JPH11161442A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system with which maintenance is facilitated and the cost increase of a device is prevented. SOLUTION: Only the firmware to be ordinarily used by a user is stored in a flash memory 20 inside a printer, a lot of other firmwares are stored on a hard disk 5 on the side of host equipment and when the use of the firmware not stored in the flash memory is required in the case of processing print data, the required firmware is read out of the hard disk 5 and used. Thus, the memory can be efficiently used and the printing system, for which any maintenance for the firmware is not required, can be provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system including a printing device capable of performing various printing processes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a page printer has a command mode (hereinafter, referred to as a command mode) for maximizing the latest functions of the printer.
Native mode). But,
Depending on the type of application program running on the host computer, there may be a case where only a command for a conventional dot printer can be output. Therefore, the page
The printer is configured to be operable in several command modes (hereinafter, referred to as emulation mode) for emulating a dot printer in addition to the native mode.

In order to provide firmware that enables a printer to operate in a plurality of command modes, (a) a printer having a standard configuration is provided with firmware that supports several types of command modes in advance. R
There is a method of storing in the OM. In addition, (b) in order to enable emulation mode that is not supported by the firmware installed in the printer of the standard configuration, it is also possible to add firmware to the printer by using a separately installed cartridge as an option. ing.

When a printer has a plurality of command modes, a means (A) ′ for operating the printer in a command mode adapted to the status of application software running on the host computer is provided.
When the application software of the host computer outputs data via the printer driver, the printer driver is started in conjunction with the start of printing of the application software, and the printer driver outputs a command to switch the printer to the native mode, and then outputs the command. This is a method of continuously outputting and printing command data for the native mode.

On the other hand, if the application software of the host computer can output only the command data for the conventional dot printer, the user operates the operation panel of the printer to output the command data of the printer to the output data of the application software. -Start the application software after matching the mode and print.

[0006]

However, the conventional apparatus has the following problems. (A) In a conventional printer, firmware for controlling the printer is written in a ROM and shipped from the factory, so that firmware change after shipment from the factory is basically ROM replacement. However, ROM replacement requires specialized knowledge about the printer, and it is difficult for a general user to perform ROM replacement. Therefore, providing the latest firmware to the user after purchasing the printer imposes a burden on a service maker of the printer maker, and impairs the maintainability.

(B) The application software on the host computer can output only command data for a conventional dot printer, and the emulation mode corresponding to the command data is supplied by an optional separately mounted cartridge. In this case, the user needs to purchase an optional cartridge separately regardless of whether or not to use the command mode mounted on the printer having the standard configuration. This leads to an increase in the purchase cost paid by the user, and also causes an increase in the cost of the entire printer, for example, a printer of a standard configuration is provided with a connector for mounting a cartridge in advance.

In other words, command modes required when one user uses one printer are at most a few command modes. Nevertheless, a printer is required to be equipped with firmware that supports a native mode and a plurality of emulation modes in advance, and equipment for additionally installing firmware by means of a cartridge is required, thereby increasing the cost of the apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system which facilitates maintenance and prevents an increase in the cost of the apparatus in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system for printing data of different formats by using corresponding firmware in a printing apparatus. A first storage unit that stores a part of the plurality of firmware, a second storage unit that is provided in the host device and stores the plurality of firmware, and the printing apparatus performs a printing process. When performing, when the firmware necessary for processing the print data is not stored in the first storage means, a read control means for reading out the corresponding firmware from the second storage means; This can be achieved by providing a printing system having print processing means for performing print processing of the print data in accordance with the read firmware.

Here, the firmware is a program for processing corresponding print data including setting item definition information and the like. Also, two or three types of firmware that are usually used by the user are registered in the first storage unit, and these firmwares are registered at the time of factory shipment, for example. When processing print data, the first
The processing is performed using the firmware registered in the storage means, but in some cases, when there is print data that cannot be processed by the firmware registered in advance, the corresponding firmware is read from the second storage means and used. It is.

