JPH0816342A - Printing system and printing control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To continuously transfer printing disabled printing data to another printer without performing any retransfer processing by deciding whether a printing mechanism enables printing or not when prescribed image data are completely extended, and outputting the input data to the other printer when printing is disabled. CONSTITUTION:This system is provided with a first deciding means (a means for a CPU 204 to execute a program stored in a ROM 206) for deciding whether a printing mechanism part 209 enables printing or not when the prescribed image data are completely extended, and a first communication control means (a means for the CPU 204 to execute the program stored in the ROM 206) for performing control so that the input data can be outputted to the other printer when it is decided printing is disabled. When the CPU 204 decides whether the printing mechanism part 209 enables printing or not and it is decided printing is disabled, the CPU 204 controls an output means so that the input data can be outputted to the other printer, and the printing disabled printing data can be automatically transferred to the other printing enabling printer without performing any retransfer processing from a host device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides a plurality of printing devices and data supply sources capable of cutting off or limiting the power supply to the constituent electric parts in order to save the power consumption of the printing section. The present invention relates to a printing system in which a host device such as a host computer is communicably connected to each other according to a certain communication control procedure, and a printing control method for the printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus which constitutes a printing system includes a controller section for receiving and processing data from a host apparatus and a printing section for printing the print data processed by the controller section on a recording medium (so-called Printer engine).

In the printing apparatus constructed as above,
When the printing unit is unusable for some reason (including shutting off or limiting the power supplied to the electrical components that make up the printing unit to save power consumption), other parts, such as its controller part (analysis, The part that expands it) was hardly working (was in the standby state).

When a plurality of printing devices and a host device are connected according to a certain protocol (communication control procedure), which printing device prints this data in the print data given from the host device. There was also information that specified (the printing device was limited by the data).

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional printing system, when the printing section of the printing apparatus cannot be used for some reason, it is ready to print even if the print data is given from the host apparatus. It couldn't or couldn't print until some action was taken.

Further, since print data is given from a higher-level device to a specific printing device, if the printing device given the printing data cannot operate for some reason, printing cannot be performed, resulting in a long printing time. There were problems such as reaching the time.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to thirteenth inventions of the present invention is to provide at least one or more host devices and a plurality of printing devices. In a printing system configured to be communicable via a predetermined communication medium, when the printing mechanism of the printing device becomes unprintable after receiving data from the host device, the input data is transferred to another printing device. The data input from the higher-level device can be continuously processed and printed by the other printing devices in the system from the printing device without the instruction from the higher-level device by transferring the data to and processing the data. To provide an efficient printing system and a printing control method of the printing system.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an input means for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device and various information output to the host device or another printing device. A plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism that analyzes the input data input from the input device and prints on a recording medium based on the developed image data. In a printing system connected via a medium, a first determination unit that determines whether or not the printing mechanism is in a printable state when a predetermined image data expansion is completed, and a state in which the first determination unit is in a print-disabled state. And a first communication control means for controlling the output means so as to output the input data from the output means to another printing device.

A second invention according to the present invention has an input means for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, and an output means for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. A plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism that analyzes the input data input from the input means and prints on the recording medium based on the developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium. In the printing system, at the end of the prescribed image data development,
A second determining whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state
And a second controlling means for controlling the output means to output the expanded image data from the output means to another printing device when the second determining means and the second determining means determine that the printing is impossible. And a communication control means.

A third aspect of the present invention is an input device for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, an output device for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device, and an input device. A plurality of printing devices having storage means for storing input data inputted from the means, and having a printing mechanism for printing on a recording medium based on the image data analyzed and developed according to the input data stored in the storage means. In a printing system in which is connected to the higher-level device via a predetermined communication medium, it is judged from the available memory capacity whether or not the processing of the input data stored in the storage means can be continued. Means for outputting the subsequent input data from the output means to another printing device when the third determination means determines that the processing of the input data cannot be continued, Is an external processing data processed by the other printing apparatus having a third communication control means for controlling the output means and the input means to enter from the input means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a printing mechanism is
The printing is performed on the recording medium based on the image data analyzed and developed according to the externally processed data.

A fifth aspect of the present invention has an input means for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device and an output means for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. A plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism that analyzes the input data input from the input means and prints on the recording medium based on the developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium. In the printing system, at the end of the prescribed image data development,
Fourth, determining whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state
And the conversion means for converting the resolution of the developed image data when the fourth judgment means determines that the image data cannot be printed, and the converted image data whose resolution is converted by the conversion means. And a fourth communication control means for controlling the output means so that the output means outputs to another printing apparatus.

A sixth invention according to the present invention has an input means for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device and an output means for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. Then, a printing mechanism that analyzes the input data input from the input means and prints on the recording medium based on the developed image data, and a power supply that shuts off or limits the power supply state from the power supply unit for this printing mechanism. In a printing system in which a plurality of printing devices having a control unit are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium,
When the power supply control unit cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit to the printing mechanism, it is determined whether another printing apparatus is informing the host apparatus of the print disable status information through the input unit. A fifth determination unit for determining reading is provided, and when the fifth determination unit determines that another printing apparatus is notifying the host apparatus of the unprintable state information, the power supply control unit performs the printing. It is configured such that the power supply from the power supply unit is resumed so that the mechanism waits for printing.

A seventh invention according to the present invention is a host device,
A plurality of printing device groups having different resolutions, and a distribution device that distributes and transfers the print data to any one of the printing devices of the printing device group based on the resolution in the print data for which the resolution is designated received from the higher-level device. Is connected between a host device and a printing device group via a predetermined communication medium.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, each printing device has an input means for inputting data input from a distribution device and various information to a higher-level device or another printing device via a predetermined communication medium. A printing mechanism that has an output means for outputting, analyzes the input data input from the input means, and prints on a recording medium based on the developed image data; and the printing mechanism when the predetermined image data development is completed. And a first determining means for determining whether or not is in a printable state, and when the first determining means determines that the printable state, the input data is output from the output means to another printing device. And a first communication control means for controlling the output means.

