JP2000293336A - Printer state display controller, method for controlling printer state display controller and storage medium with readable program by computer stored therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to conveniently grasp the states of respective printers by simultaneously managing the states of plural printers and easily recognizing the state change of even a printer whose state information is not displayed. SOLUTION: When a printer that mainly displays a state is selected among printers 1016 to 1018, a CPU 1002 selects a printer which mainly shows a state from a list of names of respective printers and state information of the respective printers shown on a CRT 1010, the state of the selected printer is shown in detail on the CRT 1010 by the CPU 1002, and the states of the printers except the selected printer are also shown on the CRT 1010 while simplified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling the display of the states of a plurality of printing apparatuses on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to a printing device status display control device, a control method of the printing device status display control device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus such as a printer which is connected to a host computer which is a printing control apparatus, receives image recording data transferred from the host computer, and prints an image in accordance with the image recording data includes: Some printers have a function to return printer status information such as error and warning information that has occurred in the printer and printer status information to the host computer through a bidirectional communication interface in response to a request from the host computer. Was.

For example, when a paper-out error occurs in the printer body during printing, the state of the paper-out error is indicated by
In addition, when the remaining amount of ink is low, a state of a low ink level warning is displayed, and when the printer body is performing a preparation operation for printing, a state indicating that the printer is preparing for printing is displayed. It operates to return according to predetermined format data.

For such a printer, a program for detecting the status of the printer on a host computer and displaying a message indicating the status of the printer includes a part of the functions of a printer driver operating on the host computer. Alternatively, there has been a printer status display program which is provided as a utility program independent of a printer driver, and which allows a host computer to check the error status and the like of the printer without checking the printer body.

Further, for a printer capable of returning the printer status information to the host computer, the status of the printer is detected on the host computer,
A program for displaying a message indicating the status of the printer and generating an audible alarm is provided as a part of the function of the printer driver running on the host computer or as a utility program independent of the printer driver. There has also been a printer status display program that allows a host computer to check the status and the like without checking the printer body.

[0006]

However, the acquisition of the printer status by the above-described conventional printer status display program, the display of the printer status on the screen of the host computer, and the generation of an alarm sound are independently performed for each individual printer. It was done.

For this reason, when monitoring and displaying the status of a plurality of printers in a situation where a plurality of printers are connected to the host computer, it is necessary to execute and display a printer status display program for each individual printer. there were.

In this case, there is a problem that as the number of programs to be executed simultaneously increases, the load on the host computer increases in terms of both memory capacity and CPU processing.

[0009] Further, a status display window is displayed for each printer on a screen of a limited size, which causes a problem that the screen becomes cumbersome.

Furthermore, conventionally, the status of a plurality of connected printers is monitored and only the status of one printer is displayed on one screen. However, the status of the plurality of printers is prioritized due to a change in the status of the printer. There is also a printer status display program that automatically switches to a higher-priority printer when a higher-priority event occurs in a printer that is not displayed than the currently displayed printer. I do.

However, in this case, the printer to be automatically displayed is switched regardless of the user's intention according to a change in the status of the printer. There was a problem that it could not be handled.

Further, conventionally, there is also a printer status display program which monitors the status of a plurality of connected printers, displays only the status of one printer on one screen, and can select a printer to be displayed by a user operation. Exists.

However, in this case, even if a trouble such as an error has occurred in a certain printer, if the printer is not designated as a display target at that time, unless the user selects the display of the status of the printer, the host computer is operated. There is a problem that the status of the printer is not displayed on the screen at all, and the user cannot recognize that an error or the like has occurred in the printer not displayed.

Conventionally, the status of a plurality of connected printers is monitored, only the status of one printer is displayed on one screen, and a list of printers that can be selected as a display target by a user's operation is displayed in a predetermined order. In some printers, a printer to be displayed can be selected from among these.

However, in this case, since the printers are displayed in a list in a certain order when selecting the printers to be displayed, if the number of printers to be monitored increases, the user must select a list to be displayed. You must search the display in order from the beginning.

Normally, when the user switches the display target printer, the user switches to a printer in which some error or warning has occurred, or switches to that printer in order to check the status of the printer in which errors or warnings frequently occur, or There are cases such as switching to a printer that is usually monitored well, but there is a problem that it is difficult to select these printers from many printers listed in a certain order.

In the case of a printer status display program capable of generating a warning sound, a warning sound is generated independently according to a change in the status of a plurality of printers. Has a problem that a plurality of warning sounds are generated at the same time, which makes it difficult to determine.

Furthermore, conventionally, the status of a plurality of connected printers is monitored, only the status of one printer is displayed on one screen, and only the alarm sound for that printer is reproduced. Priorities are assigned to multiple printer statuses.If an event with a higher priority than the currently displayed printer occurs in a printer that is not displayed, the display is automatically switched to a printer with a higher priority. There is also a printer status display program that controls to reproduce a warning sound for the printer.

However, in this case, the printer to be automatically displayed is switched regardless of the user's intention according to a change in the status of the printer. There was a problem that it could not be handled.

Further, conventionally, the status of a plurality of connected printers is monitored, the status of only one printer is displayed on one screen, and the printer to be displayed can be selected by a user operation. There is also a printer status display program generated only for the printer displayed on the screen.

However, in this case, even if a trouble such as an error has occurred in a certain printer, if the printer is not designated as a display target at that time, unless the user selects the status display of the printer, the host computer is not operated. There is a problem that the status of the printer is not displayed on the screen, no warning sound is reproduced, and the user cannot recognize that an error or the like has occurred in the printer not displayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to twenty-sixth aspects of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus having a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to a printing control apparatus. When selecting a printer whose status is mainly displayed, a list of printer names and status information of each printer is displayed on the display screen of the print control device, and the printer whose status is mainly displayed is selected from the list. The status of the selected printer is displayed in detail on the display screen of the print control device, and the status of printers other than the selected printer is also displayed in a simplified manner on the display screen of the print control device. It is possible to simultaneously manage the states of a plurality of printing apparatuses, easily recognize changes in the states of printing apparatuses for which state information is not displayed, and make it easy for the user to grasp the state of each printing apparatus. Control method and computer of the printing device state display control apparatus and printing apparatus status display control device can be achieved is to provide a storage medium storing a readable program.

[0023]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of printing apparatuses (printer 1016, printer 1017, and printer 10 shown in FIG. 1) are connected via a predetermined communication medium.
18) A printing device status for controlling the display of the statuses of the plurality of printing devices on a display screen (CRT 1010 shown in FIG. 1) of a printing control device (host computer 1001 shown in FIG. 1) that is communicably connected to the printing device. In the display control device, an acquisition unit (CPU 1 shown in FIG. 1) for acquiring status information (printer status information shown in FIG. 2) of the plurality of printing devices.
002 performs an acquisition process based on a program stored in the ROM 1006), and performs a selection operation mainly to select a printing device whose status is to be displayed (the connection port pull-down menu button 503 shown in FIG. By selecting with a pointing device such as a mouse 1024 shown), the name of each of the printing devices and status display contents corresponding to the status information of each of the printing devices acquired by the acquisition means are displayed in a display frame provided on the display screen. A first selection unit for displaying a list and selecting a printing device whose status is mainly displayed from the list (such as a connection port pull-down menu 601 shown in FIG. 6 based on a program stored in the ROM 1006 by the CPU 1002 shown in FIG. 1). A list is displayed, and the mouse 102 shown in FIG.
4), and a state display in which the state of the printing apparatus selected by the first selecting means is determined (by the character string database shown in FIG. 4) according to the state obtained by the obtaining means. First state display means (CPU 10 shown in FIG. 1) for displaying in the display frame based on the contents.
02 is displayed in the printer name display area 501, the connection port display area 502, and the printer status display area 504 shown in FIG. 5 based on the program stored in the ROM 1006) and the printing selected by the first selection unit. A simplified display of the status of the printing device other than the device in the display frame based on the status display content determined based on the status obtained by the obtaining unit (from the character string database shown in FIG. 4). 2 (C shown in FIG. 1)
The PU 1002 stores the non-display printer status display area 50 shown in FIG.
5 is displayed).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when a change occurs in the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquiring means, a list display by the first selecting means and the first and second First control means (CPU 1 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling each state display by the state display means to be updated.
002 is controlled based on a program stored in the ROM 1006).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the second status display means (CPU 1002 shown in FIG. 1) executes the first status display based on the status information of each printing apparatus acquired by the acquisition means. Selecting one of the printing devices other than the printing device selected by the selecting unit, and selecting the state of the selected one of the printing devices according to the state acquired by the acquiring unit (FIG. Based on the state display contents determined by the character string database shown in FIG. 4, the display is simplified and displayed in the display frame.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the display contents of the second state display means include a character string.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the display contents of the second state display means include an icon image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of printing apparatuses (a printer 10 shown in FIG. 13) are connected via a predetermined communication medium.
16, a printer 1017) and a print control device (host computer 1 shown in FIG.
001) on the display screen (CRT 1010 shown in FIG. 13) of the plurality of printing devices, the status information of the plurality of printing devices (printer status information shown in FIG. 2). (The CPU 1002 shown in FIG. 13 performs an acquisition process based on a program stored in the ROM 1006) and the status information of the plurality of printing apparatuses acquired by the acquisition unit (the database shown in FIG. 15). ) (Priority 150 shown in FIG. 15)
5) Based on the display state on the display screen (whether or not the acquired state is the state of the printer being displayed in FIG. 16), a warning sound is generated according to the state of any of the printing apparatuses. Generating means (the CPU 1002 shown in FIG.
M1006, based on a program stored in M1006, and performs a sound generation process using speaker 1012).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a second selecting means (a connection port selection list 1602 shown in FIG. 16 and a mouse shown in FIG. 1024), and the state of the printing device selected by the second selecting means is
Third state display means (FIG. 1) for displaying in the display frame based on the state display contents determined (by the database shown in FIG. 15) according to the state acquired by the acquisition means.
And a printer status display area 1606) shown in FIG.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that, when a change occurs in the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquisition means, the generation means generates an alarm sound. Control means (CPU 1002 shown in FIG. 13)
Is provided.

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, the warning sound includes a warning voice message indicating the name of any one of the printing apparatuses and a state of the printing apparatus.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of printing apparatuses (the printer 1 shown in FIG. 21) are connected via a predetermined communication medium.
016, a printer 1017, and a printer 1018), the status of the plurality of printing devices is displayed on a display screen (CRT 1010 shown in FIG. 21) of a printing control device (host computer 1001 shown in FIG. 21) which is communicably connected. An acquisition unit (CPU 1002 shown in FIG. 21) for acquiring status information (printer status information shown in FIG. 2) of the plurality of printing devices in a printing device status display control device for performing display control.
Performs an acquisition process based on a program stored in the ROM 1006) and performs a selection operation mainly to select a printing device whose status is to be displayed (by pressing the connection port pull-down menu button 2403 shown in FIG. According to the name of each of the printing devices and the status information of each of the printing devices acquired by the acquisition means (by the database shown in FIG. 23), the information is displayed in a display frame provided on the display screen. A) a list of the status display contents to be determined in an order corresponding to the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquisition unit, and a third selection unit for mainly selecting a printing device whose status is to be displayed from the list (FIG. 21 is based on the program stored in the ROM 1006 and the CPU 1002 shown in FIG. A list is displayed in the order corresponding to the printer status information as indicated by reference numeral 501, and selection processing is performed from the connection port pull-down menu 2501 with the mouse 1024 shown in FIG. 21) and the status of the printing apparatus selected by the third selection unit. A fourth state display means (CPU 1002 shown in FIG. 21) that displays in the display frame based on the state display contents determined according to the state acquired by the acquisition means (by the database shown in FIG. 23).
The display process is performed in the non-display printer status display area 2406 shown in FIG.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the status information of each printing device obtained by the obtaining unit changes, the list display order and the fourth status display by the third selecting unit are changed. Third control means for controlling the state display by the means to be updated is provided.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the state of a printing device other than the printing device selected by the third selecting means is changed according to the state obtained by the obtaining means (FIG. 2).
A fifth state display means for simplifying the display in the display frame based on the state display contents determined by the database shown in FIG. 3) is provided.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the display contents of the fifth state display means include a character string.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the display contents of the fifth state display means include an icon image.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of printing devices are printing devices (printer 1016 and printer 101 shown in FIG. 1) directly connected to the printing control device.
8, printer 1017).

