Abstract: In a printing device capable of exchanging a plurality of printing elements which correspond to a plurality of character sets, respectively, at least two of the character sets having common character data, the device sequentially receives text data including character data, and identification code data for identifying one of the character sets, the identification code data being put prior to the succeeding character data for indicating the character set used in preparing the succeeding character data differs from that used for the preceding character data, it is discriminated one by one whether the succeeding character data received by the data receiving means is one of the common character data in the character set used in preparing the preceding character data, and the device is controlled such that the identification code data is not stored in a print buffer until the succeeding character data is discriminated not to be one of the common character data.

Abstract: A word processor with a merge print function which permits an insertion data file to be easily formed without troublesome operations an insertion data field can be adaptively expanded or has the capability to adaptively expand or contract an insertion data field to cope with either longer or shorter lengths of input data. The expansion or contraction is executed either manually by a specific key operation, or automatically according to the data length.

Abstract: A dot-matrix character display device for displaying characters normally and in reverse, in which, the underline segment of the dot-matrix display of a reversed, underlined character is not reversed (i.e., the underline segment dots are displayed). When a character without an underline is reversed, the underline segment is not reversed (i.e., the underline segment dots are not displayed). This ensures more natural visual recognition of underlined or non-underlined characters even when normal and reversed characters are intermingled.

Abstract: An electronic typewriter equipped with a personal computer has a first processing unit which includes hardware capable of receiving software, such as a word processor program, so that the electronic typewriter can serve as a personal computer; a second processing unit which includes hardware capable of receiving software of an electronic typewriter; and a keyboard. A selection switch is provided for selecting between a personal computer mode and a typewriter mode. The selection switch allows the user to interrupt the personal computer mode to allow the insertion of a typewritten word onto the document being produced without destroying the process being carried in the personal computer mode.

Abstract: An improved ink ribbon cassette for a serial printing apparatus comprises a body, first and second substantially coextensive spaced ink ribbon guide arms projecting from the body, each having a free end, and an ink ribbon mounted in the body for advancement during printing and having a portion extending between the free ends of the guide arms so as to be available for printing. One of the guide arms has a window therein through which the ribbon is visible. A first optically detectable indicator is carried on the ribbon at a position to be visible through the window when the ribbon is substantially exhausted. A second optically detectable structure is mounted on the guide arm adjacent the window and laterally spaced therefrom in the direction of movement of the ribbon. This second optically detectable structure indicates the type of ribbon in the cassette.

Abstract: A label printer is disclosed adapted to establish and store therein a set of retrieval codes in which at least one condition of the various conditions of the place where each commodity is kept in stock is encoded and to issue labels in succession for each commodity whose item number satisfies the conditions of the retrieval code, whereby stock control of the commodities is enabled to be easily performed without preparing any special table or the like.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus comprising a printing head unit reciprocatively movable along a platen within a frame, provided are a memory unit for storing printing data, and means for supporting the memory unit in such a manner that the memory unit is selectively positioned out of the frame or within a spacing formed inside the frame for reciprocative movement of the printing head.

Abstract: Successive addresses of a character generator ROM, a buffer RAM and an empty area in an address space of a memory in a printer are sequentially searched upon energization of the printer. An identification code and a start address of each of a plurality of character sets stored in the character generator ROM, and start and end addresses of the buffer RAM are detected and stored for printer operation data. The character generator ROM and the buffer RAM can be expanded in the empty area.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus comprises a document memory which stores a document, and a type style in which the document should be printed out is designated. The document may also be edited. The document memory further stores a code to discriminate the designated type style. An external character generator ROM which stores a type style in which the document can be printed out may be connected to the apparatus. When a CPU detects that the external ROM is connected to the apparatus, the document is printed out in the type style stored in the external ROM in spite of the designated type style. When the CPU detects that no external ROM is connected to the apparatus, the document may be printed out in a type style stored in an internal character generator ROM incorporated in the apparatus.

