JP5222034B2 - Printing apparatus and printing apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system including a printing apparatus having an expansion port for function expansion and a storage device connectable to the expansion port.

  Conventionally, in a printing apparatus, in addition to a general mode used for a user to record an image, a special activation mode not normally used by the user is prepared. The special start-up modes include, for example, a factory mode used for various adjustments and function confirmations at the factory, a service mode used when maintenance is performed by a serviceman, and a main board replacement that performs overall control of the printing device. For example, a substrate exchange mode.

  A resident program for controlling the normal function of the image forming apparatus is stored in the storage means of the main body main control unit, and a special program such as a function confirmation program at the time of manufacture is provided in the replaceable process unit. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). An image forming apparatus that starts and executes a program corresponding to a designated input from the outside is disclosed.

An image recording apparatus that has an external connector to which an external storage medium can be attached and detached, and executes a program stored in the external storage medium in response to a start request from a host when the external storage medium is attached to the external connector It is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-067434 JP 2005-088373 A

  As described above, in addition to the control program for the general mode, it is necessary to be able to start a control program for a special mode (factory mode, service mode, board replacement mode, etc.) that is not assumed to be used by the user. . For this reason, the memory capacity required for storing the control program increases.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, a resident program for controlling normal functions of the image forming apparatus is stored in the storage means of the main body main control unit, and a special program such as a function confirmation program at the time of manufacture can be exchanged. Stored in the storage means of a simple process unit. Then, the use efficiency of the storage area is improved by starting and executing a program corresponding to the designated input from the outside.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 2, when an external storage medium is attached to and detached from the external connector, and the external storage medium is attached to the external connector, a program stored in the external storage medium in response to an activation request from the host Execute startup of. For this reason, an external program unnecessary for main body control can be stored in the external storage medium, and the capacity of the program stored in the main body is reduced.

  However, in the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the general mode (resident program, main body control program) and the special mode (special program, external program) are completely independent and commonly used program code and data. Need to be stored in each area. Therefore, there is a problem of redundancy.

The printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus that performs an operation by executing a control program, and includes at least a printing operation used in a program execution memory and a general mode in which a user causes the printing apparatus to perform a printing operation. Storage means for storing a first control program for use, and an external memory storing a second control program for operating in a special mode for performing any one of maintenance, inspection, adjustment, and inspection of the printing apparatus When the external memory is connected to the connection means to be connected, the second control program stored in the external memory is executed before the first control program is executed. stored in the use memory, said second control pro which is the storing of the first control program stored in said storage means Storing a control program used in common with ram memory for executing the program by executing a control program stored in memory for execution the program, and a control means for operating the printing apparatus in the special mode It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, when the printing apparatus is operated in the special mode, the control program for the general mode is also used in the special mode, so that the capacity of the control program for the special mode can be reduced.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer PR1 in a printing system PS1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The printing system PS1 has a host PC 10, an external bus B1, and a printer PR1.

  The printer PR1 is an example of a printing apparatus, and includes a printer controller 20 and a printer engine 40.

  The image data generated by the host PC 10 is transferred to the printer PR1 via the external bus B1, and print output processing is performed. In the printer, processing is divided into a printer controller 20 and a printer engine 40.

  The printer controller 20 performs IF control with the external bus B1 used for communication with the host PC 10, interpretation of printer control commands (converted image data) transferred from the host PC 10, image data generation, image data compression, The expansion process is mainly performed. The printer controller 20 accepts various types of image processing at the time of image data generation and user operations, and mainly transmits commands to the printer engine.

  The printer engine 40 receives the bitmap data generated by the printer controller 20, and mainly performs ejection timing data generation of the inkjet head, printing processing, ink supply / recovery processing to the inkjet head, paper conveyance, and motor control in head operation. To do.

  Through the above processing, the image data received from the host PC 10 is printed out.

  Next, the configuration and schematic operation of the printer controller 20 will be described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the printer controller 20 in the printer PR1.

  The printer controller 20 includes host PCs 11, 12 and 13, a USB device 14, a CPU 21, a bus bridge 22, a memory controller 23, a USB device controller 24, and an IEEE 1394 interface 25. The printer controller 20 includes a RAM 28, a ROM 29, an EEPROM 30, an operation panel interface 31, an operation panel 32, an image data processing block 33, an SDRAM 34, and an expansion interface 35. Further, the printer controller 20 includes a network interface 36, a USB host controller 37, an HDD interface 38, and an HDD 39.

