JPH08192553A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To eliminate an artificial mistake by performing the control related to double-side printing on the basis of the data stored in a control data memory means when the execution of double-side printing is instructed. CONSTITUTION: When a host computer 3000 issues a command for a laser beam printer 1500 to execute double-side printing, image data are edited so as to be divided into odd-number and even-number pages on reference to the data related to paper feed and discharge to select which of the odd-number and even-number pages is previously printed and whether printing is performed from the first page or the final page. When the host computer 3000 issues a command for a printer 1500 to start printing, a CPU 12 inputs printing data, format data or macro-order from the host computer 3000 through an input part 18 to store the same and forms image data such as the corresponding character pattern or form pattern according to these data and controls the operation recording the formed image data on recording paper in a printing part 17.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus such as a printer for processing input print information and printing it on a recording sheet, and more particularly to a printing apparatus connected to a host computer through a bidirectional interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are a printing apparatus having only a single-sided printing mechanism for recording paper and a printing apparatus equipped with a double-sided printing mechanism for automatically printing image information on both sides of the recording paper. When printing on both sides of the recording paper by the device, print information is printed in advance for each page by the connected host computer etc. on the front side (hereinafter referred to as odd page) and the back side (hereinafter referred to as even page). And the edited print information is sequentially printed on one side of the recording paper from odd pages, and when printing of the odd pages is completed, the recording paper on which the odd page print information is recorded is printed on the back side. Then, double-sided printing was executed by a method of switching to, resetting the sheet in the sheet feeding unit, and sequentially recording even pages.

In such a conventional printing apparatus, a printing apparatus provided with a paper ejecting section for ejecting the recording paper printed only on the upper surface of the apparatus or a recording paper such as an OHP sheet or an envelope is manually fed. For printing, there is a printing device in which a paper discharge unit is provided on the back surface of the device in addition to the paper discharge unit on the upper surface of the device.

When double-sided printing is performed by a printing apparatus having a paper discharge section on the upper surface and the back surface of the apparatus, the recording surface of the recording paper on which the odd number of pages of print information is recorded is discharged upward. To do this, the discharge port switching knob that is usually provided on the back of the device is switched so that the paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit on the back of the device.For example, print information for an odd number of pages is sequentially printed on one side of the recording paper. , When all the odd pages are printed, before the even pages are printed, the recording sheet is ejected from the ejection section on the top of the device by manually switching the ejection port switching knob provided on the back of the device. Then, the recording paper on which the front side is recorded is changed to the back side, the printing start direction of the recording paper is aligned and set in the paper feeding section, and the printing of even pages is started.

Further, in the printing apparatus having the paper discharge section only on the upper surface of the apparatus, the recording surface of the recording paper on which the image information is recorded is discharged downward to the paper discharge section. When re-setting the recording paper in the paper feed unit to print even numbers of pages and to print even pages, change the order of the recording papers and set the print start direction of the recording papers I was trying to start printing the page.

Further, in a printing apparatus having a paper feeding method different from that of the above printing apparatus, a method of setting the recording paper discharged from the paper discharging section on the back side to the paper feeding section or discharging from the paper discharging section on the upper surface. The order in which the recording paper is output may differ, and when performing double-sided printing, the even page is printed first, then the odd number of pages are printed, or the last page is printed. There are various methods for discharging recording paper depending on the structure of the printing apparatus such as the printing apparatus to be started.

In addition, in order to avoid curling of the paper at the time of feeding and discharging, even when printing one sheet by one sheet, for example, when printing odd pages first,
In a printing apparatus having a sheet discharge section on the back side of the apparatus, the sheet discharge port switching knob on the back side of the apparatus is manually switched so that the sheet is discharged from the sheet discharge section on the back side of the apparatus.

[0008]

Therefore, when performing double-sided printing using a printing apparatus not equipped with the above-mentioned conventional double-sided printing mechanism, for example, a paper discharge section is provided on the upper surface and the back surface of the apparatus. In the printing device, the operation of manually switching the discharge destination of the recording paper with the discharge outlet switching knob,
In addition, it is necessary to change the recording surface of the recording paper discharged to the paper discharge unit and set the print start direction of the recording paper to the paper supply unit, and in the printing apparatus having the paper discharge unit only on the upper surface. Change the order of the recording paper discharged to the paper discharge section,
It is necessary to change the recording surface of the recording paper and set the printing start direction of the recording paper in the paper feed section, which complicates the operation when performing double-sided printing and produces an appropriate print result due to an operation error. There was a problem that I could not get.

