JP2001105696A - Memory operation selectable printer, method for driving the printer and recording medium with program for driving the printer recorded therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely set two memory operation modes by a user's selection without starting a RAM operation mode immediately when a printer with the RAM operation mode is started. SOLUTION: The printer has a ROM operation mode in which a language program directly read out from a ROM is executed, and a RAM operation mode in which a program is executed after once written from the ROM to a RAM capable of operating at high speeds. At a rise time, the printer starts operating with the ROM operation mode set to a default and changes to the RAM operation mode according to a user's indication based on a predetermined condition. Specifically, the printer has a means 2 which operates by the ROM operation mode at least when the printer starts, a means 3 which judges whether or not the RAM operation is possible after the ROM operation is started and switches the operation mode when the RAM operation is judged to be possible, and a means 6 which reads the language program from a ROM 11 after the operation mode is switched by the switching means 3 and drives the printer with the use of a RAM 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer capable of selecting a memory operation, a method of driving the same, and a recording medium on which a driving program is recorded, and more particularly to a dynamic random access memory (DRAM-Dynamic Radar) capable of operating at a high speed.
The present invention relates to a printer capable of selecting a memory operation capable of effectively utilizing storage area resources of an ndom Access Memory-).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a printer stores a printing operation routine in the form of a language program in order to process the printing. Usually, the language program is stored in a read-only memory (ROM). ). An operation mode in which the language program is read directly from the ROM and executed is called a ROM operation mode.
An operation mode in which the language program is written and stored in the RAM and the language program stored in the RAM is executed can be defined as a RAM operation mode.

Usually, a printer is equipped with both a ROM for storing a language program uniquely and a RAM for high-speed operation, but the capacity of the installed RAM depends on the performance of each model. It is mixed.
In addition, the RAM does not copy only the language program read from the ROM and performs only the operations necessary for the printing process, but also performs other processes such as a function as a reception buffer and an image processing function. Therefore, it does not mean that only the language program is read and operated.

[0004] For this reason, in older models in which the capacity of the mounted RAM was small, the language program was read directly from the ROM without performing the reading of the language program into the RAM, and the print processing operation was performed. In addition, even for recent models, due to cost considerations, RA
For printers in which M cannot be mounted, a ROM operation type printer that reads a language program directly from a ROM and performs printing is used. On the other hand, if advances in DRAM technology make it possible to provide RAM at a relatively low price even if the memory capacity is large, each manufacturer will install a DRAM having a storage capacity large enough to be used in a printer. The speed of the print processing operation has been increased by causing the printer to perform a RAM memory operation.

However, as described above, the data read into the RAM and used is not only the language program but also the received image data, character data, bitmap data expanded by the interpretation unit, and print data of intermediate data. include. Therefore, since a memory area used by these print data must be secured in the RAM, the area for reading the language program is necessarily restricted. For this reason, in the conventional printer having the RAM operation mode, an extra RAM capacity is required for the copy capacity for copying and storing the language program from the ROM.

[0006]

As described above, in the conventional printer having the RAM operation mode, the amount of the memory used by copying the operation program from the ROM is equal to the amount of DRAM resources used for the reception buffer and image processing. May be squeezed, and in the case of complicated print data,
For example, a message “Please add more RAM” may be displayed on the display screen of a host device such as a PC. Even if such a message is displayed, there is a problem that a general user who does not frequently add a RAM or the like cannot take any action other than recognizing it as a mere warning without a specification of a measure. Was.

[0007] In a model having a small RAM capacity, such a message is automatically transmitted to a language program stored in the ROM when the printer is started up.
Since M is read and is always displayed when the remaining capacity is small, there is a case where the RAM capacity is actually sufficient when the print data is transferred to / from the host device. Nevertheless, the warning message will be displayed uniformly at the time of startup, and the user must always issue a print command with anxiety that printing may not be possible. There was also the problem that the message lacked reliability.

When a user specifies a complicated font or prints image data, the print data is
If the capacity of the RAM is insufficient during the development on the AM, a message "Please add more RAM" is displayed and printing cannot be performed. You must display the screen of the driver etc. and stop printing,
There is also a problem that operations such as cancellation when printing cannot be performed are complicated and troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and does not read a language program from ROM to RAM immediately when a printer having a RAM operation mode is started up, but rather selects a situation by a user's selection. It is an object of the present invention to provide a memory operation selectable printer in which two memory operation modes can be set freely according to the conditions.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a printer according to a first basic configuration of the present invention comprises a ROM
A memory operation selectable printer having a ROM operation mode for executing a language program directly read from the ROM and a RAM operation mode for temporarily writing and executing the language program from the ROM to a RAM capable of high-speed operation, when starting up, The operation is started with the ROM operation mode as a default, and the operation mode is changed to the RAM operation mode based on a predetermined condition.

The memory operation selectable printer according to the first basic configuration encompasses the broadest concept as a printer, and even if it is a RAM operable printer, the printer starts up in a ROM operation mode by default. There is a feature in the point. ROM as this default
The printer started in the operation mode can switch the operation mode based on a predetermined condition.
When printing data that exceeds the processing limit is suddenly started up in the RAM operation mode as in a conventional printer with an operation mode, a message "Please add more memory" is displayed to prompt the user. Avoid confusing situations.

