JPH07261951A - Printing device/system and environment setting method for printing device/system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To set again the operating environment of a printing means even if its operating environment state varies by controlling the printing means by a control means while collating the operating environment state of the printing means with the stored information on a printing range. CONSTITUTION:A printing device load/unload detecting means 32 detects the load/unload state of the printing device 40 to an information processor 10 in a mechanical, electrical or optical method, etc. An operating environment detecting means 34 measures and detects the environmental states including the temperature, humidity, pressure, etc., for the processor 10 and the device 40. Then, the operating range information accordant with the connected device 40 is read out, and the propriety is decided for the detected environmental states in accordance with the device 40. If the environmental states are not proper, this fact is shot on a display means 14 of the processor 10 and a warning is given through a speaker of the means 14. The processor 10 is totally controlled by a control means 16.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing system capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus, and in particular, sets printing conditions by collating the detected environment setting information with the stored environment setting range information. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing system to be controlled, an environment setting method for the printing apparatus, and an environment setting method for the printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printing apparatuses for printing images and characters on recording media have been already on the market and widely used. According to this, it is possible to mount an arbitrary printing device on the information processing device and print various images and characters.

In recent years, information processing equipment and printing equipment have become smaller and lighter, and such printing apparatuses can be carried and used.

[0004]

However, when such a printing apparatus is used, the printing operating environment range such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure is uniformly set. Even in the operating environment, there is a problem that printing is performed even if sufficient printing quality cannot be maintained.

Further, since the settings of the printing operating environment range such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure of the information processing equipment and the printing equipment to be connected are uniform, even though the operating environment range of the information processing equipment is wide, It was inconvenient because it was necessary to use the information processing equipment within a narrow operating environment range.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object thereof is to control the printing means while collating the operating environment variation state of the printing means with the stored operating range information. By doing so, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of resetting the operating environment of the printing unit so that the printing process can be controlled in an environment in which the operating environment state of the printing unit changes and deviates from the operating range information.

A second object is that by storing a plurality of operating range information for the printing means, the printing process can be performed normally even in an environment where the operating environment state of the printing means fluctuates and deviates from the operating range information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can set an operating environment that can be performed.

The third purpose is to measure the humidity, temperature, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of setting an optimum operating environment corresponding to a current operating environment state in a printing unit by detecting each state of atmospheric pressure and capturing the operating environment state.

A fourth object is to reset the operating environment of the printing means while grasping the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing, so that even if the operating environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing, It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of setting an optimum operating environment corresponding to a current operating environment state in a printing unit.

A fifth object is to reset the operating environment of the printing means while capturing the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing, so that even if the humidity environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing, It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of setting an optimum operating environment corresponding to a current humidity environment state in a printing unit.

A sixth object is to reset the operating environment of the printing means while grasping the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing, so that even if the temperature environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing, It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can set an optimum operating environment corresponding to the current temperature environment state in a printing unit.

A seventh object is to reset the operating environment of the printing means while catching the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing, so that even if the atmospheric pressure environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing, It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing device capable of setting an optimum operating environment corresponding to a current atmospheric pressure environment state in a printing unit.

An eighth object of the present invention is to detect a change in the operating environment of the printing means during the printing process, and to warn when the operating environment of the printing means is out of the stored operating range, so that the printing means It is an object of the present invention to provide a user-friendly printing device that can reliably warn the user that the operating environment is out of the stored operating range.

A ninth object is to control the setting of operation parameters for the printing means while collating the operating environment variation state of the printing means with the stored operation range information.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of setting proper operating parameters in the printing unit so that normal printing can be performed even if the operating environment of the printing unit changes.

A tenth object is to detect the present condition when the printing device is connected to the information processing device by detecting the operating environment condition of the printing means based on the attachment / detachment state of the printing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of surely detecting the operating environment state of a printing unit.

An eleventh object is that the information processing apparatus sets a detachable state of the printing apparatus by setting different thresholds for detecting the operating environment state based on the detachable state of the printing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of accurately detecting the operating environment state of an information processing apparatus or a printing apparatus by setting thresholds in different ranges according to the range.

A twelfth object is to set a first operating environment threshold value for detecting an operating environment of the information processing apparatus when it is not detected that the printing apparatus is attached to the information processing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system that can accurately detect the operating environment of an information processing device when the printing device is not attached to the information processing device.

A thirteenth object is to set a second operating environment threshold for detecting the operating environment of the printing means when it is detected that the printing device is attached to the information processing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system that can accurately detect the operating environment of a printing unit when a printing device is mounted on an information processing device.

A fourteenth object is to print in a state in which a second operating environment threshold value for detecting that the printing device is mounted on the information processing device and detecting the operating environment of the printing means is set. It is an object of the present invention to provide a user-friendly printing system capable of surely warning the user that the operating environment of the means is out of the operating range by notifying the user that the operating environment is out of the stored operating range.

A fifteenth object is to perform printing in a state where a second operating environment threshold value for detecting that the printing device is mounted on the information processing device to detect the operating environment of the printing means is set. (EN) Provided is a printing system capable of saving resources by prohibiting print processing that cannot guarantee a normal print result by prohibiting print processing when the operating environment of the means deviates from the stored operation range. That is.

A sixteenth object is to perform printing in a state in which a second operating environment threshold value for detecting that the printing apparatus is mounted on the information processing apparatus to detect the operating environment of the printing means is set. When the operating environment of the means is out of the stored operating range, by notifying it or prohibiting the printing process, the user can be surely warned that the operating environment is out of the operating range. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of surely prohibiting a printing process that cannot guarantee a reliable printing result and saving resources.

A seventeenth object is to perform printing when a second operating environment threshold value is set for detecting that the printing apparatus is attached to the information processing apparatus to detect the operating environment of the printing means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of setting an optimum operating parameter corresponding to the operating environment of a printing unit when a printing apparatus is connected by controlling the operating parameter setting state for the unit.

An eighteenth object is that the printing apparatus is connected to the information processing apparatus by detecting the operating environment state of the printing means on the printing apparatus side based on the attachment / detachment state of the printing apparatus. In this case, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system in which the information processing apparatus can reliably detect the current operating environment state of the printing unit.

A nineteenth object is to detect the operating environment of the printing means on the printing device side only when it is detected that the printing device has been installed in the information processing device. It is to provide a printing system that can accurately detect the operating environment of the printing unit of the printing device in the case of the above.

A twentieth object is to detect the operating environment of the printing means on the printing device side only when it is detected that the printing device is attached to the information processing apparatus, and store the operating environment of the printing means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a user-friendly printing system capable of surely warning the user of the deviation from the operating range by warning the user of the deviation from the operating range.

A twenty-first purpose is to detect the operating environment of the printing means on the printing device side only when it is detected that the printing device is attached to the information processing apparatus, and the operating environment of the printing means is stored. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of saving resources by prohibiting a print process that cannot guarantee a normal print result by prohibiting the print process when it is out of the operating range.

A twenty-second object is to detect that the printing device is attached to the information processing device, grasp the operating environment state of the printing means on the printing device side, and control the operating parameter setting state for the printing means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of setting optimum operating parameters corresponding to the operating environment of a printing unit when a printing device is connected.

A twenty-third object is to capture the operating environment state during the printing process by the printing means and collate it with the stored operating range information that allows the printing means to perform proper printing, and to optimize the operating parameters for the printing means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for setting the environment of a printing apparatus that can reset the printer.

A twenty-fourth object is to capture the operating environment state during the printing process by the printing means and collate it with the operating range information that enables the printing means to perform proper printing, and the information processing device side prints the operating means. (EN) Provided is an environment setting method for a printing system capable of resetting optimum operation parameters.

[0030]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a printing means for analyzing input print information and printing on a recording medium, and an operation range for storing operation range information of the printing means. Information storage means, operating environment detection means for detecting the operating environment state of the printing means, operating parameter storage means for storing operating parameters and control programs of the printing means, and operating environment detected by the operating environment detection means The control means controls the printing means on the basis of the collation result of the state value and the movement range information stored in the movement range information storage means.

A second aspect of the present invention is configured such that the operating range information storage means stores a plurality of operating range information for the printing means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the operating environment detecting means is configured to detect a humidity state, a temperature state, and an atmospheric pressure state in the printing means during the printing process of the printing means. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means is
During the printing process by the printing means, the printing means is controlled based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. It was done.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the operating range information stored in the operating range information storage means is information on the humidity at which the printing means can properly operate.

The sixth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the operating range information stored in the operating range information storage means is information on the temperature at which the printing means can properly operate.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is configured such that the operating range information stored in the operating range information storage means is information on the atmospheric pressure at which the printing means can properly operate.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the control means is
It is confirmed that the environmental state of the printing means is out of the pre-stored range based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. It is a warning.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the control means is
An operation parameter and a control program stored in the operation parameter storage means based on a collation result of the operation environment state value detected by the operation environment detection means and one of the operation range information stored in the operation range information storage means. It is configured to be read out and set in the printing unit.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is an operating environment detecting means for detecting an operating environment state of a printing means of a printing device, a printing device attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting an attachment / detachment state of the printing device, and the printing device. An information processing apparatus including control means for controlling, operation range information storage means for storing operation range information of the printing means, operation parameter storage means for storing operation parameters and control programs of the printing means, and the information. The printing device has a printing device that prints on a recording medium based on print information output from the processing device, and the printing device is configured to be detachable from the information processing device.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention is configured such that the control means sets different operating environment condition detection threshold values for the operating environment detection means based on the detection output of the printing device attachment / detachment detection means. It is a thing.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the control means detects the first operating environment detection threshold stored in the information processing apparatus when the printing device attachment / detachment detection means does not detect the mounting of the printing device. The value is set to the operating environment detecting means.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the control means comprises a second operating environment detection threshold value stored in the printing device when the printing device attachment / detachment detection means detects the attachment of the printing device. Is configured for the operating environment detecting means.

In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the control means stores the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information storage with the second operating environment detecting threshold value set. The printer is configured to warn that the environmental condition of the printing unit is out of the range stored in advance based on the collation result with the operating range information stored in the unit.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the control means stores the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information storage with the second operating environment detecting threshold value set. The printing of the printing unit is prohibited based on the collation result with the operation range information stored in the unit.

In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the control means stores the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information storage with the second operating environment detecting threshold value set. It is configured to prohibit printing of the printing unit or warn that the environmental condition of the printing unit is out of the range stored in advance based on the result of collation with the operation range information stored in the unit.

