JP3158378B2 - Printing apparatus and print control method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing control method for inputting and printing print data including a control command and a character code from an external device such as a host computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when printing is performed using a printer or the like, first, a document creation program is operated on a personal computer or the like to create document data. afterwards,
The software converts the document data into a control command for causing a printer to print the document data using software called a printer driver. Then, the converted document data is output to the printer. On the printer side receiving this control command, a program for decoding the control command in the document data is started, the document data is converted into dot data of a bitmap image, and printed by a laser beam printer or the like.

In this case, if the computer that has created the document data and the printer that is the output terminal are located at a distance, or if the printer is not connected to the computer, the document is temporarily converted by the printer driver. The converted document data is stored in a file format on a floppy disk or the like, and the converted document data is stored in a computer device close to a desired printer device and connected to the printer device via the floppy disk. , From that computer to the printer device,
The document data was output and printed.

[0004]

In executing such a procedure, for example, when it is desired to display document data to be printed by a printer device on a screen of a computer connected to the printer device, the computer needs to execute the procedure. It must have a built-in document creation program that is the same as the document creation program of the computer that first created the document data, or be in an executable state. Now, for example, the document data created by using one's own computer at home is stored on a floppy disk and brought to a company, and the document data of the floppy disk is read out by a computer installed at the company, and the document data is read. Consider printing. In this case, unless the same document creation program as the home computer is installed in the computer device which reads the document data by mounting the floppy disk, the document data cannot be displayed or the document data cannot be printed, which is very inconvenient. there were.

[0005] In particular, such printer control commands include, for example, PCL manufactured by Hewlett-Packer (HP).
Its specifications are different, such as ADOBE's PostScript. Therefore, it is practically extremely difficult for the host computer to prepare a document creation program or printer driver software that can handle all printers, and the above-described problem may occur.

Further, in the conventional printer, when an error occurs in the printer, even if the error is an error based on data from the host computer, the error is not corrected until the error is cleared. Command could not be received. For this reason, for example, when one printer is shared by a plurality of host computers, there is an error in a command from one of the hosts. The printer device became inaccessible, which was extremely inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example. If an error is detected during processing of print data received from an external device, the processing is stopped, and other print data is received while the processing is stopped. In this case, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a print control method capable of saving data relating to print data whose processing has been stopped and processing the other received print data.

Further, the present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of temporarily storing error information in the case of an error based on data from an external device and receiving and printing data from another external device. The purpose is to:

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of easily confirming the occurrence of an error and the status of the printing apparatus on the external apparatus side by being capable of bidirectional communication with an external apparatus.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, a printing apparatus that receives print data from a plurality of external devices and performs printing, a receiving unit that receives print data from the external device, and a printing unit that receives the print data during processing of the print data received by the receiving unit. Detecting means for detecting an error caused by the print data; stopping means for stopping the processing of the print data when an error is detected by the detecting means; and A control unit that, when receiving other print data, saves data relating to the print data whose processing has been stopped to a storage unit, and processes the other print data received by the reception unit. Features.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing control method according to the present invention includes the following steps. That is, a print control method in a printing apparatus that receives print data from a plurality of external devices and performs printing, wherein a receiving step of receiving print data from the external device and a process of the print data received in the receiving step A detection step of detecting an error caused by the print data during the operation, a stop step of stopping the processing of the print data if an error is detected in the detection step, and a stop step of stopping the processing by the stop step. A control step of, when receiving another print data in the receiving step, saving the data relating to the print data, the processing of which has been stopped, to a storage unit, and processing the other print data received in the receiving step. It is characterized by the following.

