JPH08324053A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enhance operability while reducing the loss of a printing time and to easily stop printing or cancel a printing job when double-side printing is executed by a printer equipped only with a single surface printing mechanism. CONSTITUTION: The control data recorded on an ROM 13c is transmitted to a host computer 3000 through a bidirectional interface 21 and the host computer 3000 refers to the received data to perform processing dividing image data into odd-number and even-number pages to edit the same and sends the inputted data to a CPU 12. When the host computer 3000 designates the execution of double-side printing and control data disignating a paper feed mode is inputted, the CPU 12 sets the paper feed mode to an RAM 19 corresponding to the paper feed data to execute manual paper feed control processing or cassette paper feed control processing on the basis of the paper feed mode data stored in the RAM 19.

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 paper is different due to its structure, the surface to be set in the paper feed unit, the direction, the printing order, the printing direction, and the vertical direction for outputting to the recording paper, etc. should be adjusted according to each printing device. It is necessary to perform the operation to manually switch the recording paper ejection destination even when printing one sheet or one sheet manually in order to avoid curling of the paper when feeding and ejecting. However, similarly, there is a problem that an operation when performing double-sided printing is complicated and an appropriate printing result may not be obtained due to an operation error.

When double-sided printing is performed by the above-mentioned conventional printing apparatus, in addition to the page for printing the content of the main subject, a predetermined page for printing matters related to the printing (for example, the orientation of the paper at the time of the back side printing, "Instruction page" in which arrows and comments are printed to prompt you to set the paper cassette by instructing you to tell the front side and the back side, the content printed on the main page is printed before the page on which the main content is printed. Title, print date, user-related information, etc. is printed on the “header page”, or printing environment information such as the number of printed sheets and used fonts is printed on the “trailer page” (or “footer page”). , These pages are collectively referred to as "specific pages" hereinafter), and when printing on the back side, set these specific pages in the paper cassette as well. Because it was carried out the printing Te, that amount printing time there was a problem that it takes an extra.

Further, in the case of collectively canceling print jobs sent to the printer, conventionally, it is necessary to forcibly close the print manager, which is inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and human error in paper feeding, printing, paper ejection, etc. when executing double-sided printing by a printing apparatus having only a single-sided printing mechanism. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can reduce the occurrence of printing and improve operability, reduce the loss of printing time, and easily cancel printing or cancel a print job. To do.

[0013]

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 execution is instructed, the double-sided printing control means performs control regarding at least one of feeding, printing, and discharging of the recording paper based on the information stored in the control information storage means. .

The invention according to claim 2 is connected to a host computer through a bidirectional interface,
The double-sided printing control means may perform control relating to at least one of the paper feeding, printing, and paper discharging in cooperation with the host computer via the bidirectional interface.

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 to and from the host computer as needed. It is characterized by having.

According to a fourth aspect of the present 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 the printing surface of the recording paper at the start of double-sided printing, information about the output direction to the recording paper, information about the switching instruction of the printing surface of the recording paper with one side printed, the feeding after switching the printing surface. Based on the information on the control of the paper feeding by the paper means and the instruction of the orientation of the recording paper, and the information on the instruction of the paper ejection unit when there are plural paper ejection units of the recording paper, And performing at least one related to the control of paper ejection.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, a print surface switching suspension instruction for instructing suspension of printing or waiting for resumption accompanying switching of the printing surface of the recording paper during double-sided printing. Means, an accident interruption instruction means for instructing interruption or waiting for resumption of printing due to an abnormality that has occurred on the recording paper, and information relating to the instruction from the printing surface switching interruption instruction means or the accident interruption instruction means, and the information is notified to the host computer. Distinction notifying means, display means for displaying information relating to instructions given by the respective instruction means, operation information input means for inputting various operation information, and information relating to instructions for interrupting or resuming printing from the host computer. A double-sided printing control means, the operation information input means and the printing Based on the information indicating resumption of the interrupted or printing of the entered print from cross instruction input means, and performs restart interruption or printing of the printing.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the control information storage means is
Information on an instruction to execute double-sided printing from the double-sided printing instruction unit, information on a sheet feeding control by the sheet feeding unit,
And storing information relating to the control of the discharge of the recording paper to the discharge unit, and the double-sided printing control means performs double-sided printing based on the information stored in the storage means and the print information supplied from the host computer. It is characterized in that the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding means, the printing operation, and the paper discharging operation to the paper discharging unit are controlled when executing the above.

