JPH08156371A - Image output device, host computer and network housing both of them - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an image output device constituted so as to enable a user to indicate a desired image output device even when a plurality of image output devices to which the same name is applied are present on a network. CONSTITUTION: A printer name confirming part 108 searching whether the name of an image output device same to that of an own image output device is present and a printer name alteration indicating part 109 requiring a host computer 100 for the alteration of the name of an own printer when the printer name confirming part 108 searches the name of the image output device same to the name of an own laser beam printer 101 are provided on a network 120.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output device, a host computer, and a network for accommodating the image output device and the host computer, and more particularly to an image output device connected with the host computer on the network.
The present invention relates to a host computer and a network that houses the image output device and the host computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image output device on a network,
For example, when a laser beam printer is connected together with a host computer, management of the printer is performed based on an identification code (ID code) or printer name attached to each printer. In such a case, the information such as the identification code is stored in the ROM or NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) built in each printer.

When the user selects a desired printer from a plurality of printers connected to the network and makes a necessary output (printout), the user selects the printer name as the output destination. I had specified a printer.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional printer, the printer built-in ROM or NVRA is used.
The printer name stored in M has the same identification code or name (collectively referred to as name) in the same model of the same manufacturer. Therefore, when multiple same models of the same manufacturer are connected to the network, even if the user specifies the printer name of the desired output destination, the multiple printers are simultaneously specified, or the desired printers are specified at the same time. It was impossible to specify one desired printer because another printer other than the above was specified.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to output an image so that a user can designate a desired image output device even when a plurality of image output devices having the same name exist on the network. It is to provide a device.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a host which allows a user to designate a desired image output device even when connected to a plurality of image output devices having the same name via a network. It is to provide a computer.

A third object of the present invention is to enable a user to specify a desired image output device even when a plurality of image output devices having the same name and a host computer exist on the network. It is to provide a network.

[0008]

In order to achieve the first object, the invention according to claim 1 is connected to a host computer via a network and receives print data output from the host computer. Then, in the image output device performing the printing operation, the name search means for searching whether or not the same image output device name as the own image output device name exists on the network, and the name search means And a name change requesting means for requesting the host computer to change the name of the image output device when the same name of the image output device is searched.

In order to achieve the first object,
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in an image output device that is connected to a host computer via a network, receives print data output from the host computer, and performs a printing operation, the self image output is performed on the network. Name search means for searching whether the same image output device name as the device name exists, and when the name search means searches for the same image output device name as its own image output device name, It is characterized by comprising a name changing means for changing the name of at least one of the image output device of its own and the image output device having the same name.

In order to achieve the second object, the invention according to claim 6 is connected to a plurality of image output devices via a network, sends print data to the image output devices, and performs a printing operation. In the host computer to do,
The image output device is a name search unit that searches the network for the same image output device name as the image output device name of the image output device; A name change request means for requesting the host computer to change the name of the image output device when the same name of the image output device is retrieved, and the host computer has the name of the image output device. In response to the name change request from the change request means, the user is prompted to change the name, and the changed name information is sent to the image output device.

In order to achieve the second object, the invention according to claim 7 is connected to a plurality of image output devices via a network, sends print data to the image output devices, and performs a printing operation. In the host computer for performing the above, the image output device is configured to search for a name of an image output device that is the same as its own image output device name on the network; A name changing means for changing the name of at least one of the image output device having the same name as the own image output device when the name of the image output device having the same name as that of the own image output device is searched, The host computer cooperates with the name changing unit of the image output device to set at least one of the image output devices having the same name as the image output device of its own. Characterized by comprising further to means.

In order to achieve the third object, the invention according to claim 8 comprises: a plurality of image output devices; and a host computer for sending print data to the image output devices to perform a printing operation. In the connected network, the image output device, the name search means for searching whether the same image output device name as its own image output device name exists on the network, and the name search means, A name change requesting means for requesting the host computer to change the name of the image output device when searching for the same name of the image output device as the name of its own image output device;
The host computer may prompt the user to change the name in response to the name change request from the name change requesting unit of the image output device, and may send the changed name information to the image output device.

Further, in order to achieve the third object,
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in a network in which a plurality of image output devices and a host computer for sending print data to the image output devices to perform a printing operation are connected, the image output device is the network. A name search unit for searching for the same image output device name as the image output device name of its own, and the name search unit of the same image output device name as the name of the own image output device. The host computer includes a name changing unit that changes the name of at least one of the image output device of its own and the image output device having the same name when the name is searched, and the host computer has the name changing unit of the image output device. A means for cooperating to change the name of at least one of the image output devices having the same name as the image output device of its own is provided.

