DE19549499B4 - Printing device for receiving and printing of data - Google Patents

Abstract

The printer receives and prints print data from a number of devices and includes a facility for preparing or setting up the operating relations independent of the respective devices, and a facility for processing a number of operating relations independent of one another.

Description

The present invention relates to a character font pattern control method in a printing device claim 1.

From the EP 0 458 569 A1 a method and an apparatus for generating character patterns in an output memory are already known. This known device includes a discriminator for discriminating whether or not a pattern to be developed has already been developed at a predetermined position in an output memory in the memory. Furthermore, the known device comprises a copying device for copying an already developed same character pattern at the predetermined position, a memory for storing code information, attribute information and position information of the pattern developed in the output memory. There is also a cache memory to store the most frequently used patterns. A test device is used to check whether the pattern in the output memory overlaps with another pattern or not.

Such a process is also from the US 5,600,770 as well as from the EP 0564202 A known.

1 Fig. 11 shows the operating condition of a conventional printing device that prints the print data from a variety of host devices. According to the figure, a print control section receives a print job from three types of host devices A, B, C and controls the actual printing process at a print operation section. The hatched part in the print control section indicates that it is performing the processing for converting the print job from each host device into a form in which the print job can be performed on the print operation section, while the hatched part in the print operation section indicates that the section prints on paper.

Conventionally, the printing device, which receives print data from a plurality of host devices for printing, returns after RECEPTION LOCKED (hereinafter referred to as "BUSY") while the print job is being processed by a single host device as it is in operation for is the print job from another host device. If, for example, according to 1 Print jobs from other host devices B, C are input while the host device A is performing a print job to the print control section is output before the printing operation is completed, so that a print job from the host devices B, C cannot be received. As a result, the host devices B, C which have received BUSY must wait until the printing process of the host device A has completely ended and must carry out a print job again. This series of operations not only reduces the throughput of the printing device, but also the processing of busy monitoring of the host devices is a significant disadvantage.

Since any print job from another host device is accepted while a Print job is processed by a single host device itself when the printing operation section is ready for printing if the paper size required by the currently processed print job is not set, even if this is due to a print job other host device requested paper size is set, the print job will print this other host device not processed until the currently processed Print job requested paper size is set.

The sequence of operations and disadvantages as described above result from the control method of the print job in the conventional printing device. 2 shows a conventional control system for the print job. In the figure, the print job for each page is sequentially stored in a certain area, with the progress of each processing being controlled by the paper output pointer, extension pointer, print pointer, BMM (Bit Map Memory) record pointer, and next print job pointer. With this control method, processing is only possible in the order of the print jobs received. As a result, it is impossible to stop a print job from only one host device, or to stop a print job from a host device when the paper size requested by the print job is not available, and to process the next print job. In a conventional printing device, since the control system for processing the print jobs of a plurality of host devices is not adapted in parallel, the print jobs from other host devices are rejected naturally while a print job is being processed by a single host device. As a result, this causes a low throughput of the printing device and has the disadvantage that print jobs cannot be received from all of the host devices after an error in the print job from a single host device has occurred.

In the printing apparatus having a plurality of paper feed inlets and discharge outlets, when a discharge outlet is specified, conventionally, a paper feed inlet and a discharge outlet among these paper feed inlets and discharge outlets are specified by the command from the host devices or an input using the control panel on the side of the printing apparatus. With this type of specification method, even if a paper feed inlet other than the specified one is provided in the printing apparatus with a plurality of paper feed inlets If the specified paper feed inlet cannot be repaired, an ERROR is issued and printing cannot begin. To overcome this disadvantage, the application could be modified by the host device to enable a variety of paper feed inlets to be specified, but disadvantageously the application modification is difficult.

Furthermore, the conventional technology the character font output control or character set cash control word for word or host code for Host code for Two-byte characters performed. If the output registration number exceeds the limit, the output will be issued Character font patterns successively deleted in the order of the older registration times or increasing size of the font pattern data or the lower rank of priority given to each font pattern is.

In this type of conventional Character font output control process, it is difficult to make the character font pattern to be controlled with the same code, but with a different font or character size, and it is also difficult to understand the different code system Taxes. If the output font patterns are consecutive in the order of the older ones Registration time or increasing data size are deleted, it is impossible to be effective to use the output font patterns. It is possible that output font patterns effectively use if the patterns a priority is given, but the processing involved is complicated is an expected high speed in output processing is not achieved. If the deletion process expires by the number the registrations are controlled, the deletion must be carried out even then if there is enough space available, which results in a ineffective use of memory results.

The basis of the invention Task is to use a character font pattern control method in a Printing device available which the output control of the character font pattern with the same code, but different fonts and. Character sizes easier and the output character font patterns and storage space more efficiently can use.

This object is achieved by the Features specified in claim 1 solved.

Particularly advantageous configurations and further developments of the invention result from the subclaims.

It's going to be a print control process for a printing device described which print jobs from a variety of host devices can accept at the same time and the throughput of the printing device by customizing the method of controlling a print job as a pressure guide to control and accompany the print jobs.

Furthermore, a printing control method for a printing device which can specify a variety of paper feed inlets without modify the application from the host devices, by defining a variety of physical paper feed inlets the parameters specifying the individual paper feed inlets specified by commands.