A sixteenth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of printing devices are connected to a printing device (a printer 1019, a printer 1019 shown in FIG. 21) connected via a printing device directly connected to the printing control device. 1020, printer 102
1, printer 1022).

In a seventeenth aspect according to the present invention, the plurality of printing apparatuses are connected to the printing control apparatus via a network (a network 2020 shown in FIG. 8).
(Not shown) connected to the printer.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means (CPU 2002, CPU 3002 shown in FIG. 8)
The print control device (host computer 20 shown in FIG. 8)
01), when acquiring status information of the plurality of printing apparatuses (the printer 2015 shown in FIG. 8 and the printer not shown) connected via a predetermined communication medium (the network 2020 shown in FIG. 8). A plurality of other printing devices (the printer 3015 shown in FIG. 8 and the printer 3015 shown in FIG. 8) connected to another printing control device (the host computer 3001 shown in FIG. The status information of the printer (illustrated printer) is also acquired by inquiring of the other printing device status display control device. In response to a status information inquiry request from the other printing device status display control device, Status of a plurality of printing devices (the printer 2015 shown in FIG. 8 and the printer not shown) connected to the control device (the host computer 2001 shown in FIG. 8) In which the return means for returning the broadcast provided (CPU 2002 shown in FIG. 8 is returned controlled based on a program stored in the ROM 2003).

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the statuses of the plurality of printing devices are displayed on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In a control method of a printing device status display control device for performing display control, an obtaining step (step (4) in FIG. 7) for obtaining status information of the plurality of printing devices, a name of each of the printing devices, and each of the obtained printing devices A first generation step (step (10) in FIG. 7) of generating a list selection menu including the state display contents determined according to the state information of the printing apparatus, and the state of the printing apparatus selected from the list selection menu
A first status display step (step (8) in FIG. 7) for displaying in the display frame based on the status display content determined according to the obtained status, and a printer other than the printing device selected from the list selection menu A second state display step (step (9) in FIG. 7) for simplifying and displaying the state of the printing apparatus in the display frame based on the state display content determined according to the acquired state. Things.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the statuses of the plurality of printing devices are displayed on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In the control method of a printing device status display control device for performing display control, an obtaining step (step (4) in FIG. 17) for obtaining status information of the plurality of printing devices; A generation step of generating a warning sound according to the state of any of the printing apparatuses based on the priority order of warning sound generation determined in accordance therewith and the display state on the display screen (step (11) in FIG. 17). And

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the statuses of the plurality of printing apparatuses are displayed on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. In a control method of a printing device status display control device for performing display control, an obtaining step (step (4) in FIG. 26) for obtaining status information of the plurality of printing devices, a name of each of the printing devices, and each of the obtained printing devices A second generation step (step (10) in FIG. 26) of generating a list selection menu for arranging the status display contents determined according to the status information of the respective printers in the order according to the status information of the respective printing apparatuses; A third state display step of displaying the state of the printing device selected from the list selection menu in the display frame based on the state display contents determined according to the obtained state (step (8) in FIG. 26). When Those having.

In a twenty-second invention according to the present invention, the acquisition step (step (4) in FIG. 12, step (4) in FIG. 20, and step (4) in FIG. 31) is connected to the print control device. When acquiring the status information of the plurality of printing devices, another printing device status display control device capable of bidirectional communication via a predetermined communication medium is connected to another printing control device that performs status display control. The status information of the other plurality of printing devices is also obtained by inquiring of the other printing device status display control device, and in response to a status information inquiry request from the other printing device status display control device, A return step (return step (not shown)) for returning status information of a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the print control apparatus is provided.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the statuses of the plurality of printing devices are displayed on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. An acquisition step (step (4) in FIG. 7) of acquiring the status information of the plurality of printing apparatuses in a storage medium storing a program readable by a computer controlling the display apparatus controlling the display apparatus; First generation step of generating a list selection menu including state display contents determined according to the name of each printing apparatus and the acquired state information of each printing apparatus (step (10) in FIG. 7)
And a first status display step of displaying the status of the printing device selected from the list selection menu in the display frame based on the status display content determined according to the obtained status (step (FIG. 7) 8)) and a second simplified display of the status of the printing device other than the printing device selected from the list selection menu in the display frame based on the status display content determined according to the acquired status. (Step (9) in FIG. 7) stored in a recording medium.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the statuses of the plurality of printing apparatuses are displayed on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. An acquisition step (step (4) in FIG. 17) of acquiring the state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses in a storage medium storing a program readable by a computer controlling the display apparatus controlling the display apparatus; A warning sound is generated according to the state of any one of the printing apparatuses based on the priority order of warning sound generation determined according to the acquired state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses and the display state on the display screen. The generation process (step (1) in FIG. 17)
1)) is stored in a recording medium, the program being readable by a computer.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the statuses of the plurality of printing apparatuses are displayed on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. An acquisition step (step (4) in FIG. 26) of acquiring the status information of the plurality of printing apparatuses in a storage medium storing a program readable by a computer controlling the display apparatus controlling the display apparatus; A second generation step of generating a list selection menu that arranges status display contents determined according to the name of each printing device and the acquired status information of each printing device in an order according to the status information of each printing device ( Step (10) in FIG. 26)
A third status display step of displaying the status of the printing device selected from the list selection menu in the display frame based on the status display content determined according to the obtained status (step (8) in FIG. 26) ) Is stored in a recording medium.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition step (step (4) in FIG. 12, step (4) in FIG. 20, and step (4) in FIG. 31) is connected to the print control apparatus. When acquiring the status information of the plurality of printing devices, another printing device status display control device capable of bidirectional communication via a predetermined communication medium is connected to another printing control device that performs status display control. The status information of the other plurality of printing devices is also obtained by inquiring of the other printing device status display control device, and in response to a status information inquiry request from the other printing device status display control device, A computer-readable program provided with a return step (return step, not shown) for returning status information of a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the print control apparatus is stored in a recording medium.

[0049]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing control apparatus to which a printing apparatus status display control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The printing device status display control device may be a device independent of the printing control device.

In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a printing apparatus status display control apparatus and a host computer as a printing control apparatus, which are connected to the printers 1016, 1017 and 1018 and control each printer.

In the host computer 1001, 1
002 is a CPU, a program RO in the ROM 1006.
M or a hard disk (HDD) 1004 or a storage medium (not shown) to execute various programs to control each controller, which will be described later, and to totally control the host computer 1001.

Here, the program R in the ROM 1006
The OM stores a program for controlling each controller, and the hard disk (HDD) 1004 stores an operation system (OS) running on the host computer 1001, an application program, and image recording data to be transferred to a printer described later. It is assumed that a printer driver to be generated, a printer status display control program, a status display database, and the like are stored.

Further, the data ROM in the ROM 1006
Alternatively, a hard disk (HDD) 1004 includes a CPU
1006 also stores various data used in the program.

An HDD controller 1005 controls data access to a hard disk (HDD) 1004. 1003 is a RAM, which is a hard disk 10
OS, application programs,
The printer driver, the output control program (these software is executed by the CPU 1002), etc.
005.

Reference numeral 1008 denotes a CRT controller.
1010 and is controlled by the CPU 1002 according to C
A character or an image is displayed on the RT 1010. A keyboard controller 1007 receives an input from a user of the host computer 100l via a keyboard 1009 under the control of the CPU 1002.

Reference numeral 1023 denotes a mouse controller, which is a CPU.
According to the control of the host computer 1002, the host computer 1001
From the user via a pointing device such as a mouse 1024. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a sound controller which generates sound from the speaker 1012 under the control of the CPU 1002. 1013,101
Reference numerals 4 and 1015 denote data input / output controllers, which are connected to the printer 1 under the control of the CPU 1002.
Two-way communication is performed with the 016, 1017, and 1018.

A work area for executing each software is secured in the RAM 1003, and a status display database used by the printer status display program is also loaded into this work area.

The user can use the CRT 1010, keyboard 1009, mouse 1024, and the like to perform interactive operations such as print data creation and print instructions on the host computer 1001.

Reference numeral 1100 denotes a main body of the host computer, which includes the CPU 1002, ROM 1006, HDD controller 1005, RAM 1003, CRT controller 1008, keyboard controller 1007, mouse controller 1023, sound controller 1011 described above.
Data input / output controllers 1013, 1014, 101
5 and so on.

FIG. 2 shows the printer 1016 shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a format of information (printer status information) indicating the status of printers 1017 and 1018, which is information returned from each printer to the host computer 1001.

As shown in the figure, the printer status information includes error information (ERR) indicating the type of error occurring in the printer 1016 or the like, and information (WRN) indicating the type of warning occurring in the printer 1016 or the like. , Printer 1016
And the like (STS) indicating the operation state such as.

In the description of the present embodiment, there are two types of errors that occur in the printer: a no-paper error and a paper jam error.

There are two types of warning information: warning information indicating that the remaining amount of black ink is low, and warning information indicating that the remaining amount of color ink is low.

Further, the printer operating state includes a state during printing, an idle state in which processing such as printing is not performed,
This means any one of the printing preparation states in which the processing corresponding to the preparation for printing is being performed.

The error, warning information, and printer operating state that occur in the printer described above are not limited to those described above, but may be other types.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while the printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is operating. is there.

In the figure, reference numeral 300 denotes a pointer, which is one of a plurality of connected printers (101
6)) indicates the storage address of the printer information 301.

The printer information 301 is information for managing information on the printer 1016 and the like connected to the host computer 1001, and as shown in the figure, port names (LPT1, LPT2, LPT3) 302, printer name 303 , Printer error information 304, printer warning information 305, printer operation information 306, and a pointer 307 indicating the printer information storage address of the next printer (any other printer for which printer information has not been registered yet). When there is no next printer (when the printer information of all the connected printers is registered), information indicating the end, for example, a NULL code or the like is stored in the pointer 307. Hereinafter, the entire information including the pointer 300 and the series of printer information 301 is referred to as printer management information.

With the printer management information having such a structure, information on a plurality of printers can be easily managed.

The printer management information is stored in the RAM 1
003, a hard disk 1004, or a storage medium (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a message used for displaying the status of the display target printer with respect to the printer status information used by the printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the database of the character string used for state display.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a classification indicating a state.
“01” corresponds to “error” of the warning information character string 404, “02” corresponds to “warning” of the warning information character string 404, and “03” corresponds to “normal” of the warning information character string 404. . Reference numeral 402 denotes a status code, and the code: “001” of the classification “01” corresponds to “no paper” in the message 403, and the code: “002” of the classification: “01” corresponds to “paper jam” in the message 403. Corresponding to the classification: "0
The code of “2”: “001” corresponds to the “black ink remaining amount warning” of the message 403, and the code of classification: “02”:
“002” corresponds to the “color ink remaining amount warning” of the message 403, and the code of the classification: “03”: “001”
Corresponds to “online” of the message 403, and the code: “002” of the classification: “03” corresponds to the message 40.
Corresponding to “Printing” of No. 3 and classification: Code of “03”:
“003” corresponds to the message 403 “Preparing for printing”.

