JP2002331704A - Printer and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer and a control system in which each register can be set after a TOP signal is inputted and good print results can be obtained at high speed even when the TOP signal of next page overlaps the section of a previous page under video transfer or when information of altering the set value of each register is received immediately before the TOP signal is inputted. SOLUTION: The printer capable of color printing comprises means for receiving code data from an external unit, means for developing the code data on a memory, means for transferring bit map data developed onto the memory to a printer engine section as video data, and a plurality of circuits of the means for developing the code data wherein each register is controlled such that an output image range can be set after a subscanning sync signal is inputted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a printer and a control system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic printer represented by a laser beam printer, print data (code data, image data, etc.) is received from an external device such as a host computer and the received print data is received. Bitmap data based on the data is expanded, and after the expansion is completed, the expanded bitmap data is used as video data in a printer engine unit (hereinafter, referred to as an engine unit).
Output to

[0003] The printing speed of these types of apparatuses has been greatly increased in recent years. In particular, a color printer or the like has a Y (yellow) M
A tandem system having developing units corresponding to (magenta) C (cyan) and K (black) has become mainstream, and a controller that controls the tandem system also transmits a video signal to each developing unit. For this purpose, each of the YMCKs has a development circuit and sequentially transmits video data to form an image for one page.

FIG. 3A is a timing chart when a video signal is transferred between the controller and the engine unit. When a print command is sent from the controller to the engine unit, the engine unit processes the print preparation. so,
A TOP signal (V step S
YNC signal).

[0005] The controller side makes various settings for the video transfer circuit (for example, top margin, left margin, width of main scanning, width of sub-scanning, etc.) before the TOP signal is received. When the signal is input, Y
The video signal is sequentially transferred to the engine unit in accordance with the MCK enable signal.

The YMCK has different top margins, and the transfer start time of the video signal differs according to the order of printing by the engine unit.

In setting the second page, the width of the main scan, the width of the sub-scan, and the top margin, which are image ranges, are usually changed.

[0008]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, when a continuous printing is to be performed using a printer capable of performing color printing, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. TOP of the page
Since the signal is output after the end of the video signal of the first page, various settings (for example, a top margin, a width of the main scan, a width of the sub-scan, etc.) of the second page can be performed.
As shown in (b), the print speed is increased, and the TOP signal of the next page is input before the end of the video signal of the previous page (in the tandem system, the paper is continuously transported. If such a situation occurs, the conventional method, in which the next page is set after the transfer of the video signal of the previous page, cannot be operated continuously, and the TOP signal is forcibly forced. If the user tries to set the next print before and after, the control becomes complicated.

Further, when the conveyance of the original is complicated due to double-sided printing or the like, it is necessary to change the left margin or the like in order to eliminate and align the original when the original is conveyed. At present, there is no other way than to transmit the change information during the setting range of the second page in FIG. 3A, so that the timing with the TOP signal cannot be obtained, and the deviation depends on the precision of the mechanism.

[0010] Further, if a TOP signal for taking timing of video transfer is provided for each of the YMCKs as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the number of signal lines increases, which leads to an increase in cost. Was.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and after the TOP signal is input, each register can be set, and the TOP signal of the next page is transmitted during the video transfer of the previous page. Provided is a printer device and a control system that can obtain a high-speed and good print result even when information overlaps with a section or when information on a change in a set value of each register is sent immediately before a TOP signal is input. The purpose is to:

[0012]

The present invention can solve the above-mentioned problems by providing the following constitution.

(1) means for receiving code data from an external device, means for expanding the code data on a memory, means for transferring bitmap data expanded on the memory as video data to a printer engine unit,
A color printing printer device having a plurality of circuits for developing the code data, wherein each register for setting an output image range is controlled so that it can be set after a sub-scan synchronization signal is input. Printer device characterized by the following.

(2) For setting the output image range,
The printer according to the above (1), wherein the length of the setting section of each register can be changed.