[0012]

In the above configuration, if an error caused by the print data is detected during processing of the print data from the external device, the processing of the print data is stopped, and another print is stopped while the processing is stopped. When data is received, the data relating to the print data for which the processing has been stopped is saved in the storage means, and the operation is performed so as to process the other received print data.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a laser beam printer will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this type of printer, and can be applied to, for example, an ink jet printer, a thermal transfer printer, and various printers thereof. It is.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit 101 (FIG. 2) of a laser beam printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
(BP) 100 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the LBP 1
Reference numeral 00 denotes a configuration in which a character pattern and a fixed format (form data) can be registered from a data source (not shown) (such as a host computer). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the connection between the laser beam printer 100 and the host computer 201.

First, the configuration of the laser beam printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 100 denotes an LBP main body, and a host computer 201 connected to the outside.
(FIG. 3) Input and store character information (character code), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from (such as) FIG. An image is formed on recording paper. Reference numeral 300 denotes an operation panel on which various switches for operation and an LED display are arranged.
A printer control unit that controls the entire BP 100 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 101 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 102.

The laser driver 102 is a semiconductor laser 10
3 for driving the semiconductor laser on and off in accordance with an input video signal. The laser light 104 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror 105 to scan on an electrostatic drum 106. Thus, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 106. This latent image is stored in a developing unit 107 around the electrostatic drum 106.
And then transferred to recording paper. Cut sheets are used for this recording paper, and cassette recording paper is LBP10
The paper feed roller 10 is accommodated in the paper cassette
9 and are fed into the apparatus by the conveying rollers 110 and 111 and supplied to the electrostatic drum 106.

Next, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a data line for performing communication with the host computer 201. Reference numeral 12 denotes an input / output I / F, which is a host computer 20.
1 and various data transmission / reception controls are executed. 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a page memory which stores input document data in page units. A bitmap memory 14 stores a bitmap image obtained by developing document data stored in the page memory 13 into a print image. Reference numeral 15 denotes a recording unit I / F which executes various interface controls with the recording unit shown in FIG. 16 is a font ROM,
Various font information for developing character codes and the like stored in the page memory 13 into image data is stored. A main control unit 17 controls the entire printer control unit 101. An operation panel 18 includes various operation switches 180 and a display unit 181 that displays various messages to an operator.

Next, the operation of the printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The document data sent from the host computer 201 is input to the printer 100 through an I / F such as Centronics. This document data passes through the input / output I / F 12 and is stored in the page memory 13 in page units. The document data stored in the page memory 13 is further sequentially read out under the control of the main control unit 17, the commands included in the document data are analyzed, and the code data is stored in the font ROM 1.
6 is converted into dot data (image data). The image data thus developed into the bitmap is developed and stored in the bitmap memory 14.

When the image data for one page is expanded in the bitmap memory 14, the main control unit 17 outputs a recording start signal 123 to the recording unit shown in FIG. The dot data in the memory 14 is sequentially read and sent to the recording unit I / F 15. Accordingly, the recording unit I / F 15 outputs dot data (print image) 126 in synchronization with the horizontal synchronization signal 124 and the vertical synchronization signal 125 sent from the recording unit. The laser driver 102 is driven according to the dot data,
Recording is performed by turning on / off the laser light output from the semiconductor laser 103.

Here, if a command requesting that the dot data expanded on the bitmap memory 14 be returned to the host computer 201 is added to the head of the document data sent from the host computer 201. After the process of developing one page of dot data in the bitmap memory 14 is completed, the main control unit 17 stores the dot data in the bitmap memory 14 without sending a recording start signal to the recording unit I / F 15. The read dot data is read out and returned to the host computer 201 through the input / output I / F unit 12.

The host computer 201 receives the returned dot data, converts the resolution of the dot image to match the resolution of the CRT connected to the host computer 201, and then converts the C
The print image returned to the RT is displayed. Then, the operator checks the print image displayed on the CRT, and if there is no problem in the content of the print image, inputs a print start command from the keyboard of the host computer 201. This start command causes the host computer 20
Reference numeral 1 denotes a printer device 100 through a data line 11.
To send a print start command. In the printer, when the main control unit 17 receives this print start command,
A print start command is output to the recording unit I / F 15.