The printer status display program of the host computer 1001 receives the printer status information shown in FIG. 2 from the printer 1016 or the like, and is selected from a connection port pull-down menu shown in FIG. The status display contents of the display target printer (a message corresponding to the printer status information) and the status display contents of the non-display target printer (a printer other than the selected printer) (the status corresponding to the printer status information) are shown on the CRT 1010 as follows. It is displayed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the printer status displayed on the CRT 1010 shown in FIG. 1 by the printer status display controller (printer status display program on the host computer 1001 shown in FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a display screen.

The printer status display program allows a user to select and display one of a plurality of printers 1016, 1017, and 1018 connected to the host computer 1001.

In the figure, a printer name display area 501 displays the name of the printer connected to the port currently selected to be displayed. Reference numeral 502 denotes a connection port display area, which displays the name of the port currently selected to be displayed, that is, the name of the connection port to which the printer name display area 501 is connected. Reference numeral 503 denotes a connection port pull-down menu button for selecting a printer to be displayed.

A printer status display area 504 displays a character string of a message indicating the status of the selected printer. A non-display printer status display area 505 displays a character string that simply indicates the status of a printer other than the selected printer.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a connection port pull-down menu of a connection port is opened on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 5 to mainly select a printer to be displayed.

In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes a connection port pull-down menu, which displays a connection port name of each connected printer, a printer name, and a character string list of messages indicating the status of each printer.

This connection port pull-down menu 601
Indicates that the connection port pull-down menu button 503 (the “▼” portion on the right side of the connection port display area 502)
It is displayed by selecting with a pointing device such as 002. The item corresponding to the selected printer is highlighted.

Here, when selecting a printer to be displayed, each item in this list is selected with a mouse 1024 or the like, and the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display of the printer corresponding to the selected item. You can switch to

[Description of Processing Operation] Hereinafter, the first printing apparatus state display processing operation in the printing apparatus state display control apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a first printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention. The ROM 100 shown in FIG.
6, based on a printer status display program stored in the hard disk 1004 or a storage medium (not shown)
The PU 1002 executes. In addition, (1) to (12) indicate each step.

The printer status display program is started when the host computer 1001 is started, and thereafter, the connected printers 1016, 1017, 1
018 is displayed.

Further, one host computer 100
Only one printer status display program runs on the same host computer, and a plurality of printer status display programs do not run on the same host computer.

First, an initialization process is performed (1). In this initialization process, the status display database (FIG. 4) stored in the hard disk 1004 is loaded into a work area on the RAM 1003, and the printer management information (FIG. 3)
Is initialized.

Next, a pointer (pointer 300 shown in FIG. 3) to the first printer information registered in the printer management information is obtained (2).

Next, it is determined whether there is printer information from the pointer 300 acquired in step (2) (3). In the initialized state immediately after the start of the host computer 1001, there is no registered printer information, and thus there is no printer information indicated by the pointer 300.

In this case (when the printer information does not exist), the process proceeds to step (12), where it is checked whether or not there are any printers connected to all the printer connection ports of the host computer 1001, and the target printer is connected. If so, the printer information of the printer is registered in the printer management information (the printer management information is updated) (12). When the process is completed for all the printer connection ports, the process returns to step (2), and the process is started again from the printer registered at the top of the printer management information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that there is printer information, the flow advances to step (4) to perform processing for the printer. That is, the status of the printer (printer status information shown in FIG. 2) is acquired from the port stored as the printer information, and the status of the printer is analyzed to recognize the contents (4).

Next, it is checked whether or not the status of the printer acquired in step (4) is different from the status previously held as printer information (the status in the printer management information), that is, whether or not the status has changed. (5) If it is determined that there is no change in the state of the printer, the process proceeds to step (11) described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the status of the printer has changed, the error information, the warning information, and the operation status information in the printer information registered in the printer management information are updated in step (5). Update the printer status information acquired in 4) (6), and proceed to step (7).

Next, it is determined whether or not the printer currently displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 5 matches the printer whose printer status information was obtained in step (4) (7). If it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to step (8), where the display relating to the display target printer in the display frame on the printer status display screen (printer name display area 5
01, the connection port display area 502, and the printer status display area 504) are updated (8). Then step (10)
Then, the contents of the connection port pull-down menu 601 shown in FIG. 6 are updated according to the contents of the printer information, and the process proceeds to step (11).

On the other hand, the printer currently displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG.
If it is determined in step (4) that the printer status information does not match the acquired printer, the process proceeds to step (9), and non-display on the printer status display screen is performed based on the printer information updated in step (6). Printer status display area 5
Update 05.

When there are a plurality of non-display target printers and their states are different, information with higher priority is displayed in the non-display printer status display area. Here, the priority means that the error state has the highest priority, the warning state has the next highest priority, and the operation state has the lowest priority. For example, when the status information of the printer 1016 is displayed and a black ink remaining amount warning occurs in the printer 1017 and an out-of-paper error occurs in the printer 1018, an error status is displayed in the non-display printer status display area. A character string of "error" is displayed in accordance with the status display database shown in FIG.

Next, the process proceeds to step (10), where the content of the connection port pull-down menu 601 shown in FIG. 6 is updated according to the content of the printer information, and the process proceeds to step (11).

In the processing of steps (3) to (10),
Since one cycle of the process for the first printer is completed, a pointer to the next printer information registered in the printer management information shown in FIG. 3 is obtained (11), and the process returns to step (3).

Thereafter, when the processing for all the printers registered in the printer management information, that is, all the connected printers has been performed, the process proceeds from step (3) to step (12), and the connection is made again. A series of processes is repeated from the investigation of the printer in existence (update of printer management information).

Thus, even if there is a change in the connection status of the printer, it can be dealt with immediately, and the status of the connected printer can be displayed correctly.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a change in the state is detected while checking the state of the printer connected to the host computer 1001, and the non-display printer state display area is displayed according to the change in the state of the non-display printer. By updating, a plurality of connected printers 1016, 101
When the status of a printer whose status is not displayed is changed among 7,1018, the user can be notified that an event has occurred. By displaying the status of each printer, the user can check the status of each printer before selecting the printer to be displayed, and can select the printer to be displayed. .

In this embodiment, the warning information is registered in the database shown in FIG. 4 as character string data such as a warning information character string 404, and the character string is displayed in the non-display printer status display area 505 in FIG. Has been described,
An icon image file name corresponding to the warning information may be registered in the database of FIG. 4, and the icon image corresponding to the file name may be displayed in the non-display printer status display area 505 of FIG.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
A case has been described where the status display of a plurality of printers directly connected to a plurality of input / output controllers provided in one host computer is controlled, but the printer is directly connected to the input / output ports and a predetermined communication medium. The status display of a printer directly connected to an input / output port of another connected host computer may be controlled. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a print control system including two print control devices to which the printing device status display control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Note that the printing device status display control device may be a device independent of the printing control system. Note that the printing device status display control device may be a device independent of the printing control system.

In the figure, the print control system includes a host computer 2001 for controlling the printer 2015 and a host computer 3 for controlling the printer 3015.
001.

In the host computer 2001, 2
Reference numeral 002 denotes a CPU, which is a program RO in the ROM 2006.
M or a hard disk (HDD) 2004 or a storage medium (not shown) to execute various programs to control each controller described later and to control the host computer 2001 as a whole.

Here, the program R in the ROM 2006
The OM stores a program for controlling each controller, and the hard disk (HDD) 2004 stores an operation system (OS) running on the host computer 2001, application programs, and image recording data to be transferred to a printer described later. It is assumed that a printer driver to be generated, a printer status display control program, a status display database, and the like are stored.

Further, the data ROM in the ROM 2006
Alternatively, a hard disk (HDD) 2004 includes a CPU
Various data used in the program 2006 are also stored.

An HDD controller 2005 controls data access to a hard disk (HDD) 2004. Reference numeral 2003 denotes a RAM,
OS, application programs,
A printer driver, an output control program (the software is executed by the CPU 2002), and the like are stored in the hard disk drive controller 2005, respectively.
Loaded via.

Reference numeral 2008 denotes a CRT controller.
2010, and C according to the control of the CPU 2002.
A character or an image is displayed on the RT 2010. Reference numeral 2007 denotes a keyboard controller which receives an input from a user of the host computer 200l via the keyboard 2009 under the control of the CPU 2002.

Reference numeral 2011 denotes a sound controller.
According to the control of U2002, a sound is generated from the speaker 2012. A data input / output controller 2014 performs bidirectional communication with the connected printer 2015 under the control of the CPU 2002. Reference numeral 2013 denotes a network controller which controls bidirectional communication with another device (host computer 3001) via a communication line network (network) 2020 such as a LAN.

A work area for executing each software is secured in the RAM 2003, and a status display database used by the printer status display program is also loaded into this work area.

The user can use the CRT 2010, the keyboard 2009, and a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown) to perform interactive operations such as print data creation and print instructions on the host computer 2001.

Reference numeral 2100 denotes a host computer main body, which includes the CPU 2002, ROM 2006, HDD controller 2005, RAM 2003, CRT controller 2008, keyboard controller 2007, mouse controller (not shown), and sound controller 201.
1. It has a data input / output controller 2014 and a network controller 2013.

In the host computer 3001, 3
002 is a CPU, and a program RO in the ROM 3006
An M or a hard disk (HDD) 3004 or various programs stored in a storage medium (not shown) is executed to control each controller described later and to control the host computer 3001 as a whole.

The program R in the ROM 3006
The OM stores a program for controlling each controller, and the hard disk (HDD) 3004 stores an operation system (OS) running on the host computer 3001, an application program, and image recording data to be transferred to a printer described later. It is assumed that a printer driver to be generated, a printer status display control program, a status display database, and the like are stored.

Further, the data ROM in the ROM 3006
Alternatively, a hard disk (HDD) 3004 includes a CPU
Various data 3006 are also stored in the program.

An HDD controller 3005 controls data access to a hard disk (HDD) 3004. Reference numeral 3003 denotes a RAM, and the hard disk 30
OS, application programs,
A printer driver, an output control program (the software is executed by the CPU 3002), and the like are stored in the hard disk drive controller 3005, respectively.
Loaded via.

Reference numeral 3008 denotes a CRT controller.
3010 and is controlled by the CPU 3002 under the control of C
Characters and images are displayed on the RT 3010. A keyboard controller 3007 receives an input from a user of the host computer 300l via the keyboard 3009 under the control of the CPU 3002.

Reference numeral 3011 denotes a sound controller.
According to the control of U3002, a sound is generated from the speaker 3012. A data input / output controller 3014 performs bidirectional communication with the connected printer 3015 under the control of the CPU 3002. A network controller 3013 controls bidirectional communication with another device (host computer 2001) via a communication network (network) 2020 such as a LAN.

A work area for executing each software is secured in the above-mentioned RAM 3003, and a status display database used by the printer status display program is also loaded in this work area.

The user can use the CRT 3010, keyboard 3009, mouse (not shown), and the like to perform interactive operations such as print data creation and print instructions on the host computer 3001.

Reference numeral 3100 denotes a host computer main body, which includes the CPU 3002, ROM 3006, HDD controller 3005, RAM 3003, CRT controller 3008, keyboard controller 3007, mouse controller (not shown), and sound controller 301 described above.
1, a data input / output controller 3014, a network controller 3013, and the like.

In the first embodiment, three data input / output controllers are used, and a printer is connected to each of them (FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the data input / output controllers 2014 and 3014 are connected to the host. One is connected to each of the computers 2001 and 3001.

In the present embodiment, network controllers 2013 and 3013 are provided, and the host computers 2001 and 3013 are connected via the communication line network 2020.
01 allows information to be bidirectionally communicated. That is, the print data stored in the host computer 2001 (3001) via the communication network 2020 is transferred to the printer 3015 connected to the host computer 3001.
(2015) to enable printing.

Note that the host computer 2001 (30
01) may include a plurality of data input / output controllers and connect a plurality of printers.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data structure of printer management information for managing information on a connected printer while a printer status display program in a printing device status display control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is operating. And a host name indicating the host computer to which the printer is connected at the same time.

