JPS6064566A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain the print of data from the 2nd input device without interrupting the print of data even if the data from the 1st input device is under print by changing the utilizing system of a print means depending on the input state of data. CONSTITUTION:When command starting the print of a magnetic tape 2-1-b is inputted during a print processing, a page buffer 2-4-b is secured for the print of data on a magnetic tape 2-1-b. The data is read from the magnetic tape 2-1-b to an MT buffer 2-3-b succedingly and the analysis as to the page is restarted. When the analysis for one page's share is finished, the analyzed data is transmitted to the page buffer 2-4-b, the stored data is changed into a laser light, which is irradiates on a photosensitive drum to print. During this time, the data recorded on the magnetic tape 2-1-a is printed by using only a page buffer 2-4-a.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Technical Field] The present invention relates to printing devices such as various printers, and in particular, the printing device has a plurality of independent printing mechanisms and a plurality of data input mechanisms, and the present invention relates to printing devices such as various printers. The present invention relates to a printing device that can individually control printing processing of a plurality of printing mechanisms according to input processing states of the mechanisms.

[Prior Art] In various printing devices such as conventional laser beam printers and inkjet printers, when the printing device is equipped with a plurality of printing mechanisms and a plurality of data input mechanisms that can be used independently of each other, one of them is It may be possible to input printing data using only the first data input mechanism of the printer, and print using all printing mechanisms simultaneously in response to the data. However, at this time, data that is separate and independent from the data input using the first input mechanism is input and printed using the second manual mechanism, without interrupting the printing currently in progress. There was an unresolved problem with the need to independently control multiple printing mechanisms.

[Objective] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned points, the present invention provides a method for inputting data when printing is performed while inputting print data using a predetermined manual data mechanism among a plurality of data input mechanisms. By independently controlling the printing mechanism of
It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing device which enables printing by inputting the date using another input mechanism.

[Example] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the internal configuration of the printing mechanism system of the printing apparatus of the present invention, where 1 indicates the entire printing apparatus (laser beam printer) having two independent printing mechanisms, 2-a' and 2
-b is a paper feed tray (paper feed force cera) that stores printing paper, 3
-a and 3-b are paper feed rollers. The I-printing paper set on the paper feed tray 2-a or 2-b is fed one by one by the rotation of the paper feed roller 3-a or 3-b, and is fed one by one by the rotation of the paper feed roller 3-a or 3-b. By movement, it is sent to the position of the transport roller 5-a or 5-b.

Next, the printing paper is sent toward the photosensitive drum 6-a or 8-b by rotation of the conveyance roller 5-a or 5-b. At that time, a laser beam L-a is outputted from a laser output device (not shown) at a timing according to an instruction from a microcomputer (not shown) according to the image data.
Alternatively, L-b is emitted onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 8-a or photosensitive drum eb to form a latent image, and the printing paper is developed while the photosensitive drum 6-a or s-b rotates. vessel? -a or? - Reached position b and developed device? −
a Or? -b, the developed toner image is printed on the printing paper. The printing paper printed in this way is further conveyed to the position of the fixing device 9-a or 9-b by the conveyor belt 8=a or 8-b, and then
The toner image on the printing paper is fixed by a or c 9-b. Next, the printing paper is delivered to the paper ejection port 12-a or 12 by driving the transport belt IQ-a or 10-b and the transport roller group 11-a or the roller group 11-b.
-b, and is ejected from the paper discharge port 12-a or 12-b onto a tray (not shown) or the like.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the data input mechanism system and control system of the printing apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, where 2-1-a and 2-1-b are data storage short bodies for printing data. The magnetic tapes 2-2-a and 2-2-b are magnetic tape devices δ (first or second data input mechanism) that read data from the magnetic tapes 2-1-a or 2-1b.
, 2-3-a and 2-3-'b are magnetic tape expanders (MT8hefa) that temporarily store data read by the magnetic tape device 2-2-a or 2-2-b,
2-4-a and 2-4-b are page buffers that store output data in page units, and 2-5 is a cpυ (central processing unit) that controls each of the above-mentioned components connected to the path via the bus. , 2-8 is a keyboard serving as a terminal for inputting control instruction data such as commands (commands).

