JPH0441282A - printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To achieve an input processing of a data from a host device even without paper by arranging a means to set a timing of outputting information to a higher-order device by a means for outputting information on the absence of paper and a means to control the outputting of information to be outputted to a higher-order device from the mans for outputting information on the absence of paper. CONSTITUTION:When paper runs short for a paper feed cassette 8 or 18 or a manual feeding base 23, a data is read out of a memory area within a corresponding EEPROM 32. After a dot pattern data for one page of the paper 1 is written into a frame memory 31, absence of paper is reported to a host computer 33 and an operator call error report flag is set to forbid an interrupt processing of a data reception from the host computer 33. Before the start of a printing operation is made ready with the completion of one page of data, the paper is set. This eliminates interruption of a data receiving processing for the host computer 33.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to an LCS printer that performs printing processing on paper based on print data output from an external host device;
It relates to printing devices such as LED printers and laser printers.

[Prior Art] Printing devices such as LCS printers, LED printers, and laser printers are devices that are connected to an external host computer, which is a host device, and perform printing processing on paper (transfer paper) based on print data. In such a printing device, it is essential to feed paper used for printing.

Conventionally, in order to supply paper into the above-described printing apparatus, for example, a paper feed cassette containing a predetermined number of sheets of paper is attached to the apparatus, and a paper feed mechanism supplies the paper one by one into the apparatus. Immediately when the paper in the paper feed cassette runs out, an alarm process is performed, and an output stop signal is output to the host computer, thereby stopping the supply of print data from the host computer.

Thereafter, when the paper feed cassette is replenished with paper, a control signal is output to the host computer, and the process of outputting print data from the host computer is restarted.

[Problems with conventional technology]

However, in the printing device described above, not only when paper is fed from the paper cassette, but also when printing several sheets of specific paper such as slip paper, the paper is placed on a so-called manual paper tray. In many cases, the paper is fed by In such a case, as described above, information that there is no paper in the manual paper tray or paper feed cassette is immediately output to the host computer, and no print data is sent from the host computer until paper is set. For this reason, print data is always supplied from the host computer after the paper is set in the device.

Therefore, it is not possible to first receive print data when there is insufficient paper in the manual paper tray or paper feed cassette, and then perform a paper replenishment operation (paper preparation). This means that, for example, when printing on paper runs out of paper stored or placed in a paper feed cassette, it is not possible to directly input print data from the host computer and then prepare the paper. That is,
In such a case, it is necessary to temporarily stop the print data input process and replenish paper, making it impossible to perform efficient print processing.

[Purpose of the invention]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing device that can perform efficient printing processing.

[Key points of the invention]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printing device that performs a printing process on paper according to printing information transmitted from a host device, and includes a paper detection means for determining the presence or absence of the paper;
a paper out information output means for outputting paper out information when the paper out detection means detects the paper out state; a setting means for setting a timing for outputting information to the host device by the paper out information output means; and the setting. The apparatus is characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the output of information outputted from the paper out information output means to the host device according to settings of the means.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing device according to an embodiment, and explains an example of an LED printer as the printing device.

In the figure, an LED printer 1 includes a photoreceptor drum 2,
chargers 3 sequentially arranged near the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor drum 2;
LED head 4, developer 5, transfer device 6, cleaner 7,
Paper P carried out from the paper feed cassette 8 by the paper feed roller 9
paper transport mechanisms such as a slip roll 10, a standby plate 11, a fixing roll 12, a transport roll 13, and a paper ejection roll 14 for transporting the paper, and an interface control board 15.
It consists of a control box 15 having a printer control board 15b.

The charger 3 is a device that applies an initial charge to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 2 rotating in the direction of the arrow.
is a device that exposes the photosensitive surface based on image data.
The developing device 5 is a device that converts the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive surface by the above-described exposure into a toner image, and the transfer device 6 is a device that transfers the toner image onto the paper P. Further, the cleaner 7 is a device for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive surface, and the fixing roll 12 is a device for conveying the paper P on which the toner image has been transferred and fixing the toner image on the paper P.

On the other hand, a paper feed unit 1-17 is provided below the LED printer 1 as an option. Paper feeding unit 17
are paper feed cassette 18, paper feed roller 19, conveyance guide plate 20
, transport rolls 21, 22. The paper P' in the paper feed cassette 18 is carried out from the paper feed center 18 by the paper feed roller 19, and the LED
The paper is transported to the slip roll 10 via a paper supply port 24 directly below a manual feed table 23 formed on the side surface of the printer 1 . Note that the paper P' from the slip roll 10
The transport mechanism is the same as that for the paper P described above.