Abstract: A versatile hand held thermal printer has a hinged bottom cover which can be opened to provide easier access and loading of a roll of labels into the thermal printer. In a first mode of operation, printed labels emerge through the front of the label printer one by one, peeled from their backing sheet and ready for being applied directly to an article. In a second mode, the labels emerge attached to a strip of backing sheet to provide a plurality of printed labels on a strip. The hinged bottom cover of the labeler has cutters both at the front and at the rear thereof to enable a length of the strip of labels issuing at the front or a length of the backing sheet at the rear to be easily cut off. In a further embodiment, the thermal printer is positioned on a stand and the stand further supports a control unit into which information that is to be printed on the labels is inputted. The stand further includes an upright reel supporter on which a roll or web of thermal tag strips can be located.

Abstract: A printer with a main body having a printing head, motors, a plurality of circuits driving the printing head and the motors, a processor and a random access memory. The printer also includes a cartridge for containing memory devices for storing the data for at least one character font set and for storing the printing operation control program. A connector removably connects the cartridge mechanically and electrically to the main body of the printer. As a result, the print operation control program and character font set data can be selectively set by connecting an appropriate cartridge to the main body of the printer.

Abstract: A correction buffer for a typing system in which the correction buffer has a group of records, each record corresponding to an incremental distance on the medium which is printed upon. The records in the correction buffer contain information concerning characters entered through a keyboard by a typist including designations of entered characters and character attributes.

Abstract: A recording apparatus such as a laser beam printer has a laser beam unit for forming an image, a cassette for automatically feeding paper sheets, a manual insertion port for allowing manual insertion of paper sheets, a switch to allow selection of the cassette sheet feed or manual insertion sheet feed at the side of the printer, a timer to count a predetermined period of time, and a CPU for switching from the manual insertion sheet feed mode to the cassette sheet feed mode when no paper sheet is manually inserted in the manual insertion sheet feed mode after the time in the timer has elapsed. Undesired accumulation of data designating printing in the cassette sheet feed mode is prevented.

Abstract: A printing apparatus with a text memory which is capable of correcting a data stored in a text memory wthout using a display mechanism is disclosed.When a first write control means receives a memory print command during printing of the text memory data by a printing mechanism, data read from the text memory is written into a correction memory. A correction control means erases data commanded to be erased from the correction memory and stores the corrected data therein.When a second write control means receives a command to release memory print stop, data of the correction memory, that is, data including the corrected data are written into the text memory.

Abstract: A daisy wheel printing unit includes a wheel data memory housing wheel data such as kinds of characters provided in the daisy wheel by which it can be discriminated. The printing unit compares printing commands supplied to the printer and discriminates whether or not the characters to be printed included in the daisy wheel now being set in the printer. If it is discriminated that the characters to be printed are not included in the daisy wheel now being set in the printer, the user of the daisy wheel printing unit can select a desired printing mode from a plurality of printing modes including treatment for the above characters before the start of the printing operation of the document.

Abstract: In an electronic typewriter having a printing device of the daisywheel type, the direct current electric motors which control the rotation of the character-carrying element, the movement of the carriage along the various printing positions and the rotation of the platen roller for line spacing are associated with corresponding transducers which detect the angular position thereof, and are actuated by a single integrated circuit connected to a microprocessor by an address and data bus (43). The microprocessor determines, for each of the motors, the angular amplitude of the rotary movement and the time required to cover each of the elementary angular distances, in accordance with a given speed law and addresses with data, including the said time, a plurality of circuit modules (B1, B2, B3) individual to the motors. The modules issue motor command signals (e.g. M11, M21, M31).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the electronic delivery of a document, originated at a local site by a source which has a printer output that normally is connected to a printer, to one or more remote locations having printers or display devices which may differ from the printer normally connected to the printer output of the document generating source. Printer command signals which normally are provided at the printer output are converted to character and position data which represent the respective characters and their horizontal and vertical positions on each page of the document. The character and position data are transmitted to a remote location, either directly or via a distribution unit which transmits a document to one or more remote locations, whereat the data is reconverted to a form for driving a printer or other display device, resulting in a line-for-line conforming copy of the original.

