JP3774549B2 - Printing apparatus and method for specifying paper supply / discharge - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus in which an option unit for controlling handling of a recording medium to be fed or discharged can be connected to a printing apparatus that records an image on a recording medium based on print information input from an external device, and the printing apparatus The present invention relates to a paper supply / discharge specification method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a printing apparatus, all paper conveyance controls such as paper feed and paper discharge are collectively managed by an engine controller.
[0003]
When developing the printer main unit, it is possible to install several stages of paper cassettes and paper discharge means, install a full load detection sensor on the face-down paper discharge tray, and simultaneously determine the specifications of the paper supply / discharge options such that full load detection is possible. At the same time as the development of the printer, a paper supply / discharge unit was developed.
[0004]
When a new paper supply / discharge unit is added in the middle, even if the same engine is used, the engine controller and the paper supply / discharge option units correspond one-to-one, so the paper supply / discharge options with different specifications When it was installed, the engine controller had to be redesigned.
[0005]
Moreover, since the maximum option interface that can be connected was previously installed, it was quite expensive.
[0006]
Next, a configuration of a conventional printing apparatus having a plurality of paper supply / discharge ports will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing apparatus such as a laser beam printer using a conventional electrophotographic process. A paper handling function (for example, a recording medium feeding function from a paper deck, a discharged recording medium sorting function) for a basic printing apparatus can be expanded.
[0007]
In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a printing apparatus main body, which has a video controller 1002 and an engine controller 1003. The video controller 1002 mainly performs control related to image processing, and develops image information sent from an external device 1009 such as a personal computer via a general-purpose interface 1010 such as a Centronics interface into bit data.
[0008]
The engine controller 1003 mainly controls charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, paper conveyance and the like related to the electrophotographic process. Reference numeral 1004 denotes a video interface, which connects the video controller 1002 and the engine controller 1003 to enable mutual communication.
[0009]
A paper deck option 1005 stores a large amount of recording paper and feeds the recording paper to the printing apparatus 1001 in accordance with an instruction from the engine controller 1003. A paper deck interface 1006 connects the engine controller 1003 and a paper deck option (paper deck controller) 1005 to enable mutual communication.
[0010]
A finisher option (finisher controller) 1007 has a plurality of stacking trays, and records the recorded recording sheets discharged from the printing apparatus 1001 according to a command from the engine controller 1003 and loads them.
[0011]
A finisher interface 1008 connects the engine controller 1003 and a finisher option, and enables mutual communication.
[0012]
In the above configuration, when the video controller 1002 receives image information and a print command from the external device 1009, the video controller 1002 sends a video signal obtained by converting the image information into bit data and a print command to the engine controller 1003 via the video interface 1004.
[0013]
At this time, the video controller 1002 also gives instructions regarding the use of the paper deck option 1005 and the use of the finisher option 1007 based on a user instruction from an external device 1009 or an operation panel (not shown) connected to the video controller 1002. Send it out.
[0014]
The engine controller 1003 controls members related to an electrophotographic process built in the printing apparatus 1001, that is, charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, paper conveyance, and the like, and performs image recording based on the received video signal.
[0015]
At the same time, based on the instruction from the video controller 1002, the paper deck option is controlled through the paper deck interface 1006, the paper feed timing is instructed, and the finisher option is controlled through the finisher interface 1008 to record the recording paper. The sorting instruction is performed.
[0016]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional printing apparatus, the engine controller 1003 and each option unit are connected on a one-to-one basis, and the combination is fixed. Therefore, in order to increase the functionality of the optional unit, the engine controller 1003 that controls the optional unit also needs to have an improved capability.
[0017]
In recent years, the environment in which electronic recording devices are used has diversified, and it is desired to increase the functionality of optional units equipped with them and to use various optional units in any combination. In order to be able to control a wide variety of optional units, the number of control objects other than the electrophotographic process control of the engine controller has increased, and the cost of the engine controller has increased. In particular, for users who do not use the option unit, the cost is completely wasted.
[0018]
This increase in cost was a similar problem for video controllers. This is because the control related to paper conveyance is performed by the engine interface unit in the video controller, and it is necessary to change this part in accordance with the option unit.
[0019]
In addition, there are printer engines that can and cannot be equipped with printer controllers, and video controllers have been created for each engine, so video controller programs are not compatible with models that support option controllers. It was difficult to share and use with models. For this reason, every time a new engine was developed, many parts of the video controller had to be changed to accommodate the new engine.
[0020]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing apparatus and a paper supply / discharge designation method thereof that can easily and quickly expand and change an option unit.
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention can be connected to an option unit for performing an expansion process. A start-up process specifying means for specifying start-up processing of an option unit, basic information acquisition means for acquiring basic information of the option unit, and the option unit based on the acquired basic information Against Optional operation control means for issuing command identification information, specifying operation and acquiring information, general control means for confirming the issued command identification information, and controlling the option unit in an integrated manner, and from a translator Regarding paper feeding or paper ejection Specify , Engine control means With Bridging The Engine interface means so Engine interface designation means for converting to the designation of the Regarding paper feeding or paper ejection Specify , Overall control means to control optional units With Bridging The Optional interface means to so Optional interface specification means for converting to the specification of After Engine interface means so To the engine control means versus Engine control Concerning Engine control designation means for converting to designation, and said conversion After Optional interface means so To the overall control means versus Option control Concerning Option control designation means for converting to designation, and said conversion After Engine control Concerning First storage means for storing a designation, and said conversion After Option control Concerning A second storing means for storing designation and a storing means for storing settings from an external device or an operation panel are provided.