The manual feed table 23 is a paper mounting table used when printing on a relatively small number of sheets of paper such as slip paper or colored paper. The paper P'' placed on the manual feed table 23 is conveyed to the slip roll 10 by the manual paper feed roll 16 being driven at a predetermined timing, and thereafter the paper P''
, P' are fed by the same transport mechanism.

On the other hand, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interface controller circuit and a printer controller circuit arranged on boards 15a and 15b provided in the control box 15. However, the figure also shows a host computer 33 which is an external host device. In the same figure, the interface controller section (hereinafter referred to as I/F
15a' (hereinafter referred to as a controller section) indicates the circuit configuration within the above-mentioned interface control board 15a, and a printer controller section (hereinafter referred to as a PR controller section) 15b' includes the printer control board 15b,
The circuit configuration inside the ED head 4 is shown.

The I/F controller section 15a' includes a CPU (central processing section) 25, a host interface (hereinafter referred to as "host" I/F) 26, a ROM 27, a RAM 28, and a reception buffer 2.
9, image data generation section 30, frame memory 31,
Consists of EEPROM 32, PR controller section 15
b' is composed of a printer controller 34 and the above-mentioned LED head 4.

The host computer 33, which is a host device, is a circuit that outputs character codes and control data for printing processing to the I/F controller section 15a via the host 1/F 26. Although not shown, an operation/display unit for an operator to operate the LED printer 1 and for displaying information to be described later is also connected to the CPU 25 described above.

The CPU 25 controls each part according to a program stored in the ROM 27. For example, the CPU 25 supplies the above character code and control data input via the host r/F 26 to the reception buffer 29 according to the program in the ROM 27. It also reads data such as character codes once written into the reception buffer 29, outputs the character codes to the image data generation section 30, converts them into corresponding pattern data, and writes them into the frame memory 31. In addition, various commands that make up the control data are output to the CPU 25.
5, the corresponding processing is executed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the EEPROM 32 has a plurality of memory areas each having a 4-bit configuration. Each memory area 32a,
32b and 32c store information for performing predetermined processing depending on the presence or absence of paper stored or placed in the above-mentioned paper feed cassette 8, 18 and manual feed table 23, respectively. In this memory area, the lower two bits are for paper feed cassette 8 or 1.
8, or when there is no paper P'' placed on the manual feed table 23, data indicating how to process this information is stored. This is information that does not output paper out information to the host computer 33 when the 2 bits are "OO" (hereinafter referred to as A mode). Also, when the lower 2 bits are 01', the paper out information is immediately output to the host computer 33. This is the information to be output (hereinafter referred to as B mode).Furthermore, if the lower two bits are "10°", there is no paper when the writing process of one page of dot pattern data is completed in the frame memory 31 mentioned above and the printing process is started. information to the host computer 33
(hereinafter referred to as C mode).

On the other hand, the upper two bits of the memory area store processing information for sounding a buzzer when no paper is detected.

For example, this information is used to control the buzzer so as not to sound when the top two nodes are at 00 (hereinafter referred to as A' mode). In addition, when the upper 2 bits are "01", this is information for controlling the buzzer to sound immediately after detecting no paper (hereinafter referred to as B' mode).Furthermore, when the lower 2 bits are "'10", This information is used to sound a buzzer to notify the paper out information when the writing process of one page of dot pattern data in the frame memory 31 is completed and the printing process is started (hereinafter referred to as C' mode).

The 1/F controller section 15a' and the printer controller section 15b' are connected by a PR interface 38, and various types of data are connected from the I/F controller section 15a' side to the printer controller 34 via the PR interface 38. A control signal is output. Based on these signals, the printer controller 34 outputs high-voltage output control signals for the charger 3 and transfer device 6-5, as well as drive control signals for the photosensitive drum 2 and various transport rolls. Further, detection signals are input to the printer controller 34 from various switches or sensors. In particular, there is a paper presence detection sensor 8'18' that detects the presence or absence of paper P or P' stored in the paper feed cassette 8.18 as a paper feed-related sensor, and a paper presence/absence detection sensor 8'18' that detects the presence or absence of paper P or P' stored in the paper feed cassette 8. A detection signal indicating the presence or absence of paper is input from the paper presence/absence detection sensor 23' which detects whether or not the paper is placed.