(3) The sub-scanning synchronizing signals input to the plurality of expanding means for expanding the code data are output in order from the first input expanding circuit, and the delayed sub-scanning synchronizing signals are output from the expanding circuit. The printer according to the above (1), wherein the output signal is used as a sub-scanning synchronization signal.

(4) means for receiving code data from an external device, means for expanding the code data on a memory, means for transferring bitmap data expanded on the memory as video data to a printer engine unit,
What is claimed is: 1. A printer capable of color printing having a plurality of circuits for developing said code data, wherein said first register sets an image output range of a first page and a second register sets an image output range of a next page. A printer device comprising a register.

(5) The first register for setting the image output range of the first page is changed to the content of the second register for setting the image output range of the next page after the image output in continuous printing. The printer device according to (4), wherein the printer device is replaced.

(6) means for receiving code data from an external device, means for expanding the code data on a memory, means for transferring the bitmap data expanded on the memory as video data to a printer engine unit,
A control system for a color-printable printer device having a plurality of circuits for expanding the code data,
A first register for controlling the setting of each register for setting the output image range so that it can be set after the sub-scanning synchronization signal is input, and setting an image output range for the first page; And a second register for setting the image output range.

That is, in the present invention, Y (yellow)
When performing continuous printing or double-sided printing in a tandem system having a development unit corresponding to each of M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) and a development circuit (or IC) for development corresponding to each, After a signal is input, a setting section in which various settings (for example, a top margin, a left margin, a width of a main scan, and a width of a sub-scan, etc.) are provided, and after the first TOP signal is input, the next section is input. By providing a means for outputting a sub-scanning synchronization signal (M_TOP, C_TOP, Y_TOP in this embodiment) to the developing circuit, or while transferring the video signal of the previous page, A register for holding the setting is provided, and after the video signal transfer of each YMCK is completed, the setting of the next page is automatically switched to the setting of the next page. TOP signal, and when overlapping the previous page section in the video transfer, information of various settings changes, even come sent immediately before the TOP signal is input, enabling high-speed and good continuous printing.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a printer device according to the present invention.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic cross-sectional views showing the main configuration of a printer according to the present invention. FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are timing charts of video signals in a conventional example.
, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in the first embodiment, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation in the second embodiment, FIG. 7 is a timing chart of a video signal in the third embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation in the third embodiment;
13 is a timing chart of a video signal in the fourth embodiment.

(Embodiment 1) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a printer according to the present invention.

The printer device inputs data from various external devices such as a host computer and executes recording on a recording medium. This printer device can register a character pattern from a data source (not shown).

In this embodiment, a laser beam printer is applied to the printer device 2.

In FIG. 2, a printer (main body) 2
Is to input and store print information (character codes, etc.), form pattern information, macro commands, etc., supplied from an externally connected host computer, and to store corresponding character patterns, form patterns, etc. according to the information. It is created and an image is formed on recording paper as a storage medium.

Reference numeral 200 denotes switches and LEs for various operations.
An operation panel 201 on which a D display and the like are arranged, a printer control unit (hereinafter, referred to as a controller) 201 that executes overall control of the printer device 2 and analyzes character information supplied from a host computer or the like.
It is.

The controller 201 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and sends the video signal to the laser scanner unit 209.

When printing is started, the printer 2
Starts a paper feed operation for feeding recording paper from the paper feed cassette 202 or the manual feed tray 203 into the apparatus.

The recording paper fed in this way is sent to the transport unit 204 and developed by the developing units 205, 206, and 20.
7 and 208 are sequentially conveyed.

At the same time, the image data of each color developed by the controller 201 is sent to the laser scanner unit 209 after the image conversion processing.

The laser scanner unit 209 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser, and turns on the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser in accordance with the input image data.
/ OFF switch.

The image data sent to the laser scanner unit 209 is subjected to laser scanning of the photosensitive drums of the phenomenon units 205, 206, 207, and 208 based on the image data for each color, and is placed on the photosensitive drum corresponding to each color. A desired color image is formed.

