JPH0596826A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten a period of time from the receiving of printing data to the starting of printing by a method wherein a plurality of data quantity values with different values are stored in advance, and the data quantity values are selected and read by a sequence in which the values become larger in order, from the data quantity values stored in advance, and a specified quantity value as the condition for the start of printing process is shifted and changed to a newest data quantity value which is selected and read. CONSTITUTION:Printing data which is transmitted from an external unit 100 is received by a receiving buffer 13, and a printing process is started on the condition that the receiving data quantity reaches a specified quantity value. For printers 1, 10, a plurality of data quantity values, which are mutually different, are stored in a data quantity value storage means 13. When the operation is started, selecting/-reading means 11, 12 select and read one data quantity value for each specified timing, by a sequence in which the values become larger in order, among the data quantity values which are stored. Then, quantity value shifting/changing means 11, 12 automatically shifts and change the specified quantity value as the condition to start a printing process to a newest data quantity value which is selected and read.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer formed to start a printing process when print data received from an external device reaches a predetermined amount.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 is a device to be controlled, which includes a print head, a carrier mechanism, a paper feeding mechanism and the like. 1
Reference numeral 0 is a control unit for controlling the drive of the entire controlled device, and C
In addition to PU and ROM, it includes an interface 16, a reception buffer RCV, and a print buffer PNT.

In such a printer, the external device (100)
The print data transmitted from the printer is stored in the reception buffer RCV via the interface 16, then expanded and stored in the print buffer PNT. Then, based on the expansion data stored in the print buffer PNT, the controlled device 1 is drive-controlled to perform printing.

From the host computer 100 side as an external device, if a large amount of print data can be transmitted to the printer (10) side at a time, the printer (1)
The transmission processing load for 0) is reduced. On the other hand, from the printer (10) side, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the reception buffer RCV by receiving print data in small amounts. However, it is burdensome to print the small amount of print data each time it is received.

Thus, the printer (10) side is generally formed to start the printing process when the amount of print data (received data) transmitted from the host computer 100 reaches a predetermined value. Target. Further, for convenience, whether or not the predetermined amount value has been reached is determined by the reception buffer RC.
In many cases, it is determined whether or not V has become full.

Referring to FIG. 5 in more detail, the printer (10) first uses the interface 16 as a bus.
When y is set and the size Is of the reception buffer RCV input by the key operation is set, and the reception buffer RCV is not full, the interface 16 is set to Ready (ST10 to 12). Then, the print data transmitted from the host computer 100 is received. It is performed by latching in the interface 16 (ST13). After that, the received data is stored in the reception buffer RCV (ST15).

When the reception buffer RCV becomes full (YES in ST11), the data is expanded and stored in the print buffer PNT, and N lines (for example, 14 lines) are stored.
If printing is possible, start the printing process (ST18, 1
9).

When the printer (10) has a sufficient processing time (YES in ST16), data expansion and printing can be started (ST17 to 19) even if the reception buffer RCV does not become full. Has been taken into consideration. However, since various processes are duplicated at the beginning, the execution is rare.

By the way, the initially set reception buffer size Is is to reduce the effective use of the storage capacity of the reception buffer RCV, the transmission processing load of the host computer 100, the data expansion in the printer (10), and the print start load. Therefore, the storage capacity (size ... For example, for 15 lines) of the reception buffer RCV is almost the same size (Is ...
(For example, 13 to 14 lines) are selected, and once the size Is is set, it is operated as it is.

[0010]

However, the storage capacity of the receiving buffer RCV tends to increase as further diversification, higher precision, etc. are strongly demanded, and the receiving buffer RCV is practically used. It is rare to know the actual storage capacity of
The following handling problems have been pointed out.

That is, if the reception buffer size Is is initialized to a large value, the time from the start of reception from the host computer 100 to the start of printing becomes long, so that the print data is not printed even though it has been transmitted. Therefore, a mistake is made that the printer (1, 10) is out of order, and useless checking work is forced. This causes a disadvantage that the evaluation of the so-called throughput of the printer (1, 10) itself can be lowered without reason. Further, since it is not possible to immediately check whether or not the printing position on the paper is correct, the operator has to wait on the spot until the corresponding line is printed, which is inconvenient to handle and hinders high-speed printing.

