EP0928246B1 - Printer control with direct memory access - Google Patents

Printer control with direct memory access Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0928246B1
EP0928246B1 EP97935460A EP97935460A EP0928246B1 EP 0928246 B1 EP0928246 B1 EP 0928246B1 EP 97935460 A EP97935460 A EP 97935460A EP 97935460 A EP97935460 A EP 97935460A EP 0928246 B1 EP0928246 B1 EP 0928246B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
memory access
access controller
direct memory
sequence
print head
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP97935460A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0928246A1 (en
Inventor
Antonius Luettig
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Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
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Wincor Nixdorf GmbH and Co KG
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J19/00—Character- or line-spacing mechanisms
    • B41J19/18—Character-spacing or back-spacing mechanisms; Carriage return or release devices therefor
    • B41J19/20—Positive-feed character-spacing mechanisms
    • B41J19/202—Drive control means for carriage movement

Definitions

  • the procedure concerns the control of printers at which a mosaic printhead using a stepper motor is moved transversely to the paper transport direction.
  • stepper motors are a preferred drive in digitally controlled systems because of switching the windings on and off is a precisely reproducible Movement is achieved.
  • the control of the Mosaic printhead requires a digital signal anyway, with which the pixels are generated.
  • the time between two changes do not differ from the previous one, without losing step.
  • the movement must start with an acceleration phase and with end a braking phase. If anything, the microprocessor works fast enough to be able to spend the bills, at least that's how it is with fast movements the determination of the next change is so busy, that parallel work is not possible. In particular cannot have any income or expenses, such as the Control of the needles of a needle print head.
  • a special circuit is therefore designed which is triggered by the microprocessor and then carries out the acceleration and braking phase independently.
  • the microprocessor receives a signal that the braking phase has ended and can be accessed via I / O access Determine step position.
  • This solution requires one large hardware effort due to the specialized computing circuits.
  • the main advantage is that Microprocessor possible parallel work during the movement. The disadvantage is in particular that only particularly high hardware effort movement is possible.
  • Patent Abstracts of Japan, 08205589 A shows that a stepper motor with direct access control (DMA) can be controlled.
  • DMA direct access control
  • the object of the invention is a simple possibility specify with the in a printer with a microprocessor control of the print head at high speed is achievable.
  • the invention uses the observation that a known one and direct access control available as an integrated component to control the stepper motors as well also for transferring the pixel patterns for the mosaic print head can be used.
  • Control 1 is a controller for a stepper motor 19 shown, the, indicated by dots, for displacement a mosaic print head 30 is used.
  • Control includes in particular a computing or central unit 10 and one Main memory 11, which is usually via a bus system Exchange data.
  • Main memory 11 which is usually via a bus system Exchange data.
  • peripheral devices also a control unit 12 for direct memory access, hereinafter referred to as "DMA", connected as they are under the name MK3883 from Mostek or 8089 can be supplied by Intel.
  • DMA controller 12 is capable of operating independently of a central processing unit 10 data words from memory 11, mostly from ascending addresses to read. This is through that dashed connection 16 indicated.
  • the memory words read out by the DMA can be via the connection 32 passed to the mosaic printhead 30 to put letters or other characters on a by means not shown to produce sheet material.
  • This Connection is not for the sake of clarity shown means can be activated so that not everyone is direct Memory access leads to a print.
  • a time counter 13 is also connected to the DMA, that is loaded with a value by the DMA via connection 17 which is then continuous through a cycle ⁇ is counted down.
