JPH10305944A - Device and method for controlling output, and storage medium storing readable program by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the number of residual recording media with excellent accuracy by a simple construction by counting the feed number after the residual level of the recording media to be loaded is detected step by step, and calculating the number of the presently residual recording media from the counted value and the approximate loading number corresponding to the respective residual quantity level value. SOLUTION: The residual quantity level of the recording media to be loaded and stored in an option cassette is detected by a residual quantity detection sensor installed at a plurality of loading positions. The quantitatively approximate number of the recording media to be loaded on the respective loading positions to be detected by the residual quantity detection sensor is stored in a RAM 19 and an external memory 14. The number of the recording media to be fed after the residual quantity detection sensor detects that the detected value is smaller than the residual quantity level on the upper class, is counted by a CPU 12. The residual quantity of the recording media to be fed is calculated by the CPU from the counted number and the quantitatively approximate number stored in the RAM 19 and the external memory 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an output control device capable of detecting the remaining amount of a recording medium loaded so as to be capable of feeding paper and notifying the remaining amount information to an external device, and an output control method of the output control device. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an output control device for controlling an output device such as this type of printing device detects the remaining amount of a recording medium such as a sheet fed by, for example, a step detection sensor, and detects the detected value. Since it was used as it is as the remaining amount of the recording medium, it was not possible to detect finer than the number of stages of the stage detection sensor. Further, there is no means for correcting an error of the value detected by the step detection sensor.

[0003]

Since the conventional output control device is constructed as described above, it can only detect the remaining amount of paper remaining to be able to supply paper in a stepwise manner. Can be detected only with the rough accuracy of the position level increment, that is, between each stage sensor,
Despite the fact that the remaining amount is decreasing with the printing of the printing unit, it is only possible to detect that the remaining sensors are between detectable values, and the accuracy of the remaining amount detection is extremely high. There was a problem that it was low. Further, if a mechanism for detecting the number of step sensors or the remaining amount by another sensor is configured, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes very expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to detect a remaining level of a recording medium to be loaded in a stepwise manner and to detect each remaining level. The remaining number of remaining recording media is calculated with a simple configuration by counting the number of subsequent recording media and calculating the current number of remaining recording media from the approximate number of stacked media stored corresponding to each remaining level value. An object of the present invention is to provide an output control device and an output control method capable of accurately detecting the number of sheets and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output control apparatus capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium. A storage unit for loading and storing the recording medium, a detection unit for detecting a remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storage unit at a plurality of loading positions, and each of the loadings detected by the detection unit. A storage unit for storing a quantitative estimated number of recording media that can be stacked at a position, and measuring the number of the recording media fed after detecting that the amount of recording media is lower than an upper remaining level detected by the detecting unit. Measuring means; and calculating means for calculating the remaining amount of the recording medium that can be fed from the number of sheets measured by the measuring means and the estimated approximate number of sheets stored by the storage means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a designating means for designating a type of paper thickness of a recording medium accommodated in the accommodating means, wherein the calculating means determines the number of sheets measured by the measuring means and the storage means. Is used to calculate the remaining amount of the recording medium that can be fed from the quantitative estimated number of sheets stored for each paper thickness type.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accumulating means for accumulating the number of recording media fed from any of the remaining levels detected by the detecting means until the storage means runs out of the recording medium. Correction means for correcting the quantitatively estimated number of sheets stored in the storage means based on the integrated value integrated by the integration means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the correction means corrects the quantitative estimated number of sheets stored by the storage means based on an average value of the number of sheets integrated by the integrating means a plurality of times. It is.

A fifth invention according to the present invention has a transfer means for transferring the remaining amount information of the recording medium based on a request from the information processing apparatus.

A sixth invention according to the present invention is an output control method for an output control device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium. A detecting step of detecting the remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storage means for loading and storing the recording medium at a plurality of loading positions; and detecting that the remaining level is lower than the detected upper remaining level. A measuring step of measuring the number of the recording medium to be fed, and the remaining number of the recording medium that can be fed from the measured number and the estimated approximate number of the recording medium that can be loaded at each loading position. And a calculating step of calculating the amount.