Abstract: A method for printing composite characters in a word processing system by multistriking two or more characters in the same character space. This method allows composite character graphics to be produced by using individual character graphics found within the character set of the output device. The method provides for the vertical and/or horizontal offsetting of the printhead between the striking of individual characters which form the composite character.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus address data accesses an address of a time table to vary an impact pressure and supplementary data of each typeface (or character) of a printing type wheel. Thse data are stored in various memories. Data input/output and its processing are controlled by a plurality of microprocessors connected to each other through an interface.

Abstract: A method and system (20) for embossing characters on a card (44). A programmed host computer system (24) which interfaces with an embosser (22) includes logic (50) for computing character movement time and card movement time for each character to be embossed on the card (44), selecting the longest of the two values for each character as a character movement time, embossing the character having the shortest character movement time, and then iteratively performing the same process for the remaining characters such that the characters are embossed in a very time efficient manner.

Abstract: A word processor includes a keyboard, a cathode-ray tube, a first and a second storage devices, a central processing unit, and an internal storage. The first storage device stores information about the image displayed on the CRT. A floppy disk in which a program for a personal computer is stored can be installed in the second storage device. When the power supply of the word processor is put to work, the CPU ascertains whether such a floppy disk is installed in the second storage device. If installed, the CPU causes the present system to operate as an ordinary word processor. If not installed, the CPU allows the printer to operate in quick response to the input from the keyboard in accordance with the program stored in the ROM of the internal storage device.

Abstract: Data output apparatus registers special format data added to specific character data together therewith in a registered word memory. When sentence data is read out from a sentence memory, the character data included in the sentence data and coinciding with the specific character data is automatically printed with the special format data.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises an input device for entering a plurality of sets of data, each set including title information and character information associated with the title information. A memory stores a plurality of the sets of data entered by the input device and a printer is responsive to sets of data read from the memory to print any one of those sets of data either fully or partially. A selection device selectively causes the printer to print any one of the sets of data either fully or partially. The printing apparatus may also include a selector for selecting one of a first printing mode and a second printing mode. In the first printing mode, when selected, the printer is caused to print both the title information and the character information which may comprise text information. In the second mode, the text information is printed without the title information.

Abstract: A table driven print formatting system that accepts a text data stream including individual text commands and produces a printable data stream including individual print commands. The formatting system uses the text data in combination with printer status data to select subsection entries from a printer description table. The subsection entries include specific print command subsections each having print commands that can be placed immediately into the printable data stream upon selection. The table also includes general print command subsections which each have printer description data and a general print command shell. When a general print command subsection entry is selected, the printer description data is used in combination with the text data to calculate a parameter for inserting into the general shell thereby producing a print command for placing in the printable data stream. The printer description table also uses a unique entry indexing scheme that minimizes storage requirements for the table.

Abstract: The processor has a "U"-shaped transport path with input and output slots in closely situated parallel planes. An overrunning clutch forms part of the transport drive between the reader and the printer to shorten the transport path by permitting the leading edge of the ticket to enter the printer while the ticket is being read by the higher speed reader. The processor can be either horizontally or vertically oriented. When vertically oriented, the input and output slots can be situated on opposite sides of a glass partition to permit customer insertion of a pre-marked ticket.

Abstract: An electronic typewriter includes a plurality of character keys, a specification selector, a printer circuit, and a memory for storing a plurality of specification tables, each having a plurality of key data. A data processing circuit detects a determined one of the plurality of specification tables in response to a selection signal from the specification selector, and reads out the corresponding key data from the specification table selected in accordance with the operation of the character keys, thereby driving the printer circuit in accordance with the key data. The specification selector includes a plurality of selection switches formed on the same keyboard together with the plurality of character keys.

Abstract: A printer once stores input data in a buffer memory and then sequentially reads them out for printing. Whether the input data is predetermined one is determined and, based on the result, the sequence of input data stored in the buffer memory is changed. Even in an auto-back mode of operation, the printer prevents a host system associated therewith from erroneously detecting a printer error to stop a job thereof.