A pressure control procedure is distant for a printing device described, which is a simple way of working relationships between each host device and the printing device by generally displaying all of them Control reference relationships between each host device and the printing device can.

Also a pressure control process for a printing device described which the print data from the host device with the preferred given priority across from which can receive print data from the other host devices.

Also a pressure control method for a printing device it describes what the possibility provides fast print data transfer from the host device with the given print priority to complete to be able to.

The present invention provides a character font pattern control method in a printing device, which controls the output of character font patterns with the same Code, but different fonts and character sizes easier, and the output font font patterns and storage space efficiently can use.

The printing device has a Means for establishing the relevant business relationship with a Variety of devices, transmit the print data, and a means of independent Process a variety of these business relationships.

The print control method in the printing device includes an information area for displaying the print specifications for each print job from a variety of devices and controls the relevant print jobs via a print guide or print cue instruction. A stop state connection point is provided for the print guide connection point, to which the print guide or call instruction is connected to the device when the printing process is stopped due to a print job from a specific device. While a print job has been received from one device, a print job is also received from another device. The printing device carries out the printing process in accordance with the print job from another device if an error in the paper feed system or paper output system corresponds to the printing process occurs after the print job from one device or a variety of devices.

Because with this type of print control process the print job is controlled by a variety of devices via the print guide the order of the print job can be easily changed be and it is possible the print job independently for each Device too control, while receiving print jobs from all devices. If a stop state for the connection point of the pressure guide is provided and the pressure guide on the device is connected to this stop state when the printing process by the Print job is stopped by a specific device, the stops Printing device the printing process according to the print job from this particular device and does not stop printing according to the print job from another device.

The pressure control process in one allows further printing device the establishment of the respective business relationships with each device transfers the print job, and specifies a paper feed inlet and one Output outlet for every business relationship. It further specifies a paper output outlet for each business relationship, so that the same paper output outlet not is specified in a variety of business relationships. It further specifies a paper feed inlet and a discharge outlet using a control panel. It shows the condition of a in a list Numerous business relationships, for example on a control panel.

Because with this type of print control process the paper feed inlet and the Output outlet for each business relationship between the printing device and each device is specified to the operator allows optional a paper feed inlet and one Output outlet too specify without modifying the application of the device. By design the printing device in such a way that a specification of the same Paper delivery outlets in a variety of business relationships is prevented, it can be avoided that printed paper of different devices mixed at the paper output outlet becomes. Display in a list of the condition of a variety of Operational relationships between the printing device and each device enables the operator to to control these multiple business relationships in a simple manner.

The pressure control process in one further printing device classified by a variety of Host devices received print data in priority print data and normal print data, and provides an area for storing only the priority print data in the area for storing the received print data. The area for storing the received print data consists of a large number of blocks fixed size together, where one or a plurality of the blocks of these multiple blocks as Area for storing only the priority print data is determined. The area for storing the received print data is set together from a storage pool, and becomes part of this storage pool area as an area for storing only the priority print data certainly. The size of the area for storing only the priority print data is variable. The determination of the priority print data can according to the data from the devices and by the operation of the control panel on the printer device side.

Since in this type of printing control process Area for storing only the print data from the device for which a priority printing process carried out is intended, it is even if the area to save the print data for a normal printing process is full, the print data from the Device with the given print priority to receive, the transmission the priority print data completed in a safe way will and performance the printing device is improved. Because the size of the area for saving of this print priority data is variable, the flexibility of the priority printing process improved.

The character font pattern control method in the printing device according to the present Invention controls the output through the character types including font and character size if the character font pattern from the auxiliary storage to the main storage is issued. There is also the character font pattern of the code systems of different types in addition to classify the code system into the character types. It controls also the number of pages on which the relevant character types are used. If there is no space in the main memory, it clears the font pattern of the character types, which is not used on either side has been. It stores the control table, which is the output condition stores in the auxiliary memory when the power supply is interrupted has been and reads the stored output condition when the performance at the next Times available stands.

Since the output of the character font pattern is controlled by the character types including the character size in the character font pattern control method according to the present invention, it becomes easy to output the character font patterns with different fonts and character sizes. By adding the code system to this character type classification, the output of the character font pattern of the different code systems is facilitated. By counting the number of pages used, it is possible to determine whether the character font pattern should be deleted or not. The frequently used font pattern is not deleted, since there are few cases where the page with the font pattern takes on a null value, the deletion taking place with the priority given to the font pattern. Since the deletion takes place when there is no space in the main memory, there is no disadvantage in that the character font pattern must be deleted even when there is space in the memory so that the memory can be used effectively without any space in the memory to create. Since the output condition is reproduced when the power supply is interrupted after the power supply is reconnected, the frequently used character font patterns are preloaded, which results in an improved printing speed.

These and other advantages and features The invention can be seen from the description of the drawing preferred embodiments the invention. It shows:

1 1 shows a schematic view of an overview of an operating pattern of the conventional printing device,

2 1 shows a schematic view of a control method of a print job in the conventional printing device,

3 1 shows a schematic illustration of the printing device according to the present invention,

4 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of an embodiment of the printing device according to the present invention;

5 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of another embodiment of the printing device according to the present invention;

6 1 is a block diagram of the configuration of the printing device according to the present invention.