[0011] A seventh invention according to the present invention is directed to an integrating step of integrating the number of recording media fed until the storage means runs out of recording media from any remaining level detected, and And correcting the quantitative estimated number of sheets stored based on the integrated value.

An eighth invention according to the present invention has a transfer step of transferring remaining amount information of the recording medium based on a request from the information processing device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a computer which controls an output device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium is readable. Detecting a remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storage means for loading and storing the recording medium at a plurality of loading positions; A measuring step of measuring the number of the recording media fed after detecting that the recording medium is below the level, and a quantitative estimated number of recording media that can be loaded at each loading position and the measured number of recording media. A computer-readable program including a calculating step of calculating a remaining amount of the recording medium that can be fed, is stored in a storage medium.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an integrating step for integrating the number of recording media fed until the storage means runs out of recording media from any of the remaining levels detected, and And a correcting step for correcting the quantitatively estimated number of sheets stored based on the integrated value.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program including a transfer step of transferring remaining amount information of the recording medium based on a request from the information processing apparatus. It is.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configurations of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The printer to which this embodiment is applied is as follows.
It is needless to say that the printer is not limited to the laser beam printer and the ink jet printer, but may be a printer of another printing method.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, in the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores these information. , A corresponding character pattern, form pattern or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

Reference numeral 1001 denotes a printer control unit.
It controls the entire P body 1000 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to a laser driver 1002. The laser driver 1002 is a semiconductor laser 10
The circuit is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with an input video signal. Laser light 100
Reference numeral 4 denotes a rotary polygon mirror 1005 which is swung right and left to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1006.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet.
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is a paper cassette 100 mounted on the LBP main body 1000.
8 and feed roller 1009 and transport roller 1
010 and the conveying roller 1011 are taken into the apparatus and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006. Also, LB
The P main body 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font.

The paper cassette is capable of feeding a large amount of paper by mounting an optional paper cassette. The optional paper cassette is used to detect the remaining amount of paper to be stored as described later. It is assumed that the step sensors are set at predetermined intervals.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system to which an output control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. here,
This will be described by taking a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) as an example. In addition, if the function of the present invention is executed, even if it is a single device or a system including a plurality of devices,
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3. C
The CPU 1 has a PU 1 and controls each device connected to the system bus 4 as a whole.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1.

5 is a keyboard controller (KBC)
Controls the key input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (C
RTC) controls the display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) which controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC)
A predetermined bidirectional interface (interface)
The communication unit 21 is connected to the printer main body 1000 via the printer 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer main body 1000. In addition,
The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10.

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer main body 1000, a printer CPU 12 is a system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in an external memory 14.
, And generally controls access to various devices connected thereto, and outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16. The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores a control program of the CPU 12 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used for generating the output information. In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of the ROM 13 is a host computer. The information used above is stored.

The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM functioning as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, which is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Note that RA
M19 is an output information development area, environment data storage area, N
Used for VRAM and the like. Hard disk (H
D), the external memory 14 including an IC card and the like is controlled in access by a memory controller (MC) 20.

The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 1012 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one. At least one external memory is provided, and in addition to built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different language systems are connected. It may be configured to be able to. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a printer status screen based on an application operating on the host computer shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 3001 denotes a simulation screen of the printer panel, and the character string displayed on the simulation screen 3001 represents the state of the printer. Reference numeral 3002 denotes a printer image indicating the status of the printer. When an error occurs, the image and the color can be changed. This application periodically monitors the status of the printer by a command, and when a change in the status of the printer is detected, changes the character string displayed on the simulation screen 3001 and the status of the printer image 3002 to inform the user visually in a manner that is easy to understand.

A display unit 3003 displays the remaining amount of paper.
The remaining amount of paper is displayed, for example, as a percentage for each cassette.
For the information on the remaining amount of paper, a status acquisition command is transmitted to the printer, and the information on the remaining amount of paper is received from the printer main body 1000 as a return value.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure on the host computer 3000 side shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

When the application is started, first,
A status acquisition command is transmitted to the printer main body 1000, and printer status information is received (1).
Note that the printer status information also includes information on the amount of remaining paper in each cassette.

