1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus connectable to a plurality of external devices.
2. Description of the Related Arts
Conventional printing apparatus have been provided for forming copy images based on print data transmitted from a personal computer, word processor or similar data processing device (hereinafter referred to as the "host"). Furthermore, printing apparatus connectable to a plurality of hosts have also been provided. The printing apparatus connectable to a plurality of hosts is provided a plurality of connectors for external device input, and print data input from the plurality of hosts to the printing apparatus can be accomplished by connecting signal cables between the aforesaid connectors and the various hosts.
The aforesaid type of printing apparatus allows a single printing apparatus to be commonly used as a printing means by a plurality of hosts without providing a selector for selectably switching among the plurality of host devices connected thereto. Such an arrangement is particularly logical from the perspectives of cost and space requirements.
Heretofore, printing apparatus have been unable to receive print requests from other hosts while printing print data transmitted from a single printing apparatus in accordance with a print request received therefrom. That is, conventional printing apparatus have a disadvantage inasmuch as during the time that the printing apparatus is being used by a single host, that printing apparatus is unavailable for use by other hosts connected thereto.