Further, in the printers of the same manufacturer,
Since the method of feeding the paper is different due to its structure, it is necessary to perform the method of setting the recording paper in the paper feeding unit, the direction, the printing order, the printing direction, etc., according to each printing apparatus. In order to avoid curling of the paper when feeding and ejecting it, you must manually switch the ejection destination of the recording paper even when you print one by one or manually by hand. There is a problem in that the operation for executing is complicated and an appropriate printing result may not be obtained due to an operation error.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and reduces the occurrence of human error when performing double-sided printing by a printing apparatus having only a single-sided printing mechanism, thereby improving operability. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device that can be improved.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides an instruction to execute double-sided printing in a printing apparatus which is not equipped with a double-sided printing mechanism for printing on both sides of a recording paper. A double-sided printing instruction means, a double-sided printing control means for controlling the double-sided printing, and a control information storage means for storing information on the control performed by the double-sided printing control means. When the execution is instructed, the double-sided printing control means controls the double-sided printing based on the information stored in the control information storage means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, the host computer is connected via a bidirectional interface, and the double-sided printing control means is passed through the bidirectional interface. The double-sided printing control is performed in cooperation with the host computer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, communication control means for transmitting and receiving print information regarding double-sided printing and control information regarding the double-sided printing with the host computer at any time. It is characterized by having.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the manual sheet feeding means for manually feeding the recording sheet and the recording sheet set in the sheet cassette are fed. The paper feed unit includes a cassette paper feed unit for paper, and the double-sided printing control unit has information about a double-sided printing start instruction from the double-sided printing instruction unit and information about a paper feed control by the paper feeding unit. Information about a print surface instruction of a recording paper at the start of double-sided printing, information about a print surface switching instruction of a recording paper with one side printed, control and recording of paper feeding by the paper feeding means after the print surface switching The double-sided printing control is performed on the basis of information about a paper orientation instruction and information about a paper ejection unit instruction when there are a plurality of recording paper ejection units.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the manual sheet feeding means for manually feeding the recording sheet and the recording sheet set in the sheet cassette are fed. For discharging the recording paper fed by the manual paper feeding means and the recording paper fed by the cassette paper feeding means. It is characterized by having.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the manual sheet feeding means for manually feeding the recording sheet and the recording sheet set in the sheet cassette are fed. And a notifying means for notifying the host computer of the fact that the recording paper has been fed by the manual paper feeding means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the manual sheet feeding means for manually feeding the recording sheet and the recording sheet set in the sheet cassette are fed. For feeding a recording paper from the manual paper feeding means, and a printing accompanying switching of the printing surface of the recording paper during double-sided printing Printing surface switching interruption instructing means for instructing interruption or resumption of printing, accident interruption instruction means for instructing interruption or resumption of printing due to an accident such as a recording paper jam, and the printing surface switching interruption instruction means or accident interruption instruction Distinction notifying means for distinguishing information about instructions from the means and notifying the host computer,
Display means for displaying information on instructions given by the above-mentioned instruction means, operation information input means for inputting various operation information,
Print interrupt instruction input means for inputting information relating to an instruction of print interrupt or print restart from the host computer, and the double-sided print control means is input from the operation information input means and the print interrupt instruction input means. It is characterized in that the printing is interrupted or the printing is restarted based on the information instructing the interruption of the printing or the restart of the printing.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the manual sheet feeding means for manually feeding the recording sheet and the recording sheet set in the sheet cassette are fed. Paper feed means including a cassette paper feed means, and operation information input means for inputting various kinds of operation information. The control information storage means includes information relating to an instruction to execute double-sided printing from the double-sided printing instruction means, Information about control of paper feeding by the paper feeding unit and information about control of paper ejection to the paper ejection unit is stored, and the double-sided printing control unit stores the information based on the information stored in the storage unit. According to the print information supplied from the host computer and various operation information from the operation information input unit, the paper feeding operation, the printing operation, and the ejection operation by the paper feeding unit when executing the double-sided printing. And controlling the discharging operation of the parts.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the additional D
It is characterized by having a RAM socket and providing means for adding an optional DRAM in addition to the built-in DRAM.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, at least one card slot is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an option card, an emulation card, and the like are provided. It is characterized in that a means for connecting control cards of different languages is provided.

[0021]

According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the double-sided printing instructing means instructs the execution of double-sided printing, the double-sided printing control means changes the information relating to the double-sided printing control stored in the control information storage means. Based on this, control relating to double-sided printing is performed by a printing apparatus that is not equipped with a double-sided printing mechanism for printing on both sides of the recording paper.

According to the printing apparatus of the second aspect,
The double-sided printing control means controls the double-sided printing in cooperation with a host computer via a bidirectional interface.

According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect,
By the communication control means, the print information regarding the double-sided printing and the control information regarding the double-sided printing are transmitted / received to / from the host computer at any time.

According to the printing device of the fourth aspect,
The double-sided printing control unit includes information regarding a double-sided printing start instruction from the double-sided printing instruction unit, information regarding a sheet feeding control by a sheet feeding unit, information regarding a printing surface instruction of a recording sheet at the time of starting double-sided printing, Information regarding switching of the printing surface of the printed recording paper, information regarding control of paper feeding by the paper feeding means and switching of recording paper orientation after switching the printing surface, and a plurality of recording paper ejection units The control regarding the double-sided printing is performed based on the information regarding the instruction of the paper discharge unit.

According to the printing apparatus of the fifth aspect,
The sheet discharge switching unit switches between the recording sheet fed by the manual sheet feeding unit and the recording sheet fed by the cassette sheet feeding unit and discharges the sheet.

According to the printing device of the sixth aspect,
The notifying unit detects that the recording sheet has been fed by the manual sheet feeding unit, and notifies the host computer.

