Patent GB-1468536-A (GB)
Title: Automatic printing control apparatus using a recording tape medium
IPC: B41J29/42
Filed: 1974-04-02
Abstract: 1468536 Automatic printing control CASIO COMPUTER CO Ltd 2 April 1974 [5 April 1973 (3)] 14457/74 Heading G3N In apparatus wherein characters to be printed out are first encoded { six bit binary code } for storage on tape 13 which is subsequently read to control printing apparatus there is also stored on the tape encoded data defining the left and right margins of the printed format, between which all the characters are printed. Tape preparation:-The margin positions are defined by operating button 17 followed by one of buttons I-XII to define the left hand margin the registered choice, stored in memories 19, 21, being indicated by a flashing indicator 28-1-28-12, and encoded at 15 for storage on the tape (13), Fig. 2 (not shown). The right hand margin is similarly defined by pressing button 18 followed by one of I-XII, encoded for storage on the tape, and stored in memories 19, 20. Any margin positions previously selected are indicated by continuous, {non-flashing } display by means 28-1-28-12, operation of buttons 17, 18 clearing memories 19-21 for entry of the current margin positions. Characters are entered via a keyboard (not shown) in input section 11, to be encoded at 15 for the tape. Tape reading and printing control:- Main control 30 indentifies the margin position defining words from the tape, and via AND's, and delays 33, 34, 31, 32 the left and right margin positions are stored in memories 35, 36. During printing of the characters, the content of memory 39 registering the position of the printing head is increased for each character, and upon coincidence between the contents of memories 39 and 36 representing the arrival of the head at the right hand margin, the head is left shifted until coincidence between the contents of memories 39, 35 confirms that the left hand margin has been reached whence printing continues on a subsequent line. The print and margin control circuitry is detailed in Figs. 3, 4 (not shown). In the absence of any right hand margin instruction, the hand will move to its right hand limit, detected by switch (79), Fig. 3 to instigate left shifting. In an alternative arrangement, Fig. 5 (not shown), buffer register (101) stores all characters between a pair of function codes. Should the function codes sandwiching such a data word be interpreted as space codes (S), Fig. 8 (not shown) the word is passed to buffer (54a) whence it is printed out. Should any word be succeeded by an error function code the word is interpreted as an error, and cleared from register (101) without being printed. Thus erroneous characters may be left in the tape, the succeeding space function being converted to an error code to ensure that they will not be printed. In the arrangement of Fig. 7 (not shown), a stop code may be placed on the tape. When read, tape reading and printing stop, and further characters to be printed may be entered via manual key input device (110) Fig. 7, or via a keyboard (not shown) associated with the printing apparatus. On the tape, binary zero, one are represented by short, resp. long markings, and, in the event of errors, a space code may be converted to an error or stop code by lengthening a short marking. At initiation of printing, the head will automatically feed forward to the position of the chosen left hand margin. The arrangement of (Fig. 7) may be used for handling circular letters, the addresses being entered manually, the letter content being on tape.