Abstract: The assignment of user entered strings to blank softkeys within a node or menu is automatic. As the user enters a command string, the new information is checked against the information on all of the softkeys in the node. If a match is found, and that match is not associated with a user definable softkey, nothing is done. If a match is found, and that match is associated with a user definable softkey, the age parameter on the string to be stored with respect to that softkey is set to 0 (0 is the youngest age character). The age of all of the other stored user defined strings for the menu is incremented by one.If no match is found, a search is made for a blank user definable softkey, searching from left to right (f1 to f8). If a vacancy is found, the information will be assigned to that softkey with an age of 0, and the age of all of the other user assignable softkeys in the menu will be incremented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data input/output unit which is equipped with a control device (1), a tape puncher (5), a tape reader (4) and a printer (6), and which is capable of operating even in response to a command from a host computer. The printer (6) is provided with a tab set counter (6ca) for setting a number of spaces. A number equivalent to a predetermined number of spaces is added to a print number set in a bit counter (6cc) of the printer (6) and space print data indicative of a prescribed number of spaces is successively set at the beginning of print data for a line to be printed in a print character register (6cg), thereby making it possible to maintain a predetermined space at the left margin on printing paper.

Abstract: A dot-matrix printer of the invention uses a font cartridge unit storing in advance character pattern data corresponding to characters other than standard characters. The font cartridge unit comprises a ROM or RAM storing character pattern data in a storage area in units of pages. A CPU sets a given page address in a page address register in the font cartridge unit in the case of dot printing of characters other than standard characters. The CPU reads out desired character pattern data from the storage area of the ROM or RAM corresponding to the preset page address, and stores the readout data in a work memory. A printing mechanism controller controls a printing mechanism including a print head in accordance with the character pattern data stored in the work memory so as to execute dot printng of, e.g., high-density characters other than standard characters.

Abstract: A dot-matrix printer of the invention uses a font cartridge unit storing in advance character pattern data corresponding to characters other than standard characters. The font cartridge unit has a memory area divided into a plurality of page areas, and comprises memory groups consisting of ROMs and RAMs storing character pattern data in units of page areas. A CPU sets a predetermined page address in a page address register in the font cartridge unit when dot printing of characters other than standard characters is performed. The CPU reads out desired character pattern data from the page area of the memory group corresponding to the preset page address. The CPU recognizes that no ROM is mounted at a position corresponding to the page area when predetermined data cannot be read out from the ROM.

Abstract: A marker sleeve processig machine (20) for printing a legend (5) on individual marker sleeves (6) from a series (1) of marker sleeves fed through the machine (20). Various functions of the machine (20), such as transport of the web (1), printing of a sleeve (6) and removal of a printed sleeve (6) from the web (1), are correlated and controlled by programmed circuits (201,203). Data to be printed on the marker sleeves (6) can be input digitally, such as with a communication terminal (208) which may be a personal computer. The machine (20) provides a fully integrated apparatus permitting facile processing of a series (1) of blank marker sleeves to printed marker sleeves (6) bearing a legend (5) appropriate for use as identification devices and a convenient interface is provided for the user to enter the legends (5) to be printed on the marker sleeves (6).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a teleprinting machine capable of transmitting and writing capital and small letters, where the number of additionally transmitted shift code combinations is minimized in order to reduce the transmission time in this fashion.

Abstract: A word processing program is configured to produce a series of examples, for operator examination, of alternative implementations of certain printer functions. By observing the printer performance and physical appearance during the printing of these examples, the operator interactively chooses one of a plurality of implementations for each of these functions. The operator choices of implementation are saved by the work processing program and subsequent printing is effected in accordance with the implementation chosen by the operator.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a power supply for supplying power thereto and a battery supply for supplying back-up battery power. A printing mechanism effects printing on a printing paper in accordance with one of a plurality of printing pitches, and a processor controls the printer and produces data signals. A selector selects one of a plurality of printing pitches and applies a signal indicating the selected printing pitch to the processor. A plurality of indicators each indicates a respective one of the plurality of printing pitches and one of the indicators is energized by a data signal produced by the processor. A memory is supplied with back-up battery power by the battery power supply and stores a selected one of the plurality of printing pitches. The memory is accessed by the processor.