In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the control means stores the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information storage in a state where the second operating environment detecting threshold value is set. The operation parameters and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage means of the printing means are read out and set in the printing means on the basis of the collation result with any operation range information stored in the means.

An eighteenth invention according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus comprising a printing device attachment / detachment detection means for detecting the attachment / detachment status of the printing device, and a control means for controlling the printing device, and a printing means for the printing device. Operating environment detecting means for detecting the operating environment state, operating range information storing means for storing operating range information of the printing means, operating parameter storing means for storing operating parameters and control programs of the printing means, and the information. A printing device that prints on a recording medium based on print information output from the processing device,
This printing device is configured to be detachable from the information processing device.

In a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating environment detecting means is configured to detect the operating environment of the printing means based on the mounting state of the printing device detected by the printing device attachment / detachment detecting means. .

In a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the control means is based on a result of collation between the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. It is configured to warn that the environmental condition of the printing unit is out of the range stored in advance.

In a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the control means is based on the result of collation between the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. The printing means is configured to prohibit printing.

In a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the control means is a collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and one of the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. Based on the above, the operation parameters and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage means are read out and set in the printing means.

A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is a detection step of detecting the environmental state of the printing means by the operating environment detection means during the printing processing by the printing means, and the environmental state detected by this detection step. It has a collating step of collating a value with the operating range information, and a setting step of setting the optimum operating parameter stored in the operating parameter storing means to the printing means based on the collating result of this collating step. .

In a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation environment detecting means causes the printing means to detect the printing means while the attachment / detachment detecting means detects that the printing apparatus is connected and during the printing process by the printing means. A detection step of detecting the environmental state, a collation step of collating the environmental state value detected by this detection step with the operating range information, and a collation step stored in the operation parameter storage means based on the collation result of this collation step. And a setting step of setting the optimum operation parameter in the printing unit.

[0054]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the control means controls the printing means while collating the operating environment variation state of the printing means with the stored operating range information, whereby the operating environment state of the printing means changes. The operating environment of the printing unit is reset so that the printing process can be controlled in an environment that deviates from the operating range information.

In the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of operating range information for the printing means is stored, and the printing process can be normally performed even under the environment where the operating environment state of the printing means changes and deviates from the operating range information. It sets the operating environment.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the operating environment is detected by detecting each of the humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure in the printing apparatus, and the optimal operating environment corresponding to the current operating environment is set in the printing means. To do.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operating environment of the printing means is reset while catching the operating environment change of the printing means during the printing processing, and even if the operating environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing, The optimum operating environment corresponding to the current operating environment state is set in the printing means.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the operating environment of the printing means is reset while grasping the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing, and even if the humidity environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing. The optimum operating environment corresponding to the current humidity environment state is set in the printing means.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operating environment of the printing means is reset while grasping the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing, so that the temperature environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing. The optimum operating environment corresponding to the current temperature environment state is set in the printing means.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the operating environment of the printing unit is reset while the operating environment of the printing unit is monitored during the printing process, so that even if the atmospheric pressure environment of the printing unit changes during the printing process. The optimum operating environment corresponding to the current atmospheric pressure environment state is set in the printing means.

In the eighth invention, the control means controls the environment of the printing means on the basis of the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. It is possible to warn the user that the state is out of the pre-stored range and to certainly warn the user that the operating environment of the printing unit is out of the stored operating range.

In the ninth invention, the control means is based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and one of the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. The operation parameters and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage means are read out and set in the printing means, and the proper operation parameters that enable normal printing even if the operating environment of the printing means changes are set in the printing means. is there.

In the tenth aspect of the invention, the information processing apparatus detects the operating environment state of the printing means based on the attachment / detachment state of the printing apparatus, and acquires the operating environment information of the printing means when the printing apparatus is inserted. To do.

In the eleventh invention, the control means sets different operating environment condition detection thresholds to the operating environment detection means based on the detection output of the printing device attachment / detachment detection means, and the information processing device or the printing device. The operating environment condition of the device is accurately detected by an appropriate threshold value.

In the twelfth aspect, the control means operates the first operating environment detection threshold stored in the information processing apparatus when the printing device attachment / detachment detection means does not detect the mounting of the printing device. When the printing apparatus is not attached to the information processing apparatus by setting the environment detecting unit, the operating environment of the information processing apparatus is accurately detected exclusively.

In the thirteenth invention, the control means sets the second operating environment detection threshold stored in the printing device to the operating environment when the printing device attachment / detachment detecting means detects the mounting of the printing device. When the printing device is attached to the information processing apparatus by setting the detection means, the operating environment of the printing means is accurately detected exclusively.

In the fourteenth invention, the control means stores the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information storing means in the state where the second operating environment detecting threshold value is set. It warns that the environmental condition of the printing means is out of the pre-stored range based on the collation result with the operating range information that has been set, and certainly warns the user that it is out of the operating range. is there.

In the fifteenth aspect, the control means stores the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information storing means in the state where the second operating environment detecting threshold value is set. The printing is prohibited by the printing means on the basis of the collation result with the operation range information, and the printing process that cannot guarantee the normal printing result is surely prohibited to save resources.

In the sixteenth invention, the control means stores the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information storing means in the state where the second operating environment detecting threshold value is set. Based on the collated result with the operating range information, the printing of the printing means is prohibited or the user is warned that the environmental state of the printing means is out of the pre-stored range, and the user is out of the operating range. It is a user-friendly thing that can certainly warn that and print resources that cannot guarantee a normal print result are certainly prohibited to save resources.

In the seventeenth invention, the control means stores the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information storing means in the state where the second operating environment detecting threshold value is set. Based on the collated result with any one of the operation range information, the operation parameter and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage unit of the printing unit are read out and set in the printing unit, and printing is performed when the printing device is connected. The optimum operating parameters corresponding to the operating environment of the means are set.

In the eighteenth invention, the information processing apparatus detects the operating environment state of the printing means by the operating environment detecting means of the printing apparatus based on the attachment / detachment state of the printing apparatus, and prints on the information processing apparatus. When an apparatus is connected, the information processing apparatus surely detects the current operating environment state of the printing unit.

In the nineteenth invention, the operating environment detecting means detects the operating environment of the printing means on the basis of the mounting state of the printing device detected by the printing device attachment / detachment detecting means, and the information processing device is mounted by the printing device. In this case, the operating environment of the printing means of the printing device is accurately detected.

In the twentieth aspect of the invention, the control means controls the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. This is to warn that the environmental condition is out of the pre-stored range, and certainly warn the user that it is out of the operating range.

In the twenty-first aspect, the control means controls the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. This prohibits printing and certainly prohibits printing processing that cannot guarantee a normal printing result, thereby saving resources.

In the twenty-second aspect, the control means is based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and any one of the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. The operation parameters and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage means are read out and set in the printing means to set the optimum operation parameters corresponding to the operating environment of the printing means when the printing device is connected.

In the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, during the printing process by the printing means, the operating environment detecting means detects the environmental state of the printing means and collates the detected environmental state value with the operating range information. Then, the optimum operation parameter stored in the operation parameter storage means is set in the printing means based on the collation result, and the optimum operation parameter is reset in the printing means.

In the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the environmental condition of the printing means is detected by the operating environment detection means while the attachment / detachment detection means detects that the printing device is connected and during the printing process by the printing means. Detecting, comparing the detected environmental condition value with the operation range information, setting the optimum operation parameter stored in the operation parameter storage means in the printing means based on the comparison result, and This is to reset the optimum operating parameters for the printing means from the processing device side.

[0078]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The printing system of the present embodiment is roughly divided into an information processing device 10 and a printing device 40. Has been done. [Structure of Information Processing Device 10] In the information processing device 10, reference numeral 12 denotes an operation unit for inputting various settings necessary for the operation of the information processing device 10 and / or inputting various operation instructions to the control unit 16. To do. Reference numeral 14 is a display means, which is a character required according to the execution of the program by the control means 16,
It is composed of a liquid crystal display device for displaying images, sounds and the like, and also has a speaker and the like.

Reference numeral 16 is a control means, which controls the entire information processing apparatus 10. Reference numeral 18 denotes a storage means, which stores programs for operating the control means 16, variables and the like. Reference numeral 20 denotes a communication unit that communicates with an external device or a communication line, and performs communication control according to a protocol of a layer to be connected, conversion / inverse conversion of data, modulation / demodulation, and the like. Reference numeral 22 is a connector for exchanging data signals and control signals with external devices and communication lines.

Reference numeral 24 is a power supply means, which is composed of a battery, a DC-DC converter, a power supply control circuit and the like for supplying a predetermined voltage / current to each part of the information processing apparatus 10. Further, the power supply unit 24 supplies a predetermined voltage / current to the printing apparatus 40 via the connector 30 and the connector 42 as needed.

Reference numeral 26 is a recording means composed of a recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory card.
The programs for the operations of 6 are recorded. Further, the image information stored in the image memory 70 of the printing unit 50, which will be described later, is transferred to the interface 44, the connector 42, and the connector 3.
0, it is possible to record in the recording means 26 via the interface 28, and to record in the recording means 26 image information transmitted from the external device or the external line via the communication means 20.

The recording means 26 may be composed of a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a combination thereof, as a matter of course. 28 is an interface for communicating with the printing device 40, and 30 is a connector for exchanging control signals and data signals with the printing device 40. The interface 28 and the connector 30 can transmit various signals such as mechanical, optical and acoustic as well as electric signals.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a printing device attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the printing device 40 to / from the information processing device 10 by a mechanical, electrical or optical method. Reference numeral 34 denotes an operating environment detecting means, which is an operating environment detecting means for measuring and detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure in which the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 are placed. [Configuration of Printing Device 40] In the printing device 40, a connector 42 exchanges control signals and data signals with the information processing device 10. Reference numeral 44 is an interface for communicating with the information processing apparatus 10. The connector 42 and the interface 44 are mechanical, optical,
Various signals such as acoustic can be transmitted.

Reference numeral 46 denotes an operation range information storage means for changing range information such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure at which the printing device 40 can perform printing, and parameters for each part of the printing device 40 that can perform printing operation and an operation sequence. It stores range information such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure that must be used.

A parameter storage means 48 stores various parameters according to the range information such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in the operation range information storage means 46 and programs such as operation sequences.

