JP2907723B2 - Printer - Google Patents

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 initial setting of printing operation conditions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional printer has a self-printing mode for printing the current status on recording paper in parallel with test printing, in order to display the printing operation conditions of the printer in a manner that is easy for a user to understand. In addition, the initial state of the printer can be arbitrarily set on the user side, and the EEPROM (Electrically Erasab) of a rewritable and non-volatile memory can be used.
le and Programmable ROM).

Further, by additionally or additionally adding a ROM to the main body ROM (read only memory) of the printer, it is possible to improve an operation program and add a character type and a typeface.

[0004] Explaining the addition of a character type, for example, in a character code table represented by 8 bits (examples are shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D), an area (00H) where the most significant bit is "0" ７7FH) is shown in FIG.
As shown in the table, print control commands and codes common to the world such as numerals and alphabetic characters, so-called ASC
Although an II code or the like is assigned, a code table for each language is realized by assigning a unique character of each language to an area (80H to FFH) in which the most significant bit is “1”. For example, an area of 80H to FFH of an 8-bit code table used in a domestic printer is shown in FIG.
Katakana is assigned as in (2). Thus, the ASCII code table of 00H to 7FH and 80H to FF
A code table in which characters unique to each language such as Russian characters and Arabic characters are assigned to the H area is called a code page. Therefore, to add a code page, add information for assigning other types of characters to the character codes that are commonly used, and character pattern information for the characters, and add some such code pages. The number of types of characters that can be printed can be increased.

[0005] The addition of a typeface refers to a character generator (C) that stores a print dot pattern for each character code.
G), which corresponds to, for example, separately adding a brush CG to a Mincho CG or a Gothic CG.

In order to identify the role of the additional ROM, a specific address of the additional ROM
The ROM stores character data (for example, "CG") indicating that a character type and a typeface are added, character data (for example, printer model name "XYZ") indicating that a program is changed, and the like in advance. Printer C
The PU (central processing unit) determines the presence or absence and the role of the additional ROM by reading these character data. In addition, when character data does not correspond to any,
It is determined that there is no additional ROM.

[0007]

However, in the conventional printer, even if the actual printing operation conditions are switched by adding a ROM, the self-printing contents and the initial values of the EEPROM are not switched according to the added state of the ROM. This is extremely inconvenient for the user.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer capable of switching self-printing contents and initial values of an EEPROM in accordance with a state of additional ROM.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a first fixed memory for storing self-printing data, and a first fixed memory which is provided so as to be freely expandable.
A second fixed memory for storing another self-print data, wherein the printer executes a self-print operation for printing the self-print data on a recording medium by a predetermined operation.
A memory expansion state determining means for determining an expansion state of the fixed memory; and one of a plurality of self-print data stored in the first fixed memory or the second fixed memory according to a determination result of the memory expansion state determining means. And self-printing data selecting means for selecting the self-printing data, and performing self-printing using the self-printing data selected by the self-printing data selecting means.

Further, the present invention comprises a first fixed memory for storing a plurality of initial value tables, a second fixed memory which can be freely added, and a non-volatile memory for storing initialization data for determining a printing operation. In a printer that executes an initialization operation of the nonvolatile memory by a predetermined operation, a memory expansion state determining unit that determines an expansion state of the second fixed memory; 1. Initial value table selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of initial value tables stored in a fixed memory, and initializing the initial value table selected by the initial value table selecting means at the time of performing an initialization operation. A printer characterized in that the nonvolatile memory is initialized using data.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the second fixed memory stores an additional code page or typeface.

[0012]

According to the present invention, one of a plurality of self-printing data stored in the first fixed memory or the second fixed memory is selected by judging an extension state of the second fixed memory, and self-printing is performed. Done. Therefore, the content of the self-printing is appropriately switched according to the state of addition of the second fixed memory, which is convenient for the user.

According to the present invention, one of a plurality of initial value tables stored in the first fixed memory is selected by judging the expansion state of the second fixed memory, and the initialization of the nonvolatile memory is performed. Done. Therefore, the initialization contents of the non-volatile memory are appropriately switched according to the state of addition of the second fixed memory, which is convenient for the user.