  The CPU 21 is connected to the host PCs 11, 12, and 13 via the USB device controller 24, the IEEE 1394 interface 25, and the network interface 36. Further, the CPU 21 receives command signals received from the ROM 29 storing the control program, the updatable control program, the processing program, various constant data, etc., and the host PC 11. The CPU 21 is connected to a RAM 28 for storing image information and can be accessed.

  The CPU 21 controls the recording operation based on the information stored in these memories. The instruction information input via the keys of the operation panel 32 is transmitted to the CPU 21 via the operation panel interface 31, and the LED of the operation panel 32 is similarly turned on via the operation panel interface 31 according to a command from the CPU 21. And LCD display are controlled.

  The expansion interface 35 is an interface for function expansion by connecting an expansion card such as another type of host interface. The HDD interface 38 is connected to the HDD 39 and is used for storing print job data, external characters, form images, etc., and storing an emulation program for interpreting printer control languages having different language systems (PDL).

  The USB host controller 37 is connected to the USB device 14 and performs data communication with the USB device 14. The USB device connected to the USB host controller 37 is a digital camera or the like, and the function is extended so that it receives image information directly from the USB device controller 24 and performs a printing operation.

  In the first embodiment, a storage device such as a USB memory is connected and used for selecting a startup mode and saving setting data when replacing a controller board. A specific method for selecting a start mode and a method for saving setting data when replacing a controller board will be described later.

  The image information is converted into dot data of each ink color by the image data processing block 33 and output to an engine (not shown). In addition, transmission / reception of various commands and status information between the controller and the engine is performed via the image data processing block 33 as described above.

  Further, power management control of the main control unit and each interface control unit indicated by dotted lines is performed by each power management control unit (not shown).

  Next, the function and operation outline of the engine unit will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer engine.

  The engine unit is connected to a controller (not shown) via a band memory control block 52. The CPU 41 can access a ROM 43 storing a control program and an EEPROM 44 storing an updatable control program, processing program, various constant data, and the like. Further, the CPU 41 can access a RAM 42 for storing command signals and image information received from a controller (not shown).

  The CPU 41 controls the recording operation based on the information stored in these memories, and moves the carriage 51 by operating the carriage motor 49 via the output port 45 and the carriage motor control circuit 47. .

  Further, the CPU 41 operates a paper transport mechanism 50 such as a transport roller by operating a paper transport motor 48 via the output port 45 and the paper transport motor control circuit 46. Further, the CPU 41 controls the band memory control block 52 and the print head control block 54 based on various kinds of information stored in the RAM 42 and drives the print head 55 to thereby obtain a desired image on the recording medium. Can be recorded.

  The printer PR1 includes two startup modes, a general mode and a special mode, a non-volatile memory that stores a control program for the general mode and data used in the general mode, and the storage device connected to the expansion port. And a storage device recognition unit. Further, the printer PR1 has a start mode identifying unit for identifying the start mode based on the start mode code stored in the storage device connected to the expansion port.

  The storage device stores a start mode code indicating that the start mode of the printing apparatus is a special mode, a special mode control program indicated by the start mode code, and data used in the special mode.

  When the power is turned on, the storage device recognition unit recognizes that the storage device is not connected to the expansion port, or that the activation mode code is not stored in the storage device connected to the expansion port. recognize. By this recognition, the program is started by the general mode program stored in the nonvolatile memory.

  The special mode has at least one mode, and if the storage device connected to the expansion port stores activation mode codes indicating a plurality of special modes, the activation mode is activated via the operation panel. Let them choose.

  The activation mode code includes the storage location and program size of the corresponding control program. The activation mode identification unit recognizes the storage location and program size included in the activation mode code of the control program, and activates the special mode program.

  The printer PR1 is a storage device that can be connected to the expansion port. The printer PR1 is a special mode language indicating the activation mode code, a special mode control program corresponding to the activation mode code, and a language setting used in the special mode. And a storage device storing a setting code. The printer PR1 includes a special mode language setting identification unit for identifying the language setting used in the activation mode from the special mode language setting code stored in the storage device.