An object of the present invention is to effectively use the storage capacity of the reception buffer and reduce the transmission processing load of an external device while automatically shortening the time from the start of data reception to the start of printing. To provide a printer that can.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, print data transmitted from an external device is received by a reception buffer, and print processing is started on condition that the received data amount reaches a predetermined amount value. In this printer, a data amount value storage means for storing a plurality of data amount values having mutually different values, and a data amount value gradually increasing from the data amount values stored at every predetermined timing are sequentially added. Selective reading means for selectively reading, and quantity value switching changing means for switching and changing the predetermined quantity value as a print processing start condition to the latest read and read data quantity value are provided.

[0014]

In the present invention having the above-mentioned structure, a plurality of data amount values having mutually different values are stored in advance in the data amount value storage means. When the operation is started, the selective reading means selectively reads one data amount value from the stored data amount value in the order of increasing value. Here, the quantity value switching changing unit switches and changes the predetermined quantity value as the print processing start condition to the latest selectively read data quantity value.

Therefore, the data amount value storage means stores, for example, 1/15, 1 / of the maximum standard predetermined amount value (1/1).
If a data amount value of 3, 1/1 is stored, printing is started when the received data amount becomes [1/15 × predetermined value amount (1/1)], and finally the predetermined amount value ( Printing is started when it becomes 1/1).

Therefore, the final and normal predetermined amount value (1 /
Regardless of the size of 1), that is, the storage capacity of the reception buffer, it is possible to greatly reduce the time until the start of the first printing, and normally print as a whole while reducing the processing load on the external device and this printer. It can achieve speedup.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, this printer is a dot printer having the same basic configuration as that of the conventional example (FIG. 4), and has a data amount value storage means (13AR2) and a selective reading means (11, 1).
2) and quantity value switching changing means (11, 12) are provided, and the predetermined quantity value of the received data quantity that is the print processing start condition is automatically switched and changed so that the value gradually increases to receive the first data. It is configured so that the time from the start of printing to the start of printing can be shortened.

In FIG. 1, a control unit 10 constituting the printer includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12 for storing various programs and fixed data, and a RAM 1 for temporarily storing various data.
3, a non-volatile memory 14 for storing print data conversion data, an interface 16 for controlling data communication with the host computer 100 as an external device, a keyboard 15, an input / output port 17, and the like.

The interface 16 can latch the print data transmitted from the host computer 100 (ST13 in FIG. 3). The data thus received can be received by the reception buffer 13RCV by the cooperation of the CPU 11 and the ROM 12. (ST15 in the same). The print data stored in the reception buffer 13RCV is expanded based on the conversion data stored in the non-volatile memory 14 and stored in the print buffer PNT.

The reception buffer 13RCV and the print buffer 13PNT are both RA as shown in FIG.
It is formed with a specific area RCV, PNT of M13.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printer receives print data transmitted from the external device (100) in the receive buffer 13RCV via the interface 16 (ST12 to ST15) as in the conventional example (FIG. 5). ), And the condition that the received data amount becomes a predetermined amount value (ST10, 1
The printing process is started in (2) (ST17 to 19), but the predetermined amount value is switched and changed at every predetermined timing (ST1).
0, 20, 21).

Here, the predetermined amount value means an external device (10
0) indicates the amount of received data transmitted from 0), so that the number of print data actually stored in the receive buffer 13RCV may be grasped and handled concretely, but in this embodiment, in order to simplify the software. , The index (in) is supposed to be used.

That is, when the storage capacity (actual size) of the reception buffer 13RCV is 15 lines, in this embodiment, the three types of indices is, is + 1, and is + 2 are 1 line, 5 lines, and 15 lines, respectively. This index will be changed and changed sequentially. That is, the indices is, is +
1 and is + 2 indicate that the storage capacity of the reception buffer 13RCV is apparently 1 row, 5 rows, and 15 rows.
It is formed to determine whether 3RCV has become full (ST11).

