JPH02236716A - Printer controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To monitor a printer more surely than ever by transmitting a status signal for display from the printer based on a transmission request of constant time interval from a data managing device, and displaying a signal content received by the data managing device. CONSTITUTION:The printer 2 transmits status (2) to the data managing device 1 to the request of status (1) from the data managing device 1. Following that, the printer 2 transmits status for display to the data managing device 1 to the request of the status for display from the managing device 1. At the data managing device 1, it is checked whether or not error information is inputted to the status (1) from the printer 2. The data managing device is set at a standby state for the detection of the status for display from the printer 2 when no error information is inputted, and the status for display is detected at such state, and the display of the state of the printer at a liquid crystal display 112 when the operating state of the printer 2 represented by the status is changed from a previous operating state. Thereby, the printer can be monitored more surely than ever.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a printer control device comprising a printer and a data management device.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, there has been known a printer control device that connects a data management device, such as a personal computer, to a printer and transmits data manually input by the computer or data imported from a floppy disk or the like to the printer for printing. There is. In conventional printer control devices, when the printer runs out of paper or an error occurs, this is displayed on the computer display.

Further, in printers in which paper feeding can be switched between, for example, a tractor method, a friction method, and a slip method, a panel switch is provided on the printer side, and each method can be changed by operating this switch.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the conventional printer status display on the personal computer side is only displayed when a special condition such as out of paper or an error occurs, and is not displayed when the printer is operating normally. It was not possible to display the operating status in real time.

Furthermore, it was not possible to change the status of the printer on the personal computer side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printer control device that can always display the operating status of a printer in real time on the data management device side, and thus can monitor the printer more reliably.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer control device that can change the operating state of the printer while displaying and confirming the change on the data management device.

[Method for solving the problem@] The invention as claimed in claim (1) provides a printer control device that includes a data management device that transmits data to a printer, and a printer that receives and prints data from the data management device. , the data management device includes a transmission requesting means for transmitting a signal requesting the link to transmit a display status indicating the operating state of the printer at regular time intervals, and a display;
A display control means is provided to display the signal contents on the display when the display status is received from the printer in response to a transmission request, and the printer displays the display indicating its own operating status when the display status transmission request is received from the data management device. A status transmitting means for transmitting the status to the data management device is provided.

The invention according to claim (2) provides a printer control device comprising a data management device that transmits data to a printer, and a printer that receives and prints data from the data management device, wherein the data management device transmits data to the printer. a transmission requesting means for transmitting a signal requesting transmission of a display status indicating an operating state of the device at regular time intervals; and a display device;
Display control means for displaying the content of the signal on a display when a display status is received from the printer in response to a transmission request; input means for inputting a signal for changing the state of the printer; and input means for inputting a signal input by the input means. A signal transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the printer is provided, and the printer transmits a display status indicating its own operating state to the data management device upon receiving a display status transmission request from the data management device, and a data management device. The device is provided with operating state changing means that changes the operating state based on the content of the signal when a signal for changing the state is received from the controller.

[Operation] In the invention described in claim (1) having such a configuration,
The data management device requests the printer to send a display status signal at regular intervals. As a result, a display status signal is transmitted from the printer, and the data management device receives the signal and displays the signal content on the display. In this way, the operating status of the printer can be known in real time by the display.

Further, in the invention as set forth in claim (2), when a signal for changing the operating state of the printer is inputted by the input means while checking the operating state of the printer displayed on the display, the printer changes the operating state of the printer based on the content of the signal. Change the operating state.

[Example] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram, where 1 is a data management device and 2 is a printer.

The data management device 1 includes a CPU that constitutes a control unit main body.
(Central processing unit) 11, ROM (read-only memory) 12 which stores program data for this CPU 11 to control various parts, memory for temporarily storing data, memory used for data processing, etc. are provided. RAM
(Random access memory) 13, a character generator 14 used for creating display data, etc., a disk controller 16 that controls the plot disk 15
, an I/I that takes in and controls signals from the dip switch 17.
O port 18, a communication control unit 110 that controls a serial interface 19 connected to a host device, a clock circuit 111 that counts the date and time, a display controller 113 that controls a liquid crystal display 112 that can display, for example, 5 lines, and the printer 2. It is comprised of a communication control section 114 and a keyboard 115 that control communication with the computer.