[0022]
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the overall control unit connected to the printing apparatus main body in the printing apparatus according to claim 1 acquires option information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined option information from the option unit; Option information storage means for storing the received option information, and issuing means for issuing identification information of the option unit recognized based on the stored option information, and confirming the issued identification information, The optional unit is controlled in an integrated manner.
[0023]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the option unit includes storage means for storing option information to be transferred to the printing apparatus main body through serial communication via the overall control means. And an optional control means for controlling a paper feed process and a communication process with the printing apparatus main body.
[0024]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the optional unit is a paper discharge option unit having a paper discharge function, and the paper discharge option unit has a plurality of paper discharge ports. Means, a reversing means for changing the orientation of the face of the paper sent to the paper discharge option unit, a stapling execution means for performing stapling on the discharged paper, and a shift for discharging the discharged paper in a shifted manner And the paper discharge means includes detection means for detecting a stack amount of discharged paper.
[0025]
6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, the storage means is the engine control. Concerning First storage means for storing designation and the option control Concerning And a second storage means for storing the designation.
[0026]
7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, the engine interface designating unit receives designation from the translator and determines whether the engine control unit is designated for management or the option unit is designated. The engine interface means is designated and designated.
[0027]
8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, the option interface designating unit receives designation from the translator and determines whether the engine control unit is designated for management or the option unit is designated. The specification of the option interface means is created and specified.
[0028]
In the printing apparatus according to claim 8, in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, the engine control designation means is , D Engine interface means so The engine control with respect to the engine control means Concerning Create specification Do It is characterized by that.
[0029]
In the printing apparatus according to claim 9, in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, the option control designation unit is The In response to the designation in the option interface means, the overall control means option control Concerning Create specification Do It is characterized by that.
[0030]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, the engine interface designating unit is configured to provide the engine control designating unit with respect to the engine control designating unit when designation from the translator is designation to the overall control unit. It is characterized by creating and specifying a specification that can be identified as an option unit.
[0031]
In the printing apparatus according to claim 11, in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, when the designation from the translator is designation to the engine control means, the option interface designation means The specification is made by creating a specification that can be recognized as the specification to the engine control means.
[0032]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, when the designation from the engine interface designation unit is a designation to the overall control unit, the engine control designation unit includes the engine control designation unit. On the other hand, it is specified that the option unit is specified.
[0033]
In the printing apparatus according to claim 13, in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, when the designation from the option interface designation unit is a designation to the engine control unit, the option control designation unit sends a command to the overall control unit. On the other hand, it is characterized in that a designation indicating that it is a designation to the engine control means is performed.
[0034]
The method for specifying the paper supply / discharge of a printing apparatus according to claim 14 is the method for specifying paper supply / discharge of a printing apparatus to which an option unit for performing an expansion process is connectable. Regarding paper feeding or paper ejection Specify , Engine control means With Bridging The Engine interface means so Convert to specification And the process From the translator Regarding paper feeding or paper ejection Specify , Overall control means to control optional units With Bridging The Optional interface means to so Convert to specification And the process The conversion After Engine interface means so To the engine control means versus Engine control Concerning Convert to specification And the process The conversion After Optional interface means so To the overall control means versus Option control Concerning Convert to specification And the process The conversion After Engine control Concerning Store specification And the process The conversion After Option control Concerning Store the specification Process Thus, it is characterized in that the feeding and discharging of the printing apparatus main body and the optional unit are designated.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a printing apparatus and a paper supply / discharge designation method thereof according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer in the embodiment. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a laser beam printer. Needless to say, the printer is not limited to a laser beam printer, and may be a printer of another image recording method such as an ink jet printer.
[0036]
In the present embodiment, two option units are connected. However, more option units can be connected, and the functions of the option units may be shared by the main body.
[0037]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an external device such as a host computer, and print information (control information such as code data based on a predetermined printer language, image data) is communicated with a laser beam printer main body (simply called a printer) 102. Forward).
[0038]
An engine controller 105 forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum by a known electrophotographic process based on image data (binary or multi-valued data), and performs printing by transferring and fixing the latent image on a sheet.
[0039]
Reference numeral 103 denotes a video controller which is connected to the engine controller 105 and receives code data (ESC code, various page description languages (PDL), etc.) sent from an external device 101 such as a host computer, and dot data based on this code data. Is generated, and image data is transmitted to the engine controller 105 via a predetermined interface 80.
[0040]
A panel unit 104 performs an interface with the user. The user operates the panel unit 104 to instruct the printer 102 to perform a predetermined operation, and the panel unit 104 stores and manages various set data in a nonvolatile memory (NVRAM / EEPROM).
[0041]
An option controller 106 functions as a central controller that controls one or more option units in an integrated manner, and controls various option units in an integrated manner by communicating with controllers provided in the various option units.
[0042]
Reference numeral 107 denotes a large-capacity paper feed cassette controller (paper deck controller) that controls a paper deck option unit (paper feed option unit) as an option unit described later.
[0043]
Reference numeral 108 denotes a large-capacity discharge stacker controller (finisher controller) that controls a finisher option unit (discharge option unit) described later.
[0044]
The option controller 106 manages each option unit through a common option unit interface 70 and communicates with the video controller 103 through the overall interface 90. The present embodiment is characterized in that the video controller 103 controls the paper supply / discharge option unit via the option controller 106.
[0045]
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the mechanical configuration of the laser beam printer 102 and its optional unit. In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a printer main body. An operation panel 226 accommodates the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. In addition to the operation switches, the operation panel 226 includes an LED display and an LCD display.