Further, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the control information is information about a sheet of which one side is printed when performing backside printing during double-sided printing of the recording sheet. Among them, the predetermined paper is characterized by including information for controlling so as to prohibit the paper feed when the back side printing is executed.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 is the printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control information is a sheet on one side of which is printed during backside printing during double-sided printing of the recording sheet. It is characterized in that it includes information for controlling so as to prohibit recovery of an abnormality that has occurred in a predetermined sheet among the above.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the control information is printed according to the input information by the operation information input means during the double-sided printing of the recording paper. Is included and information for controlling at least one of canceling a plurality of print jobs is included.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, an additional DRAM socket is provided, and means for adding an optional DRAM in addition to the built-in DRAM is provided. Is characterized by.

[0023]

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 at least one of feeding, printing, and discharging of the recording paper 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 cooperates with a host computer via a bidirectional interface to control at least one of the paper feeding, printing and paper discharging.

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 start of double-sided printing, a recording sheet. Information about the output direction to,
Information regarding an instruction to switch the printing surface of a recording sheet on which one side is printed, information regarding a sheet feeding control by the sheet feeding unit after the switching of the printing surface and an instruction of the orientation of the recording sheet, and a plurality of recording sheet discharge units. Based on the information about the instruction of the paper discharge unit in a certain case, the control relating to at least one of the paper feed, the printing, and the paper discharge is performed.

According to the printing apparatus of the fifth aspect,
The print surface switching suspension instruction means instructs suspension or restart of printing due to switching of the print surface of the recording paper during double-sided printing, and the accident suspension instruction means suspends or waits for printing due to an abnormality that has occurred on the recording paper. The distinguishing notifying means distinguishably notifies the host computer of the information regarding the instruction from the printing surface switching interruption instructing means or the accident interruption instructing means, and the display means displays the information regarding the instruction given by each of the instructing means. Then, various kinds of operation information are input by the operation information inputting means, information about an instruction of printing interruption or printing restarting is input from the host computer by the print interruption instruction inputting means, and the double-sided printing control means is operated by the operation information. Interruption or printing of the printing input from the input means and the print interruption instruction input means Based on the information indicating the restart is performed to resume the interrupted or printing of the printing.

According to the printing apparatus of the sixth 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. The double-sided printing control means, based on the information stored in the control information storage means and the print information supplied from the host computer, the paper feeding operation, the printing operation, and Controls the paper discharge operation to the paper discharge unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the back side printing is executed during the double sided printing of the recording paper,
For a predetermined paper among the papers printed on one side, control for at least one of paper feeding, printing, and paper ejection is performed based on the information for controlling the paper feeding to be prohibited at the time of performing the back surface printing. Done.

Further, according to the printing apparatus of the eighth aspect, during execution of the back side printing while the double sided printing of the recording paper is being performed, the recovery of the abnormality that has occurred with respect to a predetermined paper among the papers printed on one side is prohibited. Based on the information for controlling as described above, control relating to at least one of paper feeding, printing, and paper ejection is performed.

Further, according to the printing apparatus of the ninth aspect, at least one of the cancellation of printing and the cancellation of a plurality of print jobs is performed according to the input information by the operation information inputting means during the double-sided printing of the recording paper. Based on the information for controlling as described above, control relating to at least one of paper feeding, printing, and paper ejection is performed.

[0032]

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

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the schematic arrangement 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, reference numeral 1501 denotes an operation panel (operation unit), which has switches for inputting various kinds of operation information and includes a display unit such as an LED (light emitting diode). Reference numeral 1000 denotes a printer control unit, which controls the entire LBP 1500, analyzes print information and the like supplied from a host computer, converts it into a video signal such as a corresponding character pattern or form pattern, 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 horizontally swung by a rotary 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, and 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, if the envelope or the like is manually fed from the manual feed unit 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 LBP1500 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 is 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 the keyboard 9 or 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 the printer CPU 12, RAM 19, ROM 13, system bus 15, input section 18, 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 the font data and the like used when generating the image information, and the data ROM 13c stores information (printer type, resolution, presence / absence of a paper cassette, paper feed / print / paper discharge) used in the host computer 3000. (Information regarding) is stored.