In the figure, reference numeral 900 denotes a pointer indicating the storage address of the printer information 901 of the printer 2015 (3015) connected to the data input / output controller 2014 (3014).

The printer information 901 is stored in the printer 20 connected to the host computer 2001 (3001).
15 (3015) and the host computer 2001
This is information for managing information of a printer connected to a host computer 3001 (2001) that can communicate with the host computer (3001) via the network 2020. As shown in the figure, host names (PC1, PC2) 902,
Port name (LPT1) 903, printer name 904, printer error information 905, printer warning information 906, printer operation information 907, and printer information storage for the next printer (any other printer for which printer information has not been registered yet) It is composed of a pointer 908 indicating an address. If there is no next printer (when printer information of all connected printers is registered),
The pointer 908 has information indicating the end, for example, NUL.
An L code or the like is stored. Hereinafter, the entire information including the pointer 900 and the series of printer information 901 is referred to as printer management information.

With the printer management information having such a structure, information on a plurality of printers can be easily managed.

The printer management information is stored in the RAM 2
003 (3003), hard disk 2004 (300
4) or stored in a storage medium (not shown).

FIG. 10 shows a printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the CRT 2010 or CRT 30 shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the display 10, where connection ports of the printer to be displayed are displayed in the form of “machine name−port name” as connection port displays.

The printer status display program includes a printer 2015 (3015) connected to the host computer 2001 (3001) and a host computer 3001 (2001) capable of communicating with the host computer 2001 (3001) via the network 2020.
The user can select and display any one of the printers 3015 (2015) connected to the printer.

In the figure, reference numeral 1091 denotes a printer name display area for displaying the name of the printer currently selected to be displayed. A connection port display area 1092 displays a machine name (host computer name) to which the printer name display area 1091 is connected minus a connection port name.
Reference numeral 1093 denotes a connection port pull-down menu button for selecting a printer to be displayed.

A printer status display area 1094 displays a character string of a message indicating the status of the selected printer. Reference numeral 1095 denotes a non-display printer status display area.
A character string that briefly indicates the status of a printer other than the selected printer is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the connection port pull-down menu of the connection port is opened on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 10 to mainly select a printer to be displayed.

Referring to FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes a connection port pull-down menu. For each printer that can be displayed, the connected machine name (host computer name), connection port name, printer name, and text of a message indicating the status of each printer are displayed. Display column list.

The connection port pull-down menu 110
1 is displayed by selecting a connection port pull-down menu button 503 (“▼” portion on the right side of the connection port display area 502) with a mouse or the like. The item corresponding to the selected printer is highlighted.

Here, when selecting a printer to be displayed, each item in this list is selected by using a mouse.
The printer status display screen shown in FIG. 10 can be switched to the display of the printer corresponding to the selected item.

[Description of Processing Operation] Hereinafter, the second printing device state display processing operation in the printing device state display control device of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the second printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention. The ROM 200 shown in FIG.
6 (3006), Hard disk 2004 (3004)
Alternatively, the CPU 2002 (3002) executes the program based on a printer status display program stored in a storage medium (not shown). Note that (1) to (13) indicate each step.

Note that the printer status display program running on the host computers 2001 and 3001 in the present embodiment is similar to the printer status display program in the first embodiment and is not limited to the host computers 2001 and 311.
001 is started at the time of activation, and thereafter, the status of the connected printer 2015 or 3015 is displayed.

In addition, one host computer 2001
Alternatively, there is only one printer status display program operating on the 3001 and the host computer 2001 at the same time.
(Or 3001), a plurality of printer status display programs do not operate.

First, an initialization process is performed (1). In this initialization process, the status display database (FIG. 4) stored in the hard disk 2004 (3004) is stored in the RAM 20
03 (3003) to load the work area
The printer management information (FIG. 9) is initialized.

Next, a pointer (pointer 900 shown in FIG. 9) to the first printer information registered in the printer management information is obtained (2).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is printer information from the pointer 900 obtained in step (2) (3). In the initialized state immediately after the host computer 2001 (3001) is started, there is no printer information registered in the printer management information.
There is no printer information indicated by 00.

In this case (when the printer information does not exist), the process proceeds to step (12) to check for a printer connected to the printer connection port of the host computer 2001 (3001). If connected, register the printer information of the printer as printer management information (update the printer management information)
(12).

Next, in response to the printer status display program running on another host computer 3001 (2001) on the network, the printer 30 connected to that host computer 3001 (2001)
15 (2015), obtains the printer management information managed by the host computer 3001 (2001), and registers the printer information in the obtained printer management information together with the host computer name in the printer management information. (13). That is, in this step (13), the printer 3 connected to another host computer 3001 (2001) on the communication line network 2020
The printer information including the printer information of 015 (2015) is acquired by the printer status display program running on the host computer 2001 (3001), and is registered in the printer management information (FIG. 9). Then, the process is started again from the printer registered at the top of the printer management information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that there is printer information, the process proceeds to step (4), and the printer that is currently processing the host computer 2001.
Printer 2015 (30) directly connected to (3001)
In the case of 15), the host computer 2001 (300
The printer information is obtained from the connection port of 1).

The printer currently being processed is connected to another host computer 3001 (2001) on the network.
When the printer 3015 (2015) is connected to the printer 3015 (2015), the printer status display program running on the host computer 3001 (2001) is used instead of acquiring the printer information from the connection port. ), And obtains printer information managed by the host computer 3001 (2001).

Next, it is determined whether or not the status of the printer acquired in step (4) is different from the status previously held as printer information (the status in the printer management information), that is, whether or not the status has changed. (5) If it is determined that there is no change in the state of the printer, the process proceeds to step (11) described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the status of the printer has changed, the error information, the warning information, and the operation status information in the printer information registered in the printer management information are updated in step (5). Update the printer status information acquired in 4) (6), and proceed to step (7).

Next, the printer currently displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the printer status information matches the printer from which the printer status information has been acquired (7). If it is determined that the printer status information matches the printer, the process proceeds to step (8) to determine the printer to be displayed in the display frame on the printer status display screen. The display (printer name display area 1091, connection port display area 1092, printer status display area 1094) is updated (8). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step (10), where the content of the connection port pull-down menu 1101 shown in FIG. 11 is updated according to the content of the printer information, and the process proceeds to step (11).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the printer currently displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 10 does not match the printer whose printer status information has been obtained in step (4), , Step (9)
Then, the non-display printer status display area 1095 on the printer status display screen is updated based on the printer information updated in step (6).

If there are a plurality of non-display target printers and their states are different, information with higher priority is displayed in the non-display printer status display area. Here, the priority means that the error state has the highest priority, the warning state has the next highest priority, and the operation state has the lowest priority.

Then, the flow advances to step (10) to update the content of the connection port pull-down menu 1101 shown in FIG. 11 according to the content of the printer information, and then to step (11).
Proceed to.

In the above steps (3) to (10),
Since one cycle of processing for the first printer is completed, a pointer to the next printer information registered in the printer management information shown in FIG. 9 is obtained (11), and the process returns to step (3).

Thereafter, when the processing for all the printers registered in the printer management information, that is, all the connected printers has been performed, the process proceeds from step (3) to step (12), and the connection is made again. A series of processes is repeated from the investigation of the printer that is present (updating the printer management information). As a result, even if there is a change in the connection status of the printer connected to each host computer, it is possible to respond immediately, and the status of the printer can be displayed correctly.

The host computer 2 shown in FIG.
001 (3001) is the host computer 3001
In response to the status information inquiry request from (2001), the status information of the printer connected to the host computer 2001 (3001) is returned.

The two host computers 200
The number of host computers is not limited to 1,3001, and three or more host computers may be communicably connected. Also in this case, each host computer returns status information of the connected printer in response to a status information inquiry request from another host computer.

According to the present embodiment, as described above, according to the present embodiment, similarly to the printer 2015 (3015) connected to the host computer 2001 (3001), the communication network 20
The other host computer 3001 (2
001), the status of the printer 3015 (2015) connected to the host computer 3001 (2001) can be monitored.
5 (2015), the status information is not displayed on the screen, but the user can be notified of the status change in accordance with the status change, and the status of each printer can be notified. By displaying the status of each printer in the connection port menu in accordance with the printer, the user can check the status of each printer before selecting the printer to be displayed, and then select the printer to be displayed. For convenience.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the status of a printing device whose status information is not displayed on the screen among a plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device changes, the display target is changed. It is possible to simply display the status change of the printing device that is not displayed in the same display frame as displaying the status of the printing device, and when the user selects the printing device to be displayed, It is possible to perform the selection operation after confirming the state of the printing apparatus that is not selected at that time, and thereby it is possible to avoid the troublesome work of the user and to easily grasp the state of the printing apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, the status information of another printing device on the other printing control device side connected via the communication line network is obtained, and the status is displayed in the same manner as the locally connected printing device. It can be performed.

In this embodiment, the printer 2015 connected to the host computer 2001 (3001)
(3015) and the case where the status of the printer 3015 (2015) connected to another host computer 3001 (2001) existing on the communication network 2020 is described. It may be configured to also monitor the status of the network printer (directly connected to the communication network 2020).
In this case, instead of “machine name-port name”, “printer name-port name” is displayed in the connection port display area 503 shown in FIG. 5 and the connection port pull-down menu 601 shown in FIG.
"Network address" may be displayed.

As described above, the statuses of a plurality of printing devices are simultaneously managed, and when the status of a printing device changes, even if the printing device whose status has changed is not selected as a display target, the display frame is displayed. Each of the printing devices that can be selected as the display target when the user operates to select the display device to be displayed is displayed in a simplified manner in which the state of any of the printing devices not displayed is changed. Is displayed, the user can easily know the status of each printing apparatus.

In this embodiment, the warning information is registered in the database shown in FIG. 4 as character string data such as the warning information character string 404, and the character string is displayed in the non-display printer status display area 1095 in FIG. FIG. 4 shows the icon image file name corresponding to the warning information.
And displays the icon image corresponding to the file name in the non-display printer status display area 109 in FIG.
5 may be displayed.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The configuration in which the statuses of a plurality of printing devices are simultaneously managed and the status changes of the printing devices whose status information is not displayed are simplified and displayed has been described. You may comprise so that it may notify with a warning sound. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing control apparatus to which the printing apparatus status display control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied. It is attached. The printing device status display control device may be a device independent of the printing control device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program in a printing device status display control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is operating. is there.

In the figure, reference numeral 1400 denotes a pointer, which is one of a plurality of connected printers (10
16) indicates the storage address of the printer information 1401.

The printer information 1401 is information for managing information on the printer 1016 and the like connected to the host computer 1001, and as shown in the figure, port names (LPT1, LPT2) 1402, printer name 14
03, printer error information 1404, printer warning information 1405, printer operation information 1406, priority 1407 which is priority information indicating the priority of alarm sound reproduction,
And a pointer 1408 indicating the printer information storage address of the next printer (any other printer for which printer information has not been registered yet). When there is no next printer (when the printer information of all the connected printers is registered), the pointer 1408 stores information indicating the end, for example, a NULL code. Hereinafter, the entire information including the pointer 1400 and the series of printer information 1401 is referred to as printer management information.

With the printer management information having such a structure, information on a plurality of printers can be easily managed.

The printer management information is stored in the RAM 1
003, a hard disk 1004, or a storage medium (not shown).

FIG. 15 shows a message used to display the status of the display target printer with respect to the printer status information used by the printer status display program in the printer status display control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and a non-display target printer. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a database of character strings used for displaying the status of a character string.

