JP2000211219A - Printing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a printing apparatus capable of arbitrarily and easily changing a test pattern to be printed. SOLUTION: A printing apparatus 1 capable of printing a test pattern for checking a printing state, a flexible disk drive 23 as a plurality of types of storage devices capable of storing test pattern data corresponding to the test pattern, a hard disk drive 24 and EEPROM 25
And storing the test pattern data stored in the external device or the registration source device specified by the operator among the plurality of types of storage devices in the registration destination device specified by the operator among the plurality of types of storage devices. RAS print control unit 15 as registration control means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a test pattern (hereinafter referred to as RAS (reliability, av) for checking a printing state.
ailability and serviceability).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional printing apparatus, when a RAS pattern is printed, a predetermined program stored in a storage device such as a hard disk drive is executed. Data is generated, and the RAS pattern data is converted into bitmap data and printed.

[0003] However, the conventional printing apparatus has a problem that only a predetermined basic RAS pattern can be printed. That is, when it is desired to fine-tune the RAS pattern or to print a different RAS pattern, the program for generating the RAS pattern must be changed each time, which is impractical. In addition, in order to generate various types of RAS patterns, the capacity of the program is increased, and it is necessary to increase the capacity of a storage device such as a hard disk device. There are restrictions on the types of.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of arbitrarily and easily changing a test pattern to be printed.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
The following technical measures have been taken:

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus capable of printing a test pattern for checking a printing state, and a plurality of types of storage devices capable of storing test pattern data corresponding to the test pattern. And storing the test pattern data stored in the external device or the registration source device specified by the operator among the plurality of types of storage devices in the registration destination device specified by the operator among the plurality of types of storage devices. A printing device comprising: a registration control unit.

As the printing apparatus, various printers such as an electrophotographic system, an impact system, a thermal transfer system, and an ink jet system can be considered. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The added printer may be used.

As the storage device, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device, a flexible disk device, an optical disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, or the like can be considered, but the storage device is not limited to these.

As the external device, a personal computer or another printing device can be considered, but is not limited to these.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, there are provided display means for displaying a list of registration source devices and registration destination devices, and operation means for allowing an operator to specify the registration source device and the registration destination device.

As a display means, an LCD (liquid cryst) is used.
al display) and CRT (cathode-ray tube), but are not limited to these.

The operation means may be a key switch, a touch panel, or the like, but is not limited to these.

According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided communication means for communicating with a computer, a list of registration source devices and registration destination devices is displayed on a display means provided in the computer, and the operator is provided with a computer. By operating the operation means provided in the device, the registration source device and the registration destination device can be designated.

According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided data conversion means for converting test pattern data of a plurality of predetermined data formats into test pattern data of a predetermined printable data format.

According to another preferred embodiment, the test pattern data stored in the registration destination device by the registration control means is stored in a portable storage medium of a plurality of types of storage devices, and is used by an operator. Data copying means for copying the data to the storage device designated by.

As a portable storage medium, a hard disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like can be considered, but is not limited to these. Of course, the drive itself may be portable, or only the storage medium may be portable.

According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided communication means for communicating with the computer, and the test pattern data stored in the registration destination device by the registration control means is transmitted to the computer via the communication means. It is possible to receive the test pattern data corrected by the computer via the communication means and print it.

The computer may be a personal computer or a workstation, but is not limited to these.

The communication means may be of a wired communication system or a wireless communication system.

According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided communication means for communicating with another arbitrary number of printing apparatuses, and the test pattern data stored in the registration destination apparatus by the registration control means is transmitted to the arbitrary number of printing apparatuses. The data can be transmitted to any number of printing devices designated by the operator via the communication unit.

According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided communication means for communicating with a computer, and the computer is capable of communicating with any number of other printing devices and includes any number of printing devices. The test pattern data can be transmitted from the computer to an arbitrary number of printing devices designated by the operator operating the computer among the printing devices.

According to the present invention, the registration control means converts the test pattern data stored in the external device or the registration source device specified by the operator among the plurality of types of storage devices into the plurality of types of storage devices. Since the test pattern is stored in the registration destination device specified by the operator, the test pattern to be printed can be arbitrarily and easily changed.

