JP3210118B2 - Print control device 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 print control device and a print control method for receiving a command group from an external device such as a host computer and executing a printing operation according to the command.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printers, displays (CRTs, LCDs) and the like are examples of output devices that receive a series of commands from a host device and change the subsequent data processing. These output devices have the function of identifying data and commands.

[0003]

However, in the same model, a series of character strings (character strings in the command table) for recognizing a command is fixed. For this reason, in a system in which a plurality of identical output devices are connected to one host device, for example, a system using a general-purpose interface that cannot specify a device number such as SCSI, the host device cannot identify the device number. There has been a problem that the output devices simultaneously execute command processing in a conflicting manner.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above prior art, and is intended to replace a command parameter stored in a command table with a specific command from an external device, thereby providing a print control apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device and a print control method that can improve the versatility of the printer.

[0005] In order to solve this problem, a print control apparatus according to the present invention is a print control apparatus that analyzes print data input from an external device, generates output data, and prints the data at a printing unit. A command table that stores parameters of a command corresponding to each content, and a command that is stored in the command table specified by the specific command according to a specific command from an external device. And control means for substituting the parameters.

The command table is stored in a nonvolatile memory.

If the parameter of the command specified by the specific command does not exist in the command table, the control unit notifies the outside to that effect.

[0008] In order to solve this problem, a print control method according to the present invention analyzes print data input from an external device using a command table that stores command parameters corresponding to a plurality of operation contents. A print control method in a print control device that generates output data and causes the printing unit to print, according to a specific command from an external device, a parameter of a command stored in the command table specified by the specific command, It is characterized in that it is replaced with another parameter specified by the command.

The command table is stored in a nonvolatile memory.

[0010] Further, when the parameter of the command specified by the specific command does not exist in the command table, the print control device notifies the outside to that effect.

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

According to the configuration or process of the present invention, in a print control apparatus having a command table for storing parameters of commands corresponding to a plurality of operation contents, a command corresponding to each operation content is specified by a specific command from an external device. Can be replaced with other parameters.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the structure of the present invention, the structure of an output device suitable for applying this embodiment is shown in FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The output device to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, but it goes without saying that a printer of another printing system such as an ink jet printer described later may be used.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a first output device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, in the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print data (character codes, etc.), form data, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an external device such as a host computer connected to the outside; A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created in accordance with the data, and an image is formed on recording paper as a recording medium. An operation panel 1501 includes switches for operation, an LED display, and the like.
Reference numeral denotes a printer control unit that controls the entire LBP body 1500 and analyzes print data and the like supplied from the host computer. This printer control unit 1000
Mainly converts a character code into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to a laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal. The laser beam 1504 is oscillated in the horizontal direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 provided around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is a paper cassette 150 mounted on the LBP 1500.
8, the paper feed roller 1509 and the transport roller 15
The toner is taken into the apparatus and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506 by the transport rollers 1511 and 10.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system to which the output device of the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a host device such as a host computer, to which an output device 2 and an output device 3 are connected via a predetermined interface 4.

Conventionally, the system shown in FIG. 1 has been constructed by newly connecting the output device 3 for interpreting the same command as the above command to the host device 1 for transmitting the command interpreted by the output device 2. Each output device interprets a predetermined command from the host device at the same time, and executes command processing in conflict.

Therefore, as will be described below, the newly connected output device 3 updates the parameters of each command stored in the command table referred to when interpreting the command, and uses the application program corresponding to the command. By simply sending a new command from the host device to the output device 3, conflicts in command processing can be easily prevented.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the output devices 2 and 3 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a nonvolatile memory (for example, a RAM having a backup power supply, a flash memory, or the like), which stores a command table described later. Reference numeral 12 denotes an interface control unit which is connected to the interface 4 and controls communication with the host device 1. 13
Is a RAM, mainly a ROM 14 executed by the MPU 17
Functions as a work for executing a control program (such as the control program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4) stored in the. An output unit 15 executes a print output process in this embodiment. An internal bus 16 connects the MPU 17 to each unit. The state of each of the output devices 2 and 3 after the power is turned on is a device non-selection state. In the present embodiment, a print output process is described as an example, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a display output process on a CRT or the like.

In the output device configured as described above,
When the output device 3 receives a specific command according to a command sequence with the higher-level device 1, the MPU 17 reads the non-volatile memory 1 based on the specific command analyzed by the MPU 17.
By changing the setting value of the command table constructed in No. 1, it is possible to selectively execute a specific command sequence output from the host device after the MPU 17 finishes rewriting the command table.

Also, the storage medium for storing the command table is constituted by the nonvolatile memory 11, and the contents of the command table are retained regardless of the power-on / off state. Make the device identifiable.