These paper presence/absence detection sensors 8'18',23' are
For example, the configuration is such that a photocoupler detects the presence or absence of paper stored or placed in a paper feed cassette or the like.

The processing operations of the LED printer 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 7.

First, FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating data reception interrupt processing. This process is carried out by the host computer 33.
The control process when writing the above-mentioned character code and control data from to the reception buffer 29 in the I/F control 15a is shown. When the above-mentioned data is output from the host computer 33 to the LED printer 1, data reception interrupt processing is executed, and the above-mentioned control data etc. output from the host computer 33 are sent to the host l for every 1 hide (8 bits).
- It is output to the reception buffer 129 via the r/F26.

At this time, when the above-mentioned data of 1 hide is input to the reception buffer 29, the CPU 25 (step (hereinafter referred to as ST))
1) Determine whether an operator call error has occurred (Sr1).

This operator call error will be described in detail later, but it is an abnormal state in which the subsequent printing process must be stopped, for example, when the aforementioned photosensitive drum 2 has reached the end of its life span or when a hardware error has occurred. Therefore, if an operator call error occurs during data writing (Sr1 is Y (yes)), a data reception pending flag is set (Sr1).

On the other hand, if no operator call error occurs (
If Sr1 is N (No), a next data reception permission signal is output to the host computer 33 in order to write the next I-hide data from the host computer 33 to the reception buffer 29 (Sr4). Thereafter, when the receiving Hanwha 29 receives the next 1 byte of data from the host computer 33, it executes a data reception response process (Sr5). By repeating the above process every time data is output from the host computer 33, data such as character codes are sequentially written into the receiving buffer 29, and data such as character codes for several pages are stored in the receiving buffer 29. written.

Further, the CPU 25 executes the system timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 5 at regular intervals. This system timer interrupt process is a process for checking the status of the LED printer 1, especially the image forming section (step S). The specific content of this process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this process, first, the CPU 25 acquires various information in the LED printer 1 (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). Acquisition of this information is executed by collecting signals supplied to the printer controller 34 from various switches and sensors.

Next, the CPU 25 connects the I/F controller section 15a',
It is determined whether a defect has occurred in the circuit constituting the PR controller section 15b' (whether a so-called hard error has occurred) (S2). If a hardware error is detected by this determination (S2 is Y), this hardware error is notified to the host computer 33 (S3). Thereafter, a buzzer (not shown) sounds, the above-mentioned operation/display section displays a hardware error, and the above-mentioned interrupt processing for data reception from the host computer 33 is prohibited from now on (3
4-S6).

On the other hand, when there is no hard error mentioned above (32 is N),
Next, it is determined whether the aforementioned photosensitive drum 2 has reached the end of its life (S7). The life of the photoreceptor drum 2 is detected, for example, by counting the number of printings since the photoreceptor drum 2 was newly installed with a counter (not shown) and supplying a signal to the CPU 25 when a predetermined value is reached. here,
If the photosensitive drum 2 has reached the end of its life (S7 is Y), an instruction to replace the photosensitive drum 2 is notified to the host computer 33 (S8). Then, in the same manner as described above, the sound alarm section sounds a buzzer and displays a hard error on the operation/display section (39, 510). Further, the CPU 25 sets an operator call error notification flag, and the host computer 3
Disable interrupt processing for data reception from 3 (S11
．． 512) On the other hand, if the photosensitive drum 2 has not reached the end of its life (S7 is N), then it is determined whether the toner in the developing device 5 is insufficient (313). This toner shortage detection is performed by, for example, attaching a toner sensor to the side wall of the developing device 5 and detecting whether or not there is a toner shortage inside the developing device 5. Here, if the toner is insufficient (S13 is Y),
The host computer 33 is notified that there is no hetner (S14). Then, in the same manner as described above, the buzzer sounds, a toner out display is displayed, the operator call error notification flag is set, and interrupt processing for data reception from the host computer 33 is prohibited (315 to 518
).

On the other hand, if there is no shortage of toner in the developing device 5 (S13 is N), then the CPU 25 determines the presence or absence of paper (S1
9). This determination of the presence or absence of paper is a determination as to whether or not there is paper in the paper feed cassette 8 or 18 or the manual feed tray 23 designated by the operator for printing processing.

