Patent Publication Number: US-6665087-B2

Title: Output apparatus and output method

Description:
This Application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/002,372, filed Jan. 2, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,527 which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/363,960, filed Dec. 27, 1994 now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an output apparatus such as a printer which is connected via a two-way interface to an information equipment and an output method for use in said apparatus, and more particularly to an output apparatus for use in a field referred to as a multimedia, and an output method for use in said apparatus. 
     2. Related Background Art 
     Conventionally, in the recording apparatuses typically called a printer, by receiving a video signal or recording signal, a recording unit within a recording apparatus forms or records the image information on the recording medium, based on the recording signal or video signal. 
     For example, a video printer can record on the recording medium in such a way as to get one frame of moving picture or still picture displayed on the display or television screen as a video signal into a printer main unit and converting the video signal into a recording signal. Also, an output printer such as a computer or an electronic calculator can record on the recording medium in such a way as to get the information from the computer or electronic calculator as a recording signal into a printer main unit. 
     However, the conventional recording apparatuses as above mentioned, aiming to output the image information created by themselves or precreated image information directly and accurately, had a problem that the linkage or combination of recording signal and audio signal or video signal might be delayed under the so-called multimedia environment where all the information is integrated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In the light of the above-mentioned problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide an output apparatus of recording signal and an output method in said apparatus, which is capable of implementing the linkage or combination of the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal by allowing the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal to be dealt with independently without confusion even if data is provided in a media having the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal mixed. 
     To accomplish the above object, there is provided an output apparatus according to the invention which saves in first memory means print data which is input via a two-way interface, and converts said print data into the print out information to produce the print output, comprising second memory means which is different from said first memory means for memorizing said print data which is input via said interface, with a print ID number added, retrieving means for retrieving corresponding print data of said second memory means, based on a print ID number which is input from the outside, and output means for outputting said retrieved print data which is converted into the print out information. 
     To accomplish the above object, there is provided an output method of the output apparatus according to the invention which saves in first memory means print data which is input via a two-way interface, and converts said print data into the print out information to produce the print output, including inputting said print data with a print ID number added via said interface, memorizing said print data in second memory means which is different from said first memory means, retrieving corresponding print data of said second memory means, based on a print ID number which is input from the outside, and outputting said retrieved print data which is converted into the print out information. 
     Further, the present invention has preferably said print data which is supplied from an audio media such as a compact disk or a video media such as a laser disk, or a computer associated media or a digital information media such as a CD-ROM and a CD-I. 
     Further, the present invention has preferably said print data which is compressed and saved with a print ID number added at a leader section of said each media in a common recording format and a common compressed format, with an area distinguishing/recognizing signal, which is different from other information signals, inserted at least before and after a print data area. 
     Further, the invention comprises preferably said second memory means which saves said compressed and input print data which is expanded using means for expanding said compressed print data, wherein said print data is retrieved from said memory unit B, based on a print ID number which is input, by said retrieving means, and converted into the print out information to obtain the print output. 
     Further, the invention comprises preferably said second memory means which saves said input print data in compressed state, wherein said print data of said second memory means is retrieved by said retrieving means, based on a print ID number which is input by means for inputting said print ID number, and said print data is expanded using means for expanding compressed print data and converted into the print out information to obtain the print output. 
     Further, the invention has preferably the print data of said second memory means which is managed in terms of said print ID number. 
     Further, the invention has preferably the print data of said second memory means which is held until a designated instruction is entered. 
     In the invention, with the above configuration, the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal can be independently dealt with without confusion, even if data is provided in a media having the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal mixed. Therefore, the linkage or combination of the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal can be implemented. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the constitution of a first output apparatus (laser beam printer) to which the invention is applicable. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the constitution of a second output apparatus (ink jet printer) to which the invention is applicable. 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the second output apparatus as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer control system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a typical operation procedure of the printer control system according to the embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a typical operation procedure of another printer control system according to another embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is comprised of FIGS. 7A and 7B showing a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a system configuration according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 8 is comprised of FIGS. 8A and 8B showing a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in another system configuration according to another embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 9 is comprised of FIGS. 9A and 9B showing a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a further system configuration according to another embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 
     First, the constitution of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer suitable for applying the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to  3 . It should be noted that the printer to apply the invention is not limited to the laser beam printer and the ink jet printer, but may be printers of other printing system. 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the constitution of a first output apparatus to which the invention is applicable, for example, in a case of a laser beam printer (LBP). 