7 1 is a schematic view of the print specification information area in the printing device according to the present invention.

8th FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the sequence of the print guide connection during a series of printing operations in the printing device according to the present invention, FIG.

9 1 is a schematic view of an overview of an operation pattern of the printing device according to the present invention;

10A . B . C schematic views of examples of the print guide connection when the printing operation is stopped and resumed in the printing apparatus according to the present invention,

11 FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the procedure for the normal printing process in the printing device according to the present invention;

12 FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the procedure for the printing stop process in the printing device according to the present invention;

13 1 is a schematic diagram for assigning a paper feed inlet and discharge outlet from a host device in the printing device according to the present invention;

14A . B . C schematic diagrams for assigning the paper feed inlet from a control panel in the printing device according to the present invention,

15 FIG. 2 is a flowchart for assigning the procedure of the paper feed inlet in the printing device according to the present invention;

16A . B . C schematic diagrams for the assignment of the paper output outlet from the control panel in the printing device according to the present invention,

17 1 shows a schematic view of the main screen of the control panel in the printing device according to the present invention,

18 FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a display example of an icon that shows the operating condition of each logical printer in the printing device according to the present invention; FIG.

19 4 is a schematic view of the detailed information screen of each logical printer condition of the control panel in the printing device according to the present invention.

20 1 is a schematic diagram of a print buffer control table in the printer device according to the present invention.

21 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of normal and priority printing in the printing device according to the present invention;

22 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing process in the printing device according to the present invention;

23 1 shows a schematic diagram of a storage pool in the printing device according to the present invention,

24 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of normal and priority printing in the printing device according to the present invention;

25 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the printing process in the printing device according to the present invention;

26 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character font pattern delivery control system in the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

27 4 is a view of the construction of the font dispensing control table in the printing apparatus according to the present invention; and

28 a view of the construction of the application character type table in the printing device according to the present invention.

The principle should first be summarized the printing device will be explained. According to the invention, a plurality of virtual printers (hereinafter referred to as so-called "logical printers") are provided in a unit of a physically existing printing device in such a way that the conventional vertical connection possibilities are maintained, and in addition printing by a horizontal connection by means of a LAN connection is enabled in the printing device, ie the processing of print data from a large number of host devices can be carried out in parallel. In other words, when a plurality of host devices which transmit the print data to the one unit of the physically existing printing device are connected to this printing device, the relationship between each host device and this printing device according to the invention is defined as a logical printer. When a plurality of host devices are connected to the one unit of the printing device, this means that there are a plurality of logical printers. In the description below, this plurality of logical printers are consecutively called a logical printer 1 , logical printer 2 , ... designated.

3 shows the concept of the logical printer in the printing apparatus, this embodiment designating the case where the four logical printers 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 are set. Each logical printer is connected to a different host device (host). When connecting to a LAN, a variety of communication paths (sessions) are made possible among the large number of host devices, with a virtual host interface for each logical printer being provided internally, and this host interface enabling the session with a host device corresponding to this interface and the Transfers data. As described above, operating a plurality of logical printers in one unit of the printing device enables multiple session and multiple emulation.

With the introduction of the logical printer it possible an optional combination of a virtual paper tray and one Select sorters, which each logical printer has (hereinafter referred to as "logical paper tray" and "logical sorter"), besides a physical paper tray and sorter (hereinafter referred to as "physical paper tray" and "physical sorter"), the indeed are provided in the printing device, by means of a Command or a setting on a control panel. If Paper running out of a certain size just stops the printing operation of the logical printer that needs this paper, where the other logical printers, which the paper with this format do not need, continue printing. Even if a any error in communication with the host devices only the printing operation of that connected to this host device logical printer stopped. Because the operating condition of any logical Printer should be displayed on a single control panel, at least parts of the displayed messages are in the form of images (so-called icons). The assignment of the logical paper tray and the logical sorter with this type each logical printer and the operational display of each logical Printers on a single control panel are described below.

The 4 and 5 show in perspective views the appearance of the Druckvorrichtun. In each of the in the 4 and 5 In the illustrated embodiments, the printing device is equipped with three types of a paper feed tray, namely an upper paper tray 41 , a middle paper tray 42 and a lower paper tray 43 , in which paper with different formats are stored. In the 4 and 5 In the illustrated embodiments, the paper output outlets of the printed paper are different. In the embodiment according to 4 is in addition to a shelf 44 a sorter on the main body 45 provided with large capacity, while according to the embodiment 5 in addition to storage 44 a multiple sorter 46 is provided. Although this is not shown in more detail, a paper tray with a large capacity can be provided in addition to the paper tray according to the three-layer structure.

Since the print jobs from all Host devices can be received simultaneously and the processing of print jobs in parallel is controlled, these print jobs are controlled by a print guide ("print cue"). Hereinafter this control of the pressure control is explained in more detail.

6 shows in a block diagram the structure of the printing device. In 6 denotes the reference number 11 a CPU to which a data receiving section 13 , which receives print data from a plurality of host devices (four host devices A, B, C, D in this embodiment), and a control panel control section 14 which controls the display in the control panel via a data bus 12 are connected. To the. bus 12 is a procedure storage memory 15 , a print specification storage 16 , a print data storage 17 , an extension processing section 18 , a BMM (Bit Map Memory) bitmap memory 19 , a pressure control section 20 , a paper feed inlet operation section 21 , and a paper discharge outlet operation section 22 connected. At the pressure control section 20 is a printing operation section 23 connected to do the actual printing.