That is, the RAS pattern from an external device such as a computer or the RAS pattern stored in a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk can be freely registered in a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device. The RAS pattern can be easily modified or changed without changing the program.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which an external device is connected to a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A plurality of printing apparatuses 1 and a computer 2 such as a personal computer are mutually connected by a cable 3 to construct a LAN (local area network). Of course, the printing device 1 and the computer 2
(Small computer system interface) or Centronics.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 includes a communication processing unit 11, a storage device selection control unit 12, a panel control unit 13, and a print processing unit 1.
4, RAS print control unit 15, and print data analysis unit 1
6 is provided. These communication processing unit 11, storage device selection control unit 12, panel control unit 13, print processing unit 14,
RAS print control unit 15 and print data analysis unit 16
Are interconnected by a bus line 17. Bus line 1
Reference numeral 7 includes a data bus, an address bus, and a control signal line. Further, these communication processing unit 11, storage device selection control unit 12, panel control unit 13, print processing unit 14,
RAS print control unit 15 and print data analysis unit 16
Have a computer such as a microcomputer, respectively, and operate based on a predetermined program.

The print control unit 14 is connected to a mechanical control unit 18. The display unit 21 and the operation unit 22 are connected to the print data analysis unit 16. The storage device selection control unit 12 includes a flexible disk drive 23, a hard disk drive 24, and an EEPR
OM (electrically erasable and programmable read
only memory) 25 is connected. Communication processing unit 11
Is connected to another printing apparatus 1 or computer 2 via a cable 3.

The communication processing unit 11 controls transmission and reception of various data such as RAS pattern data and print data with other printing apparatuses 1 and the computer 2.

The storage device selection control unit 12 includes a flexible disk drive 23, a hard disk drive 2
4, and the EEPROM 25.

The panel control unit 13 manages the display unit 21 and the operation unit 22.

The print processing unit 14 includes a print data analysis unit 16
The RAS pattern data and print data that have been bit-mapped are supplied to the mechanical control unit 18 as appropriate, and printed.

The RAS print control unit 15 performs various controls related to registration or copying of RAS pattern data and printing of the RAS pattern.

The print data analysis unit 16 develops RAS pattern data and print data in the data format specified by the operator on the operation unit 22 into bitmaps,
To supply.

The mechanical control unit 18 includes the print processing unit 1
Based on the bitmap data from No. 4 and detection signals from various sensors (not shown), a laser device (not shown), a heater of a charger and a fixing device, various motors, and the like are controlled.

The display unit 21 has an LCD, and has a RA
Various kinds of information such as a list of registration source devices and registration destination devices of S pattern data are displayed.

The operation unit 22 includes a group of key switches, and outputs a signal according to the operation of the operator.

The flexible disk drive 23 is controlled by the storage device selection control unit 12, and accesses the flexible disk.

The hard disk drive 24 is controlled by the storage device selection control unit 12, and accesses the hard disk.

Next, the operation will be described.

When the operator of the printing apparatus 1 performs an operation for starting the registration of the RAS pattern data on the operation unit 22, an operation signal corresponding thereto is transmitted from the operation unit 22 via the panel control unit 13 to the storage device. It is supplied to the selection control unit 12. Thereby, the storage device selection control unit 12 controls the panel control unit 13 to display on the display screen of the display unit 21
As shown in FIG. 3, a list of the registration source device and the registration destination device of the RAS pattern data is displayed.

Here, when the operator of the printing apparatus 1 selects the computer 2 as the registration source apparatus of the RAS pattern data and selects the hard disk drive 24 as the registration destination apparatus, first, as shown in FIG. Part 1
5 indicates that the communication processing unit 11 has an RAS
Request generation of a dedicated communication module. As a result, the communication processing unit 11 generates a RAS-dedicated communication module and supplies a completion notification to the RAS print control unit 15. Further, the communication processing unit 11 inquires the computer 2 of a communication partner confirmation and checks whether or not the computer 2 is actually connected.

When the computer 2 is actually connected, the computer 2 responds to the communication processing unit 11 in response to the inquiry about the communication partner confirmation. As a result, the communication processing unit 11 notifies the RAS print control unit 15 that it is confirmed that the computer 2 as the specified external device is actually connected. As a result, the RAS print control unit 15 requests the communication processing unit 11 to acquire the RAS pattern name. Thereby, the communication processing unit 11 requests the computer 2 to transmit the RAS pattern name. That is, a request is made to notify the names of all RAS patterns registered in the computer 2. As a result, the computer 2 transmits the names of all RAS patterns to the communication processing unit 11. This allows the communication processing unit 11 to change the names of all RAS patterns received from the computer 2 to RAS
Notify the print control unit 15. As a result, the RAS print control unit 15 requests the panel control unit 13 to display the name of the notified RAS pattern. As a result, the panel control unit 13 controls the display unit 21 to
Are displayed on the display screen of the display unit 21. If there is no RAS pattern data registered in the computer 2,
A message that there is no registered RAS pattern is displayed.