  When the power supply is activated, the storage device recognition unit recognizes that there is a code indicating that the storage device is connected to the expansion port and is activated in the special mode, and corresponds to the activation mode code stored in the storage device. Start in special mode by control program. The operation panel displays the language identified by the special mode language setting identification unit.

  Further, the printer PR1 has an individual information storage area for storing information specific to the printing apparatus in a printing apparatus having the expansion port for function expansion. Then, as the special mode, a board exchange code indicating a board removal mode or a board attachment mode is stored in the storage device connectable to the expansion port. In the case of a code indicating the board removal mode, the individual information stored in the printing device is stored in the storage device, and after the individual information is stored in the storage device, the board replacement code is changed to the code indicating the board attachment mode. To change. In the case of a code indicating the board attachment mode, the individual information stored in the storage device is stored in the individual information storage unit of the printing apparatus main body. After the individual information is stored in the individual information storage unit of the printing apparatus, an activation mode for changing the substrate replacement code to a code indicating the substrate removal mode is provided.

  The printer PR1 has an expansion port for function expansion and has an individual information storage area for storing information specific to the printing apparatus. The individual information stored in the individual information storage area is copied to the storage device connectable to the expansion port, and the individual information stored in the storage device connectable to the expansion port is Has a special mode for copying to the individual information storage area.

  After the individual information stored in the storage device connectable to the expansion port is copied to the individual information storage area, only the copied individual information is erased from the storage device.

  Furthermore, the display of the operation panel and the processing contents that can be instructed from the operation panel differ depending on the mode to be activated. The meaning of the operation keys on the operation panel is changed for each mode to be activated.

  The general mode is a mode used for printing by the user, and the special mode is for the service person to perform maintenance and inspection of the printing apparatus and various adjustments and inspections at the factory in addition to the printing function. This is a mode for executing the function.

  Next, an operation for changing the board replacement code to the code indicating the board removal mode will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of changing the board exchange code to the code showing the board removal mode.

  After the power is turned on in S1, it is confirmed in S2 whether an extended memory such as a USB memory is connected to the USB host controller 37. If the extended memory is not connected, the general mode is activated in S12. Here, the “general mode” is an activation mode for the user to perform printing. If the extended memory is connected in S2, it is checked in S3 whether a code indicating the activation mode exists in the extended memory.

  If there is no code indicating the activation mode, the general mode is activated in S12. At this time, the language setting displayed on the display panel is displayed according to the language setting stored in the main body.

  If there is a code indicating the start mode, the special mode language setting indicating the language to be displayed on the display panel in the special mode is read in S4. The “special mode” is a mode different from the mode for printing by the user, and is a mode used for various adjustments / function confirmations at the factory and various maintenances by service personnel.

  Further, in S5, it is checked whether one activation mode code stored in the extended memory or a plurality of activation mode codes are stored. If one is stored, the special mode control program stored in the expansion memory is expanded in the RAM in S6.

  In S7, the control program for the general mode and the data part commonly used in the special mode and the general mode are expanded from the nonvolatile memory stored in the main body to the RAM, and the control program is started in S8. . At this time, the language displayed on the display panel is displayed based on the special mode language setting read in S4.

  If there are a plurality of activation mode codes stored in the extended memory in S5, in S9, they are displayed on the display panel according to the language setting specified in the language setting for special mode, the activation mode selection screen is displayed, and the activation mode is displayed. Encourage selection. When the activation mode is selected in S10, the control program stored in the extended memory corresponding to the activation mode is expanded in the RAM, and the control program is activated.

  The “code indicating the start mode” may be created as a text file, and the start mode name, the storage location where the control program of the start mode is stored, and the character string indicating the control program size are stored. Is feasible.

  The “control program used in common in the special mode and the general mode” is, for example, a control program for printing operation or a communication control program with the host PC. The “data used in common in the special mode and the general mode” is, for example, a non-discharge check print pattern or font data to be displayed on the display panel.

  When storing the “control program and data used in common in the special mode and the general mode”, a table indicating the storage location of the control program and data used in common is stored in the nonvolatile memory of the printer PR1 main body. Stored at a specific address.