The RAM 19 is a memory that functions as a main memory and 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 LBP 1500 is not limited to one, and 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 feeding / printing / ejection stored in the device (horizontal / reverse feeding method of recording paper from paper cassette, horizontal / reverse feeding of recording paper to paper ejection unit) Information about the reverse paper ejection method, the number of paper cassettes, the number of paper ejection units, etc., information on the printing surface instruction of the recording paper at the start of double-sided printing, information on the output direction to the recording paper,
The information regarding the switching instruction of the printing surface of the recording paper on which one side is printed, the information regarding the control of the paper feeding by the paper feeding means after the switching of the printing surface and the instruction of the orientation of the recording paper, and the discharging portion of the recording paper (Information relating to instructions of the paper discharge unit when there are a plurality of sheets), printer status information stored in the RAM 19, the RAM 19 and the DRAM of the external memory 14.
The host computer 3000 is notified of information regarding the size, the size of the recording paper set in the paper cassette, and the like.

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 or a macro command from the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18, and According to 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, if the recording of the cut sheet recording sheet is instructed by the information regarding the sheet feeding, the cut sheet stored in the sheet 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 for notifying the manual paper feed standby 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 feed 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.

When the printing on one side of the recording paper by the double-sided printing instruction is completed in this way, the CPU 12 outputs status information for instructing to suspend / restart 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 a switch input from the operation unit 1501 of the LBP 1500 or an instruction to suspend / resume printing by the keyboard 9 of the host computer 3000 or a mouse (not shown) or the like, 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.

In addition, even when printing is interrupted / resume waiting due to paper shortage or recording paper jam in the middle of printing, the host computer 3000 gives a status for instructing to suspend / resume printing due to paper exhaustion or recording paper jam. 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
When the status information instructing to suspend or wait for the restart of printing due to the paper out or recording paper jam or the like is received from 500, the CRT display 10 displays “ADD A
4 Displays a message such as “PAPER”, “PAPER JAM”, and a message for urging the user to remove the paper jam or clear the jam.

In accordance with this instruction, paper replenishment or paper jam clearance processing is performed, and a switch input from the operation unit 1501 of the main body of the LBP 1500 or interruption / resume of printing is instructed by the keyboard 9 or mouse of the host computer 3000. 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.

Further, the operation unit 15 of the printer 1500 main body
Switch input from 01 and host computer 30
Stop printing with the keyboard 9 or mouse of 00,
Or, when batch cancellation of multiple print jobs is instructed, the printing is canceled or batch cancellation of print jobs is executed in response to this instruction input, and status information instructing cancellation of printing or batch cancellation of print jobs However, the operation unit 1 of the printer 1500 main body is
It is output to 501 and is notified to the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 of the printer 1500. When the host computer 3000 receives the status information instructing to cancel the print or batch cancel the print jobs, the host computer 3000 displays “ABORTED” and “JOB” in the printer status window on the CRT display 10.
After displaying a message such as "CANCEL", the printer status window is closed at the end of the print job.

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

3 to 12 are flow charts 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 the printer control unit 1000, the input unit 18, the printing unit interface 16, the operation unit 1501, the disk controller (DK) connected to the system bus 15 of the printer control unit 1000.
C) 20 and other various devices (I / O port, timer, interrupt controller, etc.) are initialized.

Further, 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,
ROM1 including printer type, printer resolution, presence / absence of paper cassette, control information related to paper feeding / printing / paper ejection, etc.
Checksum calculation for checking the reliability of No. 3 is performed, mounting check of the RAM 19 and DRAM size are performed, printer status information, the type of paper size set in the paper cassette, and the initial page counter. Settings, initial settings of various input / output work areas, registration of execution addresses of a plurality of interrupt processes, status information of various devices, initial settings of various modes, initial settings of LEDs and the like 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 has been input / output. If it is determined that the input / output has been input, 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 via the bidirectional interface 21 to the input unit 18 of the LBP 1500 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 S15 and steps S50 to S53, the CPU 12 determines the information input from the host computer 3000, and in steps S18 to S23 and steps S55 to S58, the CPU 12 responds to the information. Perform processing.

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, The resolution, the presence / absence of a paper cassette, information on paper feeding / printing / ejection, calculation of the DRAM size stored in the RAM 19, information on the type of paper size set in the paper cassette, and the like are displayed on the bidirectional interface 21. The data is transmitted from the input unit 18 to the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18, and the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG.