The ROM 12, RAM 13, character generator 14, disk controller 16, I/O port 18,
A communication control section 110, a clock circuit 111, a display controller 113, a communication control section 114, and a keyboard 115 are connected to the CPUI 1 and controlled by the CPUI 1.

The printer 2 has a main CPU constituting a main body of the control unit.
21, a ROM 22 that stores program data for the main CPU 21 to control various parts, a RAM 23 that is provided with a memory for temporarily storing data, a memory used for data processing, etc., and a RAM 23 that is used for creating print data, etc. character generator 24, an I/O boat 26 that takes in and controls signals from the dip switch 25, and an I/O boat 2 that takes in and controls signals from the panel switch 27.
8. A communication control unit 29 that controls communication with the data management device 1; a sub CPU 210 that is connected to the main CPU 21 and controlled by the main CPU 21; program data for the sub CPU 210 to control each unit is stored; a mechanical unit controller 21 that controls a mechanical unit 213 consisting of a ROM211, a RAM212 provided with a memory for temporarily storing print data, various motors that drive the print mechanism, solenoids, and a print head;
It consists of 4.

The ROM 22, RAM 23, character generator 24, I/O boat 26, 28, and communication control section 29 are connected to the main CPU 21 and controlled by the CPU 21. Also, the ROM21
1. The RAM 212 and the mechanism controller 214 are connected to the sub CPU 210 and controlled by the CPU 210.

As shown in FIG. 2, the keyboard 115 of the data management device 1 has numeric keys 115a, r "clear" keys 115b, r↑ consisting of "0" to "9", rooo J, and "."
"key 115c, r number" key 115ci, r-J key 1
15e, "→" key 115f, "r fine adjustment" key 115g,
A "stop/start" key 115h, a full key 1151 used for inputting text, etc. are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the panel switch 27 of the printer 2 includes an "↑" key 278 for forward feeding the paper, and a "↓" key 27b1 for backfeeding the paper, which are used when performing fine adjustment feed. "Fine adjustment" key 27C1 "Insert/page break" key 27d used for inserting paper and page break, "Open/close" key used to open and close the paper presser 271 "Speed change" key used to change printing speed '' key 27f1 A ``paper suction'' key 27g is provided to specify whether the paper suction mode is front, friction, or tractor.

The data management device 1 and printer 2 each control the transmission and reception of data and signals via communication control units 214 and 29, and in addition to the transmission and reception of print data, they also control the transmission and reception of signals as shown in FIG. ing.

In other words, when the data management device 1 sends a request for status (1) to the printer 2, the printer 2 sends the request for status (1).
2) is sent to the data management device 1. Subsequently, when the data management device 1 transmits a request for display status to the printer 2 (transmission request means), the printer 2 transmits the display status to the data management device 1 (status transmission means).

In the data management device 1, the CPU 11 performs the processing shown in FIG. That is, when the status (1) from the printer 2 is detected, it is checked whether or not the status (1) contains error information.

If no error information is included, the process waits for the display status from the printer 2 to be detected. In this state, the display status is detected and the printer 2 indicated by the status is
Check whether the operating state of has changed from the previous operating state.

If there is a change as a result, the display of the printer status on the liquid crystal display 112 is changed. If there is no change, display 1
12 will remain as is.

(Display control means) Thereafter, a timer provided in the RAM 13
A waiting time of 0 18138 is created, and after the waiting time elapses, detection of status (1) is started again.

Furthermore, if error information is found in the check of the status <<1>>, the printer waits for the detection of the status (2) from the printer 2, and when the status (2) is detected, error handling is performed. That is, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112.

After that, a timer provided in RAM 13 causes 5 0
A waiting time of 0 a+scc is created, and after the waiting time has elapsed, detection of status (1) is started again.

The transmission text format of the data and status request sent from the data management device 1 to the printer 2 is as shown in FIG. In the case of a status (1) request, the number of bytes is "00" and the data part is omitted. Further, when transmitting data, the number of bytes ranges from "01" to rFAJ, and the printer 2 also returns status (1) as a response at this time. Furthermore, when requesting the display status, the number of bytes is rFDJ, and the data part is omitted.