With this configuration, the capacity of firmware registered in the first storage means can be reduced,
It is possible to efficiently process print data. Also,
There is no need to provide a connector or the like for connecting the emulation cartridge or the like, and the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the first storage means is a nonvolatile memory. Here, the nonvolatile memory is, for example, a flash memory or the like, and a nonvolatile memory having a small capacity can be used.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the second storage means is, for example, a hard disk. However, the second storage means may be constituted by a memory such as a floppy disk.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a host computer for executing various application software according to instructions of an operator. Reference numeral 2 denotes a CPU for controlling the host computer 1, and reference numeral 3 denotes a ROM in which a control program for the host computer 1 is stored. Reference numeral 4 denotes a memory for storing programs and data when the host computer 1 executes application software. 5
Is a hard disk drive in which various applications are stored in advance.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a keyboard for an operator to give an instruction to the host computer 1. Reference numeral 7 denotes a display for displaying processing results of the host computer and the like. On the other hand, reference numeral 8 denotes a parallel interface (hereinafter referred to as a parallel I / F) for transmitting various data to the page printer and receiving a status notification from the page printer.
And 9 is the hard disk drive 5
Is a floppy disk drive for copying application software to the host computer 1 and adding software executable by the host computer 1.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a Centronics interface for the host computer 1 to transmit various data to the page printer or for the page printer to notify the host computer 1 of the status.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a page printer for printing received data on paper in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 1. The configuration of the page printer 11 is as follows. An interface controller 12 converts received data into image data. A printer engine 13 prints image data on paper. Reference numeral 14 denotes a CPU that controls the interface controller, and reference numeral 15 denotes a mask ROM that stores font data and the like prepared in advance when the printer is shipped.
Reference numeral 16 denotes a host I / F for receiving various data from the host computer 1 and notifying the host computer 1 of a status.

On the other hand, reference numeral 17 denotes an operation panel for inputting instructions from the operator and displaying the status of the page printer 11, and 17 denotes a non-rewritable portion of the control program of the interface controller before shipping the printer. The stored ROM. Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that stores received data, image data, and programs when the interface controller 12 executes an instruction from the host computer 1. Reference numeral 20 denotes a rewritable non-volatile memory (flash memory) for storing firmware received from the host computer 1, and reference numeral 21 denotes an engine I / O for outputting image data created by the interface controller 12 to a printer engine. F.

The page printer 11 is equipped with the mask ROM 15 and the ROM 18 as described above, and some kinds of firmware are stored beforehand when the page printer 11 is shipped from the factory. However, these memories in the page printer 11 have a smaller memory capacity than the hard disk drive 5 of the host computer 1, and have a memory enough to store all the firmware desired by various users in these memories. Equipped with a capacity requires a page printer 11 as described in the conventional example.
Cost increase.

In this example, the page printer 11 at the time of shipment from the factory is not equipped with a type of firmware that satisfies the needs of all users. In this example, if the desired type of firmware is not installed in the page printer 11, the operator later activates the application software and loads the firmware from the hard disk drive 5 of the host computer 1 to the page printer 11. This is a registration method.

The hard disk drive 5 has a very large storage capacity. Even if the firmware of the page printer is stored in the hard disk drive 5, it occupies less than a few percent of the total storage capacity. Therefore, even if the firmware of the page printer 11 is stored in the hard disk drive 5 of the host computer 1, the cost of the host computer 1 does not increase substantially. Next, the processing operation of this example will be described.

FIGS. 2 to 6 show programs on the host computer 1 side for explaining the processing operation of this embodiment. These programs are stored on the hard disk of the host computer 1.
It is stored in the drive 5 in advance. The host computer 1 can copy various kinds of application software stored in the hard disk drive 5 to the RAM 4 based on instructions from the operator and execute programs to execute various applications.