Various parameters, operation sequences, etc. are, for example, print processing units for controlling operation speed of print processing, controlling print processing intervals such as print pause time, and increasing / decreasing page size, block size, band size, etc. Control, control of change of print processing procedure, type of image processing to be used, control of image processing coefficient, number of stages, order, etc., control of image compression / expansion type, compression ratio, color space conversion, color space Control of compression, color matching, etc., control of voltage / current applied to print head and application time, application period, pulse width, number of pulses, etc., or application to electrostatic transfer drum, developing device, transfer device, fixing device, etc. Control of voltage, current and application time, application cycle, pulse width, number of pulses, etc., control of sensitivity of various detectors, detection time, detection timing, and jam, double feed, curl It relates control of the paper feed mechanism to prevent.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a printing means, which stores an image signal sent from the information processing apparatus 10 in a predetermined data format in an image memory, performs image processing and compression / expansion processing as necessary, and is suitable for printing. Converts to color signals and prints characters and images on printing paper of various materials in synchronization with the feeding of printing paper. [Arrangement of Printing Means 50] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed arrangement of the printing means 50 in FIG.

In the printing means 50, reference numeral 62 denotes an operation means for inputting various settings necessary for the operation of the printing means 50 and / or inputting various operation instructions to the print control means 66 having a CPU, a RAM and a ROM. To do. Reference numeral 64 denotes a liquid crystal display device, which displays necessary characters, images, sounds, etc. according to the execution of the program by the print control means 66, and is also provided with a speaker and the like.

Reference numeral 66 denotes a print control means having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM and the like, which controls the print means 50 and / or the printing apparatus 40 as a whole. Reference numeral 68 denotes a storage unit which stores programs for operating the print control unit 66, variables, and the like.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an image memory for storing a single image data or a plurality of image data. The stored image data is read out as needed and subjected to various processing by the image processing means 72, and then the image memory 70. Written in. The image data stored in the image memory 70 is supplied from the communication means 20 or the recording means 26 via the interface 28, the connector 30, the connector 42, and the interface 44 via an external device or a communication line.

The image data is also supplied from the recording means 76 and / or the reading means 78 as needed,
It is stored in the image memory 70.

Reference numeral 72 denotes an image processing means for performing various image processing such as enlargement / reduction of image information, composition, density conversion, sharpness, color conversion, compression / decompression.

74 is a printing means (printer engine),
The image signal sent from the reading means 78 and / or the information processing device 10 in a predetermined data format and stored in the image memory 70 is converted into a color signal suitable for printing, and in synchronization with the feeding of printing paper, various Print characters and images on the printing paper of the material.

Reference numeral 76 is a recording means for recording the program for the operation of the print control means 66 and / or the image information stored in the image memory 70, and is constituted by a recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory card. . It should be noted that the recording means 76 may be composed of a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a combination thereof, as a matter of course.

Reference numeral 78 is a reading means for converting a printed matter or the like into an electric signal by means of an image pickup device or the like, which is composed of a scanner, a camera or the like.

Although it has been described that the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 are detachably configured and are connected to each other and used, the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 are integrally configured so that they cannot be separated from each other. Of course there is no problem. The correspondence between the first embodiment and the tenth to seventeenth inventions of the present invention will be described below.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a printer 4
Operating environment detecting means 34 for detecting the operating environment state of the printing means (printing means 74) of 0, printing device attachment / detachment detecting means 32 for detecting the attachment / detachment status of the printing device 40 to / from the information processing device 10, and the printing device 40. And information processing device 1
The information processing apparatus 10 including a control unit 16 that controls the main body of the image forming apparatus, an operation range information storage unit 46 that stores operation range information of the printing unit (printing unit 74), and the printing unit (printing unit 74). The operation parameter storage means 48 for storing the operation parameters and the control program, and the printing apparatus 4 based on the print information output from the information processing apparatus.
0 is configured by a printing device that prints on a recording medium, and the information processing device 10 detects the operating environment state of the printing device 74 by the operating environment detection device 34 based on the attachment / detachment state of the printing device 40. The operating environment information of the printing unit 74 is acquired at the time of insertion.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention is the control means 1.
6 indicates different operating environment state detection thresholds (different operating environment state detection thresholds corresponding to the printing apparatus 40 or the information processing apparatus 10) to the operating environment detecting section 34 based on the detection output of the printing apparatus attachment / detachment detecting section 32. (Value) is set, and the operating environment state of the information processing device 10 or the printing device 40 is accurately detected by an appropriate threshold value.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention is the control means 1
6 is a first operating environment detection threshold value (detects the operating environment of the information processing apparatus 10 stored in the information processing apparatus 10 when the printing apparatus attachment / detachment detection unit 32 does not detect the mounting of the printing apparatus 40. A threshold value) for the operating environment detection means 34, and the information processing device 10 is set to the printing device 4
When 0 is not attached, the operating environment of the information processing device 10 is exclusively detected accurately.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the control means 1.
6 is the second stored in the printing device 40 when the printing device attachment / detachment detection means 32 detects the mounting of the printing device 40.
When the printing device 40 is attached to the information processing device 10 by setting the operating environment detection threshold value (the threshold value for detecting the operating environment of the printing device 40) in the operating environment detection means 34. Exclusively detects the operating environment of the printing means (printing means 74).

The fourteenth invention of the present invention is the control means 1.
Reference numeral 6 is a collation result between the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means 34 and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means 46 with the second operating environment detecting threshold value set. Based on the above, the printer warns that the environmental state of the printing unit (printing unit 74) is out of the range stored in advance, and certainly warns the user that it is out of the operating range.

The fifteenth invention according to the present invention is to control means 1
Reference numeral 6 is a collation result between the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means 34 and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means 46 with the second operating environment detecting threshold value set. Based on the above, printing by the printing means (printing means 74) is prohibited, and printing processing that cannot guarantee a normal printing result is surely prohibited to save resources.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the control means 1.
Reference numeral 6 is a collation result between the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means 34 and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means 46 with the second operating environment detecting threshold value set. Based on the above, the printing of the printing means is prohibited or the user is warned that the environmental state of the printing means (printing means 74) is out of the range stored in advance, and the user is informed that the environment is out of the operating range. It is a user-friendly method that can warn users, and surely prohibits printing processing that cannot guarantee a normal printing result, thereby saving resources.

The seventeenth invention according to the present invention is the control means 1.
Reference numeral 6 denotes an operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means 34 in a state where the second operating environment detecting threshold value is set, and any operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means 46. The operation parameters and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage means of the printing means (printing means 74) are read out and set in the printing means based on the result of the collation, and the operating environment of the printing means is set when the printing device is connected. It is to set the corresponding optimum operation parameter.

The print processing method in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the explanation of the flow charts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the interface 28, the connector 30, the connector 42, and the interface 44 are used to exchange data signals and control signals between the control means 16 and the print control means 66. Shall be done through.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the processing procedure of the main routine of the printing apparatus system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, when the information processing apparatus 10 is turned on, the control means 16 initializes flags and control variables,
A control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the storage unit 18 is executed and each unit of the information processing apparatus 10 is initialized (1).

In the printing device 40, the printing means 5 is also used.
At 0, when the power is turned on, the print control unit 66 initializes flags and control variables, executes the control program stored in a part of the area of the storage unit 68, and initializes each unit of the printing apparatus 40. .

Next, if the main switch (not shown) included in the operating means 12 is turned on (2), the control means 16 requires the display means 14 according to images such as letters, numbers and icons. A predetermined display is performed and setting is made so as to receive an input from the operating means 12.

Next, when there is an input to any of the operation switches of the operation means 12, the control means 16 determines whether the input operation switch is the print switch or the input command is the print command. (3) If it is determined that it is not the print switch or the print command, the control means 16 executes various processes according to the switch input or the command input (10), and the step (2)
Return to.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (3) that the input operation switch is the print switch or the input command is the print command, the control means 16 causes the printing device attachment / detachment detection means 32. Then, it is determined whether the printing device 40 is connected to the information processing device 10 (4).

If it is determined in this determination that the printing device 40 is not connected to the information processing device 10, the control means 1
6 displays warnings and instructions by voice or video by the display of the display means 14 and a speaker (11), and returns to step (2).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the printing device 40 is connected to the information processing device 10, the control means 16 controls the interface 44 and the connector 4.
2, range information such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure of the printing device 40 at which printing operation is possible is read from the operation range information storage means 46 via the connector 30 and the interface 28 and set in the storage means 18 or the internal memory of the control means 16. Yes (5).

In the print operation range information, one or a plurality of print operation range information may be prepared according to the type of print parameter information stored in the parameter storage means 48. For example, the operating range information storage means 46 is provided with three-step printing operating range information of high temperature, normal temperature, and low temperature,
Corresponding to this, three-step printing parameter information for high temperature, room temperature, and low temperature is stored in the parameter storage means 48, and these three-step printing operation range information is read out and stored in the storage means 18 or the control means 16. It should be set in the internal memory.

Next, the control means 16 measures / detects the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure where the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 are placed by the operating environment detection means 34 (6).

It should be noted that the step (5) of setting the operating range information and the step (6) of detecting the environmental condition may be reversed in the processing order.

Next, it is judged whether or not the measurement / detection result conforms to the range information read from the operation range information storage means 46 (OK) (7), and if not OK,
When it is determined that the printing quality cannot be guaranteed, the display means 14 displays a warning or an instruction by voice or video (11) and returns to step (2).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the measurement / detection result matches the range information read from the operation range information storage means 46, the control means 16 instructs the printing means 50 to print parameters. To read. In response to this, the printing means 50 reads from the parameter storage means 48 various parameters, operation sequences, etc. according to the range information such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure of the operation range information storage means 46 and sets them in the printing means 50 (8 ).

Note that the concrete parameter settings are shown in FIG.
The print control means 66 shown in FIG. 2 reads out various parameters, operation sequences, etc. according to the range information of temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure of the operation range information storage means 46 from the parameter storage means 48, and the storage means 68 or the print control means 66. Set to internal memory.

Next, when the setting of various parameters is completed, the control means 16 causes the operating environment detection means 34 to
Printing and printing are performed by the printing unit 50 while measuring and detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and determining whether or not the operating range information read from the operating range information storage unit 46 is met. A processing routine is performed (9).

The detailed procedure of this print processing routine will be described later.