A ninth invention according to the present invention has an input means for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device and an output means for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. A plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism that analyzes the input data input from the input means and prints on the recording medium based on the developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium. In the print control method of the printing system, when the predetermined image data expansion is completed, a determination step of determining whether the printing mechanism is in the printable state, and the determination step when it is determined that the printing is not possible, A data output step of outputting input data from the output means to another printing apparatus.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is an input device for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, an output device for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device, and an input device. A plurality of printing devices having storage means for storing input data inputted from the means, and having a printing mechanism for printing on a recording medium based on the image data analyzed and developed according to the input data stored in the storage means. In a print control method of a printing system connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium, it is determined from the available memory capacity whether or not the processing of the input data stored in the storage means can be continued. Judgment process,
When this determination step determines that the processing of the input data cannot be continued, an output step of outputting subsequent input data from the output means to another printing device and an external processing data processed by the other printing device are And an input step of inputting from the input means.

An eleventh invention according to the present invention has an input means for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, and an output means for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. A plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism that analyzes the input data input from the input means and prints on the recording medium based on the developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium. In the print control method of the printing system, when the predetermined image data expansion is completed, a determination step of determining whether the printing mechanism is in the printable state, and the determination step when it is determined that the printing is not possible, A conversion process for converting the resolution of the expanded image data and the converted image data whose resolution has been converted by this conversion process are output from the output means to another printing device. In which an output step of.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention has an input means for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, and an output means for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. Then, a printing mechanism that analyzes the input data input from the input means and prints on the recording medium based on the developed image data, and a power supply that shuts off or limits the power supply state from the power supply unit for this printing mechanism. In a print control method of a printing system in which a plurality of printing devices having a control unit are connected to the higher-level device via a predetermined communication medium, a power control unit shuts off power supply from a power supply unit to the printing mechanism. And a determination process for determining whether or not the non-printable state information is being notified from another printing device to the higher-level device through the input unit while When the other printing device determines that the printing prohibition status information is being sent to the higher-level device, the power supply control part turns on the power supply from the power supply part so that the power supply control part waits in the printable state by the printing mechanism. And a restart process for restarting.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a higher-level device, a plurality of printing device groups having different resolutions, and print data received from the higher-level device are transferred to one of the printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In the printing control method of the printing system, an analyzing step of analyzing the resolution in the print data with the resolution designated received from the higher-order device, and the printing device group by distributing the print data based on the analyzed resolution. And a transfer step of transferring to one of the printing devices.

[0021]

In the first invention, at the end of the predetermined image data development, the first determining means determines whether the printing mechanism is in the printable state, and when it is determined that the printing mechanism is in the unprintable state, The communication control unit 1 controls the output unit to output the input data from the output unit to another printing device, and continues the print data that cannot be printed without the re-transfer process from the host device. Then, it is automatically transferred to another printing device capable of printing.

In the second invention, when the predetermined image data development is completed, the second judging means judges whether the printing mechanism is in the printable state, and when it is judged that the printing mechanism is in the unprintable state, The second communication control unit controls the output unit so that the expanded image data is output from the output unit to another printing apparatus, and the print data becomes unprintable without the re-transfer processing from the upper apparatus. The image data based on is automatically transferred to another printing device capable of continuously printing and is printed as it is.

In the third invention, the third judging means judges from the available memory capacity whether the processing of the input data stored in the storing means can be continued, and the processing of the input data cannot be continued. If it is determined that the third communication control means outputs the subsequent input data from the output means to another printing apparatus, the external processing data processed by the other printing apparatus is input from the input means. By controlling the output means and the input means, even if the input data exceeding the limit of the memory capacity is input from the host device, the input data to be input when the input data processing cannot be continued is input from the host device. The automatic transfer to another printing device capable of continuous printing without the re-transferring process, and the printing is continued based on the processed data input from the other printing device.

In the fourth invention, the third judging means judges from the available memory capacity whether the processing of the input data stored in the storing means can be continued, and the processing of the input data cannot be continued. If it is determined that the third communication control means outputs the subsequent input data from the output means to another printing apparatus, the external processing data processed by the other printing apparatus is input from the input means. By controlling the output means and the input means, even if the input data exceeding the limit of the memory capacity is input from the host device, the input data to be input when the input data processing cannot be continued is input from the host device. The automatic transfer to another printing apparatus capable of continuously printing without the re-transfer processing of (1) to be processed, and the printing is continued based on the processed image data.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the fourth determining means determines whether or not the printing mechanism is in the printable state at the end of the predetermined image data development. The communication control means 4 controls the output means so that the output means outputs the converted image data whose resolution has been converted by the conversion means for converting the resolution of the expanded image data to the other printing device. The automatic print transfer of the print data with the resolution-designated print data that has become unprintable without the re-transfer processing is continuously performed to another print device having a different printable resolution.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the power supply control unit cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit to the printing mechanism, the fifth determination unit cannot print from another printing device to the host device. If it is determined whether the status information is being notified via the input means, and if it is determined that another printing apparatus is notifying the upper-level apparatus of the print-disabled status information, the power supply control unit performs the printing. The printer restarts the power supply from the power supply unit so that the mechanism waits for printing, and other printing that is paused at an appropriate timing so that the printing device that cannot print can quickly transfer print data. Put the device in the ready state to print.

In the seventh invention, the distribution device distributes and transfers the print data to any one of the printing devices of the printing device group based on the resolution in the resolution-specified print data received from the host device. Thus, the control of the data transfer destination of the host device is reduced.

In the eighth invention, after the print data received from the host device by the distribution device is distributed and transferred to any of the printing devices, when the predetermined image data expansion is completed by the first judging means, the printing mechanism is If it is determined that printing is possible, and if it is determined that printing is not possible, then the first communication control means controls the output means so that the input data is output from the output means to another printing device. Then, while reducing the transfer load on the higher-level device, the print data that cannot be printed is automatically transferred to another printing device that can continue printing without retransfer processing from the higher-level device.

In the ninth invention, at the end of the predetermined image data development, it is judged whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state, and when it is judged that the printing is not possible, the input data is output from the output means. The print data, which is output to another printing apparatus and becomes unprintable without the re-transfer processing from the upper apparatus, is automatically transferred to another printing apparatus capable of continuously printing.