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 the information is the control information for instructing the paper feeding mode. 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 instructing the paper discharge mode. If the information is control information instructing the paper discharge mode, the process proceeds to step S21 and RAM1
The paper discharge mode set to No. 9 is compared with the paper discharge mode related to the input information, and when the discharge mode is changed, the RAM corresponding to the input control information is stored.
By changing the setting of the paper discharge mode in 19 and accessing the printing unit 17 via the printing unit interface 16, the paper discharge unit switching dispenser 15 of FIG.
13 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.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step S14, when the information is not the input information for instructing the paper size, the process proceeds to step S15, and the print determined in accordance with the set paper size. It is determined whether the information indicates the number of pages. If the information indicates the number of print pages, the process proceeds to step S23 and RAM 19
Set the specified number of print pages to
The page counter of AM19 is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG.

In step S15, if the input information is not the information for instructing the number of print pages, the process proceeds to step S50, it is determined whether or not the input information is the control information for instructing the specific page, and the specific information is specified. If it is the control information for instructing the page, the process proceeds to step S55 to set / cancel the specific page mode, and then step S5 in FIG.
Go to 25. When the specific page mode is set here, print-related information or the like is printed on one surface (front surface) of the specific page.

In step S50, if the input information is not the control information for instructing a specific page, the process proceeds to step S51, it is determined whether or not the input information is the control information for instructing the page skip, and the page is determined. If it is the control information for instructing to skip, the process proceeds to step S56, the page skip process of feeding and ejecting the already printed page is performed, and the process proceeds to step S25 of FIG.

In step S51, if the input information is not control information for instructing page skip, the process proceeds to step S52, and the input information is control information for instructing cancellation of the job currently being executed. If it is the control information for instructing to cancel the job, the process proceeds to step S57, the currently executed job is canceled, the process of notifying the host computer 3000 of the job end notification is executed, and the above step is executed. S
Return to 8.

If it is determined in step S52 that the input information is not control information for instructing cancellation of the currently executed job, the process proceeds to step S53, and the input information is control information for instructing cancellation of a plurality of jobs. If it is the control information that determines whether or not there is a plurality of jobs, the process proceeds to step S58, the plurality of jobs are canceled, and the process of notifying the host computer 3000 of the end of the job is executed. The process returns to step S8.

Steps S52, S53, S57, S
The processing of 58 enables batch cancellation of print jobs without forcibly closing the print manager. Further, it becomes possible to easily perform a recovery process or the like for jamming of the recording paper during double-sided printing. Further, by displaying the status information on the host computer 3000, operations related to canceling printing and batch canceling print jobs are facilitated.

If it is determined in step S53 that the input information is not control information for instructing cancellation of a plurality of jobs, the process proceeds to step S54, the process instructed by the other input information is performed, and the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG. move on.

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. When it is determined in step S27 that the double-sided printing mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S59. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the duplex printing mode is set, the process proceeds to step S28, and the duplex printing paper exchange process 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 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 15
01 and the processing of notifying the response of the status information instructing the switching from the host computer 3000 (see FIG. 12) (step S205), the printing accompanying the switching of the recording surface from one side to the back side during double-sided printing. Control to resume the interruption of.

Returning to FIG. 5, when the process of step S28 is completed, the process proceeds to step S59, the specific page mode information stored in the RAM 19 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the specific page mode is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to step S60, and it is determined whether or not the back side of double-sided printing is being printed by referring to the double-sided printing mode information stored in the RAM 19. As a result, the step S
If both the answers in 59 and step S60 are affirmative (YES), it is determined that the back side of the double-sided printing of the specific page is being printed, and the process returns to step S8. On the other hand, the answer to either step S59 or step S60 is negative (N
In the case of O), it is determined that the back side of the double-sided printing of the specific page is not being printed, and the process proceeds to step S29.

Nothing is printed on the back side of the specific page. Therefore, when the back side of the specific page is being printed, by omitting the processes of sheet feeding, printing, and discharging after step S29 described later, the entire double-sided printing is performed. The processing time can be shortened.

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 feed 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, an OHP sheet, etc. is set in the manual sheet feeding section 1515, the printing section 17 is accessed through the printing section interface 16. 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.

Returning to FIG. 5, in step S29, if the manual paper feed mode is not set and the paper cassette type is set, the flow advances to step S31 to execute the cassette paper feed control process. , Step S
Proceed to 32.