[0046]
Reference numeral 228 denotes an engine controller 105 that controls the printing process of the printer, a video controller 103 that controls the entire printer and analyzes data from the host computer and converts it into image data, and an option controller 106 that controls various optional units in an integrated manner. Is a control board storage unit for storing the control board.
[0047]
A paper cassette 230 holds paper and has a mechanism for electrically detecting the paper size by a partition plate (not shown). Reference numeral 231 denotes a cassette paper feed clutch (roller), which is a cam that separates only the uppermost sheet placed on the paper cassette 230 and conveys the separated paper to the paper feed roller 204 by a driving means (not shown). It rotates intermittently each time it is fed, and feeds one sheet with one rotation.
[0048]
Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter, which presses the paper to stop paper feeding. The paper feed roller 204 conveys the leading edge of the paper to the registration shutter 227. 202 is a manual feed tray, and 203 is a manual feed clutch (roller). The paper feed clutch 203 conveys the leading edge of the paper to the registration shutter 227.
[0049]
The optional paper feed roller 233 supplies the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option unit 240 into the printer main body 201. As a result, paper can be selectively fed from the paper cassette 230, the manual paper feed tray 202 and the paper feed option 240.
[0050]
The optional paper feed roller 204 supplies the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option unit 240 together with the optional paper feed roller 233 into the printer main body 201. A pair of registration rollers 205, 204, and 244 for synchronously conveying the recording paper S are provided downstream of the manual feed roller 203, the main body cassette paper feed roller 231, and the optional paper feed roller 242, respectively. Is provided with an image recording unit 207 that forms a toner image on the recording paper S by laser light emitted from the laser scanner unit 206.
[0051]
Further, a fixing device 208 that thermally fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper S is provided downstream of the image recording unit 207, and a paper conveyance state of the paper discharge unit is detected downstream of the fixing device 208. A paper discharge sensor 209, a transport roller 210 for transporting the recording paper S, a flapper 211 for switching the transport direction of the recording paper S for which recording has been completed, and the like are provided.
[0052]
By switching the flapper 211, the recording paper S passes through the discharge rollers 214 and 212 and is stacked on the stacking tray 213, or a flapper that switches the face in the discharge option unit 250 to be conveyed to the discharge option unit 250. 254.
[0053]
The laser scanner unit 206 emits laser light modulated based on an image signal (image signal VDO) sent from the video controller 103, and the laser light from the laser unit 215 is transferred to the photosensitive drum 220. A polygon motor 216 that scans the beam, a beam detector 217 that detects a laser beam position in the scanning direction, an imaging lens group 218, a folding mirror 219, and the like.
[0054]
The image recording unit 207 includes a photosensitive drum 220, a pre-exposure lamp 221, a primary charger 222, a developing unit 223, a transfer charger 224, a cleaner 225, and the like necessary for a known electrophotographic process.
[0055]
The video controller 103, the engine controller 105, and the option controller 106 of FIG. 1 are stored in the control board storage unit 228. The engine controller 105 performs the electrophotographic process by the laser scanner unit 206, the image recording unit 207, and the fixing unit 208. Control and transport control of the recording paper in the printer main body 201 are performed.
[0056]
The video controller 103 is connected to an external device such as a host (personal) computer via a general-purpose interface (Centronics, RS232C, etc.), expands image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data, and the bit data Is sent to the engine controller 105 as an image signal VDO.
[0057]
An interface 80 shown in FIG. 1 is a video interface and enables communication between the video controller 103 and the engine controller 105.
[0058]
Various option units (paper feed option unit 240, paper discharge option unit 250) detachably connected to the printer main body 201 will be described. In the control board storage unit 228, an option controller 106 that controls various option units in an integrated manner is stored. The option controller 106 is connected to the video controller 103 via a general interface 90 connected by a connector.
[0059]
Further, a paper feed relay transport (optional paper feed) roller 233 that relays the recording paper transport from the paper feed option unit 240, a paper discharge relay transport that relays the recording paper transport to the paper feed relay transport path and the paper discharge option unit 250. A roller and a paper discharge relay conveyance path are provided.
[0060]
Reference numeral 240 denotes a large-capacity paper deck option unit (paper feed option unit) that accommodates the recording paper S as described above. The paper deck option unit 240 includes a paper deck 241 that moves up and down. Then, paper is fed using the paper deck paper feed roller group 242. In addition, a paper feed relay transport roller 243 that relays recording paper transport from other paper feed option units and a paper feed relay transport path are provided. The paper deck option unit 240 is controlled by the paper deck controller 107.
[0061]
Reference numeral 250 denotes a finisher option unit (paper discharge option unit) as described above, which has a plurality of paper discharge bins, that is, a first bin 251, a second bin 252, and a third bin 253. Sort and load S. When the recording paper S is sorted into each bin, the bin is moved up and down by the bin lifting motor 260. The paper that is sorted by the flapper 211 in the printer main body 201 and sent to the finisher option unit 250 is sorted by the flapper 254 that switches the face of the paper based on the designation of the video controller 103.
[0062]
In the case of face-up designation, it is sent as it is to the discharge port by the roller 255. In the case of face down designation, the roller 256 is once pulled until the trailing edge of the sheet exceeds the roller 256, and when the roller 256 is exceeded, the roller 257 is reversed and is fed from the trailing edge of the sheet to the roller 258 to be discharged. Sent to the exit.
[0063]
Here, when stapling is designated from the video controller 103 through the option interface, sheets are stored in a staple tray (not shown), the sheets are aligned, stapled by the stapler 259, and then the first bin 251 and the second bin. The ink is discharged into one of the bins 252 and 253.
