JPH06286271A - Control method of printer and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To permit the sure prevention of generation of timing error in sequence between a printer engine and a printer controller. CONSTITUTION:A command, sent out from a printer controller to an engine controller, is stored in a buffer, and a timer for monitoring the executing conditions of respective stored commands is started; then, the finishing condition of counting of the started timer is judged and general purpose command to carry out a prescribed operation for activating a printer engine by the printer controller based on the judgment result is sent out automatically.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer control method and apparatus for outputting a command to a printer engine to control printing and the state of the printer engine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a printer engine of this kind is provided and a printer engine is controlled, the printing mechanism of the printer engine, for example, the retracting operation of the print head and the start of a sequence for maintaining the performance of other heads, Irrespective of the processing status on the controller side, the execution command from the printer controller to the printer engine is executed only based on the elapsed time from the interruption.

Further, when a command processing error occurs in the case where commands are accumulated from the printer control device to the printer engine, for example, in a serial printer, and those commands are sequentially read and executed, the command buffer has one system. Therefore, when a command execution error is notified to the printer control device from the printer engine, the printer control device once retrieves the command previously stored in the printer engine, and a new recovery command is issued. After sending and recovering, the command removed from the printer control device was sent again to the printer engine.

[0004]

However, since the conventional printer control apparatus estimates the processing status of the printer controller only on the printer engine side, it has the following problems.

(1) The printer engine goes into a standby state with a slight timing deviation, and it takes time to return it to the executable state again, which lowers the printing speed.

(2) Since the position of the recording material shifts due to the retracting of the print head and other sequences for maintaining the performance of the head, an unexpected white line is included in the print result.

Further, because of the command processing as described above,
There were the following problems.

(1) It is necessary for the printer controller to constantly monitor the command execution state of the printer engine.

(2) The process of saving and restoring the commands stored in the printer engine complicates the entire system process.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned many problems. The command processing state is pseudo continued by the command processing of the printer engine and the printer controller, and the command processing execution state is When an error occurs, by controlling the designated destination of the buffer that stores the command, the status of the printer engine and printer controller can be kept active at all times, and command processing after error processing recovery can be efficiently restarted. An object of the present invention is to obtain a printer control method and a printer control device which can be performed.

[0011]

A first printer control method according to the present invention stores a command sent from a printer controller to an engine controller in a buffer,
A timer that monitors the execution state of each of the stored commands is activated, the timed completion state of the activated timer is determined, and the printer controller executes a predetermined operation based on the determination result to activate the printer engine. A general command to be sent is automatically sent.

The first printer control device according to the present invention is
A buffer that stores commands sent from the printer controller to the engine controller, a timer that monitors the execution status of each command stored in this buffer,
Based on the determination means for determining the timed state of the timer and the determination result of the determination means, the printer controller generates a general-purpose command for executing a predetermined operation for activating the printer engine.

A second printer control method according to the present invention is
The command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller is analyzed and stored in a queue buffer or a single buffer, the command execution error state during execution of the command is judged, and the command storage buffer is designated by an immediate command based on the judgment result. The destination is controlled to be switched to a single buffer until the subsequent queue buffer designation command is received.

A second printer control device according to the present invention is
Analyzing means for analyzing a command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller, a queue buffer for storing a plurality of commands analyzed by the analyzing means, a single buffer for storing a single command received by the analyzing means, Judgment means for judging a command execution error state during execution of the command stored in the queue buffer or a single buffer, and a command storage buffer specification destination for a subsequent queue buffer specification command by an immediate instruction based on the judgment result of this judgment means. And a buffer control means for controlling the switching to a single buffer until the reception.

[0015]

In the first printer control method, the command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller is stored in the buffer, the timer for monitoring the execution state of each stored command is activated, and the activated timer The status of the printer engine and the printer controller is always activated because the printer controller automatically sends a general-purpose command that determines the time counting completion state and executes the predetermined operation for activating the printer engine based on the determination result. It is possible to maintain the state.