When the operator of the printing apparatus 1 performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 22 and selects a desired RAS pattern from the names of the RAS patterns displayed on the display screen of the display unit 21, the panel control unit 13 notifies the RAS print control unit 15 of the name of the selected RAS pattern. Thereby, the RAS print control unit 15 requests the communication processing unit 11 to acquire the selected RAS pattern data. Thereby, the communication processing unit 11 requests the computer 2 to transmit the selected RAS pattern data. Thus, the computer 2 transmits the selected RAS pattern data to the communication processing unit 11. As a result, the communication processing unit 11
The pattern data is supplied to the RAS print control unit 15 using a reception buffer (not shown) built in the communication processing unit 11.

The RA selected by the operator of the printing apparatus 1
The RAS print control unit 15 that has acquired the S pattern data,
The RAS pattern data is stored in the storage device selection control unit 1
2 to drive the hard disk drive 24,
Store it on the hard disk. Thus, the RAS pattern data stored in the computer 2 is registered in the hard disk of the printing device 1.

The RA selected by the operator of the printing apparatus 1
The RAS print control unit 15 that has acquired the S pattern data,
Further, it is determined whether or not the data format of the obtained RAS pattern data is set in the data format table. This data format table is stored in the RAS print control unit 15.
The data format, that is, the type of emulation includes, for example, FM, PS2, JEF, and ESC / P.

The RAS pattern data includes a header section, a data section, and an end code. The header section stores various printing conditions such as a paper size, a paper direction, and a data format. Therefore, the RAS print control unit 15 can determine the data format by searching the header of the RAS pattern data.
If the data format of the obtained RAS pattern data is set in the data format table, the RAS print control unit 15 supplies the obtained RAS pattern data to the print data analysis unit 16 and requests an analysis, that is, changes the data format. Ask for.

As a result, the print data analysis unit 16 generates an emulation module adapted to the data format of the supplied RAS pattern data, converts the RAS pattern data into a bitmap data format, and sends it to the print processing unit 14. Supply. As a result, the print processing unit 14
By controlling the mechanical control unit 18, the RA
Print the S pattern.

The R obtained by the RAS print control unit 15
If the data format of the AS pattern data is not set in the data format table, the RAS print control unit 1
5 notifies the panel control unit 13. As a result, the panel control unit 13 controls the display unit 21 to display on the display screen of the display unit 21 that the data format cannot be converted.

As shown in FIG. 5, if there is no response from the computer 2 within a predetermined time after the communication processing unit 11 inquires the computer 2 of the communication partner confirmation, the communication processing unit 11 is the RAS print control unit 1
Notify 5 This occurs, for example, when the computer 2 is not actually connected or when the computer 2 is out of order. Communication processing unit 11
The RAS print control unit 15 having received the notification from the control unit requests the panel control unit 13 to display an abnormal message.
As a result, the panel control unit 13 controls the display unit 21 to display on the display screen of the display unit 21 that communication with the computer 2 could not be performed.

As shown in FIG. 6, if there is no response from the computer 2 within a predetermined time after the communication processing section 11 requests the computer 2 to transmit the name of the RAS pattern, the communication processing section 11 informs the communication processing. The unit 11 notifies the RAS print control unit 15. The RAS print control unit 15 that has received the notification from the communication processing unit 11 requests the panel control unit 13 to display an abnormal message. Thus, the panel control unit 13 controls the display unit 21 to display on the display screen of the display unit 21 that an abnormality has occurred. Such a process is also performed when there is no response from the computer 2 even when a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication processing unit 11 requested the computer 2 to transmit the RAS pattern data.

When the operator of the printing apparatus 1 selects another printing apparatus 1 as a registration source apparatus of the RAS pattern data, or a flexible disk or E as a registration destination apparatus.
Even when the EPROM 25 is selected, the RAS pattern data is registered by substantially the same operation as described above.

An operator of the printing apparatus 1 selects a flexible disk as a RAS pattern data registration source device, and selects a hard disk or an EEPROM as a registration destination device.
When the OM 25 is selected, the RAS pattern data from the flexible disk drive 23 is supplied to the hard disk drive 24 or the EEPROM 25 via a save buffer (not shown) built in the RAS print control unit 15.

The printing apparatus 1 has a RAS pattern data copy function as a similar function in addition to the above-described registration function. That is, the operator of the printing apparatus 1
When the hard disk or the EEPROM 25 is selected as the copy source device of the AS pattern data and the flexible disk is selected as the copy destination device, the RAS pattern data read by the hard disk drive 24 or the RAS pattern data read from the EEPROM 25 becomes the RAS pattern data. The print data is supplied to the flexible disk drive 23 via the evacuation buffer built in the print control unit 15.