By synchronizing the formation of the image data for each color with the conveyance of the recording paper, a color image of each color is developed on the recording paper conveyed on the conveyance unit 204.

The developing units 205, 206, 20
Sensors for detecting the remaining amount of toner are attached to 7, 208, and information from the sensors is sent to the control system of the recording unit in accordance with the decrease in toner.

The recording paper on which the color image has been printed is heat-fixed by the fixing unit 210 and discharged onto the paper feed tray 211.

With such a configuration of the printer device 2,
Since development can be performed independently for each color, a printed image can be obtained at a very high speed.

The printer is provided with a duplex unit for duplex printing as an option. When duplex printing is performed, the unit can be attached to perform duplex printing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system in the above-described printer device 2.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an interface unit (I / F unit) for inputting code data and image data from an external device (such as a host computer or an image scanner).

Reference numeral 102 denotes a CPU, which controls the entire printer.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a RAM, which is an area for storing print data sent from an external device such as a host computer for printing, and a work memory such as a CP.
A work area required when the U102 executes various controls is provided.

A ROM section 104 stores an area for storing various programs (firmware) to be executed by the CPU 102 and various font data for developing code data into images.

Reference numeral 105 denotes D of data between blocks.
This is a control block for controlling MA transfer and arbitration.

Expansion circuits 106, 107, 108, 109
Is determined according to the data stored in the RAM unit 103.
Necessary data is input from the M unit 103 and the ROM unit 104, and the internal memory of each of the expansion circuits 106, 107, 108, and 109, or the expansion circuits 106, 107, 108, and 10 are input.
9 has means for bitmap development in an external memory externally attached to each.

In each development circuit, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are developed by separate development circuits (or constituted by separate ICs) and recorded. I / F unit M110, I / F unit C111, I / F unit Y112, and I / F unit K113, which are I / F units with the unit (engine unit), in synchronization with a synchronization signal coming from the recording unit, It is output as a video signal.

The I / F section always exchanges the command status with the recording section at regular intervals, grasps the state of the recording section, and sends a print command and the like.
It controls the operation of the recording unit.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 4 and the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S501, when code data is input from an external device (such as a host computer), the data sent from the external device is converted into the respective expansion circuits (the expansion circuit K converts the black color data). The development circuit Y develops the yellow color data, the development circuit C develops the cyan color data, and the development circuit M develops the magenta color data.

After the bitmap development is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S502, where the controller 201 issues a print command to the engine unit, and issues a T command from the engine unit.
It enters the OP signal waiting state.

In the setting section (top margin, left margin, main scanning width, sub-scanning width, etc.) for setting each register according to the present embodiment, the length of the setting section can be freely changed. In this embodiment,
Similarly to the method of determining the top margin, the number of BO signals (main scanning synchronization signals) is counted to control the length of the set section so that the length can be changed and set. All) length is set.

When the TOP signal is input to the M (magenta) expansion circuit M106 on the controller 201,
The controller 201 sets an M (magenta) video data output range (a top margin, a left margin, a sub-scanning output range, a main scanning output range, and the like) in a register.

Here, the time set in each register of M (magenta) is within the set section, and the top margin of M (magenta) is counted after the end of the set section, and the processing when the top margin is completed. Output a video signal.

After the TOP signal is input, the expansion circuit M106 outputs an M_TOP signal, which is a signal obtained by delaying the TOP signal, to the expansion circuit C107.

The delay value of the delayed M_TOP signal is also controlled so that the delay time can be changed.

Similarly, when the M_TOP signal is C (cyan)
Is input to the expansion circuit C107 of
1 sets a C (cyan) video data output range (a top margin, a left margin, a sub-scanning output range, a main scanning output range, and the like) in a register.

Here, the time set in each register of C (cyan) is within the set section, and the top margin of C (cyan) is counted after the end of the set section. Output a video signal.