Further, the mode for receiving a specific command can be set by the functional processing of the MPU 17, so that the specific command receiving timing can be set arbitrarily.

FIG. 3 shows the nonvolatile memory 11 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a command table stored in the storage device.

In the figure, a, b, A to D, and X are commands, which correspond to, for example, the following instruction processing.

ESCa Device selection: Validate the following data ESCb Device non-selection: Invalidate all data until ESCa is received ESCA Enlarged character setting: Subsequent data is enlarged in the horizontal direction and displayed Yes ESCB Cancel enlarged characters: Cancel horizontal enlargement ESCCn Set / cancel italic characters: Start / end italic display ESCDn Set / cancel shaded characters: Start / end shaded display ESCXnm Change control code

Hereinafter, the command sequence in the output device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a command sequence in the output device according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step, and M
It is controlled by the PU 17.

First, since the state of each of the output devices 2 and 3 after the power is turned on is the device non-selection state, the determination in step (1) is NO, and until all the ESCa command sequences are received (2), Ignore the data (discard the data) (4).

On the other hand, when the ESCa command sequence is received in the determination of step (2), the apparatus is set to the selected state (3), and the subsequent data is made valid.

As a result, the determination in step (1) is YE
In S, it is determined whether or not the received command sequence is ESCb (5). If YES, the device is deselected (6), and the data is ignored until the ESCa command sequence is received thereafter.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is NO, analysis of received data and data output are performed (7).
The process ends.

For this reason, when the system is configured as shown in FIG. 1, when the host device 1 issues the command sequence, the output device 2 and the output device 3 recognize each as a correct command. Both devices 2 and 3 execute command processing.

Therefore, the output device 3 is started up in a mode in which only the ESCX is executed.
When the command x is issued, the command table (see FIG. 3) stored in the non-volatile memory 11 of the output device 3
The PU 17 rewrites the contents of the command table shown in FIG. As a result, only when the command header receives the ESCx, the higher-level device 1 can perform data processing by regarding the same command sequence as that of the previous ESCa. Can be identified by software, and the same command sequence can be executed while identifying the output device 3 or the output device 2. The rewritten FIG.
In the contents of the command table shown in (1), stored information is not lost even when the power is shut off.

Accordingly, thereafter, the host device 1 sends various command groups to the output device 2 by using ESCa (command header).
And ESCb (command footer)
For the output device 3, ESCx (command header) and E
By sandwiching between SCb (command footer), it is possible to output data while distinguishing the output device.

Next, a process of rewriting the command table in the nonvolatile memory 11 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
This rewriting process is performed before the shipment of the product (for example, the output device 3).

The command for command rewriting "ESCXn
The first parameter n of "m" specifies the current command header, and the second parameter m specifies the new command header. As a result, when the output device 3 receives the command sequence including the command “ESCXax”, the MPU 17 searches the command table in the nonvolatile memory 11 and checks the first parameter “a”.
The same character as is searched for, and the matched part is replaced with the second parameter “x”. By this processing, "a" in the command table is changed to "x", that is, the command sequence is updated.

To restore the contents once updated, for example, a command for command rewriting "ESCXn
The command “ESCXmn” in which the first parameter n and the second parameter m of “m” are exchanged is used. Thus, when the output device 3 receives the command sequence including the command “ESCXxa”, the MPU 17 searches the command table in the nonvolatile memory 11 to find the same character as the first parameter “x”, Is replaced with the second parameter “a”. By this processing, “x” in the command table is changed to “a”, that is, the command sequence is changed to the original content (command “ESCax”
Will be updated to the contents before being updated in.

Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the case where each of the above commands is input from a host device such as a host computer before the product is shipped, the operation panel 1501 shown in FIG. It is obvious that the present invention may be implemented by a user or serviceman setting each of the above commands or inputting them from a host device such as a host computer.

At this time, if the first parameter is the same as the specific command, particularly “X” which is the header of the rewriting command, the received command is invalidated to execute a malfunction. Can be prevented. Similarly, as a result of searching for the first parameter, if there is no corresponding character in the command table, that is, if the characters do not match, the received command is invalidated. When these inappropriate command sequences are received, an error notification can be sent to the host device 1 in the case of a bidirectional interface, for example, RS232C or Centronics.
Also, regardless of the type of interface, it is certain that an error display is performed using a display function (for example, an operation panel 1501 shown in FIG. 7) provided in the output device 3. However, it is determined whether or not to disable the device when an inappropriate command sequence is received.
Depends on the environment in which it is used.

In the above-described embodiment, the process of rewriting the header "a" of the command table to "x" by the command rewriting command "ESCXax" has been described as an example. Can be replaced with another character string.

