JPH08310085A - Device, system and method for printing and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To select a sheet feed opening suitable for emulation and print by providing a selecting means for selecting a sheet feed means usable for emulation in compliance with the combination set by a setting means. CONSTITUTION: Various kinds of windows registered in compliance with commands instructed by a mouse cursor or the like on a CRT 10 are opened by a CPU 1 on the side of a host computer 3000, and various kinds of data processing are carried out. In a printer 1000, the access to various kinds of devices connected with a system bus 15 based on a control program stored in a program ROM of a ROM 13 and a control program stored in an internal memory 14 is controlled comprehensively by a CPU 12, and image signals are output to a printing section 17 connected through a printing section interface 16. Communication processing with the host computer 3000 and other printers is carried out by the CPU 12 through a network interface circuit 18 to submit the information and the like in a printer to the computer 3000.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having a plurality of sheet feeding means and switching a plurality of emulations for printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus such as a laser beam printer has a plurality of paper feed ports. Install papers of different sizes, colors, types, etc., or papers with pre-printed forms, etc., in each paper feed port, and use the commands from the host computer connected via the network to feed paper or paper. Specify the mouth. As a result, the printing apparatus automatically switches the paper feed port to feed paper and perform printing processing.

Further, some printing apparatuses are equipped with a plurality of emulations, and some emulations can be adapted to the characteristics of print data such as text and graphics and can be used for printing processing from a plurality of host computers. It was

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional printing apparatus having a plurality of paper feed ports, all the paper feed ports can be selected from any emulation.
There is a problem that a sheet which is printed only by a specific emulation is erroneously printed by another emulation.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of selecting a paper feed port according to emulation and printing.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is a printing apparatus which emulates data sent from an information processing apparatus to print. Paper feeding means, setting means for setting a combination of the paper feeding means and the emulation, and selection means for selecting a paper feeding means usable for the emulation according to the set combination.

A printing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of the emulations, the setting means sets the usable emulation for each of the paper feeding means, and the selecting means supplies the emulation during execution of the emulation. It is characterized in that a paper means is selected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus including a plurality of the emulations and switching means for switching the emulations in response to a command from the information processing apparatus, and the setting means is a paper feed that can be used for each emulation. It is characterized in that it comprises registration means for registering means, and the selecting means selects the registered paper feeding means at the time of switching the emulation.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the setting unit sets the emulation during execution of the emulation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system including a printing device having a plurality of paper feeding means and an information processing device, wherein the printing device emulates data sent from the information processing device and prints. Therefore, a setting means for setting a combination of the sheet feeding means and the emulation, and a selection means for selecting a sheet feeding means usable for the emulation according to the set combination are provided.

A printing method according to a sixth aspect is a printing method in which a printing device emulates data sent from an information processing device and prints, wherein a combination of a plurality of paper feeding means and the emulation is set. According to the set combination, the paper feeding means usable for the emulation is selected.

An information processing apparatus according to a seventh aspect is an information processing apparatus that sends data to a printing apparatus that performs emulation and prints the data, and a set of a plurality of sheet feeding means provided in the printing apparatus and the emulation. It is characterized in that the printing apparatus selects a sheet feeding unit that can be used for the emulation, according to a setting unit that sets a match and the set combination.

[0013]

In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the data sent from the information processing apparatus is emulated and printed, the setting means sets a combination of a plurality of paper feeding means and the emulation. According to the set combination, the selecting means selects the paper feeding means that can be used for the emulation.

[0014]

EXAMPLE An example of the printing apparatus of the present invention will be described. The printing apparatus of this embodiment is a laser beam printer, and the laser printer is connected to a host computer to form a printing system.

[First Embodiment] The structure of a laser beam printer will be described. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of a laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as LBP). The LBP of this embodiment can register a character pattern or a fixed form (form data) by a data source (not shown).

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body, which is an externally connected host computer 3000.
(See Fig. 2) Input and store the character information (character code), form information, macro commands, etc., and create and record the corresponding character pattern or form pattern according to the information. An image is formed on a recording paper which is a medium.