FIG. 2 is a program for registering firmware in the page printer 11. In the figure, first, step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1 is a process of reading firmware definition information of FIG. 8 described later from the hard disk drive 5. Next, S2 is a process of displaying the firmware type on the display 7 collectively on the basis of the firmware definition information read out in S1. Through this processing, the operator can know the page printer firmware stored in the host computer 1.

Next, in S3, the page printer 11
The operator registers the firmware to be registered in the keyboard 6
Operate to select. Next, in S4, the setting item definition information described later corresponding to the firmware selected in S3 is read from the hard disk drive 5. The setting item definition information is different for each type of firmware,
This is information for enabling detailed setting of the operation content of the same firmware. For example, a paper feed port for printing paper, the number of copies, and the like are examples.

Next, in S5, based on the setting item definition information read out in S4, the setting items and respective setting values are listed on the display 7. By this processing, the operator can know the detailed settings of the selected firmware.

Next, in S6, the operator selects with the keyboard 6 whether or not to change the setting items displayed in S5 and each set value. Here, if the content displayed according to the above process (S5) does not meet the wishes of the operator, it is possible to select the change of the setting content in this process and change the detailed operation of the firmware.

Next, step S7 is a process for judging the contents selected in step S6. Here, if the operator selects to change the setting, the process proceeds to step S8, and if the operator does not select to change the setting, the process proceeds to step S11. Steps S8 to S10 are performed when the operator selects the setting change. The processing (S8) selects an item to be changed, and the processing (S8).
The operator inputs a new setting value of the item newly selected in 9) from the keyboard 6, and overwrites and updates the content of the new setting item definition information in the process (S10). When the above process (S10) is completed, the process returns to the above-described process (S5), and the changed setting item and each set value are displayed again on the display 7 as a list. The above-mentioned processing (S5) to (S5) until the operator no longer needs to change the setting.
Repeat 10).

Next, the process proceeds to S11 to S13. Here, S1
Steps 1 and S12 are processing for reading out font data and a program corresponding to the firmware selected in the processing (S3) from the hard disk drive 5 based on the firmware definition information of FIG. The processing (S13) includes the setting items and the setting values read in S4 (or the setting items and the setting values changed in processing (S8) to (S10)) and the font data read in the processing (S12). And the program are transmitted to the page printer 11. This transmission data is converted into a data format of a firmware registration command of FIG.

The application software (program) for registering the firmware shown in FIG. 2 can be executed a plurality of times. The page printer 11 of this embodiment can simultaneously execute a plurality of firmwares as long as the memory capacity permits. You can register the wear. When a plurality of pieces of firmware are registered, it is necessary to select a default mode of the page printer 11 which is preferentially executed when the power is turned on.

FIG. 3 shows application software (program) for setting one of the firmware registered in the page printer 11 as a default mode. In FIG. 3, step (hereinafter, referred to as ST) 1 is a process of reading out firmware definition information of FIG. 8 described later from the hard disk drive 5.

Next, in ST2, based on the firmware definition information read out in ST1, the type of firmware is displayed on the display 7 as a list. This allows the operator to know the type of firmware of the page printer 11 that can be selected as the default mode.

Next, in ST3, the operator operates the keyboard 6 to select firmware to be set as the default mode. The next ST4 is a process for transmitting the default mode selected in the process ST3 to the page printer 11. This transmission data is stored in a later-described FIG.
Is sent in the data format of the default change command.
The type of firmware displayed in the list in the process (ST2) is determined by the firmware definition information stored in the hard disk drive 5 of the host computer 1 (FIG. 8).
Therefore, the selection input in the above process (ST3) is not necessarily limited to the firmware registered in the page printer 11. Therefore, the process (ST
In 4), a mode that cannot be executed by the page printer 11 may be transmitted as a default mode. In such a case, the printer side program of FIG. 7 described below displays an error to notify the operator.