When the print processing routine is finished in this way, the process returns to step (2).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operation range information according to the connected printing device 40 is read,
The suitability of the detected environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure is judged according to the connected printing device, and if not suitable, it is displayed on the display means 14 of the information processing device 10 or the display means 14 is displayed.
It becomes possible to give a warning by the speaker provided in the.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the first detailed procedure of the print processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (21) to (27) indicate each step.

First, the control means 16 performs a starting process such as a predetermined initialization necessary for operating the printing means 50 (21).

Incidentally, the concrete initial setting is performed by various parameters set in the internal memory of the storage means 68 or the print control means 66 in step (8) shown in FIG.
The print control unit 66 performs the operation based on the operation sequence and the like.

Next, the control means 16 measures / detects the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc. where the information processing apparatus 10 and the printing apparatus 40 are placed by the operation environment detecting means 34 (22), and the measurement / detection is performed. The result matches the range information read from the operation range information storage means 46 of the printing device 40 (O
(K) is judged (23), and if it is judged that the condition is not met, the display means 14 displays a warning or instruction by voice or video (27), and the step (2)
Proceeding to 6), necessary end processing is performed in each part of the printing means 50, and the print processing of step (9) shown in FIG. 3 is ended.

On the other hand, if the measurement / detection result in step (23) matches the range information read from the operation range information storage means 46, the printing means 50 prints
Printing processing is performed (24).

Note that the specific printing / printing process is performed in a predetermined data format via the interface 28, the connector 30, the connector 42, and the interface 44 from the recording means 26 or the communication means 20 via an external device or a communication line. The image signal sent or the image signal sent from the recording means 76 or the reading means 78 in a predetermined data format is stored in the image memory 70, and the image processing means 72 is stored if necessary.
Image processing and compression / decompression processing by
Converts to a color signal suitable for printing by, and prints and prints characters and images on printing paper of various materials in synchronization with the feeding of printing paper.

Next, the control means 16 determines whether or not the printing / printing processing is to be continued (25). If it is determined to continue, the process returns to step (22) to repeat a series of processing.

On the other hand, in the judgment of step (25), printing
When it is determined that the printing cannot be continued because the printing process is terminated or the printing unit 50 cannot print or an error has occurred, the display unit 14 outputs a voice message when the printing is not possible or there is a printing error. A warning or an instruction is displayed by means of a video, and a necessary ending process is performed in each part of the printing means 50 (26), and the printing process routine of step (9) shown in FIG. 3 is ended.

Note that "not printable" means, for example,
There is no printing paper of the printing means 50, there is no toner (when the engine is a laser printer engine) or ink (when the engine is an inkjet engine) of the printing means 50,
The printing device 40 is not powered on.
This is the case when there is a malfunction such as a failure, or when communication between the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 is not possible.

The "print error" is, for example, a jam of printing paper.

These pieces of information are transmitted from the print control means 66 to the control means 16.

As described above, according to the print processing routine shown in FIG. 4, during the printing / printing processing, the operating range information of the connected printing apparatus is checked for the suitability of the detected environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. It is possible to judge according to the above, and to warn if it is not suitable. [Second Embodiment] The operation of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.
Note that, since FIG. 3 is similar to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the second detailed procedure of the print processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (31) to (40) indicate each step.

First, the control means 16 performs a starting process such as a predetermined initialization necessary for operating the printing means 50 (31).

The specific initial setting is based on various parameters and operation sequences set in the storage unit 68 or the internal memory of the print control unit 66 in step (8) shown in FIG. Do.

Then, the control means 16 measures / detects the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc. where the information processing apparatus 10 and the printing apparatus 40 are placed by the operation environment detecting means 34 (32), and the measurement / detection is performed. It is determined whether or not the result is conforming (OK) to the print operation range corresponding to the print parameter currently set (33). If it is determined that the result is not conforming, the process proceeds to step (36) and thereafter.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (33) that the measurement / detection result does not match the print operation range corresponding to the print parameter currently set, the control means 1
Reference numeral 6 instructs the printing unit 50 to read out print parameters corresponding to the new measurement / detection result. In response to this, the printing means 50 makes a new measurement / measurement from the parameter storage means 48.
Various parameters and operation sequences corresponding to the detection result are read out and set in the printing means 50 (34).

The print control means 66 sets a new parameter from the parameter storage means 48 to set the specific parameters.
Various parameters and operation sequences corresponding to the detection result are read out and set in the storage unit 68 or the internal memory of the print control unit 66.

Next, the control means 16 carries out processing such as predetermined change settings necessary for operating the printing means 50 (3).
5).

The specific change settings are made in step (3
In 4), storage means 68 or print control means 66
The print control unit 66 performs the process based on various parameters, operation sequences, etc. set in the internal memory.

Next, it is judged whether or not the printing operation information corresponding to the measurement / detection result and the corresponding settings of various parameters and operation sequences are recorded (36). If it is judged not to be recorded, step (38) ) Proceed to the following.

On the other hand, in the judgment of step (36), the temperature,
If it is determined to record the measurement / detection results of environmental conditions such as humidity and atmospheric pressure, record the measurement / detection results and / or print operation information corresponding to the measurement / detection results and the corresponding parameters and operation sequence settings. A setting recording process routine for recording and saving the data on the medium or the printed matter itself is performed (37). The detailed procedure of this setting recording processing routine will be described later.

Next, if a predetermined process is performed depending on the presence / absence of setting recording, the printing means 50 performs a printing / printing process (38).

The specific printing / printing process is performed in a predetermined data format by the recording unit 26 or the communication unit 20 via an external device or a communication line via the interface 28, the connector 30, the connector 42, and the interface 44. The image signal sent or the image signal sent from the recording means 76 or the reading means 78 in a predetermined data format is stored in the image memory 70, and the image processing means 72 is stored if necessary.
Image processing and compression / decompression processing by
The color signals are converted into color signals suitable for printing, and characters and images are printed / printed on the printing paper of various materials in synchronization with the feeding of the printing paper.

Then, it is judged whether or not the printing / printing process is continued (39). If it is judged that the printing / printing process is continued, the process returns to step (32) to repeat the series of processes.

On the other hand, in the judgment of step (39), printing
If it is determined that printing cannot be continued due to the termination of the printing process or the printing unit 50 being unable to print or a printing error has occurred, if there is no printing or there is a printing error, the display unit 14 outputs a voice or A warning and an instruction are displayed by a video image, necessary end processing is performed in each part of the printing means 50 (40), and the print processing routine in step (9) shown in FIG. 3 is ended.

Incidentally, "not printable" means, for example, that there is no printing paper for the printing means 50, there is no toner or ink for the printing means 50, the printing device 40 is not powered on, the printing device 40 is out of order, etc. There is a problem of, the communication between the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 is not possible, and the like. The "print error" is, for example, a jam of printing paper. These pieces of information are transmitted from the print control means 46 to the control means 16.

As described above, according to the print processing routine of FIG. 5, during printing / printing processing, the suitability of the detected environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure is determined according to the operating range information of the connected printing apparatus. If it is not suitable, the corresponding print parameter can be read and reset.

In step (33) shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the print operation range corresponding to the currently set print parameter is met, and if necessary, the print parameter Although the resetting was performed, if the print range information read out from the operation range information storing means 46 does not match any range, a warning may be given and the printing may be prohibited. [Environment Setting Method of Printing System] The environment setting method of the printing system will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5.

The case where the environment setting method of the printing system according to the present invention is applied to the printing system shown in FIG. 1 will be described below.

During the printing process shown in FIG. 5, that is, during the printing process by the printing unit 74, the operating environment detecting unit 34 detects the environmental state of the printing unit (step (32) in FIG. 5). , The detected environmental condition value is collated with the operating range information (step (3
3)), based on the collation result, the optimum operation parameters stored in the operation parameter storage means 48 are set in the printing means (steps (34) and (35) in FIG. 5), and the optimum operation for the printing means is set. The parameters are reset.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the detailed procedure of the setting recording processing routine shown in FIG. In addition, (4
1) to (47) show each step.

First, the control means 16 selects only the print operating range of the changed setting and the print parameters corresponding thereto, other than the print operating range of the standard setting and the print parameters corresponding to the print operating range and the print parameters corresponding thereto. It is determined whether the recording mode is set (41).

For example, when the print operating range at room temperature and the print parameters for room temperature corresponding thereto are used, this setting is not recorded because it is a standard setting, and the print operating range at high temperature and the print parameter for high temperature corresponding to it are used. If so, it is determined whether or not the mode for recording this setting is set because the setting is changed. If it is determined that all modes are recorded, the process proceeds to step (43) and thereafter.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (41) that only the setting change is to be recorded, the control means 16 determines whether the setting has been changed (42), and if there is no setting change, the setting is changed. The recording processing routine ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (42) that the setting has been changed, it is determined whether the recording mode is a print mode (recording mode) in which additional information is printed on the printed matter itself (43), and recording is performed. If it is the mode, additional setting is made to the printing means 50 (44).

According to this additional setting, the size or interval of the print dots is modulated according to the print operation range and the code of the print parameter corresponding to the print operation range, and printing is performed. It is possible to record the information of the corresponding print parameter.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (43) that the recording mode is the recording medium, it is determined whether or not there is a recordable free area (45), and if it is determined that there is a free area. For example, by the recording means 26, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk,
A print operation range and print parameters corresponding to the print operation range are recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk together with information such as the name and number of a print or file, print date and time, and printer name (46).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (45) that there is no recordable free area, the display means 14 displays a warning or instruction by voice or video (4
7) The setting recording process routine is ended. When the additional setting process (44) or the recording process (46) is completed, the setting recording process routine shown in step (37) shown in FIG. 5 is completed. [Third Embodiment] The operation of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Since FIG. 4 is the same as the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the main routine of the printing apparatus showing the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, (51)-(65) shows each step. In the description of FIG. 7, it is assumed that data signals and control signals are exchanged between the control unit 16 and the print control unit 66 via the interface 28, the connector 30, the connector 42, and the interface 44.

First, when the information processing apparatus 10 is powered on, the control means 16 initializes flags and control variables,
A control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the storage unit 18 is executed and each unit of the information processing apparatus 10 is initialized (51).

In the printing device 40, the printing means 5 is also used.
When the power is turned on, the print control unit 66 initializes flags, control variables, and the like at 0, executes the control program stored in a part of the area of the storage unit 68, and the printing apparatus 4
Each part of 0 is initialized.

Then, the control means 16 judges whether the main switch included in the operating means 12 is in the on state (52). If it is judged that the main switch is in the on state, the display means 14 displays a character / number or icon. The necessary predetermined display is made by an image or the like, and the input by the operating means 12 is set to be accepted.