[0014]

According to the present invention, the name searching means searches the network for the same image output device name as the image output device name for identifying itself. The name change request means is the name search means,
When the same name as that of its own image output device is searched on the network, the host computer is requested to change the name of the image output device.

According to the present invention, the name search means searches the network for the same image output device name as the image output device name for identifying itself. The name change request means is the name search means,
When the same name as the name of its own image output device is searched for on the network, the name changing means changes the name of at least one of the image output devices having the same name as its own image output device.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the image output device of the present invention is shown in FIG.
A detailed description will be given with reference to FIGS.

(1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of a system in which an image output device (printer) according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a network, and FIG. 2 is the printer. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a laser beam printer and a host computer when the above is configured by a laser beam printer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the network 120 includes first to third host computers 100-1, 100-2, 100 equipped with a bidirectional interface communication function.
-3 and the first equipped with bidirectional interface communication function
-Third printers 101-1, 101-2, and 101-3 are connected to each other.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, description will be given of a schematic configuration of components constituting the features of the present invention in the control system of the laser beam printer and the host computer when the printer is constituted by the laser beam printer.

As shown in FIG. 2, a host computer 100 and a laser beam printer 101 are connected to the network 120. Although a plurality of laser beam printers and a host computer are actually connected to the network 120 as shown in FIG. 1, each laser beam printer and each host computer have the same configuration. Therefore, in FIG. 2, one laser beam printer 101 is shown as one host computer 100, and these configurations will be described, while description of the configurations of the other laser beam printers and the host computer will be omitted.

The host computer 100 is an RS, for example.
The bidirectional interface unit 107 having a function of communicating with a plurality of laser beam printers by a communication protocol such as 422A and the laser beam printer 101 connected to the network 120 handle print data and command / status. The printer driver 110 is provided.

The laser beam printer 101 includes a CPU 102 for controlling the laser beam printer and the CPU 1.
The control program executed by the server 02, host print information, and the like are stored, and printer name information (for example, Can
RO that stores on LASER SHOT
M103 and RAM10 for temporarily storing various data
4 is connected to the NVRAM 105, which is a non-volatile storage unit that retains information such as the printing environment regardless of whether the printer is powered on or off. Also, CPU1
02 includes a bidirectional interface unit 106 having a function of communicating with a plurality of host computers by a communication protocol such as RS422A, a bidirectional interface unit 106, the bidirectional interface unit 107, and a network 120. A printer name recognition unit 108 capable of knowing the names of all the printers connected to the network 120, and the printer name recognition unit 10
When it is determined by the function of 8 that a printer having the same name exists on the network 120, a printer name change instruction unit 109 that requests the host computer 100 to change the printer name via the bidirectional interface 106. Are connected.

Next, based on FIGS. 3 to 5, the configuration of the mechanical system of the laser beam printer, the specific configuration of the control system of the printer engine (printing section), and the specific configuration of the control system of the host computer will be described. explain.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of a mechanical system of the laser beam printer.

As shown in FIG. 3, the laser beam printer 101 inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro commands, etc. supplied from an externally connected host computer. A character pattern, a form pattern, or the like corresponding to the information is created, and an image is formed on a recording paper or the like as a recording medium. On the upper surface of the laser beam printer 101, an operation panel 1501 including an operation switch and an LED display is arranged. Below the operation panel 1501, a printer control unit 1000 that controls the entire laser beam printer 101 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer is arranged.

The printer control unit 1000 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1503, and turns on the laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to the input video signal.
Switch off. Laser light 15 switched on and off
Reference numeral 04 causes the rotary polygon mirror 1505 to swing in the left-right direction to expose and scan the electrostatic drum 1506. By this exposure scanning, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506.

This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 arranged around the electrostatic drum 1506 and then transferred to a recording paper. A cut sheet is used as the recording sheet, and the cut sheet recording sheet is the laser printer 101.
The sheet is stored in a sheet cassette 1508 loaded in the sheet cassette 1508, and is taken into the apparatus by the sheet feeding roller 1509 and the conveying rollers 1510 and 1511 and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.

The laser beam printer 101 includes
At least one card slot (not shown) is formed, and in addition to built-in fonts, optional font cards and control cards (emulation cards) with different languages
Is configured to be connectable.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a control system of the laser beam printer 101 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 102 has an interface 106 for inputting a recording signal, and the CPU 10.
2 is connected to a ROM 103 in which a control program executed by the computer 2 and host print information are stored, and a RAM 104 for storing various data such as the print signal and print data supplied to the printer engine (printing unit) 111. ing.

In the laser beam printer 101 thus constructed, the input information is received from the above-mentioned host computer 100 via the bidirectional interface 106.