FIG. 4 shows an example of application software for causing the page printer 11 to perform actual printing, and shows, as an example, relevant parts of word processing software. The application software for a conventional dot printer often has such a form. First, a step (hereinafter ST)
1 is an input process in which the operator selects the content to be performed by the application software. Next, S
TP2 is a process for determining whether or not the content input in the above process (STP2) is an editing process. Here, if it is an editing process, the process proceeds to step S3, and if not, the process proceeds to step STP4. STP3 is an editing process. When the process is completed, the process returns to the process (STP1) again, and the operator inputs the next instruction. In this example, portions other than printing of word processing software irrelevant to the present invention are collectively referred to as edit processing and are omitted. Next, in STP4, it is determined whether or not the content input in the above process (STP1) is printing. Here, in the case of print processing (ST
Proceed to P5), otherwise terminate the application process.

Next, in STP5, the print data is transmitted to the printer in the processing that is reached when the printing is determined in STP4. Since the mode change command described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 is not transmitted in advance to the print data transmitted here, the page printer 11 side program shown in FIG. 7 described later is executed according to the default mode setting shown in FIG. The firmware is executed according to the set contents, and the print data is processed and printed.

If the operator properly registers the firmware and sets the default mode as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the page printer 11 can print the print data properly.

FIG. 5 shows a second example of application software for causing the page printer 11 to perform printing. The difference between FIG. 5 and FIG. 4 will be described. Recent application software is often in such a form. Here, steps (hereinafter denoted by W) 1, W2, W in FIG.
3 and W4 are the processes (STP1) to (STP1) in FIG.
Since it can be regarded as the same as 4), the description is omitted here.

Therefore, W5 is the application of FIG.
This is a characteristic process of software, and if it is determined in the above process (W4) that printing is to be performed, a printer driver is activated. Here, the printer driver is software independent of the application software.
This is a mechanism prepared for the purpose of supporting various printers without changing word processing software such as. The printer driver has a function of converting the content printed by the application software into print data of a target printer. In this example, the process (W5) activates the printer driver of FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a printer driver according to this embodiment. In this process, first, a step (hereinafter referred to as V)
At 1, a mode change command is transmitted to the printer. By this processing, a program of the page printer 11 shown in FIG. 7 described below executes the firmware of the designated mode.

Next, at V2, the page printer 11
Send print data. This print data has a data format that matches the mode of the printer after the mode change command is transmitted by the process (V1).

Next, at V3, a mode initialization command is transmitted to the printer in order to restore the printer mode according to the transmitted mode change command. By this processing, the page printer 11 side program of FIG. 7 described later is initialized to the default mode set in FIG.
In the printer driver shown in FIG. 6, the mode change command and print data supplied and transmitted by the printer maker to the user are intended for the native mode which normally maximizes the functions of the printer. On the other hand, the print data transmitted in the process of FIG. 4 (STP5) is print data transmitted in a fixed mode of the conventional application software, and various data formats exist according to the needs of the user. I do. In this example, if the operator performs the registration and setting suitable for the application software shown in FIG. 4 with the firmware registration shown in FIG. 2 and the default mode setting shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to meet various needs. .

FIG. 7 shows a part of this embodiment, which is a program on the page printer 11 for enabling reception of commands and print data transmitted by the software of each host computer 1 shown in FIGS. This program is stored in the ROM of the interface controller 12 at the time of shipment from the factory.
18 in advance.

First, step (hereinafter referred to as U) 1 is a process for initializing the execution mode to a value registered in the flash memory 20. The execution mode is a program variable stored in the RAM 19, and a value for initial setting the variable is registered in the flash memory 20 in advance. The variables and the values registered in the flash memory are overwritten and updated in the steps described later.

Next, U2 is a process for receiving data from the host computer 1 via the host I / F 16. The data received here is processed as described below (U3),
The determination is made in (U5), (U7), and (U9), and processing according to the determination result is performed.

