Facsimile and static presentation processing – Static presentation processing – Memory
Reexamination Certificate
1996-12-27
2001-04-17
Coles, Edward (Department: 2622)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Static presentation processing
Memory
C358S404000, C358S444000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219152
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a printer and an information processing apparatus to which the printer is connected.
Recent printers have high-level functions and high-level performances, and uses a memory of a large capacity for necessary output processing.
In addition, there is an increasing need among users to respectively register various data. In response to this request, the size of memories installed in printers are being increased.
However, if the printer has insufficient memory space, “memory-full” status occurs, and the printer stops output processing or performs the output processing at a lower resolution. As a result, the originally desired printed result cannot be obtained.
To mitigate this problem, to delete various data registered by a user (e.g., form data or external character data), a font cache and the like, and utilize memory space obtained by the deletion is considered. This requires re-registering the deleted data, further, in case where printing requiring these registered data is performed without the reregistration, desired printout cannot be obtained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has its object to provide a printer which performs printing processing utilizing the memory of a host apparatus so as to perform desired printing in case of memory shortage, and an information processing apparatus as the host to which the printer is connected.
According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained by providing a printer which is capable of bidirectional communication with a host, and which prints a visible image on a predetermined print medium based on print data from the host, comprising: determination means for, during print processing based on the print data, determining whether or not memory shortage has occurred in a storage area used for printing, in an internal memory; saving means for, if the determination means determines that memory shortage has occurred, saving information, being stored in the memory and being not directly related to the print processing, into the host; and storing means for, when the print processing has been completed, receiving the information saved by the saving means from the host, and storing the information into the memory.
Preferably, in the printer having the above construction, the saving means saves the information into a main memory of the host. This enables highspeed saving.
Preferably, in the printer having the above construction, the saving means saves the information into a secondary storage provided in the host. This increases a unit capacity to be allocated.
Preferably, in the printer having the above construction, the information saved by the saving means includes form information registered in the printer.
Other objects and advantages besides those discussed above shall be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which follows. In the description, reference is made to accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and which illustrate an example of the invention. Such example, however, is not exhaustive of the various embodiments of the invention, and therefore reference is made to the claims which follow the description for determining the scope of the invention.
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Ono Ken'ichi
Someya Shuji
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Coles Edward
Fitzpatrick ,Cella, Harper & Scinto
Pokrzywa Joseph R.
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