Next, the control means 16 determines whether or not the printing device 40 is connected to the information processing device 10 by the printing device attachment / detachment detection means 32 (53), and the printing device 40 is connected to the information processing device 10. If you decide not to
The control means 16 releases the printer connection flag (57),
Proceed to step (58) and thereafter. This printer connection flag is stored in the storage unit 18 or the internal memory of the control unit 16.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (53) that the printing device 40 is connected to the information processing device 10, it is determined whether the printing device connection flag has been set (54), and printing is performed. When it is determined that the device connection flag has been set, the process proceeds to step (58) and thereafter, and when it is determined that the printing device connection flag has not been set, the control unit 16 sets the printing device connection flag ( 55), through the interface 44, the connector 42, the connector 30, and the interface 28, the range information such as the temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure at which the printing device 40 can perform a printing operation is read from the operation range information storage means 46, and the storage means 18 or control is performed. Means 16
(56) in the internal memory of.

The print operation range information may include a single or a plurality of print operation range information corresponding to the type of print parameter information stored in the parameter storage means 48. For example, the operation range information storage means 46 is provided with three-step printing operation range information of high temperature, room temperature, and low temperature, and corresponding three-step printing parameter information for high temperature, room temperature, and low temperature is stored in the parameter storage means 48. It suffices to read out these three-step printing operation range information and set it in the internal memory of the storage unit 18 or the control unit 16.

Next, when there is an input to any of the operation switches of the operation means 12, it is judged whether the input operation switch is a print switch or the input command is a print command (58). If it is determined that it is not the print switch or the print command, the control means 16 executes various processes according to the switch input or the command input (64) and returns to step (52).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (58) that the input operation switch is the print switch or the input command is the print command, it is determined whether the printer connection flag is set. If it is determined (59) that it is set, the control means 16 measures the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure where the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 are placed by the operating environment detection means 34. -Detect (60).

Next, it is judged whether or not the measurement / detection result conforms to the range information read out from the operation range information storage means 46 (61). A warning or an instruction is displayed by the image or (65), and the process returns to step (52).

On the other hand, in the judgment of step (61), measurement /
If it is determined that the detection result matches the range information read from the operation range information storage means 46, the control means 16
Instructs the printing means 50 to read out print parameters. In response to this, the printing means 50 causes the parameter storage means 4
Various parameters, operation sequences, etc. according to the range information such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure of the operation range information storage means 46 are read out from 8 and set in the printing means 50 (62).

The specific parameter setting is performed by the print control means 66 by reading out from the parameter storage means 48 various parameters according to the range information such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in the operation range information storage means 46, operation sequence and the like. It is set in the internal memory of the means 68 or the print control means 66.

Then, when the setting of various parameters is completed, the control means 16 causes the operating environment detection means 34 to detect the temperature,
A print processing routine for printing / printing by the printing means 50 while measuring / detecting environmental conditions such as humidity and atmospheric pressure and determining whether or not the operating range information read from the operating range information storage means 46 is met. Perform (63). The detailed procedure of this print processing routine is as described with reference to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. When the print processing routine is completed, the process returns to step (52).

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the connection status of the printing device is detected in advance, the operating range information is read out according to the connected printing device, and the detected temperature, humidity,
It is possible to judge the suitability of the environmental condition such as atmospheric pressure when executing printing according to the connected printing device, and to warn if it is not suitable. [Fourth Embodiment] A combination of the processes shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 is the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6 are the same as the processing described in the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is the same as the processing described in the third embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the fourth embodiment, the connection status of the printing device is detected in advance, the operating range information corresponding to the connected printing device is read, and the suitability of the detected environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure is read. It is possible to make a determination when executing printing according to the connected printing device, and if it is not suitable, read the corresponding print parameter and reset it. [Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8.
The operation of the embodiment will be described.

Since FIG. 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment, its explanation is omitted.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the main routine of the printing system showing the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, (71)-(82) shows each step. In the description of FIG. 8, data signals and control signals are exchanged between the control unit 16 and the print control unit 66 by the interface 28, the connector 30, and the connector 4.
2, it shall be performed via the interface 44.

First, when the information processing apparatus 10 is turned on, the control means 16 initializes flags, control variables, etc.
A control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the storage unit 18 is executed and each unit of the information processing apparatus 10 is initialized. In addition, in order to determine whether or not the measurement / detection result of the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure in which the information processing apparatus 10 is measured / detected by the operation environment detecting unit 34 is within the operation range of the information processing apparatus 10. The first operation range information of is also set here (71).

In the printing device 40, the printing means 5 is also used.
At 0, when the power is turned on, the print control unit 66 initializes flags and control variables, executes the control program stored in a part of the area of the storage unit 68, and initializes each unit of the printing apparatus 40. .

Next, the control means 16 judges whether the main switch included in the operating means 12 is in the on state (72). If it is judged that the main switch is in the on state, the display means 14 displays characters / numbers, icons, etc. The necessary predetermined display is performed by the image or the like, and the input by the operation unit 12 is set to be accepted.

Next, the control means 16 measures / detects the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in which the information processing apparatus 10 is placed by the operating environment detecting means 34 (73), and the measurement / detection result is the information. Whether or not the operating range of the processing device 10 is met is determined based on the first operating range information set in step (71) (74), and it is determined that the operating range of the information processing device 10 is not met. Then, display means 1
Display warnings and instructions by voice and video with 4 (8
1) Return to step (72).

On the other hand, in step (74), the information processing device 1
When it is determined that the operation range of 0 is satisfied, the control means 16 determines whether or not the operation means 12 is input (75), and the operation switch of the operation means 12 receives an input. If it is determined that the input operation switch is the print switch or the input command is the print command, it is determined that the print switch or the input command is not the print command. In this case, the control means 16 executes various processes according to switch input or command input (8
2) Return to step (72).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (75) that the input operation switch is the print switch or the input command is the print command, the control means 16 causes the printing device attachment / detachment detection means 32 to operate. Printer 4
If it is determined that 0 is connected to the information processing device 10 (76), and it is determined that the printing device 40 is not connected to the information processing device 10, the control unit 16 causes the display unit 1 to display.
Display warnings and instructions by voice and video with 4 (8
1) Return to step (72).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (76) that the printing device 40 is connected to the information processing device 10, the control means 16 causes the interface 44, the connector 42, the connector 30, and the interface 28 to be executed. The range information such as the temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure at which the printing device 40 can perform the printing operation is read from the operation range information storage means 46 and set in the storage means 18 or the internal memory of the control means 16 (77).

The print operation range information may include a single or a plurality of print operation range information corresponding to the type of print parameter information stored in the parameter storage means 48. For example, the operation information storage unit 46 is provided with three-step printing operation range information of high temperature, room temperature, and low temperature, and the corresponding parameter storage unit 48 stores three-step printing parameter information for high temperature, room temperature, and low temperature. Well,
These three-step printing operation range information may be read and set in the storage unit 18 or the internal memory of the control unit 16.

Next, the measurement / detection results of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure on which the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 are placed conform to the second operation range information read from the operation range information storage means 46. It is judged whether or not (OK) is satisfied (78), and if it is judged that the condition is not satisfied, the display means 14 displays a warning or an instruction by voice or video (81) and returns to step (72).

On the other hand, in step (78), the measurement / detection results of the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure on which the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 are placed are read out from the operating range information storage means 46. If it is determined that the range information is met, the control unit 16 instructs the printing unit 50 to read out the print parameters.

In response to this, the printing means 50 changes the temperature of the operating range information storage means 46 from the parameter storage means 48,
Various parameters, operation sequences, etc. corresponding to range information such as humidity and atmospheric pressure are read out and set in the printing means 50 (7
9).

To set the specific parameters, the print control unit 66 reads from the parameter storage unit 48 various parameters, operation sequences, etc. according to the range information such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure in the operation range information storage unit 46. , The storage unit 68 or the internal memory of the print control unit 66.

Then, when the setting of various parameters is completed, the control means 16 causes the operating environment detection means 34 to
Printing and printing are performed by the printing unit 50 while measuring and detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and determining whether or not the operating range information read from the operating range information storage unit 46 is met. A processing routine is performed (80), and when the printing processing routine is completed, the process returns to step (72). The detailed procedure of this print processing routine is as described with reference to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the suitability of the detected environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure to the information processing equipment is judged by the first operating range information, and the connection is established. The second operating range information corresponding to the printing device 40 is read out, and whether the detected environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure are appropriate or not is printed according to the second operating range information according to the connected printing device 40. It is possible to judge at the time and give a warning when it is not suitable. [Sixth Embodiment] A combination of the processes shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 is the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Since FIGS. 5 and 6 are the same as the second embodiment and FIG. 8 is the same as the fifth embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the sixth embodiment, the suitability of the detected environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure to the information processing equipment is judged by the first operation range information, and according to the connected printing device 40. The second operating range information is read, and the suitability of the detected environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure is determined according to the connected printing device 40 based on the second operating range information when executing printing, When it is not suitable, the corresponding print parameter can be read and reset. [Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a printing system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 52 designates an operating environment detecting means for measuring and detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in which the printer 40 is placed. Correspondence between the seventh embodiment and the eighteenth to twenty-second inventions according to the present invention and their functions will be described below.

The eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a printer attachment / detachment detection means 32 for detecting the attachment / detachment status of the printer 40 to / from the information processing apparatus 10, and a control means for controlling the printer 40 and the main body of the information processing apparatus 10. 16, an information processing device 16 including: an operating environment detecting unit 52 that detects an operating environment state of a printing unit of the printing device 40; and an operating range information storage unit 46 that stores operating range information of the printing unit.
A print operation in which the print means (printing means 74) prints on a recording medium on the basis of print information output from the information processing device 10; Device 4
0, and the printing device 40 is configured to be attachable / detachable to / from the information processing device 10. Based on the attachment / detachment state of the printing device 40, the information processing device 10 detects the operating environment 52 on the printing device side. Detects the operating environment state of the printing means (printing means 74) and informs the information processing device 10 of the printing device 4
When 0 is connected, the current printing means (printing means 7
The information processing apparatus 10 surely detects the operating environment state of 4).

In a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating environment detecting means 52 is a means for printing (printing means 7 based on the mounting state of the printing device 40 detected by the printing device attachment / detachment detecting means 32).
By detecting the operating environment of 4), the information processing apparatus 10 accurately detects the operating environment of the printing unit of the printing apparatus 40 when the printing apparatus 40 is mounted.