Further, since an additional code page or typeface is stored in the second fixed memory, it is possible to perform a self-printing operation or an initializing operation according to the addition of the code page or the typeface. Become.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. The printer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, a main body ROM (Read Only Memory) 2 which is mounted from the manufacturing stage and stores programs for the CPU 1 and various data, and An additional ROM 3 that can be added after completion, a rewritable and volatile RAM (random access memory) 4, a rewritable nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 5 for storing initialization data of printing operation conditions, An interface 6 for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external host device 11, an operation panel 7 for instructing the CPU 1 to perform a predetermined operation with a plurality of operation switches, and an operation state of the printer for the user. A display unit 8 made up of an LED (light emitting diode) or the like for displaying data, and a display unit 8 based on data transferred from the host device 11 and data generated inside the printer. A printing portion 9 for printing the stomach recording medium, composed of a bus 10 for connecting the respective components.

The main body ROM 2 includes a control program 2a for controlling the main body ROM 2 and the additional ROM 3, CG (character generator) data 2b storing a dot pattern corresponding to print data, a print format and a print format for self-printing. Self-printing data 2 with stored data
c and the like are stored. Note that the control program 2a has an EE for performing the first writing of the nonvolatile memory 5.
A PROM basic initial value table is stored.

The additional ROM 3 includes operating condition setting information 3a indicating an expanded state of the additional ROM 3, and CG data 3b additionally storing a dot pattern corresponding to print data.
And a self-print data 3c storing print data and print data for performing self-printing when the additional ROM 3 is added.

FIG. 2 is a content diagram showing an example of the operation condition setting information of the additional ROM 3. Address of the additional ROM 3,
For example, character data of "S" is stored in 000AH ("H" indicates hexadecimal notation; the same applies hereinafter), and address 0
The character data of "P" is stored in 00BH, and the total two-byte data "SP" is, for example, recognition information indicating that it is a CG for Russia. Further, if a CG relating to another character system, for example, Arabic characters or Hangul characters is added, different character data is assigned.

Address 000CH stores 1-byte character data of "c" or "f", where "c" indicates the addition of a code page and "f" serves as recognition information indicating the addition of a typeface. Further, "C" is added to the address 000DH,
“G” is stored at the address 000EH, and the 2-byte data “CG” becomes recognition information indicating addition of a character generator. Therefore, the example of FIG. 2 indicates that the additional state of the ROM is the addition of the CG for Russia.

FIG. 3 is a content diagram showing another example of the operation condition setting information of the additional ROM 3. As shown in FIG. The addresses 000AH and 000BH of the additional ROM 3 are not used, and, for example, null data 00H are respectively stored. Address 00
“X” is stored in 0CH, “Y” is stored in address 000DH, and “Z” is stored in address 000EH. The 3-byte data “XYZ” is identification information indicating the printer model name. This indicates that the program is added to the name XYZ). If the program is added to another model, data representing another model name is stored.

When the additional ROM 3 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted as described above, the CPU 1 performs an initialization operation such as when power is turned on.
Refers to the data at addresses 000CH to 000EH of the additional ROM 3 and determines whether a CG is added or a program is added. If a CG is added, a code page or a font is added. Determine if there is
The state of additional ROM is detected.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing the contents of self-print data. Self-printing prints a list of the current settings of the printer status, operation mode, and the like, as well as available code pages and fonts, and is often performed in conjunction with an operation test of the printer.
FIG. 4A shows self-print data when a standard code page and a standard typeface stored in the main body ROM 2 are selected. These data tables are fetched by designating the start address ADR1 in the address space readable by the CPU1. FIG. 4B is a data table sequentially stored from the address ADR2 of the main body ROM 2, and shows self-print data when a standard code page and standard and optional typefaces are selected. FIG. 4C is a data table sequentially stored from the address ADR3 of the additional ROM 3 added as an additional code page, and shows the self-printing when the standard and optional code pages and the standard typeface are selected. Data. FIG. 4D is a data table sequentially stored from the address ADR4 of the additional ROM 3 which is additionally provided as a font type, and shows the self-printing data when the standard code page and the standard and optional fonts are selected. It is. When performing the self-printing operation, one of the data tables shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D is used. Note that blank sections in FIGS. 4A to 4D store common contents, for example, data indicating a status or an operation mode.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the contents of the EEPROM basic initial value table. EEPROM
The basic initial values written first in the basic initial value table are stored in the main unit ROM 2 in advance, and the basic initial value table in the main unit ROM 2 is copied as it is to the non-volatile memory 5 at the time of shipment from the factory. When performing the conversion operation, an initial value table stored in the nonvolatile memory 5 is referred to. Thereafter, when the initial settings of the printer are changed according to the user's preference, the host device 1
The initial value table of the non-volatile memory 5 is changed by the command from 1 or the operation of the operation panel 7, and the initialization operation at the time of starting the printer is performed with the changed initial value table.