At the in 6 shown print specification storage 16 is an in 7 shown print specification information area provided for each logical printer paper (page), in the case of entering a print job by the Host device this print specification information is controlled as a print guide. This means that for each logical printer of the printing device, the print job is controlled with a print specification information and is treated as a print guide. At the in 6 procedure storage shown 15 are the states or commands Waiting for the BMM recording, Waiting for the extension, Waiting for the paper output, and Stop state as the print routing connection point 8th provided, the printing guide being successively connected to these connection points in accordance with each processing of the printing process control.

Controlling the print job through the print routing simplifies changes in the order of the print job among the logical printers and enables control of the print job for each host device. With this arrangement, in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, even during the processing of the print job from a host device by means of a logical printer, it is possible to receive the print job from another host device with another logical printer, thereby simultaneously receiving the Print jobs from a variety of host devices is enabled. Accordingly, the operation of the printing device according to the present invention can be performed according to 9 are explained in which print jobs from three host devices A, B, C in contrast to that in 1 shown conventional device are processed in parallel.

With reference to 10 The control of the print routing is now described when the printing process is temporarily stopped after the printing of a host device from the multiplicity of host devices and after a print job has been received from a multiplicity of host devices, and is resumed. In the present case, according to 10A Print jobs are sent from three types of host devices A, B, C connected to the print guide connection point, page by page for each print job. If printing is to be stopped from only the host device A, all of the print guides of the host device A which are connected to each print guide connection point (in this embodiment, waiting for the paper output, waiting for the printing, and waiting for the BMM recording) are connected are removed with all connected to the print guide connection point at the stop state, and the printing operation of the host device A is stopped. If the printing process of the host device A is to be resumed thereafter, the print guide of the host device A connected to the print guide connection point in the stop state should be printed with the print guide connection point while waiting for BMM recording 10B get connected.

More specifically, if the Printing operation section is in the print release condition and only A4 paper is contained in a paper tray, and if the paper size required due to the print job of the host device A is A3 and the format based on the print job of the host devices B, C A4 is done in an analogous way, as if the printing process only the host device A is stopped as described above, so that the printing process of the other host devices B, C successively by connecting the print job of the host device A with the pressure guide connection point performed in the stop state can be.

11 shows in a flow chart the procedure for changing the connection of the pressure guide under normal conditions. At step S1, it is judged whether the print job comes from the host device or not, and if the print job comes, the print guide is connected to the BMM recording (step S10) and the procedure goes to step S6, and if so if this does not come, the procedure goes to step S2. At step S2, it is judged whether the BMM recording is completed or not, and if it is completed, the print guide is again connected to waiting for the extension (step S11), and the procedure goes to step 6. If this is not complete, the procedure proceeds to step S3. At step S3, it is judged whether or not the extension is completed, and if it is completed, the print guide is reconnected with waiting for the extension from the waiting for the BMM admission (step S12), and the procedure goes to step S6, and if it is not completed, the procedure goes to step S4. At step S4, it is judged whether the printing has ended or not, and if it has ended, the print guide from waiting for printing is connected to the paper output (S13), and the procedure goes to step S6 and if it is not completed the procedure proceeds to step S5. At step S5, it is judged whether or not the paper discharge is finished, and if it is finished, a series of printing operations are ended and the printing guide is cleared (step S14), and the procedure goes to step S6 and if it is not completed , the procedure immediately proceeds to step S6.

At step S6, it is judged whether the print guide stops while waiting for the BMM shot, and if it stops, BMM shot processing is requested (step S15), and the procedure proceeds to step 7, and if it does not remains, the procedure goes directly to step 7. At step S7, it is judged whether the print guide stops waiting for the extension, and if it stops, the extension processing is requested (step S16), and the Procedure proceeds to step 8, and if it does not stop, the procedure immediately proceeds to step S8. At step 8, it is judged whether the print guide stops waiting for printing, and if it stops, print processing is requested (step S17), and the procedure proceeds to step S9, and if it does not exist, the print guide enables proceed to step S9. At step S9, it is judged whether the print guide stops waiting for the paper discharge, and if it stops, the paper discharge processing is requested (step S18) to return ("RETURN"), and if it does not stop, the procedure returns immediately back.

If the print job at the in the flowchart according to 11 shown operating procedure originates from the host device, the result in the judgment in step S1 is yes, whereby the pressure control is connected with the waiting for the BMM recording. This is followed by a result of yes on the basis of the assessment of the subsequent step S6, whereby the BMM admission processing is requested. If the BMM admission processing is completed, the result of the judgment in step S2 is yes, and the print management is reconnected by waiting for the BMM admission with waiting for extension. Subsequent to this in the successive assessment in step S7, a result of yes is obtained, whereby the extension processing is requested. This is followed in the same way in accordance with 8th shown sequence, the execution is successively reconnected, and the procedure is assigned to control the printing process according to each connection point.