In the tenth aspect, whether the processing of the input data stored in the storage means can be continued or not is judged from the available memory capacity, and when it is judged that the processing of the input data cannot be continued, Input data to be output to the other printing device from the output device, external processing data processed by the other printing device is input from the input device, and input data exceeding the limit of the memory capacity is input from the host device. Even if the input data processing cannot be continued, the input data that is input at the time of transition cannot be continued and is automatically transferred to another printing device that can continue printing without retransfer processing from the host device and processed. , Continue printing based on the processed data input from another printing device.

In the eleventh invention, when the predetermined image data development is completed, it is determined whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state, and when it is determined that the printing is not possible,
A resolution at which the resolution of the expanded image data is converted, the converted image data whose resolution has been converted is output from the output unit to another printing apparatus, and printing cannot be performed without re-transfer processing from a higher-level apparatus. The designated print data is continuously transferred automatically to another printing device having a different printable resolution.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, while the power supply control unit is shutting off the power supply from the power supply unit to the printing mechanism, another printing apparatus is informing the upper apparatus of the unprintable state information. If it is determined through the input means whether or not there is a print-disabled state information being sent from another printing device to the upper-level device, the power supply control unit sets the print mechanism to a printable state. Resuming power supply from the power supply unit to put it in a standby state so that the printing device that cannot print can quickly transfer print data. And

In the thirteenth invention, the resolution in the print data with the resolution designated received from the higher-level device is analyzed, and the print data is distributed based on the analyzed resolution, and the print data is distributed to any one of the printing device groups. To the printing device to reduce the load of the printing device candidate destination determination processing of the higher-level device and release the printing device candidate destination promptly.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this embodiment, a laser beam printer will be described as an example of the printing apparatus.

Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, the configuration of a laser beam printer to which this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of a printing apparatus applicable to the printing system according to the present invention. For example, the printing unit (engine unit) is a laser beam printer (hereinafter LB).
Corresponding to the case where it is composed of the P main body and the engine, the printing apparatus is configured to be able to register a character pattern and a fixed form from a data source (not shown).

In the figure, 100 is the LBP body,
Externally connected host computer (host device)
Alternatively, it is a recording medium in which character information (character code), form information, macro command, etc. supplied from another printing device are input and stored, and corresponding character patterns and form patterns are created according to the information. ,
An image is formed on the recording paper.

Reference numeral 300 denotes a switch for operation and LE.
Operation panel on which D display and the like are arranged, 101 is LBP
A printer control unit for controlling the entire 100 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the outside. The printer control unit 101 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs it to the laser driver 102. Further, the printer control unit 101 controls the printer engine and communication control for communicating with a host device or another printing device when connected to the host device or another printing device via a predetermined interface or a predetermined network. Also do.

The laser driver 102 is the semiconductor laser 10.
3 is a circuit for driving the laser beam 3, and the laser beam 1 emitted from the semiconductor laser 103 according to the input video signal.
04 is switched on and off. The laser light 104 is swung in the left-right direction by the rotating polyhedron 105 and scans the electrostatic drum 106. As a result, an electrostatic latent image having a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 106. This latent image is the electrostatic drum 10.
After being developed by the developing unit 107 around 6, the image is transferred to a recording sheet. Although not shown, the transferred recording paper is passed through a fixing device or the like to fix the recorded image by pressure or heat. A cut sheet is used for this recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is a paper cassette 1 attached to the LBP100.
08, the paper feed roller 109 and the transport roller 1
It is taken into the apparatus by 10, 111 and supplied to the electrostatic drum 106. 112 is mainly a printing mechanism unit 209
And a power supply control unit that controls the supply of power to the printer control unit 101, and can cut off or control the power supply to the printing mechanism unit 209 according to an instruction from the printer control unit 101.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a host computer, which functions as a generation source of image information, and is composed of information such as a character code sent from the host computer 201, an external character font, form information, or macro registration information.
11 is input to the controller CONT, and CPU 2 which will be described later generally prints document information and the like page by page.
It is controlled by 04.

Reference numeral 202 denotes an input means which is configured to input various information from the host computer 201 or another printing device or to monitor and read various information from the host computer 201 or another printing device.

Reference numeral 203 is a reception buffer for temporarily storing various information input through the input means 202.

Reference numeral 214 is an output means for outputting various information to the host computer 201 or another printing apparatus, and 215 is a transmission buffer for temporarily storing the data to be output. However, although not shown, the data can be output by the data processing of the CPU 204 without passing through the transmission buffer 215.

A character pattern generator 210 includes a character ROM (not shown) that stores pattern information corresponding to a character code, and a read control circuit for the character ROM.
It also has a code converter function of calculating the address of the character pattern corresponding to the code when the character code is input.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire LBP control system, which is the CPU 204 stored in the ROM 206.
Control program of the whole device and input means 2
02 also controls communication for exchanging data with the host computer 201 and other printing devices.

Reference numeral 212 is an analysis unit for analyzing the received data according to the control program of the ROM 206, 213 is a development unit for developing the information analyzed by the analysis unit 212 into a bit pattern, and 205 is the analysis unit 212. A page buffer 207 stores information, and a frame buffer 207 stores at least one page of pattern information expanded by the expansion unit 213 into a character pattern corresponding to a print image.

An output interface unit 208 generates a video signal corresponding to the pattern information from the frame buffer 207 and executes interface control with the printing mechanism unit 209. Reference numeral 209 denotes a print mechanism unit that inputs a video signal from the output interface unit 208 and prints image information based on the video signal.

The fixing unit 21 in the printing mechanism unit 209
6 has a heater 217 which assists in fixing the image by its heat. The heater 217 can cut off or limit its power supply by a control signal or command output from the interface section 208. The heater 217 consumes it. The consumed electric power occupies most of the electric power consumed by the printing apparatus, and by cutting off the electric power, the electric power consumption of the printing apparatus can be saved.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system showing an embodiment of the present invention.
It corresponds to the case where a plurality of printing devices are connected to one host computer to form a system.