Next, the printer status screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed based on the printer status information obtained in step (1) (2). Next, T seconds (for example, 10 seconds), which is an interval (polling interval) for transmitting the printer status acquisition command, is determined (3), and the elapse of T seconds is waited (4). An acquisition command is transmitted to the printer main body 1000 to acquire status information and remaining paper information from the printer (5).

Next, it is determined whether the printer status obtained in step (5) has changed compared to the previous time (6). If it is determined that the printer status has not changed, the process proceeds to step (8) and subsequent steps. If it is determined that the status has changed, the display content of the printer status screen displayed on the CRT 10 of the host computer 3000 is updated (7).

Next, it is determined whether or not the remaining paper amount information obtained in step (5) has changed from the previous time (8). If it is determined that the information has not changed, the process proceeds to step (4). If it is determined that it has changed, the display of the remaining amount of paper on the display unit 3003 displayed on the CRT 10 of the host computer 3000 is updated (9), and the process returns to step (4).

FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of the output control device according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure,
This corresponds to the overall processing of the printer main body 1000. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, in the data waiting state (1), when data is input from the host (2), input processing is performed and data analysis processing is performed (3). Then, as a result of the data analysis, it is determined whether or not the command is a discharge command (4). If it is determined that the command is a discharge command, the content of the frame buffer storing the print image is converted into a video signal (5). ,
Printing is performed by the printing unit 17 (6), paper is discharged (7), and the process returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the command is not a paper ejection command, it is determined whether the command is a printer status acquisition command (status acquisition command) (8). If it is determined that there is, printer status information is transmitted (9), and the process returns to step (1). The state information also includes information on the remaining amount of paper in the paper cassette.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (8) that the command is not a status acquisition command, a drawing process is performed on the RAM 19 in accordance with the acquired command (10), and the process returns to step (1).

Referring now to FIG. 6, a description will be given of the remaining paper amount measurement processing based on the level detection state of the stepwise remaining amount detection sensor in the output control device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the remaining paper amount measuring process based on the level detection state of the stepwise remaining amount detection sensor in the output control device according to the present invention, and FIG. 6A shows the printer main body shown in FIG. 6B corresponds to the arrangement state of the remaining amount detection sensors for detecting the remaining amount of sheets loaded on the optional cassette 6000 mounted on the optional cassette 1000. FIG. It corresponds to a detection table based on the detection output.

In FIG. 6A, 6002 to 600
Reference numeral 5 denotes a remaining amount detection sensor which is arranged at a predetermined interval, and is turned on in a state where sheets are left and stacked at corresponding positions, and sheets are fed and the stacking position is lower than each corresponding position. When this is detected, it is turned off. Although the present embodiment shows a case where the number of remaining amount detection sensors 6002 to 6005 is four, the present invention can be applied to any other number.

COUTER1 to COUTER1 are count values by a counter (not shown) provided in the printer control unit 1001. The count value COUTER1 indicates that the remaining amount detection sensor 6005 is turned off after the remaining amount detection sensor 6002 is turned off. The count value COU corresponds to the count value when counting the sheets fed up to
TER2 corresponds to a count value when the number of fed sheets is counted from when the remaining amount detection sensor 6003 is turned off to when the remaining amount detection sensor 6005 is turned off.
The count value COUTER3 is the remaining amount detection sensor 6004
Corresponds to the count value when the number of fed sheets is counted from when the is turned off to when the remaining amount detection sensor 6005 is turned off.

Further, OFFSET corresponds to the number of sheets fed after the remaining amount of paper falls below the upper threshold (the number of sheets when sheets of the same thickness are stacked up to each sensor position). I do.

In FIG. 6B, reference numeral 6006 denotes a remaining amount detection table which indicates a remaining amount stage N based on a combination of the ON state or the OFF state of each of the remaining amount detection sensors 6002 to 6005.
For example, detection can be performed in four stages.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the threshold value table and the threshold value correction table secured on the RAM 19 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. (B) corresponds to the threshold value correction table 7002 indicating the actually measured number of stacked sheets by thickness.