  Further, when the special mode is activated, the functions executed only in the special mode may be displayed on the display panel, and the items of the display menu may be increased so that the functions can be executed from the operation panel.

  Further, when the special mode is activated, the operability is further improved by changing the meaning of the general mode and the key of the operation panel and assigning the function used only in the special mode. For example, in the general mode, various settings (paper type, network settings, firmware version) of the printer PR1 can be displayed. In the special mode, in addition to the display of various settings, the history data stored in the printer PR1 can be expanded. The copy of is carried out.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in the substrate exchange mode in the above embodiment.

  Here, the printer controller 20 and the printer engine 40 constitute a main board with a single board.

  For each printer, individual information such as various mechanical setting values such as timing correction value for fine adjustment of ink landing position according to the mounting position and orientation of the head, usage history data, main body serial number, various IDs used for host IF, etc. Are stored in the individual information storage area. The individual information storage area is provided in the main body. FIG. 5 shows the operation when the service person replaces and repairs the main board when the main board breaks down, and the printer individual information is transferred to the new main board.

  Next, the operation when removing the failed substrate will be described.

  First, in S21, the substrate exchange mode is activated according to the method shown in FIG. After starting in S22 in the board replacement mode, the symbol indicating whether the removal mode or the attachment mode stored in the expansion memory is in the removal mode. Accordingly, in S25, the individual information stored in the main body of the printer PR1 is copied to the expansion memory. Further, in S26, the code in the extended memory is changed to the attachment mode. Thereafter, the printer PR1 may be turned off and the main board may be removed.

  Next, after removing the failed board, a new main board is incorporated into the printer PR1. In S21, when the power is turned on, the board is started in the board replacement mode according to the method shown in FIG. In S22, as described in the flowchart at the time of removal, since the code is in the attachment mode, in S23, the individual information stored in the expansion memory is copied to the individual information storage area of the printer main body. . Furthermore, if the code in the expansion memory is changed to the removal mode in S24, the main board replacement is completed.

  The example shown in FIG. 5 is a board replacement mode when performing main board replacement in one printer PR1.

  Next, the operation of the board replacement mode when the main board is replaced when a plurality of printers PR1 are provided will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the board replacement mode when the main board is replaced when a plurality of printers PR1 are provided.

  First, in S31, the substrate exchange mode is activated according to the method shown in FIG. After the substrate exchange mode is started, a screen for allowing the operator to select the attachment mode or the removal mode is displayed on the display panel in S32.

  When the operator selects in S33 and the removal mode is selected in S34, the individual information stored in the main body of the printer PR1 is copied to the expansion memory in S41. When the attachment mode is selected in S34, it is checked in S35 whether there is one piece of individual information stored in the extended memory. If there is one piece of individual information stored in the extended memory, in step S36, the individual information stored in the extended memory is copied to the individual information storage area of the printer PR1 main body. When the copying is completed, the individual information stored in the extended memory is deleted in S37.

  If there are a plurality of pieces of individual information stored in the extended memory, a screen for selecting which piece of individual information to copy on the display panel is displayed in S38. After selecting which individual information is to be copied in S39, the selected individual information is copied to the individual information storage area of the main body of the printer PR1 in S40. When copying is completed, the individual information stored in the extended memory and copied in S40 is deleted in S37.

  According to the above embodiment, the code indicating the activation mode is stored in the expansion memory or the like, and the activation is performed according to the presence or absence of the connection of the expansion memory and the activation mode code in the expansion memory when the printer PR1 is activated. Since the mode to be used is determined, the operation when starting the special mode is simplified.

  In the above embodiment, at the time of starting the special mode, at least a part of the control program and data used in common with the general mode is read from the nonvolatile memory of the main body of the printer PR1. Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the capacity of the control program size and data size stored in the expansion memory can be reduced.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, when there are a plurality of activation mode codes in the extended memory, the activation mode is selected by the operation panel, so that the operability at the activation by the user is improved.

  Furthermore, the special mode display language setting code that specifies the display language when used in the special mode is stored in the extended memory, and the language corresponding to the special mode display language setting code is used in the special mode when the special mode is activated. Therefore, the operation at the start of the special mode is reduced.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as the special mode, the board replacement mode using the expansion memory is used as a save location for the individual information of the printer PR1 when the main board of the printer PR1 is replaced. Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the capacity of the nonvolatile memory provided in the printer PR1 can be reduced.