[0064]
When the shift of the paper is designated from the video controller 103 through the option interface, the sheets are stored in the staple tray as in the case of the staple, and the first bin 251 and the second bin are aligned after the sheets are aligned and shifted for each tray. The ink is discharged into one of the bins 252 and 253. The sheet discharged to any of the first bin 251, the second bin 252, and the third bin 253 is detected by the distance measuring sensor 261.
[0065]
The finisher option unit 250 is controlled by the finisher controller 108.
[0066]
In addition, the operation panel 226 described above can display a bitmap on the LCD, and the status is indicated on the LED. The panel unit 104 housed in the operation panel 226 operates according to an instruction from the video controller 103.
[0067]
Further, the option controller 106, the paper deck controller 107, and the finisher controller 108 perform serial communication through the option unit interface 70 connected in series with the same connector, but the connection order of the paper deck option unit 240 and the finisher option unit 250 is switched. Even connection is possible.
[0068]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection state of each controller. The general interface 90 includes a serial communication interface line 80 and four hardware signals of an OPTRDY signal 81, a POUTT signal 82, a PFEDT signal 83, and an SPCNG signal 84.
[0069]
Commands such as paper feed designation to the paper deck option unit 240 and paper discharge bin designation to the finisher option unit 250 are transmitted from the video controller 103 via the serial communication interface 80, and each paper discharge bin of the finisher option unit 250 is sent. The status such as the loading state is transmitted from the option controller 106. The option controller 106 and the video controller 103 can be directly connected by a CPU bus.
[0070]
The OPTRDY signal 81 functions as a signal indicating whether or not the option unit designated by the video controller 103 is in a usable state. The POUTT signal 82 functions as a timing signal when the printer main body 201 discharges the recording paper. The PFEDT signal 83 functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the printer main body 201 can accept recording paper from the paper deck option unit 240. The SPCNG signal 84 functions as a signal for reducing the speed of the recording paper S that has been transported through the paper deck option unit 240 to match the transport speed of the printer main body 201.
[0071]
Note that three signals including the POUTT signal 82, the PFEDT signal 83, and the SPCNG signal 84 are output from the engine controller 105, passed through the video controller 103 via the video interface, and input to the option controller 106.
[0072]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the video controller 103 of FIG. In the figure, 401 is a panel interface (I / F) unit that receives various settings and instructions from the operator by data communication with the panel unit 104 from the panel unit 104.
[0073]
A host interface (I / F) unit 402 has an input / output buffer and inputs / outputs signals to / from an external device 101 such as a host computer. Reference numeral 406 denotes an engine interface (I / F) unit that inputs / outputs signals to / from the engine controller 105, and transmits a data signal from an output buffer register (not shown) and controls communication with the engine controller 105.
[0074]
Reference numeral 403 denotes an image data generator that generates bitmap data for actual printing based on control code data sent from the external device 101. Reference numeral 405 denotes an image memory for storing image data, 409 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire video controller 103, and 404 denotes a ROM for storing control codes for the CPU 409.
[0075]
Reference numeral 407 denotes a temporary storage RAM used by the CPU 409. Reference numeral 410 denotes a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM). Reference numeral 408 denotes a DMA control unit that transfers bitmap data in the image memory 405 to the engine interface unit 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409.
[0076]
A system bus 411 includes an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface unit 401, host interface unit 402, image data generation unit 403, ROM 404, image memory 405, engine interface unit 406, RAM 407, DMA control unit 408, CPU 409, EEPROM 410, and option interface unit 412 are each connected to system bus 411. All the functional units connected to the system bus 411 can be accessed.
[0077]
The nonvolatile memory 410 is divided into an information storage area 410a of the main body management unit and an information storage area 410b of the option management unit, and information is stored in each of the areas.
[0078]
An option interface unit 412 communicates with the option controller 106 according to an instruction from the CPU 409. Further, the POUTT signal 82, the PFEDT signal 83, and the SPCNG signal 84 are sent from the engine interface unit 406 to the overall interface 90 through.
[0079]
The control code for controlling the CPU 409 includes an OS that is controlled in a time-sharing manner in units of load modules called tasks by a system clock (not shown) and a plurality of load modules (tasks) that operate in units of functions.
[0080]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of the shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in the RAM in the option controller 106 shown in FIG. A method in which the video controller 103 controls each option unit through the option controller 106 using the shared memory will be described.
[0081]
The shared memory 116 shown in FIG. 5 is a command status for exchanging command status, a transport status management area 116a for specifying the page and knowing the transport status of the paper, a basic status section 116b for knowing the abnormal status of each option unit, Unit 116c and a startup processing unit 116d for specifying startup processing of the option unit.
[0082]
The start-up processing unit 116d includes a start-up specifying part that is specified from the video controller 103, and a completion notification part that notifies that each option unit has completed processing as a result of the specification.
[0083]
The video controller 103 performs the start-up process for each option unit by specifying the start-up processing unit 116d. When the power is turned on, initialization of the shared memory 116 is designated by the video controller 103, the option controller 106 designates acquisition of configuration information of each required option unit, and notifies the start designation portion of information acquisition completion and the like. The completion notification part is monitored as to whether or not each processing is completed, and the start-up processing is terminated when all the processing is completed.
[0084]
The transport status management area 116a includes a portion for designating a printing method such as a paper feed port, a paper discharge port, color / monochrome, stapling position and execution, how far the paper has been fed, whether a print signal can be output, It consists of a part that tells you the status of the optional unit, such as whether the paper is completed. The video controller 103 designates the printing method and performs printing while grasping the status of each option.