In the first printer control device, the determination means determines the timed completion state of the timer for monitoring the execution state of each command stored in the buffer, and the printer controller causes the printer engine to operate based on the determination result. Since a general-purpose command for executing a predetermined operation for activation is generated, it becomes possible to maintain the states of the printer engine and the printer controller at all times in the activated state.

In the second printer control method, the command type sent from the printer controller to the engine controller is analyzed and the received command is stored in a queue buffer or a single buffer, and a command execution error state during execution of the command is stored. And the command storage buffer designation destination by the immediate command based on the determination result until the subsequent queue buffer designation command is received.
Since the switching is controlled to the single buffer, the command processing after the error processing recovery can be efficiently restarted.

In the second printer control device, the command analyzed by the analyzing means is stored in the queue buffer or the single buffer, and the determining means determines the command execution error state during the execution of the stored command. The buffer control means switches to a single buffer until the subsequent queue buffer designation command is received by the immediate command based on the determination result until the subsequent queue buffer designation command is received, so the command processing after error processing recovery is efficient. It will be possible to restart well.

[0019]

EXAMPLES Before describing the configuration of the present example, the configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present example is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining the structure of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, for example, the case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In the figure, the driving force transmitting gears 5011, 5010, 50 are interlocked with the forward and reverse rotations of the driving motor 5013.
The carriage HC that engages with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via 09 has a pin (not shown) and is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b.
An inkjet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. 5002 is a paper pressing plate,
The paper is pressed against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detection means for confirming the presence of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC in this area and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 is a member for indicating a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head, and 5015 is a suction means for sucking the inside of the cap, which performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. A cleaning blade 5017 can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body support plate that supports the cleaning blade 5017 and the member 5019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which moves in accordance with movement of a cam 5020 that engages with the carriage HC, and a driving force from a drive motor 5013 is controlled by a cultivated land transmission means such as clutch switching. To be done. In addition, 5003 is a guide rail.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at their corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage HC reaches the home position side area. It may be configured to perform a desired operation at the timing.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is a program ROM for storing a control program executed by the MPU 1701, and 1703 is a DRAM for supplying various data (the above-mentioned recording signal and head are supplied. Save the recorded data etc.). Reference numeral 1704 denotes a gate array (GA) for controlling supply of print data to the print head 1708.
Interface 1700, MPU 1701, DRA
It also controls the transfer of data between M1703. Reference numeral 1710 is a carrier motor for carrying the recording head 1708, 1709 is a carrying motor for carrying the recording paper, 17
Reference numeral 05 is a head driver for driving the recording head 1708, 1706 is a motor driver for driving the carry motor 1709, and 1707 is a motor driver for driving the carrier motor 1710.

In the recording apparatus thus constructed,
When a print signal is input from the host computer 100 described later via the interface 1700, the print signal is converted into print data for printing between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head 1708 is driven according to the recording data sent to the head driver 1705 to execute printing.

The MPU 1701 is an interface 1
Communication processing with the host computer 100 is possible via 700, and memory information and resource data regarding the DRAM 1703 can be notified to the host computer 100. [First Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a printer control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the LA device, whether a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices, is used.
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a system in which processing is performed via a network such as N.

In the figure, reference numeral 100 is a host computer, which is provided with a CPU 1 for executing document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in ROM 2. It comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

The ROM 2 also stores a control program for the CPU 1 shown in the flow chart described later. A RAM 3 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. 5 is a keyboard controller (KB
In C), the key input from the keyboard 9 is controlled. A CRT controller (CRTC) 6 controls the display of a CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, etc. in a hard disk (HD) 11,
It controls access to the floppy disk (FD) 12. A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined interface 13 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. Reference numerals 8a and 18b denote interface circuits, which perform various command communication processes between the printer 1500 and the host computer 100 via the interface 13.
Control recording information processing.