The CPU 102 can communicate with the host computer 100 via the bidirectional interface 106, and notifies the host computer 100 of memory information about the RAM 104, resource data, and host print information in the ROM 103. It is configured to be possible.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the host computer 100 and the laser beam printer 101 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 100 is a host computer, which is based on a document processing program or the like stored in a font area, a program area, a data area of the ROM 3, and a figure, an image, a character, a table (including a spreadsheet). The CPU 1 has a CPU 1 for executing document processing in which all of the above are mixed, and the CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

A RAM 2 functions as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from the keyboard 9 and a pointing device (not shown).

Reference numeral 6 is a CRT controller (CRTC),
Controls the display on the CRT display (CRT) 10.
A disk controller (DKC) 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like, a floppy disk (FD), and the like.

8 is a printer controller (PRTC)
Then, the printer 101 is connected to the printer 101 via a predetermined bidirectional interface 21 to execute a communication control process with the printer 101.

The CPU 1 executes the rasterizing process of the outline font on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, and the CRT display 1
WYSIWYG (What you see
is what you get).
Further, the CPU 1 opens various windows registered on the basis of a command designated by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT display 10 and executes various data processes.

In the printer 101, 102 is a CPU
Then, based on a control program stored in the program area of the ROM 103 or a control program stored in an external memory, the access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 is comprehensively controlled, and the printing unit interface An image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 111 connected via 16.

The font area of the ROM 103 stores font data and the like used when the output information is generated, and the data area of the ROM 103 is a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk. It stores information and the like used on the host computer.
The CPU 102 is capable of performing communication processing with the host computer 100 via the input unit 18, and is configured to be able to notify the host computer 100 of information and the like in the printer.

A RAM 104 functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 102, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

The RAM 104 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM and the like.
Access to the external memory 14 such as the above-mentioned hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20.

The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data and the like.

The external memory 14 is not limited to one, but at least one external memory is provided, and in addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing a program for interpreting a printer control language of a different language system are provided. It may be configured to be connectable.

Further, the NVRAM 105 of FIG. 2 stores printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1501 (FIG. 3) and the name of the printer on the network as described later.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be explained based on the flow chart shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the printer name recognition unit 108 of the laser beam printer 101 (FIG. 2) is connected to the network 12 to which the laser beam printer 101 is connected via the bidirectional interface units 106 and 107.
The host computer 100 is notified of a request to know the names of all the printers on 0. In response to the request, the host computer 100 collects all printer names on the network 120 by using the function of the printer driver, and returns the printer name information to the printer name recognition unit 108 (step S1).

The printer name recognition unit 108 recognizes itself (the laser beam printer 10 based on the printer name information).
It is checked whether the same printer name as 1) exists on the network 120 (step S2). The name of the laser beam printer 101 is ROM103.
Alternatively, it is stored in the NVRAM 105 and “Cano
nLASER SHOT A404PS ".

In step S2, the printer name recognition unit 108 causes the name "Canon LASER SHOT".
A404PS ”exists on the network 120, the printer name change instruction unit 109
Sends a printer name change request for its own printer to the host computer 100 via the bidirectional interface units 106 and 107 (step S).
3).

The host computer 100 receiving this printer name change request displays the message shown in FIG. 7A, for example, on the CRT display 10 (FIG. 5) of the host computer 100 in conjunction with the operation of the printer driver 110. . Then, the message shown in FIG. 7B is displayed to prompt the user to input the "new printer name". After the input request message is displayed, the user can select "Canon LASER S" from the keyboard 9 (Fig. 5).
An arbitrary new printer name other than "HOT A404PS" is input (step S4).

By this input, the host computer 100
The new printer name changed above is written in the NVRAM 105 of the laser beam printer 101 via the bidirectional interface units 106 and 107, and the laser beam printer 101 is based on the new printer name from the time of writing. Identified on the network 120. If each printer on the network executes such a printer name change, the same printer name does not exist on the network. Therefore, the user can specify the desired print output from one printer.

In the above embodiment, the printer name change instructing unit 9 is configured to send a change request to the host computer 100 for the name of its own printer, but for the names of other printers. It may be configured to send a change request.

(2) Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the system of this embodiment. In the description of the system configuration, the same reference numerals will be given to the parts that have already been described, and duplicate description will be omitted.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in FIG.
In the laser beam printer 201 shown in FIG. 1, a printer name change unit 209 is provided instead of the printer name change instruction unit 109 in FIG. 1 and the function of the CPU constituting the host computer 200 is different.

As shown in FIG. 8, the printer name changing unit 209 and the like are connected to the CPU 102 of the laser beam printer 201.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, steps S11 and S12 are the same as the processes of steps S1 and S2 of the first embodiment, respectively.

In step S12, the printer name recognition unit 108 causes the name "Canon LASER SHOT".
Other printers of "A404PS" are network 12
If it is determined that the printer exists on 0, the following standard operation (for example, serial number names are given to a plurality of printers)
The printer name is changed based on.