LBP body 100 and host computer,
Further, other printing devices 310, 320, 330 having the same configuration as the LBP main body 100 are connected via a network 340 so that data can be alternately exchanged according to a certain communication control method. The printer engines of the other printing devices 310, 320, and 330 are shown in FIG.
It may be configured by the laser printer engine shown in (1) or may be configured by an inkjet printer engine. Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first to sixth inventions and their actions will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The first aspect of the present invention is an input means 202 for inputting data input from a host device (host computer 201) or another printing device, and an output means 214 for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. And a plurality of printing devices 100, 31 having a printing mechanism unit 209 for analyzing the input data input from the input unit 202 and printing the image data based on the developed image data.
In a printing system in which 0, 320, and 330 are connected to the previous host computer 201 via a predetermined communication medium, it is determined whether the printing mechanism unit 209 is in a printable state at the end of predetermined image data development. Of the input data from the output unit to another printing device when the first determination unit determines that the first determination unit is in the unprintable state. The first communication control means (CPU 204 controls the output means to output to the RO
Means for executing the program stored in M206), and the CPU 20
4 determines whether the printing mechanism unit 209 is in a printable state, and when it is determined that the printing is not possible, the CP
U204 controls the output means so that the input data is output from the output means to another printing apparatus, and the print data that cannot be printed can be continuously printed without retransfer processing from the higher-level device. Automatically transfer to other printing devices.

A second aspect of the invention is an input means 202 for inputting data input from a host device (host computer 201) or another printing device, and an output means 214 for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. And a plurality of printing devices 100, 31 having a printing mechanism unit 209 for analyzing the input data input from the input unit 202 and printing the image data based on the developed image data.
In a printing system in which 0, 320, and 330 are connected to the host computer 201 via a predetermined communication medium,
When the predetermined image data expansion is completed, the printing mechanism unit 2
09 is a printable state, and a second determination means (the CPU 204 executes the program stored in the ROM 206) and the second determination means determines that the printable state is Second communication control means (CPU 20) for controlling the output means so as to output the expanded image data from the output means to another printing device.
4 for executing the program stored in the ROM 206), and C
The PU 204 determines whether the printing mechanism unit 209 is in a printable state, and when it is determined that the printing is not possible, the CPU 204 outputs the expanded image data from the output unit 214 to another printing apparatus. As described above, the output unit 214 is controlled to automatically transfer the image data based on the print data that cannot be printed to the other printing apparatus capable of continuously printing without the re-transfer processing from the host computer 201 and directly Print.

The third aspect of the present invention is an input means 202 for inputting data input from a host device (host computer 201) or another printing device, and an output means 214 for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. And storage means (memory resources such as the page buffer 205 and the frame buffer 207) for storing the input data input from the input means. The image data analyzed and developed according to the input data stored in the storage means In a printing system in which a plurality of printing devices 100, 310, 320, 330 having a printing mechanism unit 209 for printing on a recording medium based on the above are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium, are stored in the storage means. Third determination means for determining whether or not the processing of the input data can be continued from the available memory capacity ( If the PU204 executes the program stored in the ROM206) and the third judging means judges that the processing of the input data cannot be continued, the subsequent input data is transferred from the output means to another printing device. Third communication control means (CPU 204) for controlling the output means and the input means so as to output the externally processed data processed by the other printing apparatus from the input means.
Means for executing the program stored in the ROM 206) and determines whether the processing of the input data stored in the storage means by the CPU 204 can be continued from the available memory capacity. When it is determined that the processing cannot be continued, the CPU 204 outputs the subsequent input data from the output unit to another printing apparatus, and inputs the external processing data processed by the other printing apparatus from the input unit. By controlling the output means and the input means, even if the input data exceeding the limit of the memory capacity is input from the host device, the input data input from the host device when the input data processing cannot be continued is transferred from the host device. It is automatically transferred to another printing device that can continue printing without re-transfer processing and processed, and based on the processed data input from another printing device. Stomach to continue printing.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, the printing mechanism unit 209 is configured to print on a recording medium based on image data analyzed and developed according to external processing data input from another printing device, and stored by the CPU 204. It is determined from the available memory capacity whether processing of the input data stored in the means can be continued, and when it is determined that the processing of the input data cannot be continued, the CPU 204 outputs the subsequent input data to the output means. From the input means to the external processing data processed by the other printing apparatus, and the external processing data processed by the other printing apparatus are input from the input means, and the input data exceeding the limit due to the memory capacity is higher. Even if it is input from the device, the input data that is input at the time of transition when the processing of the input data cannot continue is accompanied by the re-transfer process from the host device. Continue to be forwarded to processing into printable another printing apparatus without, to continue printing on the basis of the processed image data.

The fifth aspect of the present invention comprises an input means for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, and an output means for outputting various information to the host device (host computer 210) or another printing device. A plurality of printing devices 100, 310, 320, 330 each having a printing mechanism unit 209 that has the printing mechanism unit 209 that analyzes the input data input from the input unit and expands the image data.
In a printing system connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium, a fourth judgment unit (the CPU 204 stores the ROM 206 in the ROM 206) at the end of the predetermined image data expansion for judging whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state. A means for executing the stored program) and a converting means (CP) for converting the resolution of the expanded image data when the fourth judging means judges that the printing is impossible.
U204 for executing the program stored in the ROM206), and fourth communication control for controlling the output means so that the converted image data whose resolution is converted by this conversion means is output from the output means to another printing apparatus. Means (a means for the CPU 204 to execute the program stored in the ROM 206). When the predetermined image data expansion is completed by the CPU 204, it is determined whether or not the printing mechanism is in a printable state, and it is in a printable state. If it is determined that the output means controls the output means to output the converted image data whose resolution has been converted by the converting means for converting the resolution of the expanded image data from the output means to another printing device, Continues the print data with the resolution specified, which became unprintable without re-transfer processing from the device. Automatically transferring to a different other printing devices printable resolution.