     In FIG. 1,  1500  is an LBP for forming the image on a recording paper which is a recording medium in such a way as to input and memorize the print information (character code) or the form information or macro instruction supplied from a host computer or video recorder connected externally, and create corresponding character pattern or form pattern in accordance with such information.  1501  is an operation panel having the switches for operation and the LED displays arranged thereon, and  1000  is a printer control unit for controlling the whole LBP main unit  1500  and analyzing the character information supplied from the host computer. This printer control unit  1000  converts the character information into a video signal of corresponding character pattern which is output to a laser driver  1502 . The laser driver  1502  is a circuit for driving a semiconductor laser  1503 , which switches on or off a laser beam  1504  emitted from the semiconductor laser  1503  in accordance with the input video signal. 
     The laser beam  1504  scans over an electrostatic drum  1506  while being deflected by a rotational polygon mirror  1505  to the left and right. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum  1506 . This latent image is transferred onto the recording paper after being developed by a developing unit  1507  disposed on the periphery of the electrostatic drum  1506 . The recording paper used herein is a cut sheet, wherein cut sheet recording papers are contained within a paper cassette  1508  attached on the LBP  1500 , one recording paper being brought into the apparatus by means of a paper supply roller  1509 , and paper feed rollers  1510 ,  1511 , and supplied to the electrostatic drum  1506 . Also, the LBP main unit  1500  is provided with at least one or more card slots, not shown, allowing for the connection of an option font card which is optionally provided in addition to a contained font, and a control card (emulation card) involving a different printer language system. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance and constitution of a second output apparatus to which the present invention is applicable, for example, in a case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA). 
     In FIG. 2, a carriage HC engaging a helical groove  5004  of a lead screw  5005  rotating via the driving force transmission gears  5011 ,  5009 , along with the forward or backward rotation of a drive motor  5013 , has a pin (not shown), and is moved reciprocally in the directions of the arrow a, b. This carriage HC has an ink jet cartridge IJC mounted thereon.  5002  is a paper presser plate for pressing the paper against a platen  5000  along the carriage moving direction.  5007 ,  5008  are photo-couplers for confirming the existence of a carriage lever  5006  in this region to function as home position sensing means in switching the rotation direction of a motor  5013 .  5016  is a member for supporting a cap member  5022  for capping the entire face of a recording head, and  5015  is suction means for sucking the inside of this cap to make a suction recovery of the recording head via a cap inside opening  5023 .  5017  is a cleaning blade which is movable back and forth by a member  5019 .  5018  is a main body support plate for supporting  5017 ,  5019  as above cited.  5012  is a lever for starting the suction of suction recovery, this lever being moved with the movement of a cam  5020  engaged with the carriage so that the driving force from the drive motor is controlled for movement by well-known transmission means such as clutch switching means. 
     These capping, cleaning and suction recovery are configured to perform their desired processings at corresponding locations under the action of the lead screw  5005 , when the carriage comes to an area on the home position side, but may be configured to perform their desired operations at known timings. 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the second output apparatus as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     In FIG. 3,  1700  is a two-way interface for the input of recording signal or recording information,  1701  is an MPU,  1702  is a ROM for storing the control program which the MPU  1701  executes or the host print information, and  1703  is a DRAM (dynamic RAM) for storing a variety of kinds of data (the recording signal or recording data to be supplied to the head).  1704  is a gate array for controlling the output data supplied to the recording head  1708 , as well as controlling the transfer of data between the two-way interface  1700 , the MPU  1701  and the DRAM  1703 .  1710  is a carrier motor for conveying the recording head  1708 ,  1709  is a paper feed motor for feeding the recording paper,  1705  is a head driver for driving the recording head,  1706  is a motor driver for driving the paper feed motor  1709 , and  1707  is a motor driver for driving the carrier motor  1710 . 
