Microprogrammable processor control printer system
US4179732A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1977 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/393
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-diagnostic printer system divides tasks of the printer system into separate modules using a plurality of buses on a mother board. A central processing unit module performs the required operations in the system. An interface module interfaces the central processing module with a digital system user, a tape input, and an operator through a control panel. A timing and status module monitors a plurality of printer device fault conditions, generates a plurality of enable signals and drive signals and interfaces timing signals from a printer to the central processor unit. A power module generates driving currents for a clamping solenoid and a stepper motor so as to move the paper through the printer. A hammer driver module selectively fires hammer driver circuits to generate hard copy printout of digital information. An internal vertical format unit in which paper instructions are stored and selectively retrieved is used to direct the operation of the other modules according to a selected format. A detailed error, status and diagnostic scheme may be selectively executed at any point within the printer operation during any of the printer system's modes of operation, to provide visu…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.