The CPU 1 executes the rasterizing process of the outline font in the display information RAM set in the RAM 3, and the W on the CRT 10 is executed.
It enables YSIWYG. Further, the CPU 1 is C
Various windows registered based on commands designated by the mouse cursor or the like on the RT 10 are opened, and various data processes are executed.

Further, in the printer 1500, a printer CPU (CPU) 14 generally controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 17 based on a control program stored in the ROM 15 and prints. An image signal (VDO) as a print and data is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 20 connected via a copy interface 19. Reference numeral 16 denotes a RAM, which is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Reference numeral 18 is an input unit, and 1501 is an operation panel.

At least one slot (not shown) is provided.
With more than one, in addition to the built-in font, option card,
It is configured so that control cards (emulations) of different languages can be connected. Further, a nonvolatile storage medium (NVRAM) for storing printer mode setting information from an operation unit (not shown) is also provided.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an interface between the controller and the engine of the printer 1500 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a printer controller, which outputs various commands to be described later to the printer engine 22 via a serial signal line, and print data based on the status of the printer engine 22 to the printer via the serial signal line. Output to the engine 22. Reference numeral 25 is a command buffer.

Reference numeral 25a denotes a queue type instruction buffer (buffer) (QUEUE COMMAND BUFFER).
In this embodiment, a maximum of four instructions (for example, NOP (NO OPERATIO) are used.
N), print command PRINT, etc.) can be stored. A single-step instruction buffer (single buffer) 25b stores a single instruction.

In the first printer control device thus constructed, the determination means (CPU 21a) determines the time count completion state of the timer for monitoring the execution state of each command stored in the command buffer 25, and the determination result The printer controller 21 based on the
Since a general-purpose command (NOP command) for executing a predetermined operation for activating No. 2 (print head retracting operation, performance holding operation (including head cap processing, etc.)) is generated, the printer engine 22 and printer controller It becomes possible to maintain the state of 21 and the state of being always activated.

In the thus configured second printer control device, the command analyzed by the analysis means (printer engine 22) is stored in the queue buffer 25a or the single buffer 25b, and the determination means (CPU 21a) stores the command. The command execution error state during execution of the command is determined, and based on the result of the determination, the command storage buffer is designated by the immediate command until the subsequent queue buffer designation command is received. ) Controls switching to the single buffer 25b, so that command processing after error processing recovery can be efficiently restarted.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the command execution processing process of the printer controller and printer engine shown in FIG.

In the figure, PRO1 is a communication task (co
command reception analysis processing is executed, and in the case of a buffer use command based on the analysis result of the received command, the soft switches 26 and 27 are switched to wait for the received command. Queue command processing routine (wait for immediate command) Buffer 25a based on matrix control command execution processing)
To memorize.

On the other hand, if the received command is an immediate command and is a status request command, the status process routine is executed and the printer engine 22 is executed.
Is notified to the printer controller 21 via the serial communication line.

PRO2 is a sequence task (seq-t
In sk), the buffer use command is executed.

As shown in this figure, when a command is received from the printer controller 21, a communication task (com
-Tsk) PRO1 starts command reception analysis processing,
If the command is analyzed as a buffer use command like a NOP command or a print command, NO
The P command and the print command are stored in the buffer 25a. Then, the sequence task (seq-tsk) PRO2 sequentially executes while fetching the instructions.

The instruction buffer 25 has instruction buffers 25a and 25b, and the soft switches 26 and 27 are switched and controlled by a queue control instruction to select one of them.

On the other hand, if the received command is an immediate command, such as a status request command or a queue control command,
The communication task (com-tsk) PRO1 executes immediately.

6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining the data structure of the command buffer shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, QCTBL is a queue control block table in which a pointer, status, count value and maximum count value are set. QDBL is a queue instruction buffer in which pointers, opcodes and parameters are stored. In addition, the last queue instruction buffer QD
"Ffffh" indicating the buffer end is written at the beginning of the BL.