A twentieth aspect of the present invention is the control means 1
6 is a printing unit (printing unit 7) based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting unit 52 and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing unit 46.
This is to warn that the environmental condition of 4) is out of the range stored in advance, and certainly warn the user that it is out of the operating range.

The twenty-first aspect of the present invention is based on the control means 1.
6 is a printing unit (printing unit 7) based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting unit 52 and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing unit 46.
The printing of 4) is prohibited, and the printing process that cannot guarantee a normal printing result is surely prohibited to save resources.

A twenty-second aspect of the present invention is the control means 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes an operation stored in the parameter storage means 48 based on the collation result between the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detection means 52 and any one of the operation range information stored in the operation range information storage means 46. The parameters and the control program are read out and set in the printing means (printing means 74) to set the optimum operating parameters corresponding to the operating environment of the printing means when the printing device 40 is connected.

The operation of the seventh embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12.

In the description of FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the interface 2 is used for exchanging data signals and control signals between the control means 16 and the print control means 66.
8, connector 30, connector 42, interface 44
Shall be performed via.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the processing procedure of the main routine of the printing system showing the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Note that (91) to (98) indicate each step.

First, when the information processing apparatus 10 is powered on, the control means 16 initializes flags and control variables,
A control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the storage unit 18 is executed and each unit of the information processing apparatus 10 is initialized (91).

The printing device 5 is also used in the printing device 40.
At 0, when the power is turned on, the print control unit 66 initializes flags and control variables, executes the control program stored in a part of the area of the storage unit 68, and initializes each unit of the printing apparatus 40. .

The control means 16 determines whether or not the main switch included in the operating means 12 is in the on state (92). If the main switch is in the on state, the display means 14 displays images such as characters, numbers and icons. The necessary predetermined display is performed, and the input by the operating means 12 is set to be accepted.

Next, when there is an input to any of the operation switches of the operation means 12, if the input operation switch is not the print switch or the input command is not the print command (93), the control means 16 Executes various processes according to switch input or command input (97) and returns to step (92).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (93) that the input operation switch is the print switch or the input command is the print command, the control means 16 causes the printing device attachment / detachment detection means 32 to print. Device 40
If it is determined that the printer 40 is not connected to the information processing apparatus 10 (94), and the printing apparatus 40 is not connected to the information processing apparatus 10, the control unit 16 determines that the display unit 1
Display warnings and instructions by voice and video with 4 (9
8) and returns to step (92).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (94) that the printing device 40 is connected to the information processing device 10,
The control unit 16 executes the print processing routine by the printing device 40 (95). The detailed procedure of this print processing routine will be described later.

Then, when the print processing routine is finished, it is judged whether or not the operation range error flag is set (96), and if it is judged that it is set,
The control means 16 causes the display means 14 to display a warning or instruction by voice or video (98), and returns to step (92).

On the other hand, if it is decided at step (96) that the operating range error flag is not set, then the processing returns to step (92).

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the detailed procedure of the print processing routine shown in FIG. In addition,
(101) to (111) indicate each step.

First, the print control means 66 uses the operating range information storage means 46 to determine the temperature at which the printing operation of the printing device 40 is possible,
Range information such as humidity and atmospheric pressure is read out and set in the internal memory of the storage unit 68 or the print control unit 66 (10
1).

The print operation range information may include a single or a plurality of print operation range information according to the type of print parameter information stored in the parameter storage means 48.

For example, the operation range information storing means 46 is provided with the three-step printing operation range information of high temperature, room temperature, and low temperature, and the corresponding three-step printing parameter information for high temperature, room temperature, and low temperature is stored as parameters. Stored in the means 48,
These three-step printing operation range information may be read and set in the storage unit 68 or the internal memory of the printing control unit 66.

Next, the print control means 66 measures and detects the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in which the printing device 40 is placed by the operating environment detecting means 52 (102).

Then, the measurement / detection result conforms to the operation range information read from the operation range information storage means 46 (OK).
(103), and if it is determined that they are not compatible, the operating range error flag is set (1
11) Then, necessary termination processing is performed in each part of the printing means 50 (110), and the printing processing routine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (103) that the measurement / detection result matches the operation range information read from the operation range information storage means 46, the print control means 66 causes the parameter storage means 48. Various parameters, operation sequences, etc. according to the range information such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure of the operation range information storage means 46 are read out and set in the storage means 68 or the internal memory of the print control means 66 (104).

Next, the print control means 66 is stored in the storage means 6.
8 or various parameters set in the internal memory of the print control unit 66, an operation sequence, and the like, start processing such as predetermined initialization necessary for operating each unit of the printing unit 50 is performed (105).

Next, it is determined whether or not to record the print operation information corresponding to the measurement / detection result and the corresponding settings of various parameters and operation sequences (106), and if it is determined not to record, step (108). When it is determined that the measurement / detection results of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure are to be recorded, the measurement / detection results and / or print operation information corresponding to the measurement / detection results and corresponding parameters / operations are performed. A setting recording processing routine for recording and saving the settings such as the sequence on the recording medium or the printed matter itself is performed (107). The detailed procedure of this setting recording processing routine will be described later.

Then, if a predetermined process is performed depending on the presence / absence of setting recording, the interface 28, the connector 30, the connector 42 from the recording means 26 or the communication means 20 via an external device or a communication line. , An image signal sent in a predetermined data format via the interface 44, or an image signal sent in a predetermined data format from the recording means 76 or the reading means 78,
0, and if necessary, the image processing means 72 performs image processing and compression / expansion processing, and the printing means 74 converts into color signals suitable for printing, and in synchronization with the feeding of printing paper, various The printing / printing process is performed to print / print characters and images on the printing paper of the material (108).

Then, it is judged whether or not the printing / printing process is continued (109). If it is judged that the printing / printing process is continued, the process returns to step (108) to repeat the printing / printing process.

When the printing / printing process is completed (10
9) and perform the necessary termination processing in each part of the printing means 50 (1
10) The print processing routine ends.

As described above, according to the print processing routine of FIG. 11, the suitability of the environmental conditions such as the temperature, the humidity and the atmospheric pressure detected by the printing means 50 is judged according to the operating range information,
When it is not suitable, the corresponding print parameter can be read and reset.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the detailed procedure of the setting recording processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (121) to (127) indicate each step.

First, the print control means 66, except for the print operation range of the standard setting and the print parameters corresponding thereto, among the print operation range and the print parameters corresponding thereto, the print operation range of the changed setting and the print parameters corresponding thereto. It is determined whether the mode is set to record only only (121).

For example, when the normal temperature printing operation range and the normal temperature printing parameter corresponding thereto are used, this setting is not recorded and the high temperature printing operation range and the high temperature printing parameter corresponding thereto are used. If so, it is determined whether or not the mode is set to record this setting because the setting is changed.

If it is determined in step (121) that all modes are to be recorded, step (123)
Continue below.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (121) that only the setting change is to be recorded, the print control means 66
Judges whether the setting has been changed (122), and when it is judged that the setting has not been changed, ends the setting recording processing routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the step determination that the setting has been changed, it is determined whether or not the print mode is set to print additional information on the printed matter itself (123), and the print mode is set. If is set, additional setting is made to the printing means 74 (12
4).

According to this additional setting, the size or interval of the print dots is modulated according to the print operation range and the code of the print parameter corresponding to the print operation range, and printing is performed. It is possible to record the information of the print parameter corresponding to it.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (123) that the recording mode is the recording medium, it is determined whether there is a recordable free area (125), and it is determined that there is free space. The recording unit 76 prints the print operation range and print parameters corresponding to the print operation range on a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, and an optical disk, and the name and number of the file, the print date and time, It is recorded together with information such as the name of the printer (126).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (125) that there is no recordable free area, the display means 64 displays a warning or instruction by voice or video (127),
The setting recording processing routine ends.

When the additional setting process is completed in step (124) or the recording process is completed in step (126), the setting recording process routine is completed.

The embodiments of the printing apparatus according to the present invention have been described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9.
Of course, there is no problem even if the system configuration has two or more printing devices 40 connected to the information processing device 10. In this case, it does not matter whether a plurality of printing devices are operated simultaneously or individually.

When two or more printing devices 40 are connected to the information processing device 10, the operating range information of a plurality of printing devices is compared, and the optimum result is obtained according to the detection result of the operating environment detecting means and the comparison result. Of course, there is no problem even if a printing device is selected and printing is performed. In this case, of course, if a plurality of printing devices can print, it is possible to display the printing devices capable of printing and select the printing device.

In the description of the above embodiment, the printing device 40 is described as being separated from the main body of the information processing device 10 and capable of being arbitrarily connected, but it remains fixed to the main body of the information processing device 10. But of course there is no problem.

Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 10 has the printing apparatus 40.
When two or more printers are connected, one or more printers 40 are fixed, and even one or more printers 40 can be arbitrarily connected, there is no problem in applying the present invention.

Also, the operating range information of the printing device 40 and the printing parameters of the printing device 40 are stored in advance in the recording means 26 and / or the storage means 18 of the information processing device 10, and the operating range is determined according to the connection of the printing device 40. There is no problem even if the configuration is such that the information and print parameter recording means 26 and / or the storage means 18 is read and used. In this case, the operating range information and print parameters of the plurality of printing devices 40 are stored, and the operating range information and print parameters of the corresponding printing device are stored in the recording means 26 and / or the storage means 18 according to the connection of the printing devices 40. There is no problem even if it is configured to be read and used. [Eighth Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 1
The printing system in which the printer 0 and the printing device 40 are detachable has been described in detail, but the present invention can be applied to a printing device including the printing device 40 itself shown in FIG. Less than,
Correspondences and operations of the first to ninth printing apparatuses according to the present invention and the eighth embodiment will be described. The printing device 40
Since the configuration has been described above with reference to FIG. 9, description thereof will be omitted.