FIG. 4 shows that the host computer 201
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of performing resolution conversion to display the image on T.

FIG. 4 shows a case where the resolution is converted to 1/16. Here, the number of white pixels and black pixels in a 4 × 4 dot pixel matrix is calculated, and if the number of white pixels is large, The case where white is a black pixel when the number of black pixels is large is shown. Is the way.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show flowcharts showing such processing. FIG. 5 shows a process in the printer device 100, and a control program for performing this process is stored in the ROM of the main control unit 17.

In FIG. 6, when the document data is received from the host computer 201 in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and the document data is stored in the page memory 13. In step S3, when one page of document data is received, the process proceeds to step S4, where the document data is developed into a bit image by referring to the font ROM 16, and the image is stored in the bit map memory 14. In step S5, it is determined whether or not the input document data includes a request for returning a print image to the host computer 201. If the request includes a return request, the process proceeds to step S5.
In step 6, the print image expanded into the bit map is returned to the host computer 201. Next, the process proceeds to step S7, and waits for a recording start command from the host computer 201. When recording start is instructed, the process proceeds to step S8, instructs the recording unit to start recording, and in step S9, the recording unit interface (I / F). And (15) outputting the print image.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the host computer 201.

In step S10, the printer 100
The document data to be printed is output, and in step S11,
It is determined whether a return request has been output to the printer device 100 side. If the return request has not been output, the process proceeds to step S12, and steps S10 to S12 are repeatedly executed until all the document data to be printed are output, as in normal printing.

On the other hand, if a return request has been output in step S11, the process proceeds to step S13, where the printer 100
Waiting for the print image to be returned, the process returns to step S14 when the print image is returned, receives the print image, and converts the resolution of the print image in step S15. Next, the process proceeds to step S16, in which the print image is displayed on the CRT, and in step S17, an instruction to start printing or an instruction not to perform printing is waited for from the keyboard. When printing start is requested, the process proceeds to step S18, and a command (recording start command) for starting printing is output to the printer device 100. If the start of printing is not instructed, step S19
To execute various processes according to the situation.

In the first embodiment, the image is returned to the host computer 201 after one page of document data has been developed in the printer device. However, depending on the document data, the image is returned in the middle of the page. Alternatively, if there are still several pages of print images and the memory capacity of the bitmap memory 14 is more than one page, the print images of several pages are developed and returned to the host computer 201. May be.

The resolution conversion for adjusting the dot data on the bitmap memory 14 to the resolution of the CRT may be performed on the printer device 100 side.

When dot data is sent from the printer to the host, the data communication time can be reduced by compressing the data. As such a compression method, a so-called run-length method, MH method, MR method, or the like can be used.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
The host computer can display and check the image of the document data without having to be conscious of what kind of control command of the printer is.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer control unit of a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection between the printer of the second embodiment and the host computer 201. Portions common to the above-described drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, when the host computer 201 requests the printer 100 to transfer status information, the printer 100 transfers data corresponding to the request. Thus, the host computer 201 can grasp the state of the printer device 100 even at a position distant from the printer device 100.

In FIG. 7, an input / output interface (IF) section 12a has both a Centronics interface 21 and an RS-232C interface 22, and receives document data from the host computer 201 via the Centronics interface 21. The status information is received and transferred to the host computer 201 via the RS-232C interface 22. 17a is a main control unit for controlling the entire apparatus. Reference numeral 19 denotes a non-volatile memory which stores the operating environment of the printer. The information indicating the printing environment includes, for example, data indicating the type of font, printing speed, printing resolution, and memory capacity of the bitmap memory 14 stored in the font ROM 16. Further, the non-volatile memory 19 stores the toner in the recording unit,
Information indicating the content of a failure in the event of a failure is also stored in the main control unit 17.
Written under the control of a.

FIG. 9A shows a host computer 201.
FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a format example of a status information transmission request command sent from the printer device to the host computer 201.

