JP2004171150A - Information processor and method and printer system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a framework which ensures a good response on a transmission side and transmits and receives data while solving problems stemming from the repeated transmissions of the data. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor is provided with a function which stores the data transmitted from an external device in a buffer, executes prescribed processing based on the data thus stored and releases the data stored in the buffer in accordance with the execution of the prescribed processing. When a request for the transmission of the data from the external device is received, a transmission timing is controlled based on the degree of the vacancy of the buffer, and then the response to the request is transmitted to the external device. For example, when the data can be stored in the buffer, the transmission is made without waiting for the release of the data stored in the buffer. When the data cannot be stored in the buffer, the transmission is made in timing when the data can be stored after the release of the data stored in the buffer in accordance with the execution of the prescribed processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing technique for controlling response timing related to data communication, and more particularly to an information processing technique suitable for transmitting data from a client device such as a digital camera to a printer device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in the OBEX layer in Bluetooth or the like, when transmitting (PUT) data or the like (FIG. 8: S600), the transmitting side waits until a response (success / failure) is obtained (FIG. 8: S601), After that, a protocol of executing the next operation (for example, the next data transmission or the like) is adopted (see Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, this type of communication protocol is referred to as an “OBEX layer type protocol”. Bluetooth [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-111784 [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
A system in which print data is transmitted from, for example, a transmission side (for example, a personal computer, a digital camera, a PDA, etc.) using an OBEX layer type protocol, and printing is performed based on print data received at a reception side (for example, a printer). think of. In such a system, when data is further transmitted from the transmitting side while the buffer is full on the receiving side (or when the buffer becomes full during data reception), a response is sent from the receiving side to the transmitting side. It often adopts a configuration that returns (failure). In this case, the transmitting side that has received the response (failure) repeats data transmission until a response (success) to data transmission is obtained.
[0003]
However, in the above-described configuration in which data transmission is repeated, a predetermined amount of power is consumed every time data is transmitted, so that power may be consumed more than necessary on the transmission side. Such a problem similarly occurs even when adopting the Bluetooth standard, which is considered to have low power consumption. In particular, in a rechargeable device such as a digital camera, it is desirable to have a configuration in which power consumption can be suppressed and operation can be performed for a long time. Therefore, power consumption due to repeated data communication is a serious problem that cannot be ignored.
[0004]
Here, as one solution to the above problem, when data is transmitted, a response (success) is received on the receiving side after the printing process based on the data is completed and the next data can be accepted. It is conceivable to configure it to return. In this case, when the response (success) is returned to the transmitting side, the state in which the transmitting side can transmit data = the state in which the receiving side can receive data, and the above-described repetition of data transmission can be avoided.
[0005]
However, in such a configuration, each time data is transmitted, the transmission side may shift to the next operation unless it always waits until the print processing ends (that is, unless it waits for a response (success)). Since this is not possible, another problem arises that the responsiveness (responsiveness) on the transmitting side is greatly reduced.
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a framework that can transmit and receive data (print data) while ensuring good responsiveness on the transmission side while solving the problem caused by repeated data transmission. And
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The information processing device of the present invention stores the data transmitted from the client device in a buffer, executes a predetermined process based on the stored data, and converts the data stored in the buffer according to the execution of the predetermined process. An information processing apparatus having a function of releasing, when receiving a request related to data transmission from a client device, controlling a transmission timing based on an empty state of the buffer, and transmitting a response to the request to the client device. Transmission.
[0008]
According to such a configuration, by controlling the transmission timing of the response based on the empty state of the buffer, it is possible to secure a good responsiveness to the client device while avoiding repeated data transmission.
[0009]
Preferably, when it is determined that the data based on the request can be stored in the buffer, without waiting for the data stored in the buffer to be released, send a response to the client device, When it is determined that the data based on the request cannot be stored in the buffer, it is possible to store the data based on the request, waiting for the data stored in the buffer to be released according to the execution of the predetermined processing. A response is transmitted to the client device at a timing.
[0010]
According to such a configuration, if the data can be stored, the transmission is performed without waiting for the release of the buffer, so that good responsiveness can be ensured in the client device. Can be avoided.
[0011]
Preferably, when it is determined that the data based on the request cannot be stored in the buffer, the predetermined process is executed with priority.
[0012]
According to this configuration, when the data cannot be stored in the buffer, the predetermined process is preferentially executed, whereby the release of the buffer can be expedited, and the responsiveness in the client device can be improved.
[0013]
An information processing system of the present invention stores at least one client device and data transmitted from the client device in a buffer, executes a predetermined process based on the stored data, and executes the predetermined process based on the execution of the predetermined process. And an information processing device having a function of releasing data stored in the buffer, when the information processing device receives a request related to data transmission from the client device, And transmitting a response to the request to the client device.
