JPH09160731A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To discontinue the image output of a printer engine against occurrence of errors to evade the waste of forms and also to display an error image on the side of a host computer device to visually confirm the error type. SOLUTION: A host transfer mode flag is set up for every occurrence of errors while the print data received from a host computer device 3 are processed. If the host transfer mode flag is set up when the image data equal to a single page are ready in an image buffer of a RAM circuit 8, the image data and the size, the image resolution, etc., of the form set at a printer engine 5 are sent to the device 3 at a time. Then, the size, image resolution, form size, etc., of the image that is printed by a laser printer device 1 are clearly shown on a display.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print system used as an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer driver, a word processor (word processor) or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, in a print system connectable to a host computer or the like, when print data is output from the host computer, the print system captures the print data and prints an image designated by the print data on a sheet. It is printed on and is discharged outside the machine.

[0003]

However, the above-described conventional printing system has the following problems. Currently, various application softwares such as word processors and DTPs (desktop printing systems) are commercially available. However, there are application softwares that do not send commands or control data for instructing the paper size of print data to a printer device. To do. Therefore, when printing is performed using such various application software, the paper size on the printer device side is A4 even though the image created on the application software side is A3 size.
When the size is reached, half of the output image is cropped. As described above, depending on the application software, an error may occur in the printer device side with respect to the print data transmitted through the application software, and it is often impossible to obtain the print result expected by the user. there were. Therefore, as a method for solving such a problem, when an error occurs in the print data for some reason while the print data output from the host computer device instructs printing of a plurality of copies, only one sheet is printed. A printing system has also been developed in which the printing is stopped by performing the above procedure, and thereafter it is determined whether or not the entire printing is to be performed according to an instruction from the operator, thereby reducing the waste of paper when an error occurs in the printing data. However, in this printing system, only when multiple copies are specified,
Since no error detection of print data is performed, it has been strongly desired to develop a print system capable of detecting a print error even when issuing any print instruction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. In Claims 1 and 2, when an error occurs, the image output by the printer engine is stopped to avoid waste of paper and an error image is displayed. An object of the present invention is to provide a print system which can be displayed on the host computer device side to visually confirm what kind of error has occurred. Further, in claim 3, the page in which the error has occurred is displayed on the screen, and after the user confirms this, it is determined that the page may be printed as it is, and a simple instruction is given by operating the host computer. When the above is performed, the already created video data can be quickly displayed without resending the print data of the page from the host computer side and without spending time for recreating the video data in the printer controller. An object of the present invention is to provide a print system capable of restarting image output to a printer engine.

Further, in claim 4, before outputting the image actually created in the printer controller to the printer engine, the image is returned to the host computer or the like and the content of the image is confirmed on the display of the host computer. Not only when an error occurs, but also when the printer is in a remote place, the user can check the print result before the printer starts printing. The purpose is to provide a printing system that can be performed. Further, in claim 5, the resolution displayed on the display can be changed according to the purpose of the user.
There is a limit to display depending on the resolution of the printer device, the size of the display, etc. Even when it is difficult to confirm the details of the image or the overall layout, the image is output from the printer controller to the printer engine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of displaying images corresponding to the respective images.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, in claim 1, data is transmitted from a host computer device while performing bidirectional communication with printer driver software on the host computer device. In a print system that captures print data and prints an image on a specified sheet, has a function of transmitting video data obtained by analyzing print data transmitted from the host computer device to the host computer device, It is characterized in that the contents equivalent to the contents printed on the printer system side are displayed on the display on the host computer side. According to claim 2, in the print system according to claim 1,
When an error occurs on the print system side while processing the print data sent from the host computer, the video data is processed without printing the image corresponding to the video data obtained by processing the print data on the paper. Data is transmitted to the host computer device. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the print system according to the second aspect, when an error occurs on the print system side while processing the print data transmitted from the host computer, the print data is obtained by processing the print data. A process of transmitting the video data to the host computer while keeping the video data stored in the print system, and deleting the video data stored in the print system based on an instruction from the host computer; or It is characterized in that an image corresponding to the video data is printed on a designated sheet. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print system according to the first aspect, the video data created on the print system side is added to the host system at any time based on an instruction from the host computer apparatus or the printer driver software side of the host computer apparatus. The feature is that it is transmitted to the computer device side. According to a fifth aspect, in the print system according to the fourth aspect, the host computer device or the printer driver software side of the host computer device captures the video data created by the print system side and performs the designated processing. And displaying the resulting image on the display of the host computer.