This judgment is a judgment as to whether or not paper is currently present in the paper feed section (paper feed cassette 8, etc.) specified by the operator via the control signal of the host computer or the operation display section, and the above-mentioned paper presence detection Sensor 8', or 18', or 2
Check the detection signal output from 3'. For example, if paper P is being fed from paper cassette 8 at this time, C
The PU 25 checks the output signal of the corresponding paper presence detection sensor 8' and determines the presence or absence of paper P in the paper feed cassette 8. Furthermore, if the paper P'' is currently being fed from the manual feed tray 23, the C;
Determine the presence or absence of N.

Here, if it is determined that there is no paper in the corresponding paper feed cassette 8 or 18 or manual feed tray 23 (S19 is Y), C
The PU 25 then reads the aforementioned storage data from the corresponding memory area of the EEPROM 32 (320). Then, the CPU 25 determines whether the data read from the EEPROM 32 is in the above-mentioned mode B (S21). here,
If the read data is in mode B (data "0"
1''), this mode is a mode in which the host computer 33 is immediately notified of the out-of-paper condition when it detects the out-of-paper condition as described above.
A signal indicating that there is no paper is output to (322). In this case, the operator call error notification flag is then set, and interrupt processing for data reception from the host computer 33 is prohibited (823.524).

On the other hand, if the data read from the EEPROM 32 does not indicate mode B, the above-mentioned processing (322 to 5) is performed.
24) is not executed.

Next, the CPU 25 determines whether the data at the top two points of the data in the memory area read from the EEPROM 32 is in the above-mentioned mode B' (325).

Here, if the read data is mode B', since this mode causes the buzzer to sound immediately upon detecting no paper as described above, the buzzer immediately sounds according to this mode (826). .

On the other hand, if the read data is not in B' mode (S
25 is N), the buzzer will not sound at this point.

Thereafter, the CPU 25 displays a paper out display on the operation/display unit and turns on the paper out flag (S27.528).

Next, the printing process will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. First, initialization processing is executed (step (hereinafter referred to as STP) 1). This initialization processing is, for example, processing for clearing dot pattern data remaining in the frame memory 31.

After this initialization processing, the CPU 25 determines whether data such as a character code is received from the host computer 33 (5TP2), and if no data is input, it waits for the input of this data. Thereafter, when character codes and control data are input, the CPU 25 executes input processing of this data. This process is as explained in FIG. 4 above.

When the above data input is executed, data exists in the reception buffer 29, the judgment (STP2) becomes Y, and the CPU
25 sequentially reads out the data input to the reception buffer 29 and analyzes the data. First, it is determined whether the data is a paper feed section designation command (STP3). This paper feed section designation command is a command included in the above-mentioned control data, and when this command is input, the CPU 25 selects the paper feed section specified by this command, that is, the paper feed cassette 8 or 18, or the manual feed tray 23. is specified. If the analyzed data is not a paper feed unit designation command, it is determined that it is other control data or a character code, but for the sake of brevity, a description of the other control data will be omitted here. If it is determined to be a character code, dot pattern data corresponding to the character code is written into the frame memory 31, and printing control processing is performed in accordance with various commands constituting the control data (STP4).

On the other hand, if the analyzed data is a paper source specification command,
The CPU 25 executes paper feeding unit switching processing (STP
5). In other words, the specified paper cassette 8 or machine 8
, or set to a state in which paper feeding from the manual feed tray 23 is enabled.

After the above analysis process is repeated, frame memo +731
When one page of head dot pattern data is written (
If STP6 is Y), the printer status check process described above with reference to FIG. 6 is executed again.

This process is as explained above, and includes hard errors,
The lifespan of the photoconductor drum 2, the presence or absence of toner, and the presence or absence of paper are determined, and if there is a problem with any of them, the processes include sounding the buzzer, displaying the absence of l/ner, and setting the operator call error notification flag as described above. will be held. However, when there is no paper, as mentioned above, only in the B mode and B' mode, the host computer 33 is immediately notified that there is no paper.
Performs buzzer alarm processing. Therefore, if the mode is not B or B', the following process is performed.

First, the currently used paper feed cassette 8 or 1 day,
Or when the manual feed tray 23 runs out of paper (STP7 is Y)
), the data in the corresponding memory area in the EEFROM 32 is read. Then, it is determined from the upper two bits of this data whether mode C' is designated.