[0014]
According to such a configuration, the printer system according to the present invention, which can ensure good responsiveness in the client device while avoiding repetition of data transmission by controlling the transmission timing of the response based on the empty state of the buffer, An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or an information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined process is a print control process.
[0015]
According to this configuration, when print data is transmitted from a client device such as a digital camera and printed by a printer, good responsiveness in the client device can be ensured while avoiding repeated data transmission.
[0016]
The information processing method according to the present invention includes a step of storing data transmitted from the client device in a buffer, a step of executing a predetermined process based on the stored data, and a process of storing the data in the buffer in response to the execution of the predetermined process. Releasing the data from the client device, further comprising, when a request for data transmission is received from the client device, controlling a transmission timing based on an empty state of the buffer to respond to the request. Transmitting a response to the client device.
[0017]
The information processing method of the present invention can be implemented by a computer, and a computer program therefor can be installed or loaded on the computer through various media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network. .
[0018]
In this specification, the “free state of the buffer” refers to not only the capacity of the free area (unused area) of the buffer but also the capacity of the used area of the buffer and the ratio of the free area to the used area. Any information may be used as long as it can indicate how much space is available, and includes various cases.
[0019]
Further, in the present specification, the term “means” does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes a case where a function of the means is realized by software. Further, the function of one unit may be realized by two or more physical units, or the function of two or more units may be realized by one physical unit.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment.
[0021]
The printer 1 includes a paper feed mechanism 10 for feeding paper into the printer, a print engine 11 for printing, and a power mechanism 2 including a paper discharge mechanism 12 for discharging paper to the outside of the printer. The print engine 11 includes a paper feed mechanism, a carriage mechanism, a print head, and the like.
[0022]
The print engine 11 includes various types of printing corresponding to a page printer that prints in units of pages such as a laser printer, a serial printer that prints in units of one character such as an ink jet printer or a thermal transfer printer, and a line printer that prints in units of lines. An engine can be used.
[0023]
The power mechanism 2 is controlled by the CPU (processor) 13, the ROM 14, the RAM 15, the LCD panel and LCD controller 16, a wireless communication interface (such as a Bluetooth IF) 17, a wired communication interface 18, and the like. The information processing unit 3. The CPU 13 is configured to be able to access each of the units 14 to 18 via an internal bus, and to transmit data from a terminal device such as a digital camera or a host device such as a personal computer via the wireless communication interface 17 and / or the wired communication interface 18. In accordance with the received print job, the power mechanism 2 is controlled to actually perform a printing operation (hereinafter, a device that transmits a print job is referred to as a client device). The power mechanism unit 2 may include an independent CPU. In this case, the CPU of the power mechanism unit 2 communicates with the CPU 13 via a parallel interface or the like, and controls the print engine 11 to perform printing. Operation.
[0024]
The configuration and operation of the power mechanism unit 2 and the information processing unit 3 are basically the same as the configuration and operation of the conventional printer. However, the wireless communication interface 17 and / or the wired communication interface 18 of the printer 1 are configured to perform data communication with the client device based on the OBEX layer type protocol. Further, when a request for data transmission is received from the client device, a function (response timing control function) of transmitting a response to the request to the client device by controlling a transmission timing based on an empty state of a reception buffer is provided. It differs from the conventional configuration in that it is provided.
[0025]
FIG. 2 shows a main functional configuration diagram of the information processing unit 3. As shown in the figure, the information processing unit 3 includes a reception / response unit 20, a print control unit 21, a reception buffer 22, and the like. Each of the above means is functionally realized by the CPU 13 executing an application program stored in the ROM 14 or the RAM 15. The reception buffer 22 is realized by using a predetermined area of the RAM 15. The information processing section 3 can include image processing (image expansion processing, size conversion processing, noise removal processing, and the like) included in a general printer, in addition to the above-described units.
[0026]
Hereinafter, the operations of the reception / response means 20 and the print control means 21 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that each step (including partial steps without reference numerals) can be executed in an arbitrary order or in parallel without changing the processing contents.
[0027]
(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a case where a print job (print data) is divided into fixed-size packets and transmitted (for example, in the case of wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard) will be described.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reception / response means 20. In the case of the Bluetooth standard, the operation of the reception / response means 20 shown here corresponds to one of operations in the OBEX layer, but is not limited to this.
[0029]
The reception / response unit 20 monitors the transmission of a request for data transmission (the packet itself in the present embodiment) via the interface 17 and / or 18 from the client device (S100). When a packet is transmitted, the packet is stored in the reception buffer 22 (S101).
[0030]
Next, the reception / response means 20 checks the free space of the reception buffer, and determines whether (free space)> (packet size) holds (S102).
[0031]
If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the reception / response means 20 transmits a response corresponding to the packet transmission to the client device, and then returns to S100 (S103).
[0032]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the reception / response means 20 returns to S102 after waiting for a predetermined time (S104).
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the print control unit 21.
[0034]
The print control unit 21 determines whether or not a packet necessary for restoring the print data is stored in the reception buffer 22. If the packet is stored, the process proceeds to S201 (S200).
[0035]
Next, the print control unit 21 executes a print control process (S201). For example, a packet necessary for restoring the print data is read from the reception buffer 22 to restore the print data, the restored print data is analyzed, and a raster-format print image for one band or one page is generated. Store in image buffer. Also, it outputs predetermined instructions (print request, paper feed request, paper feed / discharge request, etc.) to the print engine 11 and the like, and prints a print image of a predetermined unit (for example, one pass) from the image buffer to the print engine. The print job is transferred to the print engine 11 while the print engine 11 is controlled. In addition, of the print images stored in the image buffer, those for which printing has been completed are released from the image buffer.
[0036]
At this time, in response to the execution of the print control process, the print control unit 21 restores the print data, analyzes the print data, and generates the print image (or print data) among the packets already stored in the reception buffer 22. (Recovery of print data, analysis of print data, generation of print image, and execution of printing) are released from the reception buffer 22 (S202). In FIG. 4, S202 is placed in series with the print control process (S201). However, S202 may be executed in parallel with the print control process or during the print control process. Good.
[0037]
After the print control process or the like is completed for the print data to be processed, the print control unit 21 returns to S200 to process the next print data.
[0038]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a packet (print data) can be stored based on the free space of the reception buffer 22, and when it is determined that the packet can be stored, the reception buffer is determined in accordance with the execution of the print control process. If a response is returned to the client apparatus without waiting for the release of the packet 22, and it is determined that the packet can not be stored, the printer waits until the reception buffer 22 is released according to the execution of the print control processing, that is, stores the packet. It is configured to wait until it becomes possible to return a response to the client device.
[0039]
Under such a configuration, when packets can be stored in the reception buffer 22, the client device can receive a response to the transmission permission request without delay, so that the response waiting state is shortened, and good responsiveness is secured. can do.
[0040]
On the other hand, if the packet cannot be stored in the reception buffer 22, the client device waits for a response until the reception buffer 22 can store the packet and does not transmit the packet. The conventional problem that power is consumed more than necessary can be solved.
[0041]
(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the size of print data to be transmitted is indefinite. In this case, the client device first transmits a control command (including data size information of the print data to be transmitted) requesting permission of transmission of the print data to the printer device, Adopt a framework for sending
[0042]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reception / response means 20 in the second embodiment.
[0043]
The reception / response unit 20 monitors transmission of a control command from the client device via the interface 17/18, and when a control command requesting permission of transmission of print data is transmitted, proceeds to S301. S300).
[0044]
The reception / response unit 20 checks the free space of the reception buffer, and determines whether (free space)> (size of print data to be transmitted) is satisfied (S301).
[0045]
If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the reception / response unit 20 transmits a response corresponding to the transmission permission request to the client device (S302). In response to this, the client device starts transmitting the print data.
[0046]
When print data is transmitted from the client device, the reception / response means 20 stores the print data in the reception buffer 22 (S303). Then, after transmitting a response corresponding to the print data transmission to the client device, the process returns to S300 (S304).
[0047]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the reception / response means 20 waits for a predetermined time and then returns to S301 (S305).
[0048]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the print control unit 21 according to the second embodiment.
[0049]
The print control unit 21 determines whether print data not subjected to analysis processing or the like is stored in the reception buffer 22, and if so, the process proceeds to S401 (S400).
[0050]
Next, the print control unit 21 executes a print control process (S401). That is, a print job is read from the reception buffer 22 and analyzed, and a print image in raster format for one band or one page is generated and stored in the image buffer. Further, it outputs predetermined instructions (a print request, a paper feed request, a paper feed / discharge request, etc.) to the print engine 11 and the like, and executes printing while controlling the print engine 11. In addition, of the print images stored in the image buffer, those for which printing has been completed are released from the image buffer.
[0051]
At this time, in response to the execution of the print control process, the print control unit 21 performs analysis and generation of a print image (or analysis, generation of a print image, and execution of printing) among the data already stored in the reception buffer 22. ) Is released from the reception buffer 22 for the data for which ()) has been completed (S402). Note that, similarly to the first embodiment, S402 may be executed in parallel with the print control process or during the print control process.
[0052]
After the print control process or the like is completed for the print data to be processed, the print control unit 21 returns to S400 to process the next print data.
[0053]
Under such a configuration, if print data can be stored in the reception buffer 22, the client device can receive a response to the transmission permission request without delay, so that the response waiting state is shortened, and good responsiveness is achieved. Can be secured. Further, in this case, since it is guaranteed that print data transmitted following the transmission permission request can be stored in the reception buffer, a situation in which print data is repeatedly transmitted as in the related art does not occur.
[0054]
On the other hand, if the print data cannot be stored in the reception buffer 22, the client device waits for a response until the reception buffer 22 can store the print data and does not start transmitting the print data. A situation in which print data is repeatedly transmitted does not occur, and as a result, the conventional problem that power is consumed more than necessary can be solved.
[0055]
(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the priority of the print control process is controlled based on the check result of the free space of the reception buffer.
[0056]
In the third embodiment, priorities are set for the processing of the reception / response control means 20 (reception buffer storage processing, response control processing, etc.) and the processing of the print control means 21 (print control processing, reception buffer release processing, etc.). It is assumed that each process is exclusively executed on the real-time OS according to the priority. In this case, for example, if a higher execution time is assigned to a process with a higher priority, or if a request to execute a process higher than this is issued while a process with a lower priority is being executed, a process with a lower priority is executed. Is interrupted to execute a higher priority process.
[0057]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reception / response means 20 in the third embodiment.
[0058]
The reception / response unit 20 monitors that a packet is transmitted from the client device via the interface 17/18 (S500). When a packet is transmitted, the packet is stored in the reception buffer 22 (S501).
[0059]
Next, the reception / response means 20 checks the free space of the reception buffer and determines whether (free space)> (packet size) holds (S502).
[0060]
If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the reception / response means 20 returns the priority of each means to the initial state (does not do anything if the priority has not been changed from the initial state) (S503). Then, after transmitting a response corresponding to the packet transmission to the client device, the process returns to S500 (S504).
[0061]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the reception / response unit 20 determines from the initial state that the print control process is executed with priority (for example, the priority of the process of the reception / response unit 20 is given priority over the print control process). Change the priority to a state relatively lower than the initial state (do nothing if the state has already been changed from the initial state, or execute the print control processing with higher priority). Change) (S505). After waiting for a predetermined time, the process returns to S502 (S506).
[0062]
Note that the operation of the print control unit 21 in the third embodiment is the same as that in the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0063]
Under such a configuration, when data cannot be stored in the reception buffer 22, the print control process is executed with priority, and as a result, the release of the reception buffer 22 is accelerated, and the response to the client device is promptly performed. Since the response can be returned, responsiveness in the client device can be improved.
[0064]
(Other)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be applied in various modifications.
[0065]
For example, in the above embodiment, the transmission timing of the response is controlled based on the comparison result between the free space of the reception buffer and the data size. However, the transmission timing of the response is simply determined based on the size of the free space of the reception buffer. It may be configured to control. In this case, the degree of change in the priority of the print control process may be controlled based on the size of the free space in the reception buffer.
[0066]
Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, a printer has been described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to devices other than a printer as long as data communication is performed using an OBEX layer type protocol.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration diagram according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the receiving / response means 20 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the print control unit 21 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the receiving / response means 20 in the second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a print control unit 21 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reception / response means 20 in the third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation on the transmission side when the OBEX layer type protocol is adopted.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 printer, 2 power mechanism section, 3 information processing section, 10 paper feed mechanism, 11 print engine, 12 paper discharge mechanism, 13 CPU, 14 ROM, 15 RAM, 16 LCD panel and LCD controller, 17 wireless communication interface, 18 wired Communication interface, 20 reception / response means, 21 print control means, 22 reception buffer

Claims (7)

An information processing apparatus having a function of storing data transmitted from a client device in a buffer, executing a predetermined process based on the stored data, and releasing the data stored in the buffer according to the execution of the predetermined process. A device,
An information processing apparatus, wherein, when a request for data transmission is received from a client device, a transmission timing is controlled based on an empty state of the buffer, and a response to the request is transmitted to the client device. If it is determined that the data based on the request can be stored in the buffer, without waiting for the data stored in the buffer to be released, send a response to the client device,
If it is determined that the data based on the request cannot be stored in the buffer, it is possible to wait for the data stored in the buffer to be released according to the execution of the predetermined processing, and to store the data based on the request. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a response is transmitted to the client device at a specified timing. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the data based on the request cannot be stored in the buffer, the predetermined processing is executed with priority. At least one client device, storing data transmitted from the client device in a buffer, executing a predetermined process based on the stored data, and releasing the data stored in the buffer in response to the execution of the predetermined process An information processing system including an information processing apparatus having a function of performing
When the information processing device receives a request for data transmission from the client device, the information processing device controls transmission timing based on the empty state of the buffer and transmits a response to the request to the client device. Information processing system. A printer system comprising the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or the information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined process is a print control process. Storing the data transmitted from the client device in a buffer, performing a predetermined process based on the stored data, and releasing the data stored in the buffer in response to the execution of the predetermined process; Receiving a request related to data transmission from a client device, controlling transmission timing based on the empty state of the buffer, and transmitting a response to the request to the client device. Information processing method. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 6.

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