In FIG. 9A, reference numeral 301 denotes an information request command to the printer 100, and reference numeral 302 denotes a code for specifying the type of information requested by the command 301. This type includes information on specifications and settings of the printer 100, detailed information on errors in the printer 100, and the like.

In FIG. 9B, reference numeral 303 denotes a status code indicating the head of information from the printer 100,
Reference numeral 04 denotes status information indicating detailed contents of the status information, which continues continuously by the number corresponding to the instruction from the host computer 201. 305 is a code indicating the end of the status information.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A control program for executing this processing is stored in the ROM of the main control unit 17a.

In step S21, the printer 100
Are stored in the nonvolatile memory 19. Next, the process proceeds to step S22, where it is determined whether any error has occurred.
Proceeding to 23, information indicating the error state is written in the nonvolatile memory 19. Next, the process proceeds to step S24, where it is determined whether or not there is a request for status information from the host computer 201. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S25, and a predetermined information is selected from various data stored in the nonvolatile memory 19. Is read, and the information is transmitted to the host computer 201 using the RS-232C interface 22 in accordance with the format shown in FIG.

The host computer 201 that has received the status information displays the content on a CRT or the like.
Thereby, even at a position distant from the printer device 100,
It is possible to confirm and grasp the specifications, various settings, an error state, and the like of the printer device 100.

The status request from the host computer 201 to the printer device 100 may be made through the RS-232C interface 22 or the Centronics interface 21. Also,
When the RS-232C cable is not connected to the host computer 201, the host computer 2
01 requesting transmission of status information using the Centronics interface 21, the printer 1
In 00, the instructed information can be displayed on the display unit 181 of the operation panel 18 or the information can be printed by the recording unit (when the recording unit is not in an error state).

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
By using the Centronics interface and the RS-232C interface together to enable information transfer between the printer and the host computer, there is an effect that the status of the printer can be confirmed on the host side.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer control unit of the printer of the third embodiment. Portions common to the above-described drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The printer 100 of the third embodiment is
Connected in common to multiple host computers,
The input interface units 12b and 12c are shown as interface units corresponding to each host computer. Each of 132 and 133 is a signal line for notifying the main control unit 17b that each interface unit has received data from each host computer. Reference numeral 24 denotes a selector, which switches and selects one of these input interface units according to an instruction from the main control unit 17b. Reference numeral 25 denotes an interface control unit of the hard disk 26. The hard disk 26 stores information from the host computer in which the error has occurred.

Next, the operation of the printer 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that a control program for executing this processing is stored in the ROM of the main control unit 17b.

First, in step S31, the input interface unit that has received the data is selected, and the received data is stored in the page memory 13, developed into a bit map, and printed. Here, in step S32, when an error occurs, the process proceeds to step S33, and it is determined whether the error is an error caused by data from the host computer. If not, the process proceeds to step S34, where the occurrence of the error is displayed on the display unit 181 of the operation panel 18, the corresponding host computer is notified of the occurrence of the error in step S35, and the process ends.

On the other hand, in step S33, if the error is an error based on the content received from the host computer, for example, font information containing an undefined control code or font information corresponding to the character code is stored in the font ROM 1.
If the error is not stored in the operation panel 6, the process proceeds to step S36, and the occurrence of the error is displayed on the display unit 181 of the operation panel 18. Next, the process proceeds to step S37, where the occurrence of the error is notified to the corresponding host computer. The process advances to step S38 to determine whether print data has been received from another host computer. If no data has been received from another host computer, the process advances to step S39 to depress the reset switch of the operation panel 18. Look at it. When the reset switch is pressed, the error state and the received data are all cleared and the state returns to the initial state. Similarly, when a reset command is received from the corresponding host computer in step S40, various data are cleared and the process returns to the initial state.