That is, first, U3 determines whether the data received in the above processing (U2) is a default change command. Here, if the received data is the default change command, the process proceeds to the process (U4); otherwise, the process proceeds to the process (U5). The process (U4) is performed when it is determined that the command is the default change command, and the value registered in the flash memory 20 is overwritten and updated. The updated value affects the determination and processing described later.

Next, in U5, it is determined whether or not the received data is a mode change command. Here, if the received data is a mode change command, the process proceeds to a process (U6); otherwise, the process proceeds to a process (U7). Processing (U6)
Is the RAM when the mode change command is determined.
The execution mode of the program variable stored in the program 19 is changed.

On the other hand, U7 determines whether or not the received data is a mode initialization command. Here, if the received data is a mode initialization command, the process proceeds to a process (U8); otherwise, the process proceeds to a process (U9). Processing (U8)
Is the RAM when the mode change command is determined.
The execution mode of the program variable stored in
This is a process of returning to the value registered in the flash memory 20. This makes it possible to return the value changed in the above process (S6) to the original value.

Next, U9 is a process for judging whether or not the received data is firmware. Here, if the received data is firmware, the process proceeds to a process (U10), and if not, the process proceeds to a process (U16).

U10 to U14 and U15 are the same as the above (U
This processing is performed when it is determined that the firmware is 9). The process (U10) is a process of checking whether or not firmware of the same type as the received firmware is registered in the flash memory 20. The next process (U1)
The processing result is determined in 1). Here, if it is determined that the same type of firmware is registered in the flash memory 20, the registered firmware is deleted by processing (U12). This processing is performed in the next (U13),
In the registration process in (U14), the same firmware is prevented from being registered repeatedly, and the flash memory 20
This is to secure an empty area for firmware that can be registered in the.

Next, in U13, it is determined whether or not the received firmware can be registered in the flash memory 20. U14 is a process of registering the received data in the flash memory 29 when it is determined that registration is possible in the above determination (U13).

On the other hand, if U15 determines that registration is not possible, the page printer 11
This is a process for displaying an error on the operation panel 17 and notifying the operator. In this case, the process of registering the firmware in the flash memory 20 is canceled, and the operator recognizes that the process has been cancelled.

Next, in U16, it is determined whether or not the received data is print data. Here, if the received data is the print data, the process proceeds to step (U17) to check whether the registered firmware is registered in the flash memory 20 or not. If it is determined that the firmware of the type indicated by the execution mode is registered in the flash memory 20, the firmware is executed by processing (U19) to print the corresponding print data. On the other hand, when the same firmware as that of the execution mode is not registered, an error is displayed on the operation panel 17 by the process (U20).

The program executed in the above process is either firmware registered beforehand when the printer is shipped from the factory, or firmware registered later by the host computer 1 side program.

As described above, in the page printer 11, some firmware is registered in the flash memory 20 in advance at the time of shipment from the factory, but these firmwares are not always used by the user.
In this example, even in such a case, by erasing the firmware, it is possible to write the firmware actually used by the user using the limited area of the flash memory 20 and efficiently register the firmware. is there.

FIG. 8 shows firmware definition information stored in the hard disk drive 5 of the host computer 1 in advance.
Information read by the side program. Where 24
Is an area in which the firmware definition information is defined, and 25 to 30 are areas in which various information such as corresponding ID numbers, version numbers, command mode names, and the like are stored. Then, such firmware definition information is repeatedly registered for the above number. For example, reference numeral 25 denotes an ID number for identifying the type of firmware, and reference numeral 26 denotes a version number indicating the new or old firmware having the same ID number. Also,
Reference numeral 27 denotes a character string representing the name of the command mode.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a file name of setting item definition information, reference numeral 29 denotes a file name of font data, and reference numeral 30 denotes a file name of a program.