In FIG. 7A, each threshold value in the threshold value table (TABLE1) 7001 of the sensor for each paper thickness is determined if there is no error in each of the remaining amount detection sensors 6002 to 6005. Switches from the on state to the off state. In the present embodiment, the paper thickness can be set for each cassette, and can be specified by a panel operation. When the user sets sheets again in the cassette, the user performs panel setting according to the type (sheet thickness) of the set sheets.

In FIG. 7B, the initial value of the threshold value correction table (TABLE2) 7002 is the same as that of the threshold value table 7001, but the count values COUNTER1 and COUNTER counted by the counters.
2. Actual number of sheets by COUNTER3 (threshold)
Is measured, and a threshold value correction table (TABLE2) 70
02 is set. In the present embodiment, the threshold value correction table (TABLE2) 7002 is an M × N two-dimensional array, and is expressed in TABLE [M] [N] format.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

An output control device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with the information processing device via the predetermined communication medium configured as described above to a recording medium, wherein the recording medium is loaded. Accommodation means (optional cassette 6000) for accommodating, detection means (remaining amount detection sensors 6002 to 6005) for detecting the remaining level of the recording medium loaded in the accommodation means at a plurality of loading positions, and the detection means (RAM 19, external memory, other memory resources not shown) for storing the quantitatively estimated number of recording media (threshold value table 7001 shown in FIG. 7A) that can be loaded at each loading position detected by the printer. Measuring means (C) for measuring the number of sheets of the recording medium fed after detecting that the level is below the upper remaining level detected by the detecting means.
The PU 12 may execute a control program stored in the ROM 13 and count, or may be dedicated hardware), and determine the number of sheets measured by the measuring unit and the quantitative estimated number of sheets stored by the storage unit. Calculating means (CPU) for calculating the remaining amount of the printable recording medium
12 may be calculated by executing a control program stored in the ROM 13 or may be dedicated hardware), so that the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the remaining amount levels that can be detected with a simple configuration Can be accurately detected.

Further, there is provided designation means (designation based on panel input from the operation panel 1012 or designation from the host computer 3000) for designating the paper thickness type of the recording medium accommodated in the optional cassette 6000.
Since the calculating means calculates the remaining amount of the recordable media from the number of sheets measured by the measuring means and the quantitative estimated number of sheets stored for each paper thickness type by the storage means, the same storing means Even when recording media having different thicknesses are stacked, the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the detectable remaining levels can be accurately detected with a simple configuration.

Further, an accumulating means (CP) for accumulating the number of recording media fed from one of the remaining levels detected by the detecting means until the storage means runs out of the recording medium.
U12 may execute a control program stored in the ROM 13 to perform integration or may be dedicated hardware), and the quantitative estimation stored by the storage unit based on the integrated value integrated by the integration unit. Since there is provided a correcting means (the CPU 12 executes the control program stored in the ROM 13 to correct the number of sheets (as the correction table 7002 shown in FIG. 7B)), the thickness of the recording medium varies. Even if it occurs, the quantitative estimated number of sheets can be corrected from the actually measured number of sheets to the optimum value, and the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the detectable remaining amount levels can be detected more accurately with a simple configuration.

Further, the CPU 12 corrects the quantitatively estimated number of sheets stored in the RAM 19 based on the average value of the number of sheets integrated a plurality of times. Even if it fluctuates, the quantitative estimated number of sheets can be corrected from the average of the actually measured number of sheets to the optimum value, and the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the remaining amount levels that can be detected with a simple configuration can be detected more accurately. be able to.

Further, since there is provided a transfer means for transferring the remaining amount information of the recording medium in response to a request from the host computer 3000 (the input unit 18 performs a transfer process based on an instruction from the CPU 12), the detectable remaining amount is provided. The information processing device can also be notified of the remaining amount of the recording medium between the levels.

FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the output control device according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure,
This corresponds to the paper feed processing procedure of the printer main body 1000 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (13) indicate each step.

First, the currently selected cassette is checked (1). The following is the process for the selected cassette.

