JPH07281850A - Printer system and its substitutive printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To makes a printer where a print fault has occurred, transfer the received print information to another printer at a specified transfer destination to print the information substitutively. CONSTITUTION:Respective state detecting means detects respective states during printing operation of a printer engine 308 and a control unit 305 decides a print fault occurrence state, and if the print fault occurrence state is decided, the print information received from a data supply source is transferred to another printer on a network on the basis of specified transfer destination information which is specified and stored to print the information substitutively.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention receives drawing data from a data supply source such as a host computer connected on a network, and connects the drawing data to the same network in the event of a failure according to information preset in the apparatus. The present invention relates to a printer system for transferring data to another printer device and an alternative printing method for the printer system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when a document or the like is printed out from a data supply source such as a host computer connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), printer information stored on the network in the host computer, or By determining the data transmission destination based on the printer server information and transmitting the drawing request and the data to be drawn, the printer device is operated and printing is realized.

When sending directly to a network printer device based on printer information as in the former case, the host side requesting print output to the printer determines what code and language the printer device accepts and the paper size. Resource information about the printer, such as how many can be printed, whether color can be output, etc., is stored in advance in the storage medium, and the user operating the host computer can select from the printers in which the resource information is stored. It is configured to output.

On the other hand, in the case of a printer server or the like based on server information like the latter, the host computer has the same function contents as described above regarding the printer server provided in the network in advance and the printer connected to the printer server. Information is stored and held on the host computer side, and a user operating the host computer selects and outputs from the stored and held printer server. Some printer servers simply act as spoolers, but they also perform the same control as when directly connecting a network printer, as in the former case.

[0005]

However, although there is no problem when these devices are operating normally, the mechanism of the printer device itself, for example, in the case of LBP (laser beam printer), paper jam, out of toner, defective fixing heater, etc. When printing is impossible due to a failure, printing has to be stopped. This is because the user is physically separated from the data supply source such as the host computer after the print command is issued by the user especially in batch job processing. In the case of such a process, even though there is a printer device that can operate in the same network, an error failure has occurred later, so another printer device must be manually printed again. Since it is a printer device shared on the network, the printing process of other users that occurs one after another will stop. There has been a Utoyuu problems.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. A first object of the present invention is to detect each state during printing of a printer engine, determine a print fault occurrence state, and to generate a print fault. If the status is determined, the print failure received by transferring the print information received from the data supply source to the other printing device on the network that causes the alternative printing based on the designated transfer destination information that is designated and input is stored. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of transferring the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing device, which is designated and input by the printing device in which the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem occurs, and performing alternative printing.

A second purpose is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state, the designated transfer input and stored. Based on the destination information and the status of the designated printing device, the printing information received from the data supply source is sequentially transferred to other printing devices on the network that will perform alternative printing, and the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred is designated and input. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer system in which the received print information is designated while determining the state of the designated transfer destination printing device, and the printing information can be sequentially transferred to the printing device capable of performing the substitute printing.

A third object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine a print fault occurrence state, and when the print fault occurrence state is determined, inquire of the data supply source as to whether alternative printing is possible or not. In accordance with the response state of the inquiry, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network which substitutes printing based on the designated transfer destination information which is designated and input, thereby causing a print failure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of transferring the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing device, which is designated and input by the printing device in which the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem occurs, and performing alternative printing.

A fourth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state, and when the print failure occurrence state is determined, inquire of the data supply source as to whether alternative printing is possible or not. , Another printing device on the network that substitutes the print information received from the data supply source based on the designated transfer destination information that is designated and input and stored and the state of the designated printing device according to the response state of the inquiry By sequentially transferring the print information to the printer, the print information with the print failure received is specified and the print information received is specified while determining the status of the specified transfer destination printer, and the print information is sequentially transferred to the printable printer. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer system capable of performing alternative printing.

A fifth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state is designated and input from the data supply source and stored. Based on the designated transfer destination information, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that substitutes printing, so that the printing device with the print failure is designated It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of transferring print information received by a printing device and performing alternative printing.

A sixth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state is designated and input from the data supply source and stored. A printing device in which a printing failure has occurred by sequentially transferring the printing information received from the data supply source to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing based on the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated printing device. To provide a printer system in which the received print information is designated while determining the state of the designated transfer destination printing device, and which can be sequentially transferred to a printable printing device to perform alternative printing. Is.

A seventh object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined to be the print failure occurrence state, a user identification which is designated and stored is stored. Based on the designated transfer destination information for each information, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that performs alternative printing, or the designated transfer destination for each user identification information that is designated and input and stored. Based on the information and the status of the specified printing device, the printing information received from the data supply source is sequentially transferred to other printing devices on the network that perform alternate printing, and the printing device in which the printing failure occurred is designated and input. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of transferring received print information to a designated transfer destination printing device and performing alternative printing.

An eighth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined to be the print failure occurrence state, specify and input the stored user identification. Based on the designated transfer destination information for each information, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that performs alternative printing, or the designated transfer destination for each user identification information that is designated and input and stored. The print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that performs alternative printing based on the information, and the printing device with the print failure is specified and input to the specified transfer destination printing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of transferring print information and performing alternative printing.

A ninth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state. When the print failure occurrence state is determined, the network which is designated and input is stored in the network. Based on the identification information of each connected printing device, the printing information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that performs alternative printing, or each specified printing device is connected to the network. The print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another print device on the network that causes alternative printing based on the identification information of the print device, and the print device with the print failure is designated and input. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of transferring print information received by a device and performing alternative printing.

A tenth purpose is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state. When the print failure occurrence status is determined, the network which is designated and input is stored in the network. Based on the network address of each connected printing device, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing, or each specified printing device is connected and stored in the network. The print information received from the data supply source is transferred based on the network address of the printing device to the other printing device on the network that causes the printing to be alternated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of transferring print information received by a device and performing alternative printing.

An eleventh object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to judge the print failure occurrence state. If the print failure occurrence status is determined, the designated input is made and stored. The print information has been received by the designated transfer destination printing device by inputting the print device that caused the print failure by transferring the print information to another network printing device on the network that performs alternative printing based on the specified transfer destination information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of transferring print information and performing alternative printing.

A twelfth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to judge the print failure occurrence state, and when it is judged to be the print failure occurrence state, it is designated and stored. Based on the specified transfer destination information and the status of the specified printing device, the printing information is specified as the printing device in which the printing failure occurred by sequentially transferring the printing information to another printing device on the network It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system in which received print information is designated while determining the state of a transfer destination printing device, and sequentially transferred to a printable network printing device to perform alternative printing.

A thirteenth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print failure occurrence state. If the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made and stored. Each network connected to the network that has been transferred to another network on the network that prints the print information based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network By transferring the print information to another network printing device on the network that causes alternative printing based on the identification information of the printing device, the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred is specified and input is received by the specified destination network printing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system that can reliably transfer print information and perform alternative printing.

A fourteenth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus and judge the print failure occurrence state. If the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made and stored. Each network connected to the network that is stored and transferred to another network printer on the network that prints the print information based on the network address of each printer connected to that network. By transferring the print information to another network printing device on the network that substitutes the print information based on the network address of the printing device, the printing device with the print failure is designated and input to the designated destination network printing device. Providing a printer system that can reliably transfer print information for alternative printing It is to be.