[0085]
Up to 40 pages can be specified in the above printing method specification. The specification is made in order for each page, the discharged paper area is regarded as an empty area, and is initialized so that it can be specified again and used as a ring buffer. To do.
[0086]
The basic status unit 116b is an area for notifying an abnormal state of each device, and obtains from this area such states as no paper, paper jam, door open, full load, and the like. More detailed information is acquired from the contents of the basic status part 116b by the command status.
[0087]
The command status section 116c is an area for acquiring detailed information of each option unit and controlling the operation of the option unit, and designates a command as necessary in this area to acquire information. For example, the acquirable information includes an apparatus name, a paper supply mounting paper size, a paper supply remaining amount, a paper jam position, type, an access point, a stack amount of discharged paper, a failure detail, and the like. Further, option control such as shifting to the power saving mode, emergency stop when a paper jam occurs, and reset execution is also performed using the command status unit 116c.
[0088]
In this way, the video controller 103 acquires the above information, executes printing in a state where there is no abnormality, and when abnormality occurrence is detected from the basic status, issues a command status identifying the abnormal part, and further to the device The contents of the abnormality are identified and detailed information is collected and controlled according to the abnormality.
[0089]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for accessing the shared memory 116 in the option controller 106 and exchanging command status with each option unit to acquire option information. This process is executed by the CPU 409 in the video controller 103.
[0090]
When acquiring option information, first, the command status unit 116c in the shared memory 116 included in the option controller 106 is designated to receive the information. That is, a command ID for identifying the type of necessary information is designated in the command designation area (step S501), the number of command data is designated to the option controller 106 by an execution command (step S502), and data representing the designated content is designated as a predetermined value. An address is designated (step S503), and notification that a command has been transmitted is sent (step S504).
[0091]
The option controller 106 communicates with each option unit to trigger to acquire information, and the option controller 106 performs serial communication with the required option unit based on the trigger and the specified content to obtain the specified information.
[0092]
Here, a timer is started until the option controller 106 has completely obtained information, and it is monitored whether or not the video controller 103 is in a state in which status information can be acquired (steps S505 and S506). If the status information cannot be acquired even after the predetermined time has elapsed, status information cannot be acquired. Therefore, a retry notification is issued so that the command is executed again (step S511), and the process is terminated.
[0093]
On the other hand, if the status information acquisition state is entered in step S506, the command ID of the status is acquired, and it is confirmed whether the status information is for the designated command (step S507).
[0094]
The number of status data is acquired (step S508), the status data for the number of status data is acquired (step S509), and status acquisition completion is notified to the option controller 106 (step S510).
[0095]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the layout unit and the scheduling unit specify an engine controller and an option controller through a layout command based on a translator language.
[0096]
The upper part of the printer controller such as the host application, printer driver, translator, etc. may be specified as, for example, “how many paper feed ports of the printer” or “paper feed port containing the output paper size”. Therefore, the designation is performed regardless of whether or not the sheet feeding port is an optional sheet feeding port.
[0097]
Therefore, each application including the user, the printer driver, and the translator 501 is conscious of whether each paper supply / discharge unit of the printer is managed by the engine controller 105 or the option controller 106. You must be able to use it without having to do it.
[0098]
FIG. 7 shows how the translator 501 not aware of this converts and manages the contents designated in the layout / scheduling unit 502 and designates the engine controller 105 and the option controller 106.
[0099]
The translator 501 analyzes the printer language transmitted from the host computer, and specifies the layout / scheduling unit 502 while acquiring printer configuration information and status information. Here, in order to simplify the description, the layout unit and the scheduling unit will be described as one system, and will be referred to as a layout / scheduling unit.
[0100]
The layout / scheduling unit 502 converts the command and designates the engine controller 105 and the option controller 106 through the engine interface unit 406 and the option interface unit 412 respectively. At this time, the information managed by the EEPROM 410 and the layout / scheduling unit 502 is divided and stored in a part managed by the engine controller 105 and a part managed by the option controller 106.
[0101]
A broken line a in the figure is a boundary line that can be separated when the option controller 106 is not provided, and a printer model that cannot be mounted with the option controller can be dealt with by deleting the program at the lower right of the boundary line a.
[0102]
In addition, although the printer model can be installed with an option controller, when the option controller 106 is not installed, the lower right of the boundary line a exists in the program, but the layout / scheduling unit 502 is connected to the option interface unit 412. It is possible to cope by not accessing.
[0103]
Here, before explaining how the layout / scheduling unit 502 and subsequent parts proceed, the specification information regarding the paper supply / discharge stored in the nonvolatile memory EEPROM and the layout / scheduling unit is described. A storage method will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a method of storing designation information relating to paper supply / discharge stored in the EEPROM and the layout / scheduling unit.
[0104]
When the option controller 106 is installed, option feed and option discharge information is added to the EEPROM area used so far. The ID of the main body management is fixed and is uniform regardless of how many optional units are expanded.
[0105]
On the other hand, since the option unit can be expanded indefinitely, an EEPROM area for an option is taken, and the information in the option part is accessed only when the information in the main part is designated as an option. In this optional part area, in order to store information indicating what number of the optional part is specified and information that the main body is fed, the optional part is theoretically mounted by how many of this area are taken. The number of possible options is determined.
[0106]
The number of the paper supply / discharge ports is acquired by the command status through the option interface unit 412, and the maximum value is managed. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a total of about 500 option units can be connected, each having 255 paper feed options and paper discharge options.
[0107]
A case where (1) option (option controller management) paper feed is specified and (2) main body (engine controller management) paper feed will be described with the option controller 106 installed.
