Printing device and recording paper control

A method of controlling printing on cut-sheet type paper in a printing device, comprising the steps of:

• receiving from a host computer a first predetermined time parameter representing a first duration during which the printer will not print to allow for paper positioning;
• receiving various predefined command data, print data, and other data strings from a host computer, at least one command being a time setting command for setting the length of said first duration;
• interpreting the received data and commands;
• interpreting the received data and commands;
• storing interpreted command data indicating the length of at least said first time interval as specified by a time setting command;
• detecting by the printing device the presence or absence of the paper inserted in the printing device;
• measuring by the printing device a first time interval beginning with when the presence of the paper is detected;
• measuring a first time period specified by stored command data, and
• initiating paper transport through a printing mechanism that prints a desired output on the paper when the first time interval exceeds the first duration,
• wherein said step of storing comprises the steps of:
• storing command data defining the length of said first time interval as specified by the time setting command in a first memory location;
• storing command data defining the length of said second time interval as specified by the time setting command in a second memory location;
• and further comprising the steps of:
• starting a timer for measuring elapsed time for insertion of paper based on the data stored in the second memory location;
• detecting whether or not the recording paper is inserted during said second time interval;
• and
• starting another timer for measuring elapsed time based on the data stored in the first memory location upon detecting paper.

A printing device comprising:

• printing means for printing on a recording sheet;
• sheet transport means for moving the recording sheet adjacent and past said printing means;
• sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording sheet inserted into said printing transport means;
• an interface for receiving from a host computer a first predetermined time parameter representing a desired time duration for positioning the recording sheet in said transport means;
• time setting means for selecting and adjusting a predetermined first time interval in response to the first predetermined time parameter received from the host computer by said interface;
• and
• timing means for initiating said sheet transport means to move the recording sheet to said printing means after said first predetermined time selected and adjusted by said time setting means, has elapsed after said sheet detection means detects the presence of the recording sheet, wherein the recording sheet is manually positioned in said sheet transport means.