JPH04224983A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing device such as a page printer capable of copy printing.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Page printers such as LCS printers and LED printers are known as devices that print on paper according to print information output from an external host device, such as a host computer. Some of these page printers have a so-called copy printing function that repeats the printing process for each page of print data input from a host device for a specified number of sheets. By using this function, you can create specified copies of the same printed image, just like a copy machine.

0003

[Problems with the Prior Art] In copy printing as described above, the number of copies to be printed is usually specified from the host device. However, in this case, a problem arises when the number of copies printed on each page is different. That is, in the case of a page printer, it is not possible to perform simple copying processes such as setting the number of copies for each page and copying them, or copying original documents with different numbers of copies separately, as in a copying machine. For this reason, it is not possible to output print data for multiple pages from the host device to the page printer at once, and print data is sent page by page, or multiple pages are printed only when the same number of copies are printed consecutively. It is only possible to send data in bulk. Furthermore, it was not possible to change the setting of the number of copies to be made during the copy printing process.

Therefore, in the conventional copy printing process, it is necessary to repeat the data input process to the page printer multiple times, resulting in an extremely inefficient copy printing process.

[0005]

[Object of the Invention] In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention makes it possible to easily change the number of copies even when copying and printing a plurality of pages with different numbers of copies, and to perform efficient copying and printing. The purpose is to provide a printing device with

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a printing device that copies print data of each page onto a specified number of sheets of paper according to print information input from a host device, during a copy printing operation. a counter for counting the number of sheets of paper for which the printing process has been completed; a storage means for storing the designated number of copies to be inputted from the host device or the operation input means; and a storage means for interrupting a series of printing operations and storing it in the storage means. and a printing control means that repeatedly performs a copy printing operation based on the number of copies specified by the storage means or the interruption control means. It is characterized by

[0007]

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of the page printer of this embodiment. In the figure, an interface controller 1 that performs system control of a page printer includes a CPU (central processing unit) 2, a ROM 3, an R
It consists of an AM 4, an operation control section 5, a reception buffer 6, an image data generation section 7, and a frame memory 8. Further, the printer section 9 is a circuit that controls the drive of a print head, a photosensitive drum, a charger, etc. (not shown), and via a printer interface (hereinafter referred to as PR interface) 10,
It is connected to the interface controller 1.

The interface controller 1 is connected to a host computer 11, which is a host device, via a host interface 12, and the host computer 11 sends print data consisting of character codes and various commands necessary for print processing to the interface controller 1.
Output to. The CPU 2 controls the entire system according to the system program stored in the ROM 3. For example, as described above, the CPU 2 controls storing the print data output from the host computer 11 into the reception buffer 6, and controls the storage of the print data output from the host computer 11 into the reception buffer 6. Reads the print information, identifies the command, and performs the corresponding control processing.

The image data generating section 7 is a circuit that outputs dot pattern data corresponding to the character code to the frame memory 8 . Further, the frame memory 8 stores the dot pattern data output from the image data generating section 7, and has a memory capacity capable of storing data for one page of paper. The operation control unit 5 also includes a start key for print processing, a key for specifying the number of copies, a confirmation/temporary selection key (described later), and an interlocking state between the host computer and the printer (
It consists of selection keys to switch between online and offline.

The relationship between the interface controller 1 and the printer section 9 is such that the dot pattern data and print instruction signals stored in the frame memory 8 described above are output from the interface controller 1 to the printer section 9, and from the printer section 9 A signal indicating the printing state is output to the controller 1.

The RAM 4 is composed of a storage area for storing various data generated during control processing by the CPU 2, a counter area for copy printing processing, and the like. Figure 2 shows RAM
4 is a diagram showing a part of the memory configuration of No. 4. FIG. As shown in the figure, the RAM 4 is composed of storage areas such as a printed sheet number counter 4a and target copy number storage areas 4b and 4c. The printed sheet number counter 4a is a counter that counts the number of sheets of paper for which the printing process for the same page has been completed during the copy printing process. Further, the target number of copies storage area 4b stores data on the number of copies specified in advance by the host computer 11, or data on the number of copies set by the operator's instruction from the operation control unit 5. Further, the data stored in the target copy number storage area 4c is the data on the number of copies specified by the operator's instructions from the operation control unit 5, but this data on the number of copies is temporary data on the number of copies. be. The data on the number of copies to be stored in the target copy number storage area 4b or 4c is written to either storage area by operating the above-mentioned confirm/temporary selection key, as will be described later.