A fifteenth object is to detect each state during printing of a printer engine on one network to determine a print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state is designated and input and stored. Printing information is replaced on the basis of the designated transfer destination information, and printing failure occurs on one network by transferring to another printing device on the same or another network that is compositely connected via a communication line. By providing a printer system capable of transferring the print information received by the specified printing device to the designated transfer destination printing device via the same or another network that is compositely connected and performing alternative printing. is there.

A sixteenth object is to detect each state during printing of a printer engine on one network to determine a print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state is designated and input and stored. Printing failure on the network by transferring to another printing device on the network that is compositely connected via a digital wireless communication path that causes the printing information to be alternately printed based on the specified transfer destination information via the communication line. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer system capable of performing alternative printing by wirelessly transferring print information received by a specified transfer destination printing device, which has been generated by the above, to a specified transfer destination printing device via a digital communication line.

A seventeenth object is to detect each state during printing of a printer engine on one network to judge a print failure occurrence state, and when it is judged to be a print failure occurrence state, it is designated and input and stored. Based on the specified transfer destination information, the print information is transferred to another printing device on the network that is to print alternatives via the digital wireless communication path, and the printing device with the print failure on the network is specified and input. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer system capable of transferring print information received by a designated transfer destination printing apparatus via a digital wireless communication path and performing alternative printing.

An eighteenth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to judge a print failure occurrence state, and when it is judged to be the print failure occurrence state, designated input is made and stored in a non-volatile storage medium. By transferring the print information received from the data source based on the specified transfer destination information to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative printing method of a printer system in which a printing device in which a printing failure has occurred can transfer the received print information to a designated transfer destination printing device and perform alternative printing.

A nineteenth object is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state is designated and input from a data supply source and stored. Based on the designated transfer destination information, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that substitutes printing, so that the printing device with the print failure is designated It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative printing method for a printer system, which is capable of transferring the received print information to a printing device and performing alternative printing.

The twentieth purpose is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state is designated and input from the operation panel of each printing device. The print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that performs alternative printing based on the specified transfer destination information stored, and the printing device in which the printing failure occurred is specified. It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative printing method of a printer system, which is capable of transferring the received print information to a transfer destination printing device and performing alternative printing.

[0026]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of state detecting means for detecting a print state of the printer engine, and outputs from the state detecting means during printing of the printer engine are provided. Determination means for determining a print failure occurrence state based on the above, input means for inputting designated transfer destination information for proxy printing of print information received by another printing device connected to the network, and this input means Non-volatile storage means for storing the input designated transfer destination information, and when the determination means determines that the printer engine is in the print failure occurrence state, the print information stored in the storage means is changed to the designated transfer destination information. And a transfer means for transferring to any of the printing devices connected to the network based on the above.

A second aspect of the present invention is a plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer engine,
A determination unit that determines a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detection unit during printing of the printer engine, and a proxy printing of the received print information to another printing device connected to the network. An input unit for inputting transfer destination information for sequentially designating a plurality of candidate destinations, a non-volatile storage unit for storing the designated transfer destination information input by the input unit, and a printer failure state of the printer engine by the determination unit. And a transfer unit that sequentially transfers the print information stored in the storage unit to one of the printing devices connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated printing device. And are provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer engine,
A determination unit that determines a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detection unit during printing of the printer engine, and a proxy printing of the received print information to another printing device connected to the network. Input means for inputting designated transfer destination information, non-volatile storage means for storing designated transfer destination information input by this input means, and when the determination means determines that the printer engine is in a print failure occurrence state, Inquiry means for inquiring the data supply source that has received the print information as to whether or not proxy printing is possible, and print information stored in the storage means when a transfer permission response from the data supply source to the inquiry by this inquiry means is received. And a transfer unit that transfers the data to any of the printing devices connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information. Those digits.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of state detecting means for detecting a print state of the printer engine,
A determination unit that determines a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detection unit during printing of the printer engine, and a proxy printing of the received print information to another printing device connected to the network. An input unit for inputting transfer destination information for sequentially designating a plurality of candidate destinations, a non-volatile storage unit for storing the designated transfer destination information input by the input unit, and a printer failure state of the printer engine by the determination unit. When it is determined, the inquiry means for inquiring the data supply source that has received the print information as to whether or not the proxy printing is possible, and the transfer permission response from the data supply source for the inquiry by the inquiry means are stored. The print information stored in the means is connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated printing device. The is provided with a transfer means sequentially transferred to one of the printing apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer engine,
During the printing of the printer engine, the determination means for determining the print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detection means, and the reception to another printing device connected to the network input from each data supply source Non-volatile storage means for storing designated transfer destination information for substitutive printing of the printed information, and a data supply source for receiving the print information when the printer engine is judged to be in the print failure occurrence state by the judging means. An inquiry means for inquiring whether or not the proxy printing is possible, and when a transfer permission response from the data supply source to the inquiry by the inquiry means is received, the print information stored in the storage means is based on the designated transfer destination information. And a transfer means for transferring to any of the printing devices connected to the network.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer engine,
During the printing of the printer engine, the determination means for determining the print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detection means, and the reception to another printing device connected to the network input from each data supply source A non-volatile storage unit that stores designated transfer destination information that sequentially designates a plurality of candidate destinations for performing the proxy printing of the selected print information, and the determination unit determines that the printer engine is in the print failure occurrence state. Inquiry means for inquiring the data supply source that has received the print information as to whether or not proxy printing is possible, and when receiving a transfer permission response from the data supply source in response to the inquiry by this inquiry means, the print information stored in the storage means is displayed. Based on the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated destination printing device, the order is set to one of the printing devices connected to the network. It is provided with a transfer means for transferring.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the nonvolatile storage means is configured to store the designated transfer destination information to be input, for each user identification information.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the designated transfer destination information is composed of identification information of each printing device connected to the network.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the designated transfer destination information comprises the network address of each printing device connected to the network.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is based on a plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus and each output from each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine. And a non-volatile memory for storing designated transfer destination information for transferring the print information to be printed by the host printing device to another network printing device connected to the network for proxy printing. Property storing means and the determining means determine that the printer engine of the host printing apparatus is in a print failure state, the print information stored in the storing means is connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information. The host printing device is provided with a transfer unit that transfers the data to any one of the network printing devices.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention relates to a plurality of state detecting means for detecting a print state of a printer engine, and a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine. A non-volatile storage means for storing designated transfer destination information for transferring the print information to be printed by the host printing device to another network printing device connected to the network for proxy printing. When the determination unit determines that the printer engine of the host printing apparatus is in the print failure occurrence state, the print information stored in the storage unit is based on the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated destination network printing apparatus. A transfer means for sequentially transferring to any of the network printing devices connected to the network is provided.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the designated transfer destination information comprises identification information of each network printing device connected to the network.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the designated transfer destination information is composed of the network address of each network printing device connected to the network.

In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the network is a composite network in which a plurality of networks are integrated.

A fifteenth invention according to the present invention is configured such that any one of the networks is compositely connected via a communication line.