  • a control circuit 14 is thus connected via the connection 18 causes the stepper motor 19 to step into one each previously set via facilities not shown Moving direction.
  • the DMA 12 causes the next time value from memory 11 read and transferred to the time counter 13. Possibly can also be a pre-read value in a Buffer memory not shown provided and by the signal 26 are loaded into the time counter 13.
  • the central unit thus places in an area of the memory 11 the time values for a stepper motor movement, loads the address and length of this memory area into the DMA 12 and starts the DMA.
  • the motor then runs the programmed one Movement out.
  • the DMA delivers an end signal 28 when the last value of the memory area is read out has been. This last value is used repeatedly, so that the motor in a uniform motion continues to rotate and after the previous acceleration phase the Mosik printhead evenly over the recording sheet shifts.
  • the end signal 28 causes the control program in the CPU 10, the address of the patterns for the mosaic printhead, the rest during the acceleration phase can be completed, loaded into the DMA and to start this.
  • the Connection 17 deactivated so that the mosaic data to be output do not disturb the uniform movement. Also without the expansion to be described by one
  • the position sensor is the time required for these few commands easy to determine and so a very precise starting point of the Pressure determinable.
  • the end signal is again 28 generated. Now the address of the table transfer the time values for the braking phase to the DMA, connection 17 activated and the DMA started, so that there is a deceleration in which the .End signal 28 either via software or for clarity Hardware connections, not shown, used for this is, further step pulses for the control circuit suppress and switch on a holding current for the printhead.
  • An improvement of the invention is a position counter 20 to provide the connection 18 receives the same step pulses as the control circuit 14 and therefore carries the position of the stepper motor.
  • the central unit can use a connection register 25 a comparison register Load 21 with a position value.
  • the position counter 20 and the comparison register 21 are with a comparator 22 connected whose signal to the DMA 12 leads, optionally from the CPU 10 via the connection 24 and the switch 26 activated or deactivated.
  • Over a Connection not shown, can also the CPU 10 the content the position counter 20 and so e.g. in the end one Movement easily determine the position.
  • the position counter 20 with the comparison register 21 and the comparator 22 allow space-saving storage the time values in the memory 11 at a uniform one Movement as appropriate for printing is.
  • the time counter 13 and the DMA 12 become so operated that when the time and the step signal 18 the previous time value is loaded into the time counter again is so that the motor moves smoothly performed without the DMA circuit having to operate.
  • the position specified in the comparison register 21 is reached via connection 23, provided the switch 26 is activated, the DMA 12 released and so for Example initiate a braking phase in which the next time value is greater than the previous one.
  • the comparator 22 allows a particularly precise start the mosaic print pattern.
  • the end signal 28 is added used the address of the mosaic data to the DMA to hand over. There may be a maximum time for this operation can be determined from which the target position is determined and is set in the comparison register 21. By Closing the switch 27 is reached when the comparison register 21 specific position activates the DMA and so the mosaic printout at a specific position started.
  • the end signal 28 becomes again active, so that the program in processor 10 is now preferred the address of the data for the braking curve in the DMA loads and then activates so that the print head stops.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method for controlling a dot matrix printing head driven by a step motor. According to the inventive method, the clock signals are generated by a timer activated through a direct access control, and while the printing head is moving steadily, i. e. when no direct access control is required, said direct access control executes the data transfer.