In the above structure, according to the first aspect of the present invention, while performing bidirectional communication with the printer driver software on the host computer device, the print data transmitted from the host computer device is fetched and an image is formed on a designated sheet. In a print system for printing, a function of transmitting video data obtained by analyzing print data transmitted from the host computer device to the host computer device is provided, and the printer system side is provided on the display of the host computer device side. When an error occurs, the image output by the printer engine is stopped to avoid wasting paper by displaying the same content as the content printed by, and the error image is displayed on the host computer side. Check if there is an error To confirm Te. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print system according to the first aspect, when an error occurs on the print system side while processing the print data transmitted from the host computer, the print data is obtained by processing the print data. By transmitting the video data to the host computer device without printing the image corresponding to the video data on the paper, when the error occurs, the image output by the printer engine is stopped and the waste of the paper is avoided. , An error image is displayed on the host computer side to visually confirm what kind of error it is. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the print system according to the second aspect, when an error occurs on the print system side while processing the print data transmitted from the host computer, the print data is obtained by processing the print data. A process of transmitting the video data to the host computer while keeping the video data stored in the print system, and deleting the video data stored in the print system based on an instruction from the host computer; or By printing the image corresponding to the video data on the specified paper, the page in which the error occurred is displayed on the screen, and as a result of the user's confirmation of this, it is determined that printing is allowed. Then, when operating the host computer device and giving a simple instruction, The computer does not have to re-send the print data for the above page, and the printer controller does not consume the time required to recreate the video data. Let According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print system according to the first aspect, the video data created on the print system side is added to the host system at any time based on an instruction from the host computer apparatus or the printer driver software side of the host computer apparatus. By sending it to the computer device side, before outputting the image actually created in the printer controller to the printer engine, it is returned to the host computer device etc. and the contents of the above image are confirmed on the display of this host computer device. Not only when an error occurs due to this, but before the printer device starts printing, the user is allowed to confirm the print result and optimal printing is performed even when the printer device is in a distant place. According to a fifth aspect, in the print system according to the fourth aspect, the host computer device or the printer driver software side of the host computer device captures the video data created by the print system side and performs the designated processing. The image obtained by this is displayed on the display on the host computer device so that the resolution displayed on the display device can be changed according to the purpose of the user. Even if it is difficult to check the details of the image or the overall layout, there is a limit to the display depending on the size of the image, etc., and each is supported before the image is output from the printer controller to the printer engine. The displayed image can be displayed.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a laser printer apparatus using an example of the form of a printing system according to the present invention. A laser printer device 1 shown in this figure is provided on a device casing, an operation panel 2 for receiving a display necessary for performing a printing process for a user, a print instruction inputted by the user, and a device casing. Operation panel 2 placed inside the body
The controller 4 which takes in print data and the like transmitted from the host computer device 3 based on an instruction from the host computer and creates an image (image data) to be printed, and an image which is arranged in the device casing and output from the controller 4 described above. A printer engine 5 that captures and prints the above-mentioned image on a sheet of a specified size and discharges it outside the machine, and a font cartridge 6 that is detachably inserted into the device casing and supplies font data necessary for printing. I have it. When the user operates the operation panel 2 to capture the print data output from the host computer device 3, and when an instruction to print the print data is input, the print data output from the host computer device 3 is captured to obtain a print target. Image is created, printed on a paper of the specified size, and ejected outside the machine.