Next, the set paper thickness mode is checked (2). The paper thickness can be set for each cassette, and can be specified by a panel operation. Then, when the user sets the paper in the cassette again, the user sets the panel according to the type (paper thickness) of the set paper. A type value (one of 1 to 3) corresponding to the paper thickness type designation value M is set according to the paper thickness. As shown in the threshold value correction table 7002 shown in FIG. 7, the value of M is set to “1” for thin paper, “2” for plain paper, and “3” for thick paper.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is paper in the cassette (the remaining amount detection sensor 6005 is in the ON state) (3).
If it is determined that the remaining amount detection sensor 6005 is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step (12), where a message indicating a paper-out state is displayed on the operation panel 1012,
An update process of the correction table is performed (13), and the process ends. The process of updating the correction table will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the remaining amount detection sensor 6005 is in the ON state,
One sheet is fed from the optional cassette 6001 (4), and the number OFFSET (see FIG. 6A) and the total count value COUNTER are incremented (5), (6).

Next, the remaining amount detecting sensors 6002 to 6005
(7), and the value of the remaining amount stage N is determined from the table shown in FIG. 6B according to the value of the sensor. next,
A value is read from the area (TABLE [M] [N]) corresponding to the current M and N from the threshold value correction table 7002, and the value is set to “BASE” (8).

In this embodiment, the host computer 300
When the printer status acquisition command is sent from 0, the value of the value BASE + the number of sheets OFFSET is returned as the remaining paper amount information.

Next, the remaining amount detecting sensors 6002 to 6005
Is checked to determine whether the value of each sensor has changed (9). If NO, the process ends. If YES, the process ends.
The number of sheets OFFSET is reset to "0" (10), the corresponding flags (flags FLAG1 to FLAG3 described later) are set (11), and the process ends. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that, for example, each flag secured on the RAM 19 is initialized to “0” when the power is turned on.
The process of setting the flag FLAG in the step (11) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, if the cassette is pulled out before the paper is exhausted, the number of sheets becomes OFF.
SET, count value COUNTER, flag FLA
The value of G is reset.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the output control apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure,
This corresponds to the process of setting the flag in step (11) shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, the remaining amount detection sensor (sensor 1) 600
It is determined whether or not 2 is ON (1). If NO, the process proceeds to step (3) and the following steps.
Is set to the ON state (2).

Next, the remaining amount detecting sensor (sensor 2) 600
It is determined whether or not 3 is ON (3). If NO, the process proceeds to step (5). If YES, the flag FLAG2 is determined.
Is set to the ON state (4).

Next, the remaining amount detection sensor (sensor 3) 600
It is determined whether or not 4 is ON (5). If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, the flag FLAG3 is set to ON (6), and the process is terminated.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth data processing procedure of the output control device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the correction table updating processing procedure of step (13) shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, the paper thickness mode is checked to determine the paper thickness type designation value M.
Is determined (1). As shown in the correction table 7002 shown in FIG. 7, the value of the paper thickness type designation value M is “1” for thin paper, “2” for plain paper, and “3” for thick paper.

Next, it is determined whether or not the flag FLAG1 is ON (2), and if NO (FLAG1 is OFF)
), Proceed to step (4) and thereafter, YES
Then, TABLE2 [M] of the correction table 7200
[2] is updated to the value of the count value COUNTER1 (3).

Next, it is determined whether or not the flag FLAG2 is ON (4), and if NO (FLAG2 is OFF)
), Proceed to step (6) and subsequent steps, and YES
Then, TABLE2 [M] of the correction table 7200
[3] is updated to the value of the count value COUNTER2 (5).

Next, it is determined whether or not the flag FLAG3 is ON (6), and if NO (FLAG3 is OFF)
), The process is terminated, and if YES, TABLE2 [M] [4] in the correction table 7200 is updated to the value of the count value COUNTER3 (7), and the process is terminated.

In this embodiment, TABLE2
The value of [M] [1] cannot be corrected. When a printer status acquisition command is sent from the host computer 3000, the value BASE + the number of sheets OF
The value of FSET is returned as paper remaining amount information.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to each flowchart.

An output control method of an output control device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium configured as described above to a recording medium, or A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an output device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a storage medium, the storage medium comprising: (Steps (1) to (6) in FIG. 9) for detecting at a plurality of loading positions the remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storage means (optional cassette 6000) for loading and storing (Step (5) in FIG. 8) The measuring step of measuring the number of recording media fed after detecting that the recording medium is below the upper remaining level.
A calculating step of calculating the remaining amount of the recording medium that can be fed from the measured number of sheets and the estimated approximate number of recording medium sheets that can be loaded at each loading position (step (8) in FIG. 8) ), It is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the detectable remaining levels with a simple configuration.