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical field

Das Verfahren betrifft die Steuerung von Druckern, bei denen ein Mosaikdruckkopf mittels eines Schrittmotors quer zur Papiertransportrichtung verfahren wird.The procedure concerns the control of printers at which a mosaic printhead using a stepper motor is moved transversely to the paper transport direction.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Zum Antrieb der bewegten Elemente eines Druckers mit Mosaikdurckkopf sind Schrittmotoren ein bevorzugtes Antriebsmittel in digital gesteuerten Systemen, weil durch das Ein- und Ausschalten der Wicklungen eine genau reproduzierbare Bewegung erreicht wird. Die Ansteuerung des Mosaikdruckkopfes erfordert ohnehin ein digitales Signal, mit dem die Bildpunkte erzeugt werden.To drive the moving elements of a printer with a mosaic print head stepper motors are a preferred drive in digitally controlled systems because of switching the windings on and off is a precisely reproducible Movement is achieved. The control of the Mosaic printhead requires a digital signal anyway, with which the pixels are generated.

Bei geringen Geschwindigkeiten des Druckkopfes ist es daher sinnvoll, die jeweiligen Ein- und Ausschaltsignale in der digitalen Steuerung zu erzeugen und über beispielsweise eine einfache Ausgabezeile die Wicklungen ein- oder auszuschalten. Dabei ist die Zeit zwischen zwei Wechseln ohne Bedeutung für die erreichte Position, so daß die Realisierung durch ein Programm eines Mikroprozessors oder Mikrocontrollers einfach möglich ist.It is therefore at low print head speeds sensible, the respective on and off signals in to generate the digital control and for example a simple output line the windings on or off. The time between two changes irrelevant to the position reached, so that the Realization by a program of a microprocessor or microcontroller is easily possible.

Bei größeren Geschwindigkeiten jedoch darf die Zeit zwischen zwei Wechseln nicht beliebig von der vorherigen abweichen, ohne daß ein Schrittverlust auftritt. Die Bewegung muß mit einer Beschleunigungsphase beginnen und mit einer Bremsphase enden. Wenn überhaupt der Mikroprozessor schnell genug arbeitet, um die Wechsel ausgeben zu können, so ist er jedenfalls bei schnellen Bewegungen durch die Bestimmung des nächsten Wechsels derart ausgelastet, daß eine Parallelarbeit nicht möglich ist. Insbesondere können keine Ein- oder Ausgaben, wie beispielsweise die Ansteuerung der Nadeln eines Nadeldruckkopfes, erfolgen. In der Regel wird daher eine spezielle Schaltung entworfen, die von dem Mikroprozessor angestoßen wird und dann selbständig die Beschleunigungs- und Bremsphase durchführt. Der Mikroprozesser erfährt durch ein Signal, daß die Bremsphase beendet ist und kann über E/A-Zugriffe die Schrittposition ermitteln. Diese Lösung erfordert einen großen Hardware-Aufwand durch die spezialisierten Rechenschaltungen. Der Vorteil liegt insbesondere in der dem Mikroprozessor während der Bewegung möglichen Parallelarbeit. Der Nachteil liegt insbesondere darin, daß nur bei besonders hohem Hardware-Aufwand eine Beeinflussung während der Bewegung möglich ist.At higher speeds, however, the time between two changes do not differ from the previous one, without losing step. The movement must start with an acceleration phase and with end a braking phase. If anything, the microprocessor works fast enough to be able to spend the bills, at least that's how it is with fast movements the determination of the next change is so busy, that parallel work is not possible. In particular cannot have any income or expenses, such as the Control of the needles of a needle print head. As a rule, a special circuit is therefore designed which is triggered by the microprocessor and then carries out the acceleration and braking phase independently. The microprocessor receives a signal that the braking phase has ended and can be accessed via I / O access Determine step position. This solution requires one large hardware effort due to the specialized computing circuits. The main advantage is that Microprocessor possible parallel work during the movement. The disadvantage is in particular that only particularly high hardware effort movement is possible.

In den Patent Abstracts of Japan, 08205589 A, wird gezeigt, daß ein Schrittmotor mit einer Direktzugriffssteuerung (DMA) angesteuert werden kann.Patent Abstracts of Japan, 08205589 A, shows that a stepper motor with direct access control (DMA) can be controlled.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine einfache Möglichkeit anzugeben, mit der in einem Drucker mit einem Mikroprozessor eine Steuerung des Druckkopfes mit hoher Geschwindigkeit erreichbar ist.The object of the invention is a simple possibility specify with the in a printer with a microprocessor control of the print head at high speed is achievable.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Die Erfindung benutzt die Beobachtung, daß eine bekannte und als integrierter Baustein verfügbare Direktzugriffsteuerung sowohl zur Steuerung der Schrittmotoren als auch zur Übertragung der Pixelmuster für den Mosaikdruckkopf verwendet werden kann.The invention uses the observation that a known one and direct access control available as an integrated component to control the stepper motors as well also for transferring the pixel patterns for the mosaic print head can be used.