The sixteenth aspect of the present invention is configured such that any one of the networks makes a composite connection via a digital wireless communication path.

In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, during the printing of the printer engine, a judgment step of judging a print failure occurrence state based on the output of each of the detecting means, and the printer engine causes the print failure by the judgment step. And a transfer step of transferring the print information stored in the storage means to one of the printing devices connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information when it is determined to be the occurrence state.

The eighteenth aspect of the present invention is that the designated transfer destination information is stored in advance in a non-volatile storage medium.

In the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the designated transfer destination information can be input from the data supply source.

In the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the constant transfer destination information can be input from the operation panel of each printing apparatus.

[0046]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state. If the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designated transfer input and stored is designated. Based on the destination information, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing, and the printing device in which the printing failure occurred is designated and input to the designated destination printer device. The print information is transferred to perform alternative printing.

In the second aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source is printed instead of the print information received from the data supply source based on the designated transfer destination information that has been designated and input and stored and the state of the designated printing device. To the printing device, and the printing device with the print failure is designated and input to the printing device that has received the designated print information while determining the status of the designated destination printing device. It is for sequentially transferring and performing alternative printing.

In the third invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the data source is inquired of whether or not the alternative printing is possible, and according to the response state of the inquiry, it is received from the data source based on the designated transfer destination information that is designated and input and stored. Transfer the print information to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing,
The printing information is transferred to the designated transfer destination printing apparatus designated by the printing apparatus in which the printing failure has occurred, and the alternative printing is performed.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the data source is inquired of whether or not alternative printing is possible, and according to the response state of the inquiry, the designated transfer destination information that is designated and stored and the state of the designated printing device are stored. Based on this, the print information received from the data supply source is sequentially transferred to other printing devices on the network that perform alternative printing, and the status of the designated transfer destination printing device to which the printing error has been specified is input. However, the received print information is sequentially transferred to a designated and printable printing device to perform alternative printing.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source is replaced by another print device on the network that is designated and input from the data supply source and stored based on the specified transfer destination information stored. This is to transfer and transfer the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing device, which is designated and input by the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred, and to perform alternative printing.

In the sixth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source is substituted for printing based on the specified transfer destination information that is specified and input from the data supply source and the status of the specified printing device. The print information received is specified and can be printed while determining the status of the specified transfer destination, which has been specified and input to the printing device that has a print failure by sequentially transferring to other printing devices on the network. It sequentially transfers the print data to another printing device to perform alternative printing.

In the seventh invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, another printing device on the network that substitutes the print information received from the data supply source based on the designated transfer destination information for each user identification information that has been designated and input and stored. Other than the specified transfer destination information for each user identification information that is transferred to the specified input destination and stored and the print information received from the data supply source based on the state of the specified destination printing device The printing information is sequentially transferred to the printing device, and the printing information received is transferred to the printing device of the designated transfer destination, which is designated and input by the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred, for alternative printing.

In the eighth invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source is replaced with another print information received from the data supply source based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network that has been designated and input. Transfer to the printing device, or transfer to another printing device on the network to substitute print the print information received from the data supply source based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network that has been designated and input and stored. Then, the printing apparatus in which the printing failure has occurred transfers the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing apparatus, which is designated and input, to perform alternative printing.

In the ninth invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state,
If it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source will be replaced based on the network address of each printing device connected to the network that has been specified and input and stored. Transfer to the printing device, or transfer to another printing device on the network that substitutes the print information received from the data supply source based on the network address of each printing device connected to the network that is specified and stored. Then, the printing apparatus in which the printing failure has occurred transfers the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing apparatus, which is designated and input, to perform alternative printing.

In the tenth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated input is stored. Printing is performed by transferring the print information to another network printing device on the network that prints based on the specified forwarding destination information, and the printing device with the printing failure is designated and input. The information is transferred and the alternative printing is performed.

In the eleventh aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, it is designated and input and stored. Based on the specified transfer destination information and the status of the specified printing device, the printing information is transferred to other printing devices on the network that perform alternate printing, and the printing device with the print failure is specified and input. While determining the state of the previous printing device, the received print information is designated and sequentially transferred to a printable network printing device for alternative printing.

In the twelfth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, it is designated and input and stored. Each network connected to the network that has been transferred to another network on the network that prints the print information based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network The print information is transferred to another network printing device on the network that causes alternative printing based on the identification information of the printing device, and the printing device with the printing failure is designated and input The printing received by the designated destination network printing device The information is surely transferred and the alternative printing is performed.

In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated input is stored. Each network connected to the network that is stored and transferred to another network printer on the network that prints the print information based on the network address of each printer connected to that network. Printing information is transferred to another network printing device on the network that prints alternatives based on the network address of the printing device, and the printing error occurred in the specified printing device. The information is surely transferred and the alternative printing is performed.

In the fourteenth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine on one network to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, it is designated and input and stored. The print information is substituted for printing based on the specified transfer destination information Transferred to another printing device on the same or another network, and the printing device with the print failure on one network is designated The print information received by the transfer destination printing apparatus is transferred via the same or another network to perform alternative printing.

In the fifteenth invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine on one network to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made and stored. Specified transfer in which printing information is designated and input is transferred to another printing device on the network via the communication line, and the printing information is substituted based on the specified transfer destination information. The print information received by the previous printing device is transferred through a communication line to perform alternative printing.

In the sixteenth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine on one network to determine the print fault occurrence state, and if it is determined that the print fault occurrence state is designated and stored. Based on the specified transfer destination information, the print information is transferred to another printing device on the network that is to print alternatives via the digital wireless communication path, and the printing device with the printing failure on the network has been specified and input. The print information received by the designated transfer destination printing device is transferred via the digital wireless communication path to perform alternative printing.

In the seventeenth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine on one network to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, it is designated and input and stored. Based on the specified transfer destination information, the print information is transferred to another printing device on the network that is to print alternatives via the digital wireless communication path, and the printing device with the printing failure on the network has been specified and input. The print information received by the designated transfer destination printing device is transferred via the digital wireless communication path to perform alternative printing.

In the eighteenth aspect, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made and the data is stored in the nonvolatile storage medium. Based on the specified transfer destination information, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing, and the printing device with the print failure is specified and input to the specified transfer destination. The print information received is transferred to a printing device to perform alternative printing.

In the nineteenth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state. When the print failure occurrence state is determined, the data is designated and input from the data supply source and stored. The print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that is to perform alternative printing based on the specified forwarding destination information, and the printing device with the print failure is designated and input. The print information received by the apparatus is transferred to perform alternative printing.

In the twentieth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designation input is made from the operation panel of each printing device. Transfers the print information received from the data supply source to another printing device on the network that substitutes printing based on the specified transfer destination information stored in memory, and specifies the printing device with the print failure This is to transfer the received print information to the previous printing device and perform alternative printing.

[0066]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printer system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an example of a general environment in which a host computer and a printer device connected to a network are connected to the network. .

As shown in this figure, when the user creates and prints the original data to be printed on the host computers 102 to 103 by using the application software or the like, via the connected network 101, Printer device 10 connected to the same network
4 to 105 are selected, a print drawing command is issued to the selected printer device, drawing data is sent, and printing is realized by the selected printer device.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a proxy printing instruction state in the printer system according to the present invention.