The configuration of the status (1) consists of 8 bits from Sll to 818 as shown in FIG. 6(a), and Sll is "1".
” indicates that all printing has been completed, S12 indicates that the remaining amount of the receive buffer of the printer 2 is 250 bytes or less when it is "1", and S13 indicates that the external character generator has been loaded when it is "1". and S14 is "1"
When it is, it indicates the end of the diagnosis (test processing), when StS is "1", it indicates a printer error, when SI6 is "1", it indicates that the heat sensor is ON, and when S17 is "select/deselect" by rl/OJ. and Sta is r
l/OJ indicates rN A K/ACKJ.

The structure of the status (2) transmitted when an error occurs is composed of 8 bits 821 to 528 as shown in FIG. When , cover oven is indicated, S2
When 3 is "1", it indicates a beber end, and S24 is "1"
When S25 is "1", it indicates a jam error in the suction section. When S26 is "1", it indicates a jam error in the discharge section. When S27 is "l", it indicates a jam error in the retraction section. , and S28 indicates rNAK/ACKJ by rl/OJ.

The configuration of the display status consists of 8 bits S31 to 338, as shown in FIG. 6(c), and S32 is "1".
” indicates the release of the paper presser, 833 indicates high-speed printing when “1”, “95” indicates the paper tractor conveyance state when “1”, and S36 indicates the paper friction conveyance state when “1” When S37 is "1", it indicates the front (slip) conveyance state of the paper, and S38 indicates rNAK/ACKJ by rl/OJ.

When the data management device 1 receives the display status from the printer 2, it displays the operating status of the printer shown in FIG. 8 on the liquid crystal display 112 based on the contents of the status. Note that "↑" indicated by A in the figure indicates front conveyance.

Further, when the data management device 1 receives the status (2) from the printer 2, it displays a printer error state shown in FIG. 9 on the liquid crystal display 112 based on the content of the status.

Furthermore, when the "stop/start" key 115h on the keyboard 115 is operated, the data management device 1 transmits a key signal to the printer 2. When the printer 2 receives this key signal, it stops or starts the printing operation.

Further, the data management device 1 at this time displays the liquid crystal display 1.
12, for example, if it is a stop operation, the display shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

The printer 2 changes its status when each of the key switches 27a to 27g of the panel switch 27 is operated.
The keyboard 11 of the data management device 1 in the printer error display state shown in the figure and the print stop display state shown in FIG.
The state is similarly changed when a signal from a specific key manually is received from 5. (Operation state variable means) In other words, when the key signal of the "↑" key 115c is received, it performs the same control as the "↑" key 27a, and
When the key signal of the key 115d is received, the same control as the "↓" key 27b is performed, and when the key signal of the "fine adjustment" key 115g is received, the same control as the "fine adjustment" key 27c is performed, and the control of the numeric key 115a is performed. When the key signal of the "0" key is received, the same control as the "insert/page break" key 27d is performed, and when the key signal of the "1" key of the numeric key 115a is received, the same control as the "open/close" key 27e is performed. When the key signal of the "2" key of the numeric key 115a is received, the same control as the "speed change" key 27f is performed, and when the key signal of the "3" key of the numeric key 115a is received. It is designed to perform the same control as the "paper suction" key 27g. Above “↑” key 1
1 5 c s “↓” key 115 d, r fine adjustment” key 11
5g, "0" key of numeric key 1158, numeric key 115
The "1" key of a, the "2" key of the numeric key 115a, and the "3" key of the numeric key 115a constitute input means for varying the state of the printer 2, respectively.

In this embodiment with such a configuration, the data management system!
i! 1 to printer 2 5 0 0 yise
A status (1) request is sent at time intervals c, and in response, the printer 2 sends a status (1) to the data management device 1.

The data management device 1 detects the received status (1) and checks whether there is a printer error.

If there is no printer error, a display status request is subsequently sent to the printer 2. As a result, the printer 2 transmits the display status to the data management device 1.