Daher wird bei der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung zumindest der Beginn des Ablaufs als eine Folge von Zeitintervallen im Datenspeicher eines Prozessors abgelegt. Einer Steuerschaltung wird die Adresse dieses Speicherbereichs mitgeteilt. Diese verwendet einen als Direktzugriff (DMA, Direct Memory Access) bekanntes Verfahren dazu, diese im Speicher abgelegten Datenworte unabhängig vom Prozessor nach Bedarf abzurufen und als Zeitintervalle bis zum nächsten Schrittimpuls zu verwenden. Nach einer Beschleunigungsphase mit zunehmender Schrittfrequenz kann der letzte Wert für das Zeitintervall weiterverwendet werden, so daß eine gleichförmige Bewegung des Druckkopfes eintritt. Zu deren Beginn wird die Adresse der Mosaikmuster an die Direktzugriffssteuerung übergeben und diese gestartet. Dadurch erfolgt ein Druck bei gleichförmiger Bewegung. Nach Ende des Drucks wird dann die Adresse der Zeitintervalle für die Bremsphase an die Direktzugriffssteuerung übergeben und diese zum dritten Male gestartet.Therefore, at least in the solution according to the invention Start of the sequence as a sequence of time intervals in the Data memory of a processor filed. A control circuit the address of this memory area is communicated. This uses one as direct access (DMA, Direct Memory Access) known procedure to this in Memory stored data words regardless of the processor retrieve as needed and as time intervals until to use the next step pulse. After an acceleration phase with increasing cadence the last value for the time interval can still be used, so that the printhead moves smoothly. At the beginning is the address of the mosaic pattern passed to the direct access control and started it. This creates a pressure with uniform movement. The address of the Time intervals for the braking phase to the direct access control passed and started this for the third time.

Kurzbeschreibung der ZeichnungBrief description of the drawing

Es zeigt

Fig. 1
ein Prinzipschaltbild der Erfindung.
It shows
Fig. 1
a schematic diagram of the invention.

Detaillierte Beschreibung eines AusführungsbeispielsDetailed description of an embodiment

In Fig. 1 ist eine Steuerung für einen Schrittmotor 19 dargestellt, der, punktiert angedeutet, zur Verschiebung eines Mosaikdruckkopfes 30 dient. Die Steuerung umfaßt insbesondere eine Rechen- oder Zentraleinheit 10 und einen Arbeitsspeicher 11, die üblicherweise über ein Bussystem Daten austauschen. An dieses Bussystem ist zusätzlich zu anderen, nicht dargestellen, Peripheriegeräten auch eine Steuereinheit 12 für direkten Speicherzugriff, im folgenden kurz "DMA" genannt, angeschlossen, wie sie unter der Bezeichnung MK3883 von der Firma Mostek oder 8089 von der Firma Intel geliefert werden. Eine DMA-Steuerung 12 vermag unabhängig von einer Zentraleinheit 10 Datenwörter aus dem Arbeitsspeicher 11, meistens von aufsteigenden Adressen, zu lesen. Dieses ist durch die gestrichelte Verbindung 16 angedeutet.1 is a controller for a stepper motor 19 shown, the, indicated by dots, for displacement a mosaic print head 30 is used. Control includes in particular a computing or central unit 10 and one Main memory 11, which is usually via a bus system Exchange data. At this bus system is additional to other, not shown, peripheral devices also a control unit 12 for direct memory access, hereinafter referred to as "DMA", connected as they are under the name MK3883 from Mostek or 8089 can be supplied by Intel. A DMA controller 12 is capable of operating independently of a central processing unit 10 data words from memory 11, mostly from ascending addresses to read. This is through that dashed connection 16 indicated.

Die von der DMA ausgelesenen Speicherworte können über die Verbindung 32 an den Mosaikdruckkopf 30 weitergegeben werden, um Schrift- oder andere Zeichen auf einem durch nicht dargestellte Mittel Blattmaterial zu erzeugen. Diese Verbindung ist über der Übersichlichkeit halber nicht dargestellte Mittel aktivierbar, so daß nicht jeder direkte Speicherzugriff zu einem Druck führt.The memory words read out by the DMA can be via the connection 32 passed to the mosaic printhead 30 to put letters or other characters on a by means not shown to produce sheet material. This Connection is not for the sake of clarity shown means can be activated so that not everyone is direct Memory access leads to a print.