In this case, the controller 4 is required to create image data of this paper size according to the paper size information output from the printer engine 5 and the CPU circuit 7 that performs various data processing and image creation processing. Circuit 8 in which a simple image buffer is formed, and CP
A program ROM circuit 9 that stores a program that defines the operation of the U circuit 7, a font ROM circuit 10 that stores font data that is used in the image creating operation of the CPU circuit 7, and various functions of the CPU circuit 7. Optional RAM circuit 11 serving as a work area required to realize
A panel interface circuit 12 that supports data exchange between the CPU circuit 7 and the operation panel 2 based on an instruction from the CPU circuit 7, and the CPU circuit 7 and the host computer device 3 based on an instruction from the CPU circuit 7. CP based on instructions from the CPU circuit 7 and the host interface circuit 13 that supports data transfer between
An engine interface circuit 14 that supports data exchange between the U circuit 7 and the printer engine 5 is provided.

When data is exchanged with the operation panel 2 through the panel interface circuit 12 and a print instruction is input from the operation panel 2,
In accordance with the program stored in the program ROM circuit 9, the CPU circuit 7 causes the host interface circuit 13 to operate, and while the print data transmitted from the host computer device 3 is taken in, the font RAM
Using the font data stored in the circuit 10 and the font cartridge 6, an image (video data, image data) to be printed is created in an image buffer created in the RAM circuit 8 or the like, and if necessary, This video data is transmitted to the host computer device 3 via the host interface circuit 13, and after confirming the contents of the image to be printed, the engine interface circuit 14 is operated to supply the above image to the printer engine 5 and print it. Let it out.

Next, a first operation example (operation corresponding to claim 1) of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. First, when the user operates the operation panel 2 to capture print data output from the host computer device 3 and input an instruction to print the print data, a CPU circuit based on the paper size taught by the printer engine 5 is input. An image buffer having a size corresponding to the above paper size is secured on the RAM circuit 8 by 7. Next, print data such as print data and control data transmitted from the host computer device 3 is fetched by the CPU circuit 7 via the host interface circuit 13, and this is temporarily stored in a reception buffer provided on the RAM circuit 8. Then, the print data stored in the reception buffer is taken out one by one, and the print data is analyzed based on the contents of the conversion data stored in the program ROM circuit 9. The analysis content is converted into image data (video data) by the CPU circuit 7 based on the font data stored in the font ROM circuit 10 and the font cartridge 6, and this is converted into an image buffer formed on the RAM circuit 8. Written. After this, when one page of image data is available in the image buffer,
The image data written in the image buffer is read out by the CPU circuit 7, and the contents of this image data and print information for this image data, for example, information indicating the paper size and resolution used for printing, etc. are collected. This is transmitted to the host computer device 3 side via the host interface circuit 13.

As a result, the host computer device 3 is based on the contents transmitted from the laser printer device 1 side.
A window corresponding to the paper size is opened on the side display, and the image data transmitted from the laser printer 1 side is displayed in this window at the designated resolution. Here, the print content recognized by the user, that is, the paper size and resolution recognized by the printer driver software side in the host computer device 3 and the image size and resolution of the video data created by the laser printer device 1 side are If it is confirmed whether or not it is compatible and the print start instruction is input, the print start instruction is fetched by the CPU circuit 7 via the host interface circuit 13, and the image data written in the image buffer is read. It is output, supplied via the engine interface circuit 14 to the printer engine 5, printed on the specified size of paper, and ejected outside the machine.

Thus, in this operation example, the RAM circuit 8
When one page of image data is prepared on the image buffer formed in the above, the size and resolution of the paper set on the printer engine 5 side and the image data are collected and transmitted to the host computer apparatus 3 side. On the display of the host computer device 3 side, the size, resolution, paper size, etc. of the image printed by the laser printer device 1 are displayed so that the laser printer device 1 can actually print the paper. Before using, you can check the contents to be printed on the host computer 3 side, so that you can use it before an error occurs such as when the paper size and the image size do not correspond. By letting the person recognize this, the occurrence of an error can be prevented and the waste of paper can be eliminated.