As shown in this figure, the network 201 is connected via the network 201 connected to the data source.
When the drawing data is sent to the printer device 202 connected to 01, and the printer device 202 fails, the printing process is performed on the printer device on the same network which is set in advance by the user, the administrator or the like. The operation of the printer device 2 is shown when the proxy is performed.
If there is a failure in the printer device 203, to the printer device 203, and if there is a problem in the printer device 203, the printer device 2
04, the forwarding of the data in the case of performing the drawing printing substitution is shown.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of the printer device shown in FIGS.

In the figure, 301 is a network connected to a host computer which is a data supply source, for example, physically an Ethernet, 302 is a network interface provided in the printer device capable of transmitting and receiving data from the previous network 301, 303 Is a buffer buffer used when data is exchanged via the interface, and 304 is a printer, in which a user, an administrator or the like previously stores and holds designation information for various processes including a forwarding process when a failure occurs. A non-volatile storage device for controlling the entire printer device, and a control device for generating drawing image data in accordance with a drawing / printing command, and 306 for temporarily storing the drawing image data generated by the control device 305. Image memory for storing, 30 Is a DMA (known) provided for transferring data from the previous image memory to the printer engine, and 308 is composed of a process system, a mechanical system, and an electrical system for fixing and printing drawing image data on a medium such as paper. A printer engine, such as an LBP (laser beam printer).

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first to sixteenth inventions and their functions will be described below.

The first invention is an interface (network interface 302) for receiving print information from a plurality of data supply sources (host computers 102, 103 and the like shown in FIG. 1) connected to the network 301 and the like,
Storage means (buffer 303) for storing print information received via this interface, and generation means (control device 305) for analyzing print information stored in this storage means and generating image data to be output to the printer engine.
And a printer having an image memory 306 for storing the image data generated by the generating means, connected to the network,
During printing of the printer engine 308, each state is detected by a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, or the like) (not shown) serving as each state detection unit, and the control device 305 determines the print failure occurrence state, and determines the print failure occurrence state. If the determination is made, the network for alternative printing of the print information received from the data supply source (in this embodiment, the host computers 102, 103, etc.) based on the designated transfer destination information that has been designated and input is stored (this embodiment. Network 101,
201, 301, etc.) to another printing device (one of the printers 202 to 205 in the example shown in FIG. 2), and the printing device in which the print failure has occurred is designated and input to the designated transfer destination printing device. The received print information is transferred for alternative printing.

The second aspect of the present invention detects each state during printing by the printer engine 308 from a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) (not shown) as each state detecting means, and detects a print failure occurrence state by the control device 305. When it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the data supply source (in this embodiment, the host computer 1 is used) based on the designated transfer destination information that is designated and input and stored and the state of the designated printing apparatus.
No. 02, 103, etc.), a network (in the present embodiment, the networks 101 and 102) that substitutes print information for printing.
01, 301, etc.) to the other printing apparatuses (printers 202 to 205 in the example shown in FIG. 2) sequentially, and the status of the designated transfer destination printing apparatus to which the printing apparatus in which the printing failure has occurred is designated and input. The print information received while making a determination is sequentially transferred to the designated and printable printing apparatus for alternative printing.

A third aspect of the invention is to detect a print failure occurrence state by detecting each state during printing of the printer engine 308 from a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) (not shown) as each state detecting means. When it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the data supply source (in this embodiment, the host computers 102, 103, etc.) is inquired as to whether or not alternative printing is possible, and according to the response state of the inquiry, designated input is made and stored. Based on the specified transfer destination information, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing, and the printing device with the print failure is specified and input to the specified transfer destination. The print information received is transferred to a printing device to perform alternative printing.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, during printing by the printer engine 308, each state is detected by a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) (not shown) as each state detecting means, and the control device 305 determines the state of printing failure. When it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the data supply source (in this embodiment, the host computers 102, 103, etc.) is inquired as to whether or not the alternative printing is possible. Based on the specified transfer destination information and the status of the specified printing device, the printing information received from the data supply source is sequentially transferred to another printing device on the network that substitutes printing, and the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred While determining the status of the designated transfer destination printing device, the received print information is specified and sequentially transferred to the printable device. It is intended to substitute printed.

A fifth aspect of the invention is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine 308 from a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) (not shown) as each state detecting means, and to detect a print failure occurrence state by a control device 305. If it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the data supply source (the host computers 102, 103, etc. in the present embodiment) designates and stores the designated transfer destination information stored in the data supply source. Transfer the received print information to another printing device on the network, and transfer the received print information to the specified transfer destination printing device specified by the printing device with the print failure and perform alternative printing. It is a thing.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, during printing by the printer engine 308, each state is detected by a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) (not shown) as each state detecting means, and the control device 305 determines the state of print failure. When it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the designated transfer destination information stored by being designated and input from the data supply source (in this embodiment, the host computers 102, 103, etc.) and the printing apparatus of the designated destination are stored. Based on the status, the print information received from the data supply source is sequentially transferred to other printing devices on the network that perform alternate printing, and the status of the specified transfer destination printing device to which the printing error occurred is specified. The print information received while making a determination is sequentially transferred to the designated and printable printing apparatus for alternative printing.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, during printing of the printer engine 308, each state is detected by a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) (not shown) as each state detecting means, and the control device 305 detects the state of print failure. If it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the data supply source (in this embodiment, the host computer 102,
The print information received from (103 etc.) is transferred to another printing device on the network which is to perform alternative printing, or the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated destination printing device for each user identification information that is designated and input and stored. Based on the print information received from the data supply source, the print information is sequentially transferred to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing, and the printing device with the print failure is designated Is transferred to perform alternative printing.

In the eighth aspect of the invention, during printing of the printer engine 308, each state is detected by a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) not shown as each state detecting means, and the control device 305 detects the state of print failure. When it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the data supply source (in this embodiment, the host computers 102 and 103 in this embodiment) is based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network that is designated and input. Etc.), transfer the print information received from other print devices on the network that causes alternative printing,
The print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network, which is designated based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network that has been specified and input, and a printing failure occurs. The designated printing device transfers the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing device for substitution printing.

A ninth aspect of the invention is to detect the state of printing failure during printing of the printer engine 308 by a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) (not shown) serving as each state detecting means, and control the state of occurrence of a print failure. If it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the network that substitutes the print information received from the data supply source based on the network address of each printing device connected to the network that is specified and input and stored. It is transferred to another printing apparatus above or is received from a data supply source (in this embodiment, the host computers 102, 103, etc.) based on the network address of each printing apparatus connected to the network that is designated and input and stored. The printing information that has been printed is transferred to another printing device on the network that causes the printing to occur Location is one which substitute printing by transferring the print information received to the designated input specified destination printing device.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine 308-H of the host printing apparatus to detect a printing failure occurrence state as a state detecting means (not shown) (optical sensor and mechanical sensor). Etc. (on the host side))
When the control unit of the host computer determines from the above, and it is determined that the printing failure has occurred, each host computer 1 is designated based on the designated transfer destination information that is designated and input and stored.
02, 103 is a network printing device (printer 104,
105), and the printing information received is transferred to the designated transfer destination printing apparatus that has been designated and input by the printing apparatus in which the printing failure has occurred, and the alternative printing is performed.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention uses a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc. (on the host side), not shown) as each state detecting means for indicating each state during printing by the printer engine 308-H of the host printing apparatus. When the control unit of the host computer detects and detects the print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state, it is based on the specified transfer destination information that is specified and input and stored and the status of the specified printing device. Then, each host computer 102, 103 sequentially transfers the print information to another printing device on the network for alternative printing, and determines the state of the designated transfer destination printing device to which the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred is designated and input. Meanwhile, the received print information is sequentially transferred to a designated and printable network printing device (printers 104, 105, etc.) to perform alternative printing. Than it is.