An die DMA ist ferner ein Zeitzähler 13 angeschlossen, der von der DMA über die Verbindung 17 mit einem Wert geladen wird, welcher dann durch einen Takt Ø kontinuierlich heruntergezählt wird. Ist der Stand Null errreicht, so wird über die Verbindung 18 eine Ansteuerschaltung 14 veranlaßt, den Schrittmotor 19 um einen Schritt in eine jeweils vorab über nicht dargestellte Einrichtungen eingestellte Richtung zu bewegen. Gleichzeitig wird die DMA 12 dazu veranlaßt, den nächsten Zeitwert aus dem Speicher 11 zu lesen und in den Zeitzähler 13 zu übertragen. Gegebenenfalls kann auch ein vorab gelesener Wert in einem nicht gezeigten Pufferspeicher bereitgestellt und durch das Signal 26 in den Zeitzähler 13 geladen werden.A time counter 13 is also connected to the DMA, that is loaded with a value by the DMA via connection 17 which is then continuous through a cycle Ø is counted down. When the level is reached, a control circuit 14 is thus connected via the connection 18 causes the stepper motor 19 to step into one each previously set via facilities not shown Moving direction. At the same time, the DMA 12 causes the next time value from memory 11 read and transferred to the time counter 13. Possibly can also be a pre-read value in a Buffer memory not shown provided and by the signal 26 are loaded into the time counter 13.

Die Zentraleinheit stellt also in einem Bereich des Speichers 11 die Zeitwerte für eine Schrittmotorbewegung ab, lädt die Adresse und Länge dieses Speicherbereichs in die DMA 12 und startet die DMA. Der Motor führt dann die programmierte Bewegung aus. Die DMA liefert ein Ende-Signal 28, wenn der letzte Wert des Speicherbereichs ausgelesen wurde. Dieser letzte Wert wird wiederholt weiterverwendet, so daß der Motor in einer gleichförmigen Bewegung weiterdreht und nach der vorhergehenden Beschleunigungsphase den Mosikdruckkopf gleichmäßig über das Aufzeichnungsblatt verschiebt.The central unit thus places in an area of the memory 11 the time values for a stepper motor movement, loads the address and length of this memory area into the DMA 12 and starts the DMA. The motor then runs the programmed one Movement out. The DMA delivers an end signal 28 when the last value of the memory area is read out has been. This last value is used repeatedly, so that the motor in a uniform motion continues to rotate and after the previous acceleration phase the Mosik printhead evenly over the recording sheet shifts.

Das Ende-Signal 28 veranlaßt das Steuerprogramm in der Zentraleinheit 10, die Adresse der Muster für den Mosaikdruckkopf, die im übrigen während der Beschleunigugnsphase fertiggestellt werden können, in die DMA zu laden und diese zu starten. Zuvor wird durch bekannt Mittel die Verbindung 17 deaktiviert, so daß die auszugebenden Mosaikdaten nicht die gleichförmige Bewegung stören. Auch ohne die noch zu beschreibende Erweiterung durch einen Positionssensor ist der Zeitbedarf dieser wenigen Befehle gut ermittelbar und so ein recht genauer Anfangspunkt des Drucks bestimmbar.The end signal 28 causes the control program in the CPU 10, the address of the patterns for the mosaic printhead, the rest during the acceleration phase can be completed, loaded into the DMA and to start this. Previously, the Connection 17 deactivated so that the mosaic data to be output do not disturb the uniform movement. Also without the expansion to be described by one The position sensor is the time required for these few commands easy to determine and so a very precise starting point of the Pressure determinable.