After the M_TOP signal is input, the expansion circuit C107 outputs a C_TOP signal, which is a signal obtained by delaying the M_TOP signal, to the expansion circuit Y108.

The expansion circuit Y108 and the expansion circuit K109 perform the same operation as described above, and finally output K (black).

In step S504, it is determined whether or not the video output of M (magenta) has been completed. If the video output has been completed, the flow advances to step S505 to determine whether or not continuous printing has been performed. Fig. 4
During the command waiting section, the CPU waits for change information such as the left margin sent from the engine unit. If there is change information, the setting of each register is changed in the M setting section after the next TOP signal is input.

Similarly, if the printing is continuous printing, the above operation is repeated. If the printing is final printing, step S505 is performed.
Ends with.

When continuous printing is repeated in step S505, it is determined in step S506 whether or not there is setting information. If so, the flow advances to step S507 to correct the setting value, and returns to step S502.

(Embodiment 2) In the above-described embodiment 1, the operation at the time of continuous printing was described. However, in the case of double-sided printing, yellow (Y) and magenta (M) as shown in FIG. , Cyan (C) and black (K) video signals are output, and then the TOP signal on the back side is output.
Although the TOP signals do not overlap as shown in FIG.
Change information such as a left margin is set in order to align the deviation of a document after passing through a complicated transport path.

The flowchart of FIG. 6 also includes conditions for double-sided printing. By determining whether or not continuous printing is performed in step S505 and then determining whether or not double-sided printing is performed in step S508, the flow chart of FIG. Good print results can be guaranteed according to the conveyed document.

(Embodiment 3) The operation of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 7 and the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S801, when code data is input from an external device (such as a host computer), the flow advances to step S802 to determine whether the data to be printed is continuous printing.

If it is not continuous printing, the flow shifts to step S 809, and output is performed in a normal procedure.

In a normal case, first, the data sent from the external device is expanded by each expansion circuit (the expansion circuit K expands black color data, the expansion circuit Y expands yellow color data, and The circuit C develops cyan color data, and the developing circuit M develops magenta color data on the memory, and simultaneously outputs each video data output range (top margin, left margin, sub-scanning output range, main scanning). Output range) is set in the first register.

When the setting of each first register and the bitmap development have been completed, the controller 201 issues a print command to the engine unit, and issues a TO command from the engine unit.
It enters the P signal waiting state.

When the TOP signal is input to the controller, the video signal is transmitted to the engine after the top margin of the value previously set in the first register is completed, and in step S810, the video signals for all the YMCKs have been transmitted. Where it ends.

The registers for storing various set values include a first register to which the currently operating circuit refers,
There is a second register that stores the setting value of the next page,
The first register has a configuration in which the content of the second register can be rewritten by a timing signal.

If it is determined in step S802 that continuous printing is to be performed, the first page is set in the first register in step S803.

When the setting of the first page and the development of the first page are completed, the controller 201 sends a print signal to the engine unit and waits for a TOP signal.

When a TOP signal is sent from the engine unit, a video signal is transmitted after a predetermined top margin ends. As shown in FIG. 7, at the timing when the TOP signal is input, various video signals on the second page are sent. Is set for the second register provided for the next page.

The next page is set for all the YMCKs, and each video enable signal (M_VEN) is set.
B, C_VENB, Y_VENB, and K_VENB) are disabled. At the first timing when the M_VENB signal is disabled, the contents of the second register provided for the next page are automatically stored in the first register. Replaces the contents of the register.

Of course, the first and second registers are provided for each color, and C_VENB, Y_VE
Each register is rewritten at the timing when NB and K_VENB are disabled.

If the next TOP signal has not been input, the apparatus waits for a TOP signal, and if the TOP signal has been input, operates with the value obtained by subtracting the number of lines after the top input from the top margin. I do.

Next, in step S807, it is determined whether the printing is continuous printing, that is, whether or not the next page (here, the third page) is present.
When ENB is disabled, step S8
Returning to 05, the third page is set in the second register.