12 shows a flowchart of the reconnection procedure when printing is stopped by only one host device. At step S21, the print guide for the host device (hereinafter referred to as "relevant print guide") is judged whether it is related to waiting for the BMM shot, and if it is connected, the procedure goes to step S22 continue after it is reconnected to the stop state (step S25), or immediately if it is not reconnected. At step 22, the relevant pressure guide is judged as to whether it is connected to waiting for the extension, and if it is connected, the procedure proceeds to step S23 after returning from waiting for the extension to the stop state (step S26) connected, or immediately if it is not connected. At step S23, the relevant print guide is judged whether it is connected to waiting for printing, and if it is connected, the procedure proceeds to step S24 after waiting for extension with the stop state (step S27) is connected again, or immediately if it is not connected. At step S24, the relevant execution is judged whether it is connected to waiting for the paper delivery, and if connected, the relevant execution ends the procedure after waiting for the paper delivery with the stop state (step S28) connected, or immediately if it is not connected.

According to the in the flow chart 12 As shown in the operating procedure, a print guide is found which is requested by the host device which is selected to stop printing and is connected to the connection point other than the stop state, and all are connected to the print guide connection point in the stop state again so that the Printing from only the specific host devices is stopped.

As described above are the print jobs from the host devices through the pressure guide controlled with every logical printer. As a result, if the print data from a variety of host devices can be received yourself then while processes the print data from a host device print data is received from the other host devices. Further it becomes easy to get the printing process from just stop the particular host device and it becomes possible to print jobs of the other host devices (logical Printer) even if the paper is printed with one of a host device (logical printer) needed Format is running out. As a result, it is possible to To improve throughput of the printing device, as well as the load on the Host devices to reduce.

The procedure for Specification of an optional combination of a virtual paper feed inlet and a paper output outlet (logical paper tray and logical Sorter) described on a control panel, each logical Printer over a paper feed inlet and one Paper outlet outlet that actually in the printing device are provided (physical paper tray and physical sorter).

The printing device according to the present invention has a maximum of 4 paper feed inlets including an upper paper tray 41 , a middle paper tray 42 , a lower paper tray 43 , and a (not shown) paper tray of larger capacity than paper feed inlets according to 4 and 5 as described above and has a plurality of paper delivery outlets including a tray 44 , a sorter 45 with large capacity, and a multiple sorter 46 as paper delivery outlets.

13 shows an example of the assignment of a paper feed inlet and a paper output outlet from a host device. When there is a flow of data from a host device, there are codes for assigning a particular paper feed inlets and paper output outlets, the codes on the side of the printing device being decoded to assign the paper feed inlet and paper output outlet. The procedure of assigning a paper feed inlet and paper outlet outlet from host devices according to 13 is the same as the conventional printing device. In the present invention, this conventional assignment method is used directly, that is, the operator has the ability to functionally assign the paper feed inlet and the paper outlet outlet from each logical printer without changing the application and the host device.

The 14A . B . C show the assignment of the paper feed inlet from the control panel in exemplary illustrations. Like it in the 14A . B . C a screen is provided in which the definition of each paper feed inlet is from the control panel 31 is performed, and when the paper feed inlet is defined, the paper feed inlet assignment screen ( 14A ) is selected. On this screen, the paper feed inlet is successively displayed by pressing the selection key and the paper feed inlet to be defined is selected. Each paper feed inlet on this screen corresponds to a command that corresponds to the codes in the data flow 13 is assigned.

Then, after the selection is completed, pressing the set button causes a transition from the paper feed inlet assignment screen to the screen for assigning each paper feed inlet ( 14B ). Pressing the up key at this time causes the display below the cursor to repeat from o to - and from - to o each time the up key is pressed. Here o denotes a definition and - no definition. By pressing the SET key after selecting o in the definition and after selecting - with no definition, the assignment is determined. Pressing the right key moves the cursor display sequentially from the top, then the middle, bottom, large capacity, and top inlet, and using this right key becomes the paper feed inlet for which a definition or no definition has been switched , assigned, and using the up arrow key assigns a definition or no definition. The upper, middle, lower, and large capacity inlets on this screen represent those in the 4 and 5 physical paper feed inlets shown.

When the operation is finished, the set key is pressed to fix the assignment. A release of this set key causes the assigned patterns to be saved in the control table ( 14C ). This type of paper feed inlet assignment screen is provided for each logical printer, so that the definition of the paper feed inlet pattern can be changed for each logical printer.

15 Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining a paper feed inlet based on the command (data flow) from the host device and the definition of the paper feed inlet assigned on the control panel. First, the information of the paper feed inlet assignment contained in the data flow from the host device is input (step S31). For example, if 0x01 is assigned in the data flow, the paper feed inlet assigned in this case represents the paper feed inlet 1 Next, referring to the control table according to 14C the definition state of the paper feed inlet assigned in the data flow is checked (step S32). At the in 14C Control tables shown are an upper paper tray and a large capacity paper tray for the paper feed inlet 1 Are defined. The paper feed inlet is determined according to the definition state and a print is requested. More specifically, by this definition, the upper paper tray and the large capacity paper tray are assigned to the paper feed inlet for the print job in this case. The data flow from the host device according to 13 includes the manual feeder assignment in the paper feed inlet assignment, but there is no manual feeder assignment mode when assigning the paper feeder in the logical printers. However, if this manual feed assignment is defined as, for example, the upper paper tray before the above-mentioned definition processing, the upper paper tray is assigned when the manual feed is assigned, which causes no problems.