A sixth aspect of the invention is an input means 202 for inputting data input from a host device (host computer 201) or another printing device, and an output means 214 for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. And a printing mechanism unit 209 that analyzes the input data input from the input unit and prints on a recording medium based on the developed image data, and a power supply unit (not shown) for the printing mechanism unit 209. A printing system in which a plurality of printing devices 100, 310, 320, 330 having a power supply control unit 112 (see FIG. 1) that cuts off or limits a power supply state from a printer is connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium. In the case where the power supply control unit 112 cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit to the printing mechanism in FIG. And whether the print disabled state information is being notified via the input unit 202 is provided and a fifth determining means reads determining (means CPU 204 executes a program stored in the ROM 206) with, CPU 204
When the other printing apparatus determines that the print-disabled state information is being sent from the other printing apparatus to the higher-level apparatus, the power supply control section 112 causes the power supply section 112 to make the printing mechanism section 209 wait for printing. Of the CPU 20 when the power supply control unit 112 cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit to the printing mechanism.
4 determines through the input means whether or not the printing prohibition status information is being notified from the other printing apparatus to the host apparatus, and the printing prohibition status information is being notified from the other printing apparatus to the host apparatus. If it is determined that the print data is not available, the power supply control unit restarts the power supply from the power supply unit so that the print mechanism waits in the printable state, and the printing apparatus that cannot print promptly prints the print data. The other printing apparatus which is idle at a proper timing so that the data can be transferred is put in a standby state in which printing can be performed.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the first print control method of the printing system according to the present invention.
Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the print data is sent to the host computer 2
Received from 01 (1), analyze the command (2),
The page buffer 205 is created and stored (3). Next, expansion processing is performed based on the information in the page buffer 205 (4). Next, when the expansion processing is completed, the data is transferred to the printing mechanism unit 209 (8), but before that, the CPU 204 determines whether printing is executable (5),
If the printing mechanism unit 209 cannot print due to lack of paper, running out of toner, instructing drum cassette replacement, jamming, etc., another printing device capable of printing the expanded data (see FIG. 3).
Any one of the printing devices 310, 320, 330 shown in FIG.
To the host computer 201 (6), and the host computer 201 is informed that the print result of the data received by itself has been output to another printing device (7). ).

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the ninth invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The ninth aspect of the present invention is an input means 202 for inputting data input from a host device (host computer 201) or another printing device, and an output means 214 for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. And a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism 209 that analyzes the input data input from the input unit and prints on the recording medium based on the developed image data. In the print control method of the printing system connected via the
A determination step (step (5) in FIG. 4) of determining whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state, and when the determination step determines that printing is not possible, the input data is output from the output means to And a data output step (step (6) in FIG. 4) for outputting to another printing apparatus, so that the printing apparatus which has become unprintable can transfer the print data promptly. The printing apparatus is placed in a print ready standby state.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the information in the page buffer 205 is expanded to the frame buffer 207 and then the data is transferred to another printing apparatus. However, before expanding the information (the print information stored in the page buffer 205). The same effect can be obtained by controlling so as to transfer the data to another printer as it is [Second Embodiment] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a second print control method of the printing system of the present invention. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

First, the print data is sent to the host computer 2
It is received from 01 (1) and the command is analyzed (2).
Next, at the stage of creating the page buffer 205 (beginning of a page), it is judged whether or not there is not enough memory to create a new page buffer 205 (3), and if there is not enough memory (if the page buffer cannot be created (NO)) Outputs the data of the page to another printing device (8), and the number of pages sent to the other printing device is counted by another counter (CPU).
(Provided in 204) (9).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (3) is YES, the page buffer 205 is created and stored (4). Next, expansion processing to the frame buffer 207 is performed based on the information in the page buffer 205 (5).

Next, when the expansion process for the frame memory 207 is completed, the data is transferred to the printing mechanism unit 209 for printing, but before that, it is judged by looking at the counter whether there is a page sent to another printing device ( 6) If there is a sent page (in the case of YES), the destination printing apparatus receives the analyzed and expanded data, and transfers it to the printing mechanism unit 209 while monitoring the counter (10). Next, it is judged whether or not all the data transferred to another printing device has been received (11), and if received, the counter is cleared (12), and the processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that there is no data transferred to another printing apparatus, the data developed by itself is transferred to the printing mechanism section 209 (7), and the processing is terminated.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the tenth invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In the tenth aspect of the invention, an input means 202 for inputting data input from a host device (host computer 201) or another printing device and an output means 214 for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. And storage means for storing input data input from the input means 202 (memory resources such as the page buffer 205 and the frame buffer 207), and image data analyzed and developed according to the input data stored in this storage means. In a print control method of a printing system in which a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism unit 209 that prints on a recording medium based on the above are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium, the input stored in the storage unit A determination step of determining whether or not data processing can be continued from the available memory capacity (step of FIG. 5) 3)) and the output step of outputting the subsequent input data from the output means to another printing device when the determination step determines that the processing of the input data cannot be continued (steps (8) and (8 in FIG. 3)). 9)) and an input step (steps (10) to (12) in FIG. 5) of inputting externally processed data processed by another printing device from the input means to exceed the limit due to the memory capacity. Even if the input data is input from the higher-level device, other printing that can continuously print the input data that is input at the time when the input data processing cannot be continued without the re-transfer process from the higher-level device The data is automatically transferred to the device for processing, and printing is continued based on the processed data input from another printing device. [Third Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a third print control method of the printing system of the present invention. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

The print data is received from the host computer 201 (1), the analysis unit 212 analyzes the command (2), and the page buffer 205 is created and stored (3). Next, expansion processing is performed based on the information in the page buffer 205 (4). Next, the CPU 204 confirms whether the print mechanism unit 209 is operable before transferring the expanded data to the print mechanism unit 209 for printing (5), and if possible, the expanded data is directly output to the print mechanism unit 20.
Then, the process is finished (12) and the process is completed.

On the other hand, in the judgment of the step (5), for some reason (the above-mentioned reason, etc.), the printing mechanism unit 20
If the CPU 204 determines that the printer 9 cannot operate, it checks whether another printer having the same resolution as itself is connected to the network (6), and if there is a printer having the same resolution (if YES, then ), The expanded data is output to the printing device (7), and at the same time, the host computer 201 is notified that the data has been output to another printing device (8), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the printing device having the same resolution as that of the user is not connected, the CPU
If the result of the determination is 204, the data developed by the CPU 204 is converted into a resolution suitable for another connected printing device having a different resolution (9). Next, after converting the resolution, the converted data is output to another printing device (10). Next, after the output, the host computer 201 is similarly contacted (11), and the process is terminated.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the eleventh invention and its action will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 2.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention is an input means 202 for inputting data input from a host device (host computer 1) or another printing device, and an output means 203 for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. And a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism unit 209 that analyzes the input data input from the input unit and prints on the recording medium based on the developed image data. In a print control method for a printing system connected via a printer, a determination step (step (5) in FIG. 6) of determining whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state at the end of predetermined image data expansion, and the determination step A conversion process (steps (6) and (9) in FIG. 6) for converting the resolution of the developed image data when it is determined that the process is in a print-disabled state. Output step of outputting the converted image data resolution conversion by the conversion step from said output means to another printing apparatus (step (10), (11))
By executing the above, the print data whose resolution is specified becomes printable and is automatically transferred to another printing device having a different printable resolution without the re-transfer process from the host device. [Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the fourth print control method of the printing system of the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

When the print data is not given from the host computer 201, the time measurement is started from the point of time when the previous print processing is finished, and the process waits until a certain time elapses (1), (2). Then, if there is no next print data even after a lapse of a certain time, the power supply of the printing mechanism unit 209 is partially (or entirely) cut off according to a stored program in order to reduce power consumption (3 ).