According to the printing apparatus of the seventh aspect,
The paper feed wait instruction means gives an instruction to wait for paper feed of the recording paper from the manual paper feed means, and the print surface switching interruption instruction means gives an interruption or resumption of printing accompanying the change of the print surface of the recording paper during double-sided printing. Information, and the accident interruption instruction means instructs interruption or restart of printing due to an accident such as a recording paper jam, and the distinction notifying means provides information on the instruction from the printing surface switching interruption instruction means or the accident interruption instruction means. Are notified to the host computer separately, the display means displays the information related to the instruction given by each of the instruction means, the operation information input means inputs various operation information, and the print interruption instruction input means prints from the host computer. Information regarding an instruction to suspend printing or to restart printing is input, and the double-sided printing control unit is configured to operate the operation information input unit. Based on the information indicating the interruption or print resumption of the printing which is input from the preliminary the print interruption instruction input unit, performs a resume interrupted or printing of the printing.

According to the printing device of the eighth aspect,
The control information storage unit stores information about a double-sided printing execution instruction from the double-sided printing instruction unit, information about a sheet feeding control by a sheet feeding unit, and information about a control of discharging a recording sheet to a sheet discharging unit. When the double-sided printing control means performs double-sided printing according to the print information supplied from the host computer and various operation information from the operation information input means, based on the information stored in the control information storage means. The sheet feeding operation by the sheet feeding unit, the printing operation, and the sheet discharging operation to the sheet discharging unit are controlled.

Further, the printing apparatus according to claim 9 is an extension D
It has a RAM socket and has a means for adding an optional DRAM in addition to the built-in DRAM.

A printer according to a tenth aspect of the present invention has at least one card slot, and has means for connecting a control card having a different language such as an option card and an emulation card in addition to the built-in font.

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of a laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as LBP) 1500 which constitutes a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. LBP1
Reference numeral 500 denotes a laser beam printer that has only a single-sided printing mechanism, that is, does not have a double-sided printing mechanism, and print information (print control code, character code, image data, etc.) supplied from an externally connected host computer. ), Format information, or a macro command or the like, image information such as a corresponding character pattern or form pattern is created and recorded on a recording sheet as a recording medium.

The components of the LBP 1500 will be described below. In FIG. 1, 1501 is an operation panel,
In addition to having switches for inputting various operation information, a display unit such as an LED (light emitting diode) is provided. 1000 is a printer control unit, which is an LBP
It controls the entire 1500, analyzes print information and the like supplied from the host computer, converts it into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern, form pattern, etc., and outputs it to the laser driver 1502.

The laser driver 1502 is the semiconductor laser 1
503 is a drive circuit for driving, based on the video signal input from the printer control unit 1000,
Laser light 1504 emitted from semiconductor laser 1503
ON / OFF switching control is performed.

A laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 is oscillated in the left-right direction by a rotating polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image such as the character pattern or the form pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 1507 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to the recording paper.

Cut sheets used as recording paper are stored in a paper cassette 1508. From the paper cassette 1508, a paper feed roller 1509 and a first conveying roller 1 are provided.
It is taken into the apparatus by 510 and the second conveying roller 1511 and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

When recording on an envelope or a recording sheet such as an OHP sheet, when the envelope is manually fed from the manual feed section 1515, the second transport roller 15
It is taken into the apparatus by 11 and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

Electrostatic drum 1506 and developing unit 1
The recording paper on which the image information has been developed and transferred in 507 is conveyed by the third conveying roller 1512, and the paper discharge switching 15
When the paper discharge destination is switched by 13, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit by the paper discharge roller 1514 or the like.

The LBP 1500 main body is provided with at least one card slot (not shown),
In addition to the built-in font, it is configured so that option cards and control cards with different languages (emulation cards) can be installed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system of the apparatus of this embodiment. The control system mainly includes a printer control unit 1000 and a host computer 3000 connected to the printer control unit 1000 via a bidirectional interface 21.

The host computer 3000 includes a control unit 2000, a keyboard 9 and a CRT display 1.
0, an external memory 11, etc., the control unit 2000 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 1, a RAM
(Random Access Memory) 2, ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, System Bus 4, Keyboard Controller (KBC) 5, CRT Controller (CRTC) 6, Disk Controller (DKC) 7, Printer Controller (PRTC) 8, etc. . These components are connected to each other via the system bus 4, a keyboard 9 is connected to the keyboard controller 5, a CRT display 10 is connected to the CRT controller 6, and an external memory is connected to the disk controller 7. 11 is connected.

A bidirectional interface 21 is connected to the printer controller 8, and a printer 1500 is connected via the interface 21.

The CPU 1 is a program RO in the ROM 3
Based on the word processing program stored in M3b etc.,
It executes document processing such as graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.), and collectively controls the operation of each device connected to the system bus 4.

Further, the CPU 1 uses the CRT display 1
Based on a command designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like on the display screen of 0, control is performed to open various registered windows or execute various data processing.

The font ROM 3a of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used when performing the document processing, and the data ROM 3c stores various control data used when performing the document processing.

The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. A display information RAM is provided on the RAM 2, and the CPU 1 executes an outline font rasterizing process on the display information RAM, thereby enabling a WYSIWYG method to be displayed on the CRT display 10. Has been done.

The keyboard controller 5 controls key input from a pointing device (not shown) such as a keyboard 9 or a mouse. The CRT controller 6 is a CRT
The display operation performed by the display 10 is controlled. The disk controller 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various application programs, font data, user files, edit files and the like.

The printer controller 8 is connected to the LBP 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface 21 and executes communication control processing with the LBP 1500.

Next, each component of the LBP 1500 will be described. The LBP 1500 is a printer control unit 100.
0, printing unit (printer engine) 17, operation unit 1501
And an external memory 14 and the like.