[0108]
In order to simplify the description, only the paper feed port designation is targeted, but other designations relating to the paper feed / discharge options such as the paper ejection port, face orientation, staple paper ejection, and shift paper ejection are performed in the same manner.
[0109]
When the job is started, the layout unit acquires menu setting values stored in the EEPROM 410 and creates information for performing a default operation. At this time, the main body information is acquired from the EEPROM main body section 410a, and the option information is acquired from the EEPROM option section 410b.
[0110]
A specification method when the paper feed designation from the translator 501 is an optional paper feed designation will be described. If the paper feed designation from the translator 501 is an optional paper feed designation, the engine controller 105 is notified through the engine interface unit 406 that the paper feed stage designation from the translator 501 is an “optional paper feed” designation.
[0111]
Up to now, the paper feed unit has been designated as one-to-one, but since the engine controller 105 does not manage the information on where the paper is fed from the option, the designation “optional paper feed” is performed. . The option interface unit 412 is designated as “how many steps of optional sheet feeding”. The option interface 412 unit performs conversion, converts information into “device number” and “deck number”, and specifies the option controller 106.
[0112]
The “device number” and “deck number” will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, the option controller 106 is connected to the video controller 103 through a serial cable, and is further connected to a paper deck controller (paper feed option) 107 and a finisher controller (paper output option) 108.
[0113]
Each option is “apparatus”, and each paper supply / discharge stage in the apparatus is called “deck”. For example, the paper deck option unit 240 and the finisher option unit 250 shown in FIG. 2 are a paper feed option and a paper discharge option, respectively. When the paper deck option unit 240 is connected as shown in FIG. The finisher option unit 250 is the device number 2. That is, younger device numbers such as 1, 2, 3,... Are assigned from the option units connected to the option controller 106 in the vicinity.
[0114]
Further, since the paper deck option unit 240 has only one paper feed stage, the paper feed stage 241 of the paper deck option unit 240 is the deck number 1 of the apparatus number 1. Since the finisher option unit 250 has three paper discharge bins, the paper discharge bin 251, the paper discharge bin 252, and the paper discharge bin 253 have the deck number 1 of the device number 2, the deck number 2 of the device number 2, and the device number 2, respectively. It becomes deck number 3.
[0115]
In this way, each paper feed / discharge port is converted into two IDs of “device number” and “deck number”, specified to the engine controller 105 and the option controller 106, respectively, and printing operation by option paper feed is started. To do.
[0116]
Next, a designation method when the paper feed designation from the translator 501 is the main body paper feed designation will be described. When the paper feed designation from the translator 501 is the main body paper feed designation, the paper feed stage designation from the translator 501 is called “how many stages of the main body paper feed stage” uniquely determined by the ID or bit information as before. Is notified to the engine controller 105 through the engine interface unit 406. In the case of main body feeding, the option controller 106 does not manage information about where the main body feeds from, and therefore designates “main body feeding”.
[0117]
In this way, the same designation as before is made for the engine interface unit 406, converted into an ID representing main body feeding for the option interface unit 412, and designated for the engine controller 105 and the option controller 106, respectively. To start the printing operation by feeding the main body.
[0118]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a translator task processing procedure for analyzing the control data and print data sent from the host computer, converting the command setting value and information specified by the translator command, and transmitting the information to the scheduling task. .
[0119]
When the printer receives the data transmitted from the host computer, it is temporarily stored in the reception buffer. It is determined whether or not there is data to be analyzed in the reception buffer (step S601). If there is data, the translator language analysis is basically performed in step S607. First, it is determined whether or not the job is started (step S603). When the job is started, the menu setting value of the main unit is set to the EEPROM. Obtained from the main body 410a (step S604), the default setting information is created.
[0120]
On the other hand, since most of the processing is not a job start and job end instruction, if the job is not started in step S603, the process proceeds directly to the translator language analysis (step 607).
[0121]
After acquiring the menu setting value of the main body in step S604, it is determined whether or not the option controller 106 is installed (step S605), and if so, the menu setting value for the option unit is set to the EEPROM option unit 410b. (Step S606) to create option-related default setting information. Here, in the case of an engine in which the option controller cannot be mounted, it is possible to cope with the problem by deleting steps S605 and S606.
[0122]
After analyzing the translator language in step S607, it is determined whether or not a job end command has been received (step S608). When the job end command is received, the paper discharge is designated (step S610), and the process of step S601 is performed. Return and monitor again whether there is input data.
[0123]
On the other hand, if there is no data input in step S601, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed and timed out (step S602). If the time is out, the paper discharge is designated (step S610), and if it is before the time out, the process returns to step 601 to monitor the input data.
[0124]
On the other hand, if a job end command has not been received in step S608, conversion to a layout command and notification to the scheduling system are performed (step S609), and the process returns to step S601.
[0125]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the print data scheduling task processing procedure performed based on the control data and print data sent from the host computer. This processing program is stored in the ROM 404 and executed by the CPU 409 in the video controller 103.
[0126]
The control data sent from the host computer is analyzed and scheduling is performed based on the converted command information.
[0127]
First, it is monitored whether there is data to be printed (step S701). When data to be printed is received, page information and print information are created based on the contents specified by the layout command (step S702).
[0128]
It is determined whether or not the option controller 106 is installed (step S703), and if the option controller 106 is installed, printing is designated to the option controller 106 through the overall interface 90 (step S704). In the case of an engine in which the option controller 106 cannot be mounted, it can be dealt with by deleting the processes in steps S703 and S704.
[0129]
The READY state of the engine controller 105 is checked, and it is determined whether the engine controller 105 can transmit video in the READY state (step S705). If video transmission is possible, print designation is made to the engine controller 105 through the engine interface unit 406 (step S706).