Sind die Mosaikdaten übertragen, so wird wieder das Ende-Signal 28 erzeugt. Nunmehr wird die Adresse der Tabelle der Zeitwerte für die Bremsphase in die DMA übertragen, die Verbindung 17 aktiviert und die DMA gestartet, so daß eine Abbremsung erfolgt, bei der das.Ende-Signal 28 entweder über Softeware oder über der Übersichlichkeit wegen nicht dargestellte Hardware-Verbindungen dazu verwendet wird, weitere Schrittimpulse für die Ansteuerschaltung zu unterdrücken und einen Haltestrom für den Druckkopf einzuschalten.Once the mosaic data has been transferred, the end signal is again 28 generated. Now the address of the table transfer the time values for the braking phase to the DMA, connection 17 activated and the DMA started, so that there is a deceleration in which the .End signal 28 either via software or for clarity Hardware connections, not shown, used for this is, further step pulses for the control circuit suppress and switch on a holding current for the printhead.

Eine Verbesserung der Erfindung besteht darin, einen Positionszähler 20 vorzusehen, der über die Verbindung 18 dieselben Schrittimpulse wie die Ansteuerschaltung 14 erhält und daher die Position des Schrittmotors mitführt. Die Zentraleinheit kann über die Verbindung 25 ein Vergleichsregister 21 mit einem Positionswert laden. Der Positionszähler 20 und das Vergleichsregister 21 sind mit einem Vergleicher 22 verbunden, dessen Signal zu der DMA 12 führt, wahlweise von der CPU 10 über die Verbindung 24 und den Schalter 26 aktiviert oder deaktiviert. Über eine nicht gezeigte Verbindung kann auch die CPU 10 den Inhalt des Positionszählers 20 auslesen und so z.B. am Ende einer Bewegung auf einfache Art die Position ermitteln.An improvement of the invention is a position counter 20 to provide the connection 18 receives the same step pulses as the control circuit 14 and therefore carries the position of the stepper motor. The central unit can use a connection register 25 a comparison register Load 21 with a position value. The position counter 20 and the comparison register 21 are with a comparator 22 connected whose signal to the DMA 12 leads, optionally from the CPU 10 via the connection 24 and the switch 26 activated or deactivated. Over a Connection, not shown, can also the CPU 10 the content the position counter 20 and so e.g. in the end one Movement easily determine the position.

Der Postionszähler 20 mit dem Vergleichsregister 21 und dem Vergleicher 22 erlauben eine platzsparende Speicherung der Zeitwerte in dem Speicher 11 bei einer gleichförmigen Bewegung, wie sie für einen Druck zweckmäßig ist. Hierbei werden der Zeitzähler 13 und die DMA 12 so betrieben, daß beim Ablauf der Zeit und dem Schrittsignal 18 der vorherige Zeitwert erneut in den Zeitzähler geladen wird, so daß der Motor eine gleichförmige Bewegung vollführt, ohne daß die DMA-Schaltung tätig werden muß. Ist die in dem Vergleichsregister 21 vorgegebene Stellung erreicht, wird über die Verbindung 23, sofern der Schalter 26 aktiviert ist, die DMA 12 freigegeben und so zum Beispiel eine Bremsphase einleiten, bei der der jeweils nächste Zeitwert größer als der vorhergehende ist.The position counter 20 with the comparison register 21 and the comparator 22 allow space-saving storage the time values in the memory 11 at a uniform one Movement as appropriate for printing is. Here, the time counter 13 and the DMA 12 become so operated that when the time and the step signal 18 the previous time value is loaded into the time counter again is so that the motor moves smoothly performed without the DMA circuit having to operate. Is the position specified in the comparison register 21 is reached via connection 23, provided the switch 26 is activated, the DMA 12 released and so for Example initiate a braking phase in which the next time value is greater than the previous one.