Here, it is assumed that data to be printed by the printer 1 is created in advance by a host computer (not shown) and stored on the magnetic tapes 2-1-a and 2-1-b. In addition, the magnetic tape 2-1-a or 2-
1-b may be a multi-file separated by tape markers. Each file constituting this multi-file may be further divided into a plurality of parts by 10 (identification) names or the like that distinguish the types of data. Alternatively, the sequence files may be divided by Il1 names. In this example, tape markers, do.

The operator inserts the magnetic tape 2-ha on which data is recorded into the magnetic tape device 2-2-a, and instructs which data file on the magnetic tape 2-1-a to search for. When a command is input from the keyboard 2-6, the magnetic tape 2-17a is driven by the magnetic tape group 92-2-a, moves to the position specified by the command, and stops.

Next, when a command instructing to start printing (fA%) is input from the keyboard 2-6 to the tape device 2-2-a, the magnetic tape device 2-2-a
a from the magnetic tape 2-1-a to the MT Bassoff 2-
3-a, the data is transferred as one unit of information with a fixed pied length. This data transfer is continued until the amount of data stored in the MT breadcrumber 2-3-a is stored.

MT/<The data transferred to the sofa 2-3-a is analyzed by the CPU 2-5 based on an analysis program stored in a main memory (not shown). This analysis process is executed until the data for one page of printing paper is analyzed, but before the data analysis for one page is completed, MT/<
When the analysis of the data stored in the sofa 2-3-a is completed, the magnetic tape device 2-2-a reads the data from the magnetic tape 2-1-a to the MT bass sofa based on the read signal from the CPU 2-5. The next data corresponding to the capacity of 2-3-a is read into MT Bassoff 2-3-a, and the analysis of that page is read.

When the analysis of data for one page is completed, the analyzed data is sent to one page buffer 2 through the CPU 2-5.
-4-a. Subsequently, data of the next page is analyzed using the same processing procedure as described above, and the analyzed data is sent to the other page buffer 2-4-b. Next, the data stored in the sofas 2-4-a and 2-4-b for both pages is sent to the printer 1. At that time, the data sent from one page buffer 2-4-a is transmitted to one laser beam L-
The data transmitted from the page amplifier 2-4-b to the other page becomes the other laser beam L-b and is irradiated onto the other photosensitive drum 13-a as a laser beam L-b onto the other photosensitive drum s-b. An image corresponding to the data is printed on each printing sheet according to the printing procedure described above with reference to FIG. The series of printing processes from to to H are repeated until all the data stored in the data file is output from the printing device l.

Now, during the printing process as described above, the magnetic tape 2-1-b on which data is recorded is set in the magnetic tape device 2-2-b, and which data file on the magnetic tape 2-1-b is selected. The command to instruct you to search is on the keyboard 2-6.
When the command is input, the magnetic tape 2-1b is driven by the magnetic tape device 2-2-b, moves to the position 16 specified by the command, and then stops. Next, when a command instructing to start printing is input to the magnetic tape device 2-2-b from the keyboard 2-6, it is pre-recorded in the main memory shown in A).
This is a subroutine in the analysis program described above.
MULTI'' (412th Participation) and the page buffer 2-4-b that had been used to print the data recorded on one of the magnetic tapes 2-1-a until just before.
is reserved for printing data recorded on the magnetic tape 2-1-b.