The data management device 1 detects the received display status and checks whether there is a change in the display content. If there is no change in the display content, the display on the liquid crystal display 112 is left unchanged, and if there is a change in the display content, the display on the liquid crystal display 112 is changed based on the content of the display status.

In this way, the operating status of the printer 2 is always displayed on the liquid crystal display 112 in real time as shown in the eighth @. Therefore, the operating state of the printer 2 can be reliably confirmed on the data management device side. Therefore, the printer operation can be reliably monitored.

Further, if the status (1) is received and detected and there is an internal printer error, a status (2) request is sent to the printer 2. As a result, the printer 2 transmits status (2) to the data management device 1. The data management device 1 detects the status (2), determines what kind of error has occurred in the printer 2, and displays the content of the error on the liquid crystal display 112. For example, if there is a jam error, the display will be as shown in FIG.

Therefore, for example, operate the "1" key of the numeric key 1158 to release the paper holder of the printer 2, go to the printer 2, remove the jammed paper, and return to the data management device 1. When the clear key 115b and the "stop/start" key 115h are operated, the printer 2 starts operating and the display on the display 112 returns to the display shown in FIG. 8 again.

Furthermore, if the "stop/start" key 115h is operated while the printer 2 is operating, the printer 2 will stop operating. Further, a display as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the liquid product display 112. In this state, the numeric key 115a is set to "2".
” key to change the printing speed from standard to high speed. Then, when the "stop/start" key 115h is operated again, the printer 2 starts high-speed printing.

The display on the display 112 then returns to the display shown in FIG.

In addition, when the display 112 of the data management device 1 is displaying an error display or a stop display, the numeric key 1
15a rOJ key "1" key "3" key "↑" key 115c, r↓" key 115d, r fine adjustment" key 115
g can also be operated, and this operation causes the printer 2 to press the "insert/page break" key 2 provided on the panel switch 27.
7d, “open/close” key 27e, “paper suction” key 27g1
Perform the same operation as when the "↑" key 2 7 a s r ↓ "key 27b, r fine adjustment" key 27c is operated 〇 In this way, the operating status of the printer 2 can also be displayed and confirmed from the data management device 1. It can be varied.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer control device that can always display the operating status of the printer in real time on the data management device side, and therefore can monitor the printer more reliably. be.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer control device that can change the operating state of the printer while displaying and confirming the change on the data management device.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The figures show an embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1 is a block diagram, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the keyboard of the data management device, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the keyboard of the data management device.
4 shows the format of data sent from the data management device to the printer. FIG. 5 shows the status transmission/reception control sequence between the data management device and the printer. Figure 6 shows the configuration of various statuses sent from the printer.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing status detection processing by the CPU of the data management device, and FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams showing various display forms on the liquid crystal display of the data management device. 1...Data management device, 11...CPU, 112.
...Liquid crystal display, 114...Communication control unit, 2...Printer, 21...Main CPU, 29...Communication control unit, 210...Sub CPU, 214...Mechanism unit control.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A data management device that sends data to the printer;
In a printer control device that includes a printer that receives and prints data from the data management device, the data management device sends a signal at regular time intervals requesting the printer to transmit a display status indicating the operating state of the printer. A transmission request means for transmitting, a display device,
Display control means is provided for displaying the signal content on the display when a display status is received from the printer in response to a transmission request, and the printer changes its own operating state when there is a display status transmission request from the data management device. 1. A printer control device comprising: status sending means for sending a display status indicating a display status to said data management device. (2) a data management device that sends data to the printer;
In a printer control device that includes a printer that receives and prints data from the data management device, the data management device sends a signal at regular time intervals requesting the printer to transmit a display status indicating the operating state of the printer. A transmission request means for transmitting, a display device,
Display control means for displaying the signal content on the display when a display status is received from the printer in response to a transmission request; input means for inputting a signal for changing the state of the printer; a signal transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the printer, and the printer transmits a display status indicating its own operating state to the data management device upon receiving a display status transmission request from the data management device; A printer control device comprising: a transmitting device; and an operating state changing device that changes the operating state based on the content of the signal upon receiving a signal for changing the state from the data management device.