The 16A . B . C show the assignment of the paper output outlets from the control panel in exemplary representations. The paper output outlets are assigned in the same manner as the paper feed inlets described above. Like it in the 16A . B . C a screen is provided in which the definition of each paper output outlet from the control panel 31 can be performed, and when the paper outlet outlet is defined, the paper outlet outlet assignment screen ( 16A ) selected. On this screen, the paper output outlet is successively displayed by pressing the selection key, and the paper output outlet to be defined is selected. Each paper output outlet on this screen corresponds to setting a value that corresponds to the codes of the data flow 13 is assigned.

Subsequently, by pressing the set key after completing the selection, the transition from the paper output outlet assignment screen to the assignment for each screen is made Paper output outlet causes ( 16B ). Upon release of the up key and the set key, the definition or no definition of each station of the tray becomes the same as in the case of the paper feed outlets described above 44 , the sorter 45 , or the sorter 46 assigned. But around the sorter equipped with 10 stations 46 to connect with the main body is the sorter 45 not connected, and vice versa if the sorter 45 connected to the main body is the sorter 46 not connected. By pressing the set button after completion of the operation, the assigned pattern is saved in the control table ( 16C ). This paper output outlet assignment screen is also prepared for each logical printer, so that the definition of the paper output outlet patterns for each logical printer can be changed.

With the one described above Configuration allows the operator, optional paper feed inlets and Papierausgabeauslässe assign on the part of the printing device.

Since the printing data of a variety of host devices be received and the printing process with any logical printer performed simultaneously will, can printed objects of all logical printers coexist on the same paper outlet. In such an event, it is somewhat difficult to see which printed item comes from which host device, and this according to each host device (logical printer) to sort. To this coexisting Existence of printed objects to prevent the pressure device from being constructed in such a way that an overlap the definition of paper output outlets from each logical printer is prevented. This means that from a logical printer defined paper outlet outlet should be defined by another logical printer, where in this embodiment, the Definition on the control panel is locked.

In the printing device is one Variety of logical printers connected to each host device are, it is for however, the operator is required to change the operating state of all the logical printer. In the present invention allows the observation of a single screen from only one existing control panel of the operator, the operating status of all capture the logical printer and control those printers. This control method is explained in more detail below.

Like it in 17 is shown, is the main screen of the control panel 31 divided into a display area of the state of the logical printer which is selected as the main screen and which shows the operating state of the logical printer selected as the main screen, and a display area of the state of each logical printer which shows the operating state of each logical printer. The procedure for selecting a logical printer as a main screen will be described later. It is possible for the operator to easily understand the operating status of all logical printers on one control panel 31 by displaying the operating status of each logical printer in the symbol display according to 18 in the display area of the status of each logical printer.

If the operator now wants to know a more accurate operating state of each logical printer, pressing the? 17 the screen according to the detailed information screen of each logical printer 19 moved and the detailed information of the operating status of each logical printer is displayed on the line of the logical printer number. By pressing the selection key in succession, the detailed information of the operating condition of each logical printer is displayed. If the display area of this information is too small, the information is displayed by a body text message.

A method of selecting a logical printer to be displayed as a main screen is explained below. This selection is based on the in 19 screen display shown performed. The logical printer number below the cursor is changed by successively pressing the selection key. Subsequently, by selecting the logical printer number to be selected and pressing the set key, the logical printer is switched to be displayed as a main screen.

Since each paper feed inlet and paper outlet outlet pass through the host device assigned by the control panel, the operator can optional the paper feed inlet and the Assign paper output outlet, without changing the application from the host device. Because the operating state of all logical printers is represented by symbols and for display is listed on a control panel, as is the detailed one Operating state of any logical printer that is selectively displayed is, it is possible to all to control the logical printer on a control panel, even then, if a control panel is not provided for every logical printer is.

In the printing apparatus, processing the print data from any host device as priority print data and performing the printing operation preferably speeds up the completion of the print data transfer from the specific host device of the predetermined priority, so that the operational efficiency of the specific host device is improved. The following is the processing this priority printing process explained in more detail.

In order to assign the printing process of the certain host devices to the priority printing process, according to the present invention, the print data transmitted from a plurality of host devices is divided into priority print data, which are preferably printed, and normal print data. Here, there is a case in which a command for displaying the priority printing operation is transmitted together with the print data from the host devices, or there is also the case in which the determination on the control panel on the part of the printing device regarding which print data the Host devices should preferably be printed. The information about which print data represents the priority print data is stored in the memory of the CPU 11 stored, which is the writing and reading of the print data storage 17 controls (cf. 6 ).

In the printing apparatus, the area for storing this priority print data is previously in the print data storage memory 17 intended. As a configuration of the buffer area in the print data storage 17 there is one that is constructed with a plurality of blocks of a fixed size and one that is constructed with a storage pool. The following description explains the processing of the priority printing process for each configuration example of these two types of buffer areas.

