JPH02161516A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a master device from stopping printing-out operation for a long period by optionally connecting/disconnecting an external storage device for storing printing data from a data processor. CONSTITUTION:Printing data from a data processor 12 or the like to be a master device are written in a RAM 23 through an interface port part 26 in a printer 17 and supplied to a printing part 18 through a character generator 25 to print out the data. Printing data supplied from a similar data processor 13 in competition with the processor 12 during the printing are written in an IC card 16 to be an external storage device to be optionally connected/ disconnected through an interface port part 27. Thereby, it is unnecessary to wait the end of the printing based upon the processor 12, the processor 13 can be prevented from stopping the printing-out operation for a long period and the card 16 can be disconnected to print out its data quickly by another printer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a printing device connected to a plurality of data processing devices that process data.

[Conventional technology]

For example, a data processing device such as a computer or a word processor that processes data is connected to a printing device in order to output the processing results on recording paper. A printing device is usually prepared for each data processing device, but a plurality of data processing devices may be connected to one printing device. For example, in order to reduce the cost required for printing, a single printing device is shared by a plurality of data processing devices.

Some data processing devices output print data after receiving an instruction to print print data and confirming that a connected printing device is ready for printing. Even when such data processing apparatuses share one printing apparatus, they similarly check whether the printing apparatus is capable of printing. At this time, if the print data output by another data processing device is already being printed, the data processing device receives a signal from the printing device that printing is not possible, and suspends printing until the current printing is completed. It has become.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Therefore, when one data processing device outputs a large amount of print data, the printing device is monopolized for a long time, causing a delay in the printing processing of other data processing devices. Also, depending on the data processing device, if a printing instruction is issued when printing cannot be performed, such as when another data processing device is printing, the data processing device will be put on hold until the printing device can be used. There were times when it became unusable.

In order to solve these drawbacks, there are data processing devices that include a memory for storing output data. As a result, even when the printing device is printing, the data processing device can perform other processing without waiting for printing by storing the output data in its own memory.

However, if you want to manually print the output print data as soon as possible, even if a data processing device equipped with this memory is connected to the printing device, you will need to print it after the current printing process has finished. The disadvantage of not being able to print still existed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing device that is capable of printing quickly even when print data from a plurality of data processing devices competes with each other without having to wait for a long time.

[Means to solve the problem]

The printing apparatus of the present invention includes (1) a first connection means to which a plurality of data processing apparatuses such as computers and word processors that output print data can be connected simultaneously; and (ii) data processing via the first connection means. an internal storage means for storing print data sent from the device;
) a second connection means for storing the print data sent from the data processing device via the first connection means in the external storage means; and (iv) printing of the print data stored in the internal storage means. It is equipped with a printing means for performing.

That is, the printing device of the present invention is provided with a connecting means for connecting a removable external storage means while storing and retaining print data output from a data processing device, and if this external storage means is used, other printing devices can be connected. However, it can also be printed.

Of course, the print data stored in the external storage means may be printed after being transferred to the internal storage means, or may be printed directly from the external storage means without passing through the internal storage means.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Examples.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of a printing system using a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This printing system includes a printing device 11, this printing device 11
12, 13, interface signal lines 14, 15, and a removable external storage unit, such as an IC card 16.

The printing device 11 includes a print control section 17, a printing section 18, a connection section 19 for an IC card 16, and a connection section (not shown) for a data processing device 12, 13.

The IC card 16 is a large-capacity semiconductor memory with ultra-low power consumption, such as an ultra-low power consumption MOS (MetalOxi).
de Sem1conductor). Since the IC card 16 used in this embodiment has a built-in battery, it can be inserted and removed without losing the stored information even when the printer 11 is powered on. Further, this IC card 16 is connected to a print control section 17.
It is possible to write and recall print data at any address according to the instructions. Data processing device 12
is the interface signal line 14 and also the data processing device 1
3 is connected to the connection section of the printing device 11 together with an interface signal line 15.

FIG. 2 shows in detail the functional configuration of the print control section 18 in the printing system shown in FIG.

The print control section 17 includes a microprocessor 21. The microprocessor 21 uses RAM (random access memory) through a path line 22 such as a data bus.
23, ROM (read only memory) 24, character generator 25, interface port section 2
6.27 is connected. Further, the microprocessor 21 is provided with an I/O module that is removably connected to the microprocessor 21 via a pass line 22.
A C card 16 is connected, and a printing section 18 is further connected. The RAM 23 is an internal storage device provided within the print control unit 17, and stores print data output by the data processing device. The ROM24 has a microprocessor 21
All programs for controlling the printing device 11 are stored therein.