In the page printer having the above configuration, the copy printing processing operation will be explained below using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. First, when print data is output from the host computer 11 to the interface controller 1 via the host interface 12, the CPU 2 stores this print data in the reception buffer 6 under the control of the ROM 3, as described above. Thereafter, the CPU 2 determines whether there is print data in the reception buffer 6, and if so, stores the data converted into dot pattern data in the frame memory 8 as described above (step (hereinafter referred to as ST in the flowchart of FIG. 4). )1, ST2). FIG. 3 details the processing contents of ST2, in which the CPU 2 reads print data from the reception buffer 6 and executes data identification processing (steps (hereinafter referred to as S in the flowchart of FIG. 3) 1, S2). For example, if the data read out by this identification process is a character code, dot pattern data corresponding to the character code is read out from the image data generation section 7 and stored in a predetermined area of the frame memory 8 (S3). Further, if the print data read from the reception buffer 6 is a copy number setting command, the data read immediately after this command is registered in the target copy number storage area 4b as the target number of copies (S
4). Incidentally, the target number of copies to be registered in the target number of copies storage area 4b at this time is 20 in this embodiment. Also,
If the print data read from the reception buffer 6 is an instruction command for other control processing, such as character rotation or enlargement, processing corresponding to the command is performed (S5). Also, the data read from the reception buffer 6 is F. F code (
If the command is a paper discharge instruction command), a process for completing generation of data for one page is executed (S6). That is, this process is performed from the data in the reception buffer 6 to the F. This is a process that is executed when the F code is read. C by reading the F code
The PU 2 determines that one page of dot pattern data has been stored in the frame memory 8, and moves on to control the output of the dot pattern data to the printer section 9 (FIG. 4 ST).
3).

As mentioned above, F. The end of data writing to the frame memory 8 is determined by outputting the F code (S
T3 is Y (yes) and RAM4 is controlled by CPU2.
The count data of the printed sheet number counter 4a is reset (ST4). Next, it is determined whether there is a change in the number of copies (ST5). This determination is made based on whether or not the operator operates the operation control section 5 to switch (deselect) the connection with the host computer to an offline state and inputs an instruction to change the number of copies. Normally, it is rare that there is an instruction to change the number of copies immediately, and for the sake of explanation, there is no instruction to change the number of copies in the first flow, and the number of copies (2
0 sheets) (ST5 is N).

Next, the CPU 2 determines whether there is a temporary flag (ST6). This temporary flag is set by the aforementioned operation control unit 5.
This flag is turned on when a temporary target number of copies is set in the target number of copies storage area 4c by operating the confirmation/temporary selection key. Therefore, at this time, there is no temporary flag (ST
6 is N), the process moves to judgment (ST7).

This judgment is made in the copy target number storage area 4b.
The data on the number of copies set (20 copies) (indicated by target A in the flowchart in the same figure) and the number of printed copies counter 4
This is to compare the count data of a. However, in this initial judgment, since the count data of the printed sheets counter 4a has been reset to "0" by the above-mentioned process (ST4) (ST7 is N), the printer section 9 executes the printing operation according to the instruction from the CPU 2. (ST8). That is,
A print instruction signal is output from the CPU 2 to the printer section 9, and one page's worth of dot pattern data stored in the frame memory 8 is output. This dot pattern data is output to a print head (not shown), which drives image forming units such as a photosensitive drum, developer, and transfer device to create an image on paper based on the print data.

Thereafter, when a paper discharge sensor (not shown) detects the discharge of the paper on which the printing process has been performed (ST9 is Y),
Add 1 to the count data of the printed sheet counter 4a (
ST10). Then, the process returns to determination (ST5) and it is determined whether there is an instruction to change the number of copies. Here, if there is no instruction to change the number of copies (ST5 is N), the copy printing process is continued, and the count data of the printed number counter 4a, which counts up for each printing process, and the target number of copies storage area The data of the target number of copies (20 copies) stored in the target copy number storage area 4b is compared (ST7), and the above-mentioned process ( ST5~ST10
)repeat.

Thereafter, when the count data of the printed sheet number counter 4a matches the data of the copy target number storage area 4b (the count data of the printed sheet number counter 4a becomes "
20", ST7 returns Y) and it is determined that the specified number of copies has been reached.Then, the temporary flag is reset (however, in this case, the temporary flag is not set, but it is executed as a process), and the copying process is executed. Target number memory area 4b
Clear the data (“20”) and clear the dot pattern data stored in the frame memory 8 (S
T11-ST13).