20 shows a schematic diagram of a buffer area (print buffer control table) which is constructed with a plurality of blocks of a fixed size. In 20 the blocks after the upper position which indicates the start pointer of the priority print blocks (dashed blocks) represent the buffer area for the priority print process, which only stores the priority print data. Incidentally, the number of blocks allocated to the buffer area for the priority printing process can optionally be set on the control panel. At the in 20 shown print buffer control table, the state of use (whether saved or free) is recognized by the in-use flag.

Referring now to the flow chart of FIG 21 described the processing procedure. When the print data is transferred from the host devices, "Waiting for data reception" is started in step S41. Subsequently, the free block that can be used is found (step S42). In the case of normal printing, in the area from the top block of the print buffer control table to the block immediately before the one at which the start pointer of the priority print block points, each of the in-use flags is found to find a free block, and in In the case of a priority printing process, each of the in-use flags is found over the entire area from the top block to the last block of the print buffer control table to find a free block. If no free block is found after BUSY has been transferred to the host device (step S43), the procedure returns to step S42 to search for a free block again. If a free block is found, it sets an in-use flag of the block (step S44). The print data is stored in the found free block (print buffer) (step S45). The print data are stored until the print data is complete or the free block is filled. Then the pressure determination is sent to the pressure control section 20 transmitted (step S46). It is judged whether or not the received print data remains (step S47), and if any print data remains, the procedure returns to step S42, and if no print data remains, the procedure returns ("RETURN").

22 shows in a flowchart the operating procedure of the pressure control section 20 which is the printing operation section 23 controls after receiving the print assignment. If the free block is filled with print data or all of the received print data are stored in the block (print data storage memory 17 ), the processing in step S51 is started by the pressure determination from step S46. The print data stored in the block is analyzed and extended to the bit map (step S52). If the saved print data already extends to the bitmap (extension), this processing is not required. Next, the pressure determination is made to the printing operation section 23 (Step S53) and the in-use flag is reset (Step S54) and the procedure returns. If the print data is guaranteed, this reset processing should be performed after the printed results are output. If there is no need to ensure the print data, or the print data is guaranteed on the host device side, this reset processing can be performed immediately after step S52.

The following is the description of the case where the print data storage memory 17 is built up by a storage pool. 23 shows a schematic diagram of this storage pool, which is generally divided into a normal buffer area, which stores normal print data and priority print data, and a priority buffer area, which only stores priority print data. The ratio of these two buffer areas can optionally be set from the control panel.

With reference to the river diamond program according to 24 the processing procedure will now be explained. If the print data has been transferred from a host device, "Waiting for data reception" is started in step S61. An assessment is also carried out on whether the received data represents priority print data or normal print data (step S62). In the case of priority print data, the procedure proceeds to step S65, wherein the buffer area combining the normal buffer area and the priority buffer area is determined as the buffer size (step S63), and in the case of normal print data, the procedure goes only to step S65 normal buffer area continues at which the procedure continues, at which a buffer size is determined.

In step S65, the print buffer is received from the memory pool within the size set in the pretreatment (step S63, S64). The recording size in this process depends on the size of the print data received. However, when the print data is stored in the print buffer after analyzing / modifying, the recording size differs from the size of the received print data. Subsequently, a judgment is made as to whether the print buffer can be taken up by the storage pool (step S66). If it is impossible to accept the print buffer, a BUSY command is transmitted to the host device (step S67), and this procedure returns to step S65. When the print buffer is received, the print determination is sent to the print control section 20 is given (step S68) and the procedure returns.

25 Fig. 14 shows a flowchart of the operation procedure of the pressure control section 20 which is the printing operation section 23 controls after receiving the pressure determination. If the storage pool is filled with the print data, or if all of the received print data are stored in the storage pool (print data storage memory 17 ), the procedure is started in step S71 by the pressure determination from step S68. The stored print data is analyzed and extended into the bitmap (step S72). If the saved print data has already been extended into the bitmap, this processing is not required. Subsequently, the pressure determination is made to the printing operation section 23 is given (step S73) and the print buffer is opened to the memory pool (step S74) and the procedure returns. In this case, if the print data is guaranteed, this opening processing should be performed after the print results are output. If the print data is not necessarily guaranteed, or the print data is guaranteed on the host device side, this opening processing can be performed immediately after step S72.

As described above because the Buffer area for storing the priority print data from the host device for the priority print process are previously provided even if the buffer area at the normal printing is full, the reception of the print data from the Host device For this Priority Printing Approved. Consequently, the print data from the host device for the priority printing process always received the transmission the priority print data can be completed faster and the operational efficiency of the host device to which a priority printing operation is assigned is can be improved.

The character font cache control system in the printing apparatus according to the present invention will now be described. 26 shows in a block diagram the configuration of this system, wherein in 26 the same symbols the same components as in 6 are assigned, and the explanation thereof is omitted. To the one with the CPU 11 connected data bus 12 are a cache control section 53 which is a character font cache control table 54 prepared to store the cache state, an application page control section 55 which is an application character style table 56 prepared for storing the application character type in the page and controlling the number of pages used for each character type, and a memory control section 57 that the free state of a memory 58 controls as a main memory. With the store 58 an auxiliary memory is connected 59 to do that in the auxiliary memory 59 saved character font patterns to memory 58 to output, the printing operation of the output dot pattern at the print control section 20 is controlled.