In FIG. 7, SGTBL is a buffer control block table of the single instruction buffer 25b, in which pointers and status are stored. SDBL is a single-instruction buffer, with "ffff" at the beginning indicating the buffer end.
h ”is written.

As shown in these figures, each block has 8
It consists of bytes and has a list structure linked by unidirectional pointers. Also, the block to be bought is cut out from the memory pool that enables dynamic allocation when necessary, and is returned to the memory pool again for use after you use it.

FIG. 8 is a correlation diagram conceptually showing the related state between the respective tasks in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, sys-tsk is a system task, which is composed of an interrupt handler, a task scheduler, a timer management and the like. The engine control task according to the present embodiment includes a system task sys-tsk, a communication task com-tsk, and a sequence task sequence.
It consists of ce-tsk. Each of these tasks is configured to be able to perform parallel processing independently of each other by the function of the kernel. Further, the communication task com-tsk is activated after the power is turned on and never stops.

Further, in the present embodiment, as a command for each task to call the function of the kernel, a designated task start instruction str-tsk, an end declaration instruction ext-tsk,
Stop request command ter-tsk, execution interrupt command rot-t
There are sk etc. Of these, the specified task activation instruction str-
tsk indicates the activation of the specified task, the end declaration instruction ext-tsk indicates the end of the processing of the own task, and
The stop request instruction ter-tsk functions as a command for requesting the stop of the designated task, and the execution interruption instruction rot-tsk functions as a command for instructing temporary execution interruption of the own task.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a communication task procedure in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the printer engine 22 sets reception (1) and waits for the completion of command reception from the printer controller 21 (2). When command reception is completed,
It is determined whether the command is an immediate command, for example, a status request command (3). If NO (in the case of a buffer use command), it is determined whether the buffer command is the single step mode (4), and if YES. For example, the process proceeds to step (6), the single buffer process is executed, the process returns to step (1), and if NO, the process immediately returns to the next command reception, and therefore the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step (3) is YES, it is determined that the status transmission process has ended (7), and YES.
If so, the transmission is set (8) and the process returns to step (1).

In this way, by analyzing the command type,
In particular, if the command is a buffer command, the received command is buffered based on the mode being executed.
Store in one of. The queue mode instruction buffer processing and the single mode instruction buffer processing will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the instruction buffer processing procedure in the queue mode in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether the command buffer 25a is full (1), and if YES, the step (7).
Then, the reject bit for rejecting the command reception is set to "1".

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (1) is NO, the received command is stored in the data block (2). Next, it is judged whether or not an operator call is currently made (3), and if YES, a step (6)
Then, if NO, it is judged whether or not a service call is made (4), and if YES, step (6).
If NO, the designated task and the sequence task are executed (5), and after each task execution is completed, the reject bit of the command buffer is cleared to "0" and the processing is completed.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the instruction buffer processing procedure in the single step mode in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7)
Indicates each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the sequence task is being executed (1), and if YES, the process proceeds to step (7), and the reject bit for rejecting command reception is set to "1".

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (1) is NO, it is judged whether or not an operator call is currently made (2). If YES, the process proceeds to step (7) and thereafter.
If NO, it is judged whether or not a service call is made (3), and if YES, the process proceeds to step (7) and thereafter,
If NO, the data block is read (4), and the designated task and sequence task are executed (5). Next, after the execution of each task is completed, the reject bit of the command buffer is cleared to "0" (6), and the processing is ended.

12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an example of the waiting task in the first printer control method according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (21) indicate each step.