[0130]
The completion notification is monitored (step S707), and when the completion notification is received, the information of the completed page is discarded and the storage area of the memory is freed (step S708).
[0131]
If print data to be newly scheduled has not been sent after designating only one page of print data, the determination in step S707 is repeated, and only the state update indicating what state the already designated page is in is performed. It will be.
[0132]
When a plurality of pages of print data are received and continuous printing is performed, the print designation is normally performed with respect to the engine controller 105 in a state where the print designation of 2-3 pages ahead is performed with respect to the option controller 106.
[0133]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an engine interface task processing procedure for executing printing based on page information created by a scheduling task. This processing program is stored in the ROM 404 in the video controller 103 and is executed by the CPU 409.
[0134]
The engine interface unit 406 determines whether there is a print designation from the scheduling task (step S801), monitors the status of the printer main body 201 (printing is possible, etc.), and monitors abnormalities (no paper, door open, paper jam, etc.) (Step S802), and if there is a print designation, the print designation is given to the engine controller 105 and the printing process is executed (step S803).
[0135]
Status notifications such as paper feed start and print start are sent to the option controller 106 through the option interface unit 412 (step S804), and the process returns to step S801 to repeat the processing. On the other hand, if there is no print designation in step S802, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0136]
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an option interface task processing procedure for notifying the option controller 106 of monitoring of the page state designated by the scheduling task and information redesignated from the engine interface task and other tasks.
[0137]
It is determined whether or not there is a page designated for printing by the scheduling task (step S901). If there is a page designated for printing, the status of the page is monitored (step S902). At this time, if there is a page that has already been printed, the scheduling task is notified that the information can be discarded.
[0138]
Also, abnormalities such as optional paper out, paper jam, full load, etc. are monitored (step S903), the necessary tasks are notified, and instructions such as operator call display and re-designation are performed.
[0139]
Further, for example, the status such as the remaining amount of paper for the paper feed option, the stacking amount of the paper discharge option, and the remaining amount of staples is monitored and updated (step S904).
[0140]
Also, a re-designation notification is received from the engine interface task, etc., and it is determined whether or not there is re-designated data (step S905). (Step S906), and the engine interface task executes print processing based on the designation.
[0141]
The cause of the re-designation is, for example, a change of the paper feed port due to no paper, a change of the paper ejection port due to full discharge bins, and the like.
[0142]
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the ID representing the main body is stored in the information of the optional section for paper feed / discharge. However, such an ID is not provided, and the designation of the main body paper feed is changed. Even in this case, the current information of the optional paper supply / discharge port may be held and stored.
[0143]
Thereby, for example, even when the paper feed port is changed from the option to the main body, it is possible to use the paper feed port that was previously output when the optional paper feed is started again without paper.
[0144]
The same applies to paper discharge.For example, even if the paper discharge port changes from the option to the main unit, when the optional paper discharge is performed again due to full paper discharge bins, etc., the paper is discharged to the paper discharge port that was previously output. It is possible to run paper. Similar operations are possible for other information.
[0145]
As described above, in the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the video controller adds only one option information to the engine interface information, manages the engine interface information and the option interface information separately, and each manages them. By handling only the paper supply / discharge information, existing programs can be used with little changes without changing the designation method from the translator.
[0146]
In addition, the process can be easily separated, the change part of the video controller can be minimized, and the options can be expanded and changed easily and in a short time.
[0147]
Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention by reading the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus.
[0148]
The storage medium is not limited to the ROM, and for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and the like can be used.
[0149]
【The invention's effect】
According to the printing apparatus of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present invention, when the paper supply / discharge designation is performed, the engine interface designation means outputs the signal from the translator. Regarding paper feeding or paper ejection Specify , Engine control means With Bridging The Engine interface means so From the translator by the option interface specification means Regarding paper feeding or paper ejection Specify , Overall control means to control optional units With Bridging The Optional interface means to so The above conversion After Engine interface means so Is designated by the engine control designation means to the engine control means. versus Engine control Concerning Convert to specified, the conversion After Optional interface means so Is designated to the overall control means by the option control designation means. versus Option control Concerning Convert to specified, the conversion After Engine control Concerning The designation is stored in the first storage means, and the conversion After Option control Concerning Since the designation is stored in the second storage means, for example, the video controller can include optional information in the engine interface information. Follow In addition, engine interface information and option interface information are divided and managed. information It can be handled, and existing programs can be used with few changes without changing the specification method from the translator.
[0150]
Further, the process can be easily separated, and the change part of the video controller is minimized.
[0151]
In this way, options can be expanded and changed easily and in a short period of time. The same effect can be obtained in the paper supply / discharge designation method of the printing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect.
[0152]
Furthermore, according to the printing apparatus of claim 2, the overall control means connected to the printing apparatus main body includes option information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined option information from the option unit, and the acquired option information. Option information storage means for storing the information, and issuing means for issuing identification information of the option unit recognized based on the stored option information, confirming the issued identification information, and Since control is performed in an integrated manner, a specific option unit can be selected and reliably controlled when a plurality of option units are connected.
[0153]
According to the printing apparatus of claim 3, the option unit performs serial communication via the overall control means and stores storage means for storing option information to be transferred to the printing apparatus main body. And an option control means for controlling communication processing with the printing apparatus main body, the status of the option unit can be notified to the printing apparatus.