As mentioned above, mode C' is specified when the data of the upper two bits is ``10''. Then, when this mode C' is set, the process (STP9) is executed.

That is, in this case, after one page of dot pattern data is written into the frame memory 31, the buzzer sounding process is executed.

Next, it is determined whether the data in the lower 2 bits of the corresponding memory area is in mode C (5TPIO), and if it is in mode C, the subsequent processing (STP 11-3TP 1
Execute 3). That is, after the dot pattern data for one page of paper is written in the frame memory 31,
It notifies the host computer 33 that there is no paper, sets an operator call error notification flag, and prohibits interrupt processing for data reception from the host computer 33.

By processing in this way, the host computer 3
3, even if paper runs out while receiving data, data can be received from the host computer 33, and if paper is set before one page of data is completed and printing can begin, the host computer 33 will remain in a paper-out state. Since the computer 33 is not notified, the data transmission process of the host computer 33 is not interrupted.

On the other hand, if the currently used paper feed unit is not running out of paper (STP7 is Y), it is determined whether the operator call error notification flag is set (STP14).
.

Here, if the operator call error notification flag is not set, printing processing is started (STP15).

This printing process outputs the dot pattern data written in the frame memory 31 to the LED head 4, and
The LED is applied to the photoreceptor drum 2 to which a uniform charge is applied.
The head 4 performs exposure according to the print data to form an electrostatic latent image on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 2. Thereafter, the paper is taken out from the paper feed section, and the standby roll 10 matches the toner image formed on the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor drum 2, and the paper is fed again, and the transfer device 6 transfers the paper onto the photoreceptor drum 2. A process of transferring the toner image onto the paper P is performed (STP15 to 5TP17).

In addition, if the operator performs, for example, a process to replace the photosensitive drum 2 or a process to replenish paper due to the corresponding display process on the operator call/error notification and the sounding of the buzzer, the above-mentioned judgments (S2, S7. 313.519)
are all N. Therefore, the judgment (S29) is executed, and since the operator call error has already been notified in this case (Y in S29), the host computer 33 is then notified that the LED printer 1 has returned to the normal state,
Turns off the operator call error notification flag and allows interrupts for data reception from the host computer 33 (830 to 332), then stops driving the buzzer,
A normal state is displayed on the operation/display unit, and the paper out flag is turned off (333-535).

By processing in this way, when setting modes c and c' in the memory area of the EEPROM 32,
Buffer 2 receives data from host computer 33
9 (at the time of starting printing), paper can be set in the paper feed cassette 8 of the LED printer 1. Therefore, whenever paper runs out, data reception processing is stopped and paper replenishment processing is performed. There's no need.

Further, although not shown in the above flowchart, when modes A and A' are instructed, the same processing is performed as instructed. That is, in this case, even if the paper out condition is detected, the host computer 33 is not notified of the paper out state, and the buzzer is not sounded.

In this embodiment, an example of an LED printer is shown as a printing device, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied not only to an LED printer but also to other printing devices that print out page-by-page data on sheets of paper.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained in detail above, according to the present invention, data input processing from the host device can be performed even when there is no paper, and thereafter paper can be replenished and prepared, which is efficient. Print processing becomes possible.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a circuit block diagram of an LED printer according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is an overall configuration diagram of an LED printer according to an embodiment, Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of an EEPROM memory area, and Figure 4 is a data reception interrupt process. FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining printer body condition check processing, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining printing processing. 1 ・ 2 ・ 3 ・ 4 ・ 5 ・ 6 ・ 8. 8', 11, 12, 15, 21. 23・ 25・ 27・ 29・ ...LED printer, ...photosensitive drum, ...charger, ...LED head, ...developing device, ...transfer device, 18...paper feed cassette, 18' 23 '...Paper presence/absence detection standby board, fixing roll, control box,...transport roll, manual feed stand, CPU. ROM, reception buffer, 34 ・EEFROM, ・Printer controller.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A printing device that performs printing processing on paper according to print information transmitted from a host device, comprising a paper detection means for determining the presence or absence of the paper, and a paper detection means for determining the presence or absence of paper, and a paper detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper when the paper detection means detects a state in which there is no paper. a paper out information output means for outputting out-of-paper information; a setting means for setting a timing for outputting information by the out-of-paper information output means to the higher-level device; 1. A printing device comprising: a control means for controlling output of information output to a printer.