First, after waiting for 3 seconds (1), it is judged whether or not the discharge request flag is ON (2). If NO, the process proceeds to step (4) and thereafter, and if YES, the printer engine 22.
A paper discharge routine for discharging the paper inside is executed (3). Next, move the carriage to a predetermined standby position (4),
Wait for 3 seconds (5). Next, the carriage is moved to the starting intermediate position (6). Then wait 6 seconds (7),
The carriage is moved to the concealing position of various wisdom (8), the control target temperature is set to 25 ° C. (9), and it stands by for 48 seconds (10). Next, the control target temperature is set to 20 degrees C (11), and the loop counter is set to "24" (1
2) Wait for another 60 seconds (13). Next, the loop counter is decremented by "1" (14), it is determined whether the loop count value is "0" (15), and if YES, the process proceeds to step (20), the head temperature control is stopped, and the task The processing end declaration is performed (21), and the processing ends.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (15) is NO, it is judged whether or not ink is running out (1
6) If YES, proceed to step (20) and thereafter, NO
If so, it is determined whether the ink carriage is not mounted (17). If YES, the process proceeds to step (20) and thereafter.
If NO, it is judged whether the room temperature is 25 degrees C or higher (1
8) If YES, the process returns to step (13), and if NO, all nozzle heaters are ignited to perform preliminary ejection for ejecting old ink (19), and the process returns to step (13).

As described above, according to the first printer control method, the command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller is stored in the buffer, the timer for monitoring the execution state of each stored command is started, and The status of the printer engine and printer controller is determined because the printer controller automatically sends a general command to execute the predetermined operation for activating the printer engine based on the judgment result of the activated timer. It is possible to maintain the activated state at all times.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a sequence task in the second printer control method according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the command buffers 25a and 25b are empty (1). If YES, the process proceeds to step (9) to clear the command execution bit,
The processing end of the own task is declared (10), and the processing is ended.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (1) is NO, the designated task, stop processing and monitoring task are executed (2). Next, the execution bit of the command is set (3). Next, the progress code of the command is set (4). Next, the command is fetched from the command buffers 25a and 25b and executed (5). Next, the designated task and the monitoring task are activated (6), and it is determined whether or not the processing ends in error (7). If YES, the process proceeds to step (9) and thereafter, and if NO, the data block is released (8), Return to step (1).

As described above, according to the second printer control method, the command sent from the printer controller 21 to the engine controller is analyzed and stored in the queue buffer or the single buffer, and the command execution error state during the execution of the command is detected. Based on the determination result, the command storage buffer designation destination is switched to a single buffer by an immediate instruction until a subsequent queue buffer designation command is received.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of an error recovery processing procedure in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step.

First, after error recovery, the mode of the instruction buffer is switched to the single step mode (1), the OEM error routine is executed (2), and the command processing is restarted.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of an operator call processing procedure in the printer control apparatus according to the invention. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step. In the present embodiment, the operator call error corresponds to an error that can be recovered by the intervention of the operator, and is, for example, a paper jam, no ink, or the like.

First, the presence or absence of the ink carriage is confirmed,
When the printer is idle, the sensor status command requests reading of the sensor bit, and when the printer is operating, the general status command requests reading of the operator call bit.

Then, the mode of the instruction buffer is switched to the single step mode, the OEM error routine is executed, and after the processing is completed, the instruction processing is restarted.

The timing for switching to the single mode is that the instruction processing mode of the printer engine is set to the single mode when the ink carriage is pulled out while the printer is idle and when an operator call is made while the printer is operating. Switch and take the printer offline.

Then, as the processing immediately after the single mode,
First, the cause of the operator call is known from the status command. If necessary, the head of the instruction queue is de-queued in advance from the head by an instruction queue control command.

In the single mode, the monitoring task waits until the buffer 25b becomes empty as time passes, and then inserts the internally generated instruction into the buffer 25b. Also, in the single mode, the controller confirms the end of the instruction and then sends the instruction for recovery one by one.

Further, the timing for restarting the cue mode is as follows. That is, after completing the corresponding recovery operation in the single mode, the printer waits for the online key. Then, when it comes online, the cue mode is restarted by a restart command. First, the communication state is set to offline (1), a warning indicating that operator call processing has been performed (2), processing corresponding to the user (for example, paper replenishment, ink cartridge replacement, etc.) is performed (3), and the online key When pressed, the communication state is changed to the online state.