That is, for example, "C
Assume that there are three printers with the name "anon LASER SHOTA 404PS". In such a case, the printer name changing unit 209 communicates with the host computer 200 and the printer driver 110 via the bidirectional interface units 106 and 107,
In cooperation with these, names are given to the three printers. In this case, for example, "Canon L
"ASER SHOT A404PS-1", the second is "Canon LASER SHOT A404PS-"
2 "and" Canon LASER SHOT "
A404PS-3 ”and a serial number is added to the end (step S13).

After changing the printer name by such a standard operation, the printer name changing unit 209 changes the new name to N.
The laser beam printer 201 can be identified on the network 120 by the newly written name from the time of writing to the VRAM 105.

As the above-mentioned fixed-form operation, for example, "...- A", "...- B", "...- C", or "...- I", "... -"", "...-"
Characters, symbols, etc., which are successively defined by a certain rule, such as "ha" may be used.

In the above embodiment, a laser beam printer is used as the printer, but the present invention can be applied to other printers of print type (for example, ink jet printer).

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of image output devices (printers) having the same name on the network, a new different image output device is provided for each image output device. Since the name can be given, the user can specify a desired image output device and obtain a printout (recording paper).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a system including an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of main parts of a host computer and a laser beam printer.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a mechanical system of the laser beam printer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the laser beam printer.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the host computer and the laser beam printer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a CRT in an operation process of the flowchart.
It is a figure which shows the message display of a screen, (A) is a change request message with respect to a user, (B) is an input request message with respect to a user.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of main parts of a host computer and a laser beam printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100, 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 Host computer 101, 101-1, 101-2, 101-3 Laser beam printer (image output device) 105 NVRAM (nonvolatile storage means) 106, 107 Bidirectional interface Part 108 Printer name recognition part 109 Printer name change instruction part 110 Printer driver 209 Printer name change part

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI technical display location H04N 1/00 107 A

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image output apparatus which is connected to a host computer via a network, receives print data output from the host computer, and performs a printing operation. Name search means for searching whether the same image output device name exists, and the host computer when the name search means searches for the same image output device name as its own image output device name And a name change requesting means for requesting a change of the name of the image output device to the image output device. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the name changing unit requests a change of the name of its own image output apparatus. 3. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the name changing unit requests a change in the name of another image output apparatus. 4. An image output device which is connected to a host computer via a network, receives print data output from the host computer, and performs a printing operation. Name search means for searching whether or not the same image output device name exists, and if the name search means searches for the same image output device name as the own image output device name, An image output device, comprising: an output device and a name changing unit that changes the name of at least one of the image output devices having the same name. 5. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a writable non-volatile storage unit, and the changed name is stored in the non-volatile storage unit. 6. A host computer which is connected to a plurality of image output devices via a network, sends print data to the image output devices, and causes the image output devices to perform a printing operation, wherein the image output devices are connected to the network. Name search means for searching whether or not the same image output device name as its own image output device name exists, and the name search means searches for the same image output device name as its own image output device name In the case of comprising a name change requesting means for requesting a name change of the image output device to the host computer, the host computer, in response to the name change request from the name change requesting means of the image output device, A host computer, which prompts a user to change a name and sends the changed name information to the image output device. 7. A host computer, which is connected to a plurality of image output devices via a network, sends print data to the image output devices, and causes the image output devices to perform a printing operation, wherein the image output devices are connected to the network. Name search means for searching whether or not the same image output device name as its own image output device name exists, and the name search means searches for the same image output device name as its own image output device name The image output device of its own and the name changing means for changing the name of at least one of the image output devices having the same name, the host computer cooperates with the name changing means of the image output device. And a means for changing the name of at least one of the image output devices having the same name as the image output device of the host computer. . 8. A network in which a plurality of image output devices and a host computer for sending print data to the image output devices to perform a printing operation are connected, wherein the image output device is provided on the network, Name search means for searching whether or not the same image output device name as its own image output device name exists, and the name search means searches for the same image output device name as its own image output device name In the case of comprising a name change requesting means for requesting a name change of the image output device to the host computer, the host computer, in response to the name change request from the name change requesting means of the image output device, A network for prompting a user to change a name and sending the changed name information to the image output device. 9. A network in which a plurality of image output devices and a host computer for sending print data to the image output devices and performing a printing operation are connected, wherein the image output device is provided on the network, Name search means for searching whether or not the same image output device name as its own image output device name exists, and the name search means searches for the same image output device name as its own image output device name The image output device of its own and the name changing means for changing the name of at least one of the image output devices having the same name, the host computer cooperates with the name changing means of the image output device. And a means for changing the name of at least one of the image output devices having the same name as the image output device of its own.