The twelfth aspect of the invention is to detect each state during printing by the printer engine 308-H of the host printing apparatus from an unillustrated sensor (optical sensor and mechanical sensor (on the host side)) as each state detecting means. When the control unit of the host computer detects and detects the print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state, based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network that is specified and input and stored. Print information received from a data supply source based on the identification information of each network printing device connected to the network, which is transferred to another network printing device on the network for alternative printing or designated and stored. Transfer to another network printing device on the network, and specify the printing device with the printing failure. Is intended to substitute printing the print information received to the designated transfer destination network printing device (a printer 104, 105, etc.) can be reliably transferred that.

In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, during printing of the printer engine 308-H of the host printing apparatus, each state is detected from a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor or the like (on the host side), not shown) as each state detecting means. When the control section of the host computer detects and detects the print failure occurrence status, and if it is determined that the print failure occurrence status is found, it is based on the network address of each printing device connected to the network that has been designated and stored. Transfers print information to another network printing device on the network for alternative printing, or print information received from a data supply source based on the network address of each network printing device connected to the network that is designated and input and stored. To a different network printing device on the network that causes alternate printing, causing a printing failure. Network printing apparatus and printing apparatus is designated input designated destination (printer 104,10
5) and the like, the print information received is surely transferred to substitute printing.

In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, during printing of the printer engine 308 on one network, each state is detected from a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) (not shown) as each state detection means, and a print failure occurs. The state is determined by the control unit 305 or the control unit of the host computer,
When it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the print information is transferred to another printing device on the same or another network that substitutes and prints the print information based on the designated transfer destination information that is designated and input and stored. This is to transfer the print information received by the designated printing destination printing device designated by the printing device having a printing failure on the network to the designated printing destination to perform alternative printing via the same or another network (not shown).

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention detects a printing failure by detecting each state from a sensor (optical sensor, mechanical sensor, etc.) not shown as each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine 308 on one network. The state is determined by the control unit 305 or the control unit of the host computer,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information is transferred via a communication line (not shown) to another printing device on the network that prints the print information based on the specified transfer destination information that has been input and stored. Then, the printing information received by the designated transfer destination printing device that is designated and input by the printing device with the printing failure on the network is transferred to the multiple printing device connected via the communication line to perform alternative printing. is there.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is to detect each state during printing of the printer engine 308 on one network to detect a print failure occurrence state as a state detecting means (not shown) such as an optical sensor and a mechanical sensor. ) From the controller 305 or the controller of the host computer,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the digital wireless communication path (not shown) to another printing device on the network that causes the print information to be substituted and printed based on the designated transfer destination information that has been designated and input Via the digital wireless communication path (for example, a digital wireless communication telephone channel path) to the print information received by the designated transfer destination printing apparatus that has been designated and input by the printing apparatus that has a print failure on the network. The data is transferred to a printing device that can receive the data and is subjected to alternative printing.

The alternative printing method of the printer system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an alternative printing method of the printer system showing an embodiment of the present invention. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, before the processing shown here, a user, an administrator, or the like has previously stored the nonvolatile storage device 30 provided in the printer device.
In FIG. 4, a printer device on the network for transferring the drawing data at the time of failure, specifically, an IP address or the like as the network address of the transfer destination printer is set in 4.

First, the user creates main data to be printed such as a document on the host computer, and instructs the selected printer device to execute printing. The printer device receives the data via the network (via the network interface 302 and the buffer buffer 303) (1).

Next, the control device 305 provided in the printer analyzes the received data (2) and generates the requested drawing image data in the image memory 306 according to the analysis result (3).

After the image data is generated, the control unit 305 sets D
Setting parameters to MA307, printer engine 30
8 is activated, and the DMA 307 sets the image memory 306.
The data stored in is sent to the printer engine 308 to start the printing operation (4). The control device 305 determines whether or not a failure has occurred during printing through various sensors (mechanical sensor (microswitch) and optical sensor (composed of a photodiode and a light emitting diode)) provided in the printer device. (5) Specific failures include paper jams, lack of toner, ink, etc., and other mechanical, electrical, and process failures.

If a failure is detected in step (5), the process proceeds to step (7). If no failure is detected, it is determined whether or not the print drawing instructed by the user has been completed ( 6) If it is finished, the process is ended, and if it is not finished, the process proceeds to step (4) to continue the printing operation.

In this case, if the printing designated by the user is plural pages or the data amount is large, the process may return to step (1) or the like instead of returning to step (4). Then, it is not specified.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (5) that a failure has occurred, the control device 305 uses the non-volatile storage device 304 to set the data transfer destination information at the time of the failure, which is preset by the user or the administrator. Is read (7).

Next, the control device 305 selects a printer device from the information of the printer device which is the transfer destination (8). In this case, specifically, the nonvolatile storage device 30
The IP of the transfer destination printer device stored in No. 4 is read, and the printer according to the contents of this IP is selected.

Next, in order to notify the user of the current status, the host computer is notified that the designated transfer destination printer device is requested to perform drawing because of a failure in this printer (9). The specific information transmission to the host computers 102 and 103 is the reverse route of the drawing data reception from the host computers 102 and 103, and the buffer buffer 30
3, the control device 305 performs processing through the network interface 302 and the network 301, and these are for the purpose of informing which printer on the network the user actually output. At this time, the transfer permission may be asked to the user, and these are not specified.

Next, the drawing command data received so far from the host computer is transferred to the selected printer device.
Buffer buffer 303, network interface 30
2 is used to transfer via the network 301 (1
0).

Next, it is judged whether or not the transfer of the drawing data is completed (11). If not completed, the process proceeds to step (10) to continue the data transfer to another printer, and if completed, the step is completed. Proceed to (12).

If the transfer is completed in the judgment of step (11), the transfer end is notified to the user in order to notify the user of the situation (12), and the status information from the transfer destination (transfer destination printer device) is sent. Returns the status to this printer because the transfer source is this printer.)
To the host computer and inform the host of the status of the transfer destination printer.

After that, the processing is ended. However, since this printer is the failure detection information, if there is a print request in this state, the drawing data sequence processing to the other printer is performed, and the user, the administrator, etc. The printer is in a standby state for printer recovery.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment shown in FIG.
The correspondence with the invention of No. 0 and its action will be described.