[0078]

As described above, according to the first printer control method, the command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller is stored in the buffer,
A timer that monitors the execution state of each of the stored commands is activated, the timed completion state of the activated timer is determined, and the printer controller executes a predetermined operation based on the determination result to activate the printer engine. Since the general-purpose command to be sent is automatically transmitted, the states of the printer engine and the printer controller can be maintained in a constantly activated state.

According to the first printer control device, the determination means determines the time-measurement completion state of the timer for monitoring the execution state of each command stored in the buffer, and the printer controller causes the printer engine to operate based on the determination result. Since a general-purpose command for executing a predetermined operation for activating the printer is generated, the states of the printer engine and the printer controller can be maintained in the activated state at all times.

According to the second printer control method, the command type sent from the printer controller to the engine controller is analyzed, and the received command is stored in the queue buffer or the single buffer. The status is judged, and the command storage buffer is switched to a single buffer until the succeeding queue buffer specifying command is received by the immediate command based on the judgment result. Can be restarted efficiently.

According to the second printer control device, the command analyzed by the analyzing means is stored in the queue buffer or the single buffer, and the determining means determines the command execution error state during execution of the stored command, Based on the result of the judgment, the buffer control means controls the switching to the single buffer until the subsequent command to specify the command storage buffer is received by the immediate command by the immediate command. It can be restarted efficiently.

Therefore, the command execution state between the printer engine and the printer controller can be maintained in a pseudo activated state, and the occurrence of the sequence timing deviation between the printer engine and the printer controller can be reliably prevented. Further, the command saving / restoring process after the occurrence of the command execution error is unnecessary, and an excellent effect such that the error recovery process can be efficiently performed is achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an interface between a controller and an engine of the printer shown in FIG.

5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a command execution processing process between the printer controller and the printer engine illustrated in FIG.

6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure of a command buffer shown in FIG.

7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the data structure of the command buffer shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a correlation diagram conceptually showing a related state between tasks in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication task procedure in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an instruction buffer processing procedure in queue mode in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an instruction buffer processing procedure in a single step mode in the printer control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a sequence task in the first printer control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a sequence task in the first printer control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a sequence task in the second printer control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an error recovery processing procedure in the printer control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an operator call processing procedure in the printer control device according to the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 21 printer controller 22 printer engine 25 command buffer

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. In a printer control method in which a printer controller and an engine controller communicate with each other to perform command processing, a command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller is stored in a buffer, and an execution state of each of the stored commands is stored. The invention is characterized in that a timer to be monitored is activated, a time counting completion state of the activated timer is determined, and based on the determination result, a printer controller automatically sends a general-purpose command for executing a predetermined operation for activating a printer engine. Printer control method. 2. In a printer control device in which a printer controller and an engine controller communicate with each other to perform command processing, a buffer for storing a command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller and execution of each command stored in this buffer. A timer for monitoring the state, a determination means for determining the time counting completion state of the timer, and a general-purpose command for causing the printer controller to execute a predetermined operation for activating the printer engine based on the determination result of the determination means. A printer control device characterized by: 3. A printer control method in which a printer controller and an engine controller communicate with each other to perform command processing, and a command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller is analyzed and stored in a queue buffer or a single buffer. A feature is that a command execution error state during execution is determined, and based on the determination result, a command storage buffer designation destination is switched to a single buffer by an immediate instruction until a subsequent queue buffer designation command is received. Printer control method. 4. A printer control device in which a printer controller and an engine controller communicate with each other to perform command processing, and a plurality of analyzing means for analyzing a command sent from the printer controller to the engine controller and a plurality of commands analyzed by the analyzing means. A queue buffer for storing, a single buffer for storing a single command received by the analyzing means, and a determining means for determining a command execution error state during execution of the command stored in the queue buffer or the single buffer, Buffer control means for controlling switching to a single buffer until the subsequent queue buffer designation command is received by the immediate command based on the determination result of the determination means. Printer control device.