The printer control unit 1000 includes a printer CPU 12, a RAM 19, a ROM 13, a system bus 15, an input section 18, and a printing section interface (I / F).
16 and a disk controller (DKC) 20, etc., and these respective constituent elements are connected to each other via a system bus 15 and the printing unit interface 1
A print unit 17 is connected to the disk controller 6, and the disk controller 2
An external memory 14 is connected to 0. An operation unit 1501 is connected to the system bus 15.

The printer CPU 12 is capable of performing communication processing with the host computer 3000 connected via the bidirectional interface 21 by the input unit 18, and the information in the printer and the like are stored in the host computer 3000.
To notify. Further, the printer CPU 12 has a ROM 13
Various devices connected to the system bus 15 and the host computer 300 based on the control program stored in the program ROM 13b or the external memory 14.
Access to 0 is generally controlled, and control for outputting image information input from the host computer 3000 to the printing unit 17 via the printing unit interface 16 is performed.

The font ROM 13a of the ROM 13 is
The data ROM 13c stores font data and the like used when the image information is generated, and the data ROM 13c uses information used in the host computer 3000 (type of printer, resolution, presence / absence of paper cassette, information regarding paper feed / discharge). ) Memory etc.

The RAM 19 is a memory that functions as a main memory or a work area of the CPU 12, and is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM), or the like. In addition, RAM19,
By connecting an optional RAM to an expansion port (not shown), the memory capacity can be expanded.

The external memory 14 is a memory optionally connected to the LBP 1500, and is composed of a hard disk (HD), an IC card, or the like. This external memory 14
Access is controlled by the disk controller 20 and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like.

The external memory that can be connected to the LBP1500 is not limited to one, but in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and an external memory that stores a program for interpreting printer control languages of different languages It may be configured so that a plurality of memories can be connected. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) is provided to operate the operation panel 1501.
You may make it memorize | store the printer mode setting information from.

Next, the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

When the LBP 1500 executes printing,
The host computer 3000 requests the LBP 1500 for notification of various information. When the LBP 1500 is requested by the host computer 3000 to notify various information, the printer CPU 12 causes the input unit 18 to input the data ROM 13c via the bidirectional interface 21.
Type of printer, resolution, presence / absence of paper cassette, information on paper feed / ejection stored in the printer (horizontal / reverse feeding method of recording paper from the paper cassette, horizontal / reverse ejection of recording paper to the paper ejection unit) Information about paper method, number of paper cassettes, number of paper discharge units, etc.), printer status information stored in RAM 19, DRAM size of RAM 19 or external memory 14, size of recording paper set in paper cassette Information about the host computer 300
Notify 0.

The host computer 3000 is LBP15
00, the printer status information, the printer type, the RAM 19 and the DRAM size of the external memory 14, and the like are checked based on the received information, and then the printer resolution, the presence / absence of a paper cassette, Also, check the paper size of the cut sheets set in the paper cassette, and further check the information regarding paper feed / discharge.

When the LBP 1500 is instructed by the host computer 3000 or the like to perform double-sided printing for printing on both sides of the recording paper, the image information is referred to as odd-numbered pages Editing is performed separately for each page, and it is determined whether to print the odd pages first or the even pages first, and select whether to print from the first page or the last page.

Next, from the host computer 3000 to L
When the print start is instructed to the BP 1500, the printer CPU 12 inputs and stores print information (information such as a character code), format information, a macro command, or the like from the host computer 3000 through the input unit 18 and stores them. In accordance with the information, image information such as a corresponding character pattern or form pattern is created, and the operation of the printing unit 17 recording the created image information on the recording paper is controlled.

At this time, when recording on cut sheet recording paper is instructed by the information regarding the paper feeding, the cut sheet stored in the paper cassette 1508 of FIG. Transport roller 151
It is taken into the apparatus by 0 and the second conveying roller 1511.

On the other hand, when manual paper feeding is instructed, the status information notifying the waiting for manual paper feeding is CP.
By U12, it is output to the operation unit 1501 of the printer 1500 and is notified to the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18. Host computer 300
When 0 receives the manual feed waiting status information, the CRT display 10 displays “FEED A4
A message such as “PAPER” or the like for prompting manual feeding and an animation are displayed.

In accordance with this instruction, the manual paper feeding unit 1515
When a cut sheet, an envelope, an OHP sheet, or the like is inserted into the apparatus, these recording sheets are taken into the apparatus by the conveyance roller 1511, and the electrostatic drum 1506 and the developing unit 1507 develop one page of image information. After being transferred, the sheet is conveyed by the third conveying roller 1512, the sheet discharge section is switched by the sheet discharge switching dispenser 1513 in accordance with the information regarding the sheet discharge, and the sheet discharge roller 1
The sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge unit on the rear surface of the apparatus by 514.

In this way, when the printing on one side of the recording paper by the double-sided printing instruction is completed, the CPU 12 sends the status information instructing the interruption / restart waiting of the printing for switching the recording surface of the recording paper to the back side. LBP1500
The operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000 are notified.

When the host computer 3000 receives the status information, the CRT display 10 displays a message such as "CHANGE PAPER" for prompting the switching of the recording surface and animation.

Next, when switch interruption is input from the operation unit 1501 of the LBP 1500, or interruption / resumption of printing is instructed by the keyboard 9 of the host computer 3000 or a mouse (not shown), printing is performed in response to this instruction input. The interruption / resumption is performed, and the printing on the back surface of the recording paper is executed.