In the cassette paper feed control process of step S31, as shown in steps S401 to S407 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether the 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.

Returning to FIG. 5, in step S 32, the print information (character information or the like) 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 print section interface 16 is used. By accessing the printing unit 17, 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 S61, it is determined whether or not the recording paper is ejected outside the printer main body 1500. If the recording paper is ejected, it means that the paper is not jammed, and the process returns to step S8. On the other hand, if the recording paper is not ejected in step S61, it means that the paper is jammed, and the process proceeds to step S62.

In the paper jam recovery process of step S62, as shown in steps S501 to S505 of FIG. 10, a process of notifying the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000 of status information indicating a 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 the process proceeds to step S63 in FIG.

In step S63, it is determined whether or not the specific page mode is set with reference to the specific page mode stored in the RAM 19, and if the specific page mode is not set, the process returns to step S29. ,
On the other hand, if the specific page mode is set, the process proceeds to step S64 to refer to the double-sided printing mode stored in the RAM 19 to determine whether or not the front side of the double-sided printing is being printed. As a result, if it is not the specific page, or if the surface is being printed even if it is the specific page, then the step S2 is performed.
If the back side of the specific page is being printed, the answer to step S64 is negative (NO), and the process returns to step S8. The reason why recovery is not performed during printing on the back side of a specific page is to improve the printing speed of double-sided printing, considering that there is no need to perform recovery because nothing is printed on the back side of the specific page. This is because.

Note that steps S601 to S603 in FIG.
In the processing of notifying the printer status information of the printer to the operation unit 1501 and the host computer 3000, first, various status information is output to the LED as the display unit of the operation unit 1501 and both of them are stored in the RAM 19 and the host computer 3000. Whether or not the bidirectional communication is valid is determined by referring to the status information of the outgoing 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 present embodiment, in the case of exchanging the recording paper from one side to the back side during double-sided printing, the paper path (paper feeding) of the paper such as a specific page for instructing the orientation of the paper printed on one side is fed. ) Is controlled by not instructing the user not to print a specific page, etc. It is also possible to instruct to eject from a paper ejection unit different from the paper ejection unit.
As a result, when printing the back side of a specific page,
It can be controlled not to feed and eject paper.

In the present embodiment, when a specific page such as a footer is designated during double-sided printing, the specific page such as the footer is controlled to be printed when the front side is printed. It is also possible to instruct to print a specific page such as a footer when printing on the back side, and to print.

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

In the above-described embodiment, the laser beam printer is used as an example to describe 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. It is also possible to apply to other types of printers such as an inkjet printer (IJRA) that is not equipped with.

FIG. 13 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 in the forward and reverse directions, the lead screw 5005 rotates via the drive force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with this, 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.

Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers. By confirming the presence 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 denotes 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. 14 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 data transfer between the interface 1700, the MPU 1701 and the 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.

It should be noted that 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.

[0129]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention.
According to this printing device, in a printing device not equipped with a double-sided printing mechanism for printing on both sides of a recording paper, a double-sided printing instructing means for instructing execution of double-sided printing and a double-sided printing control for controlling the double-sided printing. And 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. Since control relating to at least one of feeding, printing, and ejecting the recording paper is performed based on the information stored in the means, double-sided printing, particularly recording paper feeding, by a printing device having only a single-sided printing mechanism, It is possible to reduce the occurrence of human error when performing the operation related to printing and paper discharge, and improve the operability.

Further, according to the printing apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, since the communication control means for transmitting and receiving the print information regarding the double-sided printing and the control information regarding the double-sided printing with the host computer at any time is provided. Not only the printer operation section, but also the host computer side can confirm the print execution status and notify the operator of an appropriate instruction, so that human error in executing double-sided printing can be further reduced.