The first aspect of the present invention is a printing means (printing means 74) for analyzing input print information and printing on a recording medium, and operating range information for storing operating range information of this printing means. The storage means 46, the operating environment detecting means 52 for detecting the operating environment state of the printing means, the parameter storing means 48 for storing the operating parameters of the printing means and the control program, and the operating environment detecting means 52 are detected. Operating environment state value and the operating range information storage means 4
6 has control means (print control means) 66 for controlling the printing means (printing means 74) on the basis of the collation result with the operation range information stored in 6, and the operating environment fluctuation state of the printing means is stored. Control means 6 while collating with operating range information
6 controls the printing means (printing means 74),
The operating environment of the printing unit is reset so that the printing process can be controlled in an environment in which the operating environment state of the printing unit fluctuates and deviates from the operating range information.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the operating range information storage means 46 is configured to store a plurality of operating range information for the printing means (printing means 74), and the printing means (printing means). 74), a plurality of operating range information is stored, and an operating environment is set in which the printing process can be normally performed even in an environment in which the operating environment state of the printing unit fluctuates and deviates from the operating range information.

In the third aspect of the present invention, the operating environment detecting means 46 is provided with a humidity condition in the printing means (printing means 74),
A temperature state and an atmospheric pressure state are detected during the printing process of the printing unit, and the humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure states inside the printing apparatus are detected to detect the operating environment state, and the current operating environment is detected. The control means 66 sets the optimum operating environment corresponding to the state in the printing means.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is the control means 66.
Is the operating environment detecting means 5 during the printing process by the printing means.
2 is configured to control the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected in 2 and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means 46, and the printing means is controlled during the printing process. Even if the operating environment of the printing unit is reset while grasping the operating environment fluctuation, even if the operating environment of the printing unit changes during the printing process, the control unit 66 sets the optimum operating environment corresponding to the current operating environment state. It is set in the printing means.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the operating range information stored in the operating range information storage means 46 is information on the humidity at which the printing means (printing means 74) can properly operate. Optimum to match the current humidity environment state even if the humidity environment of the printing means fluctuates during the printing process by resetting the operating environment of the printing means while catching the fluctuation of the operating environment of the printing means during the printing process. The control means 66 sets various operating environments in the printing means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means 46 is constructed so that the printing means is information on the temperature at which the printing means can properly operate, and during the printing process. The operating environment of the printing means is reset while capturing changes in the operating environment of the printing means, and even if the temperature environment of the printing means changes during the printing process, the optimal operating environment that matches the current temperature environment state is controlled. The means 66 is a printing means (printing means 7).
4) is set.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the operating range information stored in the operating range information storage means 46 is configured so that the printing means is information on the atmospheric pressure at which the printing means can properly operate, and during the printing process. By resetting the operating environment of the printing unit while capturing the changes in the operating environment of the printing unit, even if the atmospheric pressure environment of the printing unit fluctuates during the printing process, the optimum operating environment that corresponds to the current atmospheric pressure environment state can be obtained. The control means 66 sets the printing means (printing means 74).

The eighth aspect of the present invention relates to a control means 66.
Indicates that the environmental state of the printing means is out of the range stored in advance based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means 52 and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means 46. Warning (by the liquid crystal display device 64 and a speaker (not shown))
It is possible to reliably warn the user that the operating environment of the printing unit is out of the stored operating range.

The ninth aspect of the present invention is the control means 66.
Is an operation stored in the operation parameter storage means 48 on the basis of the collation result between the operation environment state value detected by the operation environment detection means 52 and any one of the operation range information stored in the operation range information storage means 46. The parameters and the control program are read out and set in the printing means (printing means 74), and proper operating parameters are set in the printing means so that normal printing can be performed even if the operating environment of the printing means changes. [Environment Setting Method of Printing Apparatus] The printing apparatus may be configured to execute the environment setting method of the printing apparatus shown in the print processing routine based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

The case where the environment setting method for a printing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to the printing apparatus 40 shown in FIG. 9 will be described below.

During the printing processing shown in FIG. 5, that is, during the printing processing by the printing means 74, the operating environment detecting means 52 detects the environmental condition of the printing means (step (32) in FIG. 5). , The detected environmental condition value is collated with the operating range information (step (3
3)), based on the collation result, the optimum operation parameters stored in the operation parameter storage means 48 are set in the printing means (steps (34) and (35) in FIG. 5), and the optimum operation for the printing means is set. The parameters are reset.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing an example of the printing means 74 shown in FIG.

The configuration of the laser beam printer to which this embodiment is applied will be described below with reference to FIG.

The character source and the fixed form (form data) can be registered from a data source (not shown) or the information processing apparatus 10.

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes a laser beam printer (LBP) main body (hereinafter simply referred to as main body),
Input and store character information (character code), form information, macro commands, etc. supplied from the information processing device 10 such as the host computer shown in FIG. 1 which is connected to the outside, and responds according to the information. A character pattern, a form pattern, etc. are created, and an image is formed on a recording sheet, which is a recording medium. 1112 is an LE that displays the status of the switch and printer for operation.
An operation panel equipped with a D display or LCD display,
A printer control unit 1101 controls the entire LBP 1000 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer.

The printer control unit 1101 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 1102. The laser driver 1102 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1103, and the semiconductor laser 1 is driven according to an input video signal.
The laser beam 1104 emitted from 103 is switched on / off. As a result, a character pattern electrostatic latent image is formed on the electrostatic drum 1106.

The latent image is developed by the phenomenon unit 1107 around the electrostatic drum 1106 and then transferred to the recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet is the sheet cassette 11 mounted on the main body 1000.
No. 08 is accommodated in the apparatus and is taken into the apparatus by the sheet feeding roller 1109 and the conveying rollers 1110 and 1111 and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1106. A reference numeral 1105 is a polygon mirror.

In each embodiment, the printing means for printing images and characters, the operating range information storing means for storing the operating range information of the printing means, the operating environment detecting means for detecting the operating environment of the printing means, and the printing means. It has operation parameter storage means for storing operation parameters and programs, and control means for controlling each of these means, and its operation range information is composed of information on operation temperature, operation humidity, and operation pressure.

Then, the detection result of the operating environment detecting means is
If the operating range information stored in the operating range information storage means does not apply, a warning is issued.

Further, when the detection result of the operating environment detecting means does not correspond to the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means, the printing operation is prohibited.

Further, based on the detection result of the operating environment detecting means, the operating parameter and the program are read from the operating parameter storing means and set in the printing means, and the image and the character are printed.

Further, if the detection result of the operating environment detecting means corresponds to any of the plurality of operating range information stored in the operating range information storage information, the operation corresponding to the operating range information from the operating parameter storage means is performed. The parameters and programs are read out and set in the printing means to print images and characters.

Further, the printing apparatus according to the present invention comprises an operating environment detecting means for detecting the operating environment of the printing apparatus, a printing apparatus attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment status of the printing apparatus, an information processing apparatus and a connected printing apparatus. An information processing apparatus having control means for controlling, an operating range information storing means for storing operating range information of the printing means, an operating parameter storing means for storing operating parameters and programs of the printing means, and a printing means for printing images and characters. The printer having the above is configured to be detachable.

Further, it has a function of setting the operating environment detection threshold value of the operating environment detecting means in accordance with the detection output of the printing device attachment / detachment detecting means.

Further, when the mounting of the printing apparatus is not detected, the operating environment of the information processing apparatus is detected using the first operating environment detection threshold value of the information processing apparatus, and the mounting of the printing apparatus is detected. If the attached printing device has a second
The operating environment detection threshold is used to detect the operating environment of the printing apparatus.

When the result of the operating environment detecting means using the second operating environment detecting threshold does not correspond to the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means, a warning is given and the printing operation is performed. It is configured to prohibit.

If the detection result of the operation environment detecting means using the second operation environment detection threshold corresponds to any of the plurality of operation range information stored in the operation range information storage information, the operation is performed. An operation parameter or a program corresponding to the applicable operation range information is read from the parameter storage unit, set in the printing unit, and an image or a character is printed.

Further, an operating environment for detecting the operating environment of the printing apparatus in an information processing apparatus having a printing apparatus attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment status of the printing apparatus, an information processing apparatus and a control means for controlling the connected printing apparatus. A printing device having a detection unit, an operation range information storage unit that stores operation range information of the printing unit, an operation parameter storage unit that stores operation parameters and programs of the printing unit, and a printing unit that prints images and characters can be attached and detached. I am configuring.

When the mounting of the printing apparatus is detected, the operating environment detecting means detects the operating environment of the printing apparatus.

If the detection result of the operating environment detecting means does not correspond to the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means, a warning is given and the printing operation is prohibited.

Further, if the detection result of the operating environment detecting means corresponds to any one of the plurality of operating range information stored in the operating range information storage information, the operation corresponding to the corresponding operating range information from the operating parameter storage means. Since the parameters and programs are read out and set in the printing means, and the image and characters are printed, by the above means, in a wider printing operating environment range such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure,
It is possible to provide a printing apparatus that sets optimum operation parameters and prints while maintaining sufficient printing quality.

Further, in a wider printing operating environment range such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc., the optimum operating parameters are set according to the printing apparatus mounted on the information processing apparatus, and printing is performed with sufficient printing quality. It becomes possible to provide the system.

[0276]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, since the control means controls the printing means while collating the operating environment variation state of the printing means with the stored operating range information, the operating environment state of the printing means fluctuates and deviates from the operating range information. The operating environment of the printing unit can be reset so that the printing process under such an environment can be controlled.

According to the second aspect of the invention, since a plurality of operating range information for the printing means is stored, the printing processing is performed normally even under the environment where the operating environment state of the printing means fluctuates and deviates from the operating range information. It is possible to set the operating environment that can perform.

According to the third invention, the humidity in the printing apparatus,
Since each state of temperature and atmospheric pressure is detected and the operating environment state is captured during the printing process, it is possible to set the optimum operating environment corresponding to the current operating environment state in the printing means.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the operating environment of the printing means is reset while catching the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing. Therefore, even if the operating environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing. The optimum operating environment corresponding to the current operating environment state can be set in the printing unit.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the operating environment of the printing means is reset while catching the operating environment change of the printing means during the printing processing. Therefore, even if the humidity environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing. The optimum operating environment corresponding to the current humidity environment state can be set in the printing unit.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the operating environment of the printing means is reset while catching the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing. Therefore, even if the temperature environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing. The optimum operating environment corresponding to the current temperature environment state can be set in the printing unit.

According to the seventh aspect, since the operating environment of the printing means is reset while capturing the operating environment fluctuation of the printing means during the printing processing, even if the atmospheric pressure environment of the printing means changes during the printing processing. The optimum operating environment corresponding to the current atmospheric pressure environment state can be set in the printing unit.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the control means prints the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. Since it warns that the environmental state of is outside the range stored in advance, the user can be surely warned that the operating environment of the printing unit is outside the stored range of operation.