On the other hand, if there is a data transmission request from another host computer in step S38, step S41 is performed.
To the contents of the error, the current page memory 13,
The contents of the bitmap memory 14 are stored in the hard disk 26
To be stored. Then, the process proceeds to step S42, where it is determined whether or not error information relating to the newly received host computer is stored in the hard disk 26 (step S43). If the information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S44, in which the selector 24 is switched to the interface corresponding to the host computer that has newly requested the data transfer, and print data is received via the interface unit.

If it is determined in step S43 that error information relating to the newly received host computer is stored, the process proceeds to step S45, where the hard disk 26
Is read out and stored in the page memory 13 or the bit map memory 14, and the print data that has been received and saved on the hard disk 26 can be printed. Then, the display unit 18 of the operation panel 18
1 and the process proceeds to step S38 to execute the above-described processing.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining information stored in the hard disk 26.

The hard disk 26 has data 140 indicating whether the input interface unit is 25 or 26, an error type 141, a page memory 13
, The data 142 stored in the bit map memory 14, and the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the error information is stored in the hard disk 26 in step S41, but the information received so far may be temporarily printed by the recording unit.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration in a case where such a printer is connected to a network such as Ethernet. In such a case, similarly, it is determined which host computer the print data is from based on the identification information attached to the data received via the network interface unit 27. Then, when an error caused by the host side occurs as described above, error information is sent to the corresponding host computer, and it is checked whether resetting of the error is instructed or data from another host computer is received. The processing of steps S38 to S44 is executed according to the state.

As described above, according to the third embodiment,
When a plurality of computers share one printer, an error occurs in data received from a certain computer, and the printer enters an error state.
This eliminates the problem that data reception and print processing from other computers become impossible, thereby improving operability.

Although the laser beam printer has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the laser beam printer, but can be applied to an ink jet printer described below. <Schematic Description of Apparatus Main Body> FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an ink jet recording apparatus IJRA to which the present invention can be applied. In the figure, the carriage HC that engages with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013 has a pin (not shown). And arrows a and b
It is reciprocated in the direction. An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. 50
A paper pressing plate 02 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the moving direction of the carriage. 5007,5
Reference numeral 008 denotes a photocoupler, which is a lever 5006 of the carriage.
Is a home position detecting means for confirming the existence in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member for supporting a cap member 5022 for capping the front surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means for suctioning the inside of the cap.
3, the suction recovery of the recording head is performed. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade. Reference numeral 5019 denotes a member that enables the blade to move in the front-rear direction.
These are supported. It goes without saying that the blade is not limited to this form and a known cleaning blade can be applied to this example. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery from suction, and a cam 5 which engages with the carriage.
020, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by known transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired processing can be performed at the corresponding position by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the area on the home position side. If a desired operation is performed at a timing, any of the examples can be applied. <Description of Control Structure> Next, a control structure for executing the recording control of the above-described apparatus will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. In the figure showing the control circuit,
Reference numeral 1700 denotes an interface for inputting a recording signal;
01 is an MPU, 1702 is a program ROM for storing a control program to be executed by the MPU 1701, and 1703 is a dynamic RAM for storing various data (such as the print signal and print data supplied to the head). Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array that controls supply of print data to the print head 1708, and also controls data transfer between the interface 1700, the MPU 1701, and the RAM 1703. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for transporting the recording head 1708, and reference numeral 1709 denotes a transport motor for transporting the recording paper. Reference numeral 1705 denotes a head driver for driving the head, and reference numerals 1706 and 1707 denote motor drivers for driving the transport motor 1709 and the carrier motor 1710, respectively.

The operation of the above control configuration will be described. When a recording signal enters the interface 1700, the gate array 1
The recording signal is converted into recording data for printing between the 704 and the MPU 1701. And the motor driver 1
The printheads 706 and 1707 are driven, and the printhead is driven according to the print data sent to the head driver 1705 to perform printing.

It is apparent that the components of the present invention can be incorporated into the above-described control structure of the ink jet printer, and that the present invention is not limited to a laser beam printer but can be applied to the above ink jet printer and the like.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program for implementing the present invention to a system or an apparatus.