     In the recording apparatus as above constituted, if the input information is passed via the two-way interface  1700  from the host computer  100  or video recorder (not shown), the input information is converted into the print out information between the gate array  1704  and the MPU  1701 . And while the motor drivers  1706 ,  1707  are driven, the recording head is driven in accordance with the output information sent to the head driver  1705  for the printing. 
     Note that the MPU  1701  can perform the communication processing with the host computer  100  via the two-way interface  1700 , as will be described later, wherein the memory information or resource data regarding the DRAM  1703  or the host print information within the ROM  1702  can be informed to the host computer, as will be described later. Also, the MPU  1701 , when connected via the two-way interface  1700  to the video recorder (not shown), can perform the image processing of image information which is entered into the DRAM  1703 . 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer control system of the output apparatus in an example of the invention. Herein, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) is exemplified. 
     In FIG. 4,  1500  is a printer main unit. The recording information from the host computer  11  is connected via the two-way interface  12  to an input unit  34  of the printer  1500 , and the recording information from an AV (audio visual) device  21  is connected via a one-way interface  22  to the input unit  34  of the printer  1500 .  32  is a printer CPU (microprocessor) for controlling globally the access to a variety of types of devices connecting via a system bus  31 , based on the control program stored in a program ROM of a ROM  14  in a group  15 , the control program stored in a program ROM of a ROM  24  in a group  25 , or the control program stored in an external memory  38 , so that the image signal as the output information may be output to a printer unit (printer engine) connected via a printer engine interface  35 . 
     The group  15  is a conventional control unit for controlling the print output, the program ROM of ROM  14  storing the control program of the CPU  32  as shown in a flowchart (b) of FIG. 5. A font ROM  33  stores the font information (dot font or outline font) for use in creating the output information (bit map data), and a data ROM of ROM  14  stores the information useful on the host computer, when the printer has no external memory  38  such as a hard disk. 
     The group  25  is a control unit for controlling the print output in the example of the invention, the program ROM of ROM  24  storing the control program of CPU  32  as shown in a flowchart (a) of FIG.  5 . The font ROM  33  stores the font information (dot font or outline font) for use in creating the output information, and a data ROM of ROM  24  stores the information useful on the host computer, when the printer has no external memory  38  such as a hard disk. 
     The CPU  32  can perform the signal processing with the host computer  11  via the input unit  34 , wherein the information inside the printer can be informed to the host computer  11 . Note that a RAM-A 13  and a RAM-B 23  are usable for a print data memory area, an output information (bit map data) development area, an environmental data storing area, and an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM). Further, the RAM-B 23  is provided with an output information holding area. The external memory  38  such as a hard disk or an IC memory is controlled for access by a memory controller (MC)  36 . The external memory  38  may be optionally connected to store the font data, the emulation program, and the form data. Also,  1501  is an operation panel having the switches for operation and the LED (light emitting diode) indicators arranged thereon. 
     It will be appreciated that the number of external memories as above mentioned is not limited to only one, as above described, but may be at least one or more, wherein an option font card provided in addition to a contained font or a plurality of external memories storing the programs for interpreting the printer control languages of different printer language systems may be connected. Further, an NVRAM, not shown, may be provided to store the printer mode setting information which is input from the operation panel  1501 . 
     In the printer control system as above constituted, the flow of a typical processing operation in the example of the invention will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.  5 . The print data (composed of the character code or the control code) input from the host computer  11  via the two-way interface  12  into the input unit  34  of the printer  1500  is checked by the CPU  32  to determine whether or not the top data thereof is a data switch signal (S 1 ). If it is not the data switch signal, the print data is passed to the flow (b) which is identical to the flow of the conventional print output control (S 9 ), and saved in a print data memory area of RAM-A 13  (S 10 ). Then, the print out information is generated using the print information (S 11 ), and printed (S 12 ). If it is the data switch signal, the print data is passed to the flow (a) which is the print output flow in the example of the invention. 
     The print data following the data switch signal is compressed print data (S 2 ). The compressed print data is expanded and stretched (S 3 ), and saved in a RAM-B 23  which is managed for each print data ID number (S 4 ). A print data ID number is input from the host computer  11  or the operation unit  1501  (S 5 ), and print data corresponding to its number is retrieved from the print data saved in the RAM-B 23  by the CPU  32  (S 6 , S 7 ). 
