JPH09188044A - Printer option control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance printing data processing speed by reducing sheet transfer processing at a main controller, in a printer including an extensible sheet feed and delivery part. SOLUTION: This printer option control method relates to a printer including an extensible sheet feed and delivery part, and the printer comprises a main controller which effects the interface with a host device in the printer to make printing data and controls action of the printer and an option controller to provide the interface between the control of the extended sheet feed and delivery part and the main controller. The option controller makes detailed information of sheet route of the extended sheet feed and delivery part to inform the main controller of the information and the main controller adds and registers a sheet route in a main body corresponding to the sheet route received from the option controller and informs the option controller of corresponding number and registered contents.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer option control method, and more particularly to a method for controlling an additional section (option) of a paper transport mechanism of a printer which is connected to a host computer and performs a printing process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the operation control of an extension section of a paper transport mechanism of a printer which is connected to a host computer and performs a printing process has been performed by a main control section which interfaces with the host computer and creates print data.

[0003]

However, in the conventional method, since the main control unit carries out the print data creation and the paper transport processing, the processing becomes complicated, and the paper transport processing is particularly required during the print data creation. In that case, since the processing of the microprocessor is also directed to the paper conveyance processing, there is a problem that the print data creation time is extended.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the paper carrying process in the main control unit and improve the print data processing speed.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a printer having an expandable paper feed / ejection section, in which an interface with a host device is provided to create print data and print the printer. In the optional control method of the printer, which is composed of a main control unit that controls the operation of the printer and an optional control unit that controls the expandable paper feed and discharge unit and interfaces with the main control unit, the optional control unit is added. Create detailed information on the paper path of the paper feed and discharge section, notify the main control section, add the paper path in the main body corresponding to the paper path received from the option control section, and register it, The option control unit is notified of the corresponding number and registration details.

After the registration, when the paper feed / ejection section is deleted, the option control section notifies the main control section of the corresponding number, and the main control section corresponds to the number received from the option control section. The registration information is deleted from the registered information, and the option control unit is notified that the corresponding number is deleted.

Further, the operation instruction of the paper path registered from the main control unit is instructed to the option control unit by the number corresponding to the desired paper path, and the option control unit performs the main control of the number with the execution result. It is passed to the department as execution result information.

Further, the detailed information of the paper feed path and the corresponding number are written in the nonvolatile memory of the option control unit,
This is to update the information in the non-volatile memory and notify the main control unit when a change has occurred in the paper feed / discharge unit.

Further, the information written in the non-volatile memory of the option control unit is notified to the main control unit when the printer power is turned on.

Further, the items to be changed include the change of the added paper feeding / discharging unit and the addition of the paper feeding unit which has run out of paper.

The paper path registered in the main control unit is notified to the host device.

[0012]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Before describing the present embodiment, the configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to the laser beam printer, and may be a printer of another system.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the construction of a printer to which the present invention can be applied. For example, a laser beam printer (L
BP). In FIG. 1, 1500 is LBP
It is the main body and stores and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro commands, etc. supplied from an externally connected host computer.
A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created in accordance with the information, and an image is formed on a recording paper, which is a recording medium.

Reference numeral 1501 is a switch for operation and L
It is a panel on which an ED display and the like are arranged. A printer control unit 1000 controls the entire LBP main body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. This printer control unit 1000 is
The character information is mainly converted into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and output to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal.

The laser light 1504 is oscillated in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1506. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is
Developing unit 1 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506
After being developed by 507, it is transferred to recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509, a transport roller 1510, and a transport roller 1511.
It is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

The LBP main body 1500 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in font. . In addition to the paper cassette 1508 stored in the main body, an optional paper feed deck mechanically connected to the bottom surface of the main body can be installed as an additional paper feed unit in the printer having such a configuration, and an option described electrically later will be described. It is connected to the control unit 22. An optional paper output sorter mechanically connected to the lateral surface of the main body can be mounted as an additional paper output unit, and can be electrically connected to and controlled by an optional control unit 22 described later. Has been done.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printer control system showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, whether it is a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, or a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN, The present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which performs document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on the document processing program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3. A CPU 1 that executes the program is provided, and the CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Is a ROM for storing a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM of No. 3 stores font data used in the above document processing, and the data ROM of ROM3 stores various data used in performing the above document processing. A RAM 2 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from the keyboard 9 and a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT
It is a controller (CRTC) and controls the display of the CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) and a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files and the like. .

A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined bidirectional interface 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. The CPU 1 is, for example, RA
The outline font is expanded (rasterized) to the display information RAM set on M2, and CRT1
It enables WYSIWYG on 0. Also, CP
The U1 opens various windows registered based on commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing. Further CP
The U1 also performs so-called printer driver software execution processing, which includes processing that includes unique information that the printer has when creating print data.

In the printer 1500, 1000 is a main control unit, 12 is a printer CPU, and RO
Based on a control program or the like stored in the program ROM of the M13 or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14, access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 is comprehensively controlled, and the printing unit interface 16 Output of an image signal as output information to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printer unit 1 and the printing unit 1
7, input / output of control commands and stators, and input / output of paper control information with the option controller (OC). Further, the program ROM of the ROM 13 stores the control program of the CPU 12 and the like as shown in the flow charts of FIGS.