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is an interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data sources connected to a network, a storage unit (buffer 303) for storing print information received via this interface, and this storage. Generating means (control device 30) for analyzing the print information stored in the means and generating image data to be output to the printer engine, image memory 306 for storing the image data generated by the generating means, and the printer engine. In an alternative printing method of a printer system in which a plurality of printing devices having a plurality of detection means for detecting the print state of 308 are connected to the network, based on the output of each of the detection means during printing by the printer engine 308. And a determination step (the above step (5)) for determining the print failure occurrence state. When the printer engine 308 is determined to print failure condition by the determination step,
A transfer step (steps (7) to (1) described above) of transferring the print information stored in the storage means to one of the printing devices connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information.
1)) is executed to detect each state during printing of the printer engine 308 to determine the print failure occurrence state. When the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designation input and stored designation is performed. Transfers the print information received from the data supply source based on the transfer destination information to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing, and receives the specified printing device with the specified printing destination with the printing device with the print failure. The transferred print information is transferred to perform alternative printing.

The eighteenth invention is a printer engine 308.
Is detected during printing of each of the states, the print failure occurrence state is determined, and when the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designation input and stored in the nonvolatile storage medium (nonvolatile storage device 304) are designated. Based on the transfer destination information, the print information received from the data supply source (host computer 102, 103) is transferred to another printing device (printers 202 to 205, etc.) on the network that causes alternative printing, and printing in which a print failure occurs This is to transfer the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing device that is designated and input by the device and perform alternative printing.

The nineteenth invention is the printer engine 308.
During printing, each state is detected to determine the print fault occurrence state, and when the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated transfer input and stored from the data supply source (host computer 102, 103) is stored. Based on the destination information, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device (printers 202 to 205, etc.) on the network that causes alternative printing, and the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred is designated and transferred. This is to transfer the received print information to the previous printing device and perform alternative printing.

The twentieth aspect of the present invention is directed to a printer engine 308.
During printing, each status is detected to determine the print failure occurrence status, and if the print failure occurrence status is determined, based on the specified transfer destination information that is specified and input from the operation panel of each printing device and stored. The print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another print device (printers 202 to 205, etc.) on the network for alternative printing, and the print device with the print failure is designated and input The print information received by the printer is transferred to substitute printing.

Although not described in the present embodiment, if the transfer destination printer device selects the transfer source printer device as the transfer destination, deadlock may occur, but due to settings such as timeout and hop count. , I am assuming that this problem has been avoided. [Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, the transfer printer registration to the printer may be set from a panel which is a user interface provided in the printer, or may be performed via various interfaces provided in the apparatus, for example, a network interface. The configuration may be set from a host computer or the like, but is not particularly limited.

Further, although the present embodiment has been described on the premise that each printer device is connected to the network, for example, the user's first output desired printer is directly connected to its host computer or the like ( For example, a printer device such as a Centronics or serial interface may be used, and when a failure occurs in the printer device, the drawing data may be transferred to the printer device on the network, but the invention is not limited thereto.

Further, although the present embodiment has been described as a configuration in which one transfer destination printer device can be set, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the first transfer destination is down, the second transfer destination is down. The destination printer device may be designated and automatically switched to that printer device, or the same effect can be expected even if a plurality of transfer destinations can be designated.

In the above embodiment, the printer device D
Although the case where the MA 307 is provided has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a printer device that does not use a DMA, or a printer device having another architecture. Needless to say.

Further, in the printer device shown in FIG.
The non-volatile storage device 304 is specifically a known NVRA.
It may be composed of an M, an EEPROM, a disk device or the like.

If the printer itself does not need to have a function of storing and storing data relating to transfer, it may be a volatile storage device (eg, RAM, DRAM).

Further, in FIG. 3, the printer engine 30
I assumed a laser printer (LBP) as 8, but
The present invention is not limited to this, and may be a color digital copying machine having an inkjet engine or an inkjet printer having an inkjet engine.

In the above embodiment, the error detection is performed in step (5) of FIG. 4, that is, the error detection is performed in the sequential process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an error occurrence from various sensors may be detected by interruption and a corresponding structure may be adopted, and the sequence itself is not limited to the flowchart of FIG.

Further, in the above embodiment, the toner outage, the paper jam, etc. are assumed as the troubles, but these depend on the printer engine and the printer apparatus itself, and the contents of the trouble are not limited.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of a laser beam printer to which this embodiment is applied, which is constructed so that a character pattern and a fixed form (form data) can be registered from a data source (not shown). There is.

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes a laser beam printer (LBP) main body (hereinafter simply referred to as a main body),
Character information (character code) supplied from an external device such as the host computer shown in FIG. 1 or the like, which is connected to the outside, form information, a macro command, or the like is input and stored, and a corresponding character is stored according to the information. A pattern, a form pattern, etc. are created, and an image is formed on a recording sheet which is a recording medium. An operation panel 1112 is provided with a switch for operation and an LED display or an LCD display for displaying the status of the printer. Reference numeral 1101 is a printer for controlling the entire LBP1000 and analyzing character information supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1101 which is a control unit mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1102. Laser driver 11
Reference numeral 02 denotes a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1103, which corresponds to the semiconductor laser 110 depending on the input video signal.
The laser light 1104 emitted from 3 is switched on / off. As a result, a character pattern electrostatic latent image is formed on the electrostatic drum 1106.

This latent image is developed by a phenomenon unit 1107 around the electrostatic drum 1106 and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet is the sheet cassette 11 mounted on the main body 1000.
No. 08, and is taken into the apparatus by the paper feed roller 1109 and the conveyance roller 1111 and is electrostatic drum 11
06.

FIG. 6 is an external view for explaining the configuration of a printer to which the present invention can be applied, for example, the case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In the figure, the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013.
The carriage HC that engages with is a pin (not shown)
And is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. An inkjet cartridge IJC is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which confirm the existence of the lever 5006 of the carriage HC in this area,
It functions as home position detection means for switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013 and the like. 5016 is a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head.
Reference numeral 5015 is a suction means for sucking the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. A cleaning blade 5017 can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. 5
Reference numeral 018 denotes a main body supporting plate, which is a cleaning blade 501.
7. Support the member 5019. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which moves in accordance with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage HC, and is driven by the drive motor 50.
The movement of the driving force from 13 is controlled by the cultivated land transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired processing can be performed at their corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage HC comes to the home position side area. It may be configured to perform a desired operation at the timing.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0125]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention of claim 1, when each state is detected during printing of the printer engine, the print failure occurrence state is determined, and when the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designated transfer destination information stored by input is designated. Based on this, the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that causes alternative printing, so the printing information received by the specified transfer destination printing device is specified by the printing device with the print failure. It can be transferred for alternative printing.

According to the second aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source is printed instead of the print information received from the data supply source based on the designated transfer destination information that has been designated and input and stored and the state of the designated printing device. Since the data is sequentially transferred to the printing devices of the specified printing device, the printing information that has been received is specified while determining the status of the printing device of the specified transfer destination that is specified by the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred. It is possible to sequentially transfer and perform alternative printing.