FIG. 9 shows the setting item definition information read from the hard disk drive 5 in the process (S4) of FIG. 2 based on the file name 28 of the setting item definition information of FIG. In the figure, 31 is the number of setting items defined in the setting item definition information, and 32 is an ID number for identifying the type of the setting item. Reference numeral 33 denotes a character string representing the name of a setting item, reference numeral 34 denotes the number of values that can be selected for each setting item, and reference numeral 35 denotes a currently selected value. Further, 36 and 37 are repeatedly defined by the number indicated by 34 for each setting item, 36 is a value of each option, and 37 is a character string representing the name of the option.

FIG. 10 shows firmware which is transmitted to the page printer in the processing (S13) of the host computer 1 program shown in FIG. 2 and registered in the flash memory 20 by the printer program (U9 to U14). . In FIG. 10, reference numeral 38 denotes command identification data of a firmware registration command added to the head of the data string. 39 is the old firmware number.
0 is a firmware version number. Also, 4
1 is the number of bytes of the setting information to be transmitted, 42 is the ID number of the setting item, and 43 is the current option.

Reference numeral 44 denotes the host computer 1 shown in FIG.
The number of bytes of the font data read in the processing (S11) of the side program, and 45 is the read font data. Further, 46 is the host computer 1 of FIG.
This is the number of bytes of the program read in the processing (S12) of the side program, and 47 is the read program.

Next, FIG. 11A shows command identification data added to the head of the data string in order to judge that the command is the default change command in the process (U3) of FIG. 50 is a firmware ID number. FIG. 11B shows command identification data added to the head of the data string to determine that the command is a change command in the process (U5) of FIG. Reference numeral 51 denotes a firmware ID number. Further, FIG. 11C also shows command identification data added to the head of the data string in order to determine that the command is a mode initialization command in the above-described processing (U7) of FIG.

In this embodiment, since the firmware of the page printer can be registered by the user, it is possible to select the firmware suitable for the user's use purpose from a plurality of types prepared in advance.

Since it is no longer necessary to store all the firmware in the hard disk drive of the host computer in the page printer, the memory capacity of the page printer can be reduced by that much, There is an advantage that an inexpensive printer can be configured, such as eliminating the need for a cartridge device for additionally installing firmware as described above.

In this embodiment, before registering the firmware in the page printer, the host computer
Detailed settings for each firmware are possible. As a result, switches and displays on the operation panel, which are provided in the conventional page printer, are almost unnecessary, and there is an advantage that the cost of the operation panel can be reduced.

In recent years, with the spread of the global network represented by the Internet, the latest version of the application software of the host computer can be downloaded online.

The firmware of the page printer is also connected to the hard disk of the host computer over the network.
If you can download to the drive, using this embodiment,
The latest version can be registered in the page printer.

This has the effect of reducing the burden on the serviceman and improving the maintainability of the page printer. In this embodiment, the font data is read out in (S11) of the host computer side program in FIG.
Although transmission to the page printer is performed in (S13), Japanese font data requires a memory capacity of several MB, and may occupy most of the firmware to be downloaded. In such a case, the page printer mask
The frequently used font data may be stored in the ROM 15 in advance, and in (S11), only the font data specially used by the firmware or the font data whose design has been changed may be read.

As a result, most of the firmware is registered in the mask ROM having a unit price per memory capacity lower than that of the flash memory, thereby reducing the cost of the page printer and the time required for transmitting the firmware registration data. At the same time, the advantage that the font data can be upgraded even after the printer is shipped can be achieved.

In the host computer side program of FIG. 2, the setting item definition information is read out in S4, and (S5)
In (S10), the setting value is described to be changed.
Before one, the setting item definition information may be added so as to be written back to the hard disk drive. Thus, the next time the same firmware is registered again, the previously set value can be used as it is.

The process for determining whether or not registration is possible in U13 of the host computer program in FIG. 7 is based on a method for determining whether or not the number of firmware that can be registered in the flash memory has reached the upper limit. There are two methods of determining whether the free memory capacity of the flash memory is equal to or larger than the size of the firmware to be registered.