Abstract: Electronic equipment such as an electronic typewriter has memory means for storing character information. When the character information in the memory means is to be corrected, the character information is rearranged within the memory means and then a portion of the character information which requires correction is corrected. Directory fields for the character information are of variable length. When more than a predetermined number of specific characters are present in the character information, a next sequence of characters of the character information is automatically tranferred to a display without requiring keying operation. A specific code is added to each paragraph of the character information to facilitate reference paragraph by paragraph.

Abstract: A printer in which a platen is secured to a machine frame, a carriage is movably supported on the machine frame for movement along the platen, a motor is movably supported on the carriage for reciprocal movement in a direction at right angles to the direction of movement of the carriage towards and away from the platen, a pedal type wheel is fixedly secured to the carriage and has a plurality of types, mating coupling means is formed on each of the motor and type wheel, detection means is provided to generate a detection signal upon detection of a particular rotational angle of the motor during one complete rotation of the motor, a drive circuit is provided to drive the motor and a control circuit is provided to determine presence of a detection signal and arrests the rotation of the motor when no detection signal is generated within a predetermined time period required for the motor to rotate one complete rotation.

Abstract: A logic network and method for processing columns of vertically oriented imaging data bits to produce control signals for operating a linearly slanted print head, includes writing different equal byte segments of each such column into a RAM memory while pre-skewing successive bytes, respectively, from one another by the equivalent of the number of columns of print resolution capability between successive print elements of the print head represented by each byte. Thereafter, skewing of the imaging data bits is completed during readout from memory, by fetching in columnar order the bits required for operating the print elements to print the image data under the print head during a given print cycle.

Abstract: When data entered from a keyboard of a typewriter is stored in a text memory and a text is created, the text creation work may be stopped temporarily. When a text is created, after stopping the text creation, in continuation to that stored already in the text memory, margin information and tab information in the text already stored in the text memory are retrieved in the text from the beginning to the end, the content of the register to store the margin information and tab information, is rewritten depending on the retrieved margin information and tab information.

Abstract: In an electronic typewriter, an automatic word correcting system includes a keyboard word erase function key for selectively causing automatic erasure of a word or a series of words. Operation of the word correcting system is based on electronic sensing of "space" or non-print functions and successive recall of consecutively printed characters stored in a print line memory of a control circuit in the typewriter. To erase a previously typed word after other words have been typed, the operator aligns (backspaces) a carrier print point at any print line position occupied by the word. Then a single one touch (depress/release) actuation of the Word Erase Key operates an electronic word erase control that causes the carrier to automatically move to the right to find and then stop the carrier when the subsequent "space" function is electronically sensed in memory.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a type wheel carrying a plurality of type elements and a platen for mounting and advancing a printing paper. A hammer can strike any one of the type elements against the printing paper and an ink ribbon is positionable between the type elements and the paper to imprint a character on the paper when any one of the type elements is struck. The ink ribbon is advanced by a driving mechanism. First, second, and third selecting systems respectively select one of a plurality of degrees of advancement of the printing paper, one of a plurality of time intervals of actuation of the hammer, and one of a plurality of amounts of advancement of the ink ribbon. First, second, and third counters each count pulses from respectively associated first, second, and third pulse generators to, respectively, first, second, and third set values determined by the selected degree of paper advancement, time interval of hammer actuation, and amount of ribbon advancement.

Abstract: An electronic office equipment network has a plurality of work stations (11) and a plurality of printers (--, 14, 15, 16) connected to a network bus (12). The printers have various options installed as for example hardware attachments for feed paper (22). The network also has a printer resource manager (17) for receiving requests for a printer from the work stations and notifying a work station when a printer can be claimed by the work station. The process of claiming a printer includes the step of specifying those printer options which are required by the work station in order to properly format the printer data stream and control the printer. One such option is the paper feed technique to be used by the printer. The user is given the option of choosing the currently installed printer options thereby allowing the printer to specify the options to the work station.