Next, the communication data of the other printing device and the host computer 201 is monitored on the data communication state on the network 340 to check whether the other printing device cannot print for some reason (4). If not, the power supply to the printing mechanism unit 209 is kept shut off while waiting for the print data from the host computer 201 (5). Next, when the print data is given, the power supply to the printing mechanism unit 209 is stopped and the power is turned on (6), the print processing is returned to the standby state (standby state).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (4) that another printing device cannot print for some reason, the printing mechanism section 20 immediately returns to the printable state.
The power supply cutoff of 9 is released, and the power is turned on (7) to enter the standby state.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the twelfth invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In the twelfth aspect of the invention, an input unit 202 for inputting data input from a host device (host computer 201) or another printing device and an output unit 214 for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. Has and
A printing mechanism unit 209 that analyzes the input data input from the input unit 202 and prints on a recording medium based on the developed image data, and shuts off or limits the power supply state from the power supply unit to this printing mechanism. In a print control method of a printing system in which a plurality of printing devices having a power supply control unit (not shown) are connected to the higher-level device via a predetermined communication medium, the power supply control unit is a power supply unit for the printing mechanism. A determination step (step (4 (4) in FIG. 7) for determining whether or not the print-disabled state information is being notified from another printing device to the higher-level device while the power supply is cut off. )), And when this determination step determines that the print-disabled state information is being notified from the other printing device to the higher-level device, the power supply control unit prints the mark by the printing mechanism. It is appropriate to execute the restart step (step (7)) of restarting the power supply from the power supply unit so that the printing apparatus which cannot print can transfer the print data promptly so as to wait in a ready state. At another timing, the other printing apparatus which is in the idle state is put into a standby state in which printing can be performed. [Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in this figure, the host computer 900 includes a data distribution device 910 having a function similar to that of the host computer 900 and a printing device group PR (a printing device 9 having a different resolution as will be described later) connected thereto.
20, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970).

In FIG. 8, printing devices 920, 930,
940, 950, 960, and 970 are classified according to resolution, and the data distribution device 910 manages them. In this embodiment, the resolution A (DPI) is the printing device 920 and 93.
0, the resolution B (DPI) is configured by the printing devices 940 and 950, and the resolution C (DPI) is configured by the printing devices 960 and 970 (A ≠ B ≠ C (A <B <C)).

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the seventh and eighth inventions and their functions will be described below.

A seventh aspect of the invention is to provide a host device (host computer 900), a plurality of printing device groups having different resolutions,
A data distribution device 910 that distributes and transfers the print data to any of the printing devices of the printing device group based on the resolution in the print data with the resolution specified received from the upper device The data distribution device 910 is connected via a predetermined communication medium, and the data distribution device 910 prints any one of the printing device groups based on the resolution in the print data for which the resolution is designated received from the host device (host computer 900). The print data is distributed and transferred to the device to reduce the control of the data transfer destination of the host device.

The eighth aspect of the present invention is directed to each printing device (printing device 92
0, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970) are input means for inputting data input from the data distribution device 910, and various information to a host device (host computer 900) or other printing device as a predetermined communication medium. Via input means (means equivalent to the output means 214 shown in FIG. 2) and input means (means equivalent to the input means 202 shown in FIG. 2) for analyzing and expanding the input data. A print mechanism unit 209 that prints on a recording medium based on the image data that has been created; a first determination unit (CPU 204) that determines whether or not the print mechanism is in a printable state at the end of development of predetermined image data; When the first determination unit determines that the printing is not possible, the output unit outputs the input data from the output unit 214 to another printing device. Gosuru first communication control means (CP
U204) and the print data received from the higher-level device (host computer 900) by the data distribution device 910 is distributed and transferred to one of the printing devices,
When the predetermined image data development is completed by the CPU 204, it is determined whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state,
When it is determined that printing is not possible, the CPU 204
Controls the output unit 214 so that the input data is output from the output unit 214 to another printing device, thereby reducing the transfer load on the host device and preventing printing without retransfer processing from the host device. Then, the print data that has become is automatically transferred to another printing device capable of printing.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the fifth printing control method of the printing system of the present invention. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

When the host computer 900 outputs the print data to the printing device, the print data and the resolution of the data are designated (for example, resolution A), and the data distribution device 91 is used.
Output to 0 (1). Next, the data distribution device 910, which has received the print data and the designation of the resolution, searches out from the printing device group PR that manages the printing device of the designated resolution (2). Next, in this embodiment, since the resolution A is designated, the printing device 920 or the printing device 930 is selected, and the print data is output there (3).

The printer 920 or 930 that has received the print data notifies the host computer 900 that it has received the print data (4), and ends the processing.

In the present embodiment, the number of resolutions (DP
It is needless to say that I) is not particularly limited and can be configured by appropriately selecting from low resolution to high resolution.

On the other hand, when other resolutions (for example, resolutions B and C) are designated in the judgment of step (2), similar processing is carried out (5) to (8).

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the thirteenth invention and its action will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The thirteenth aspect of the invention is to combine a host device (host computer 900) with a plurality of printing device groups having different resolutions (printing devices 920, 930, 940, 950, 960,
970) and the print control method of the printing system for transferring the print data received from the higher-level device to one of the printing devices via a predetermined communication medium, the resolution specified by the higher-level device (host computer 900) is specified. Analysis step for analyzing the resolution in the print data (step (2) in FIG. 9), and the print data is distributed based on the analyzed resolution, and the print data is distributed to any one of the printing apparatuses. Transfer process for transferring (step (3),
(4), step (5), (6), step (7),
(8)) is executed to reduce the printing device candidate destination determination processing load of the upper-level device, and release the printing device candidate destination promptly.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one 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.