On the other hand, if the operator issues an instruction to change the number of copies in the middle of the above-mentioned copy printing process for 20 copies (
If ST5 is Y), a copy number change input process (ST14) is executed, and a determination is made as to whether it is fixed or temporary (ST15). This judgment is executed by an operation signal output from the confirmation/temporary selection key of the operation control unit 5 mentioned above, and in the case of a "confirm" instruction, a new target value of the number of copies is set in the copy target number storage area 4b. (ST16). For example, the target copy number of 20 sheets stored in the target copy number storage area 4b as described above is changed to 15 sheets (indicated by target A' in the flowchart of the figure).

The CPU 2 next determines whether or not there is a temporary flag, and since there is no temporary flag at this time, the newly set target number of copies (15 copies) as described above is greater than or equal to the count data of the printed number counter 4a ( For example, if the count data of the printed sheet number counter 4a is data such as "10", the printing process is continued until the count data of the printed sheet number counter 4a reaches the newly set copy target number as described above. Repeat (ST16, ST6, ~ST10). Furthermore, if the newly set copy target number (15 copies) is less than or equal to the count data of the printed number counter 4a (S
If T7 is Y), the same process as described above (ST11 to ST13) is executed to immediately end the copy printing process for that page.

Further, when temporarily changing the number of copies of the page, when the above-mentioned instruction to change the number of copies is received from the operator (Y in ST5), the number of copies change input process (ST1
4) and make a final/temporary decision (ST15).
Confirm that this is a “temporary” instruction. In this case, a new target value for the number of copies is set in the target number of copies storage area 4c (indicated by target B in the flowchart of the figure, ST17). Then, set the temporary flag (ST
18) The temporary target number of copies set in the target number of copies storage area 4c is compared with the count data of the printed number counter 4a (ST6, ST19). Similarly to the above, if the number of copies set in the target number of copies storage area 4c is equal to or greater than the count data of the number of printed copies counter 4a, the number of copies set in the target number of copies storage area 4c is equal to the number of printed copies counter 4c. The printing process is repeated until the count data of 4a is reached (ST19 is N
, ST6, ~ST10). On the other hand, the number of copies set in the target number of copies storage area 4c is displayed on the printed number counter 4a.
If the count data is less than or equal to the count data of
1 to ST13). Therefore, by controlling printing as described above, it is possible to change the setting of the number of copies of only that page during the copy printing process, or the number of copies of the copy printing process that continues thereafter.

When printing the next page after completing the printing process for one page as described above, if the number of copies to be printed for the next page is different from the number of copies for the first page, the operator must press the operation control unit. 5 to specify a new number of copies. In this case, when printing the second page, the judgment shown in Figure 4 (
ST5) immediately becomes N, and the desired number of copies of the second page is stored in the target copy number storage area 4b (ST
14-ST18). In this case as well, the number of copies for the second and subsequent pages can be set, or the number of copies for only the second page can be set by operating the confirmation/temporary selection key as described above.

Therefore, from then on, as described above, the count data of the printed number counter 4a is counted up every time one sheet is printed, and the copy printing process for the newly set number of copies is executed on the second page ( ST5-ST10). Note that even in this case, the operator can change the number of copies midway through (ST15 to ST18).

[0023] By performing the same copy printing process for the third and subsequent pages, it is possible to print the desired number of copies for each page. Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a RAM in a page printer to explain another embodiment. This embodiment differs from the system block diagram in FIG. 1 in the configuration of the RAM 14 and the control program in the ROM 3 shown in the figure, but the other configurations are the same as in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the RAM 14 is composed of a print number subtraction counter 14a, a copy target number storage area 14b, and a storage area (not shown) that stores data processed by the CPU 2. Further, FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the copy printing process of this embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, the print data output from the host computer 11 is temporarily stored in the reception buffer 6, and thereafter the print data is sequentially read out from the reception buffer 6 under the control of the CPU 2, and the print data is identified. is the same as in the previous embodiment (step (hereinafter referred to as
1 to ST (indicated by STP in the flowchart of FIG. 6)
P3). Furthermore, if the data read by this identification process is a character code, dot pattern data corresponding to the character code is stored in a predetermined area of the frame memory 8, and one page's worth of dot pattern data is written in the frame memory 8. The same is true (S1 to S6 shown in FIG.
).