Reference numeral 1200 is an operation panel on which operation switches and LED indicators are arranged, and 1100 is an LBP100.
This is a printer controller for controlling the entire 0 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer 3000. The printer controller 1100 converts the character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1001.

The laser driver 1001 is a semiconductor laser 1
002 is a circuit for driving the laser beam 002, which is a laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 1002 in accordance with an input video signal.
003 is switched on and off.

The laser beam 1003 is oscillated in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1004 to scan the surface of the electrostatic drum 1005. As a result, an electrostatic latent image having a character pattern is formed on the surface of the electrostatic drum 1005. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 1006 provided around the electrostatic drum 1005.
And then transferred to a recording paper.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in the paper cassette 1007 mounted on the LBP 1000, and the paper feed roller 1008 is used.
Also, it is taken into the apparatus by the transport rollers 1009 and 1010 and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1005.

Next, the structure of the printer control system will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer control system including a host computer and a printer. In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes the above-described host computer, which is a CPU 1 for executing processing of a document in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program etc. recorded in the ROM 3. Prepare CP
U1 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

The ROM 3 is a program ROM 3
a, a font ROM 3b, and a data ROM 3c. In the program ROM 3a,
A document processing program to be described later is stored, and font R
The OM 3b stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM 3c stores various data used in the document processing and the like.

A RAM 2 is a main memory of the CPU 1,
Functions as a work area, etc. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from a keyboard (KB) 9 and a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (CRTC), CR
The display of the T display (CRT) 10 is controlled.

A disk controller (MC) 7 is a hard disk (HD) or floppy disk (F) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.
Control access to the external memory 11 such as D).

8 is a network interface circuit (N
WI / F), which is connected to another host computer or printer 1000 via a predetermined network 21,
Communication control is performed with other devices such as the printer 1000.

The CPU 1 executes outline font rasterization processing for the display information RAM set in the RAM 2, and WYSIWY on the CRT 10.
G is possible.

The host computer 30 having the above configuration
The CPU 1 on the 00 side opens various windows registered on the CRT 10 in accordance with commands designated by a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like, and executes various data processing.

On the other hand, in the printer 1000, 12 is a CPU, and various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on the control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or the control program stored in the external memory 14. Control access to
An image signal is output as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16.

The ROM 13 is the program ROM 1
3b, ROM 13a for font, ROM 13c for data
It has a separate storage area. Program ROM 13
A control program to be described later is stored in b, a font ROM 13a stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and a data ROM 13c.
In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the information stored on the host computer 3000 is stored.

The CPU 12 can perform communication processing with the host computer 3000 and other printers via the network interface circuit 18, and can notify the host computer 3000 of information and resource data in the printer.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 12, and the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), and the like.

The external memory 14 such as the hard disk (HD) or IC card described above is a disk controller (M
C) Access is controlled by 20. External memory 14
Is optionally connected to store font data, emulation programs, form data, etc.

Reference numeral 1200 denotes the above-mentioned operation panel, on which operation switches, LED indicators and the like are arranged.

The external memory 14 described above is not limited to one, but a plurality of external memories may be provided. In addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are stored. It may be configured to be connectable. Furthermore, not shown NVR
It is also possible to have an AM and store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1200.

The operation of the printing system having the above configuration will be described.

First, the operation of setting the emulation for each sheet feed port will be described. FIG. 3 shows an operation panel 1200.
9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting an emulation that can be used for each sheet feed port in a software panel arranged in the host computer 3000.

When the setting process is selected from the panel menu, one of the tray numbers assigned to identify each paper feed port is selected (step S101). One of the emulations installed is designated for the paper feed port of the selected tray number (step S102).
At this time, a paper feed port may be selected from any emulation without specifying a specific emulation.

It is confirmed whether or not there is an unselected paper feed port (step S103). The process is repeated from step S101 until the designation of emulation is completed for all the paper feed ports. When the designation of emulation has been completed for all the paper feed ports, the setting values are written in the NVRAM (step S104), and the process ends.