In the figure, reference numeral 1501 denotes a classification indicating a state, where “01” corresponds to “priority: 1” of the priority order 1505 for warning sound reproduction, and “02” corresponds to priority level 1 for warning sound reproduction.
505 corresponds to "priority: 2", and "03" corresponds to warning sound reproduction priority 1505 "priority: 3". 150
2 is a status code, a code of classification: “01”: “00”
"1" means "no paper" in message 1503.
And "01001.wa" in the warning sound file 1504.
v ", classification: code of" 01 ": code" 002 "
Indicates that the paper is jammed in the message 1503 and “01002.wav” in the warning sound file 1504.
And the code: “001” of the classification “02” corresponds to “black ink is low” in the message 1503 and “02001.
wav "and a code of classification:" 02 ":" 00 "
“2” indicates that “color ink is low” in message 1503 and “0” in warning sound file 1504.
2002. The code: “003” corresponding to the category “03” corresponds to “printable.” in the message 1503 and “03001.
wav "and a code of classification:" 03 ":" 00 "
“1” corresponds to “printing.” In the message 1503 and “03002.wav” in the warning sound file 1504, and the code: “002” of the classification “03” is “preparing for printing” in the message 1503. "And" 03003.wav "of the warning sound file 1504.

As described above, in the status display database,
In response to the printer status information received from the printer 1016 or the like, the display status displayed by the printer status display program on the CRT 1010 of the host computer 1001, the information of the alarm sound file reproduced from the speaker 1012, the priority of the alarm sound reproduction, etc. Is stored in correspondence with.

The printer status display program of the host computer 1001 receives the printer status information shown in FIG. 2 from the printer 1016 or the like, and executes the CR of the host computer 1001 based on the database described above.
The information of the warning sound file is reproduced from the speaker 1012 based on the display contents displayed in T1010 and the priority of the reproduction of the warning sound.

[0177] In the warning sound file 1504, "010
01. “wav” to “03003.wav” may store mere warning sound data corresponding to each warning information (error, warning, normal), or may include “error”, “warning”, “normal”, etc. Sound may be stored.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the CRT 1010 shown in FIG. 13 by the printer status display program in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.

The printer status display program allows a user to select and display one of a plurality of printers 1016 and 1017 connected to the host computer 1001.

In the figure, reference numeral 1601 denotes a printer name display area for displaying the name of the printer connected to the port currently selected to be displayed. Reference numeral 1602 denotes a connection port selection list, in which any one of the selection buttons 1603, 1604, and 1605 corresponding to each of the connection ports LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3 (not shown) of the host computer 1001 is pointed by a device using a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). The user can select a port for displaying a message of the status of the connected printer. The selection button corresponding to the selected connection port is displayed as ◎,
The selection button corresponding to the connection port not selected is ○
Is displayed.

A printer status display area 1606 displays a character string of a message indicating the status of the printer connected to the connection port selected in the connection port selection list 1602.

[Explanation of Processing Operation] The third printing apparatus state display processing operation in the printing apparatus state display control device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a third printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.
06, based on the printer status display program stored in the hard disk 1004 or a storage medium (not shown), and executed by the CPU 1002. Note that (1) to (13) indicate each step.

Note that this printer status display program is started when the host computer 1001 is started, and thereafter displays the status of the connected printers 1016 and 1017 and generates an alarm sound.

Further, one host computer 100
Only one printer status display program runs on the same host computer, and a plurality of printer status display programs do not run on the same host computer.

First, an initialization process is performed (1). In this initialization process, the status display database (FIG. 15) stored in the hard disk 1004 is loaded into the work area on the RAM 1003, and the printer management information (FIG.
Perform initialization of 4).

Next, a pointer (pointer 1400 shown in FIG. 14) to the first printer information registered in the printer management information is obtained (2).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is printer information from the pointer 1400 obtained in step (2) (3). In the initialized state immediately after the start of the host computer 1001, there is no printer information registered in the printer management information, and thus there is no printer information indicated by the pointer 1400.

In this case (when the printer information does not exist), the process proceeds to step (13), where it is checked whether or not any printer is connected to all the printer connection ports of the host computer 1001, and the target printer is connected. If so, the printer information of the printer is registered in the printer management information (the printer management information is updated). When the process is completed for all the printer connection ports, the process returns to step (2), and the process is started again from the printer registered at the top of the printer management information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that there is printer information, the flow advances to step (4) to perform processing for the printer. That is, the status of the printer (printer status information shown in FIG. 2) is acquired from the port stored as the printer information, and the status of the printer is analyzed to recognize the contents.

Next, it is checked whether or not the status of the printer acquired in step (4) is different from the status previously held as printer information (the status in the printer management information), that is, whether or not the status has changed. (5) If it is determined that there is no change in the state of the printer, the process proceeds to step (11) described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the status of the printer has changed, the error information, the warning information, and the operation status information in the printer information registered in the printer management information are updated in step (5). Update the printer status information acquired in 4) (6), and proceed to step (7).

Next, it is determined whether or not the printer currently displayed in the printer status display area 1606 on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 16 matches the printer whose printer status information was obtained in step (4). If it is determined (7) that they match, the process proceeds to step (8), where a display (printer name display area 1601, connection port selection list 1602, printer name display area 1601, connection port selection list 1602) The status display area 1606) is updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step (11), where a warning sound defined in the state display database is reproduced, and the process proceeds to step (12).

On the other hand, in step (7), the printer status display area 16 on the printer status display screen shown in FIG.
If it is determined that the printer displayed at 06 does not match the printer whose printer status information has been acquired at step (4), the process proceeds to step (9), where a status display database is searched and the printer management information is entered. The priority information in the registered printer information is updated. Then, the process proceeds to step (10), and it is determined whether the priority of the printer whose printer status information has been acquired in step (4) is the highest priority among the printers registered at this time, and is determined to be the highest. If so, the process proceeds to step (11), where a warning sound defined in the state display database is reproduced, and the process proceeds to step (12).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (10) that the priority of the printer from which the printer status information has been acquired is not the highest priority, the process proceeds to step (12).

In the processing of steps (3) to (11),
Since one cycle of the process for the first printer is completed, a pointer to the next printer information registered in the printer management information shown in FIG. 14 is obtained (12), and the process returns to step (3).

Thereafter, when the processing for all the printers registered in the printer management information, that is, all the connected printers is performed, the process proceeds from step (3) to step (13), and the connection is made again. A series of processes is repeated from the investigation of the printer that is present (updating the printer management information). As a result, even if there is a change in the connection state of the printer, it can be dealt with immediately, and the state of the connected printer can be displayed correctly.

As described above, in this embodiment, a change in the state is detected while checking the state of the printer connected to the host computer 1001, the priority is updated, and a warning sound is reproduced based on the priority information. It is determined whether or not a plurality of connected printers 101
When a high-priority event occurs in a printer that does not display the statuses in the printers 6 and 1017, the user can be notified of the occurrence of the event by a warning sound.

In the above step (11), FIG.
5 of the warning sound file 1504 shown in FIG.
av ”to“ 03003.wav ”may be simply reproduced, or“ 0100
1. “av” to “03003.wav” store sounds such as “error”, “warning”, and “normal” corresponding to each warning information (error, warning, normal), and at the time of reproduction,
A sound indicating the printer name stored in the ROM 1006 may be added, and playback may be performed, for example, such as "An error has occurred in the printer BBB."

[Fourth Embodiment] In the third embodiment,
A case has been described where the status display of a plurality of printers directly connected to a plurality of input / output ports provided in one host computer is controlled, but the printer is directly connected to the input / output ports and a predetermined communication medium. The status display of a printer directly connected to an input / output port of another connected host computer may be controlled. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

It should be noted that the configuration of a print control system including two print control devices to which the printing device status display control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied is the same as that of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. It is assumed that the configuration is the same as the block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control system including two print control devices to which the printing device status display control device according to the embodiment can be applied. Note that the printing device status display control device may be a device independent of the printing control system.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while the printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is operating. And a host name indicating the host computer to which the printer is connected at the same time.

In the figure, reference numeral 1800 denotes a pointer, which is the printer information 180 of the printer 2015 (3015) connected to the data input / output controller 2014 (3014).
1 indicates the storage address.

The printer information 1801 is stored in the printer 2 connected to the host computer 2001 (3001).
015 (3015) and the host computer 200
1 (3001) for managing information on a printer connected to the host computer 3001 (2001) that can communicate with the host computer 3001 via the network 2020.
As shown in the figure, host names (PC1, PC2) 180
2. Port name (LPT1) 1803, Printer name 180
4, printer error information 1805, printer warning information 1
806, printer operation information 1807, priority information 1808 which is priority information indicating the priority of alarm sound reproduction, and printer information storage address of the next printer (any other printer for which printer information has not been registered yet) . When there is no next printer (when the printer information of all the connected printers is registered), the pointer 1809 stores information indicating the end, for example, a NULL code. Hereinafter, the entire information including the pointer 1800 and the series of printer information 1801 is referred to as printer management information.

With the printer management information having such a structure, information on a plurality of printers can be easily managed.

The printer management information is stored in the RAM 2
003 (3003) and the hard disk 2004 (200
4) or stored in a storage medium (not shown).

FIG. 19 shows a printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the CRT 2010 or CRT 30 shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the display 10, where connection ports of the printer to be displayed are displayed in the form of “machine name−port name” as connection port displays.

The printer status display program includes a printer 2015 (3015) connected to the host computer 2001 (3001) and a host computer 3001 (2001) capable of communicating with the host computer 2001 (3001) via the network 2020.
The user can select and display any one of the printers 3015 (2015) connected to the printer.

[0209] In the figure, reference numeral 1901 denotes a printer name display area for displaying the name of the printer currently selected to be displayed. A host name display area 1902 displays the name of the host computer to which the printer displayed in the printer name display area 1901 is connected. 19
Reference numeral 03 denotes a connection port selection list.
01 displays the name of the connected machine (host computer name) -the name of the connection port of the printer to which the printer 01 is connected, and the selection buttons 1904 and 19 corresponding to each connection port.
05 is indicated by a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown), it is possible to select a port for displaying the status of the connected printer as a message. The selection button corresponding to the selected connection port is indicated by ◎. The selection buttons that are displayed and correspond to connection ports that have not been selected are displayed as ○.

A printer status display area 1906 displays a character string of a message indicating the status of the printer connected to the connection port selected in the connection port selection list 1903.

[Explanation of Processing Operation] Hereinafter, the fourth printing apparatus state display processing operation in the printing apparatus state display control device of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device according to the present invention. The ROM 200 shown in FIG.
6 (3006), Hard disk 2004 (3004)
Alternatively, the CPU 2002 (3002) executes the program based on a printer status display program stored in a storage medium (not shown). Note that (1) to (14) indicate each step.

The printer status display program running on the host computers 2001 and 3001 in this embodiment is similar to the printer status display program in the first embodiment.
Execution is started when the 3001 is activated, and thereafter, the status of the connected printer 2015 or 3015 is displayed, and a warning sound is generated.

Also, one host computer 2001
Alternatively, there is only one printer status display program operating on the 3001 and the host computer 2001 at the same time.
(Or 3001), a plurality of printer status display programs do not operate.

First, an initialization process is performed (1). In this initialization process, the status display database (FIG. 15) stored in the hard disk 2004 (3004) is stored in the RAM 2
003 (3003) to load the work area and initialize the printer management information (FIG. 18).

Next, a pointer (pointer 1800 shown in FIG. 18) to the first printer information registered in the printer management information is obtained (2).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is printer information from the pointer 1800 obtained in step (2) (3). In the initialized state immediately after the host computer 2001 (3001) is started, there is no printer information registered in the printer management information.
The printer information indicated by 800 does not exist.

In this case (when the printer information does not exist), the process proceeds to step (13) to check whether there is a printer connected to the printer connection port of the host computer 2001 (3001). If the printer is connected, the printer information of the printer is registered in the printer management information (the printer management information is updated).