[0064]

As described above, according to the present invention, when an error is detected during processing of print data received from an external device, the processing is stopped, and when another print data is received while the processing is stopped. Thus, there is an effect that the data relating to the print data whose processing has been stopped can be saved and the other received print data can be processed.

According to the present invention, even if an error occurs in print data from a certain external device, print data from another external device can be received and printed.
The print data in which the error has occurred can also be stored.

According to another aspect of the present invention, since bidirectional communication with an external device can be performed, there is an effect that occurrence of an error and the status of the printing apparatus can be easily confirmed on the external device side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer control unit of a laser beam printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a structural sectional view showing a configuration of the laser beam printer of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connection form of an interface between a host computer and a printer.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of resolution conversion in the host computer of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in the printer device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data output processing in the host computer of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer control unit of a laser beam printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a connection configuration of an interface between a host computer and a printer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal format between a host computer and a printer in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the printer device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer control unit of a laser beam printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the printer device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the printer device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data storage format of a hard disk according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer control unit of a laser beam printer according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus IJRA to which the present invention can be applied.

17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus IJRA of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 input / output I / F 12, 12a input / output interface unit 12b, 12c input interface 13 page memory 14 bit map memory 15 recording unit interface 16 font ROM 17, 17a, 17b main control unit 18 operation panel 19 nonvolatile memory 21 centronics interface 22 RS-232C interface 26 Hard disk 27 Network interface unit 100 Laser beam printer 101 Printer control unit 180 Key group 181 Display unit 201 Host computer

Claims (18)

(57) [Claims] 1. A printing apparatus that receives print data from a plurality of external devices and performs printing, a receiving unit that receives print data from the external device, and a process of the print data received by the receiving unit. A detection unit that detects an error caused by the print data during the operation, a stop unit that stops processing of the print data when an error is detected by the detection unit, and a stop unit that stops processing by the stop unit. A control unit that, when the receiving unit receives another print data, saves the data relating to the print data whose processing has been stopped to the storage unit, and processes the other print data received by the receiving unit; A printing device, comprising: 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the print data includes the content of the error detected by the detection unit. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the print data includes print data in page units stored in a page memory. 4. The print data according to claim 1, wherein the print data includes image data obtained by developing the print data and storing the image data in a bitmap memory.
The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a nonvolatile storage unit. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a hard disk. 7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that, when an error is detected by the detection unit, displays the occurrence of the error on an operation panel. The printing device according to the above. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying means for notifying the external device that the error has occurred when the detecting means detects an error. The printing device according to the above. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a laser beam printer.
A printing device according to claim 1. 10. A print control method in a printing apparatus for receiving print data from a plurality of external devices and performing printing, wherein: a receiving step of receiving print data from the external device; A detection step of detecting an error caused by the print data during data processing; a stop step of stopping processing of the print data when an error is detected in the detection step; and a stop of processing by the stop step A control step of, when receiving another print data in the receiving step, saving the data relating to the print data for which processing has been stopped to a storage unit, and processing the other print data received in the receiving step; A print control method, comprising: 11. The print control method according to claim 10, wherein the data relating to the print data includes the content of the error. 12. The print control method according to claim 10, wherein the data relating to the print data includes print data in page units stored in a page memory. 13. The print data according to claim 10, wherein the print data includes image data obtained by expanding the print data and storing the image data in a bitmap memory. Print control method. 14. The print control method according to claim 10, wherein the storage unit is a nonvolatile storage unit. 15. The print control method according to claim 10, wherein the storage unit is a hard disk. 16. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a display control step of, when an error is detected in said detecting step, displaying that said error has occurred on an operation panel. The print control method described in the above. 17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising, when an error is detected in the detecting step, notifying the external device that the error has occurred. The print control method described in the above. 18. The print control method according to claim 10, wherein the printing device is a laser beam printer device.