Next, the operation of selecting a paper feed port that can be used during the paper feed process will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the paper feed port and emulation. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for selecting a paper feed port for each emulation.

First, the number T of paper feed ports mounted on the counter C is set to initialize the counter C (step S201). In FIG. 4, T = 6. It is confirmed whether there is a selectable paper feed port (step S202). If there is a selectable paper feed port, the paper feed port is selected from the paper size, attributes such as color / type of paper, tray number, etc. (step S203), and the counter C is decremented (step S204).

It is confirmed whether or not the selected paper feed port is in a paper-feedable state without running out of paper (step S20).
5). If the paper feed is possible, it is confirmed whether or not the paper feed port selected in the emulation currently being executed can be used (step S206). If the sheet feed port is usable, the sheet is fed from the sheet feed port to perform the printing process (step S207).

On the other hand, in step S205 or step S206, if the sheet cannot be fed from the selected sheet feed port, the process from step S202 is repeated.
Here, the priority order of paper feed port selection is set in advance by a panel or a command.

In step S202, if there is no sheet feed port capable of feeding and there is no sheet feed port selectable, a message is displayed on the display panel of the operation panel 1200 of the printer 1000 or the software panel of the host computer 3000. Then (step S208), an error is dealt with by interacting with the user.

[Second Embodiment] The printing system of the second embodiment will be described below. In the first embodiment, each time the paper feed processing is performed, it is confirmed whether each paper feed port can be used by the emulation being executed. In the second embodiment, a sheet feeding port candidate table that can be used for each emulation is created, and when the emulation is switched, this sheet candidate table is read and the sheet feeding process is performed.

First, the operation of creating a sheet feeding port auxiliary table for each emulation will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure for creating a sheet feeding port compensation table for each emulation. First, when the setting process is selected from the panel menu, one of the switchable emulations is selected (step S301). For the selected emulation, the tray number candidates of the available paper feed port are designated (step S302). It is confirmed whether there is any unselected emulation (step S303). The processes from step S301 are repeated until the designation of the usable paper feed port candidates for all emulations is completed. When the designation of the usable sheet feed source candidates for all emulations is completed, the usable sheet feed port candidate table is written in the NVRAM (step S304), and the process ends.

Next, the operation of reading the candidate of the paper feed port at the time of switching the emulation will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for selecting a paper feed port from a table of paper feed port candidates that can be used when switching emulation.

The table of available paper feed port candidates is read (step S401), the number T'of selectable paper feed ports is set in the counter C, and the counter C is initialized. Then, it is confirmed whether or not there is a selectable paper feed port (step S402).

If there is a selectable paper feed port, the paper feed port is selected from attributes such as paper size, color / type of paper, and tray number (step S403), and the counter C is decremented (step S404). ).

It is confirmed whether or not the selected paper feed port is in a paper-feedable state without running out of paper (step S40).
5). When the paper can be fed, the paper is fed from the paper feed port to perform the printing process (step S40).
6).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S405 that the paper cannot be fed from the selected paper feed port, the processing from step S402 is repeated. The priority priority for selecting the paper feed port is set in advance by a panel or a command.

If it is determined in step S402 that there is no paper feed port capable of feeding, a message is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 1200 of the printer 1000 or the software panel of the host computer 3000 (step S407) to communicate with the user. Have a dialogue and deal with errors.

[Modification] Next, a printing system of a modification will be described. In the first and second embodiments, the operation panel 1200 or the host computer 30 is used.
In the 00 software panel, the emulation is designated for each sheet feed port, and the usable sheet feed port is set for each emulation. In the modified printing system, the host computer 3
The emulation ID is set to the paper feed port by the command from 000, and the paper feed port to which the emulation ID is set cannot be selected from other emulations. As a result, it is possible to prevent an improper sheet feeding port from being selected from another emulation by mistake.