FIG. 5A shows an address A of the main body ROM 2.
This is a data table sequentially stored from DR5, and is a basic initial value table when there is no code page addition. FIG. 5B shows an address ADR of the main body ROM 2.
6 is a data table sequentially stored from No. 6 and is a basic initial value table when a code page is added. In this way, a different EEPROM basic initial value table is selected depending on whether or not a code page is added by the additional ROM 3.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the initialization operation when the power is turned on. When the printer is turned on,
At step a1, the CPU 1 sets the address 0 of the
Read the data from 00CH to 000EH and add the ROM
It is determined whether or not 3 exists. Figure 2 shows the read data
If it is not the data shown in FIG. 3, it is determined that the additional ROM 3 does not exist, and the process proceeds to step a2. In step a2, the CPU 1 recognizes the operating environment of the printer that the printer is controlled only by the main body ROM 2, and in step a3, it is determined whether or not to initialize the EEPROM, which is the nonvolatile memory 5. If there is an instruction to initialize the EEPROM by a command from the host device 11 or an operation of the operation panel 7, the process proceeds to step a4. Also, EEPR
If the OM is not initialized, the process proceeds to step a5.

In step a4, the initialization of the EEPROM is performed based on the information loaded in the main body ROM2. The details of the EEPROM initialization operation will be described later with reference to FIG. In the next step a5, the CPU 1 determines whether or not there is a request for a self-printing operation. Similarly, the host device 11
If there is a command from the user or an instruction by operating the operation panel 7, the process proceeds to step a6. If there is no request for a self-printing operation, the operation directly shifts to a normal printer operation.

In step a6, the CPU 1 sets the main body R
The self-printing is output using the self-printing data stored in OM2. The details of the self-printing operation will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the operation shifts to a normal printer operation.

On the other hand, in step a1, the additional ROM 3
Is determined to exist, in step a7, the CPU 1 recognizes an operating environment in which the printer is controlled by a combination of the main body ROM 2 and the additional ROM 3, and
At 8, it is determined whether or not the EEPROM as the nonvolatile memory 5 is to be initialized. If there is an instruction to initialize the EEPROM by a host command or panel operation, step a9
Move to. If the EEPROM is not to be initialized, the process proceeds to step a10.

In step a9, the initialization of the EEPROM is performed using the information stored in the additional ROM 3. In addition,
Details of the EEPROM initialization operation will be described later with reference to FIG. In the next step a10, the CPU 1 determines whether or not there is a request for a self-printing operation. Similarly, if there is a host command or an instruction from a panel operation, the process proceeds to step all.
If there is no request for a self-printing operation, the operation directly shifts to a normal printer operation.

In step a11, the CPU 1 outputs a self-print using the data pattern mounted on the additional ROM 3 as self-print data. The details of the self-printing operation will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the operation shifts to a normal printer operation.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the nonvolatile memory 5 EEPR.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an OM initialization operation. This flowchart is executed only when the power is turned on once for the first time after the additional ROM is mounted, or when an EEPROM initialization command is received, such as when an EEPROM initialization command is received. Here, the additional ROM 3
Determines whether or not is the addition of a code page,
The ROM basic initial value table is selected. First, in step b1, the CPU 1 sets the address 0 of the additional ROM 3
The data of 00DH and 000EH are read and the additional ROM
It is determined whether or not 3 exists. The read data is "C
If not G ", it is determined that the additional ROM 3 does not exist, and the process proceeds to step b2. In step b2, an EEPROM basic initial value table other than for the code page addition is selected. 5), the CPU 1 selects the stored basic initial value table from the address ADR5 of the main body ROM 2. In the next step b6, the CPU 1 stores the selected basic initial value table of FIG. Copy to EEPRO
After the initial setting of M, the process ends.