Further, even when the printing is interrupted / resume waiting due to a paper out or recording paper jam in the middle of printing, the host computer 3000 is a status for instructing the interruption / resume waiting of printing due to a paper out or recording paper jam or the like. Information is sent by the CPU 12 to the operation unit 15 of the LBP 1500.
01 and the host computer 3000.

The host computer 3000 is the printer 1
Upon receiving from the 500 status information instructing the suspension or restart of printing due to the paper out or recording paper jam, etc., the CRT display 10 displays a message and an animation for urging the user to replenish the paper or clear the paper jam. indicate.

In accordance with this instruction, paper replenishment or paper jam clearance processing is performed, and switch interruption is input from the operation unit 1501 of the main body of the LBP 1500 or the keyboard 9 or mouse of the host computer 3000 is used to instruct / resume printing. Then, in response to this instruction input, the printing is interrupted / restarted due to a jam of the recording paper, and the printing on the recording paper is executed.

Next, the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 3 to 14 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing when double-sided printing is performed by the apparatus of this embodiment.

First, when the power is turned on, step S1
In, initial setting of the input unit 18, the printing unit interface 16, the operation unit 1501, the disk controller 20 and other various devices (I / O port, timer, interrupt controller, etc.) connected to the system bus 15 of the printer control unit 1000 Is done.

In step S1, ROM1
3 from the program ROM 13b, control procedures and control information such as the basic operation of the CPU 12, program management, file management, and basic input / output devices, and from the font ROM 13a and data ROM 13c of the ROM 13,
A checksum is calculated to check the reliability of the ROM 13 such as printer type, printer resolution, presence / absence of a paper cassette, control information related to paper feeding and paper ejection, RAM 19 mounting check, and DRAM size calculation. Status information of the printer, type of paper size set in the paper cassette, initial settings of page counter, initial settings of various input / output work areas, registration of execution addresses of multiple interrupt processes, status information of various devices. , Initialization of various modes, initialization processing of LEDs, etc. are performed.

Next, in step S2, it is determined whether or not an abnormality is recognized in the various initialization processes. If an abnormality is recognized, the CPU 12 determines that the abnormality has ended and stops the control operation by the CPU 12. If no abnormality is found,
Proceeding to step S3, the time measured by the timer (not shown) connected to the system bus 15 is set to 1 millisecond and 10 respectively.
The timer is started by setting 0 milliseconds and 1 second.

Next, in step S4, the printer controller 8 of the host computer 3000 and the LBP1
Input / output processing of status information and the like is performed with the input unit 18 of 500 via the bidirectional interface 21.

Next, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the status information or the like is input / output. If it is determined that the input / output is performed, the process proceeds to step S6, and the input / output with the host computer 3000 is performed. The status information for validating the bidirectional communication is set in the RAM 19, and the process proceeds to step S8. If it is determined that the input / output is not performed, the process proceeds to step S7, and the host computer 30
Status information that disables bidirectional communication with 00
AM19 is set, and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the information input from the host computer 3000 to the input unit 18 of the LBP 1500 via the bidirectional interface 21 is input.

Next, in step S9, it is determined whether or not the information is input from the host computer 3000. If the information is not input, the process returns to step S8, and if the information is input, the step S10 of FIG. Proceed to.

In steps S10 to S16, the information input from the host computer 3000 is determined.

First, in step S10, the information input from the host computer 3000 is the LBP1.
If it is a request for notification of printer setting information of 500, and if it is a request for notification of printer setting information of LBP1500, the process proceeds to step S18, and the type of printer stored in the data ROM 13c of the ROM 13, Resolution, presence / absence of paper cassette, information about paper feed / discharge,
And the information about the calculation of the DRAM size stored in the RAM 19 and the type of the paper size set in the paper cassette is transmitted from the input unit 18 to the host computer 3000 via the bidirectional interface 21, and the steps of FIG. Proceed to S25.

In step S10, if the input information is not a request for notification of printer setting information of the printer 1500, the process proceeds to step S11, and the information is control information for instructing the setting or cancellation of the double-sided printing mode. If it is the control information for instructing to set or cancel the double-sided printing mode, the process proceeds to step S19 and RA
The double-sided printing mode is set to or released from M19, and at the same time, the LED of the operation unit 1501 is instructed to turn on or off the mode display of the double-sided printing mode (step S1).
9) and proceeds to step S25 in FIG.

In step S11, if the input information is not the control information for instructing the setting or cancellation of the double-sided printing mode, the process proceeds to step S12, and whether the information is the control information for instructing the paper feeding mode or not. If it is the control information for instructing the sheet feeding mode, step S20
The process proceeds to step S25 of FIG. 5, where the type of the paper cassette corresponding to the input paper feed information and the paper feed mode such as manual paper feed are set in the RAM 19.

In step S12, if the input information is not the control information for instructing the paper feed mode,
In step S13, it is determined whether or not the information is control information for instructing the paper discharge mode. If the information is control information for instructing the paper discharge mode, the flow proceeds to step S21 and corresponds to the input control information. Then, the setting of the paper discharge mode in the RAM 19 is changed, and the printing unit 17 is accessed through the printing unit interface 16 in FIG.
The paper discharge unit switching dispenser 1513 is switched to switch the paper discharge unit, and the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG.