When the operator of the printing apparatus 1 selects the hard disk or the EEPROM 25 as the copy source apparatus of the RAS pattern data and selects another printing apparatus 1 or the computer 2 as the copy destination apparatus, the data is read by the hard disk drive 24. The output RAS pattern data or the RAS pattern data read from the EEPROM 25 is supplied to another printing apparatus 1 or the computer 2 via a transmission buffer (not shown) built in the communication processing unit 11. The other printing device 1 or computer 2 is designated by an IP address or the like. Of course, it is also possible to simultaneously transmit the RAS pattern data to a plurality of copy destination apparatuses among the other printing apparatuses 1 or computers 2.

Further, the printing apparatus 1 has a function of requesting the computer 2 to make corrections such as fine adjustment of the RAS pattern data. That is, when the operator of the printing apparatus 1 operates the operation unit 22 to instruct the correction of the RAS pattern data, as shown in FIG.
The print control unit 15 is instructed to be in the RAS pattern data correction mode. Thus, the RAS print control unit 15
Requests the communication processing unit 11 to generate a RAS-dedicated communication module with the computer 2. Accordingly, the communication processing unit 11 generates a RAS-dedicated communication module, and transmits a notification to the effect that transmission / reception preparation has been completed to the computer 2.

Thus, the computer 2 requests the communication processing unit 11 to transmit the RAS pattern name. That is,
A request is made to notify the names of all RAS patterns registered in the printing apparatus 1. Thereby, the communication processing unit 1
1 requests the RAS print control unit 15 to notify the names of all RAS patterns registered in the printing apparatus 1. Accordingly, the RAS print control unit 15 notifies the communication processing unit 11 of the names of all the RAS patterns registered in the printing device 1. Thereby, the communication processing unit 11
Sends the names of all RAS patterns to the computer 2.

Thus, the computer 2 displays the names of all the RAS patterns received from the communication processing section 11 on the display screen of the display device of the computer 2.
When the operator of the computer 2 selects the name of the RAS pattern to be corrected using a keyboard or a mouse, the computer 2 requests the communication processing unit 11 to transmit the selected RAS pattern data. Accordingly, the communication processing unit 11 requests the RAS print control unit 15 to acquire the RAS pattern data. Thus, the RAS print control unit 15 supplies the requested RAS pattern data to the communication processing unit 11. As a result, the communication processing unit 11
The pattern data is transmitted to the computer 2.

Thus, the computer 2 corrects the RAS pattern data from the communication processing unit 11 using the predetermined application software in accordance with the instruction of the operator, and the corrected RAS pattern data is transmitted to the communication processing unit 1.
Send to 1. Accordingly, the communication processing unit 11 supplies the RAS pattern data from the computer 2 to the RAS print control unit 15 using the built-in reception buffer. As a result, the RAS print control unit 15 supplies the RAS pattern data from the communication processing unit 11 to the storage device selection control unit 12, and causes the storage device selection control unit 12 to store the RAS pattern data in the recording medium of the registration destination.
For example, if the RAS pattern data before the correction was registered on the hard disk, the RAS print control unit 15 drives the hard disk drive 24 via the storage device selection control unit 12 and the RAS pattern data after the correction. Is stored on the hard disk. Thus, the RAS pattern data registered on the hard disk has been corrected.

Further, the RAS print control unit 15 supplies the corrected RAS pattern data to the print data analysis unit 16. As a result, the print data analysis unit 16
The S pattern data is converted into a bitmap data format and supplied to the print processing unit 14. Accordingly, the print processing unit 14 supplies the RAS pattern data from the print data analysis unit 16 to the mechanical control unit 18 and causes the corrected RAS pattern to be printed on print paper. Of course, printing can be performed without registering the corrected RAS pattern data in the hard disk.

A list of the names of the RAS patterns to be registered or copied is displayed on the display screen of the display of the computer 2, and the RAS pattern to be registered or copied is operated by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard or a mouse of the computer 2. It is also possible to select the data and the registration destination or copy destination device.

As described above, the other printing apparatuses 1 are communicated by communication.
Alternatively, the RAS pattern data from the computer 2 can be registered in the hard disk or the EEPROM 25,
Further, since the RAS pattern data stored on the flexible disk, which is a portable recording medium, can be registered in the hard disk or the EEPROM 25, it is possible to print the RAS pattern data without changing the test software stored in the hard disk or the EEPROM 25.
The pattern can be changed arbitrarily and easily.

A list of RAS pattern names that can be obtained from another printing apparatus 1, computer 2, or flexible disk is displayed on the display unit 21 or the display screen of the computer 2, and the RAS pattern data to be registered is operated. Since selection can be made by operating the unit 22 or the computer 2, desired RAS pattern data can be registered easily and quickly.