Further, according to the printing apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the printing surface switching interruption instructing means for instructing the interruption or the waiting for restart of the printing accompanying the switching of the printing surface of the recording paper at the time of the double-sided printing, and the recording paper. An accident interruption instructing means for instructing interruption or waiting for restart of printing due to an abnormality that has occurred, and a distinction notifying means for distinguishing and notifying the host computer of information related to the instruction from the printing surface switching interruption instructing means or the accident interruption instructing means. A display unit for displaying information related to an instruction given by each instruction unit, an operation information input unit for inputting various operation information, and a print interruption instruction for inputting information about an instruction for interrupting printing or resuming printing from the host computer. Input means, and the double-sided printing control means is configured to operate from the operation information input means and the print interruption instruction input means. Since the printing is interrupted or the printing is restarted on the basis of the information indicating the interruption of the printing or the restart of the printing that has been applied, the processing concerning the interruption and the restart of printing should be appropriately and smoothly performed according to the cause of the interruption. You can

Further, according to the printing apparatus of claim 7 of the present invention, the control information is for a predetermined paper among the papers printed on one side when the back side printing is executed during the double sided printing of the recording paper. Includes information for controlling so as to prohibit the feeding of the back side when executing the back side printing, so that the time for double-sided printing can be shortened.

Further, according to the printing apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the control information is the predetermined paper among the papers printed on one side during execution of the back side printing during execution of the double sided printing of the recording paper. Since the information for controlling so as to prohibit the recovery of the abnormality that has occurred is included, the time for double-sided printing can be further shortened.

Further, according to the printing apparatus of claim 9 of the present invention, the control information is such that the printing is stopped and a plurality of prints are issued in response to the input information by the operation information input means during the double-sided printing of the recording paper. Since it includes information for controlling to cancel at least one of the print jobs,
It is convenient because you can cancel or cancel printing without forcibly closing the print manager.
This facilitates recovery processing for jams and the like.

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

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System Bus 11 External Memory 12 CPU 13 ROM 14 External Memory 16 Printing Port Interface 17 Printing Port (Printer Engine) 18 Input Port 19 RAM 20 DKC (Disk Controller) 21 Bidirectional Interface 1000 Printer Control Unit 1500 printer 1501 operation unit 2000 control unit 3000 host computer

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, which controls at least one of feeding, printing, and discharging of the recording paper based on the 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 perform at least one of the paper feeding, printing and paper ejection.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus controls the printing apparatus. 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 means includes information relating to an instruction to start double-sided printing from the double-sided printing instruction means, information relating to paper feed control by the paper feeding means, information relating to an instruction on the printing surface of the recording paper at the start of double-sided printing, and information to the recording paper. Information on output direction, information on instruction to switch the printing surface of recording paper with one side printed, information on control of paper feeding by the paper feeding means and instruction of recording paper orientation after switching the printing surface, and recording paper 4. The control relating to at least one of the paper feeding, printing and paper ejection is performed based on the information regarding the instruction of the paper ejection unit when there are a plurality of paper ejection units. The printing device described. 5. A printing surface switching interruption instruction means for instructing interruption or waiting for resuming of printing when switching the printing surface of the recording paper during double-sided printing, and an instruction for interruption or waiting for resumption of printing due to an abnormality that has occurred in the recording paper. The accident interruption instructing means, the discrimination notifying means for notifying the host computer by discriminating the information regarding the instruction from the printing surface switching interruption instructing means or the accident interruption instructing means, and the information regarding the instruction performed by each of the instructing means are displayed. The double-sided printing control means includes a display means, an operation information input means for inputting various kinds of operation information, and a print interruption instruction input means for inputting information relating to an instruction of printing interruption or printing restart from the host computer. The operation information input means and the print interruption instruction input means are used to instruct the interruption or restart of the printing. 3. The printing is suspended or restarted based on the information shown.
The printing device described. 6. The control information storage means includes information regarding an instruction to execute double-sided printing from the double-sided printing instruction means, information regarding control of paper feeding by the paper feeding means, and ejection of recording paper to a paper ejection unit. The double-sided printing control means stores the information related to the control of the sheet feeding means based on the information stored in the storage means and the print information supplied from the host computer. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the paper operation, the printing operation, and the paper discharging operation to the paper discharging unit are controlled. 7. The control information prohibits the feeding of a predetermined paper among the papers printed on one side when performing the back printing during the duplex printing of the recording paper when the back printing is performed. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising information for controlling the printing apparatus. 8. The control information is controlled so as to prohibit recovery of an anomaly that has occurred in a predetermined paper among the papers printed on one side during execution of backside printing during double-sided printing of the recording paper. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising information for: 9. The control information is controlled so that, during double-sided printing of the recording paper, at least one of canceling printing and canceling a plurality of print jobs is performed according to input information from the operation information input means. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising information for: 10. A built-in D equipped with an additional DRAM socket.
10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for adding an optional DRAM in addition to the RAM.