The character generator 25 stores various character font patterns. Interface port B2
6 is for receiving print data output from the data processing device 12 connected thereto. Similarly, the interface port section 27 is for receiving print data output from the data processing device 13.

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus used in the printing system configured as above will be explained.

When the interface port B27 receives print data output from, for example, the data processing device 12 while the print section 18 is not printing, this print data is stored in the RAM 23 under the control of the microprocessor 21. Each print data stored in the RAM 23 is converted into character pattern information by a character generator 250 and sent to the printing unit 18 as a dot pattern for printing. The printing unit 18 performs printing according to the received character pattern information.

When the interface port unit 27 receives a print request from another data processing device 13 while printing the print data output by the data processing device 12, the microprocessor 21 receives the data sent from this data processing device 13. The incoming print data is controlled to be stored in the IC card 16. After the storage of the print data is completed, the data processing device 13 can process other data without having to wait for the end of printing. The print data of the data processing device 13 stored in the IC card 16 is sent to the data processing device 12.
It is printed after the printing of the print data is completed.

The print data stored in the IC card I6 is transmitted to the cleared RAM 23 through the pass line 22 after the RAM 23 is cleared. The print data stored in the RAM 23 is printed by the method described above. Also, I
The data on the C card 16 may be directly converted into character pattern information by the character generator 250 and printed under the control of the microprocessor 21, without transmitting it to the RAM 23. On the other hand, when printing the print data stored in the IC card I6 in a hurry, it is possible to remove the IC card 16 from the printing device 11 and attach it to another printing device for printing.

The series of operations described above are controlled by the microprocessor 21 based on a program stored in the ROM 24.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the microprocessor 21.

Any data processing device, e.g. data processing device 12
When print data is output from the printer, the interface port section 2G receives it via the interface signal line 14 (step 2). The microprocessor 21 checks whether the printing section 18 is printing or not.
), if printing is not in progress (step 2; N), the received print data is stored in the RAM 23 (step 2). R.A.
A dot pattern for printing is output from the character generator 25 in accordance with the print data stored in M23, and printing is performed (step 2). When the printing of the above print data is completed, the RAM 24 is cleared (step ■).
Finish the print process.

On the other hand, when the printing unit 18 is printing (step ■; Y
), the print data received by the interface port section 26 is stored in the IC card 16 (step 2). It is determined whether or not the IC card 16 in which the print data is stored has been removed from the printing device 11 (step (2)), and if it has been removed (step (2); Y), the process is terminated. I
If the C card 16 has not been removed (step ■;
In step N), it is checked whether the printing of the print data that has already been performed has been completed (step ■).

If printing has not been completed (step ■; N), return to step ■; if it has been completed (stellar press ■; Y), print the print data stored in the IC card 16 (step ■). . When this printing is completed, IC card 1
Among the print data stored in 6, the print data that has been printed is cleared (step 2), and the process ends.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, if an IC card with print data stored in another printing device is inserted, the microprocessor 21 in the print control unit 17 will confirm this and Processing starts from step (2).

In the embodiment described above, the storage destination of the print data received from the data processing device is distinguished depending on whether printing is being performed in the printing unit. RAM has enough capacity to store everything
The judgment may be made based on whether or not it remains. Furthermore, whether or not an instruction to forcibly store print data in the IC card has been output from the data processing device may be added to these determinations.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, since the connection means for storing the print data sent from the data processing device in the external storage means is provided, the print data can be stored not only when the printing device is in use. Print data can be output even when there are no consumables such as paper for printing. Furthermore, this makes it possible to print quickly with any printing device without suspending the print output operation of the host device for a long time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIGS. 1 to 3 are for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, of which FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overview of a printing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing the print control unit of this embodiment in detail.
The figure is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the microprocessor. 11...Printing device, 12.13...Data processing device, 6...
・IC card, 17...Print control section, 8...
...Printing section, 19... Connection section, 1...
・Microprocessor, 3... RAM. 6.27...Interface port section.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A first connecting means capable of simultaneously connecting a plurality of data processing devices that output print data; and storing print data sent from the data processing devices via the first connecting means. internal storage means; second connection means for storing print data sent from the data processing device via the first connection means in the external storage means; and print data stored in the internal storage means. 1. A printing device comprising: printing means for printing data.