In the firmware execution process performed in (U19) of the host computer side program in FIG. 7, the firmware on the flash memory is directly executed. In U19), the firmware expanded on the RAM 19 may be program-executed after the data is expanded on the RAM 19.

In this case, the firmware is stored in the hard disk drive 5 of the host computer in advance when data is compressed and stored, and when the page printer compresses data in (U14) of FIG. The street is conceivable. <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show a host computer and a page printer program and the like according to this embodiment. First, FIG. 12 shows a processing program on the host computer 1 side, and this program corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. Since the program in FIG. 12 is a printer driver supplied to a user by a printer maker, it is a program that targets only specific firmware when the program is created.

Steps (hereinafter referred to as M) 1, M2 and M3
Is a process of reading from the hard disk drive 5 the setting item definition information, font data, and program of the firmware of a type predetermined by the program of FIG. M4 is a process of transmitting the read setting items and setting values, font data, and programs to the printer. The data transmitted here is converted into a data format of a firmware execution command of FIG. 13 described later and transmitted. . M5 is processing for transmitting print data to the printer. This print data has a data format that matches the mode of the firmware transmitted in M4.

Next, the firmware execution command in FIG. 13 is similar to the firmware registration command in FIG. 10, and has a format in which 38 in FIG. 10 is simply rewritten as a firmware execution command. The firmware execution command in FIG. 13 is identification data added to the head of the data string to determine that the command is the firmware execution command of the printer-side program in FIG.

The printer-side program shown in FIG. 14 is similar to the program shown in FIG. 7, and includes processes (U21), (U2
2) is added. This process (U21) is a process for determining whether or not the data received in (U2) is a firmware execution command. this is,
This is a process corresponding to the data transmitted in the process (M4) by the host computer 1 side program shown in FIG.

If the received data is a firmware execution command, the process proceeds to step (U22);
Return to 2). In the process (U22), when it is determined that the command is the firmware execution command, the firmware received in the data format shown in FIG. 13 is expanded in the RAM 19, the program is executed, and the received print data is printed. Here, the received print data is the data transmitted from the host computer 1 in M5 of FIG. When the printing of the print data ends, the execution of the received firmware program ends, and the process (U2)
And thereafter, the same operation as described above is repeated.

In the second embodiment, the printer driver
The printer firmware is transmitted directly to the printer, and the printer executes the received firmware directly on the RAM. Therefore, the operator does not need to register the firmware of the printer used by the printer driver in advance, and the printer driver and the firmware of the printer can be regarded as an integrated program.

Generally, a user registers (installs) a printer driver in a host computer and uses it. If the printer firmware is copied to the host computer simultaneously with the registration (installation) of the printer driver, the existence of the printer firmware is hidden from the user, and the user can
There is always the advantage that the correct combination of printer driver and printer firmware can be used.

This advantage is most effective when downloading from a network such as the Internet. That is, when the user downloads and uses the latest version of the printer driver from the Internet, the printer firmware is also upgraded and used at the same time. <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 15 to 18 show a host computer and a page printer program and the like according to this embodiment. The system configuration of FIG. 15 is similar to that of FIG. The difference between the two figures is that the parallel I / F 8 is replaced with a parallel I / F capable of bidirectional communication.

The host computer 1 side program shown in FIG. 16 includes eight processes V1 to V at the previous stage in FIG.
8 is added. This program is a printer driver supplied to a user by a printer maker, and is a program for only firmware specified at the time of program creation. First, processing (V1)
Is a process for notifying the page printer 11 of a status request. Next, at V2, status information of FIG. 17 described later is received from the page printer 11 via the bidirectional interface.