     The retrieved print data is converted into the print out information (bit map data) in accordance with the control flow as previously described (S 8 ), and sent to the printing unit  37  to obtain the print output (S 12 ). 
     Also, the print data from the AV device  21  via the two-way interface  22  into the input unit  34  of the printer  1500  is necessarily passed to the flow (a) which is a print output flow in the example of the invention, without the CPU  32  checking to see whether or not the top data is a data switch signal. Then, the compressed print data is expanded and stretched, and saved in a RAM-B 23  which is managed for each print data ID number. A print data ID number is input from the operation unit  1501 , and print data corresponding to its number is retrieved from the print data saved in the RAM-B 23  by the CPU  32 . The retrieved print data is converted into the print out information in accordance with the control flow as previously described, and sent to the printing unit  37  to obtain the print output. Here, print data saved in the RAM-B 23  is held unless new data is input or a delete instruction is input intentionally. 
     FIG. 6 shows a typical flowchart in another example of the invention. A different point from FIG. 5 is that compressed print data which is input from the input unit  34  (S 22 ) is saved in a RAM-B 23  managed for each print data ID number in compressed state (S 23 ). A print data ID number is input from the host computer  11  or the operation unit  1501  (S 24 ), and print data corresponding to its number is retrieved from the print data saved in the RAM-B 23  by the CPU  32  (S 25 , S 26 ). 
     The retrieved print data is expanded and stretched (S 27 ), converted into the print out information in accordance with the control flow as previously described (S 28 ), and sent to the printing unit  37  to obtain the print output (S 32 ). Here, print data saved in the RAM-B 23  is held unless new data is input or a delete instruction is input intentionally. 
     FIGS. 7A and 7B show a detailed processing procedure in the example of the invention, wherein the a part shows schematically the information structure for a compact disk. Print data is compressed and saved with an ID number added in the leader section of audio data. The b part, the c part and the d part show schematically the flows of a compact disk player (AV device  21 ), a printer  1500  according to the invention, and a host computer  11 , respectively. 
     First, a compact disk a is set on a compact disk player b (AV device  21 ). Upon starting the compact disk player b, if it is confirmed that the compact disk a has been newly set (S 41 ), compressed print data in the leader section is transferred to the printer c (printer  1500 ) (S 43 ). After the end of transfer (S 44 ), audio data is read from the compact disk a which has been set (S 45 ), converted into analog signal (S 46 ), and output as audio sound through a speaker (S 47 ). Herein, when there is no compressed print data in the leader section, audio data is immediately read, converted into analog signal and output as audio sound through the speaker. 
     Also, if the compact disk a has been already set (S 41 ), a selection of whether to transfer newly print data to the printer c (printer  1500 ) can be made (S 42 ). A command for this selection can be entered from the operation panel of the compact disk player b (AV device  21 ). 
     The printer c (printer  1500 ) determines whether or not the input print data is sent from the compact disk player b or from the host computer d (S 51 ). After it is determined that the print data is sent from the compact disk player b, the input compressed print data is expanded and stretched (S 52 , S 53 ), and saved in the memory unit (RAM-B 23 ) (S 54 ). Herein, the listener listening to a music (audio data) of this compact disk a, who wants to obtain the information concerning the music, for example, a profile of the musician or a sheet of music, must input a prespecified ID number of print data from the operation panel of the printer main unit c (printer  1500 ) (S 56 ). The printer main unit retrieves print data from the print data group within the memory unit, based on the input ID number (S 57 , S 58 ), converts this retrieved print data into the print out information (bit map data) (S 59 ), and outputs the print (S 63 ). Thereby, the listener can obtain print information which is different from audio information to which the listener is listening with an audio equipment. 
     On the other hand, after it is determined that the print data is sent from the computer  11 , the input print data is saved in the memory unit (RAM-A 13 ) (S 60 , S 61 ), converted into the print out information (S 62 ), and output (S 63 ). 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B show a detailed processing procedure in another example of the invention, wherein the a part shows schematically the information structure of a laser disk. Print data is compressed and saved with an ID number added in the leader section of video (image)/audio data. The b part, the c part and the d part show schematically the flows of a laser disk player, a printer according to the invention, and a computer, respectively. 