Next, a second operation example (operations corresponding to claims 2 and 3) of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 1 and the flowchart shown in FIG. First,
The operation panel 2 is operated by the user,
If the print data output from the host computer device 3 is fetched and an instruction to print this is input, the CPU is determined based on the paper size taught by the printer engine 5.
The circuit 7 secures an image buffer having a size corresponding to the paper size on the RAM circuit 8. Then, FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, print data such as print data and control data transmitted from the host computer device 3 is fetched by the CPU circuit 7 via the host interface circuit 13, and the print data is stored in the receive buffer provided on the RAM circuit 8. After being temporarily stored in the print buffer, the print data stored in the reception buffer is taken out one by one, and the print data is analyzed based on the contents of the conversion data stored in the program ROM circuit 9. The analysis content is converted into image data (video data) by the CPU circuit 7 based on the font data stored in the font ROM circuit 10 and the font cartridge 6, and this is converted into an image buffer formed on the RAM circuit 8. Written (step S
T1 to ST5).

At this time, for each processing of each data, it is checked by the CPU circuit 7 whether or not any error has occurred (step ST4).
The host transfer mode flag is set (step ST
6). When the image data for one page is prepared in the image buffer and the host transfer mode flag is not set (steps ST5 and ST7), the CPU circuit 7
After the image data written in the image buffer is read by the printer, the image data is supplied to the printer engine 5 via the engine interface circuit 14, printed on a sheet of a specified size, and discharged to the outside of the machine. (Steps ST8 and ST9), one page of image data written in the image buffer is erased, and preparation for creating the next page of image data is performed (steps ST10 and ST11). Further, when the image data for one page is prepared in the image buffer, if the host transfer flag is set (step ST5,
ST7), the image data written in the image buffer is read by the CPU circuit 7, and the content of this image data and print information for this image data, for example, information indicating the paper size and resolution used for printing, etc. Are collected (step ST12) and transmitted to the host computer device 3 side via the host interface circuit 13 (steps ST13, ST1).
4).

As a result, the host computer device 3 is based on the contents transmitted from the laser printer device 1 side.
A window corresponding to the paper size is opened on the side display, and the image data transmitted from the laser printer 1 side is displayed in this window at the designated resolution. Here, the print content recognized by the user, that is, the paper size and resolution recognized by the printer driver software side in the host computer device 3 and the image size and resolution of the video data created by the laser printer device 1 side are It is confirmed whether it corresponds. On the basis of this confirmation result, the icon displayed on the display of the host computer device 3 side is clicked, and an agreement is made between the controller 4 of the laser printer device 1 side and the printer driver software of the host computer device 3 side. If the output command is selected from the output command and the erase command for the existing image data, the CPU
The image data written in the image buffer is read out by the circuit 7, supplied to the printer engine 5 via the engine interface circuit 14, printed on the paper of the designated size, and discharged outside the machine. To be paper. At this time, if the icon displayed on the display of the host computer 3 is clicked and the erase command is selected, the CPU circuit 7 erases the image data written in the image buffer. (Step ST11).

As described above, in this operation example, the host transfer mode flag is set every time an error occurs in data processing, and when one page of image data is prepared in the image buffer on the RAM circuit 8, the host It is checked whether or not the transfer mode flag is set, and if it is set, the size and resolution of the paper set on the printer engine 5 side and the image data are collected and transmitted to the host computer apparatus 3 side. Then, the size of the image printed by the laser printer device 1 side, the resolution, the paper size, etc. are displayed on the display of the host computer device 3 side so as to be displayed.
It is possible to confirm the contents to be printed on the host computer device 3 side before actually using the paper on the laser printer device 1 side, which may cause an error such as the paper size not corresponding to the image size. When the error occurs, the page causing the error can be displayed on the screen and the user can confirm this.