27 shows the arrangement of the character font cache control table 54 , The character font cache control table 54 exists for every character type that contains information such as font, character size, etc. In the relevant character font cache control table 54 is a load flag for displaying information as to whether the character font pattern is output or not, and an application page counter showing the number of pages used.

28 shows the arrangement of the application character type table 56 , This stores the number of character types and each character type in one page. The application character style table 56 is used to display which character types are used in a page and reduces the application page count of the character types with respect to this application character type table 56 when printing from each side is complete.

The following is the mode of operation described in more detail.

The data receiving section 13 analyzes the print data (character data) received from each host device and determines the character type (font, size, etc.) and the character code to the cache control section 53 , The cache control section 53 refers to the character font cache control table 54 the corresponding character type, checks the cache status (whether the character font pattern is output or not) on the basis of the load flag, and if the loading to the memory 58 not done yet the loading from the auxiliary storage 59 to the store 58 carried out. If at the same time the application page control section 55 the application character style table 56 finds and finds out that a character type has not yet been registered, ie the character type is used for the first time, it registers the character type to the application character type table 56 and renews the application character type number, and increments the character font application page counter of the character font cache control table 54 ,

When cache processing from the auxiliary storage 59 to the store 58 is completed, the CPU performs 11 a print job to the print control section 20 by. After execution of the print job, the noted application page control section refers 55 to the application character type table 56 and counts the application page counter of the character font cash control table 54 from any character type not used on the page. The application page control section then clarifies 55 the application character style table 56 and is ready for the next page.

If it is judged that in the memory 58 the memory control section 57 If there is no free area, the character font that is not currently being used, ie the font pattern of the character type, is the application page counter of the character font cache control table 54 Is zero from memory 58 deleted. The character font cache control operation as described above is performed in parallel for each logical printer.

When the power supply is interrupted, the memory control section stores the character font cache control table 54 in the auxiliary storage 59 , and reads the stored character font control table 54 from the auxiliary storage 59 at the time of the next IPL (Initial Programming Load) and loads font patterns beforehand in such a way that the cache state is recovered if the power supply is interrupted.

As described above, since the cache control is performed by the character types including the code system, the output of the code with different character types is simplified. Since the deletion is also carried out by the number of application pages, there is no danger that frequently used character fonts will be deleted. Because the erasure is done when the memory 58 becomes full, no waste of free memory is generated. As a result, it is possible to efficiently control the different character fonts and print at a high speed without wasting the memory 58 cause.

As described above because the print job is controlled by a variety of devices through the print guide the print job can be saved independently for each device, and the Print job from any device can be received at the same time. It is also possible that Print only for a particular device to stop without printing of the other devices to influence.

Since the paper feed inlet and the paper discharge outlet are for everyone logical printer is assigned, the operator can Paper feed inlet and Optionally assign paper output outlet, without the conventional Application of the device to change. It is therefore possible a coexistence of printed paper from different devices to the dispensing outlet prevent if the same output outlet is not for a variety of logical Printers is specified. Because the operating status for everyone the logical printer is displayed in a list, for example in a control panel, the operator can in easier Control a variety of logical printers.

Because an area for storing only the priority print data independently is provided even for the case if the for The print data storage area used in the normal printing process is completely occupied reception of the priority print data is enabled, and the mode of operation of the device during a priority printing process is improved.

Because the output of character font patterns by the character types according to the present Invention is controlled, the output of character font patterns with different sizes, fonts and Code system simplified. In particular, the issue is easier extreme of character font patterns with a different code system effective in realizing a variety of logical printers with different emulations on one printing device. Since the Font patterns will be deleted according to the number of application pages frequently Font patterns used are not deleted. There is a deletion of font patterns only takes place when there are no free ones courts in main memory, there is no waste of free space, and effective use of the memory is realized.

Since the present invention in different Shapes executed can be made without deviating from the core of its essential properties, serves the present embodiment just the explanation, but not the limitation, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and less by the present description, all changes, performed within the scope of the claims or equivalents such changes, of the claims comprises become.

Claims (3)

Character font pattern control method in a printing device which character font patterns from ei outputs an auxiliary memory to a main memory with high access speed and, before printing the characters, has the following steps: preparing a character font cache control table for each character type including font and character size which is used in a document to be printed, which character font cache control table for each of the character types includes a flag indicating whether or not a font pattern of a character type has been cached in the main memory and a counter indicating the number of pages in the document on which the character type is used; Determining whether or not a font pattern to be used for printing the document should be cached in the main memory by each of the character types with reference to the character font cache control table, the font pattern is cached in the main memory and the corresponding flag is changed if it is determined that the font pattern should be cached in main memory; Counting the number of pages using respective character types and incrementing the corresponding counters; Clearing the font patterns of the types of characters not used in any page from the main memory when there is no free space in the main memory so that a font pattern in the main memory cannot be cached and counting after a print request , the number of pages using respective character types for each of the character types and decrementing the corresponding counters. Character font pattern control method according to claim 1, where a code system is included in the classification of character types and the character font pattern of the code system with a different Type are output. Character font pattern control method according to one of the preceding Expectations, where the control table that stores the cache state in the auxiliary memory is stored when the power supply is interrupted and the stored cache state is read, when the power supply is then available again.