Further, as long as RAS pattern data of a plurality of predetermined data formats can be printed, RAS pattern data of any of the data formats can be printed. Widely available.

Also, a hard disk or EEPROM
Since the RAS pattern data registered in M25 can be copied to another printing apparatus 1, computer 2, or flexible disk, the registered RAS pattern data can be used in a wide range.

Also, a hard disk or EEPROM
Since the RAS pattern data registered in the M25 can be modified by the computer 2 such as fine adjustment by the computer 2, it is very easy and delicate to correct the RAS pattern while checking the printing state of the RAS pattern. Since the adjustment can be performed quickly, the adjustment work of the printing apparatus 1 can be performed accurately and quickly.

Also, a hard disk or EEPROM
Since the RAS pattern data registered in the M25 can be transmitted to another printing apparatus 1 or the computer 2, for example, even if a printing apparatus that does not have a storage device for storing the RAS pattern data is connected, The RAS pattern data can be printed by the printing device. In addition, since the RAS pattern data can be simultaneously transmitted to an arbitrary number of other printing apparatuses 1 and computers 2, a test can be simultaneously performed on a plurality of printing apparatuses using the RAS pattern data, and the test operation can be performed. The efficiency can be improved satisfactorily.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the printing apparatus 1 is connected to another printing apparatus 1 or the computer 2 has been described. However, the printing apparatus 1 can be used alone. In this case, the RAS pattern data from another printing apparatus 1 or the computer 2 can be registered using a portable flexible disk.
And the RAS pattern data can be copied to the computer 2.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The registration control means stores the test pattern data stored in the external device or the registration source device designated by the operator among the plurality of types of storage devices into the registration destination device designated by the operator among the plurality of types of storage devices. The test pattern to be printed can be arbitrarily and easily changed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a state in which an external device is connected to a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display state of a registration source device and a registration destination device of RAS pattern data.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when registering RAS pattern data from a computer to a printing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when registering RAS pattern data from a computer to a printing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when registering RAS pattern data from a computer to a printing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when the RAS pattern data is corrected by the computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 printing apparatus 2 computer 11 communication processing unit 12 storage device selection control unit 13 panel control unit 14 print processing unit 15 RAS print control unit 16 print data analysis unit 18 mechanical control unit 21 display unit 22 operation unit 23 flexible disk drive 24 hard disk drive 25 EEPROM

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Naoto Fujii No. 35, Saho, Shato-cho, Kato-gun, Hyogo (No address) F-term in Fujitsu Peripheral Machinery Co., Ltd. (Reference) 2C061 AP01 BB10 CQ24 CQ25 CQ34 HN05 HN15 HQ01 KK11 KK18 5B021 BB03 EE02 NN23 PP04 PP06

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A printing device capable of printing a test pattern for checking a printing state, comprising: a plurality of types of storage devices capable of storing test pattern data corresponding to the test pattern; and an external device or the plurality of types. Registration control means for storing the test pattern data stored in the registration source device specified by the operator in the storage device of the storage device in the registration destination device specified by the operator in the plurality of types of storage devices. A printing device, characterized in that: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: display means for displaying a list of said registration source apparatus and said registration destination apparatus; and operation means for an operator to specify said registration source apparatus and said registration destination apparatus. The printing device according to the above. 3. A communication device for communicating with a computer, wherein a list of the registration source device and the registration destination device is displayed on a display device provided on the computer, and an operator is provided on the computer. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration source apparatus and the registration destination apparatus can be designated by operating an operation unit. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising data conversion means for converting test pattern data of a plurality of predetermined data formats into test pattern data of a predetermined printable data format. The printing device according to the above. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the test control means stores the test pattern data stored in the registration destination device by using a portable storage medium among the plurality of types of storage devices and designated by an operator. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising data copying means for copying the data to the apparatus. 6. A communication unit for communicating with a computer, wherein the registration control unit transmits test pattern data stored in the registration destination device to the computer via the communication unit, and the computer transmits the test pattern data. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the corrected test pattern data can be received via the communication unit and printed. 7. A communication device for communicating with another arbitrary number of printing devices, and operating the test pattern data stored in the registration destination device by the registration control device among the arbitrary number of printing devices. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus can transmit to an arbitrary number of printing apparatuses specified by a user via the communication unit. 8. A communication device for communicating with a computer, wherein the computer is capable of communicating with another arbitrary number of printing apparatuses, and among all the printing apparatuses including the arbitrary number of printing apparatuses, The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the test pattern data can be transmitted from the computer to an arbitrary number of printing devices designated by an operator operating the computer.