media having printed magnetic ink characters

In a method of processing recording media containing magnetic ink characters, the media is transported at a first speed along a transportation path to which a magnetic head is disposed. Character recognition is performed by analyzing signals outputted from the magnetic head in comparison with stored signal patterns. Until it is decided whether the characters are correct or can be recognized, transportation of the media is stopped or temporarily slowed to a significantly lower second speed downstream of the magnetic head. A processing apparatus includes appropriate components and functionality for carrying out such a method. In some embodiments, the analysis and comparison includes determining whether the check is inverted or upside down.

A printerhas transportation paths for conveying media in two directions, that of a first transportation path Pand that of a second transportation path P(or third transportation path P) perpendicular to the first transportation path P. With this printera single compact unit can be used for media processing by reading and printing the media, as well as for printing receipts and validation printing.

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Hara-mura, Japan

Masashi Fujikawa