Graphics ; Programming ; Using Word Processing Packages and Spreadsheets - Page 18

2001/10/02 

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION - 4

2.  AREAS OF USE 

There are several different applications for which you may want to use your HL-Series laser printer. Four 
general areas are outlined in the following sections. 

2.1 

Using Word Processing Packages and Spreadsheets 

You may simply wish to use the printer with your software application packages, such as word -processors or 
spreadsheets. Many software packages automatically send commands to the printer requesting particular 
type styles, character sizes and specifying page set-up information and other relevant data. In this case you 
will not need to use this manual, as your software package will perform the task of controlling the printer for 
you. Other packages allow you to embed software commands within your word-processed or spreadsheet 
documents. This manual describes the commands you need, and you can simply include them in the form that 
your package requires. In either case, read the documentation that came with your software to find out its own 
specific requirements for driving a printer. 

2.2 

Graphics 

HP-GL/2 or HP-GL mode offers many powerful graphic features that enable you to draw and print detailed 
images quickly and easily. Many commercial graphic packages, notably computer-aided design applications 
programs, produce HP-GL/2 or HP-GL output. LaserJet mode also has several graphics features. You can 
either write your own programs to generate images or use existing graphics software. 

2.3 

Programming 

If you are writing software, for example in BASIC or C, to drive the printer, the description and formal 
specification of each command will enable you to transcribe them straight into your programs. Below is a 
simple example of a program to draw and print a three inch black square. The program is given in both C and 
BASIC. 

C language program 

#include <stdio.h> 

main() 

{ 

FILE *prn; /* initialization section */ 

prn = fopen("PRN","wb"); 

fprintf(prn,"\33E"); /* Esc E - Reset the printer */ 

fprintf(prn,"\33%0B"); /* Esc%0B - Enter HP-GL/2 */ 

fprintf(prn,"IN"); /* Initialize */ 

fprintf(prn,"SP1PA1024,1024"); /* Select pen 1 & move to 0,0 */ 

fprintf(prn,"PDFT1RA4096,4096"); /* Draw 3" solid square */ 

fprintf(prn,"\33%0A"); /* Quit HP-GL/2 & restore original cursor 

position */ 

fprintf(prn,"\33E /* Reset and eject page */ 

} 

BASIC language program 

10 LPRINT CHR$(27);"E"; :REM Esc E - Reset the printer 

20 LPRINT CHR$(27);"%0B"; :REM Esc%0B - Enter HP-GL/2 

30 LPRINT "IN"; :REM Initialize  

40 LPRINT "SP1PA1024,1024"; :REM Select pen 1 & move to 0,0  

50 LPRINT "PDFT1RA4096,4096"; :REM Draw 3" solid square 

60 LPRINT CHR$(27);"%0A"; :REM Quit HP-GL/2 & restore original cursor 

position 

70 LPRINT CHR$(27);"E"; :REM Reset and eject page