On the other hand, in step b1, the additional ROM 3
Address 000DH and 000EH are "CG"
Then, in the next step b3, the data of the addresses 000AH and 000BH of the additional ROM 3 is read and the additional RO
It is determined whether M3 is an addition of a CG for Russia.
If this data is not "SP", it is determined that a code page has not been added, and the process proceeds to steps b2 and b6, where initialization is performed using an EEPROM basic initial value table other than for code page addition.

On the other hand, in step b3, the additional ROM
The data of addresses 000AH and 000BH of address 3 is "S
If it is "P", in the next step b4, the data at the address 000CH of the additional ROM 3 is read to determine whether or not the additional ROM 3 is a code page extension. When it is determined that the code page is not added, the process proceeds to steps b2 and b6, and initialization is performed using an EEPROM basic initial value table other than for code page addition.

On the other hand, in step b4, the additional ROM
If the data at the address 000CH of No. 3 is "c", an EEPROM basic initial value table for adding a code page is selected in the next step b5. That is, the CPU 1
As shown in FIG. 5B, the address AD
Select the stored basic initial value table from R6. Then, in the next step b6, the CPU 1 selects FIG.
The initial value table of (b) is copied to the non-volatile memory 5, the basic initial settings of the EEPROM are performed, and the process is terminated.

As described above, since the operating condition setting information indicating the expanded state is stored in the additional ROM 3, the operating condition setting information is determined at the time of initial setting of the non-volatile memory 5, so that the basic initial value table is determined. Is appropriately selected from the main body ROM 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the self-printing operation. Here, the self-printing format and data are selected in accordance with the extension state of the extension ROM 3. First, in step c1, the CPU 1 reads the data at addresses 000DH and 000EH of the additional ROM 3 and
It is determined whether or not OM3 exists. If the read data is not "CG", it is determined that the additional ROM 3 does not exist, and the process proceeds to step c2. In step c2, C
As shown in FIG. 4A, the PU 1 selects the standard code page and the standard font data table stored in the main body ROM 2, and executes the self-printing process in the next step c3.

On the other hand, in step c1, the additional ROM 3
Address 000DH and 000EH are "CG"
Then, in the next step c4, the data of the addresses 000AH and 000BH of the additional ROM 3 is read and the additional RO
It is determined whether M3 is an addition of a CG for Russia.
If the data is not "SP", the process proceeds to step c5, where the CPU 1 reads the data at the address 000CH of the additional ROM 3 and determines whether or not the additional ROM 3 is a code page additional. If this data is "c",
The additional ROM 3 determines that a code page other than for Russia is added. In the present embodiment, description of the addition of a code page other than for Russia is omitted, and the process proceeds to step c2 for selecting a standard data table. Also,
If the data at the address 000CH of the additional ROM 3 is not "c" in step c5, it is determined that the font is to be added,
Move to step c6. At Step c6, the CPU 1
As shown in FIG. 4B, selects the standard code page, the data table of the standard typeface and the option typeface stored in the main body ROM 2, and executes the self-printing process in the next step c3.

On the other hand, in step c4, the additional ROM
The data of addresses 000AH and 000BH of address 3 is "S
If it is "P", in the next step c7, the data at the address 000CH of the additional ROM 3 is read to determine whether or not the additional ROM 3 is a code page extension. It is determined that it is not an addition, and the process proceeds to step c8.
As shown in FIG. 4D, U1 selects the standard code page, the data table of the standard font and the optional font stored in the additional ROM 3, and executes the self-printing process in the next step c3.

On the other hand, in step c7, the additional ROM
If the data of the address 000CH of "3" is "c", the process proceeds to the next step c9, and the CPU 1 sets the standard code page and the option code page stored in the additional ROM 3 as shown in FIG. The data table of the font is selected, and the self-printing process is executed in the next step c3.