Der Vergleicher 22 erlaubt einen besonders genauen Start der Mosaikdruckmuster. Hierzu wird das Ende-Signal 28 dazu verwendet, die Adresse der Mosaikdaten an die DMA zu übergeben. Für diese Operation kann eine Maximalzeit zuvor bestimmt werden, aus der die Sollposition ermittelt und in dem Vergleichsregister 21 eingestellt wird. Durch Schließen des Schalters 27 wird bei Erreichen der durch das Vergleichsregister 21 bestimmten Position die DMA aktiviert und so der Mosaikausdruck an genau bestimmter Position gestartet.The comparator 22 allows a particularly precise start the mosaic print pattern. For this purpose, the end signal 28 is added used the address of the mosaic data to the DMA to hand over. There may be a maximum time for this operation can be determined from which the target position is determined and is set in the comparison register 21. By Closing the switch 27 is reached when the comparison register 21 specific position activates the DMA and so the mosaic printout at a specific position started.

Mit Ende der Mosaikdaten wird erneut das Ende-Signal 28 aktiv, so daß das Programm im Prozessor 10 nunmehr bevorzugt die Adresse der Daten für die Bremskurve in die DMA lädt und diese dann aktiviert, so daß der Druckkopf anhält.At the end of the mosaic data, the end signal 28 becomes again active, so that the program in processor 10 is now preferred the address of the data for the braking curve in the DMA loads and then activates so that the print head stops.

Claims (3)

  1. Arrangement for controlling a dot matrix print head (30), which is moved by a stepper motor (19), the control arrangement comprising a central processing unit (CPU, 10), a main memory (RAM, 11) and a direct memory access controller (DMA, 12), having the features that
    a first means is present which provides a first sequence of data words in the main memory (11),
    the direct memory access controller (12) can be connected to a timer (13) in such a way that the values of the first sequence of data words are transferred from the memory (11) to the timer (13) by the direct memory access controller (12) and stepping pulses for the stepper motor (19) are generated by the timer in time intervals which are determined by the data words,
       characterized in that
    the coupling of direct memory access controller (12) and timer (13) is configured in such a way that the last value of the first sequence of data words is used repeatedly,
    the direct memory access controller (12) can be connected to the print head (30) in such a way that a second sequence of data words can be transferred to the print head (30),
    a second means is present which provides a second sequence of data words in the main memory (11),
    means are present which initiate the transfer of the second sequence of data words to the print head after the first sequence has been transmitted and the last value of the first sequence is used repeatedly.
  2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, in which the stepping pulses (18) are additionally applied to a position counter (20), whose output, representing the counter content, is connected to a comparator (22) which compares the position counter (20) with a comparison register (21) and by means of whose output (23) the direct memory access controller (12) can be activated for the purpose of transferring the second sequence of data words to the print head.
  3. Method for controlling a dot matrix print head (30), which is moved by a stepper motor (19), the control arrangement comprising a central processing unit (CPU, 10), a main memory (RAM, 11) and a direct memory access controller (DMA, 12), having the features that
    a program in the central processing unit (10) calculates the time intervals in which stepping pulses (18) for a movement of the stepper motor are to be generated in order to carry out an accelerating movement, and stores them successively in a first table in a first memory area, and calculates the dot matrix data for the dot matrix print head (30) and stores them in a second table in a second memory area,
    the program transfers the address of the first memory area to the direct memory access controller (12) and starts the latter,
    the program receives an end signal (28) from the direct memory access controller (12) when the first table has been processed, and then transfers the address of the second table to the direct memory access controller (12) and activates means for starting the latter.
EP97935460A 1996-09-25 1997-07-22 Printer control with direct memory access Expired - Lifetime EP0928246B1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19639392 1996-09-25
DE19639392 1996-09-25
PCT/DE1997/001548 WO1998013208A1 (en) 1996-09-25 1997-07-22 Printer control with direct memory access

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EP0928246A1 EP0928246A1 (en) 1999-07-14
EP0928246B1 true EP0928246B1 (en) 2002-06-12

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DE59707520D1 (en) 2002-07-18
WO1998013208A1 (en) 1998-04-02
ATE218979T1 (en) 2002-06-15
EP0928246A1 (en) 1999-07-14

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