When the user selects an output command indicating that printing may be performed as it is, the controller 4 does not retransmit the print data of the page and consumes time for recreating the video data in the controller 4. Without doing so, it is possible to quickly apply the already created video data to the printer engine 5 to start the printing operation. Further, when the erase command is selected, the image data written in the image buffer can be erased.

Next, the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG.
A third operation example (operation corresponding to claim 4) of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, if the user operates the operation panel 2 to capture print data output from the host computer device 3 and input an instruction to print the print data,
C based on the paper size taught by the printer engine 5
The PU circuit 7 secures an image buffer of a size corresponding to the paper size on the RAM circuit 8. Then
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, print data such as print data and control data transmitted from the host computer device 3 is fetched by the CPU circuit 7 via the host interface circuit 13 and received by the RAM circuit 8. After being temporarily stored in the buffer,
While the print data stored in the reception buffer is taken out one by one, the print data is analyzed based on the contents of the conversion data stored in the program ROM circuit 9. Based on the font data stored in the font ROM circuit 10 and the font cartridge 6, the CP
The analysis contents are converted into image data (video data) by the U circuit 7 and written in the image buffer formed on the RAM circuit 8 (steps ST15 to ST19).

At this time, when data processing is executed (step ST17), each display command defined between the printer driver software of the host computer device 3 and the laser printer device 1 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Of these, if the image display command indicated by the image display icon on the display of the host computer device 3 is not selected (steps ST30, ST
31) and the designated data processing is executed (step S
T32, ST33), and if the image display command is selected (step ST31), the laser printer device 1
The CPU circuit 7 on the side forcibly sets the host transfer mode flag (step ST34), and then the designated data processing is performed (step ST33).

After that, when the image data for one page is prepared in the image buffer as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 3, if the host transfer mode flag is not set (steps ST19 and ST21), the CPU circuit 7 makes the image. The image data written in the buffer is read out, supplied to the printer engine 5 via the engine interface circuit 14, printed on the paper of the designated size, and then discharged to the outside of the machine ( In steps ST22 and ST23), the image data for one page written in the image buffer is erased, and preparation for creating the image data of the next page is performed (steps ST24 and ST25). Further, when the image data for one page is prepared in the image buffer, if the host transfer flag is set (step S
(T19, ST21), the image data written in the image buffer is read by the CPU circuit 7, and the content of this image data and print information for this image data, for example, information indicating the paper size and resolution used for printing And so on (step ST
26) is transmitted to the host computer device 3 side via the host interface circuit 13 (step ST2).
7, ST28). As a result, the host computer device 3 is based on the contents transmitted from the laser printer device 1 side.
A window corresponding to the paper size is opened on the side display, and the image data transmitted from the laser printer 1 side is displayed in this window at the specified resolution.

Here, the print contents recognized by the user,
That is, it is confirmed whether or not the paper size and resolution recognized by the printer driver software side in the host computer device 3 correspond to the image size and resolution of the video data created by the laser printer device 1 side. On the basis of this confirmation result, the icon displayed on the display of the host computer device 3 side is clicked, and an agreement is made between the controller 4 of the laser printer device 1 side and the printer driver software of the host computer device 3 side. If an output command is selected from the output command and the erase command for the existing image data, the image data written in the image buffer is read by the CPU circuit 7, and this is read via the engine interface circuit 14 to the printer engine 5 Is supplied to the printer, printed on a specified size of paper, and ejected outside the machine. Also,
At this time, if the icon displayed on the display of the host computer device 3 is clicked and the erase command is selected, the CPU circuit 7 erases the image data written in the image buffer (step ST25).

As described above, in this operation example, when the image display command is selected on the host computer device 3 side, the CPU circuit 7 forcibly sets the host transfer mode flag, and the image buffer formed in the RAM circuit 8 is formed. When the image data for one page is completed on the upper side, the size, resolution, etc. of the paper set on the printer engine 5 side and the image data are collected and transmitted to the host computer apparatus 3 side.
Since the size, resolution, paper size, etc. of the image printed by the laser printer device 1 are displayed on the display on the side, the image actually created in the controller 4 can be displayed in the printer engine 5 It is possible to confirm the contents of the image on the display on the host computer device 3 before outputting to the printer, not only when an error occurs, but before the laser printer device 1 starts printing. The result can be confirmed and optimal printing can be performed. As a result, even if the laser printer device 1 is installed in a place away from the place where the host computer device 3 is installed,
The user can confirm the contents printed by the laser printer device 1.