In step S13, if the input information is not the control information for instructing the paper discharge mode,
In step S14, it is determined whether or not the information is input information instructing the paper size. If the information is input information instructing the paper size, the process advances to step S22 to execute the paper size setting process of the paper cassette. Then, the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG.

In the paper size setting process of step S22, as shown in steps S101 to S107 of FIG. 6, the paper size type and the paper feed mode indicating the paper size set in the paper cassette set in the RAM 19 are supplied. When the recording paper set in the paper cassette is to be changed with reference to the paper information, the status information instructing the change of the recording paper is notified to the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000 (see FIG. 11). ) Is performed (step S104).

Next, the designated recording paper is the paper cassette 1
If it is stored in 508, a process of notifying a response of status information instructing the change of the paper size from the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000 (FIG. 12).
(See step S106), the RAM
The paper size of the paper cassette set to 19 is changed.

In step S14, if the information is not the input information indicating the paper size, the process proceeds to step S15, and the information indicates the number of print pages determined corresponding to the set paper size. Determine whether it is information. If the information indicates the number of print pages, the process proceeds to step S23, the designated number of print pages is set in the RAM 19, the page counter of the RAM 19 is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S25 of FIG.

In step S15, if the input information is not information for instructing the number of print pages, the process proceeds to step S16, and it is determined whether or not the information is control information for instructing activation of the application program. . If it is the control information for instructing the activation of the application program, the process proceeds to step S24, the disk controller 20 controls access to the external memory 14 to activate the application program, and the process proceeds to step S25 of FIG.

In step S16, if the input information is not the control information for instructing the activation of the application program, the process proceeds to step S17, and the processing instructed by the input information is performed as other input information. It progresses to step S25 of 5.

In step S25 of FIG. 5, the RAM
It is determined whether the editing of the output image information for each page corresponding to the paper size set in 19 is completed. If the editing has not been completed, the process returns to step S8 in FIG.
When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S26 and the RAM 19
Update the count value of the page counter of step S2
7, the print mode information stored in the RAM 19 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the duplex printing mode is set. If it is determined that the double-sided printing mode is set, the process proceeds to step S28, and double-sided printing paper exchange processing is executed.

In the double-sided printing paper exchange process of step S28, as shown in steps S201 to S205 of FIG. 7, recording of the recording paper is performed with reference to the print page number information and the page counter value stored in the RAM 19. It is determined whether or not the side is switched from the one side to the back side. When it is determined that the recording surface is to be switched, status information for instructing switching of the recording surface from one side to the back side is displayed on the operation unit 15.
01 and the host computer 3000 are notified (see FIG. 11) (step S203).

Next, if the recording surface of the recording paper with one side printed is switched to the back side and stored in the paper cassette 1508, the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3
Processing for notifying a response of status information instructing the switching from 000 (see FIG. 12) (step S
By doing so, the control is resumed so as to restart the interruption of printing due to the switching of the recording surface from one side to the back side during double-sided printing. When the processing of step S28 ends, step S
Proceed to 29.

If it is determined in step S27 that the double-sided printing mode is not set, step S27
Proceed to 29.

In step S29, the paper feed mode information stored in the RAM 19 is referenced to determine whether or not the manual paper feed mode is set. When the manual paper feed mode is set, the process proceeds to step S30, the manual paper feed control process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S32.

In the manual sheet feeding control process of step S30, as shown in steps S301 to S306 of FIG.
01 and the host computer 3000 are notified (see FIG. 11) (step S302).

Next, when a recording sheet such as a cut sheet recording sheet, an envelope or an OHP sheet is set in the manual sheet feeding section 1515, the printing section 17 is accessed through the printing section interface 16 so that The set recording paper is controlled to be taken into the printer main body by the conveyance roller 1511. When the set recording paper is taken into the printer main body, the status information instructing completion of manual paper feeding is notified to the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000 (see FIG. 11) (step S306). Manual feed control is performed.

If it is determined in step S29 that the manual feed mode is not set and the type of the paper cassette is set, the process proceeds to step S31, the cassette paper feeding control process is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S32. .

In the cassette paper feed control process of step S31, as shown in steps S401 to S407 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether cut sheet recording paper is stored in the paper cassette 1508 based on the type information of the paper cassette. If the recording paper is not stored, the status information instructing the storage of the recording paper in the paper cassette 1508 is displayed on the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 30.
00 (see FIG. 11) is notified (step S
403), the printing unit 1 via the printing unit interface 16
By accessing No. 7, a standby state for storing the recording paper in the paper cassette 1508 is set.

Next, when the recording paper is set in the paper cassette 1508, status information for instructing completion of storage of the recording paper in the paper cassette 1508 is displayed on the operation unit 1501.
Then, a process of notifying the host computer 3000 (see FIG. 11) is performed (step S406), and then the printing unit 17 is accessed via the printing unit interface 16 to feed the recording paper stored in the paper cassette 1508. Paper roller 1509, first transport roller 1510,
Then, the second transport roller 1511 controls the printer so that it is taken into the printer body.

In step S 32, the character information supplied from the host computer 3000 is converted into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern by the printer control unit 1000, and the printing unit 17 is accessed via the printing unit interface 16. The image information for one page is recorded on the recording paper.