However, the apparent storage capacity (1 line, 5 lines, 15 lines) of the reception buffer 13RCV corresponding to each index is, is + 1, is + 2 can be rewritten by a key operation of the keyboard 15.

Here, the data amount value storage means (13
AR2) is the index is, is + 1, is corresponding to a plurality of data amount values having different values, that is, apparent storage capacities.
As a means for storing +2, it is formed with a specific area AR2 of the RAM 13 as shown in FIG. However, RO
It can also be implemented by using the M12 or the non-volatile memory 14.

Next, the selective reading means is a means for sequentially selectively reading the data amount value whose value gradually increases from the data amount values stored in the data amount storage means 13AR2 at every predetermined timing, and the CPU 11 and It is composed of a ROM 12. Specifically, when the print command is input, the CPU 11 first selectively reads the index is. The selectively read index is is the specific area 13AR of the RAM 13.
3 (see FIG. 2). Next, after the previous printing is performed (at every predetermined timing), the indices is + 1, is + 2
Select and read in the order of. However, in this embodiment, the updating method is implemented as in ST20 and ST21 of FIG. 3 for consistency with the quantity value switching changing means and simplification of software.

Here, the quantity value switching / changing means switches and changes the predetermined quantity value as the print processing start condition to the latest data quantity value (index in) that has been selectively read.
1, ROM 12. The changed predetermined amount value (index in) is stored in the specific area AR1 of the RAM 13 as shown in FIG. That is, the switching is changed (ST10) to the first selected and read index is, and then ST2 is changed.
At 0 and 21, it is confirmed whether the index in stored in the specific area 13AR1 of the RAM is the maximum index (is + 2), and the index is updated to the index (in + 1) one rank higher. Is increasing.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Specific area 13AR2 of RAM as data amount value storage means
The data amount value (for 1,5,15 lines) is the index is, i
It is stored in association with s + 1 and is + 2.

When there is a print command, the CPU 11 sets the interface 16 to Busy, cuts off communication with the external device (100), and performs initialization processing (ST1 in FIG. 3).
0). At this time, the CPU 11 as the selective reading means selectively reads the minimum index is stored in the data amount value storage means 13AR2 to read the specific area 13A of the RAM 13.
Store in R3. Then, C as a quantity value switching change means
The PU 11 switches and changes the latest index is as the print processing start condition. That is, the index is is set in the RAM specific area 13AR1 shown in FIG. 2 (ST10). Here, the apparent storage capacity of the reception buffer 13RCV is the index i.
Receive buffer 1 with the data amount value (for one line) corresponding to s
It is 1/15 of the original storage capacity (for 15 rows) of 3RCV.

Subsequently, the CPU 11 as the control unit 10
Indicates that the reception buffer 13RCV is full in apparent storage capacity.
It is determined whether or not it is 1 (ST11). Nothing is initially stored, so NO is determined. Thus, CPU11
Sets the interface 16 to Ready and latches and receives the print data from the external device (100) (ST12, 13). When this reception is completed, the interface 16 is set to Busy and the latched data is stored in the reception buffer 13RCV (ST15).

Here, the reception buffer 13RCV apparently becomes full in terms of storage capacity (YES in ST11).
Then, the stored data is developed into dot image data corresponding to the control target device 1 based on the conversion data of the non-volatile memory 14 and stored in the print buffer 13PNT. Therefore, if n lines in ST18 are set as one line, printing is performed immediately (ST19).

That is, no matter what the original storage capacity of the reception buffer 13RCV is, if the minimum apparent storage capacity (index is) is set and stored in the data amount value storage means 13AR2. , The time from the start of reception from the external device (100) to the start of the first printing can be greatly shortened.

When this printing is completed, the selective reading means (1
1, 12) and the quantity value switching change means (11, 12) cooperate to selectively read the next largest data quantity value (index is + 1) and store it in the RAM specific area 13AR3, and in the RAM specific area 13AR1. The index is + 1 is written to switch and change the data amount value (ST20, 21,
ST10). Receive buffer 13RCV at this stage
The apparent storage capacity of is 5 lines.

Thus, the next print data is received from the external device (100) (ST12-15). The reception buffer 13RCV becomes full in apparent storage capacity (ST1
If YES in 1), printing for 5 lines is performed (ST17-
19). Therefore, if the printing position on the paper is insufficiently confirmed by the preceding one-line printing, the final confirmation can be made by this printing.

After that, ST20, 21 and ST10
Then, the index is + 2 is selectively read and the predetermined amount value is rewritten. Therefore, the third time, the reception buffer 13
Printing is performed for 15 lines by effectively utilizing the original storage capacity of RCV (ST17 to 19). After that, ST20
Since YES is determined in step S21, the predetermined amount value as the print start condition is the maximum index is + 2, that is, 15 lines. Therefore, the print data transmission processing load of the external device (100) is light and the load related to the reception processing in the main print (10) is also light.

At any stage, if it is determined at ST16 that the processing time has sufficient margin, the apparent storage capacity of the receive buffer 13RCV at that time is full.
Even if it is not, when n lines can be printed (ST18), it can be printed.

According to this embodiment, however, the data amount value storage means 13AR2, the selective reading means (11, 12) and the amount value switching changing means (11, 12) are provided, and the conditions for starting the printing process are set. Since the quantitative value is gradually and automatically changed, the time from the data reception from the external device (100) to the start of the first printing can be significantly shortened, and thereafter the actual storage capacity of the reception buffer 13RCV is sufficiently effective. Available. Therefore, it is possible to avoid misidentification of printer failure, to evaluate the throughput appropriately, and to reduce the processing load on both the external device (100) and the printer (10) related to the transmission / reception of print data and perform smooth operation. Is assured.

Further, the data amount value storage means 13ARA2 stores a plurality of data amount values (indexes is, is + 1, is + 2 corresponding to 1 line, 5 lines, 15 lines),
Moreover, since it is formed so that the setting value can be changed by the keyboard 15, it is possible to perform the reasonable operation such that the start of the first printing can be made much faster and the printing position on the paper can be confirmed with some margin. it can.

Further, the selective reading means (11, 12) sequentially and automatically reads the data amount value whose value gradually increases at predetermined timing, and the amount value switching changing means (11, 12) has the latest data amount value. Since the print processing start condition and automatic switching are changed, no keyboard operation or visual confirmation of the data amount value is required, and handling is very easy.

Although the above embodiment discloses the dot printer, the type, method, etc. are not limited to the above-described exemplary structure.

[0041]

According to the present invention, the data quantity value storage means, the selective reading means, and the quantity value switching changing means are provided to gradually and automatically change the predetermined quantity value as the print processing start condition. The time from the reception of data from an external device to the start of the first printing can be greatly shortened, and thereafter the actual storage capacity of the reception buffer can be fully utilized effectively.
Therefore, erroneous recognition of printer failure can be avoided, the throughput can be evaluated appropriately, and smooth operation can be ensured by reducing the processing load of both the external device and the printer relating to transmission / reception of print data.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is likewise a diagram for explaining a reception buffer, a data amount value storage means, and the like.

FIG. 3 is likewise a flowchart for explaining the operation.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a conventional example.

FIG. 5 is likewise a flow chart for explaining a conventional operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Controlled Equipment (Printer) 10 Control Unit (Printer) 11 CPU (Selective Reading Means, Quantity Value Switching Changing Means) 12 ROM (Selective Reading Means, Quantity Value Switching Changing Means) 13 RAM 13AR2 Specific Area of RAM (Data Quantity Value) Storage unit) 13 RCV RAM specific area (reception buffer) 13 PTN RAM specific area (print buffer) 15 keyboard 16 interface 100 host computer (external device)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A printer configured to receive print data transmitted from an external device by a reception buffer and to start print processing on condition that the received data amount has reached a predetermined amount value. Data amount value storage means for storing a plurality of different data amount values, and selective reading means for sequentially selectively reading the data amount values that gradually increase from the data amount values stored at every predetermined timing, A printer comprising: a quantity value switching changing means for switching and changing the predetermined quantity value as a print processing start condition to the latest read and read data quantity value.