Next, the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 and FIG.
A fourth operation example (operation corresponding to claim 5) of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, if the user operates the operation panel 2 to capture print data output from the host computer device 3 and input an instruction to print the print data,
C based on the paper size taught by the printer engine 5
The PU circuit 7 secures an image buffer of a size corresponding to the paper size on the RAM circuit 8. Then
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, print data such as print data and control data transmitted from the host computer device 3 is fetched by the CPU circuit 7 via the host interface circuit 13, and this is provided on the RAM circuit 8. After being temporarily stored in the receive buffer, the print data stored in this receive buffer is 1
The print data is analyzed based on the contents of the conversion data stored in the program ROM circuit 9 while being taken out one by one. Then, the analysis contents are converted into image data (video data) by the CPU circuit 7 based on the font data stored in the font ROM circuit 10 and the font cartridge 6, and this is converted into an image buffer formed on the RAM circuit 8. It is written above (steps ST35 to ST39). At this time, each time the data is processed, the CPU circuit 7 checks whether any error has occurred (step ST3).
8) If an error has occurred, the host transfer mode flag is set (step ST40).

When the image data for one page is prepared in the image buffer and the host transfer mode flag is not set (steps ST39, ST41), C
The image data written in the image buffer is read out by the PU circuit 7, supplied to the printer engine 5 via the engine interface circuit 14, printed on the paper of the designated size, and discharged outside the machine. After the paper is printed (steps ST42 and ST43), the image data for one page written in the image buffer is erased, and preparation for creating the image data for the next page is performed (steps ST44 and ST45). Further, when one page of image data is prepared in the image buffer, if the host transfer flag is set (steps ST39 and ST41), the image data written in the image buffer is read by the CPU circuit 7. The contents of this image data and the print information for this image data, such as information indicating the paper size and resolution used for printing, are collected (step ST46), and the host interface circuit 13
Is transmitted to the host computer device 3 side via (steps ST47, ST48).

As a result, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6, the image data transmitted from the laser printer device 1 side is fetched by the host computer device 3 and stored in the image buffer on the host computer device 3 side (step). ST50, ST51). If the standard output mode is instructed by the user (step ST52), a window having a size corresponding to the paper size and the resolution transmitted from the laser printer device 1 side is opened on the display of the host computer device 3. The image data stored in the image buffer is displayed at the specified resolution (step ST5).
3, ST54). At this time, if the user has designated a mode other than the standard output mode, for example, the layout output mode (steps ST52 and ST55), the host computer irrespective of the paper size and resolution transmitted from the laser printer 1 side. After a window having an appropriate size corresponding to the size of the display is opened on the display of the device 3, the scaling factor is calculated based on the paper size and resolution of the laser printer device 1 and the size of the window. The image data stored in the image buffer is scaled according to this scaling ratio and displayed on the window (step ST
56, ST54). Similarly, when other modes are designated (steps ST52 and ST55), a window is displayed on the display according to the designated mode and stored in the image buffer according to the designated mode. The processed image data is processed and displayed on the window (step ST5).
7, ST54).

Then, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the content of the image to be printed by the user, that is, the paper size and resolution recognized by the printer driver side of the host computer device 3, and the laser printer device 1 side create. It is confirmed whether or not the image size and resolution of the created video data correspond. After that, based on this confirmation result, the icon displayed on the display on the host computer device 3 side is clicked,
If an output command is selected from the output command and the erase command for the image data negotiated between the controller 4 on the laser printer 1 side and the printer driver software on the host computer 3 side, the CPU circuit 7 selects the output command. The image data written in the image buffer is read out and supplied to the printer engine 5 via the engine interface circuit 14 to be printed on a designated size of paper and discharged outside the machine. At this time, if the icon displayed on the display of the host computer device 3 side is clicked and the erase command is selected, the CPU
The image data written in the image buffer is erased by the circuit 7 (step ST45).