According to the third aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that the print failure has occurred, the data source is inquired of whether or not the alternative printing is possible, and according to the response state of the inquiry, it is received from the data source based on the designated transfer destination information that is designated and input and stored. Since the print information is transferred to another printing device on the network that causes alternate printing, it is possible to transfer the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing device, which is designated by the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred, and perform alternate printing. it can.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the data source is inquired of whether or not alternative printing is possible, and according to the response state of the inquiry, the designated transfer destination information that is designated and stored and the state of the designated printing device are stored. On the basis of this, the print information received from the data supply source is sequentially transferred to other printing devices on the network that perform alternative printing.Therefore, the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred is specified and the status of the designated transfer destination printing device is determined. However, the received print information can be sequentially transferred to the designated and printable printing device for alternative printing.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source is replaced by another print device on the network that is designated and input from the data supply source and stored based on the specified transfer destination information stored. Since the print information is transferred, the print information received can be transferred to the designated transfer destination printing apparatus, which is designated and input by the printing apparatus in which the print failure has occurred, to perform alternative printing.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source is substituted for printing based on the specified transfer destination information that is specified and input from the data supply source and the status of the specified printing device. Since the data is sequentially transferred to other printing devices on the network, the printing information that has been specified is input to the printing device with the print failure, the received print information is specified while the received printing information is specified, and printing is possible. It is possible to sequentially transfer the data to another printing device and perform alternative printing.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine a print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, another printing device on the network that substitutes the print information received from the data supply source based on the designated transfer destination information for each user identification information that has been designated and input and stored. Other than the specified transfer destination information for each user identification information that is transferred to the specified input destination and stored and the print information received from the data supply source based on the state of the specified destination printing device Since the data is sequentially transferred to the printing device, the printing information received can be transferred to the printing device of the designated transfer destination, which is designated and input by the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred, to perform alternative printing.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
When it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source is replaced with another print information received from the data supply source based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network that has been designated and input. Transfer to the printing device, or transfer to another printing device on the network to substitute print the print information received from the data supply source based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the network that has been designated and input and stored. As a result, the printing information in which the printing failure has occurred can be transferred to the designated transfer destination printing apparatus, which has been designated and input, to perform alternative printing.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state,
If it is determined that a print failure has occurred, the print information received from the data supply source will be replaced based on the network address of each printing device connected to the network that has been specified and input and stored. Transfer to the printing device, or transfer to another printing device on the network that substitutes the print information received from the data supply source based on the network address of each printing device connected to the network that is specified and stored. As a result, the printing information in which the printing failure has occurred can be transferred to the designated transfer destination printing apparatus, which has been designated and input, to perform alternative printing.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made. Since the print information is transferred to another network printing device on the network that causes alternative printing based on the stored specified transfer destination information, the printing device with the print failure is specified and input to the specified transfer destination printing device. It is possible to transfer the printed information and perform alternative printing.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print failure occurrence state, and if the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made. Based on the stored specified transfer destination information and the status of the specified printing device, the printing information is sequentially transferred to other printing devices on the network that perform alternate printing. The print information received while determining the state of the designated transfer destination printing device can be sequentially transferred to the designated and printable network printing device for alternate printing.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print failure occurrence state, and if the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made. Printing information is transferred to another network printing device that substitutes printing information based on the identification information of each printing device connected to the stored network, or is connected to the network that is specified and input and stored. Based on the identification information of each network printing device, the print information is transferred to another network printing device on the network that prints alternatives, so the printing device with the print failure is specified and received by the specified destination network printing device. It is possible to reliably transfer the printed information and perform alternative printing.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine of the host printing apparatus to determine the print fault occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print fault occurrence state is designated and input. The print information is transferred to another network printing device that substitutes printing information based on the network address of each printing device connected to the stored network, or is connected to the network that has been designated and stored. Since the print information is transferred to another network printing device on the network that substitutes printing based on the network address of each network printing device, the printing device with the print failure is specified and received by the specified destination network printing device. It is possible to reliably transfer the printed information and perform alternative printing.

According to the fourteenth invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine on one network to determine the print failure occurrence state, and when the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made. The printing information is transferred to another printing device on the same or another network, which substitutes the printing information based on the designated transfer destination information stored in the network. Therefore, the printing device with the printing failure on one network is designated and input. The print information received by the designated transfer destination printing device can be transferred via the same or another network to perform alternative printing.

According to the fifteenth invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine on one network to determine the print failure occurrence state, and when the print failure occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made. The print information is transferred to another printing device on the network that will be used for alternative printing based on the specified transfer destination information stored in the network. The print information received by the designated transfer destination printing apparatus can be transferred via the communication line to perform alternative printing.

According to the sixteenth invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine on one network to determine the print fault occurrence state, and when the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made. The print information is transferred to another printing device on the network that is to perform alternative printing based on the specified transfer destination information stored via the digital wireless communication path. The printing information received by the designated printing device of the designated transfer destination can be transferred via the digital wireless communication path to perform alternative printing.

According to the seventeenth invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine on one network to determine the print fault occurrence state, and when the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made. Transfers print information to another printing device on the network, which is designated by the designated transfer destination information stored in the network. The print information received by the input printing device of the designated transfer destination can be transferred via the digital wireless communication path to perform alternative printing.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print fault occurrence state. When the print fault occurrence state is determined, the designated input is made to the nonvolatile storage medium. Since the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that substitutes printing, based on the specified transfer destination information stored in the It is possible to transfer the print information received to the previous printing apparatus and perform alternative printing.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state is designated and input from the data supply source. Since the print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that causes the alternative printing based on the stored specified transfer destination information,
It is possible to transfer the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing device that is designated and input by the printing device in which the printing failure has occurred, and perform alternative printing.

According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, each state is detected during printing of the printer engine to determine the print failure occurrence state, and when it is determined that the print failure occurrence state is designated from the operation panel of each printing apparatus. The print information received from the data supply source is transferred to another printing device on the network that substitutes printing based on the specified transfer destination information that has been input and stored. It is possible to transfer the received print information to the designated transfer destination printing device for alternative printing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a proxy printing instruction state in the printer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative printing method of a printer system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a laser beam printer to which this embodiment is applied.

FIG. 6 is an external view illustrating a configuration of a printer to which the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 301 Network 302 Network Interface 303 Buffer 304 Nonvolatile Storage Device 305 Control Device 306 Image Memory 307 DMA 308 Printer Engine

