Abstract:
A method and apparatus for executing commands on a printer coupled to a computer receives at least one input is from a user via a user interface on the printer. The input is translated into a corresponding computer command. The computer command is transmitted to the computer via a bidirectional computer interface bus so as to cause the computer to execute a predetermined action corresponding to the computer command. A printer for use with a computer acording to the method of the invention inlcudes a printer mechanism and a printer control circuit operatively coupled to the printer mechanism so as to control the printer mechanism. A bidirectional computer interface bus, that is operatively coupled to the printer control circuit, receives data from the computer and selectively transmits data to the computer. A user interface is operatively coupled to the bidirectional computer interface bus. The user interface includes at least one user input that, when asserted, causes a computer command to be placed on the bidirectional computer interface bus so as to cause the computer to execute a predetermined action corresponding to the computer command.
Abstract:
One method operates a pick motor and a separate feed motor to pick and feed a sheet for printing. Desired pick and feed motor velocities are obtained from respective first and second functions of sheet position. Sheet position for obtaining both desired motor velocities is determined by the pick system until a predetermined event. The feed-system sheet position is synchronized to the pick-system sheet position upon the happening of the event. Sheet position for obtaining both desired motor velocities is determined by the feed system after the event. Another method operates a printer pick motor and includes starting picking by driving the pick motor in a first direction, to move a sheet forward, with an input sufficient to prevent any teetering transitions between peaks and valleys of an encoder sensor output which would be falsely counted as forward motion by a single-channel encoder. A further method operates a printer DC pick motor and includes driving the pick motor with a PWM signal which does not change polarity during picking of a sheet.