Next, in step S33, the RAM1
9 to access the printing unit 17 via the printing unit interface 16, the paper discharge unit switching dispenser 1513 shown in FIG.
The third transport roller 1512
The recording sheet is controlled to be discharged by the sheet discharging roller 1518 or the sheet discharging roller 1514.

Next, in step S34, it is determined whether or not the recording paper has been ejected. When the recording paper is discharged, the process returns to step S8 in FIG. On the other hand, if the recording paper is not ejected due to paper jam or the like, step S3
The process proceeds to the paper jam recovery process of 5.

In the paper jam restoration process of step S35, as shown in steps S501 to S505 of FIG. 10, a process of notifying the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000 of the status information instructing the paper jam of the recording paper (FIG. 11). (Refer to step S502) and accessing the printing unit 17 via the printing unit interface 16 enters a standby state for the process of removing the recording paper from the inside of the LBP 1500.

Next, when the recording paper is removed from the inside of the printer, status information for instructing the completion of the paper jam recovery processing is displayed on the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3.
000 is notified (see FIG. 11) (step S505), and then as recovery processing, the process returns to step S29.

Incidentally, the above-mentioned steps S601 to S601 of FIG.
In the process of notifying the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000 of the printer status information in S603, first, various status information is output to the LED serving as the display unit of the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000 stored in the RAM 19 is used. It is determined whether or not the bidirectional communication is valid by referring to the status information of the bidirectional communication, and when it is valid, control is performed so that various status information is transmitted to the host computer 3000.

Further, steps S701 to S70 of FIG.
5 operation unit 1501 and host computer 3000
In the process of notifying the response of the printer status information from the first, first, the switch input by the operation unit 1501 is determined, and if the switch input is not performed, the RAM
It is determined whether or not the bidirectional communication is valid by referring to the status information of the bidirectional communication with the host computer 3000 stored in No. 19 (step S703). If the bidirectional communication is valid, the host computer 3000 is determined. To receive a response of status information from (step S7
04), control is performed to wait until there is a switch input from the operation unit 1501 or a status information response from the host computer 3000 (step S705).

In the above embodiment, the determination of the presence / absence of the paper in the paper cassette 1508, the change of the paper size, the detection of the printer status information such as the paper jam of the recording paper are sequentially processed. By using an interrupt controller and a timer (100 milliseconds) (not shown) connected to 15, as shown in steps S801 to S812 of FIGS. 13 and 14, even when printing is not performed, By paper cassette monitoring processing such as paper empty or open / closed,
It is also possible to display the status information of the paper cassette at any time.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit of the printer cooperates with the host computer to perform control for executing double-sided printing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printer alone can be used as described above. The configuration may be such that control is performed. Alternatively, the processing may be performed via a network such as a LAN.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the processing in the case of performing the double-sided printing by the printing apparatus which is not equipped with the double-sided printing mechanism has been described by taking the laser beam printer as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the double-sided printing mechanism is not limited. It is also possible to apply to other types of printers such as an inkjet printer (IJRA) that is not equipped with.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view showing a schematic structure of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA) to which the present invention can be applied.

In the figure, when the drive motor 5013 rotates forward and backward, the lead screw 5005 rotates in conjunction with this, via the drive force transmission gears 5011 and 5009, and the pin (not shown) of the carriage HC engages with the spiral groove 5004. Accordingly, the carriage HC is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b.

An ink jet cartridge IJC is mounted on this carriage HC. Further, in the figure, reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper pressing plate, which presses the recording paper against the platen 5000 along the moving direction of the carriage HC.

Further, reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers. By checking the existence of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC in this area, the photocouplers 5007 and 5008 are obtained.
Reference numeral 8 functions as a home position detecting means for switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013 and the like. The cap member 5022 caps the entire surface of the recording head,
6 is a member that supports the cap member 5022.

Reference numeral 5015 is a suction means for sucking the inside of the cap member 5022, and the suction recovery of the recording head is performed through the in-cap opening 5023. A cleaning blade 5017 can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body supporting plate which supports the cleaning blade 5017 and the member 5019. 501
2 is a lever for starting suction for the above-mentioned suction recovery,
The cam 5020 moves along with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and the movement is controlled by known transmission means such as switching the driving force from the driving motor with a clutch.

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

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of the control unit of the above ink jet recording apparatus.

In the figure, 1700 is an interface for inputting an image signal to be recorded, 1701 is an MPU (microprocessing unit), and 1702 is the MP.
A ROM that stores a control program executed by the U1701 and host print information and the like, and a DRAM 1703 that stores various types of data (the above-described image signal, recording data supplied to the recording head 1708, and the like) are stored.

A gate array 1704 controls the supply of data output to the recording head 1708, and also controls the transfer of data between the interface 1700, MPU 1701 and DRAM 1703. 1710 is a recording head 170
8 is a carrier motor for carrying the recording paper, 1709 is a carrying motor for carrying the recording paper, and 1705 is a recording head 170.
8 is a head driver for driving 8 and 1706 is a conveyance motor 1.
709 is a motor driver for driving, and 1707 is a motor driver for driving the carrier motor 1710.

In the recording apparatus thus constructed, when information is input from the host computer 100 via the interface 1700, the gate array 17
The input information is converted between the 04 and the MPU 1701 to output information for printing. Then, the motor driver 170
6, 1707 are driven, and the head driver 1
The recording head is driven according to the output information sent to 705, and the printing process is executed.