In the printer according to the first basic configuration, the predetermined condition may be any one of an instruction from a user through a manual operation, and an automatic determination by the program as to whether there is enough memory capacity. Alternatively, one of the three conditions that are a combination of these is conceivable. That is, when the user wants to process print data at a high speed that does not use a large amount of RAM capacity, the user can manually switch the memory operation mode to operate the RA.
High-speed processing of print data can be performed in the M operation mode. Also, even when the RAM operation mode is set, if you want to output data that you want to print using complex fonts from the host device side, or if you want to print image data, you must manually operate by your own judgment. Then R
The operation mode of the memory can be switched from the AM operation mode to the ROM operation mode. In addition, by automatic setting by a program, it is determined whether or not the memory capacity of the RAM has a margin, and the above-described determination of the switching is automatically performed. You can make it impossible.

Further, a message instructing the user to switch to the ROM operation mode is displayed when the user instructs printing using the memory capacity during the RAM operation by combining the manual operation and the automatic judgment, and the user is presented with the RAM.
Switching from the operation mode to the ROM operation mode may be performed. For this reason, when a user intends to create a document using a slightly complicated font or print print data including image data, the user may not be able to perform printing halfway due to insufficient RAM capacity of the printer. Is expected, and the operation mode is changed from the beginning to R
The OM operation mode can be left as it is, and the printer can be used after setting the operation mode to a desired operation mode by the user's selection, thereby effectively using the DRAM resources. Can be.

Specifically, the printer according to the first basic configuration has a ROM operating means for performing an operation in the ROM operation mode at least at the time of startup, and starts the operation in the ROM operation mode by the ROM operating means. After that, it is determined whether or not the operation in the RAM operation mode is possible, and when it is determined that the RAM operation is possible, the operation mode switching means enabling switching of the operation mode; RAM operation means for reading the language program from the ROM after the mode is switched and performing the operation in the RAM operation mode using the RAM, and executing the language program in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching means. And a print execution unit for executing.

With this configuration, the user can manually set the operation mode by using the operation mode switching means while considering the type of data to be printed when the printer is started. For example, when printing character data using complex fonts or printing image data, if there is a possibility that the capacity of the RAM may become insufficient when the data is expanded, high-speed processing should be performed. And printing can be performed in the ROM operation mode, and reliability can be selected instead of high speed.

Further, in the printer provided with the above-mentioned respective means, the memory mode of the ROM operating means is controlled by the user through manual input of the operation mode switching means.
The operation is switched to the memory operation by the M operation means.
The memory operation by the AM operation means may be replaced by a manual switching means for switching the memory operation by the ROM operation means. As described above, if the manual switching means provided in the printer is configured as a selection button using, for example, an icon displayed on the operation panel, the selection can be performed even when the printer waits for output of print data. Thus, a printer excellent in operability in which arbitrary settings can be easily selected can be obtained.

In the printer having the above-mentioned means, the operation mode switching means may start the operation by the ROM operation means at the time of startup, and then the RAM may have a capacity for storing ordinary print data. It may be configured to include a selection unit that determines whether or not the storage capacity is sufficient and allows the user to select switching to the RAM operation mode when the storage capacity is sufficient. With such a configuration, the printer side semi-automatically checks the available RAM capacity and indicates whether or not the operation can be switched to the RAM operation, so that the user can make sure of the operation switching without depending only on his own experience or intuition. Thus, the judgment data is provided, and the reliability of the operation is ensured.

In the above arrangement, when it is determined that the operation in the RAM operation mode is possible, the selection means displays a RAM operation selection button on the operation panel to switch the operation mode to the user. You may comprise so that it may be selected. In this way, the memory capacity is checked and RA
By allowing the user to make a selection after determining whether or not the operation can be switched to the M operation, the user can obtain the R without any information.
Since it will not select the AM operation mode,
The certainty of switching from the ROM operation mode to the RAM operation mode can be ensured.

In the printer having the above-mentioned means, the operation mode switching means changes the memory operation mode when the storage capacity of the RAM becomes insufficient while the RAM operation means is operating. From the RAM operation mode by the ROM operation means to the ROM
It may be configured to include a selection unit for selecting whether to switch to the operation mode or to cancel the printing operation performed by the RAM operation unit until then. With this configuration, even if the RAM operation mode is selected by the user after the printer is started up, character data and image data including complicated fonts cannot be expanded and the RAM capacity is not increased. Is insufficient, and if the printer is a conventional printer, the message "Please add more RAM" is issued, but if the user chooses to cancel printing at that point, or if it takes some time, The printing can be continuously performed so that the printing can be surely completed by the ROM operation mode.

In the above configuration, when it is determined that the operation cannot be performed in the RAM operation mode, the selection unit displays a ROM operation selection button and a print stop button on an operation panel to execute printing for the user. It may be configured to select whether to cancel. As described above, the selection button for switching to the ROM operation and the stop button for stopping printing are actually displayed on the operation panel, and the user can make a selection while visually recognizing the two displayed buttons. Operation reliability can be ensured.

In addition, a method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to a second basic configuration of the present invention includes a ROM operation mode for executing a language program read directly from a ROM, and a RAM capable of operating at a high speed from the ROM. A RAM operation mode in which a language program is once written and executed, wherein the operation is started with the ROM operation mode as a default when the printer is started, and the operation mode is set based on predetermined conditions. Is changed from the ROM operation mode to the RAM operation mode.

According to the method for driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to the second basic configuration, even if the printer has a RAM operation mode like the conventional method for driving a printer, the printer is forcibly and forcefully activated after the printer is started. The problem that the memory operation mode is immediately switched from the ROM operation mode to the RAM operation mode can be solved, and the predetermined operation can be performed only when the RAM memory capacity has sufficient free space to perform the RAM operation mode. Switching can be performed depending on conditions, whereby the DRAM resources can be effectively used, and the printer can be driven in a desired operation mode without adding an expensive RAM.

In the second basic configuration, the predetermined condition under which the memory operation mode can be changed is that a manual instruction from a user to operate on the RAM is input or the program can operate on the RAM. Either the situation is determined, or three conditions when these two are satisfied are considered. Therefore, when the user gives a manual instruction, when a complicated font is designated or when image data is to be printed, R
Since there is a possibility that the capacity of the AM becomes insufficient, the memory operation can be set in advance in the ROM operation mode. Further, even when the operation is temporarily switched to the RAM operation mode, the print data is output after switching to the ROM operation mode by the user's selection before the print data having a strict RAM capacity is output from the host side. Thus, the memory operation mode desired by the user can be set.

A method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to the second basic configuration includes a ROM operation step of performing an operation in the ROM operation mode at least when the printer is started up, and the ROM operation step by the ROM operation step. After starting the operation in the mode, the R
A judging step of judging whether or not the operation in the AM operation mode is possible, an operation mode switching step of switching the operation mode when it is judged by the judging step that the RAM operation is possible, and an operation mode switching step. After the operation mode is switched, the language program is read from the ROM, and the RA is used by using the RAM.
A RAM operation step for performing an operation in the M operation mode and a print execution step for executing the language program in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching step may be provided.

With this configuration, after the power of the printer is turned on, the operation mode after the start-up can be set as desired by the user through the above-described steps, as in the conventional printer driving method. It is possible to eliminate the problem caused by setting the RAM operation mode immediately after the power is turned on. If it is preferable not to operate in the RAM operation mode, the ROM operation mode can be set in the default state.
This makes it possible to increase the high-speed operation of the printer to some extent when there is a possibility that the RAM capacity may be insufficient after data is partially expanded on the RAM when printing character data or image data including a complicated font. Give up and R from the beginning
The printing path can be selected in the OM operation mode, and it is possible to provide a printing mode that meets the user's preference.

In the method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation using the above steps, the operation mode switching step switches a memory operation in the ROM operation step to a memory operation in the RAM operation step by manual input by a user. It may be configured to include an operation manual switching step. With this configuration, when switching the memory operation, the user can manually switch the memory operation, and can reliably perform the operation while checking the operation state of the printer with his / her own eyes.

In the method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation using the above steps, in the operation mode switching step, after the operation in the ROM operation step is started at the time of starting, the RAM stores ordinary print data. A judging step of judging whether or not the storage capacity is left, and switching the operation mode from the ROM operation mode to the RAM operation mode when the judgment step judges that the storage capacity is sufficient. And a selecting step for allowing the user to make a selection. With this configuration, it is possible to switch from the ROM operation mode to the RAM operation mode after confirming whether or not the RAM has a memory capacity enough to expand complicated data. In this case, it is possible to provide the user with reliable information on the performance of the printer, and to ensure the switching.

In the method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation using each of the above steps, the operation mode switching step includes the step of: when the storage capacity of the RAM becomes insufficient while operating in the RAM operation step. An operation selection step of selecting whether to switch the operation mode from the RAM operation mode to the ROM operation mode or to stop the printing operation in the RAM operation mode up to that time may be included. With this configuration, even if the RAM operation mode is set once after the printer is started, the print data is image data or character data with a complicated font specified, as in the related art. Instead of displaying the message "Please add more RAM" and causing the printer to stop operating, the selection step allows you to select either to stop printing or switch to ROM operation mode. ,
The reliability of the printing operation can be secured.

The recording medium according to the third basic configuration of the present invention, in which a memory driving selectable printer driving program is recorded, has a ROM operation mode for executing a language program read directly from the ROM, A RAM operation mode for temporarily writing and executing the language program in an operable RAM, and a recording medium storing a drive program for a memory operation selectable printer, wherein the ROM is used at least when the printer is started up.
A ROM operation procedure for performing an operation in an operation mode;
After the operation in the ROM operation mode is started in the ROM operation step, a judgment procedure for judging whether or not the operation in the RAM operation mode is possible, and it is judged that the RAM operation is possible in the judgment step An operation mode switching procedure for switching the operation mode when the operation mode is switched by the operation mode switching step.
A RAM operation procedure for performing the operation in the RAM operation mode using M, and a print execution procedure for executing the language program in the operation mode switched in the operation mode switching step are provided.

According to the recording medium configured as described above, for example, a ROM chip that records a conventional procedure can be
By replacing the ROM chip of the present invention in which a predetermined procedure is recorded, the present invention can be widely applied to existing printers, and can be used as the printer according to the first configuration of the present invention. . The read only memory used in the ROM operation mode is an EEPROM (Elec
trically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memor
y), for example, using a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as PC), for example, using a compact disc-read only memory (Compact Disc-Read Only)
Memory-CD-ROM-) or a program recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible or floppy disk (FD) by rewriting the program data in the EEPROM, so that the present invention can be applied to a printer that operates with an existing program. Can be implemented as a printer according to the first basic configuration.

As described above, according to the printer capable of selecting the memory operation according to the first to third basic configurations of the present invention, the driving method thereof, and the recording medium storing the driving program, the RAM operation is started at the time of startup. The memory operation mode at startup can be set by the user's choice without using the default, so that the user can know the contents of the print data and reserve the DRAM resources at high speed to execute printing or low speed. However, it is possible to reliably select a method of completing the printing operation, and to provide a user-friendly printer and a driving method thereof.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The first embodiment includes the basic concept of the present invention, and includes a ROM operation mode for executing a language program directly read from a ROM, and a method for temporarily writing and executing the language program from the ROM to a RAM capable of high-speed operation. And a RAM operation mode in which the memory operation can be selected.

(First Embodiment) A printer according to the basic concept of the present invention starts operation with the ROM operation mode as a default at the time of startup, and is determined to be in a state where it can operate on the RAM, or The operation mode is changed to the RAM operation mode in response to an instruction from the user to operate on the RAM. As a specific configuration for realizing such a configuration, the first configuration shown in FIG.
A memory operation selectable printer according to the embodiment is proposed.

In FIG. 1, a printer 1 capable of selecting a memory operation according to the first embodiment includes a ROM operation means 2 which operates in the ROM operation mode at least at the time of startup,
After the operation in the ROM operation mode is started by the ROM operation means 2, it is determined whether or not the operation in the RAM operation mode is possible. If it is determined that the RAM operation is possible, the operation mode can be switched. Operating mode switching means 3
RAM operation means 6 for reading the language program from the ROM after the operation mode is switched by the operation mode switching means 3 and performing the operation in the RAM operation mode using the RAM; And a print execution unit 7 for executing the language program in the operation mode switched by the above.

The ROM operating means 2 operates the ROM 11 as a hardware configuration, and the RAM operating means 6 operates as a RAM 12 as a hardware configuration.
Is to operate. The operation mode switching means 3
Are manual switching means 4 for switching the memory operation of the ROM operation means 2 to the memory operation of the RAM operation means 6 by a manual input by the user;
Means for determining whether or not the printer has sufficient capacity to store normal print data, and when the storage capacity is sufficient, allows the user to select switching to the RAM operation mode.
And

The manual switching means 4 includes a printer 1
When the printer is started, the ROM operating means 2 operates the ROM 11 to prepare for printing, and then the operation panel 9 is connected to the RA.
A message as to whether or not to switch to the operation according to M12 is displayed. Further, the selection means 5 determines whether or not the storage capacity of the RAM 12 except for the receiving buffer and the area for storing the expanded data is sufficient, and displays information on the RAM 12 on the operation panel 9 as to whether or not to perform manual switching. You may do it. When it is determined that the operation is possible in the RAM operation mode, the selection means 5 displays a RAM operation selection button (not shown) on the operation panel 9 so that the user can operate the operation mode by the manual switching means 4. May be selected.

The operation mode switching means 3 controls the R while the printer 1 is operated by the RAM operation means 6.
When the storage capacity of the AM 12 is insufficient, the operation mode is set to R
From the RAM operation by the AM operation means 6 to the ROM operation means 2
And a selection means 5 for selecting whether to switch to the ROM operation according to the above to completely finish the printing by discarding the high-speed performance or to cancel the printing for the reason of performing the job by another printer. Is also good. In this case, a ROM operation selection button and a print stop button (both not shown) are displayed on the operation panel 9 to allow the user to complete printing to obtain a complete print even if the user discards high speed, or It may be configured such that any button can be pressed after it is determined whether printing should be temporarily stopped and printing should be stopped.

The printing execution means 7 is generally provided in a printing mechanism 8 such as a printer engine, and executes an actual printing operation based on print data interpreted by an interpreting unit of the printer and expanded into bitmap data for printing. Will run.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the first embodiment shown in FIG.
A method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to the embodiment will be described as a second embodiment with reference to FIGS. The method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to the second embodiment includes a ROM operation mode for executing a language program read directly from the ROM 11,
The present invention is applied to a printer having a RAM operation mode in which the language program is temporarily written from the ROM 11 to the RAM 12 capable of high-speed operation and executed.

In the method of driving a printer according to the second embodiment, when the printer 1 starts up, the operation is started with the ROM operation mode as a default,
12 is determined to be operable on RAM or RAM
The operation mode is changed from the ROM operation mode to the R
It is characterized in that the mode is changed to the AM operation mode.

The detailed configuration of the method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to the second embodiment includes, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, a step ST1 for starting the printer 1, and at least starting of the printer 1 A ROM operation step ST2 for performing an operation in the ROM operation mode at a time, and determining whether or not the operation in the RAM operation mode is possible after the operation in the ROM operation mode is started by the ROM operation step ST2. The step ST3 and the judgment step ST3
An operation mode switching step ST4 for switching the operation mode when it is determined that the M operation is possible. After the operation mode is switched by the operation mode switching step ST4, a language program is read from the ROM 11 and the RAM 12 is used. A RAM operation step ST5 for performing an operation in the RAM operation mode, and a print execution step S for executing the language program in the operation mode switched in the operation mode switching step ST4.
T6.

If it is determined in the determination step ST3 that the RAM operation cannot be performed, the process returns to the step 2, and
Printing is performed in the default ROM operation mode. In this case, although omitted in FIG. 2, printing can be performed in a normal ROM operation mode. RAM operation step S
During the print execution step ST6 at T5, a situation in which the memory capacity of the RAM 12 is insufficient may occur as in step ST7. In this case, in the next determination step ST8, the user is caused to determine whether or not to continue the printing. If the printing is to be continued, the operation mode is switched from the RAM operation mode to the ROM operation mode in the operation mode switching step ST9. After switching, ROM operation step S (by switching)
Printing is continued at T10, but there is no advantage such as high-speed processing as compared with the RAM operation step. Judgment step ST
If it is determined in step 8 that the user does not need to execute printing in the ROM operation mode, printing is stopped in step ST11.

With the above configuration, even in the printer having the ROM operation mode and the RAM operation mode, the printer is automatically set to the RAM operation mode immediately after the start-up, and the print command is issued by the printer driving method according to the second embodiment. Instead of waiting for the host device to issue the command, the printer 1 is in the ROM operation mode by default when the printer 1 is started up. If the user desires high-speed printing, the setting is changed to the RAM operation mode. Become. With this configuration, if the user intends to use a complicated font or print image data, it is expected that the memory capacity of the RAM will be insufficient and the high-speed performance will be discarded from the beginning. It is only necessary to set the ROM memory operation mode.

Also in the second embodiment, even if the RAM operation mode is set once, the RA
It is not necessary to continue driving in the M operation mode.
If the memory capacity of the AM 12 becomes insufficient during printing, the user may leave room for the user to select whether to switch to the roam operation mode again to continue or to stop printing. With such a configuration, the memory capacity of the DRAM can be effectively utilized, and a user with little knowledge may be concerned about adding an expensive RAM, or the printing operation of the printer may stop during printing. Problems such as wondering whether to take measures can be solved.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to a third embodiment having a more specific hardware configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the hardware configuration of the printer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the printer 1, which is an application specific integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as ASIC-Application Specific Integrated Circuit).
Circuit-abbreviated. 10, a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU-Central Processing Unit) 15 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memor).
y) 12 are connected, and the ASIC 10 is connected to the ROM 11 via an internal bus 16 and an input / output (IO) AS
It is connected to an IC 17, a font initial program loader (hereinafter, “FONT / IPL”) 18, a DIMM 19, and the like. The IO ASIC 17 is connected to various interfaces, and TYPEB via an internal bus.
, USB, IEEE 1394, Ethernet (Ethern
et) are connected. In addition, the ASIC 10
A program memory 13 composed of an AM (Static Random Access Memory) and a data memory 14 are provided.

Next, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG.
The operation of the printer according to the embodiment will be described. First, at the time of activation, the normal state is the ROM operation step ST2 as shown in FIG. Next, when "RAM operation" is displayed on the display / operation panel, it is determined by the user whether or not to make a selection. When the user selects this icon, "Please reset" is displayed (step ST12). . After the reset, printing in the selected “RAM operation” mode becomes possible (step ST13). According to such a procedure, the memory operation mode is converted, and the normal state becomes the RAM operation mode (step ST5).

Next, when the normal state is the RAM operation mode as in step ST5 of FIG.
The case of converting to the ROM operation mode to secure M resources will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the normal state is the RAM operation step ST5, and the user selects “ROM operation” from the display / selection panel as shown in step ST14. Is displayed. Next, step ST1
After the reset at 5, the printer is ready for printing in the selected "ROM operation" mode. Thus, the normal state is step ST10 where the ROM operation mode is set. In the description of the operation of the third embodiment, the same or corresponding operation steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 2 describing the second embodiment have been described using the same step numbers.

What can be said in common with the first to third embodiments is that, after the printer is started, the ROM operation mode is set as a default and the printer is ready for printing, and then the ROM operation state is selected by a user's selection or switching action. To the RAM operating state. Various modes at the time of this transition will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first and second embodiments, the type of data is assumed to be data that is not subjected to processing such as compression. However, in the third embodiment, the type of data that uses a compression code is not used. Thing 2
Let's consider it by type.

The operation memory is a ROM operation and a RAM operation.
Since there are two types of data, compressed and uncompressed, a total of four combinations are conceivable. In general, the DRAM memory can operate at a higher speed than the ROM operation, but the memory consumption of the DRAM increases by the amount of copying the language program read from the ROM. Regarding the data type, overrun errors are less likely to occur with uncompressed codes than with compressed codes because there is no data decompression processing, but uncompressed codes do not compress data. Generally, the consumption of DRAM increases.

FIG. 6 is a table summarizing a list of combinations of operation modes and data types in order of transition from default to numerical order. In FIG. 6, the default is "1" when the compressed code data is processed by the ROM operation.
The case where the compressed code data is processed by the DRAM operation is "2", the case where the uncompressed code data is processed by the ROM operation is "3", and the uncompressed code is finally
The case of processing by operation is set to “4”. The first mentioned above
In the operation of the second embodiment, only the ROM operation and the RAM operation in the non-compressed code are combined, so that in FIG. However, in the operation example of the third embodiment, combinations of 1 to 4 can be considered.

FIG. 7 shows the operation mode “1” of the printer,
This is a table showing the contents of “2”, “3”, and “4” in comparison, and in a high-speed operation, there is a relation of “4> 3” and “2> 1”.
Even when the capacity of the DRAM is used, “4> 3”, “2”
> 1 ”, and the possibility of overrun is“ 1> 3 ”and“ 2> 4 ”. Therefore, the user only has to grasp the contents of the operation modes 1 to 4 and select an operation mode that matches the status of the printer at that time. The gist of the present invention is
Considering the point of securing the DRAM resources, the operation mode “4” is considered to be superior from the viewpoint of high speed. However, the degree of exclusive use of the DRAM memory capacity is extremely large. It is safe to not set this operation mode.

When the operation mode is set from this point of view, the example shown in FIG. 8 is practical, and "1" and "2" shown in FIG.
If the operation mode of “3” is named as a selection mode, it can be named a standard [default] mode, a high-speed mode, and a reliable mode. When the printer is shipped from the factory, the operation mode is set to “1” as a default. After that, the operation mode is set to “2” according to user settings.
Alternatively, the process shifts to “3”. As a setting method, there are a method of setting on a display / operation panel of the printer main body, and a method of selecting and setting an operation mode when a print command is issued from a host device such as a PC incorporated in a printer driver. That is, the operation panel and the printer driver are representative of the setting means.

As shown in FIG. 8, the "standard mode" is set by the operation panel or the printer driver as setting means.
Three selection modes, “high-speed mode” and “reliable mode”, can be selected, and the state transitions among three operation modes “1”, “2”, and “3” according to the selected selection mode. . FIG. 8 shows a transition state 20 of the printer 1. In FIG. 8, since the operation mode is a default standard mode at the time of shipment, when the power is turned on from the power off state, the standard mode state 21 is displayed. Starts the printer. If the power is turned off in this state, the operation mode at the time of startup when the power is next turned on is the standard mode state 21.

Next, when the user switches the setting from the standard mode state 21 to the high-speed operation mode “2” by the setting means, the state of the printer changes to the high-speed mode state 22 and
The language program stored in the OM can be copied to the DRAM to perform high-speed processing. When the user turns off the power in this state, the operation is performed in the high-speed operation mode 22 the next time the power is turned on. In the high-speed mode state 22 or the standard mode state 21, when the user wants to secure a sufficient storage capacity of the DRAM in order to print a complicated font or print image data or the like, the setting means is used. Is used to switch the operation mode to the reliable mode state 23.

Thus, the printer is in the reliable mode state 2
In this state, if the power is turned off, the next time the power is turned on, the printer will start up in this state. Such an operation mode is displayed on the operation / display panel by the mode name or the number, and the user selects the operation mode while judging the situation. The transition from the power-off state in the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 9 is based on an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Pr.
ogrammble Read Only Memory). In the operation of the third embodiment, when the power supply of the printer 1 is turned off as in the first or second embodiment, the operation mode does not always become the ROM operation mode which is the default state, but the operation mode when the power supply is turned off. Therefore, if an operation mode when the printer is started next is set and the power is turned off, the printer can be started in a desired operation mode.

Next, an example of a method of selecting or displaying a printer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 10, a block surrounded by a solid line on the left side of the bold line indicates an operation under user control, and a block surrounded by a broken line on the right side of the bold line indicates an operation under internal control of the printer. Here, a case where the setting is changed from the standard mode to the high-speed mode will be described as an example.

In FIG. 10, when the user first turns on the power of the printer, the printer
The operation mode setting flag is read out and the operation mode is shifted to the operation mode corresponding to the operation mode setting flag. In this example, it is assumed that the printer starts up in the standard mode which is the default at the time of shipment. When the user wants to change the operation mode of the printer which is in the standard mode at the time of startup, the high-speed mode of the printer is selected by using the mode selection means.
Accordingly, the internal control of the printer changes the setting of the high-speed mode to the EEP based on the selection of the high-speed mode by the user.
Write to the ROM and change the language program in the ROM to R
Copy to AM. When the high-speed mode is written in the EEPROM and the power of the printer is once turned off and then turned on again, the printer starts up with the high-speed mode as a default.

When the control returns to the user side, the printer is ready for printing, and the user operates a host device such as a PC to transmit print data to the printer side. The printer generates a compression code of the print data and outputs a print request to the printer engine. Thus, the high-speed mode printing is completed, and when all the print jobs are completed, the print mode is restored. From the printer's point of view, if the power is turned off while waiting for the next print job to be specified and sent by the user, the high-speed mode will be used the next time the power is turned on as described above. The printer will be started up with the default operation. Of course, when the user wants to print in the secure mode when the printer is in the printable state, if the setting is changed, the operation mode of the printer becomes the reliable mode, and the print data specified by the user is stored in the ROM operation mode, and Printing is performed using the uncompressed code.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a recording medium according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which a drive program for a memory operation selectable printer is recorded, will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 11 and 12 are a perspective view and a block diagram, respectively, showing an example of a computer system 30 using a recording medium on which a driving program of a printer capable of selecting a memory operation is recorded. In FIG. 11, a computer system 30 includes a computer main body 31 including a CPU.
A display device 32 such as a CRT, an input device 33 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a printer 34 for executing printing.
And

As shown in FIG. 12, the computer main body 31 has an internal memory 35 composed of a RAM and a memory unit 36 that can be built in or externally mounted. The memory unit 36 is a flexible or floppy disk. An (FD) drive 37, a CD-ROM drive 38, and a hard disk drive (HD) unit 39 are mounted. As shown in FIG. 11, as a recording medium 40 used in these memory units 36, a flexible disk or a floppy disk (F
D) 41 and C used for the CD-ROM drive 38
A D-ROM 42 or the like is used.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the recording medium 40 used in a general computer system may be an FD 41 or a CD-ROM 42. The present invention particularly relates to a print execution program for the printer 34. Therefore, for example, a drive program for a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is recorded in a ROM chip 43 serving as a nonvolatile memory incorporated in the printer 34, and the drive program is replaced by replacing the ROM chip 43. May be replaced.

The recording medium 40 has a memory operation mode having a ROM operation mode for executing a language program read directly from the ROM, and a RAM operation mode for temporarily writing and executing the language program from the ROM to a RAM capable of high-speed operation. It records a selectable printer drive program. In such a recording medium 40, a ROM operation procedure for performing an operation in the ROM operation mode at least when the printer is started, and an operation in the ROM operation mode is started by the ROM operation step, and then the RAM operation mode is started. A determination procedure for determining whether or not the operation is possible, an operation mode switching procedure for switching the operation mode when the determination step determines that the RAM operation is possible, and an operation mode After the switching, the language program is read from the ROM and the RAM is used to perform an operation in the RAM operation mode, and the language program is executed in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching step. The print execution procedure is recorded.

According to the recording medium as described above, the present invention can be applied to an existing printer by replacing, for example, a ROM chip recording a conventional procedure with a ROM chip of the present invention recording a predetermined procedure. The present invention can also be widely applied to a printer according to the first configuration of the present invention. The read only memory used in the ROM operation mode is an EEPROM (Electrically Erase).
In the case of ble and programmable read only memory, for example, using a PC, for example, a compact disc-read only memory (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory-C)
By rewriting the program data of the EEPROM with a program recorded on a recording medium such as a D-ROM-) or a flexible or floppy disk (FD), even if the printer is operated by an existing program, the printer according to the present invention can be used. 1 can be implemented as a printer according to the basic configuration.

[0064]

As described in detail above, according to the printer with selectable memory operation according to the present invention, the ROM having the RAM operation mode is immediately activated when the printer is started.
Instead of loading a language program from RAM to RAM,
2 according to the situation by user's selection based on predetermined conditions
Since the two memory operation modes can be freely set, the storage capacity of the DRAM can be used effectively, and
RAM resources can be secured, and when the user wants the printer to perform high-speed processing, the RAM operation mode is set,
When a reliable operation is desired, the printer can be operated in the ROM operation mode, and an easy-to-use printer can be provided at a relatively low price.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a switching operation from a ROM operation to a RAM operation in the printer according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a switching operation from a RAM operation to a ROM operation in the printer according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a table showing correspondence between printer memory operations and data types according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a table showing an operation content and a comparison of each mode in the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a table showing a correspondence between a selection mode and an operation mode in the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a transition state in the printer according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of user control and internal control of the printer according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view showing a computer system using a recording medium in which a driving program of a printer capable of selecting a memory operation according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is used.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system using the recording medium of the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 ROM operation means 3 Operation mode switching means 4 Manual switching means 5 Selection means 6 RAM operation means 7 Printing execution means 8 Printing mechanism (printer engine) 9 Operation panel 11 ROM 12 RAM 21 Standard mode state 22 High-speed mode state 23 Reliable Mode state

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A memory operation selectable having a ROM operation mode for executing a language program read directly from a ROM, and a RAM operation mode for temporarily writing and executing the language program from the ROM to a high-speed RAM. A printer capable of selecting a memory operation, wherein the printer starts operation with the ROM operation mode as a default at startup and changes the operation mode to the RAM operation mode based on a predetermined condition. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is any one of an instruction from a user through a manual operation, an automatic determination by the program as to whether or not there is enough memory capacity, or a combination of these three conditions. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer is one of them. 3. ROM operation means for performing an operation in the ROM operation mode at least at the time of startup, and the ROM
Operating mode switching means for determining whether or not operation in the RAM operation mode is possible after the operation in the ROM operation mode is started by the operation means, and switching the operation mode when RAM operation is possible; and After the operation mode is switched by the operation mode switching means,
RA that reads the language program from M and performs an operation in the RAM operation mode using the RAM.
2. The memory operation selectable printer according to claim 1, further comprising: M operation means; and print execution means for executing the language program in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching means. 4. The operation mode switching means switches the memory operation of the ROM operation means to the memory operation of the RAM operation means by manual input by a user, and switches the memory operation of the RAM operation means to the memory operation of the ROM operation means. 3. The memory operation selectable printer according to claim 2, comprising a manual switching means for switching between the two modes. 5. The operation mode switching means, after starting operation by the ROM operation means at the time of startup, judges whether or not the RAM has a capacity enough to store normal print data. 3. The memory operation selectable printer according to claim 2, further comprising selection means for allowing a user to select switching to a RAM operation mode when there is room. 6. When the operation in the RAM operation mode is determined to be possible, the selection means displays a RAM operation selection button on an operation panel to allow a user to select the operation mode switching. 5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the memory operation is selectable. 7. The operation mode switching means changes the memory operation mode from the RAM operation mode of the RAM operation means to the ROM operation means when the storage capacity of the RAM is insufficient during the operation by the RAM operation means. 3. The printer according to claim 2, further comprising a selection unit for selecting whether to switch to a ROM operation mode according to the above or to cancel the printing operation performed by the RAM operation unit. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting means displays an R on the operation panel when it is determined that the RAM cannot be operated in the RAM operation mode.
7. The printer according to claim 6, wherein an OM operation selection button and a print stop button are displayed to allow the user to select whether to execute or stop printing. 9. A memory operation mode having a ROM operation mode for executing a language program directly read from a ROM, and a RAM operation mode for temporarily writing and executing the language program from the ROM to a high-speed RAM. In the printer driving method, when the printer starts up, the operation is started with the ROM operation mode as a default, and the operation mode is changed from the ROM operation mode to the RA based on a predetermined condition.
A method for driving a printer capable of selecting a memory operation, wherein the method is changed to an M operation mode. 10. The predetermined condition is one of an instruction from a user to operate on a RAM, a judgment by a program that the operation is possible on the RAM, or a combination of these three conditions. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein one of the memory operations is selected. 11. An operation in the ROM operation mode in which the operation in the ROM operation mode is performed at least at the time of starting the printer; and an operation in the RAM operation mode is started after the operation in the ROM operation mode is started by the ROM operation step. A determination step of determining whether or not the operation mode is possible; an operation mode switching step of switching an operation mode when it is determined that the RAM operation is possible in the determination step; and after the operation mode is switched by the operation mode switching step, A RAM operation step of reading the language program from the ROM and performing an operation in the RAM operation mode using the RAM; and a print execution step of executing the language program in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching step. It is characterized by having Memory operation method of driving selectable printer according to claim 8,. 12. The operation mode switching step according to claim 9, wherein the operation mode switching step includes an operation manual switching step of switching a memory operation in the ROM operation step to a memory operation in the RAM operation step by manual input by a user. Driving method of printer that can select memory operation. 13. The operation mode switching step is a step of judging whether or not the RAM has sufficient capacity to store normal print data after the operation in the ROM operation step is started at the time of startup. And a selecting step of allowing the user to select the operation mode from the ROM operation mode to the RAM operation mode when the determination step determines that the storage capacity is sufficient. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the memory operation is selectable. 14. The operation mode switching step according to claim 1, wherein
When the storage capacity of the RAM becomes insufficient while operating in the AM operation step, whether to switch the memory operation mode from the RAM operation mode to the ROM operation mode, or to cancel the printing operation in the previous RAM operation mode 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising an operation selection step of selecting a memory operation. 15. A memory operation mode having a ROM operation mode for executing a language program read directly from a ROM, and a RAM operation mode for temporarily writing and executing the language program from the ROM to a high-speed RAM. A recording medium on which a printer driving program is recorded, wherein: a ROM operation procedure for performing an operation in the ROM operation mode at least at the time of starting the printer; and A determination procedure for determining whether or not operation in an operation mode is possible; an operation mode switching procedure for switching an operation mode when it is determined in the determination step that RAM operation is possible; From the ROM after the mode is switched A RAM operation procedure for reading the language program and performing an operation in the RAM operation mode using the RAM; and a print execution procedure for executing the language program in the operation mode switched by the operation mode switching step. A recording medium recording a printer driving program capable of selecting a memory operation.