Abstract: To enable a microprocessor to operate within its bandwidth limitations while controlling a serial printer, means are provided for adjusting the microprocessor system clock rate when the printer is in its rate mode. In particular, the output of a counter clocked by the pulses from an encoder representing the velocity of a member is controlled; the output of the counter being selectively applied to the microprocessor in accordance with the velocity of the member being controlled.

Abstract: An electronic typewriter having calculating, displaying and editing capabilities as well as printing capability. The typewriter includes a main control device having three different modes in which the typewriter is operated. In the first mode, the control device performs an arithmetic operation which is defined in a statement including letters, at least one arithmetic symbol and plural numerical values entered through letter, numeral and arithmetic symbol keys. Further, in the first mode, the control device directs a display device to display the statement and a result of the arithmetic operation, and permits the displayed characters to be edited for correction or change. In the second mode, the control device permits the above items of operation in the first mode and directs a printing device to print the displayed characters. The third mode enables the typewriter to display entered characters and print the characters as they are entered and displayed.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an electronic cash register body provided with a keyboard including entry keys and subtotal-closing key. An associated central processing unit includes registers for storing data to be printed and sends printing data furnished by key operation. When the subtotal-closing key is actuated, a recording sheet held in a printing section is caused to move forward a pre-determined distance after printing is completed, and a setting mark is printed on the recording sheet. The setting mark allows the recording sheet to be aligned with the printing section so that printing will continue from the next successive data line when the recording sheet is reinserted in the printing section.

Abstract: In a printing system comprising a printer controlled by a host processor (11), a system of justification is provided wherein the determination of justification parameters is shared by the host processor (11) and the printer formatting processor (12). Justification means (25) in the host processor (11) determine which spaces in a line are to be altered to effect justification. Means (26, 28 and 13) are provided for conveying data from the host processor to the printer indicating which spaces in a particular line are to be so altered, and means (42) are provided in the printer for determining the size of the indicated spaces necessary to effect such a justification.

Abstract: In a wire matrix printer control system, some characters from a finite alphabet are locally stored as compressed dot matrix objects reflectively symmetric about at least one axis. Upon being referenced and ascertained as a compressed object, the bits are applied to the printhead in column major order up to the axis of symmetry and then applied in reverse column major order. For uncompressed objects, the bits are applied only in column major order.

Abstract: A printer subsystem is interconnected with a host system from which it receives command and data information and to which it provides status information. The printer subsystem has two microprocessors, one of which communicates with the host system for transfer of command, data, and status signals and the other of which directly controls the printer unit in the subsystem especially with respect to the print assembly, forms feed assembly, ribbon drive assembly, and print wire actuators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the velocity of a carriage in a calligraphic type printing apparatus maximizes average velocity across the printing line. The method and apparatus, based upon the present carriage velocity and the maximum future carriage velocities along a predetermined next portion of the printing line, determine the direction of velocity change for the carriage, if any change is needed. Accordingly, the velocity of the carriage is controlled so as to not exceed maximum carriage velocities at various points along the printing line. These maximum carriage velocities are determined by the symbols being printed and in particular by the complexity of the symbols being printed. The method and apparatus can operate either on a demand or on a line-by-line basis.

Abstract: A character printing system in an electronic data processing apparatus is provided that is adapted for printing language characters in response to numerical value coded data entered through numeral keys of a keyboard, each character being represented by a respective numerical value coded data of a predetermined convention, wherein said language characters comprises at least two kinds of language characters, such as upper case type alphabet characters and lower case type alphabet characters, or English alphabet characters and Japanese kana characters, or the like, and the keyboard includes language character code entry mode key and language character kind specifying key as well as numeral keys and ordinary commanding keys, and a printer operable responsive to a storage for storing information entered through said keyboard is controlled by a print control responsive to said storage, whereby said printer is controlled to selectively print numerical value coded data in a kind of language characters specified by t