Data Flow Process. Epson LQ-860 - Impact Printer

Data Flow Process

The diagram below shows the basic data flow process up to the time output is printed.

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The data received by the printer is first stored in the input buffer.

Data is picked up from the input buffer and then processed through the data analysis section. There it is divided into graphics image data, control codes, and printable characters.

Graphics data is sent to the print buffer (line buffer), while the control codes and printable characters are sent to the control code processing section.

The control code processing section converts printable characters into the specified character patterns. The control codes are also processed along with the printable data.

l After processing, the character and image patterns are stored in the print buffer (line buffer) for printing.

Printing begins when either of the following conditions are met: l l

The buffer is full. For example, when a line length is set for 80 columns, printing begins when the 81st data item is received.

A print control code is sent. Printing begins when the printer receives any of the following print control codes: CR, LF, VT,

ESC J, ESC j, or FF.

9-2 Command Summary