According to the ninth invention, the control means is based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and any one of the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. Since the operating parameters and the control program stored in the operating parameter storage means are read out and set in the printing means, proper operating parameters that enable normal printing even if the operating environment of the printing means changes are set in the printing means. be able to.

According to the tenth aspect, the information processing apparatus detects the operating environment state of the printing means based on the attachment / detachment state of the printing apparatus, and when the printing apparatus is inserted, the operating environment information of the printing means is displayed. Can be obtained.

According to the eleventh aspect, the control means sets different operating environment condition detection threshold values for the operating environment detection means based on the detection output of the printing device attachment / detachment detection means. It is possible to accurately detect the operating environment condition of the printing device by using an appropriate threshold value.

According to the twelfth aspect, the control means sets the first operating environment detection threshold value stored in the information processing apparatus when the printing device attachment / detachment detection means does not detect the mounting of the printing device. Since the setting is made to the operating environment detecting means, the operating environment of the information processing apparatus can be accurately detected exclusively when the printing apparatus is not attached to the information processing apparatus.

According to the thirteenth invention, the control means operates the second operating environment detection threshold stored in the printing device when the printing device attachment / detachment detecting means detects the mounting of the printing device. Since the setting is made for the environment detecting means, the operating environment of the printing means can be accurately detected exclusively when the printing device is attached to the information processing apparatus.

According to the fourteenth invention, the control means is the second one.
Environment of the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means with the operating environment detecting threshold of Since it warns that the state is out of the range stored in advance, it is possible to reliably warn the user that the state is out of the operating range.

According to the fifteenth invention, the control means is the second
Printing by the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means while the operating environment detecting threshold value of is set. Since it is prohibited, it is possible to surely prohibit printing processing that cannot guarantee a normal printing result and save resources.

According to the sixteenth invention, the control means is the second one.
Printing by the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means while the operating environment detecting threshold value of is set. Is prohibited or warns that the environmental condition of the printing means is out of the pre-stored range, so that the user can be surely warned that it is out of the operating range, and a normal print result can be obtained. It is possible to surely prohibit print processing that cannot be guaranteed and save resources.

According to the seventeenth invention, the control means is the second one.
Printing is performed based on the collation result between the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and any one of the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means while the operating environment detecting threshold value is set. Since the operation parameter and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage means of the means are read and set in the printing means, it is possible to set the optimum operation parameter corresponding to the operating environment of the printing means when the printing device is connected. it can.

According to the eighteenth aspect, since the information processing apparatus detects the operating environment state of the printing means by the operating environment detecting means on the printing apparatus side based on the attachment / detachment state of the printing apparatus, When the printing apparatus is connected, the information processing apparatus can reliably detect the current operating environment state of the printing unit.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, the operating environment detecting means detects the operating environment of the printing means based on the mounting state of the printing apparatus detected by the printing device attachment / detachment detecting means. When mounted, the operating environment of the printing means of the printing device can be accurately detected.

According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, the control means is based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means, and the printing means. Since it is warned that the environmental condition is out of the range stored in advance, it is possible to reliably warn the user that it is out of the operating range.

According to the twenty-first aspect, the control means includes the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. Is prohibited, it is possible to surely prohibit a printing process that cannot guarantee a normal printing result and save resources.

According to the twenty-second aspect, the control means is based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and one of the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. Since the operation parameter and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage means are read out and set in the printing means, the optimum operation parameter corresponding to the operation environment of the printing means can be set when the printing device is connected. .

According to the twenty-third aspect, during the printing process by the printing means, the operating environment detecting means detects the environmental state of the printing means, and the detected environmental state value and the operating range information are displayed. Since the collation is performed and the optimum operation parameter stored in the operation parameter storage means is set in the printing means based on the collation result, the optimum operation parameter can be reset in the printing means.

According to the twenty-fourth invention, the environmental condition of the printing means is detected by the operating environment detecting means while the attachment / detachment detecting means detects that the printing device is connected and during the printing process by the printing means. Is detected, the detected environmental condition value is collated with the operating range information, and the optimum operating parameter stored in the operating parameter storing means is set in the printing means based on the collating result. It is possible to reset the optimum operating parameters for the printing means from the information processing device side.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printing unit in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a main routine of the printing system according to the present invention.

4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first detailed procedure of the print processing routine shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing an example of a second detailed procedure of the print processing routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a setting recording processing routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a main routine of the printing system showing the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a main routine of the printing system showing the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a main routine of a printing system showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of the print processing routine shown in FIG.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of a setting recording processing routine shown in FIG.

13 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing an example of the printing unit shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information processing apparatus 16 Control means 18 Storage means 32 Attachment / detachment detection means 34 Operating environment detection means 40 Printing device 46 Operating range information storage means 48 Parameter storage means 50 Printing means

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A printing unit that analyzes input print information and prints on a recording medium, an operating range information storing unit that stores operating range information of the printing unit, and an operating environment state of the printing unit. Operating environment detecting means, operating parameter storing means for storing operating parameters and control programs of the printing means, operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means, and operation stored in the operating range information storing means. A printing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls the printing unit based on a comparison result with range information. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation range information storage means stores a plurality of operation range information for the printing means. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating environment detecting unit detects a humidity state, a temperature state, and an atmospheric pressure state in the printing unit during the printing process of the printing unit. 4. The control means is based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means during the printing process by the printing means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit is controlled. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means is information on humidity at which the printing means can properly operate. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means is information on a temperature at which the printing means can properly operate. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating range information stored in the operating range information storage means is information of atmospheric pressure at which the printing means can properly operate. 8. The control means stores in advance the environmental status of the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment status value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a warning is issued when the printing apparatus is out of the specified range. 9. The control means stores the operation parameter in the operation parameter storage means based on a comparison result between the operation environment state value detected by the operation environment detection means and any one of the operation range information stored in the operation range information storage means. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stored operation parameter and control program are read out and set in the printing unit. 10. An operating environment detecting means for detecting an operating environment state of a printing means of a printing device, a printing device attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting an attachment / detachment state of the printing device, and a control means for controlling the printing device. An information processing device, and operating range information storing means for storing operating range information of the printing means;
The printer includes an operation parameter storage unit that stores an operation parameter of the printing unit and a control program, and a printing apparatus that causes the printing unit to print on a recording medium based on print information output from the information processing apparatus. A printing system, wherein the printing system is detachably attached to the information processing device. 11. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the control means sets different operating environment state detection thresholds for the operating environment detection means based on the detection output of the printing device attachment / detachment detection means. . 12. The control means sets a first operating environment detection threshold stored in the information processing apparatus to the operating environment detecting means when the printing device attachment / detachment detecting means does not detect mounting of the printing device. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the printing system is set. 13. The control means sets a second operating environment detection threshold stored in the printing device to the operating environment detection means when the printing device attachment / detachment detection means detects attachment of the printing device. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the printing system is set. 14. The control means includes an operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and a operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means while the second operating environment detecting threshold value is set. 11. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the printing system warns that the environmental condition of the printing unit is out of the range stored in advance based on the collation result with. 15. The control means includes the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means while the second operating environment detecting threshold value is set. 14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein the printing by the printing unit is prohibited based on the result of the collation with. 16. The control means includes an operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and a operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means while the second operating environment detecting threshold is set. 14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein the printing of the printing unit is prohibited or a warning is issued that the environmental condition of the printing unit is out of the range stored in advance based on the result of the collation with. 17. The control means stores one of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detection means and the one stored in the operating range information storage means while the second operating environment detection threshold is set. 14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein the operation parameters and the control program stored in the operation parameter storage means of the printing means are read out and set in the printing means based on the result of collation with the operation range information. 18. An information processing device comprising a printing device attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment status of the printing device, and a control means for controlling the printing device, and an operation for detecting an operating environment state of the printing device of the printing device. Environment detection means, operation range information storage means for storing operation range information of the printing means, operation parameter storage means for storing operation parameters and control programs of the printing means, and print information output from the information processing device. A printing system comprising: a printing device for printing on a recording medium based on the printing device, and the printing device being configured to be detachable from the information processing device. 19. The printing system according to claim 18, wherein the operating environment detecting unit detects the operating environment of the printing unit based on the mounting state of the printing device detected by the printing device attachment / detachment detecting unit. 20. The control means stores in advance the environmental status of the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment status value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. 19. The printing system according to claim 18, wherein the printing system warns that the range is outside the specified range. 21. The control means prohibits the printing of the printing means based on the collation result of the operating environment state value detected by the operating environment detecting means and the operating range information stored in the operating range information storing means. The printing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: 22. The control means stores the operation parameter in the operation parameter storage means based on a comparison result between the operation environment state value detected by the operation environment detection means and any one of the operation range information stored in the operation range information storage means. 19. The printing system according to claim 18, wherein the stored operation parameter and control program are read and set in the printing unit. 23. Based on a detection result of the operating environment detecting means, a printing means for analyzing input print information and printing on a recording medium, an operating environment detecting means for detecting an operating environment state of the printing means. Control means for controlling the printing means, operation range information storage means for storing operation range information enabling proper printing of the printing means, and operation parameter storage means for storing operation parameters and control programs of the printing means. In the environment setting method of the printing apparatus having
A detection step of detecting the environmental state of the printing means by the operating environment detection means during the printing process by the printing means, and a collation step of collating the environmental state value detected by the detection step with the operating range information. And a setting step of setting the optimum operation parameter stored in the operation parameter storage means in the printing means based on the result of the verification in the verification step. 24. A printing apparatus having a printing means for analyzing input print information and printing on a recording medium, an operating environment detecting means for detecting an operating environment state of the printing means, and the operating environment detecting means. Control means for controlling the printing means based on the detection result, operation range information storage means for storing the operation range information enabling proper printing of the printing means, and operation parameters for storing the operation parameters and control program of the printing means In an environment setting method of a printing system in which a storage unit and an information processing apparatus having a detachment detection unit for detecting the detachment state of the printing device are detachable, a state in which the detachment detection unit detects that the printing device is connected And a detecting step of detecting the environmental state of the printing means by the operating environment detecting means during the printing process by the printing means, and the detecting step. Collation step of collating the detected environmental condition value with the operation range information, and a setting step of setting the optimum operation parameter stored in the operation parameter storage means in the printing means based on the collation result of this collation step. An environment setting method for a printing system, comprising: