JP3800219B2 - Network system, printer, and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printer that requests other devices on a network to process print data to be printed by itself, and an information storage medium for controlling the printer.

  Usually, printers often have low processing capabilities. For this reason, in many cases, a printer driver of a computer performs processing such as image processing, creates printing data that can be printed by the printer, and causes the printer to print.

  However, since it is necessary to execute a high processing load program called image processing on the computer side, the load on the computer is large. For this reason, in a computer with low processing capability, the image processing takes time, and there is a problem that printing does not start easily.

  In addition, the speed at which the computer transmits printing data to the printer is affected by the printing speed of the printer. That is, the computer cannot enter the next operation until all the printing data is sent to the printer. Or, there is a problem that the performance of the next work is remarkably lowered.

  For example, a laser printer has a printing memory for one page, while an inkjet printer has only a printing memory for one line. For this reason, when printing is performed with an ink jet printer, there is a problem that the computer is not released from the transmission process easily, the next application does not work well, and the response of the computer becomes slow.

Also, commands that can be processed by the printer are usually fixed. For this reason, the computer must prepare commands (ESC / P, postscript, etc., commands for controlling printing, page commands) according to the printer.
Therefore, there is a problem that printing cannot be performed on a printer that does not support commands that can be prepared by the printer driver of the computer.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to connect a printer to a network so as to greatly improve the function as compared with a situation where the printer is not connected. There is. Specifically, it shortens the transmission time of data for printing, speeds up the release speed of the computer, reduces the processing of the printer driver of the computer, enables high-speed printing even on computers with low processing power, An object of the present invention is to provide a network system, a printer, and an information storage medium for controlling the printer that can handle various types of printer commands.

  A network system according to the present invention is a network system including a printer capable of receiving a print command of a computer and at least one other device, and the printer is configured to write a memo to another device connected to the network. A capability information inquiry means for inquiring capability information of capability including at least one of capacity, processing related to a printer language, image processing, and an image processing execution environment, and another device connected to the network in response to the capability information inquiry Virtual printer information determining means for determining whether there is another device that supports the function enhancement of the own machine based on the sent capability information and determining the virtual printer information of the own machine, and the virtual printer Virtual printer information disclosing means for disclosing information to a computer, In response to the inquiry about the capability information, the device responds to the printer with capability information of capability including at least one of its own memory capacity, processing related to the printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment. Response means are included.

The printer of the present invention is a printer capable of receiving a print command of a computer when connected to a network system,
When connected to the network, inquires of other devices other than the own printer about capability information of capability including at least one of memory capacity, processing related to printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment. Ability information inquiry means;
Based on the capability information sent from a device other than the own printer connected to the network in response to the inquiry of the capability information, the printer other than the own printer capable of supporting the function enhancement of the own printer Virtual printer information determining means for determining the presence or absence of other devices and determining the virtual printer information of the own machine based on the determined result;
Virtual printer information disclosing means for disclosing the virtual printer information to the computer is included.

The information storage medium of the present invention is an information storage medium storing information for controlling a printer connected to a network system and capable of receiving a print command of a computer,
Information for inquiring capability information of capability including at least one of memory capacity, processing related to printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment to other devices other than the printer connected to the network;
Based on the capability information sent from other devices other than the printer connected to the network in response to the inquiry of the capability information, determine whether there is another device that can support the function enhancement of the own device, Information for determining the virtual printer information of the own machine based on the determined result;
And information for disclosing the virtual printer information to a computer.

The printer discloses to the computer virtual printer information indicating how the printer can behave on the network. This virtual printer information incorporates the capabilities of other devices connected to the network in addition to the capabilities inherent in the device itself.
Therefore, the computer can make a request for a printing process to a printer with improved capabilities. For this reason, there is an effect that the restriction when the computer sends data for printing to the printer is reduced.

  Here, the image processing includes processing for converting RGB of image data into CMYK, rendering processing for developing characters and lines into bitmaps, and color conversion processing for performing color conversion according to the printer model. The capability of image processing includes capabilities relating to an environment for executing processing for converting RGB to CMYK, rendering processing, and color conversion processing, and a program for execution.

  The capability related to the image processing execution environment mainly refers to an environment for executing the image processing, and includes a memory capacity capable of executing the image processing program, an OS environment, and a processing capability of the CPU.

  The process related to the printer language includes at least one of a supported printer language and a printer language conversion program.

  The virtual printer information determination means of the network system or printer of the present invention is characterized in that the other device connected to the network can process at least one of a given printer command and printer language at least one of the printer command and printer language. The virtual printer information is determined to be capable of processing at least one of the given printer command and printer language, and the virtual printer information disclosure means The virtual printer information is disclosed to a computer.

  In this way, the printer can disclose to the computer virtual printer information that the printer can process in a language other than the printer language executable by itself. This increases the degree of freedom when the computer selects the printer language to be used. Therefore, for example, the computer can select a printer language that requires the shortest transmission time from the virtual printer information, and can shorten the transmission time.

  The printer of the network system of the present invention is based on the capability information sent from another device when the print request of the print data received from the computer exceeds the processing brain power of the device itself. Determining a server device to which the received print data is transmitted, transmitting the print data to the server device in real time, and requesting a given process; and the given process to the server device Transmission request means for requesting transmission of subsequent print data; and print control means for controlling printing based on the print data after the given processing received in response to the transmission request, the server device Performs the given process on the print data received from the printer, and after the given process in response to a transmission request from the printer Characterized in that it comprises a server processing unit that transmits the print data to the printer.

  When the print request for the print data received from the computer exceeds the processing power of the original machine, the printer of the present invention receives the print received based on the capability information sent from another device. A server device that determines the server device for transmitting the print data, transmits the print data to the server device in real time, requests a given process, and print data after the given process is sent to the server device Transmission request means for requesting transmission, and print control means for controlling printing based on the print data after the given processing received in response to the transmission request.

  The computer transmits printing data to the printer based on the virtual printer information disclosed by the printer. The printer that has received the printing data exceeding the processing brain power of the printer determines a server device for requesting processing exceeding the processing brain power of the printer based on the capability information, and transmits the printing data to the server device. And request processing.

According to the present invention, a printer can realize a function exceeding its original capability by requesting another server device connected to the network for processing.
Therefore, the function can be greatly improved without costing the printer itself.

  Further, since the computer can increase the ability of the printer to issue a print command, the printing restrictions on the computer are reduced.

  In the network system of the present invention, the given process includes a conversion process for converting the print data received from the computer into print data suitable for the printer, and the process requesting unit relates to a printer language. A server device for performing conversion processing is determined based on the capability information regarding the printer-related function including at least one of processing and image processing and print data received from the computer; It includes a conversion processing means for converting the received print data into print data suitable for the printer.

  In the printer of the present invention, the given process includes a conversion process for converting the print data received from the computer into print data suitable for the own machine, and the process requesting unit includes a process related to a printer language. And a server device for performing conversion processing based on the capability information regarding the printer-related function including at least one of image processing and print data received from the computer.

  The computer transmits printing data to the printer based on the virtual printer information disclosed by the printer. A printer that has received printing data that cannot be printed with the original processing power of the printer or printing data that has not been subjected to image processing suitable for its own device, converts it into printing data that is suitable for its own device based on the capability information. Determine another server device to request the conversion process. Then, print data is transmitted to the server device to request processing.

  The server device converts the received print data into print data suitable for printing with the printer using a processing program possessed by the server device, and transmits the print data to the printer. Then, the printer that has received the converted printing data performs printing.

  According to the present invention, the printer can realize a function beyond the original processing capability by requesting processing to another server device connected to the network. For example, a normal printer can only process printer commands that are fixed, but even a print language that cannot be processed by the printer can be printed by being converted to another device.

  Further, since the computer can increase the ability of the printer to issue a print command, the printing restrictions on the computer are reduced.

  The processing request unit of the network system of the present invention, when requesting the given processing, transmits the device information of its own device to the server device, and the conversion processing unit, based on the device information, The printing data is converted into printing data suitable for the printer.

  The processing requesting means of the printer of the present invention is characterized in that when requesting the given processing, device information of the own device is transmitted to the server device.

  The device information may be any information that can specify the printer model, and may be, for example, a printer ID.

  In the network system of the present invention, the given process includes a storage process for storing the print data received from the computer, and the process requesting unit performs the storage process based on the capability information regarding the memory capacity. Therefore, a server device is determined, and the server processing means includes storage processing means for receiving printing data sent from the printer and storing the data in its own memory.

  In the printer of the present invention, the given process includes a storage process for storing the print data received from the computer, and the process requesting unit performs the storage process based on the capability information regarding the memory capacity. Therefore, the server device is determined.

  For example, an ink jet printer has only one line of printing memory. For this reason, generally, when sending from a computer to a printer, the computer must perform transmission according to the printing speed of the printer. Therefore, a situation occurs in which the release speed of the computer is slow, such as the next application does not work well or the computer response is slow.

  However, in the present invention, since the printer transfers the received data to a server device having a large memory capacity, when the computer transmits the data, the printer is not limited by the printing speed of the printer. For this reason, data transmission to the printer of the computer is only a short time, and the release of the computer can be accelerated.

  The processing request means of the network system or printer of the present invention stores the printing data sent from the computer until the printing memory of the own machine runs out of space, and the printing memory of the own machine has no available space. When there is no more data, the received print data is transferred to the server device in real time, and the transmission requesting means sends the print data sent to the server device to the server device according to the print memory free space. The print control means sequentially receives the previously transferred print data and stores it in its own print memory, and prints and transfers the print data of the server device. It is characterized by being executed in parallel.

According to the present invention, the printing data that cannot be completely stored in the printing memory of the printer is transmitted to the server device, and is received again from the printing memory as soon as the printing memory becomes available. Therefore, since the data is transferred to the server device while printing, the processing time can be shortened.
In the network system of the present invention, the given process includes an image process of the print data received from a computer, and the printer performs an image process suitable for its device on the print data. The image processing program storage unit further stores an image processing program, and the processing request unit determines a server device having the execution environment of the image processing based on capability information related to the image processing execution environment, and the print data And the image processing program for image processing of the print data is transmitted to the server device, and the server processing means performs image processing of the print data and the print data sent from the printer. Receiving the image processing program to perform, using the image processing program, Characterized in that it comprises an image processing execution means for performing image processing of the printing data.

  In the printer of the present invention, the given process includes an image process of the print data received from a computer, and the printer performs an image process suitable for the device of its own with respect to the print data. The image processing program storage unit further stores a processing program, and the processing request unit determines a server device having the image processing execution environment based on capability information related to the image processing execution environment.

  Image processing such as rendering processing and color conversion processing differs for each printer device. Therefore, if the server device on which the processing is requested has an image processing program, the server device needs to have an enormous amount of image processing programs corresponding to all devices, resulting in poor memory efficiency.

  Therefore, it is more memory efficient if the client requesting the process owns an image processing program that is most suitable for the user's own machine and the data and the image processing program are sent together to request the processing.

  Here, the image processing includes processing for converting RGB of image data into CMYK, rendering processing for developing characters and lines into bitmaps, and color conversion processing for performing color conversion according to the printer model.

  Image data refers to data representing the content of an image displayed on a display, for example, and includes text data. It includes data on which image processing such as conversion from RGB to CMYK, rendering processing, and color conversion is not performed at all, or data on which part or all is performed.

  The computer may perform image processing by looking at the virtual printer information of the printer, create printing data including a printer command and the like, and send the data to the printer. If the printer has image processing capability, image data before image processing may be transmitted to the printer.

  If the server device has an image processing program of the same type as the image processing program that the printer intends to transmit, the version information is checked, and the version information of the image processing program that the printer has, for example, It may be configured to transmit only when new information is indicated.

  The printer of the network system of the present invention or the printer of the present invention is at least one when its own device is connected to the network, when a new device is connected to the network, or when there is an inquiry about capability information from the computer. In one case, the capability information is inquired to other devices connected to the network.

  When the printer is connected to the network, the virtual printer information can be quickly presented to the computer by making an inquiry. When a new device is connected to the network, virtual printer information incorporating the capability of the new device can be presented by making an inquiry. When there is an inquiry about capability information from the computer, the latest virtual printer information can always be presented by making an inquiry.

  The network system printer of the present invention or the printer of the present invention includes capability information storage means for storing the capability information in association with each device on the network.

In this way, when the capability information of the other server device is required, the necessary capability information can be obtained only by referring to the capability information storage means.
Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of making inquiries one by one and shorten the processing time.

  In the network system or printer of the present invention, the printing data includes image data or image data and a printer command.

  The printer of the present invention responds to an inquiry about capability information of capability including at least one of a memory capacity from another device connected to the network, processing related to a printer language, image processing, and an image processing execution environment. Ability information response means for responding to the printer and capability information including at least one of memory capacity, processing related to printer language, image processing, image processing execution environment, and other printers connected to the network Server processing means for performing a given process on the print data and sending the print data after the given process to the other printer in response to a transmission request from the other printer. And

  According to the present invention, the printer can also act as a server device if necessary.

  The server processing means of the printer of the present invention includes conversion processing means for converting the print data received from another printer into print data suitable for the other printer.

  The conversion processing means of the printer of the present invention converts the data into print data suitable for the other printer based on the device information received from the other printer.

  The server processing means of the printer of the present invention includes storage processing means for receiving printing data sent from the printer and storing it in the memory of its own device.

  The server processing means of the printer of the present invention receives the print data sent from the other device and the image processing program for image processing of the print data, and uses the image processing program And image processing execution means for performing image processing of the printing data.

Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment A feature of this embodiment is that a printer-related function is improved by connecting the printer to a network. This function allows a printer (hereinafter referred to as a client printer) that receives a print command from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) to perform conversion processing to print data suitable for the printer to another device (hereinafter referred to as a server device) on the network. This is realized by requesting, receiving the data after the conversion process, and printing.

  1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a network system to which the printer is connected.

  As shown in the figure, in the network system 10 of the present embodiment, a plurality of servers 20a, 20b and a plurality of printers 40a, 40b, 40c... Are connected via a communication line 12. Some printers are directly connected to the server 20b, such as 40d. The printer 40 can be added to the communication line 12 or the server 20 as needed.

  Further, a PC 14 is connected to the network system 10 via a communication line 12.

  The PC 14 can access an external network system such as the Internet via the communication line 12 and receive data such as text, still images, moving images, and voices. Furthermore, it is possible to capture image data through various input / output media or generate image data by itself.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer 40a connected to the network system performs processing related to the printer language, image, and other devices 20a, 20b, 40b, 40c... Connected to the network. A printer-related capability information inquiry 110 including at least one of the processes is performed. The other devices 20a, 20b, 40b, 40c... Connected to the network respond to the printer 40a with the printer-related capability information 112 in response to the capability information inquiry.

  Based on the capability information 112 sent from another device connected to the network in response to an inquiry about capability information of the printer-related function, the printer 40a has another device that supports the enhancement of its own function. It is determined whether or not there is a virtual printer information of the own machine. The virtual printer information 114 is disclosed in response to a request from the PC 14.

  When the PC 14 receives the virtual printer information 114 and determines that printing is possible, as shown in FIG. 2, the PC 14 transmits print data 100 including a printer command created by the printer driver of the own machine to the printer 40a. To do. The printer 40a that has received the print data 100 performs a process of converting the received print data 100 from among the plurality of printers 40 and the server 20 into print data 102 suitable for the printer of its own device. To decide. For example, when the server 20a is determined as the server device, the printer 40a transmits the printing data 100 to the server 20a and requests conversion processing. Upon receiving the printing data 100, the server 20a performs a conversion process. In response to a transmission request from the printer 40a, the server 20a transmits the converted print data 102 to the printer 40a. The printer 40a receives the converted printing data 102 and prints it out.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus that functions as a client printer, such as the printer 40a.

  The client printer according to this embodiment operates as a signal input / output unit 42 connected to the communication line 12, an arithmetic processing unit 41 configured using a CPU, and a printer such as an ESC / P processing program. A program memory 48 storing a program for storing, a printing memory 50 for storing printing data 100 transmitted from the PC 14, and an ID for specifying the model number (model name) of the printer of the own machine are stored. A printer information storage unit 52; a capacity information storage unit 62 that stores at least one of memory capacity of other devices on the network; processing related to the printer language; image processing; and an image processing execution environment. And a printing unit 46 that performs actual printing based on the above.

  The arithmetic processing unit 41 operates based on a program stored in the program memory 48, and includes a capability information inquiry unit 70, a virtual printer information determination unit 72, a virtual printer information disclosure unit 74, a processing request unit 76, a transmission request unit 78, It functions as the print control unit 44.

  The capability information inquiry unit 70 has a function of inquiring other devices connected to the network for capability information of capability including at least one of a memory capacity, a process related to a printer language, image processing, and an image processing execution environment. Have. Then, the capability information from another device in response to the inquiry is stored in the capability information storage unit 62 in association with the other device. The inquiry is made when the own device is connected to the network or when a new device is connected to the network.

  In the present embodiment, the capability information inquiry unit 70 inquires of other printers on the network about capability information related to printer-related functions including at least one of processing related to printer language and image processing, and the capability information storage unit 62. Stores capability information related to the printer-related functions.

  The virtual printer information determination unit 72 has another device that supports the enhancement of its own function based on the capability information sent from another device connected to the network in response to the inquiry of the capability information. To determine the virtual printer information of the own machine.

  The virtual printer information disclosure unit 76 discloses the virtual printer information 114 in response to a request from the PC 14.

The processing request unit 76 receives the print request received from the PC 14 based on the capability information stored in the capability information storage unit 62 when the print request of the printing data exceeds the original processing brain power of the own machine. A server device that transmits print data is determined. The printing data and the device information of the device itself are transmitted to the server device in real time, and a given process is requested. In the present embodiment, the given process is a conversion process for converting the print data received from the PC 14 into print data suitable for the own apparatus. For this reason, the processing request unit 76 determines a server device for performing conversion processing for conversion into printing data suitable for the own machine based on the capability information related to the printer-related function and the printing data received from the PC 14. To do.
The transmission request unit 78 requests the server device to transmit processed print data.

  The print control unit 44 is configured to write the print data transmitted from the server device into the print memory 50 functioning as a buffer, and to control the print unit 46 to sequentially print out.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of an apparatus that functions as a server device, such as the server 20a.

  The server device according to the present embodiment includes a signal input / output unit 22 that transmits and receives data via the communication line 12, an arithmetic processing unit 24 that is configured using a CPU, and a program memory that stores various operation programs. 26, a processing data storage unit 28 that stores at least one of the printing data received from the client printer and a processing data after processing, and a capability data storage unit 30 that stores different types of printer-specific capability information. It is comprised including.

  In the present embodiment, the processing data storage unit 28 stores at least one of the printing data received from the client printer and the processed printing data.

  The program memory 26 also stores a program for performing data conversion processing such as processing related to the printer language and image processing on the print data requested for data conversion processing.

  In this case, the capability data storage unit 30 stores version information of the program stored in the program memory 26, ID that is device information for specifying the model of the printer corresponding to the program, and the like. The ID that is device information that identifies the model of the printer supported by the program is, for example, an image processing program, printer device information suitable for printing the generated data, and printer language conversion processing. Device information of a printer that can be printed with printing data including the generated printer command.

  The arithmetic processing unit 24 operates based on an operation program stored in the program memory 26 and functions as a capability information response unit 32 and a server processing unit 34.

  The capability information response unit 32 receives capability capability information including at least one of its own memory capacity, processing related to the printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment in response to the capability information inquiry from the client printer. Responds to the client printer.

  In the present embodiment, the capability information of the printer-related function including at least one of processing relating to the printer language and image processing stored in the capability data storage unit 30 is returned to the client printer. The capability information of the printer-related function is, for example, information on the presence / absence of a program that performs processing relating to image processing or printer language, version information, and the like.

  The server processing unit 34 performs a given process on the print data received from the client printer, and sends the print data after the given process to the printer in response to a transmission request from the printer. Control as follows.

  The present embodiment includes a conversion processing unit 35 that performs the given processing. The conversion processing unit 35 determines a program to be used for the conversion process by referring to the capability data storage unit 30 based on the printing data and the device information of the printer, based on the printing data received from the client printer. Then, conversion processing to print data is performed using the corresponding program stored in the program memory 26.

  Next, a more detailed operation example of the printer and the network system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining a more detailed operation example of the printer and network system 10 according to the present embodiment. 7, 8, and 9 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the printer according to the present embodiment. The flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 show operations when the printer has both a function as a client printer and a function as a server device. For this reason, the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 show the operation of the printer acting as a client printer and the behavior of acting as a server device.

  First, an operation example in which the client printer determines virtual printer information and discloses it to the PC 14 will be described.

  In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the printer 40a serving as a client printer is, for example, an ESC / P printer as its own capability. In such a case, it has only a function as an ESC / P printer before connecting to the network. Therefore, the PC 14 needs to transmit print data including a printer command that can be processed by the ESC / P printer when printing on the printer 40a.

  However, by connecting the printer 40 a to the network 10, it is possible to disclose the virtual printer information whose function has been improved to the PC 14. The operations of the printer 40a when determining and disclosing the virtual printer information are shown in the flows 1000 and 1010 in FIG.

  1) First, the capability information inquiry unit 70 of the printer 40a makes an inquiry about printer-related capability information to other devices on the network (step S11).

  2) In response to the inquiry, the printer 40a obtains capability information from other devices on the network (step S12). For example, in FIG. 5, the server 20a converts PS-compatible print data into ESC / P-compatible print data (P1) and PS-compatible print data into ESC / page-compatible print data. Capability information that the printer 40b has a processing program (P2) to be executed, and the capability that the printer 40b has a processing program (P3) that converts ESC / page compatible print data into ESC / P compatible print data. Information, capability information that the printer 40c has a processing program (P4) for converting print data compatible with PCL into print data compatible with ESC / page is acquired.

  3) The virtual printer information determination unit 72 of the printer 40a determines whether there is another device that supports the function enhancement of the own device based on the capability information of the printer related function, and obtains the virtual printer information of the own device. Determine (step S13). In FIG. 5, since the printer 40a is an ESC / P printer, if there is a processing program for converting a given printer command, printer language, etc. into ESC / P compatible printing data, the given printer command, The virtual printer information is determined to be a printer that can process the printer language and the like. Accordingly, the printer program 40a can determine virtual printer information that can behave as a PS printer and an ESC / page printer by the processing program (P1) and the processing program (P3).

  4) If there is an inquiry about printer-related functional capability information from the PC 14, the virtual printer information is disclosed to the PC 14 (steps S24 to S28).

  In FIG. 6, an example of operation when printing data received from the client printer PC 14 is requested to the server device and the converted printing data is printed out will be described.

  The operation of the printer 40a when making the conversion request is shown in the flow 1100A of FIG. 8, the operation of the server device receiving the conversion request is 2000A of FIG. 9, and the operation of the printer 40a printing the converted data is shown in FIG. Shown in flow 1120.

  1) The PC 14 determines a printer command for sending print data to the printer 40a based on the virtual printer information of the printer 40a and the function of the printer driver of the own device.

  2) Then, print data including a printer command is created by the printer driver and transmitted to the printer 40a. For example, assume that print data that can be printed by an ESC / page printer is transmitted.

  3) The printer 40a that has received the print data determines whether or not the received printer command is a command that can be directly printed by the own device. Here, the printer 40a can print only when printing data corresponding to ESC / P is received.

  4) However, since the received data is print data that can be printed by the ESC / page printer, it cannot be printed directly. Therefore, the conversion processing request unit 76 determines a server device that requests conversion processing for converting ESC / page compatible print data into print data printable by an ESC / P printer based on the capability information, and the server The printing data received and the device information of the own device are transmitted to the device and a conversion process is requested. Here, the ESC / page compatible print data is transferred to the printer 40b having the processing program (P3) for converting the ESC / P compatible print data into the ESC / P compatible print data, and a conversion process is requested. (Steps S50 to S54).

  5) The conversion processing unit 76 of the printer 40b, which is the server device requested to perform the conversion process, uses the processing program (P3) based on the print data and the printer device information sent from the printer 40a. It is determined that the conversion process is to be performed, and using the processing program (P3), the received print data is converted into print data that can be directly printed by the printer 40a. Here, the ESC / page compatible print data is converted into ESC / P compatible print data (steps S62 to S66 in FIG. 9).

  6) The conversion processing unit 76 transmits the print data after the conversion processing to the printer 40a in response to the transmission request (step S56 in FIG. 8) of the transmission request unit 78 of the printer 40a (step S68 in FIG. 9). )

7) The printer 40a that has received the print data after the conversion process performs printing based on the print data (steps S39 and S49 in FIG. 8).
is there.

According to the present embodiment, the printer 40a discloses virtual printer information indicating how the own device behaves on the network to the PC. This virtual printer information incorporates the capabilities of other devices connected to the network in addition to the capabilities inherent in the device itself. For this reason, by connecting the printer to the network, the function can be improved beyond the original capability.
In addition, client printers can implement functions beyond their original capabilities by requesting processing to other server devices connected to the network, and printers that have greatly improved functions without incurring costs. realizable. The server device may be a server or a printer as long as the device has a function as a server device.

  Further, the PC 14 can request a printing process to a printer with improved capabilities. For this reason, there is an effect that the restriction when the computer sends data for printing to the printer is reduced.

(2) Second Embodiment A feature of this embodiment is that a function relating to memory capacity is increased by connecting a printer to a network. In such a function, a printer (hereinafter referred to as a client printer) that receives a print command from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) requests another device (hereinafter referred to as a server device) on the network to store the received print data. This is realized by receiving and storing data stored in the server device.

  10 and 11 show a schematic configuration of a printer according to the present invention and a second embodiment of a network system to which the printer is connected. The equipment configuration in FIGS. 10 and 11 is basically the same as that in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In this embodiment, the client printer that has received a print command from the PC 14 performs processing for transferring the print data to a server device having a large memory capacity capable of storing the received print data. It is necessary that a device having a large memory capacity that can be stored is connected to the network system.

  The client printer is assumed to be a printer 40a. As shown in FIG. 10, the printer 40a makes an inquiry 120 for capacity information regarding the memory capacity to the other devices 20a, 20b, 40b, 40c... Connected to the network. The other devices 20a, 20b, 40b, 40c,... Connected to the network respond to the printer 40a with capability information 122 regarding its own memory capacity in response to the inquiry about the capability information.

  The printer 40a is sufficient to store printing data sent from the PC 14 based on capability information sent from another device connected to the network in response to an inquiry about capability information about the memory capacity. A server device that requests a storage process having a memory capacity is determined. Let the server device be 20a. Then, the virtual printer information 124 is disclosed in which the memory capacity of the server device is a memory capacity that can be stored in the PC 14 in the PC 14.

  When the PC 14 receives the virtual printer information 124 and determines that high-speed printing is possible, as shown in FIG. 11, the PC 14 stores the print data 100 including the printer command created by the printer driver of the self-machine. It transmits to the printer 40a. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that print data including a printer command that can be printed with the original capability of the printer 40a is transmitted.

  The printer 40a that has received the print data 100 transfers the received print data to the server 20a and requests a storage process.

  When the server 20b receives the printing data 100, the server 20b stores it in its own memory. Then, in response to a transmission request from the printer 40a, the printing data 100 is transmitted to the printer 40a. The printer 40a prints out the received print data 100.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus that functions as a client printer, such as the printer 40a. 12, parts having the same functions as those in the functional block diagram of the client printer in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The client printer of this embodiment includes a signal input / output unit 42 connected to the communication line 12, an arithmetic processing unit 41 configured using a CPU, a program memory 48, a printing memory 50, printer information The storage unit 52, the capability information storage unit 62, and the printing unit 46 that performs actual printing based on the printing data are configured.

  Here, the printing memory 50 has only a memory for storing printing data for one line when the client printer is an ink jet printer, for example, and stores printing data for one page when the client printer is a laser printer. I only have memory.

  The arithmetic processing unit 41 operates based on a program stored in the program memory 48, and includes a capability information inquiry unit 70, a virtual printer information determination unit 72, a virtual printer information disclosure unit 74, a processing request unit 76, a transmission request unit 78, It functions as the print control unit 44.

  In the present embodiment, the capability information inquiry unit 70 inquires of other devices on the network about capability information regarding the memory capacity, and the capability information storage unit 62 stores the capability information regarding the memory capacity.

  In the present embodiment, the given process requested by the process request unit 76 is a storage process for storing the print data received from the PC 14. Therefore, the process requesting unit 76 determines a server device that requests the storage process based on the capability information related to the memory capacity.

  When the printing and the transfer of the printing data to the server device are executed in parallel, the processing request unit 76 sends the printing data sent from the PC 14 to its own printing memory 50. Is stored until there is no space left, and when there is no space left in the print memory 50 of the own apparatus, the received print data is controlled to be transferred to the server device in real time. Then, the transmission request unit 78 requests the storage processing device to transmit the printing data transmitted by the own device in accordance with the availability of the printing memory 50 by printing. Then, the print control unit 44 controls to sequentially receive the previously transferred print data and store it in its own print memory.

  FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus that functions as a server device, such as the server 20b. 13, parts having the same functions as those in the functional block diagram of the server device in FIG.

  The server device according to the present embodiment includes a signal input / output unit 22 that transmits and receives data via the communication line 12, an arithmetic processing unit 24 that is configured using a CPU, a program memory 26, and a processing data storage unit. 28 and a capability data storage unit 30.

  The processing data storage unit 28 stores the printing data that has been requested to be stored.

  The capability data storage unit 30 stores capability information related to the memory capacity of the device itself.

  The arithmetic processing unit 24 includes a capability information response unit 32 and a server processing unit 38.

  The capability information response unit 32 responds to the client printer with capability information regarding the memory capacity of the own device stored in the capability data storage unit 30 in response to an inquiry about capability information regarding the memory capacity from the client printer.

  The server processing unit 34 includes a storage processing unit 37, stores printing data sent from the client printer in the processing data storage unit 28, and stores it in response to a transmission request from the client printer. The print data is transmitted to the client printer.

  Next, a more detailed operation example of the printer and the network system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14, 7, 8, and 9. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a more detailed operation example of the printer and network system 10 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 14, it is assumed that a printer 40a as a client printer is an ink jet printer and has only a printing memory for storing printing data for one line. In such a case, since the PC can transmit printing data only in accordance with the printing speed of the printer 40a, the release of the PC is delayed.

  However, when the printer 40a requests the storage processing device on the network 10 to store the received print data, the PC can transmit data regardless of the printing speed of the printer 40a. The operation of the printer 40a when determining the server device for requesting the storage process and performing the storage request is shown in a flow 1000 in FIG. 7, a flow 1112, a flow 1114 in FIG. 8, and a 2000B in FIG. The operation of the server device that has received the storage request is shown in 2000C of FIG.

  1) First, the capability information inquiry unit 70 of the printer 40a makes an inquiry about capability information regarding the memory capacity to other devices on the network (this processing is also performed in step S11 in FIG. 7).

  2) In response to the inquiry, the capability information inquiry unit 70 acquires capability information from other devices on the network, and the processing request 76 determines a server device to which printing data is transferred based on the capability information. (Steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 7). Here, it is assumed that the server 20a is determined as a server device.

  3) It is assumed that the PC 14 transmits print data including a printer command that can be directly printed by the printer 40a with its own capabilities.

  4) The processing request unit 76 of the printer 40a transfers the print data sent from the PC 14 to the server 20a, which is a server device (step S48 in FIG. 8. Note that printing and transfer of print data to the server device) Are executed in parallel, the processing of the flow 1114 in FIG. 8 is executed).

  5) Upon receiving the storage request, the server device processing unit 38 of the server 20a receives the printing data sent from the printer 40a, stores it in the processing data storage unit 28, and responds to the transmission request from the printer 40a. The print data is transmitted to the printer 40a (flow 2000C and flow 2000D in FIG. 9).

6) The printer 40a that has received the print data from the server device prints the print data (2000B in FIG. 9) When printing and transfer of print data to the storage processing device are executed in parallel (The printing of the first portion of the printing data that is not transferred to the server device is performed in steps S40, S42, and S44 of FIG. 8).
According to the present embodiment, the client printer can realize a function exceeding the original memory capacity by requesting another server device connected to the network to perform the storage process, thereby reducing the cost of the printer itself. A printer with greatly improved memory capacity can be realized without spending much time.

  Further, the PC 14 can request a print process to a client printer having an increased memory capacity. For this reason, the PC 14 is not limited by the printing speed of the client printer. Therefore, data transmission from the PC 14 to the client printer is short, and the release of the PC 14 can be accelerated.

(3) Third Embodiment A feature of this embodiment is that the functions related to the image processing execution environment are improved by connecting the printer to the network. This function is received by a printer (hereinafter referred to as a client printer) that has received a print command from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) to another device (hereinafter referred to as a server device) on the network having an image processing execution environment. This is realized by sending the printing data and the image processing program of the own device to request image processing, receiving the data after image processing, and printing.

  This embodiment is different from the case where the server device requests image processing in the first embodiment in that the client printer transmits an image processing program together with print data.

  15 and 16 show a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of a printer according to the present invention and a network system to which the printer is connected.

  The device configuration in the present embodiment is basically the same as in the case of FIGS. 1 and 2, but a device having an image processing execution environment that can be a server device exists on the network. Necessary.

  The client printer is assumed to be a printer 40a. As shown in FIG. 15, the printer 40a makes an inquiry 130 of capability information regarding the image processing execution environment to the other devices 20a, 20b, 40b, 40c,... Connected to the network. The other devices 20a, 20b, 40b, 40c,... Connected to the network respond to the printer 40a with capability information 132 related to the image processing execution environment of the own device in response to the capability information inquiry.

  The printer 40a can execute image processing of print data sent from the PC 14 based on capability information sent from another device connected to the network in response to an inquiry about capability information related to the image processing execution environment. A server device having is determined. Assume that the server device is the server 20a. Then, the virtual printer information 134 is disclosed that enables the PC 14 to perform image processing suitable for its own printer.

  When the PC 14 receives the virtual printer information 134 and determines that image processing is possible on the printer 40a side, as shown in FIG. 16, the print data 104 including image data before image processing is stored in the printer 40a. Send to.

  The printer 40a that has received the print data 104 transfers the received print data and the image processing program 106 to the server 20a and requests image processing.

  When the server 20b receives the printing data and the image processing program 106, the server 20b performs image processing of the printing data using the image processing program, and transmits the processed printing data 108 to the printer 40a. The printer 40a performs print output based on the received print data 108.

  FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus that functions as a client printer, such as the printer 20a. 17, parts having the same functions as those in the functional block diagram of the client printer in FIG. 3 or FIG.

  The client printer of this embodiment includes a signal input / output unit 42 connected to the communication line 12, an arithmetic processing unit 41 configured using a CPU, a program memory 48, a printing memory 50, printer information A storage unit 52, a capability information storage unit 62, a printing unit 46 that performs actual printing based on printing data, and an image processing program storage unit 60 are configured.

  Here, the image processing program storage unit 60 stores an image processing program for performing image processing suitable for the device of the own device.

  The arithmetic processing unit 41 operates based on a program stored in the program memory 48, and includes a capability information inquiry unit 70, a virtual printer information determination unit 72, a virtual printer information disclosure unit 74, a processing request unit 76, a transmission request unit 78, It functions as the print control unit 44.

  In the present embodiment, the capability information inquiry unit 70 inquires of other devices on the network about capability information related to the image processing execution environment, and the capability information storage unit 62 stores capability information related to the image processing execution environment. ing.

  In the present embodiment, the given process requested by the process request unit 76 is image processing of the print data received from the PC 14. Therefore, the processing request unit 76 determines a server device having a sufficient image processing execution environment for performing the image processing based on the capability information related to the image processing execution environment. Then, the image processing program stored in the image processing program storage unit 60 and the printing data received from the PC 14 are transferred to the server device in real time, and image processing is requested.

  If the server device has an image processing program of the same type as the image processing program that the printer intends to transmit, the version information is checked, and the version information of the image processing program that the printer has, for example, It may be configured to transmit only when new information is indicated.

  FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus that functions as a server device for image processing, such as the server 20b. 18, parts having the same functions as those in the functional block diagram of the server device in FIG. 4 or FIG.

  The server device according to the present embodiment includes a signal input / output unit 22 that transmits and receives data via the communication line 12, an arithmetic processing unit 24 that is configured using a CPU, a program memory 26, and a processing data storage unit. 28, an image processing program load memory 36, and a capability data storage unit 30. The processing data storage unit 28 stores printing data for which an image processing request has been received and printing data after image processing.

  The image processing program load memory 36 stores an image processing program transmitted from the client printer.

  The capability data storage unit 30 stores capability information related to the image processing execution environment of the own device.

  The arithmetic processing unit 24 includes a capability information response unit 32 and a server processing unit 34.

  The capability information response unit 32 responds to the client printer with capability information relating to the image processing execution environment of the own device stored in the capability data storage unit 30 in response to an inquiry about capability information relating to the image processing execution environment from the client printer. To do.

  The server processing unit 34 includes an image processing execution unit 39, performs image processing on the print data using the image processing program received from the client printer, and performs post-image processing in response to a transmission request from the client printer. Send the print data to the client printer.

  According to the present embodiment, the PC 14 can make a print processing request to a printer having an improved image processing execution environment. For this reason, it is not necessary to execute an image processing program with a high processing load on the PC side. Therefore, even a printer with low processing capability can start printing early without taking time for image processing.

  In addition, the client printer sends an image processing program suitable for its own device to another server device connected to the network, and requests execution of the image processing. Compared with the case of having it, the memory efficiency is good.

  Needless to say, each of the above embodiments may be implemented alone or in combination. When the above embodiments are implemented in combination, the client printer discloses all the printer-related functions, the functions related to the memory capacity, and the functions related to the image processing execution environment to the PC as virtual printer information, and the server device on the network A conversion processing request, a storage processing request, and an image processing execution request are performed as necessary.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where a client printer and a server device are provided in the network system 10 has been described as an example. However, when a printer having a sufficiently high capacity exists, this printer is used as a server device. The system 10 may be constructed so as to have the above functions.

  As described above, if the printer has not only a function as a client printer but also a function as a server device, the printer can behave as a client printer or a server device as necessary. 7, 8, and 9 are flowcharts illustrating the operation when the client device function and the server device function are combined.

  In addition, the printer does not have to be a printer-dedicated machine, and may be an apparatus having a printing function.

  The network system of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the network system of 1st embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the client printer of the first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the server device of a first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the detailed operation example of 1st embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the detailed operation example of 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed operation | movement of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed operation | movement of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed operation | movement of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the network system of 2nd embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the network system of 2nd embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the client printer of the second embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of a server device of a second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the detailed operation example of 2nd embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the network system which concerns on 3rd embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the network system of 3rd embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the client printer of 3rd embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the server device of 3rd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Network system 12 Communication line 14 PC
20 server 22 signal input / output unit (server device)
24 Arithmetic processing part (server device)
26 program memory 28 processing data storage unit 30 capability data storage unit 32 capability information response unit 34 server processing unit 35 conversion processing unit 36 image processing program loading memory 37 storage processing unit 39 image processing execution unit 40 printer 41 arithmetic processing unit 42 signal Input / output unit (client printer)
44 Print Control Unit (Client Printer)
46 printing unit 48 program memory 50 printing memory 52 printer information storage unit 60 image processing program storage unit 62 capability information storage unit 70 capability information inquiry unit 72 virtual printer information determination unit 74 virtual printer information disclosure unit 76 processing request unit 78 transmission request Part

Claims (17)

A printer capable of receiving a print command of a computer when connected to a network system,
When connected to the network, inquires of other devices other than the own printer about capability information of capability including at least one of memory capacity, processing related to printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment. Ability information inquiry means;
Based on the capability information sent from a device other than the own printer connected to the network in response to the inquiry of the capability information, the printer other than the own printer capable of supporting the function enhancement of the own printer Virtual printer information determining means for determining the presence or absence of other devices and determining the virtual printer information of the own machine based on the determined result;
A printer comprising virtual printer information disclosing means for disclosing the virtual printer information to the computer. In claim 1,
The virtual printer information determination means includes
When the other device connected to the network has a conversion function for converting at least one of a given printer command and printer language into at least one of a printer command and printer language that can be processed by the printer Determining virtual printer information capable of processing at least one of the given printer command and printer language;
The virtual printer information disclosure means includes
A printer characterized by disclosing the determined virtual printer information to the computer. In either claim 1 or 2,
When a print request for print data received from the computer exceeds the processing brain power provided in advance in the printer, the received print data is received based on the capability information sent from the other device. Processing request means for determining a server device to transmit data, transmitting the printing data to the server device, and requesting a given process;
Transmission request means for requesting the server device to transmit print data after the given processing;
And a print control means for controlling printing based on the print data after the given processing received in response to the transmission request. In claim 3,
The given process is
Including a conversion process for converting the print data received from the computer into print data suitable for a self-printer,
The processing request means
A printer that determines a server device that performs conversion processing based on the capability information related to a printer-related function including at least one of processing related to a printer language and image processing, and print data received from the computer. In claim 4,
The processing request means
A printer characterized in that, when requesting the given process, device information of the own printer is transmitted to the server device. The given process according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein
A storage process for storing the printing data received from the computer;
The processing request means
A printer that determines a server device that performs the storage process based on capability information relating to the memory capacity. In claim 6,
The processing request means
The printing data sent from the computer is stored in the printing memory of the own printer, and the received printing data is transferred to the server device when the printing memory of the own printer is full. And
The transmission request means includes
Requesting the server device to send the print data sent by the self-printer according to the amount of print memory available for printing,
The print control means includes
Receives the print data transferred earlier, and stores it in the print memory of the printer.
A printer that executes printing and transfer of print data of the server device in parallel. In any one of Claims 3-6,
The given process is
Including image processing of the printing data received from the computer,
Image processing program storage means for storing an image processing program for performing image processing suitable for the device of the self-printer for the print data;
The processing request means
Based on the capability information related to the image processing execution environment, a server device having the image processing execution environment is determined, and the print data and the image processing program for performing image processing of the print data are transmitted to the server device. A printer characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1-8,
When the printer is connected to the network, there is a connection of a new device to the network, or at least one case of the inquiry of capability information from the computer, the other printer connected to the network A printer which makes an inquiry about the capability information to a device. In any one of Claims 1-9,
A printer comprising: capability information storage means for storing the capability information in association with each device connected to the network. In any one of Claims 3-10,
In response to an inquiry about capability information about the capacity including at least one of the memory capacity from the other devices connected to the network, processing related to the printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment, Capacity information response means for responding to the printer capacity information of capacity including at least one of capacity, processing related to printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment
A given process is performed on the print data received from the other printer connected to the network, and the print data after the given process is transferred to the other data in response to a transmission request from the other printer. A printer comprising server processing means for transmitting to a printer. In claim 11,
The server processing means includes
A printer comprising conversion processing means for converting the print data received from another printer into print data suitable for the other printer. In claim 12,
The conversion processing means includes
A printer which converts data into printing data suitable for the other printer based on the device information received from the other printer. In any one of Claims 11-13,
The server processing means includes
A printer comprising storage processing means for receiving printing data sent from the printer and storing it in a memory of the printer of the printer. In any one of Claims 11-14,
The server processing means includes
Image processing for receiving the print data sent from the other device and the image processing program for performing image processing of the printing data, and performing image processing of the printing data using the image processing program A printer comprising execution means. In any one of Claims 1-15,
The printer is characterized in that the printing data includes image data or image data and a printer command. An information storage medium storing information for controlling a printer connected to a network system and capable of receiving a print command of a computer,
Information for inquiring capability information of capability including at least one of memory capacity, processing related to printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment to other devices other than the printer connected to the network;
Based on the capability information sent from other devices other than the printer connected to the network in response to the inquiry of the capability information, determine whether there is another device that can support the function enhancement of the own device, Information for determining the virtual printer information of the own machine based on the determined result;
An information storage medium including information for disclosing the virtual printer information to a computer.

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