     First, a laser disk a is set on a laser disk player b (AV device  21 ). Upon starting the laser disk player b, if it is confirmed that the laser disk a has been newly set (S 71 ), compressed print data in the leader section is transferred to the printer c (printer  1500 ) (S 73 ). After the end of transfer (S 74 ), video/audio data is read (S 75 ), converted into video signal (S 76 ), and output as video/audio through a television (S 77 ). Herein, when there is no compressed print data in the leader section, video/audio data is immediately read, converted into video signal and output as video/audio through the television. Also, if the compact disk a has been already set, a selection of whether to transfer newly print data to the printer c can be made (S 72 ). A command for this selection can be entered from the operation panel of the laser disk player b (AV device  21 ). 
     The printer c determines whether or not the input print data is sent from the laser disk player b or from the host computer d (S 81 ). After it is determined that the print data is sent from the laser disk player b, the compressed print data is saved in the memory unit (RAM-B 23 ) (S 82 , S 83 ). Herein, the viewer seeing a video of this laser disk, who wants to obtain the information concerning this video, for example, a profile of the actor or actress or film studio information or a scenario, must input a prespecified ID number of print data from the operation panel of the printer main unit c (S 84 ). In the printer main unit c, print data is retrieved from the print data group within the memory unit, based on the input ID number (S 85 , S 86 ), expanded and stretched (S 87 ), converted into print out information (bit map data) (S 88 ), and output (S 93 ). Thereby, the viewer can obtain print information which is different from video information which the viewer is seeing on the television. 
     On the other hand, after it is determined that the print data is data from the computer d, the input print data is saved in the memory unit (RAM-A 13 ) (S 90 , S 91 ), converted into the print out information (S 92 ), and output (S 93 ). 
     FIGS. 9A and 9B show a processing procedure in a third example of the invention, wherein the part shows schematically the information structure of a CD-ROM. Print data is compressed and stored with an ID number added in the leader section of video (image)/audio data. The b part, the c part and the d part show schematically the flows of a CD-ROM drive unit, a printer according to the invention, and a host computer connected to the CD-ROM drive unit, respectively. 
     First, a CD-ROM a is set on a CD-ROM drive unit b (AV device  21 ). Upon starting the CD-ROM drive unit, if it is confirmed that the printer is connected to the host computer d and the power of printer is on (S 101 ), compressed print data in the leader section is transferred via the host computer d to the printer c. After the end of transfer, video/audio data is read, and transferred to the computer d (S 103 , S 130 , S 131 ). Herein, when there is no compressed print data in the leader section, video/audio data is immediately read, and transferred to the host computer d. 
     The printer c determines by itself whether or not the input print data is sent from the CD-ROM drive unit b via the host computer or from the host computer d (S 111 ). After it is determined that the print data is sent from the CD-ROM drive unit b, the compressed print data is saved in the memory unit (RAM-B 23 ) (S 112 , S 113 ). Herein, the person playing a game, for example, by controlling or processing the video/audio data on the host computer d, who wants to obtain the information concerning this game, for example, a manual of the game, must input a prespecified ID number of print data from the operation panel of the printer main unit c or the host computer d (S 105  to S 109 , S 114 ). Or an ID number of print data may be interposed intentionally in the video/audio data from the CD-ROM a to input the ID number via the host computer into the printer main unit c. In the printer main unit, print data is retrieved from the print data group within the memory unit based on the input ID number (S 115 , S 116 ), expanded and stretched (S 117 ), converted into print out information (bit map data) (S 118 ), and output (S 122 ). The operator working on the host computer can thereby obtain print information which is different from image information appearing on the screen of host computer. 
     (Others) 
     Note that the media for supplying the print data is not limitative to the compact disk, the laser disk, and the CD-ROM, as above cited, as far as the present invention can be carried out. The connecting relation between the device for driving this media and the printer or host computer is not limited to those of the above-mentioned examples, as far as the present invention can be carried out, but may be in a form in which all components are integrated. 
     As described above, with the above examples, it is possible to provide an output apparatus of recording signal and an output method in said apparatus, which is capable of implementing the linkage or combination of the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal in such a way that the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal can be dealt with independently without confusion even if data is provided in a media where the recording signal and audio signal or video signal are mixed.