[0053]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the data sent from the information processing device is emulated and printed, a set of a plurality of paper feeding means and the emulation is set by the setting means. Since the matching is set and the paper feeding means usable for the emulation is selected by the selecting means according to the set combination, the paper feeding means suitable for the emulation can be surely selected. Therefore, in a network environment (multi-emulation), form paper, color paper, and the like can be easily used and the usability for the user can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of emulations, and the setting means sets the emulation that can be used for each of the paper feeding means.
Since the selecting unit selects the sheet feeding unit during the execution of the emulation, it is possible to prevent the sheet feeding unit unsuitable for the emulation being executed from being selected.

According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect, the plurality of emulations and the switching means for switching the emulations by the instruction from the information processing apparatus are provided, and the setting means can be used for each emulation. The selecting means includes a registering means for registering the paper feeding means, and the selecting means selects the registered paper feeding means at the time of switching the emulation, so that the usable paper feeding means can be immediately selected according to the switching of the emulation. .

According to the printing apparatus of the fourth aspect, since the setting means makes the setting during the execution of the emulation, it is possible to avoid the wrong selection of the paper feeding means from other emulation even during the execution.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system including a printing device having a plurality of paper feeding means and an information processing device, wherein the printing device emulates data sent from the information processing device and prints. Since the system is provided with setting means for setting a combination of the sheet feeding means and the emulation, and selection means for selecting a sheet feeding means usable for the emulation according to the set combination, It is possible to reliably select the paper feeding means suitable for emulation. Therefore, the usability for the user in multi-emulation can be improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method in which the printing apparatus emulates data sent from the information processing apparatus and prints, and a combination of a plurality of paper feeding means and the emulation is used. Since the sheet feeding means that can be used for the emulation is selected according to the setting and the set combination, the sheet feeding means suitable for the emulation can be surely selected.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus which sends data to a printing apparatus for emulation and prints, wherein a plurality of paper feeding means provided in the printing apparatus and the emulation are provided. According to the setting means for setting the combination of the above and the set combination, the printing apparatus selects the paper feeding means that can be used for the emulation, so that the paper feeding means suitable for the emulation can be surely selected. Therefore, the usability for the user in multi-emulation can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a laser beam printer.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer control system including a host computer and a printer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting an emulation that can be used for each sheet feed port in the operation panel 1200 or the software panel arranged in the host computer 3000.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a paper feed port and emulation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for selecting a paper feed port for each emulation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for creating a sheet feeding port auxiliary table for each emulation.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for selecting a sheet feeding port from a sheet feeding port candidate table that can be used when switching emulation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 CPU 17 Printing unit 1000 Laser beam printer 1200 Operation panel 3000 Host computer

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus for emulating and printing data sent from an information processing apparatus, comprising: a plurality of paper feeding means; setting means for setting a combination of the paper feeding means and the emulation; A printing apparatus comprising: a selection unit that selects a sheet feeding unit that can be used for the emulation according to the set combination. 2. A plurality of the emulations are provided, the setting means sets the emulation that can be used for each of the paper feeding means, and the selection means selects the paper feeding means during execution of the emulation. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printing apparatus. 3. A plurality of said emulations and a switching means for switching said emulations in response to a command from said information processing device are provided, and said setting means includes a registration means for registering a usable paper feeding means for each emulation. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the registered sheet feeding unit when the emulation is switched. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets during execution of the emulation. 5. A printing system comprising a printing device having a plurality of paper feeding means and an information processing device, wherein the printing device emulates data sent from the information processing device and prints the data. A printing system comprising: a setting unit that sets a combination of the emulation and the emulation; and a selection unit that selects a sheet feeding unit that can be used for the emulation according to the set combination. 6. A printing method, wherein a printing device emulates data sent from an information processing device and prints the data, wherein a combination of a plurality of sheet feeding means and the emulation is set, and the set combination is set. Therefore, the printing method is characterized in that a paper feeding unit usable for the emulation is selected. 7. An information processing apparatus for sending data to a printing apparatus for emulation to print, and setting means for setting a combination of a plurality of paper feeding means provided in the printing apparatus and the emulation. The information processing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus selects a sheet feeding unit that can be used for the emulation according to the set combination.