Similarly, if the printing is continuous printing, the above operation is repeated. If the printing is final printing, step S808 is executed.
Ends with.

(Embodiment 4) In Embodiment 4, M_V
Since it is assumed that ENB is disabled before C_VENB, Y_VENB, and K_VENB,
In an image in which C_VENB is disabled first as shown in FIG. 9, it is necessary to insert a white image at the rear end of the image so that C_VENB is not disabled first.

Therefore, the setting range of the next page is set to M_V
By making ENB, C_VENB, Y_VENB, and K_VENB the fastest disable signal,
Even if yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) have different image ranges, it can be handled.

[0081]

As described above, Y (yellow) M
In a tandem system having a developing unit corresponding to each of (magenta) C (cyan) and K (black), and a corresponding developing circuit (or IC) for developing,
When performing continuous printing or double-sided printing, setting of each register (for example, top margin, left margin, width of main scanning, width of sub-scanning, etc.) is not performed before the TOP signal is input as in the current machine. In addition, a setting section for register setting is provided so that each register can be set after the TOP signal is input, and after the first TOP signal is input, the sub-scanning synchronization signal is sent to the next developing circuit. (In this embodiment, by having means for outputting M_TOP, C_TOP, Y_TOP), when performing continuous printing, a first register for holding various set values of the first page, During the transfer of the video signal of the page, a second register for holding various settings of the next page is provided. By switching to a di set, TOP signal of the next page, or if you overlap with the previous page section in the video transfer, the information of the change set values of each of the registers TO
Even if the signal is sent immediately before the P signal is input, a good and high-speed print result can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the printer device according to the invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are timing charts of video signals in a conventional example.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart of a video signal in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart of a video signal in the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart of a video signal in the fourth embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 2 Printer apparatus 101 I / F section 102 CPU 103 RAM section 104 ROM section 105 Control block 106 Expansion circuit M 107 Expansion circuit C 108 Expansion circuit Y 109 Expansion circuit K 110 I / F section M 111 I / F Unit C 112 I / F unit Y 113 I / F unit K 200 Operation panel 201 Printer control unit (controller) 202 Paper feed cassette 203 Manual feed tray 204 Transport unit 205, 206, 207, 208 Developing unit 209 Laser scanner unit 210 Fixing unit 211 Paper tray

Claims (6)

[Claims] A means for receiving code data from an external device; a means for expanding the code data on a memory;
A color-printable printer device having a plurality of circuits for transferring bitmap data expanded on the memory as video data to a printer engine unit and a plurality of circuits for expanding the code data, for setting an output image range. The printer device controls the setting of each register so that it can be set after the sub-scanning synchronization signal is input. 2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein a length of a setting section of each register for setting the output image range can be changed. 3. A sub-scanning synchronizing signal input to a plurality of expanding means for expanding the code data, a delayed sub-scanning synchronizing signal is output from the expanding circuit in order from the first input expanding circuit. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the output signal is used as a sub-scan synchronization signal. A means for receiving code data from an external device; a means for expanding the code data on a memory; a means for transferring bitmap data expanded on the memory as video data to a printer engine; What is claimed is: 1. A printer capable of color printing having a plurality of circuits for developing code data, comprising: a first register for setting an image output range of a first page; and a second register for setting an image output range of a next page. A printer device comprising: 5. The first register for setting the image output range of the first page is switched to the content of the second register for setting the image output range of the next page after continuous image output in continuous printing. 5. The printer device according to claim 4, wherein: 6. A means for receiving code data from an external device, a means for expanding the code data on a memory,
A control system for a color-printable printer device having a plurality of circuits for transferring bitmap data expanded on the memory as video data to a printer engine unit and a plurality of circuits for expanding the code data, wherein an output image range is A first register for controlling the setting of each register to be set after the sub-scanning synchronization signal is input, and setting an image output range of the first page; and an image output range of the next page And a second register for setting the printer control system.