Subsequently, the magnetic tape 2 is recorded by the magnetic tape device 2-2-b.
Transfer data from -1-b to MT/Hetufusoft-3-b in units of information of a fixed byte length. This data transfer continues until data is stored up to the capacity of the MT buffer γ2-3-b. The data transferred to the MT 88-tear 23-b is analyzed by the CPUs 2-5 based on the above-mentioned analysis program. This analysis process
If the process is executed until one page's worth of data is analyzed, or if the analysis is completed for the data stored in MT Bassoff 2-3-b before one page's worth of analysis is completed,
Based on the read signal from the CPU 2-5, the magnetic tape device 2-2-b reads M from the magnetic tape 2-1-b.
The following data corresponding to the capacity of T Bassoff 2-3-b is M
T Bassoff 1-3-b reads and resumes analysis on that page.

When the analysis of data for one page is completed, the analyzed data is sent to the page buffer 2-4- through the CPU 2-5.
Send to b. Next, the data stored in the page buffer 2-4-b is changed to the laser beam L-b, and the photosensitive drum e-b is
and print on printing paper according to the printing procedure described above. During this time, the data recorded on the magnetic tape 2-1-a is printed using only the page buffer 2-4-a.

Next, an example of the control operation of the printing apparatus of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be explained in more detail with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 3 and 4.

First, in step 53-1 of FIG. 3, a variable N for counting the number of pages is set to 0". Next, in step 53-2, the magnetic tape 2-1-a is placed on the MT basso At this time, if the content of the read data means the end of the data file (for example, an end code), step 53-3
Based on the determination, the process moves to step S3-14, and it is determined whether the above-mentioned variable N is an even number or an odd number. If the variable N is an odd number, the contents of the page buffer 2-4-a are transferred to the printer l in the next steps S3 to S15, and this control is ended. Also, in step S3-14, the variable N
If is an even number, this control is immediately terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 53-3 that the content of the data does not mean the end of the data file, then in the next step 53-4, the above-mentioned MT Bassoff 2
-3-a, the data read in is analyzed, and then in step 53-5 it is determined whether the data analysis for one page of printing paper has been completed. Here, if the judgment is negative,
In step 53-6, whether or not the MT eighty-eighth 23-a is empty, that is, the MT basso 2-3-a is empty.
It is determined whether or not the analysis of all the data of data a has been completed, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 53-4 and the data analysis of the correction buffer 2-3-a is continued again. Further, if the determination in step 83-6 is affirmative, step 53
-2, and magnetic tape 2 is placed in the correction buffer 2-3-a.
Read the next data from -1-a and repeat the process described above.

On the other hand, when data analysis for one page is completed, step 5
If the determination in step 3-5 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 53-7, where the variable N is incremented by .degree. "1", and then, in step 53-8, it is determined whether the variable N is an even number or an odd number. If the variable N is an odd number, the next step 53
After transferring the analysis result of the MT Bassoff 2-3-a to the page buffer 2-4-a at step -3, the process returns to step 53-2 and the above-described process is repeated.

Further, if it is determined in step 53-8 that the variable N is an even number, then in step S3-10 the MT Bassoff 2
- Transfer the analysis result of 3-a to the page buffer 2-4-b, and in the next step S3-11 transfer the contents of the sofas 2-4-a and 2-4-b to the printer l, respectively. .

Next, a command to input data recorded on the magnetic tape 2-1-b using the magnetic tape device 2-2-b and to start printing is input using the keyboard 2.
It is determined in step S3-12 whether or not there is from -6. Here, if the determination is negative, step 53-2 is performed again.
and repeat the above process. On the other hand, step S3
If -12 is an affirmative determination, the process moves to step S3-13 and calls the subroutine "MULTI". After the execution of this subroutine "HtlLTI" is completed, this control is ended.

The flowchart in FIG. 4 is based on the above-mentioned subroutine °'MU.
Details of ``LTI'' are shown in step S3-13 of FIG.
When this subroutine ``MULTI'' is called, first, the MT buffer 2-
The data on the magnetic tape 2-1-a is read into the magnetic tape 2-1-a.

At this time, if the content of the read data means the end of the data file, the process moves to step S4-15 based on the determination in step 54-2, and the data file on the magnetic tape 2-1-b is read. It is determined whether or not the process has also ended. Here, if the determination is affirmative, control of the tree subroutine is ended. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process moves to step 54-8, which will be described later.