Next, in response to a printer status display program running on another host computer 3001 (2001) on the network, the printer 30 connected to that host computer 3001 (2001) is notified.
15 (2015), obtains the printer management information managed by the host computer 3001 (2001), and registers the printer information in the obtained printer management information together with the host computer name in the printer management information. (14). That is, the printer 3 connected to another host computer 3001 (2001) on the communication network 2020 in this step (14)
The printer information including the printer information of 015 (2015) is acquired by the printer status display program running on the host computer 2001 (3001), and registered in the printer management information (FIG. 18). Then, the process is started again from the printer registered at the top of the printer management information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that there is printer information, the flow advances to step (4), and the printer that is currently processing the host computer 2001.
Printer 2015 (30) directly connected to (3001)
In the case of 15), the host computer 2001 (300
The printer information is obtained from the connection port of 1).

Also, the printer currently being processed is connected to another host computer 3001 (2001) on the network.
When the printer 3015 (2015) is connected to the printer 3015 (2015), the printer status display program running on the host computer 3001 (2001) is used instead of acquiring the printer information from the connection port. ), And obtains printer information managed by the host computer 3001 (2001).

Next, it is checked whether or not the status of the printer acquired in step (4) is different from the status previously held as printer information (the status in the printer management information), that is, whether or not the status has changed. (5) If it is determined that there is no change in the state of the printer, the process proceeds to step (12) described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the status of the printer has changed, the error information, the warning information, and the operation status information in the printer information registered in the printer management information are updated in step (5). Update the printer status information acquired in 4) (6), and proceed to step (7).

Next, it is determined whether or not the printer currently displayed in the printer status display area 1906 on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 19 matches the printer whose printer status information was obtained in step (4). If it is determined (7) that they match, the process proceeds to step (8), where a display (printer name display area 1901, host name display area 1902, connection) related to the display target printer in the display frame on the printer status display screen is displayed. The port selection list 1903 and the printer status display area 1906 are updated (8). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step (11), where a warning sound defined in the state display database is reproduced (11), and the process proceeds to step (12).

On the other hand, in step (7), the printer status display area 19 on the printer status display screen shown in FIG.
If it is determined that the printer displayed at 06 does not match the printer whose printer status information has been acquired at step (4), the process proceeds to step (9), where a status display database is searched and the printer management information is entered. The priority information in the registered printer information is updated. Then, the process proceeds to step (10), and it is determined whether the priority of the printer whose printer status information has been acquired in step (4) is the highest priority among the printers registered at this time, and is determined to be the highest. If so, the process proceeds to step (11), where a warning sound defined in the state display database is reproduced, and the process proceeds to step (12).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (10) that the priority of the printer from which the printer status information has been obtained is not the highest priority, the process proceeds to step (12).

In the processing of steps (3) to (11),
Since one cycle of the process for the first printer is completed, a pointer to the next printer information registered in the printer management information shown in FIG. 18 is obtained (12), and the process returns to step (3).

Thereafter, when all the printers registered in the printer management information, that is, all the connected printers are processed, the process proceeds from step (3) to step (13), and the connection is made again. A series of processes is repeated from the investigation of the printer that is present (updating the printer management information). As a result, even if there is a change in the connection status of the printer connected to each host computer, it is possible to respond immediately, and the status of the printer can be displayed correctly.

Note that the host computer 2 shown in FIG.
001 (3001) is the host computer 3001
In response to the status information inquiry request from (2001), the status information of the printer connected to the host computer 2001 (3001) is returned.

Also, two host computers 200
The number of host computers is not limited to 1,3001, and three or more host computers may be communicably connected. Also in this case, each host computer returns status information of the connected printer in response to a status information inquiry request from another host computer.

According to the present embodiment, as described above, according to the present embodiment, similarly to the printer 2015 (3015) connected to the host computer 2001 (3001), the communication network 20
The other host computer 3001 (2
001), the status of the printer 3015 (2015) connected to the host computer 3001 (2001) can be monitored.
5 (2015), it is possible to reproduce a warning sound of a printer having a higher priority in accordance with a status change of a plurality of printers for which status information is not displayed on the screen.

As described above, according to the present invention, when a high-priority event occurs in a printing apparatus whose status information is not displayed on the screen among a plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the printing control apparatus. In addition, it is possible to reproduce a warning sound, whereby it is possible to provide a printing device status display control device capable of avoiding the troublesome work of the user and facilitating grasping the status of the printing device. Further, according to the present invention, the status information and the alarm sound are obtained in the same manner as the locally connected printing device by acquiring the status information of the other printing device on the other printing control device side connected via the communication network. Playback can be performed.

In this embodiment, the printer 2015 connected to the host computer 2001 (3001)
(3015) and the case where the status of the printer 3015 (2015) connected to another host computer 3001 (2001) existing on the communication network 2020 is described. It may be configured to also monitor the status of the network printer (directly connected to the communication network 2020).
In this case, the connection port selection list 1903 shown in FIG.
For example, "printer name-network address" may be displayed instead of "machine name-port name".

As described above, the statuses of a plurality of printing devices are simultaneously managed, and when the status of the printing devices changes, even if the printing device whose status has changed is not selected as a display target, the user can be notified to the user. By generating a warning sound indicating the state of the printing apparatus in a high priority state to be notified, it is possible to facilitate the user's grasp of the state of each printing apparatus.

In the above step (11), FIG.
5 of the warning sound file 1504 shown in FIG.
av ”to“ 03003.wav ”may be simply reproduced, or“ 0100
1. “av” to “03003.wav” store sounds such as “error”, “warning”, and “normal” corresponding to each warning information (error, warning, normal), and at the time of reproduction,
A sound indicating the printer name stored in the ROM 2006 may be added, and playback may be performed, for example, such as "An error has occurred in the printer BBB."

[Fifth Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
When performing a selection operation mainly to select a printing device whose status is to be displayed, when selecting a printer to be mainly displayed, simply display a list of the names of each printer and the status of each printer. Although the configuration for selecting a printer whose status is to be displayed has been described, a configuration may be adopted in which the names of each printer and the status of each printer are displayed in a list in an order based on the status of each printer. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing control apparatus to which the printing apparatus status display control apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The printing device status display control device may be a device independent of the printing control device. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numerals 1019 to 1022 denote printers, the printer 1019 is connected to the printer 1016, the printer 1021 is connected to the printer 1019,
The printer 1020 is connected to the printer 1018, and the printer 1022 is connected to the printer 1020.

The data input / output controller 1013
Are connected to the printer 1016, the printer 1019, and the printer 1019 under the control of the CPU 1002.
21 and two-way communication.

Further, the data input / output controller 101
4 performs bidirectional communication with the connected printer 1017 under the control of the CPU 1002.

The data input / output controller 1015
Are connected to the printer 1018, the printer 1020, and the printer 1020 under the control of the CPU 1002.
22 is performed.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program in a printing device status display control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is operating. is there.

In the figure, reference numeral 2200 denotes a pointer, which is one of a plurality of connected printers (10
16) indicates the storage address of the printer information 2201.

The printer information 2201 is information for managing information on the printer 1016 and the like connected to the host computer 1001, and as shown in the figure, port names (PORT1 to PORT7) 2202, a printer name 2203, The error information 2204, the printer warning information 2205, the printer operation information 2206, the menu display priority 2207 indicating the priority when displaying a pull-down menu 2501 shown in FIG. 25 described later, and the next printer (the printer information is not registered) It comprises a pointer 2208 indicating the printer information storage address of any other printer. When there is no next printer (when the printer information of all connected printers is registered), the pointer 2208 stores information indicating the end, for example, a NULL code. Hereinafter, a pointer 2200 and a series of printer information 220
1 is referred to as printer management information.

The printer management information having such a structure makes it possible to easily manage information on a plurality of printers.

This printer management information is stored in the RAM 1
003, a hard disk 1004, or a storage medium (not shown).

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a message used for displaying the status of a display target printer with respect to printer status information used by a printer status display program in a printer status display control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, It is a figure showing the database of the character string used for state display.

In the figure, reference numeral 2301 denotes a classification indicating a state, and “01” is “error” of a warning information character string 2304, corresponding to the priority “priority: 1” of menu display, and “02”.
Is "warning" of the warning information character string 2304 and corresponds to the priority of menu display "priority: 2", and "03" is "normal" of the warning information character string 2304 and is "priority of menu display".
3 ". 2302 is a status code, classification: "0"
The code of “1”: “001” corresponds to “no paper” in message 2303, and the code of classification: “01”: “0”
"02" corresponds to "paper jam" in message 2303, and code: "001" of classification: "02" corresponds to "black ink remaining amount warning" in message 2303, and classification:
The code of “02”: “002” is the message 2303
Corresponding to "Color Ink Level Warning", classification: "03"
Code “001” corresponds to “online” in the message 2303, and the code of the classification “03” is “00”.
"2" corresponds to "printing" of the message 2303, and the code of the classification: "03": "003" corresponds to the message 23.
03 “Preparing for printing”.

The printer status display program of the host computer 1001 receives the printer status information shown in FIG. 2 from the printer 1016 or the like, and is selected from a connection port pull-down menu shown in FIG. The status display contents of the display target printer (a message corresponding to the printer status information) and the status display contents of the non-display target printer (a printer other than the selected printer) (the status corresponding to the printer status information) are shown on the CRT 1010 as follows. It is displayed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the CRT 1010 shown by the printer status display program in the printer status display control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The printer status display program allows a user to select and display any one of a plurality of printers 1016 to 1021 connected to the host computer 1001.

In the figure, reference numeral 2401 denotes a printer name display area, which displays the name of the printer connected to the port currently selected to be displayed. Reference numeral 2402 denotes a connection port display area, which displays the name of the port currently selected to be displayed, that is, the name of the connection port to which the printer name display area 2401 is connected. Reference numeral 2403 denotes a connection port pull-down menu button for selecting a printer to be displayed.

A printer status display area 2404 displays a character string of a message indicating the status of the selected printer. Reference numeral 2405 denotes a non-display printer status display area.
A character string that briefly indicates the status of a printer other than the selected printer is displayed.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the connection port pull-down menu of the connection port is opened on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 24 to mainly select a printer to be displayed.

In the drawing, reference numeral 2501 denotes a connection port pull-down menu, which displays a list of character strings of messages indicating the connection port name of each connected printer, the printer name, and the status of each printer in accordance with the menu display priority 2207.

The connection port pull-down menu 250
1 is a connection port pull-down menu button 2403
It is displayed by selecting (the “▼” portion on the right side of the connection port display area 2403) with a pointing device such as a mouse. The item corresponding to the selected printer is highlighted.

Here, when selecting a printer to be displayed, by selecting each item in this list with a mouse or the like, the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the display of the printer corresponding to the selected item. Can switch.

[Explanation of Processing Operation] The fifth printing apparatus state display processing operation in the printing apparatus state display control device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.
06, based on the printer status display program stored in the hard disk 1004 or a storage medium (not shown), and executed by the CPU 1002. In addition, (1) to (12) indicate each step.

This printer status display program is started when the host computer 1001 is started, and thereafter displays the status of the connected printers 1016 to 1021.

Further, one host computer 100
Only one printer status display program runs on the same host computer, and a plurality of printer status display programs do not run on the same host computer.

First, an initialization process is performed (1). In this initialization process, the status display database (FIG. 23) stored in the hard disk 1004 is loaded into a work area on the RAM 1003, and printer management information (FIG. 2).
2) Initialization is performed.

Next, a pointer (pointer 2200 shown in FIG. 22) to the first printer information registered in the printer management information is obtained (2).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is printer information from the pointer 2200 obtained in step (2) (3). In the initialized state immediately after the start of the host computer 1001, there is no printer information registered in the printer management information, and thus there is no printer information indicated by the pointer 2200.