In the above embodiment, the output device 3 is controlled by the command to change the command sequence in order to prevent the command table from being rewritten inadvertently when the ESCX command sequence is issued by an inadvertent operation on the host device 1 side. The case of starting up in the mode of receiving only "ESCX" has been described. However, the mode may not be a special mode. For example, only the output device whose command header is to be changed is turned on, and the power of other output devices is turned off. The same effect can be expected if it is in the state of keeping.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the character string of one command is replaced has been described. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the character strings of a plurality of commands are replaced. Instead, the output form can be changed for each output device. For example, in the above embodiment, the command table of the output device 3 is changed to the command table shown in FIG.
When a specific character or a part of a sentence is emphasized and output by exchanging "C" and "D" shown in (1), the output device 2 outputs italic characters and the output device 3 outputs hatched characters. Is also possible.

Since the contents of the command table are retained irrespective of the power-on / off state, the host device can immediately identify a specific output device after power-on.

Further, since the mode for receiving the specific command can be set by the functional processing of the MPU 17, the timing for receiving the specific command can be set arbitrarily.

Therefore, it is possible to easily change the header and the like of the command table of the output device, and to easily construct a system that can specify the number of the output device from the host device side even with an interface that cannot identify the number of the output device. It works.

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.

In the above embodiment, a laser beam printer has been described as an example of an output device. However, a printer of another printing method as shown in FIG. 8 described below or a display device such as a CRT may be used. It is clear.

FIG. 8 is an external view showing the configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of an ink jet printing device (IJRA).

In the figure, a spiral groove 5004 of a lead screw 5005 which rotates through driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of a driving motor 5013.
The carriage HC that engages with a pin (not shown)
And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member for instructing a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means for suctioning the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head via the opening 5023 in the cap. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade.
019 makes it possible to move in the front-back direction. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body support plate that supports the above-mentioned 5017 and 5019. 50
Reference numeral 12 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery. The lever 12 moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaging with the carriage, and the driving force from the drive motor is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. .

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the home position side area. It suffices if it is configured to perform the desired operation.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the second output device shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1700 denotes an interface for inputting print data or the like consisting of character codes and control codes, etc., 1701 denotes an MPU, 1702 denotes the MPU 17
RO for storing a control program (a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 4) executed by the program 01
M and 1703 are DRAMs for storing various data (such as the print data and data supplied to the head).
Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array for controlling data supply to the print head 1708.
Data transfer between the PU 1701 and the DRAM 1703 is also controlled. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a carrier motor for conveying the recording head 1708, 1709 denotes a conveying motor for conveying the recording paper, 1705 denotes a head driver for driving the recording head, 1706 denotes a motor driver for driving the conveying motor 1709, and 1707 denotes a motor driver for driving the conveying motor 1709. It is a motor driver for driving the carrier motor 1710. 1711
Is a non-volatile memory (for example, a RAM having a backup power supply, a flash memory, or the like) in which the above-described command table is stored.

In each of the output devices configured as described above, when print data or the like is input from the host computer via the interface 1700, the gate array 1
The print data is converted into image data for printing between the 704 and the MPU 1701. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head is driven according to the image data sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a print control apparatus having a command table for storing command parameters respectively corresponding to a plurality of operation contents, each operation content is specified by a specific command from an external device. The effect is that the parameter of the command corresponding to is replaced with another parameter.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a system to which an output device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the output device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command table stored in a nonvolatile memory illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command sequence in the output device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a rewritten state of a command table stored in a nonvolatile memory shown in FIG. 2;

6 is a diagram showing another rewrite state of the command table stored in the nonvolatile memory shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 8 is an external view showing a configuration of a second output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a second output device illustrated in FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 upper device 2 output device 3 output device 11 non-volatile memory 17 MPU

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/12

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A print control apparatus for analyzing print data input from an external device to generate output data and printing the output data in a printing unit, comprising: a command table storing command parameters corresponding to a plurality of operation contents, respectively; Control means for, in response to a specific command from an external device, replacing a parameter of a command stored in the command table specified by the specific command with another parameter specified by the specific command. Printing control device. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the command table is stored in a nonvolatile memory. 3. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when a parameter of the command specified by the specific command does not exist in the command table, notifies the outside to that effect. 4. A print control apparatus for analyzing print data input from an external device to generate output data by using a command table for storing command parameters corresponding to a plurality of operation contents, and for causing a printing unit to print the output data. A print control method, wherein a parameter of a command stored in the command table specified by the specific command is replaced with another parameter specified by the specific command in response to a specific command from an external device. Printing control method. 5. The print control method according to claim 4, wherein the command table is stored in a nonvolatile memory. 6. When a parameter of a command specified by the specific command does not exist in the command table,
5. The print control method according to claim 4, wherein the effect is notified to the outside.