If the content of the data does not mean the end of the data file in step 54-2, the data in the MT Bassoff 2-3-a described above is analyzed in step 54-3. 1 of the printing paper with the press 54-4.
It is determined whether the analysis of data for one page is completed.

Here, if the determination is negative, the MT
Determine whether Bassoff 2-3-a has become empty,
If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 54-3 and the analysis of the data of the MT Bassoff 2-3-a is continued again. If the determination in step 54-5 is affirmative, the process returns to step 54-1, reads the next data from the magnetic tape 2-1-a into the MT buffer γ2-3-a, and repeats the above-described process again.

On the other hand, when data analysis for one page is completed, step 5
If the determination is affirmative in step 4-4, step 54-8
In step 54-7, the analysis result of MT Bassoff 2-3-a is transferred to the page buffer 2-4-a, and in the subsequent step 54-7, the contents of the page buffer 2-4-a are transferred to the printer l.

Next, the process moves to step 54-8, and MT/<sofa2
-3-b reads the data on the magnetic tape 2-1-b.

At this time, if the contents of the read data indicate the end of the data file, the process moves to step S4-18 based on the determination in step 54-9, and the data file on the magnetic tape 2-1-a is also read. Determine whether it has ended. Here, if the determination is affirmative, the control of this subroutine is ended. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, step 54-
1 and repeat the above process again.

In step 54-8, if the content of the data does not mean the end of the data file, step S4
In step S4-10, the data of the MT buffer 2-3-a is analyzed, and in step S4-11, it is determined whether or not the analysis of data for one page of printing paper has been completed. here,
If the determination is negative, in step S4-12, the MT Bassoff 2
-3-b is in the empty state, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step S4-10, and the MT Bassoff 2
- Continue the analysis of the data in 3-b again. Step S4
If the determination in -12 is affirmative, the process returns to step 54-8, and the magnetic tape 2-1 is attached to the MT bassoph 2-3-b.
-Read the next data from b.

On the other hand, in step S4-11, MT bar, F2
If an affirmative judgment is obtained that the analysis of data for one page of MT Bassoff 2-3-b has been completed, the process proceeds to step S4-13, and the analysis results of the MT Bassoff 2-3-b are transferred to the page buffer 2-3. -4-b, and then in step S4-14 the contents of the page buffer 2-3-b are transferred to the printer 1. Then, the process returns to step 54-1 and the above-described process is repeated.

[Effects] As explained below, according to the present invention, the usage method of the printing means is switched depending on the data input state, so that the data input using the input mechanism of GT is During printing of a first data file, a second data file can be printed using a second manual mechanism without interrupting the printing. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if it becomes necessary to print a data file with a high degree of urgency while printing a large number of sheets, the emergency printing can be performed without interrupting large IB-printing. There is an effect that can be done.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the printing apparatus of the invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of the printing apparatus of the invention shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a subroutine called in the flowchart of FIG. 3.
It is a flowchart showing the contents of ULTI'". l... Printer, 2-1-a, 2-1-b - Magnetic tape, 2-2-a,
2-2-b ・"Magnetic tape device, 2-3-a, 2-2
-3-b-buff 7.2-4-a, 2-4-b---
Page/Hesofa, 2-5...CPU (Central Processing Unit), 2-8...Keyboard, 6-a, 8-b...Magnetic drum. Patent applicant Canon Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] First and second information input means for inputting information; first and second printing means for printing information input from the information manual means on a recording medium in predetermined units; In response to a command to input information from an input means and print by the printing means, the information input from the first information input means is printed in predetermined units using the first and second printing means. a first control means for causing the printing to be performed; and during the printing based on the information input from the first information input information, when receiving a command from the second information input means to also input information and print. The information input from the first information input means is sent to the first printing means for printing, and at the same time, the information input from the second information input means is sent to the second printing means. A printing apparatus characterized by comprising: a second control means for sending and printing. (Hereafter, margin)