[0094]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, when the predetermined image data expansion is completed,
When the first determining unit determines whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state and determines that the printing is not possible,
Since the first communication control unit controls the output unit to output the input data from the output unit to another printing apparatus, the print data that cannot be printed without the retransfer process from the upper apparatus It is possible to automatically transfer to another printing device capable of continuously printing.

According to the second invention, when the predetermined image data development is completed, the second judging means judges whether the printing mechanism is in the printable state, and when it is judged that the printing is in the unprintable state. Since the second communication control unit controls the output unit so that the expanded image data is output from the output unit to another printing apparatus, printing cannot be performed without the retransfer processing from the upper apparatus. The image data based on the print data can be automatically transferred to another printing device capable of continuously printing and can be printed as it is.

According to the third aspect of the invention, it is judged from the available memory capacity whether or not the processing of the input data stored in the storing means can be continued by the third judging means, and the processing of the input data is performed. When it is determined that the continuation is impossible, the third communication control unit outputs the subsequent input data from the output unit to another printing device, and the external processing data processed by the other printing device is input from the input unit. Since the output means and the input means are controlled so that even if input data exceeding the limit due to the memory capacity is input from the host device,
When the input data processing cannot be continued, the input data that is input during the transition is automatically transferred to another printing device that can continue printing without retransfer processing from the host device, and the Printing can be continued based on the processed data input from the printing device.

According to the fourth invention, it is judged from the available memory capacity whether or not the processing of the input data stored in the storing means can be continued by the third judging means, and the processing of the input data is performed. When it is determined that the continuation is impossible, the third communication control unit outputs the subsequent input data from the output unit to another printing device, and the external processing data processed by the other printing device is input from the input unit. Since the output means and the input means are controlled so that even if input data exceeding the limit due to the memory capacity is input from the host device,
When the processing of the input data becomes impossible to continue, the input data input at the time of transition is automatically transferred to another printing apparatus that can continuously print without the retransfer processing from the upper apparatus, and the processing is performed. Printing can be continued based on the already-existing image data.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the fourth judging means judges whether or not the printing mechanism is in the printable state at the end of the predetermined image data development, and when it is judged that the printing is in the unprintable state. Since the fourth communication control means controls the output means to output the converted image data whose resolution has been converted by the conversion means for converting the resolution of the expanded image data from the output means to another printing device, It is possible to continuously transfer the print data for which the resolution has been disabled, which has become unprintable, to another printing device having a different printable resolution without a retransfer process from the device.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the power supply control unit cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit to the printing mechanism, the fifth judging means sends the other printing device to the upper device. If it is determined whether or not the unprintable status information is being notified through the input unit, and if it is determined that the unprintable status information is being notified from another printing apparatus to the higher-level device, the power supply control unit Since the power supply from the power supply unit is resumed so that the printing mechanism waits in the printable state, the printer which has become unprintable can be paused at an appropriate timing so that the print data can be transferred quickly. The printing device can be placed in a printable standby state.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the distribution device distributes the print data to any one of the printing devices of the printing device group based on the resolution in the resolution-specified print data received from the host device. Since the data is transferred, the control of the data transfer destination of the host device can be reduced.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, after the print data received from the higher-level device is distributed and transferred to any of the printing devices by the distributing device, the printing is performed when the predetermined image data expansion is completed by the first judging means. The mechanism determines whether the mechanism is in a printable state, and when it determines that the mechanism is in a printable state, the first communication control means outputs the input data from the output means to another printing device. Since the print data is controlled, it is possible to reduce the transfer load on the host device and automatically transfer print data that cannot be printed to another print device that can continue printing without retransfer processing from the host device. it can.

According to the ninth invention, at the end of the predetermined image data development, it is judged whether or not the printing mechanism is in the printable state, and when it is judged that the printing is not possible, the input data is output. Since the data is output from the means to another printing apparatus, the print data that cannot be printed can be automatically transferred to another printing apparatus that can continue printing without retransfer processing from the host apparatus.

According to the tenth aspect, whether or not the processing of the input data stored in the storage means can be continued is judged from the available memory capacity, and when it is judged that the processing of the input data cannot be continued. Since the subsequent input data is output from the output means to another printing device and the external processing data processed by the other printing device is input from the input means, the input data exceeding the limit of the memory capacity is input from the host device. Even if it is input, the input data that is input when the input data processing cannot be continued is automatically transferred to another printing device that can continue printing without retransfer processing from the host device. It is possible to process and continue printing based on the processed data input from another printing device.

According to the eleventh invention, at the end of the predetermined image data development, it is judged whether or not the printing mechanism is in the printable state, and when it is judged that the printing is in the unprintable state,
Since the resolution of the expanded image data is converted and the converted image data whose resolution has been converted is output from the output unit to another printing device, the resolution at which printing cannot be performed without the retransfer process from the upper device. The designated print data can be continuously transferred automatically to another printing device having a different printable resolution.

According to the twelfth aspect, while the power supply control unit cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit to the printing mechanism, another printing apparatus notifies the higher-level apparatus of the non-printable state information. Whether or not it is in the middle of reading, it is determined through the input means, and when it is determined that the printing prohibition status information is being notified from the other printing device to the higher-level device, the power supply control unit can print by the printing mechanism. Since the power supply from the power supply unit is resumed so that the printing device that cannot print can transfer the print data promptly, it is possible to print the other printing device that is paused at an appropriate timing. It can be in a standby state.

According to the thirteenth invention, the resolution in the print data with the resolution designated received from the higher-level device is analyzed, and the print data is distributed based on the analyzed resolution to distribute the print data to the printing device group. Since the data is transferred to any of the printing devices, the load of the printing device candidate destination determination processing of the upper-level device can be reduced and the printing device can be released promptly.