[0154]
Furthermore, according to the printing apparatus of claim 4, the optional unit is a paper discharge option unit having a paper discharge function, and the paper discharge option unit includes a paper discharge unit having a plurality of paper discharge ports, A reversing unit that changes the orientation of the face of the paper sent to the paper discharge option unit; a stapling execution unit that executes stapling on the discharged paper; and a shift unit that shifts and discharges the discharged paper. The paper discharge means includes detection means for detecting the stack amount of the discharged paper, so that post-processing of the discharged paper can be performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a mechanical configuration of a laser beam printer 102 and its optional unit.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection state of each controller.
4 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of a video controller 103 in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of a shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in the RAM in the option controller 106 shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for accessing the shared memory 116 in the option controller 106, exchanging command statuses with each option unit, and acquiring option information.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method in which a layout unit and a scheduling unit specify an engine controller and an option controller through a layout command based on a translator language.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for storing designation information relating to paper supply / discharge stored in an EEPROM and a layout / scheduling unit;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a translator task processing procedure for analyzing control data and print data sent from a host computer, converting menu setting values and information specified by a translator command, and transmitting the information to a scheduling task. is there.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a print data scheduling task processing procedure performed based on control data and print data sent from a host computer.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an engine interface task processing procedure for executing printing based on page information created by a scheduling task.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an option interface task processing procedure for notifying the option controller 106 of monitoring of the page state specified by the scheduling task and information redesignated from the engine interface task and other tasks.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing apparatus such as a laser beam printer using a conventional electrophotographic process.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 External equipment
102 Laser beam printer
103 Video controller
104 Panel section
105 Engine controller
106 Option controller
107 Paper deck controller
108 Finisher controller
404 ROM
406 Engine interface
409 CPU
410a EEPROM body
410b EEPROM option part
412 Option interface
501 Translator
502 Layout / Scheduling Unit

Claims (14)

An optional unit that performs expansion processing can be connected.
Start-up process specifying means for specifying the start-up process of the option unit when the power is turned on;
Basic information acquisition means for acquiring basic information of the option unit;
Based on the acquired basic information, and optional operation control means for issuing a command identification information, performs the operation specified and the information acquisition against the option unit,
Confirming the issued command identification information, and overall control means for overall control of the option unit;
The specifications for paper feed or discharge from the translator, and an engine interface specification unit that converts to the specified engine interface means to bridge the engine control unit,
The specifications for paper feed or discharge from the translator, and optional interface specification means for converting the specified optional interface means to bridge the overall control means for controlling the option unit,
The specification in the engine interface unit of the converted, and the engine control designation means for converting the specifications for engine control which pairs to the engine control unit,
And optional control specifying means for converting said specified optional interface means after conversion, the specifications for optional control of pairs to said integrated control means,
First storage means for storing designation relating to the engine control after the conversion;
A second storage means for storing the specifications for optional control of the converted,
A printing apparatus comprising storage means for storing settings from an external device or an operation panel. The overall control means connected to the printing apparatus main body is:
Option information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined option information from the option unit;
Option information storage means for storing the acquired option information;
Issuing means for issuing identification information of the option unit recognized based on the stored option information;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the issued identification information is confirmed and the optional unit is controlled in an integrated manner. The optional unit is
Storage means for performing serial communication via the overall control means and storing option information to be transferred to the printing apparatus main body;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising option control means for controlling a paper feed process and a communication process with the printing apparatus main body. The optional unit is a paper discharge option unit having a paper discharge function,
The paper discharge option unit
A paper discharge means having a plurality of paper discharge openings;
Reversing means for changing the orientation of the face of the paper sent to the paper discharge option unit;
Stapling execution means for performing stapling on the discharged paper;
Shift means for shifting and discharging the discharged paper,
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the paper discharge unit includes a detection unit that detects a stack amount of discharged paper. The storage means
First storage means for storing designation relating to the engine control;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second storage unit that stores designation relating to the option control. The engine interface designating means is
2. The specification according to claim 1, wherein the specification from the translator is received to determine whether the management of the engine control means is specified or the option unit is specified, and the specification of the engine interface means is created and specified. Printing device.   The option interface designating unit receives designation from the translator, determines whether the management of the engine control unit is designated or the option unit, and creates and designates the option interface unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The engine control specifying means, e emissions Gin received the designation of the interface unit, the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the creating the specifications for the engine control to the engine control unit. The optional control specifying means, Oh been designated at subscription interface means, the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the creating the specifications for the optional control to the overall control means.   When the designation from the translator is designation to the overall control means, the engine interface designation means creates and designates a designation that indicates that the designation to the option unit is to the engine control designation means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.   The option interface designating means creates and designates a designation that indicates that the designation to the engine control means is given to the option control designation means when the designation from the translator is designation to the engine control means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The engine control designating means, when the designation from the engine interface designating means is designation to the overall control means, performs designation indicating that the designation to the option unit is made to the engine control means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   When the designation from the option interface designating means is designation to the engine control means, the option control designation means performs designation indicating that it is designation to the engine control means to the overall control means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In the paper feed / discharge designation method of the printing device that can connect the optional unit that performs the expansion process,
The specifications for paper feed or discharge from the translator, and a step of converting the specified engine interface means to bridge the engine control unit,
The specifications for paper feed or discharge from the translator, and a step of converting the specified optional interface means to bridge the overall control means for controlling the option unit,
A step of converting the specification of the conversion after the engine interface unit, to specify an engine control which pairs to the engine control unit,
A step of converting the specification of the option interface means after conversion, the specifications for optional control of pairs to said integrated control means,
Storing specifications relating to the engine control after the conversion;
Wherein by a step of storing the specifications for optional control of the converted printing apparatus main body and paper feed and discharge specifying a printing apparatus characterized by specifying the paper feed and discharge of the option unit.

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