However, the following processing is different, and the F. The F code is read from the reception buffer 6 (STP3 is Y
) and writes the data of the target number of copies set in the target number of copies storage area 14b to the number of printed copies subtraction counter 14a in the RAM 14 (STP4). For example, if the target copy number data is 20 copies as in the above-mentioned example,
Data "20" is written to the print number subtraction counter 14a. Note that this copy number data "20" is also set in the copy target number storage area 14b by the above-mentioned process (S4). After that, if there is no instruction to change the number of copies (STP5 is N), it is determined whether the count data of the print number subtraction counter 14a is "0" (STP6), and since the count data is "20" in the first process ( STP6
is N), and the printing operation is executed (STP7). This printing operation is similar to the above-mentioned process (ST8), and it is determined whether the paper on which the printing process has been performed is ejected, and the print number subtraction counter 14
The count value of a is decreased by 1 (STP8, STP9). If there is no instruction to change the number of copies from the operator during this time, when the count data of the print number subtraction counter 14a becomes "0", the dot pattern data in the frame memory 8 is cleared to end the copy printing process for the first page. (STP17).

On the other hand, when the operator outputs an operation signal for changing the number of copies during the copy printing process (STP5 is Y), input processing for changing the number of copies is performed (STP10).
). Then, the CPU 2 compares the count data in the print number subtraction counter 14a with the input value of the number of copies (for example, 15) input through the above-described number of copies change input process (STP11). For example, if the copy printing process has already been performed on three copies at this time and the count data of the print number subtraction counter 14a is 17, then the copy target number storage area 1
Subtracting the count data “17” of the print number subtraction counter 14a from the data “20” stored in the print number subtraction counter 14b results in “3”.
”, which is smaller than the input value “15” (STP11
(Y) Execute processing STP12.

This process is performed by input value ("15") - (storage data ("20") in copy target number storage area 14b -
The data "12" of the data ("17") of the print number subtraction counter 14a is calculated, and the data "12" which is the result of this calculation is set in the print number subtraction counter 14a (STP12). That is, in this case, since the data obtained by subtracting the count data of the print number subtraction counter 14a from the data in the target copy number storage area 14b is approximately the number of sheets of paper that has been printed, this number is used as the target number of copies to be newly input. This is subtracted from the data (input value) and set in the print number subtraction counter 14a.

After the above calculation, the CPU 2 further determines /
A temporary judgment is made (ST13), and if it is judged as “confirmed”, the data in the copy target number storage area 14b is set to the input value (“1”).
5") (STP14), and on the other hand, when it is determined to be "temporary", the data stored in the copy target number storage area 14b remains as is and the newly set count data of the print number subtraction counter 14a becomes "0". The copy printing process is executed until the number is reached (STP5 to STP9).

On the other hand, when the above judgment (STP11) is N, for example, if copy printing has already been performed on 16 sheets and the count data of the print number subtraction counter 14a is 4,
Data “2” stored in the copy target number storage area 14b
Subtracting the count data "4" of the print number subtraction counter 14a from "0" results in "16", which is larger than the input value "15", so the judgment (STP11) is N. In this case, the newly input number of copies is Since the printing process has already been completed, confirm/temporary judgment is made in the same way as above (ST1
5) If it is determined to be “determined”, copy target number storage area 1
Reset the data of 4b to the input value (“15”) (STP
16) On the other hand, when it is determined that it is "temporary", the data stored in the target number of copies storage area 14b is left as is, and the dot pattern data stored in the frame memory 8 is cleared in order to finish the copy printing process for that page (STP17). )
.

By performing the above processing on each page, it is possible to easily change the setting of the number of copies for each page or even during the copy printing process of each page, as in the previous embodiment. .

[0032]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when printing multiple pages with different numbers of copies to be printed, the number of copies can be easily changed from the operation control section of the printing device, and the desired number of copies can be changed. It is possible to print the number of copies of each page.

Furthermore, since the setting of the number of copies can be easily changed, efficient printing processing becomes possible.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a printing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a RAM in a printing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printing device of one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printing device of one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a RAM in a printing device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a printing device according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Interface controller 2 CPU 3 ROM 4, 14 RAM 4a Printed number counters 4b, 4c, 14b Copy target number storage area 5
Operation control section 6 Reception buffer 7 Image data generation section 8 Frame memory 9 Printer section 10 PR interface 12 Host interface 14a Printed number subtraction counter

Claims (1)

[Claims] [Claim 1] In a printing device that copies print data of each page onto a specified number of sheets of paper according to print information input from a host device, during copy printing operation, counts the number of sheets of paper on which printing processing has been completed. a counter; a storage means for storing the designated number of copies inputted from the host device or the operation input means; 1. A printing apparatus, comprising: an interruption control means for enabling such printing, and a printing control means for repeatedly performing a copy printing operation based on the number of copies specified by the storage means or the interruption control means.