In this case (when the printer information does not exist), the process proceeds to step (12) and all the printer connection ports (PORT1 to P
The presence or absence of a printer connected to the ORT 7) is checked, and if the target printer is connected, the printer information of the printer is registered in the printer management information (printer management information is registered). When the process is completed for all the printer connection ports, the process returns to step (2), and the process is started again from the printer registered at the top of the printer management information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that there is printer information, the flow advances to step (4) to perform processing for the printer. That is, the status of the printer (printer status information shown in FIG. 2) is acquired from the port stored as the printer information, and the status of the printer is analyzed to recognize the contents.

Next, it is checked whether or not the status of the printer acquired in step (4) is different from the status previously held as printer information (the status in the printer management information), that is, whether or not the status has changed. (5) If it is determined that there is no change in the state of the printer, the process proceeds to step (11) described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the status of the printer has changed, the error information, the warning information, and the operation status information in the printer information registered in the printer management information are updated in step (5). Update the printer status information acquired in 4) (6), and proceed to step (7).

Next, the printer currently displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the printer status information matches the printer from which the printer status information has been acquired (7). If it is determined that the printer status information matches the printer, the process proceeds to step (8) to determine the printer to be displayed in the display frame on the printer status display screen. The display (printer name display area 2401, connection port display area 2402, printer status display area 2404) is updated. Then step (1)
0), the contents and display order of the connection port pull-down menu 2501 shown in FIG. 25 are updated according to the contents of the printer information, and the flow proceeds to step (11).

[0270] The display order of the connection port pull-down menu 2501 shown in Fig. 25 is displayed in order from the menu with the highest priority in the printer management information. When there are a plurality of printers having the same menu display priority, the one near the head of the printer management information is displayed at the top.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the printer currently displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 24 does not match the printer whose printer status information was obtained in step (4), , Step (9)
Then, the non-display printer status display area 2405 on the printer status display screen is updated based on the printer information updated in step (6).

When there are a plurality of non-display target printers and their states are different, information with higher priority is displayed in the non-display printer status display area.

Then, the flow advances to step (10) to update the contents and display order of the connection port pull-down menu 2501 shown in FIG. 25 according to the contents of the printer information, and the flow advances to step (11).

In the above steps (3) to (10),
Since one cycle of processing for the first printer is completed, a pointer to the next printer information registered in the printer management information shown in FIG. 22 is obtained (11), and the process returns to step (3).

Thereafter, when the processing for all the printers registered in the printer management information, that is, all the connected printers has been performed, the process proceeds from step (3) to step (12), and the connection is made again. A series of processes is repeated from the investigation of the printer that is present (updating the printer management information). As a result, even if there is a change in the connection status of the printer, it can be dealt with immediately, and the status of the connected printer can be displayed correctly.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the printers 1016 to 101 connected to the host computer 100l
A change in the status is detected while checking the status of the printer No. 021, and the display order of each printer in the connection port pull-down menu 2501 is displayed in a higher order according to the priority of the status of each printer. By making the change, when the user selects the display target printer, it is possible to easily recognize and select the printer in the high priority state, and the convenience of the display target printer selection can be achieved.

Note that, in this embodiment, the warning information is transmitted as shown in FIG.
24, character string data such as a warning information character string 2304 is registered and the character string is displayed in the non-display printer status display area 2405 in FIG. 24. The name may be registered in the database of FIG. 23, and the icon image corresponding to the file name may be displayed in the non-display printer status display area 2405 of FIG.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment,
A case has been described where the status display of a plurality of printers directly connected to a plurality of input / output controllers provided in one host computer is controlled, but the printer is directly connected to the input / output ports and a predetermined communication medium. The status display of a printer directly connected to an input / output port of another connected host computer may be controlled. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a print control system having two print control devices to which the printing device status display control device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Note that the printing device status display control device may be a device independent of the printing control system.

In the figure, 2018 and 3018 are printers, the printer 2018 is connected to the printer 2015, and the printer 3018 is connected to the printer 3015.

Further, the data input / output controller 2014
Performs bidirectional communication with the connected printer 2015 and printer 2018 under the control of the CPU 2002.

Further, the data input / output controller 301
4 performs bidirectional communication with the connected printer 3015 and printer 3018 under the control of the CPU 3002.

In the fifth embodiment, three data input / output controllers are used, and a printer is connected to each of them (FIG. 21). In this embodiment, the data input / output controllers 2014 and 3014 are connected to the host. One is connected to each of the computers 2001 and 3001.

Also, in the present embodiment, network controllers 2013 and 3013 are provided, and the host computers 2001 and 3013 are connected via the communication line network 2020.
01 allows information to be bidirectionally communicated. That is, the print data on the host computer 2001 (3001) is transferred to the printers 3015, 3018 (2015, 2018) connected to the host computer 3001 (2001) via the communication line network 2020 to perform printing. It is something that is possible.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program in a printing device status display control device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is operating. And a host name indicating the host computer to which the printer is connected at the same time.

In the figure, reference numeral 2800 denotes a pointer, which is printer information 280 of the printer 2015 (3015) connected to the data input / output controller 2014 (3014).
1 indicates the storage address.

[0287] The printer information 2801 indicates the printer 2 connected to the host computer 2001 (3001).
015 (3015) and the host computer 200
1 (3001) for managing information on a printer connected to the host computer 3001 (2001) that can communicate with the host computer 3001 via the network 2020.
As shown, the host names (PC1, PC2) 280
2. Menu display indicating priority when displaying port names (PORT1, PORT2) 2803, printer name 2804, printer error information 2805, printer warning information 2806, printer operation information 2807, and pull-down menu 3001 shown in FIG. A priority 2808 and a pointer 2809 indicating the printer information storage address of the next printer (any other printer for which printer information has not been registered yet). When there is no next printer (when the printer information of all the connected printers is registered), the pointer 2809 stores information indicating the end, for example, a NULL code. Hereinafter, the entire information including the pointer 2800 and the series of printer information 2801 is referred to as printer management information.

With the printer management information having such a structure, information on a plurality of printers can be easily managed.

This printer management information is stored in the RAM 2
003 (3003), hard disk 2004 (300
4) or stored in a storage medium (not shown).

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a printer status display program in the printer status display control device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printer status display screen displayed at 010, where a connection port of a printer to be displayed is displayed in the form of “machine name−port name” as a connection port display.

The printer status display program is connected to the printers 2015 and 2018 (3015 and 3018) connected to the host computer 2001 (3001) and the host computer 3001 that can communicate with the host computer 2001 (3001) via the network 2020. Printer 301 connected to (2001)
5, 3018 (2015, 018) by the user.

In the figure, reference numeral 2901 denotes a printer name display area, which displays the name of the printer currently selected to be displayed. Reference numeral 2902 denotes a connection port display area, which displays a machine name (host computer name) to which the printer name display area 2901 is connected minus a connection port name.
Reference numeral 2903 denotes a connection port pull-down menu button for selecting a printer to be displayed.

Reference numeral 2904 denotes a printer status display area for displaying a character string of a message indicating the status of the selected printer. Reference numeral 2905 denotes a non-display printer status display area.
A character string that briefly indicates the status of a printer other than the selected printer is displayed.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a connection port pull-down menu of a connection port is opened on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 29 to mainly select a printer to be displayed.

In the figure, reference numeral 3501 denotes a connection port pull-down menu, for each displayable printer, a connected machine name (host computer name), a connection port name, a printer name, and characters of a message indicating the status of each printer. A column list is displayed according to the menu display priority 2808.

The connection port pull-down menu 350
1 is a connection port pull-down menu button 2903
It is displayed by selecting (the “▼” portion on the right side of the connection port display area 2902) with a mouse or the like. The item corresponding to the selected printer is highlighted.

Here, in order to select a printer to be displayed, each item in this list is selected with a mouse.
The printer status display screen shown in FIG. 30 can be switched to the display of the printer corresponding to the selected item.

[Explanation of Processing Operation] The sixth printing device status display processing operation in the printing device status display control device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.
06 (3006), hard disk 2004 (300
4) or CPU 2002 (300) based on a printer status display program stored in a storage medium (not shown).
2) is executed. Note that (1) to (13) indicate each step.

The printer status display program running on the host computers 2001 and 3001 in this embodiment is the same as the printer status display program in the first embodiment.
Execution is started when the 3001 is activated, and thereafter, the statuses of the connected printers 2015, 2018, 3015, and 3018 are displayed.

Also, one host computer 2001
Alternatively, there is only one printer status display program operating on the 3001 and the host computer 2001 at the same time.
(Or 3001), a plurality of printer status display programs do not operate. First, an initialization process is performed (1). In this initialization process, the hard disk 2004
The processing for loading the status display database (FIG. 23) stored in (3004) into the work area on the RAM 2003 (3003) and the initialization of the printer management information (FIG. 28) are performed.

Next, a pointer (pointer 2800 shown in FIG. 28) to the first printer information registered in the printer management information is obtained (2).

Next, it is determined whether there is printer information from the pointer 2800 obtained in step (2) (3). In the initialized state immediately after the start of the host computer 2001 (3001), there is no printer information registered in the printer management information.
The printer information indicated by 800 does not exist.

In this case (when the printer information does not exist), the process proceeds to step (12) to check whether there is a printer connected to the printer connection port of the host computer 2001 (3001). If the printer is connected, the printer information of the printer is registered in the printer management information (the printer management information is updated).

Next, in response to a printer status display program running on another host computer 3001 (2001) on the network, the printer 30 connected to that host computer 3001 (2001) is notified.
15, 3018 (2015, 2018), obtains the printer management information managed by the host computer 3001 (2001), and further prints the printer information in the obtained printer management information together with the host computer name. Register to information (1
3). That is, in this step (13), the communication network 20
20 other host computer 3001 (2001)
Printers 3015, 3018 (2015,
The printer information including the printer information of 2018) is acquired by the printer status display program running on the host computer 2001 (3001), registered in the printer management information (FIG. 28), and returns to step (2). The process is started again from the printer registered at the top of the printer management information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that there is printer information, the flow advances to step (4), and the printer that is currently processing the host computer 2001.
Printers 2015 and 20 directly connected to (3001)
18 (3015, 3018), the printer information is acquired from the connection port of the host computer 2001 (3001).

[0307] Also, the printer currently being processed is connected to another host computer 3001 (2001) on the network.
Printers 3015, 3018 (2015,
2018), instead of acquiring the printer information from the connection port, the host computer 3001
(2001), the printer 3015, 3018 (201
5, 2018), and obtains printer information managed by the host computer 3001 (2001).

Next, it is checked whether or not the status of the printer acquired in step (4) is different from the status previously held as printer information (the status in the printer management information), that is, whether or not the status has changed. (5) If it is determined that there is no change in the state of the printer, the process proceeds to step (11) described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the status of the printer has changed, the error information, the warning information, and the operation status information in the printer information registered in the printer management information are updated in step (5). Update the printer status information acquired in 4) (6), and proceed to step (7).

Next, the printer currently displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the printer status information matches the printer from which the printer status information has been acquired (7). If it is determined that the printer status information matches the printer, the process proceeds to step (8) to determine the printer to be displayed in the display frame on the printer status display screen. The display (printer name display area 2901, connection port display area 2902, printer status display area 2904) is updated. Then step (1)
0), the contents and display order of the connection port pull-down menu 3501 shown in FIG. 30 are updated according to the contents of the printer information, and the flow proceeds to step (11).

[0311] The display order of the connection port pull-down menu 3501 shown in Fig. 30 is displayed in order from the one with the highest menu display priority in the printer management information. When there are a plurality of printers having the same menu display priority, the one near the head of the printer management information is displayed at the top.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the printer currently displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 29 does not match the printer whose printer status information was obtained in step (4), , Step (9)
Then, the non-display printer status display area 2905 on the printer status display screen is updated based on the printer information updated in step (6).

When there are a plurality of non-display target printers and their states are different, information with higher priority is displayed in the non-display printer status display area.

Then, the flow advances to step (10) to update the contents and display order of the connection port pull-down menu 3501 shown in FIG. 30 according to the contents of the printer information, and the flow advances to step (11).