As described above, in this operation example, the size, resolution, etc. of the paper set on the printer engine 5 side and the image data are sent together to the host computer apparatus 3 side, and this host computer apparatus 3 side is sent. According to the mode selected in step 1, the image data is subjected to equal size processing, reduction processing, etc., and displayed on the display so that the size, resolution, paper size, etc. of the image printed by the laser printer 1 side can be understood. I did so,
The resolution displayed on the display can be changed according to the purpose of the user, and thus there is a limit to the display depending on the resolution of the laser printer device 1 and the size of the display. Even when it is difficult to confirm the time or the overall layout, it is possible to display images corresponding to the respective images before outputting the images from the controller 4 to the printer engine 5.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention, according to the first and second aspects, when an error occurs, the image output by the printer engine is stopped to avoid waste of paper, and the error image is displayed on the host computer. It is possible to display on the device side and visually confirm what kind of error it is. Further, in claim 3, the page in which the error has occurred is displayed on the screen, and after the user confirms this, it is determined that the page may be printed as it is, and a simple instruction is given by operating the host computer. When the above is performed, the already created video data can be quickly displayed without resending the print data of the page from the host computer side and without spending time for recreating the video data in the printer controller. Image output can be restarted through the printer engine.

Further, in claim 4, before outputting the image actually created in the printer controller to the printer engine, the image is returned to the host computer or the like and the content of the image is confirmed on the display of the host computer. Not only when an error occurs, but also when the printer is in a remote place, the user can check the print result before the printer starts printing. Can be done. Further, according to claim 5, the resolution displayed on the display can be changed according to the purpose of the user, and there is a limit to display depending on the resolution of the printer device, the size of the display, etc. Even when it is difficult to check the image or when it is difficult to check the entire layout, it is possible to display the corresponding image before outputting the image from the printer controller to the printer engine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a laser printer apparatus using an example of the form of a printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the laser printer device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the laser printer device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure example of the data processing shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a fourth operation example of the laser printer device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example on the host computer device side corresponding to the fourth operation example shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 laser printer device, 2 operation panel,
3 host computer device, 4 controller, 5
Printer engine, 6 font cartridges, 7 C
PU circuit, 8 RAM circuit, 9 program ROM circuit, 10 font ROM circuit, 11 option RA
M circuit, 12 panel interface circuit, 13 host interface circuit, 14 engine interface circuit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A print system that captures print data transmitted from a host computer device and prints an image on a specified sheet while performing bidirectional communication with printer driver software on the host computer device, It has the function of transmitting the video data obtained by analyzing the print data transmitted from the computer device to the host computer device, and is equivalent to the contents printed on the printer system side on the display of the host computer device side. A printing system characterized by displaying contents. 2. The print system according to claim 1, wherein a video obtained by processing the print data when an error occurs on the print system side while the print data transmitted from the host computer is being processed. A printing system, wherein the video data is transmitted to the host computer device without printing an image corresponding to the data on paper. 3. The print system according to claim 2, wherein a video obtained by processing the print data when an error occurs on the print system side while the print data transmitted from the host computer is being processed. A process of transmitting the video data to the host computer device while keeping the data in the printing system, and erasing the video data held in the printing system based on an instruction from the host computer device, or the video data. A printing system characterized by performing a process of printing an image corresponding to the above on a specified paper. 4. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the video data created on the print system side is arbitrarily generated based on an instruction from the host computer device or a printer driver software side of the host computer device. A printing system characterized by transmitting to a user. 5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the host computer device or printer driver software of the host computer device takes in video data created by the print system side and performs specified processing. A printing system characterized by displaying the image obtained thereby on a display on the host computer.