  Then, the expansion memory stores the board exchange code indicating the board removal mode or the board attachment mode, and determines the copy destination and the copy source of the individual information according to the board exchange code. Operation can be reduced.

  In addition, after copying the individual information from the expansion memory to the individual information storage area of the printer PR1, only the copied individual information is deleted, thereby reducing erroneous operations when copying the individual information when replacing the main board. can do.

In addition, the expansion memory stores a board exchange code indicating the board removal mode or the board installation mode, and determines the copy destination and the copy source of the print information according to the board exchange code. Operation can be reduced.

  Although the above embodiment is an ink jet printer, the above embodiment can also be applied to LBP and the like.

In the above embodiment, the USB host controller 37 is used as an expansion port. However, the above embodiment can be applied to an expansion port using a PCI bus, for example.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer PR1 in a printing system PS1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a printer controller 20 in the printer PR1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer engine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of starting up the printer PR1 to which the present invention can be applied. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the board | substrate exchange mode which can apply this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a board replacement mode when a main board is replaced when a plurality of printers PR1 are provided.

Explanation of symbols

10: Host PC,
PR1 ... Printer,
B1 ... External bus,
20 ... Printer controller,
40 ... printer engine,
21 ... CPU,
22 ... Bus bridge,
23 ... Memory controller,
24 ... USB device controller,
25 ... IEEE1394 interface,
11 ... Host PC,
12 ... Host PC,
13: Host PC,
14 ... USB device,
28 ... RAM,
29 ... ROM,
30 ... EEPROM,
31 ... Operation panel interface,
32 ... Control panel,
33. Image processing block,
34 ... SDRAM,
35 ... Extended interface,
36 ... Network interface,
37 ... USB host controller,
38 ... HDD interface,
39 ... HDD,
41 ... CPU,
42 ... RAM,
43 ... ROM,
44 ... EEPROM,
45 ... Output port,
46. Paper transport motor control circuit,
47. Carriage motor control circuit,
48 ... motor,
49 ... motor,
50. Paper transport mechanism,
51. Carriage,
52. Band memory control block,
53 ... Memory,
54 ... Printhead control block,
55. Print head.

Claims (5)

A printing apparatus that operates by executing a control program,
Program execution memory,
Storage means for storing at least a first control program for printing operation used in a general mode for allowing the printing apparatus to perform a printing operation by the user;
Connection means for connecting an external memory storing a second control program for operating in a special mode for performing any one of maintenance, inspection, adjustment, and inspection of the printing apparatus;
When the external memory is connected to the connection means, the second control program stored in the external memory is stored in the program execution memory before executing the first control program, Of the first control program stored in the storage means, the control program used in common with the stored second control program is stored in the program execution memory and stored in the program execution memory Control means for operating the printing apparatus in the special mode by executing the control program ,
A printing apparatus comprising:   The special mode includes a mode in which a substrate attached in the printing apparatus is removed, and the control means connects the individual information of the printing apparatus to the connection means before the substrate is removed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus writes in an external memory.   The special mode includes a mode in which a substrate is attached to the printing apparatus, and the control unit is configured to store the printing apparatus stored in the external memory connected to the connection unit when the substrate is attached. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the individual information is stored in the storage unit.   The control unit stores the individual information of the printing apparatus stored in the external memory connected to the connection unit in the storage unit, and then deletes the individual information from the external memory. The printing apparatus according to claim 3. A printing apparatus that performs an operation by executing a control program, the program execution memory, and at least a first control program for a printing operation used in a general mode for causing the printing apparatus to perform a printing operation A method for controlling a printing apparatus having storage means for storing the image data and connection means for connecting an external memory,
When an external memory storing a second control program for operating in a special mode for performing any one of maintenance, inspection, adjustment, and inspection of the printing apparatus is connected to the connection unit, the external Before executing the first control program , the second control program stored in the memory is stored in the program execution memory, and the second control program is stored among the first control programs stored in the storage means. A control program used in common with the second control program is stored in the program execution memory, and the control program stored in the program execution memory is executed,
A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: operating the printing apparatus in the special mode.

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