Further, an integrating step (step (6) in FIG. 8) for integrating the number of recording media fed until the storage means runs out of recording media from any of the remaining levels detected. And a correcting step (steps (1) to (7) in FIG. 10) for correcting the quantitatively estimated number of sheets stored based on the integrated value thus calculated. The number of sheets can be corrected to the optimum value from the actually measured number of sheets, and the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the detectable remaining levels can be detected more accurately with a simple configuration.

Further, since there is a transfer step (step (9) in FIG. 5) for transferring the remaining amount information of the recording medium based on a request from the information processing device, the recording level between the detectable remaining amount levels is provided. The information processing device can also be notified of the remaining amount of the medium.

[Second Embodiment] In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the printer status acquisition command transmitted from the host to the printer is exchanged on the same logical channel as the print data. You may comprise so that it may exchange using a channel.

The interface section of the printer is not limited to the interface built into the printer, but the same applies to an interface board that can be attached to and detached from the printer.

[Third Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the case where the correction table is updated merely by storing the value of the count value COUNTER has been described. However, the configuration is such that the average of a plurality of measurement results is stored. Is also good.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the output control device according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the output control device according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output control device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0098]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided an output control device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium, wherein the accommodation means for loading and accommodating the recording medium Detecting means for detecting the remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storing means at a plurality of loading positions; and a quantitatively estimated number of recording media that can be loaded at each of the loading positions detected by the detecting means. Storage means for storing, measuring means for measuring the number of the recording medium fed after detecting that it is below the upper remaining level detected by the detecting means, and the number measured by the measuring means Calculating means for calculating the remaining amount of the recording medium that can be fed from the quantitatively estimated number of sheets stored by the storage means, and the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between detectable remaining levels with a simple configuration. It can be detected amount accurately.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a designating means for designating the type of paper thickness of the recording medium contained in the containing means. Since the remaining amount of the feedable recording medium is calculated from the quantitative estimated number of sheets value stored for each thickness type,
Even when recording media having different thicknesses are stacked in the same storage unit, the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the detectable remaining levels can be accurately detected with a simple configuration.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the integrating means for integrating the number of recording media fed until the storage means runs out of the recording medium from any remaining level detected by the detecting means, Correction means for correcting the quantitative estimated number of sheets stored by the storage means based on the integrated value integrated by the integrating means, so that the quantitative estimated number of sheets was actually measured even if the thickness of the recording medium varied. The number of sheets can be corrected to an optimum value, and the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the detectable remaining levels can be more accurately detected with a simple configuration.

According to the fourth aspect, the correction means corrects the quantitative estimated number of sheets stored in the storage means based on the average value of the number of sheets integrated by the integrating means a plurality of times. Even if the actually measured number of sheets fluctuates due to variations in the thickness of the medium, the quantitatively estimated number of sheets can be corrected from the average of the actually measured number of sheets to the optimal value, and the remaining amount level can be detected with a simple configuration. Can detect the remaining amount of the remaining recording medium with higher accuracy.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the transfer means for transferring the remaining amount information of the recording medium based on a request from the information processing apparatus is provided, the remaining amount of the recording medium between the detectable remaining level is provided. The amount can also be notified to the information processing apparatus.

According to the sixth and ninth aspects, an output control method of an output control device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium is provided. Or a storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling an output device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium. A detecting step of detecting the remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storage means for loading and storing the recording medium at a plurality of loading positions; and detecting that the remaining level is lower than the detected upper remaining level. A measuring step of measuring the number of the recording medium to be fed, and the amount of the recording medium that can be fed from the measured number of sheets and the quantitatively estimated number of recording media that can be loaded at each loading position stored. Because and a calculation step of calculating the remaining amount of the recording medium, the remaining amount of the recording medium can be detected accurately remaining between detectable remaining amount level with a simple configuration.