As described above, since the additional ROM 3 stores the operation condition setting information indicating the added state such as the addition of the code page and the font, the operation condition setting information is determined by performing the self-printing operation. , Self-print data in the main body ROM 2 or an additional ROM 3
Is appropriately selected. Therefore, self-printing according to the extension state of the extension ROM 3 becomes possible.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a format table of the self-print data. FIG.
(B) is for the additional ROM 3. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a specific example of print output in the self-printing operation. In the main body ROM 2, items A and B are used to set the operation mode of the printer, etc., and item C is used to set the paper length and print pitch.
A basic table 20 for printing the print quality, character table, code page and foreign character settings in item D;
A standard typeface table 21 for printing the setting of a standard typeface (font) and an option typeface table 22 for printing the setting of an optional typeface in item E are stored.
Similarly, the extension ROM 3 also stores a basic table 30, a standard font table 31, and an optional font table 32. Therefore, in step c2 of FIG.
The basic table 20 and the standard typeface table 21 in FIG. 9A are selected, and in step c6, the basic table 20 and the optional typeface table 22 in FIG. 9A are selected. In step c8, the basic table 30 and the optional typeface table 32 shown in FIG. 9B are selected.
At step c9, the basic table 30 and the standard typeface table 31 of FIG. 9B are selected. The basic table 20 and the basic table 30 are almost the same data table, but differ only in the section related to the code page in item D.

FIG. 10 shows an example of self-printing output when an additional ROM 3 with a CG for Russia and an added code page is mounted, and items A to D are the basic tables in FIG. 9B. The item E is printed using the standard typeface table 31. Small items in each item correspond to each bit of the software dip switch set in the nonvolatile memory 5, and bold characters indicate that the current setting value is set. Here, paying attention to the area 40 in the code page (Code Page) column of the item D, there are two types of code pages added by the additional ROM 3, and their names are "Option-1, Option-2". If you want the former, use DIP switch 3
It can be seen that bits to 5 are set to on, off, and off, and if the latter is desired, they can be set to off, off, and off.

If no code page is added,
By printing using the basic table 20 in which the area 40 of the item D has the format of “(Reserved), (Reserved)”, the user is notified that there is no code page added. If there is an optional font, printing is performed using the optional font table 22 or 32.
The format is changed to a format in which small items are further added to item E of 0.

In the above description, an example has been shown in which the EEPROM basic initial value table is appropriately selected depending on whether or not a code page is added. However, the basic initial value table may be appropriately selected depending on whether or not a font is added.

[0045]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, self-printing is performed according to the state of extension of the second fixed memory, so that the convenience of the user is achieved.

Further, the initialization operation of the non-volatile memory is performed according to the state of addition of the second fixed memory, so that the convenience of the user is achieved.

In this way, a printer can be obtained in which the contents of self-printing and the initial values of the EEPROM are appropriately switched according to, for example, the state of addition of the ROM.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a content diagram showing an example of operation condition setting information of an additional ROM 3.

FIG. 3 is a content diagram showing another example of operation condition setting information of an additional ROM 3.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing contents of self-print data.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing the contents of an EEPROM basic initial value table.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an initialization operation at power-on.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an initialization operation of an EEPROM which is a nonvolatile memory 5;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a self-printing operation.

9A and 9B are configuration diagrams showing a format table of self-printing data. FIG. 9A is a main body ROM 2 and FIG.
OM3.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating a specific example of print output in a self-print operation.

FIG. 11 is a character code table showing an example of a code page.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 Main body ROM 3 Additional ROM 4 RAM 5 Non-volatile memory 6 Interface 11 Host device 20, 30 Basic table 21, 31 Standard font table 22, 32 Option font table

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B41J 29/38 B41J 5/44 B41J 29/46 G06F 3/12

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] A first fixed memory for storing self-printing data; and a second fixed memory scalably provided for storing another self-printing data. The self-printing data is stored in a recording medium by a predetermined operation. In a printer performing a self-printing operation for printing, a memory expansion state determining means for determining an expansion state of a second fixed memory;
Self-printing data selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of self-printing data stored in the fixed memory or the second fixed memory; and self-printing using the self-printing data selected by the self-printing data selecting means. Printer. A first fixed memory for storing a plurality of initial value tables, a second fixed memory which can be freely added, and a non-volatile memory for storing initialization data for determining a printing operation; In the printer which executes the initialization operation of the non-volatile memory by an operation, a memory expansion state determining means for determining an expansion state of the second fixed memory;
One of the plurality of initial value tables stored in the fixed memory
Initial value table selecting means for selecting one of the two, and when the initialization operation is performed, the nonvolatile memory is initialized by using the initialization data of the initial value table selected by the initial value table selecting means. And the printer. 3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein an additional code page or typeface is stored in the second fixed memory.