The MPU 1701 is the interface 1
Communication processing with the host computer 100 is possible via the 700, and memory information and resource data regarding the DRAM 1703 and host print information in the ROM 1702 can be notified to the host computer 100. The control information for instructing the interruption and resumption of printing when switching the recording paper after printing on one side of the recording paper is completed, or when the printing paper runs out of paper, jams, or ink in the inkjet cartridge runs out The recording head, the motor, etc. are configured to be able to notify the host computer of the occurrence of an abnormality.

[0121]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In a printing apparatus not equipped with a double-sided printing mechanism for printing on both sides of recording paper, a double-sided printing instruction means for instructing execution of double-sided printing, a double-sided printing control means for controlling the double-sided printing, and the double-sided printing control. Control information storage means for storing information relating to control performed by the means, and when the double-sided printing instruction means instructs execution of double-sided printing, the double-sided printing control means changes the information stored in the control information storage means. Since the control related to the double-sided printing is performed based on the double-sided printing, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of human error when performing the double-sided printing by the printing apparatus having only the single-sided printing mechanism and improve the operability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by a control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the same apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the control system of the same apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of another printer to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the same device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 12 CPU 13 RAM 14 ROM 15 Input Section 17 Printing Section 18 Operating Section 19 DKC 20 External Memory 21 Bidirectional Interface 3000 Host Computer 1500 Printer

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A double-sided printing instruction means for instructing execution of double-sided printing and a double-sided printing control means for controlling the double-sided printing in a printing apparatus not equipped with a double-sided printing mechanism for printing on both sides of recording paper. A control information storage unit that stores information related to control performed by the double-sided printing control unit. When the double-sided printing instruction unit instructs execution of double-sided printing, the double-sided printing control unit stores the control information storage unit in the control information storage unit. A printing apparatus, characterized in that control relating to double-sided printing is performed based on stored information. 2. A host computer is connected via a bidirectional interface, and the double-sided printing control means cooperates with the host computer via the bidirectional interface to control the double-sided printing. The printing device according to claim 1. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising communication control means for transmitting and receiving print information regarding double-sided printing and control information regarding the double-sided printing to and from the host computer at any time. 4. The double-sided printing control is provided with a paper feeding means including a manual paper feeding means for manually feeding the recording paper and a cassette paper feeding means for feeding the recording paper set in a paper cassette. The unit prints one-sided information, information about a double-sided printing start instruction from the double-sided printing instruction unit, information about a paper feed control by the paper feeding unit, information about a printing surface of a recording paper at the start of double-sided printing. Information regarding the instruction to switch the printing surface of the recording paper, information regarding the control of the paper feeding by the paper feeding unit and the orientation of the recording paper after the switching of the printing surface, and the case where there are a plurality of recording paper discharge units. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control regarding the double-sided printing is performed based on the information regarding the instruction of the paper discharge unit. 5. A manual paper feed unit, comprising a manual paper feed unit for manually feeding the recording paper and a cassette paper feed unit for feeding the recording paper set in a paper cassette. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a paper discharge switching unit that switches the recording paper fed by the means and the recording paper fed by the cassette paper feeding means to eject the paper. 6. A manual sheet feeding device comprising a manual sheet feeding device for manually feeding the recording sheet and a cassette sheet feeding device for feeding the recording sheet set in a paper cassette. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising notifying means for notifying the host computer when the recording paper is fed by the means. 7. Paper feeding means including manual paper feeding means for manually feeding recording paper and cassette paper feeding means for feeding recording paper set in a paper cassette,
Paper feed waiting instruction means for instructing waiting for paper feed of the recording paper from the manual paper feed means, and print surface switching interruption instruction for interrupting printing or waiting for resuming of printing due to switching of the printing surface of the recording paper during double-sided printing Means, an accident interruption instruction means for instructing to suspend or wait for restart of printing due to an accident such as a jam of recording paper, and the information relating to the instruction from the printing surface switching interruption instruction means or the accident interruption instruction means, and the host computer is distinguished. A distinction notifying means for notifying, a display means for displaying information on an instruction given by each of the above-mentioned instruction means, an operation information input means for inputting various operation information, and information on an instruction for interrupting or resuming printing from the host computer. A double-sided printing control means for inputting the print interruption instruction input means for inputting Based on the information indicating resumption of the interrupted or printing of the printing inputted from the means, the printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the resumption of the interrupted or printing of the printing. 8. Paper feeding means including manual paper feeding means for manually feeding recording paper and cassette paper feeding means for feeding recording paper set in a paper cassette,
Operation information input means for inputting various kinds of operation information is provided, and the control information storage means includes information regarding an instruction for executing double-sided printing from the double-sided printing instruction means, information regarding a sheet feeding control by the sheet feeding means, and an ejection method. Information about control of ejection of recording paper to a paper unit is stored, and the double-sided printing control unit, based on the information stored in the storage unit, print information and operation information input unit supplied from the host computer. 3. The paper feeding operation by the paper feeding unit, the printing operation, and the paper discharging operation to the paper discharging unit when performing double-sided printing are controlled according to various operation information from the printer. Printing device. 9. A built-in DR equipped with an additional DRAM socket
9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for adding an optional DRAM in addition to the AM. 10. At least one card slot is provided, and means for connecting a control card having a different language such as an option card and an emulation card in addition to the built-in font is provided.
The printing device according to any one of 1.