Therefore, the data input from the higher-level device can be continuously processed and printed by the other printing device in the system from the printing device without the instruction from the higher-level device. It is effective in providing an excellent printing system environment.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus applicable to a printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a printing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first print control method of the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a second print control method of the printing system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a third print control method of the printing system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a fourth print control method of the printing system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a fifth print control method of the printing system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 201 host computer 202 input means 203 reception buffer 204 CPU 205 page buffer 206 ROM 207 frame buffer 208 output interface unit 209 printing mechanism unit 210 character pattern generator 215 transmission buffer

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An input device for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, and an output device for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. A predetermined image in a printing system in which a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism for analyzing input data and printing on a recording medium based on developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium At the end of data expansion, a first determining unit that determines whether the printing mechanism is in a printable state, and the input data is output when the first determining unit determines that the printing is not possible And a first communication control means for controlling the output means so as to output from the means to another printing apparatus. 2. An input device for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, and an output device for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. A predetermined image in a printing system in which a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism for analyzing input data and printing on a recording medium based on developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium At the end of the data development, the second determination means for determining whether the printing mechanism is in the printable state and the developed image data when the second determination means determines that the printing is not possible A second communication control unit that controls the output unit to output the output unit to another printing apparatus. 3. An input device for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, an output device for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device, and input data input from the input device. Storage means for storing,
A printing system in which a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism for printing on a recording medium based on image data analyzed and developed according to the input data stored in the storage means are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium. At
Third judging means for judging whether or not the processing of the input data stored in the storing means can be continued from the available memory capacity, and the third judging means determines that the processing of the input data cannot be continued. When the determination is made, the output unit and the input unit are controlled so that the subsequent input data is output from the output unit to another printing device, and the externally processed data processed by the other printing device is input from the input unit. And a third communication control means for controlling the printing system. 4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the printing mechanism prints on the recording medium based on the image data analyzed and developed according to the externally processed data. 5. An input unit for inputting data input from a higher-level device or another printing device, and an output unit for outputting various information to the higher-level device or another printing device are input from the input unit. A predetermined image in a printing system in which a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism for analyzing input data and printing on a recording medium based on developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium At the end of the data expansion, a fourth judgment means for judging whether or not the printing mechanism is in a printable state, and when the fourth judgment means judges that the printing is not possible, the developed image data A conversion unit that converts the resolution and a control unit that controls the output unit to output the converted image data whose resolution has been converted by the conversion unit from the output unit to another printing apparatus. And a fourth communication control means. 6. An input device for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, and an output device for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. A plurality of prints having a printing mechanism that analyzes input data and prints on a recording medium based on developed image data, and a power supply control unit that shuts off or limits a power supply state from a power supply unit to the printing mechanism In a printing system in which a device is connected to the higher-level device via a predetermined communication medium, when the power supply control unit cuts off power supply from the power supply unit to the printing mechanism, another printing device outputs the higher-level device. And a fifth judgment means for judging whether or not the unprintable state information is being notified via the input means, and the fifth judgment means is provided from another printing device. When it is determined that the unprintable state information is being sent to the printing apparatus, the power supply control unit restarts the power supply from the power supply unit so that the printing mechanism waits in a printable state. And printing system. 7. A higher-level device, a plurality of printing device groups having different resolutions, and one of the printing devices in the printing device group based on the resolution in print data with the resolution specified received from the higher-level device. A printing system, wherein a distribution device for distributing and transferring the print data is connected between a host device and a printing device group via a predetermined communication medium. 8. Each printing device has an input means for inputting data input from the distribution device, and an output means for outputting various information to a host device or another printing device via a predetermined communication medium. A printing mechanism that analyzes the input data input from the input means and prints on a recording medium based on the developed image data; and a check whether the printing mechanism is ready to print at the end of the predetermined image data development. First determining means for determining, and when the first determining means determines that the printing is not possible, the output means is controlled to output the input data from the output means to another printing device. The printing system according to claim 7, further comprising a first communication control unit. 9. An input unit for inputting data input from a higher-level device or another printing device, and an output unit for outputting various information to the higher-level device or another printing device are input from the input unit. In a print control method of a printing system, wherein a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism for analyzing input data and printing on a recording medium based on developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium , A determination step of determining whether or not the printing mechanism is in a printable state at the end of the development of the predetermined image data, and the input data from the output means when the determination step determines that the printing is not possible. And a data output step of outputting the data to the printing apparatus. 10. An input device for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, an output device for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device, and an input data input from the input device. A plurality of printing devices each having a storage unit for storing the data and having a printing mechanism for printing on a recording medium based on the image data analyzed and developed according to the input data stored in the storage unit; In a print control method of a printing system connected via a medium, a determination step of determining whether or not the processing of the input data stored in the storage means can be continued from the available memory capacity, and this determination step An output step of outputting subsequent input data from the output means to another printing device when it is determined that the processing of the input data cannot be continued, and another printing device. And an input step of inputting the externally processed data processed in step 1 from the input means. 11. An input unit for inputting data input from a higher-level device or another printing device, and an output unit for outputting various information to the higher-level device or another printing device are input from the input unit. In a print control method of a printing system, wherein a plurality of printing devices having a printing mechanism for analyzing input data and printing on a recording medium based on developed image data are connected to the host device via a predetermined communication medium A determination step of determining whether or not the printing mechanism is in a printable state when the predetermined image data expansion is completed,
When this determination step determines that printing is not possible,
A printing system comprising: a conversion step of converting the resolution of the expanded image data; and an output step of outputting the converted image data whose resolution has been converted by the conversion step from the output means to another printing device. Print control method. 12. An input device for inputting data input from a host device or another printing device, and an output device for outputting various information to the host device or another printing device. A plurality of prints having a printing mechanism that analyzes input data and prints on a recording medium based on developed image data, and a power supply control unit that shuts off or limits a power supply state from a power supply unit to the printing mechanism In a print control method of a printing system in which a device is connected to the higher-level device via a predetermined communication medium, another printing is performed while a power supply control unit cuts off power supply from a power supply unit to the printing mechanism. A determination step of determining whether or not the non-printable state information is being notified from the apparatus to the higher-level apparatus through the input unit, and this determination step is performed from another printing apparatus to the higher-level apparatus. And a restart step of restarting the power supply from the power supply unit so that the power supply control unit waits in the printable state by the printing mechanism when it is determined that the print-disabled state information is being notified to the printer. A printing control method for a printing system, comprising: 13. A print control method for a printing system, comprising: a higher-level device, a plurality of printing device groups having different resolutions; and print data received from the higher-level device, which is transferred to one of the printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. An analysis step of analyzing the resolution in the print data with the resolution specified received from the higher-level device, and distributing the print data based on the analyzed resolution to the printing devices of the printing device group. And a transfer step of transferring the print data by a print control method for a print system.