Next, in V3, it is determined whether firmware for processing print data transmitted by the program in FIG. 16 is registered in the page printer 11 based on the received status information. Here, if the firmware is registered, the process proceeds to the process (V4); otherwise, the process proceeds to the process (V5). When determining that the firmware is registered, the V4 determines whether or not the version number of the firmware matches the version number stored in advance in the program of FIG.

Here, if the version numbers match, the process proceeds to the above-described process (V1 '); otherwise, the process (V1')
5) Perform the subsequent processing. This processing is executed when firmware for processing the print data in FIG. 16 is not registered in the page printer 11.
That is, V6 and V7 are processes for reading out the setting item definition information, font data, and program of the firmware of the type determined in advance by the program of FIG. , Font data, and a program to the printer. Note that V1 'to V3' in FIG. 16 are the same processing as in FIG. 6 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The status information shown in FIG. 17 is data transmitted from the page printer 11 to the host computer 1 in response to a request from the program shown in FIG. Also,
Reference numeral 61 in FIG. 17 indicates the number of firmware registered in the page printer 11. Reference numeral 62 denotes an ID number for identifying the type of firmware. In addition, 6
3 is a firmware version number.

Finally, the printer-side program shown in FIG. 18 is similar to the program shown in FIG. 7, except that U2 'is replaced by U2', and U21 'and U22' are further added. That is, the process is a process of receiving a status request notification in U21 ', and a process of determining whether a status request is received in U22'.

In the third embodiment, when the printer driver checks the firmware of the printer and determines that the printer is not suitable for printing, the firmware is automatically registered.

In the second embodiment, the firmware is transmitted each time printing is performed. This embodiment has the advantage that once the firmware is registered, the second and subsequent firmware transmissions are not required.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention, the firmware is registered in the flash memory in advance,
In the case of print data that cannot be processed by the firmware, the firmware is supplied from the host computer, and the firmware can be used extremely efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system illustrating a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a program for registering firmware to a page printer.

FIG. 3 shows application software (program) for setting one of firmware registered in a page printer as a default mode.

FIG. 4 is an example of application software for causing a page printer to perform actual printing.

FIG. 5 is a second example of application software for causing a page printer to perform printing.

FIG. 6 is an example of a printer driver according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a page / printer-side program capable of receiving commands and print data transmitted by host computer-side software.

FIG. 8 shows firmware definition information stored in a hard disk drive of a host computer in advance.

FIG. 9 shows setting item definition information read from a hard disk drive.

FIG. 10 is an example of firmware registered in a flash memory.

FIG. 11A is a diagram for determining a default change command, and FIG. 11B is a diagram for determining a change command.
(C) is command identification data for determining that the command is a mode initialization command.

FIG. 12 shows a processing program on the host computer side of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a firmware execution command according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a printer-side program according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an overall system diagram in which the parallel I / F 8 of the third embodiment is replaced by a parallel I / F capable of bidirectional communication.

FIG. 16 shows a processing program on the host computer side of the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of status information.

FIG. 18 shows a printer-side program according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Host Computer 2 CPU 3 ROM 4 Memory 5 Hard Disk Drive 6 Keyboard 7 Display 8 Parallel I / F 9 Floppy Disk Drive 11 Page Printer 12 Interface Controller 13 Printer Engine 14 CPU 15 Mask ROM 16 Host I / F 17 Operation Panel 18 ROM 19 RAM 20 Non-volatile memory (Flash memory) 21 Engine I / F

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A printing system for performing print processing of print data of different formats using software of corresponding firmware, a first system provided in a printing apparatus and storing a part of the plurality of firmware. A second storage unit provided in the host device and storing a plurality of the firmware, wherein the firmware necessary for processing print data when the printing apparatus performs a printing process is the second storage unit. A read control unit that reads out the corresponding firmware from the second storage unit when the firmware is not stored in the first storage unit; a print processing unit that performs a print process according to the firmware read by the read control unit; A printing system comprising: 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said first storage means is a nonvolatile memory. 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said second storage means is a hard disk.