The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when the output information is generated, and the data ROM of the ROM 13 has a host computer in the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk. It stores the information used above. CP
The U12 is capable of performing communication processing with the host computer via the input unit 18, and is configured to be able to notify the host computer 3000 of information and the like in the printer.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 12, and is constructed so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Note that RA
M19 is an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, N
Used for VRAM and the like. Hard disk (H
D), access to the external memory 14 such as an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20.
The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes the above-mentioned operation panel, on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The option controller (OC) 22 controls a paper feeding unit and a paper discharging unit added to the printer 1500, and inputs / outputs a command and a status related to paper control with the main control unit 1000. Option 1 (2
3), option 2 (24) is a paper feeding unit or a paper discharging unit added to the printer 1500, which is controlled by the OC 22.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, but at least one external memory is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be capable. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501.

In the printer control system thus configured, the application data created by the host computer 3000 is created for the printer 1500 by the printer driver. At this time, the paper size and the designation information of the paper feed unit are also created and transmitted to the printer 1500.
In the printer 1500, the main control unit 1000 interprets the print information and sends a paper control command, which will be described later, to the OC 22 for creating print data and preparing paper. OC
In step 22, the necessary options are controlled based on the received paper control command to pre-feed the paper.

Next, in FIG. 3, the option controller (O
C) The internal structure of 22 is shown and demonstrated. CPU 301
The processing of the OC 22 is performed based on the control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 304 and the main I
A command and status for paper control with the main control unit 1000 is input / output via the / F 306, and option 1 (23) and option 2 (24) are controlled via the option I / F 307. RAM302 is CP
The storage of working data when the U 301 executes various processes and the temporary storage of various commands and status data input / output at the time of interfacing with the main control unit 1000 and the options. The NVRAM 303 is a non-volatile memory that stores paper control information described later.
The program ROM 304 stores a control program of the CPU 301 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

The main I / F 306 is the main control unit 10.
00 is a serial interface control unit that directly performs the interface. Option I / F307
This is a serial interface controller that directly interfaces with the option 1 (23) and option 2 (24), and the number of options to be added is not limited to two as shown in the figure, and any number can be added. It is composed.

FIG. 4 shows an optional controller (OC) 2
Checking optional equipment of 2 and main control unit 1000
3 is a flowchart showing notification of option information to the user. This flowchart is started when the power of the printer main body is turned on. Further, it is also possible to configure so that the status of the optional equipment can be monitored by executing the flowchart from step 403 at a suitable time.

At step 401, the optional device registration information written in the NVRAM 303 is read out. In step 402, the information is serially output from the main I / F 306. In step 403, option I /
An inquiry command is issued from F307 to the external option device to check the currently connected option device. In step 404, it is determined whether or not there is an extension by comparing with the optional device registration information registered in the NVRAM 303. When it is determined in step 404 that an option has been added, step 405 creates paper path information of the added option device as shown in Table 1 attached. In step 406, the created paper path information is serially output from the main I / F 306. When it is determined in step 404 that no option has been added, in step 407, the NV information is acquired based on the information obtained in step 403.
It is determined whether or not the optional device has been deleted by comparing with the optional device registration information registered in the RAM 303. When it is determined in step 407 that the option has been deleted, in step 408, the registration number of the corresponding part deleted from the option device information registered in the NVRAM 303 is selected and deleted from the NVRAM 303. In step 409, the number is serially output from the main I / F 306. In step 410, step 403
Based on the information obtained in step 3, it is compared with the optional device registration information registered in the NVRAM 303 to determine whether the contents of the optional device have changed. In step 411,
Change from the optional device registration information registered in the NVRAM 303 Correct the relevant items. In step 412, the registration number corresponding to the change and its information are recorded in the main I / F.
Serial output from 306.

In FIG. 5, in the option control unit 22,
9 is a flowchart showing control output to an optional device by an option control command input from the main control unit 1000. In step 501, the main I / F 30
From 6, input the registration number corresponding to the optional device registration information of the desired paper path. In step 502, the control command number of the optional device corresponding to the input paper path is analyzed. In step 503, a control command from the option I / F 307 to the option device is serially output in order to prepare the necessary paper. Step 50
In 4, the status of the execution result from the option device is input from the option I / F 307. Step 505
Then, the paper position information status from the printer 1500 main body is further input. In step 506, the status information is added to the currently executed option device registration information. In step 507, the optional device registration information and the registration number are serially output from the main I / F 306 as an execution result.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for registering the paper path information of the optional device and the paper information of the printer 1500 main body together in the main controller 1000. In step 601, the paper path information of the option device is received from the option controller 22 based on the information from step 406 of FIG. In step 602, the printer 150
0 Information on the paper cassettes installed in the main unit
The printing unit 17 is inquired from F16. Step 603
Then, the cassette information is added to the optional device information, and the entire sheet information is created as shown in Table 2 on a separate sheet. In step 604, a number is added to each piece of paper information to form a table 3 as a separate sheet as optional device registration information. In step 605, the option controller 22
The above information is output as optional device registration information.
In step 606, the optional device registration information is set to R.
Write to AM19.