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data sources connected to a network, a storage unit for storing print information received via this interface, and print information stored in this storage unit. In a printer system in which a printer having a generating unit that analyzes and generates image data to be output to a printer engine and an image memory that stores the image data generated by the generating unit are connected to the network, the printer engine A plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer, a determining means for determining a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine, and another connected to the network. Enter the designated transfer destination information for printing the received print information on behalf of the printer. Input means, a non-volatile storage means for storing the designated transfer destination information input by the input means, and a storage means for storing the printer engine when the determination means determines that the printer engine is in a print failure occurrence state. And a transfer unit configured to transfer the generated print information to any of the printing devices connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information. 2. An interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data sources connected to a network, a storage unit for storing print information received via this interface, and print information stored in this storage unit. In a printer system in which a printer having a generating unit that analyzes and generates image data to be output to a printer engine and an image memory that stores the image data generated by the generating unit are connected to the network, the printer engine A plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer, a determining means for determining a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine, and another connected to the network. Sequentially select multiple candidate destinations for proxy printing of print information received by the printing device. An input unit for inputting transfer destination information to be designated, a non-volatile storage unit for storing the designated transfer destination information inputted by the input unit, and a case where the determination unit determines that the printer engine is in a print failure occurrence state. A transfer unit that sequentially transfers the print information stored in the storage unit to any one of the printers connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated printer. Characteristic printer system. 3. An interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data supply sources connected to a network, a storage unit for storing print information received via this interface, and print information stored in this storage unit. In a printer system in which a printer having a generating unit that analyzes and generates image data to be output to a printer engine and an image memory that stores the image data generated by the generating unit are connected to the network, the printer engine A plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer, a determining means for determining a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine, and another connected to the network. Enter the designated transfer destination information for printing the received print information on behalf of the printer. Inputting means, a non-volatile storage means for storing the designated transfer destination information inputted by the inputting means, and the printing information received when the judging means judges that the printer engine is in the print failure occurrence state. Inquiry means for inquiring whether or not the proxy printing is possible to the data supply source, and when the transfer permission response from the data supply source to the inquiry by the inquiry means is received, the print information stored in the storage means is transferred to the designated transfer destination. A printer system comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the information to any printing apparatus connected to the network based on information. 4. An interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data sources connected to a network, storage means for storing print information received via this interface, and print information stored in this storage means. In a printer system in which a printer having a generating unit that analyzes and generates image data to be output to a printer engine and an image memory that stores the image data generated by the generating unit are connected to the network, the printer engine A plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer, a determining means for determining a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine, and another connected to the network. Sequentially select multiple candidate destinations for proxy printing of print information received by the printing device. An input unit for inputting transfer destination information to be designated, a non-volatile storage unit for storing the designated transfer destination information inputted by the input unit, and a case where the determination unit determines that the printer engine is in a print failure occurrence state. An inquiry unit that inquires the data supply source that has received the print information as to whether or not proxy printing is possible, and a print stored in the storage unit when a transfer permission response from the data supply source to the inquiry by the inquiry unit is received. A printer system comprising: a transfer unit that sequentially transfers information to one of the printers connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated printer. 5. An interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data sources connected to a network, a storage unit for storing print information received via this interface, and print information stored in this storage unit. In a printer system in which a printer having a generating unit that analyzes and generates image data to be output to a printer engine and an image memory that stores the image data generated by the generating unit are connected to the network, the printer engine A plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer, a determining means for determining a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing by the printer engine, and an input from each data supply source. The print information received by another printing device connected to the network Non-volatile storage means for storing designated transfer destination information for printing, and whether or not proxy printing is possible for the data supply source that has received the print information when the determination means determines that the printer engine is in the print failure occurrence state. And a transfer permission response from the data supply source to the inquiry by the inquiry unit, the print information stored in the storage unit is connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information. And a transfer unit for transferring to any one of the printing apparatuses. 6. An interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data sources connected to a network, a storage unit for storing print information received via this interface, and print information stored in this storage unit. In a printer system in which a printer having a generating unit that analyzes and generates image data to be output to a printer engine and an image memory that stores the image data generated by the generating unit are connected to the network, the printer engine A plurality of state detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer, a determining means for determining a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing by the printer engine, and an input from each data supply source. The print information received by another printing device connected to the network Non-volatile storage means for storing designated transfer destination information for sequentially designating a plurality of candidate destinations for printing, and the print information received when the printer engine is determined to be in a print failure occurrence state by the determination means. Inquiry means for inquiring to the data supply source as to whether or not the proxy printing is possible, and when receiving a transfer permission response from the data supply source for the inquiry by the inquiry means, the print information stored in the storage means is transferred to the designated transfer destination information. And a transfer unit for sequentially transferring to any of the printing devices connected to the network based on the state of the designated printing device. 7. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the nonvolatile storage means stores the designated transfer destination information to be input, for each user identification information. 8. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the designated transfer destination information is identification information of each printing device connected to the network. 9. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the designated transfer destination information is a network address of each printing device connected to the network. 10. A host printing device for printing print information of a data supply source, an interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data supply sources connected to a network, and storing print information received via this interface. Network printing having a storage means, a generation means for analyzing print information stored in the storage means to generate image data to be output to a printer engine, and an image memory for storing the image data generated by the generation means A plurality of state detecting means for detecting a print state of a printer engine of the host printing apparatus, and a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine. Determination means for determining the print information to be printed by the host printing device A non-volatile storage means for storing designated transfer destination information for transferring to another network printing device connected to the network for proxy printing, and the printer engine of the host printing device by the determining means indicating a print failure occurrence state. When determined, the host printing device is provided with a transfer device that transfers the print information stored in the storage device to any network printing device connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information. Printer system characterized by. 11. A host printing device for printing print information of a data supply source, an interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data supply sources connected to a network, and storing print information received via this interface. Network printing having a storage means, a generation means for analyzing print information stored in the storage means to generate image data to be output to a printer engine, and an image memory for storing the image data generated by the generation means In a printer system having an apparatus, a plurality of state detecting means for detecting a print state of the printer engine, and a determination for determining a print failure occurrence state based on each output from each state detecting means during printing of the printer engine Means and printing information to be printed by the host printing device on the network Non-volatile storage means for storing designated transfer destination information for transferring to another connected network printing device for proxy printing, and the printer engine of the host printing device is determined by the determination means to be in a print failure occurrence state. In this case, a transfer means for sequentially transferring the print information stored in the storage means to any one of the network printing devices connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information and the state of the designated destination network printing device. A printer system characterized by being provided. 12. The printer system according to claim 10, wherein the designated transfer destination information is identification information of each network printing device connected to the network. 13. The printer system according to claim 10, wherein the designated transfer destination information is a network address of each network printing device connected to the network. 14. The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the network is a composite network in which a plurality of networks are integrated. 15. The printer system according to claim 14, wherein any one of the networks is compositely connected via a communication line. 16. The printer system according to claim 14, wherein any one of the networks makes a composite connection via a digital wireless communication path. 17. An interface for receiving print information from a plurality of data sources connected to a network, a storage unit for storing print information received via the interface, and print information stored in the storage unit. Printing having generating means for analyzing and generating image data to be output to the printer engine, image memory for storing the image data generated by the generating means, and a plurality of detecting means for detecting the print state of the printer engine In an alternative printing method of a printer system in which a plurality of devices are connected to the network, a determination step of determining a print failure occurrence state based on the output of each of the detection means during printing of the printer engine, and the determination step If it is determined that the printer engine is in a print failure state, the memory And a transfer step of transferring the print information stored in the stage to one of the printing devices connected to the network based on the designated transfer destination information. 18. The alternative printing method for a printer system according to claim 17, wherein the designated transfer destination information is stored in advance in a non-volatile storage medium. 19. The alternative printing method for a printer system according to claim 17, wherein the designated transfer destination information can be input from a data supply source. 20. The alternative printing method for a printer system according to claim 17, wherein the constant transfer destination information can be input from an operation panel of each printing apparatus.