According to the seventh and tenth aspects of the present invention, an integrating step of integrating the number of recording media fed until the storage means runs out of recording media from one of the remaining levels to be detected; A correction step of correcting the quantitatively estimated number of sheets stored based on the integrated value thus obtained, so that even if the thickness of the recording medium varies, the quantitatively estimated number of sheets is corrected from the actually measured number of sheets to an optimum value. This makes it possible to more accurately detect the remaining amount of the recording medium remaining between the detectable remaining levels with a simple configuration.

According to the eighth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, since there is provided a transfer step of transferring the remaining amount information of the recording medium based on a request from the information processing apparatus, the recording level between the detectable remaining level can be obtained. The information processing device can also be notified of the remaining amount of the medium.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system to which the output control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer status screen based on an application operating on the host computer illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure on the host computer side illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sheet remaining amount measurement process based on a level detection state of a stepwise remaining amount detection sensor in the output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a threshold value table and a threshold value correction table secured on a RAM shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the output control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the output control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure of the output control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the output control device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 1000 Printer main body 3000 Host computer

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G03G 21/00 396 G03G 21/00 392

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An output control device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium, comprising: an accommodation unit for loading and accommodating the recording medium; Detecting means for detecting the remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storing means at a plurality of loading positions; and storing a quantitative estimated number of recording media that can be loaded at each of the loading positions detected by the detecting means. Storage means for measuring, a measuring means for measuring the number of the recording medium fed after detecting that it is below the upper remaining amount level detected by the detecting means, a number measured by the measuring means, Calculating means for calculating the remaining amount of the recording medium that can be fed from the quantitatively estimated number of sheets stored in the storage means. 2. A printing apparatus comprising: a designating means for designating a paper thickness type of a recording medium stored in the storage means, wherein the calculating means stores the number of sheets measured by the measuring means and the storage means for each paper thickness type. 2. The output control device according to claim 1, wherein a remaining amount of the feedable recording medium is calculated from the quantitative estimated number of sheets. 3. An accumulating means for accumulating the number of recording media fed from the remaining level detected by said detecting means until the storage means runs out of recording media; 2. The output control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a correction unit configured to correct the quantitatively estimated number of sheets stored in the storage unit based on the integrated value. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the correction unit corrects the quantitative estimated number of sheets stored by the storage unit based on an average value of the number of sheets integrated by the integrating unit a plurality of times. Output control device. 5. The output control device according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer unit that transfers remaining amount information of the recording medium based on a request from the information processing device. 6. An output control method of an output control device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium, wherein the recording medium is loaded and accommodated. A detecting step of detecting the remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storing means at a plurality of loading positions; and detecting that the recording medium is fed after detecting that the level is lower than the detected upper remaining level. A measuring step of measuring the number of sheets, a calculating step of calculating the remaining amount of the recording medium that can be fed from the measured number of sheets and a quantitatively estimated number of sheets of the recording medium that can be stacked at each loading position, An output control method for an output control device, comprising: 7. An integration step of integrating the number of recording media fed until the storage means runs out of recording media from any of the remaining amount levels detected, and storing based on the integrated value. 7. An output control method for an output control device according to claim 6, further comprising a correction step of correcting the quantitative estimated number of sheets. 8. The output control method according to claim 6, further comprising a transfer step of transferring remaining amount information of the recording medium based on a request from the information processing device. 9. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an output device capable of outputting an image based on output information received by communication with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to a recording medium. A detecting step of detecting at a plurality of loading positions the remaining level of the recording medium loaded and stored in the storage means for loading and storing the recording medium; and detecting that the level is lower than the detected upper remaining level. A measuring step of measuring the number of the recording media fed from the storage medium; and a quantitative estimated number of the recording media that can be loaded at each loading position and the measured number of the recording media that can be fed from the recording medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising a calculating step of calculating a remaining amount. 10. An accumulating step of accumulating the number of recording media fed until the storage means runs out of recording media from any remaining amount level detected, and storing the accumulated number based on the accumulated value. 10. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 9, further comprising: a correction step of correcting the quantitatively estimated number of sheets. 11. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 9, further comprising a transfer step of transferring remaining amount information of the storage medium based on a request from the information processing apparatus. .