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart when the corresponding part is deleted from the option device registration information by the option device deletion information from the option control part 22 in the main control part 1000. In step 701, step 4 in FIG.
The option device registration number deleted from the option control unit 22 is received based on the information from 08. Step 70
In 2, the corresponding information is deleted from the optional device registration information in the RAM 19.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for changing the corresponding part from the optional device registration information by the optional device change information from the optional control part 22 in the main control part 1000. In step 801, step 411 in FIG.
The option device registration information changed from the option control unit 22 is received according to the information from. In step 802, the corresponding information is changed from the optional device registration information in the RAM 19.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for preparing necessary paper from the print information received from the host computer 3000 in the main controller 1000. In step 901, the RAM described in the flowchart above
The registration number corresponding to the desired paper is searched from the optional device registration information stored in 19. Step 90
At 2, the corresponding registration number is selected. Step 903
Then, the paper command is output to the option control unit 22. In step 904, the option device registration information to which the status information of the execution result is added is received from the option control unit 22 by the execution of the flowchart described in FIG. In step 905, the printing process for printing on the prepared paper is executed to complete the printing.

In FIG. 10, in the main control 1000,
9 shows a flowchart for transmitting required device registration information of the currently registered optional device registration information in the host computer 3000. In step 1001, RAM
The optional device registration information written in 19 is read. In step 1002, the information is output from the input unit 18 to the host computer 3000.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the printer option control method which can reduce the paper carrying processing in the main control portion and improve the print data processing speed.

[Table 1]

[Table 2]

[Table 3]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a control configuration of a printer to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an optional control configuration in the control configuration of the printer shown in FIG. 2 to which the present invention is not applied.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an optional controller (O of the present invention);
It is a flow chart which shows the processing about the check of option equipment of C), and the option information notification to the main control part.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an option controller of the present invention,
7 is a flowchart showing a control output process to an option device by an option control command input from a main control unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of registering the sheet path information of the optional device and the sheet information of the printer body together in the main control unit of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of deleting a corresponding part from the optional device registration information by the optional device deletion information from the optional control unit in the main control unit of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of changing a corresponding part from the optional device registration information by the optional device change information from the optional control unit in the main control unit of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for preparing a necessary sheet from print information received from the host computer in the main control unit of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of transmitting optional device registration information currently registered in the main control unit of the present invention to the host computer as necessary sheet information.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3000 host computer 1500 printer 12 CPU 19 RAM 13 ROM 22 option controller 23 option (expansion part) 24 option (expansion part)

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A printer having an expandable paper feed / ejection section, a main control section for interfacing with a host device in the printer to create print data and control the operation of the printer, and an expandable paper feed / ejection section. In the option control method of the printer, which is composed of the control of the paper unit and the option control unit that interfaces with the main control unit, the option control unit creates detailed information of the paper path of the paper feeding and discharging unit added, The main control unit is notified, the main control unit adds and registers the paper path in the main body corresponding to the paper path received from the option control unit, and notifies the option control unit of the corresponding number and the registered content. How to control printer options. 2. The printer option control method according to claim 1, wherein after the registration, when the paper feed / ejection section is deleted, the option control section deletes the corresponding number in the option control section and notifies the main control section. A printer option control method, wherein the main control unit deletes the number from the registration information corresponding to the number received from the option control unit. 3. The printer option control method according to claim 1, wherein the operation instruction of the paper registered from the main control unit is given to the option control unit by the number corresponding to the desired paper path, and the option control unit is A printer option control method, wherein the number with the execution result is passed to the main control unit as execution result information. 4. The printer option control method according to claim 1, wherein the detailed information of the paper feed path and the corresponding number are written in a non-volatile memory of the option control unit, and when the paper feed / ejection unit is changed, the non-volatile Option control method, characterized in that the information in the local memory is updated and notified to the main controller. 5. The printer option control method according to claim 4, wherein the information written in the nonvolatile memory of the option control unit is notified to the main control unit when the printer power is turned on. . 6. The printer option control method according to claim 4, wherein the items to be changed are changes to the added paper feeding and discharging unit,
A method for controlling a printer option, which includes an additional paper feed unit that runs out of paper. 7. The printer option control method according to claim 1, wherein the host device is notified of the paper path registered in the main controller. 8. A printer having an expandable paper feed / ejection section, a main control section for interfacing with a host device in the printer to create print data and control the operation of the printer, and an expandable paper feed / ejection section. In an option control method of a printer including a control of a paper unit and an option control unit for interfacing with a main control unit, the option control unit investigates a state of a paper feed / discharge unit, and feeds paper based on the result of the investigation. By determining whether or not to add an output unit, whether or not to remove the input / output unit, and whether or not to change the input / output unit, notify the main control unit of the information indicating the determination result, A print option control method characterized in that a check of a paper portion is executed.