In the above steps (3) to (10),
Since one cycle of the process for the first printer is completed, a pointer to the next printer information registered in the printer management information shown in FIG. 28 is obtained (11), and the process returns to step (3).

Thereafter, when the processing for all the printers registered in the printer management information, that is, all the connected printers has been performed, the process proceeds from step (3) to step (12), and the connection is made again. A series of processes is repeated from the investigation of the printer that is present (updating the printer management information). As a result, even if there is a change in the connection status of the printer connected to each host computer, it is possible to respond immediately, and the status of the printer can be displayed correctly.

The host computer 2001 (3001) shown in FIG.
In response to the status information inquiry request from (2001), the status information of the printer connected to the host computer 2001 (3001) is returned.

Also, two host computers 200
The number of host computers is not limited to 1,3001, and three or more host computers may be communicably connected. Also in this case, each host computer returns status information of the connected printer in response to a status information inquiry request from another host computer.

According to the present embodiment, according to the present embodiment, similar to the printers 2015 and 2018 (3015 and 3018) connected to the host computer 2001 (3001), other host computers existing on the communication line network 2020 can be used. Printer 3 connected to 3001 (2001)
015, 2018 (2015, 2018) can be monitored.
1 (2001) connected to the printers 3015 and 301
8 (2015, 2018), the display order of each printer in the connection port pull-down menu 3501 shown in FIG. 30 is changed according to the priority of the status of each printer. By changing the printer to be displayed at a higher rank, the user can easily recognize and select a printer in a high priority state when selecting a printer to be displayed. Can be measured.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the user selects a printing device that mainly displays status information on a screen from a plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device, the user selects the item of the selection menu. It is possible to automatically change the display order according to the priority of the event occurring in each printer, etc., thereby avoiding the troublesome work of the user when selecting the printing device and the printing device. Can be easily grasped.

Further, according to the present invention, the status information of the other printing device on the other printing control device side connected via the communication line network is obtained, and the status is displayed in the same manner as the locally connected printing device. It can be performed.

In this embodiment, the printer 201 connected to the host computer 2001 (3001)
5,2018 (3015,3018) and communication network 2
020 other host computer 3001
Printers 3015 and 3018 connected to (2001)
The case where the status of (2015, 2018) is monitored has been described. In addition, the status of a network printer existing on the communication network 2020 (directly connected to the communication network 2020) may be monitored. Good. In this case, the connection port display area 2903 shown in FIG. 29 and the connection port pull-down menu 350 shown in FIG.
1 may display "printer name-network address" instead of "machine name-port name".

The printer which can control the status display by the printing device status display control device of the present invention is an electrophotographic type printer.
An inkjet, sublimation or any other type of printer may be used.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the warning information is
The configuration in which character string data such as a warning information character string 2304 is registered in the database shown in FIG. 3 and the character string is displayed in the non-display printer status display area 2905 in FIG. 29 has been described. The file name may be registered in the database of FIG. 23, and the icon image corresponding to the file name may be displayed in the non-display printer status display area 2905 of FIG.

As described above, the states of a plurality of printing apparatuses are simultaneously managed, and the printing apparatuses which can be selected as the display targets when the user operates to select the display apparatuses to be displayed are displayed in an order according to the situation and the like. Thereby, it is possible to facilitate the user's grasp of the state of each printing apparatus and switching of display.

The configuration of a data processing program readable by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 32 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus 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., is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the program or data to be installed is compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

FIGS. 7, 12, and 1 in this embodiment.
The functions shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 20, FIG. 26, and FIG. 31 may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, C
The present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as a D-ROM, a flash memory, an FD, or an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, by managing the statuses of a plurality of printers with one printer status display program, even if the number of printers increases, the number of programs to be executed simultaneously is one, and the memory capacity of the CPU is also reduced. In terms of processing, the load on the host computer can be reduced.

Also, since only one status display window is displayed for all printers, the trouble on the screen is eliminated.

Further, even when a trouble such as an error occurs in a printer not to be displayed, the display of the error or warning is simplified without switching the automatically displayed printer regardless of the user's intention. By generating a warning sound (or generating a warning sound), it is possible to easily recognize an error or a warning that has occurred in another printer while continuously monitoring the printer mainly used by the user.

In addition, when the printers to be displayed are selected, the names and states of the respective printers are displayed in a list, so that the printer in which an error or a warning has occurred can be easily selected.

Further, when selecting a printer to be displayed, the names and statuses of the respective printers are changed to an order based on the status of the printers and displayed in a list, so that a printer in which an error or a warning has occurred can be easily selected. it can.

In the case of a printer status display program capable of generating a warning sound, only a warning sound for a printer having a high-priority error or a warning is generated based on a change in the status of a plurality of printers. Even if the status change of the printer occurs, it is possible to easily recognize what kind of event has occurred in which printer.

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 device, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the device 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.

As storage media for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, 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.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0344]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, a printing apparatus status display for controlling display of the states of the plurality of printing apparatuses on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. In the control device, when performing a selection operation mainly to select a printing device whose status is to be displayed, the status display content corresponding to the name of each printing device and the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquisition unit is displayed. A list is displayed in a display frame provided on the screen, and the first selection unit selects a printing device whose status is mainly displayed from the list, and the status of the printing device selected by the first selection unit is displayed by the first selection unit. The first state display means displays in the display frame based on the state display content determined according to the state acquired by the acquisition means, and displays the print apparatus other than the print apparatus selected by the first selection means. State, before The second status display means displays the status in a simplified manner in the display frame based on the status display content determined according to the status acquired by the acquisition means. Can be easily recognized even if the status of the printing device that is not displayed is displayed, and when the user selects the printing device to be displayed, the status of the printing device that is not selected at that time is listed. After confirming the display, the user can easily select a printing apparatus in which an error or a warning has occurred, thereby making it easier for the user to grasp the state of each printing apparatus and switch the display.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a change occurs in the status information of each printing device obtained by the obtaining unit, a list display by the first selecting unit and the first and second display units are performed. Since the first control means for controlling each state display by the second state display means is provided,
The status of each printing device can always be displayed accurately.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the second state display means is selected by the first selection means based on the state information of each printing device acquired by the acquisition means. One of the printing devices other than the selected printing device, and changing the status of the selected one of the printing devices to a status display content determined according to the status obtained by the obtaining unit. Since the information is simplified and displayed in the display frame based on the information, it is possible to easily recognize a change in the state of the printing apparatus in which the state information is not displayed, from an event having a particularly high priority.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the display contents of the second state display means include a character string, a change in the state of the printing apparatus in which the state information is not displayed is logically represented by characters. And it can be easily recognized.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the display contents of the second state display means include an icon image, a change in the state of the printing apparatus in which the state information is not displayed is visually recognized by the icon image. Can be easily and easily recognized.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the plurality of printing devices are displayed on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to a plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In a printing device status display control device for controlling display of a printing device, an acquisition unit acquires the status information of the plurality of printing devices, and is determined according to the status information of the plurality of printing devices acquired by the acquisition unit. Based on the priority of the warning sound generation and the display state on the display screen,
Since the generating means generates a warning sound according to the state of any one of the printing apparatuses, the state of a plurality of printing apparatuses is managed at the same time, and an event having a high priority etc. occurs in the printing apparatus where the state information is not displayed. Even in this case, it can be easily recognized by the warning sound, and it is possible to facilitate the user's grasp of the state of each printing apparatus.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when a change occurs in the status information of each printing device obtained by the obtaining means, the generation means controls to generate a warning sound. Since the two control means are provided, it is possible to always accurately recognize the state of each printing apparatus.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the warning sound includes the name of any of the printing apparatuses and a warning voice message indicating the state of the printing apparatus, no state information is displayed. When a high-priority event occurs in the printing apparatus, it can be intuitively and logically recognized by a warning voice message.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of printing apparatuses are displayed on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. In a printing device status display control device for displaying and controlling the status, when the obtaining means obtains the status information of the plurality of printing devices and performs a selection operation mainly to select a printing device for displaying a status, the display screen is displayed. In the display frame provided above, the status information of each printing device obtained by the obtaining unit, the status display content determined according to the name of each printing device and the status information of each printing device obtained by the obtaining unit Is displayed in a list according to the order, the printing device whose status is mainly displayed is selected from the list by the third selection unit, and the status of the printing device selected by the third selection unit is obtained by the obtaining unit Was based on the state display content is determined in accordance with the state since the fourth state display means displays on the display frame, and manages the state of the plurality of printing devices at the same time,
When the user selects a printing device to be displayed, the status of the printing device that is not selected at that time can be checked easily in an order according to the priority of the event occurring in the list display and the like. It is possible to easily perform an operation of selecting a printing device for which a warning has occurred, and to facilitate the user's grasp of the status of each printing device and switching of display.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when a change occurs in the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquiring means, the list display order by the third selecting means and the fourth Since the third control means for controlling the state display by the state display means to be updated is provided, the state of each printing apparatus can always be accurately displayed.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the status display device determines the status of a printing device other than the printing device selected by the third selecting device in accordance with the status obtained by the obtaining device. Since the fifth status display means for simplifying and displaying the content in the display frame based on the content is provided, the status of a plurality of printing devices connected to the print control device is simultaneously managed, and the status information is displayed in detail. Even a change in the state of the printing apparatus can be easily recognized.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the display contents of the fifth state display means include a character string, a change in the state of the printing apparatus in which the state information is not displayed is logically represented by characters. And it can be easily recognized.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, since the display contents of the fifth state display means include an icon image, a change in the state of the printing apparatus in which the state information is not displayed is visually recognized by the icon image. Can be easily and easily recognized.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of printing devices include a printing device directly connected to the printing control device, the printing device directly connected to the printing control device can be used. It is possible to simultaneously manage the states of a plurality of printing apparatuses including the printing apparatus, and easily recognize a change in the state of a printing apparatus for which state information is not displayed.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of printing devices include a printing device connected via a printing device directly connected to the printing control device. Simultaneously manages the status of a plurality of printing devices including those connected via a printing device directly connected to a printer, and easily recognizes a change in the status of a printing device for which status information is not displayed. be able to.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of printing devices include a printing device connected to the printing control device via a network, the plurality of printing devices are connected to the printing control device via a network. The status of a plurality of printing devices including a printing device can be simultaneously managed, and a change in the status of a printing device for which status information is not displayed can be easily recognized.

[0360] According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, when acquiring the status information of the plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the printing control apparatus, the acquiring means may obtain the status information via a predetermined communication medium. The status information of the other printing devices connected to the other printing control devices that are controlled by the other printing device status display devices that can communicate with the other printers also obtain the status information by inquiring of the other printing device status display devices. In response to an inquiry request for status information from the other printing device status display control device, a return unit that returns status information of a plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device is provided. Simultaneously manages the status of not only the printing device connected to the printing control device, but also multiple printing devices including the printing devices connected to other printing control devices, and the status of the printing device for which status information is not displayed The change can be easily recognized.

According to the nineteenth and twenty-third aspects of the present invention, the plurality of printing devices are displayed on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to a plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In the control method of the printing device status display control device for controlling the display of the device, the status information of the plurality of printing devices is acquired, and the status information is determined according to the name of each printing device and the acquired status information of each printing device. Generating a list selection menu including the status display contents, and displaying the status of the printing device selected from the list selection menu in the display frame based on the status display contents determined according to the obtained status, Since the statuses of the printing devices other than the printing device selected from the list selection menu are simplified and displayed in the display frame based on the status display contents determined according to the obtained status, a plurality of At the same time managing the state of the printing apparatus,
A change in the status of a printing device for which status information is not displayed in detail can be easily recognized, and when the user selects a printing device to be displayed, the user can select a printing device that is not selected at that time. After confirming the status by displaying the list, it is possible to easily perform an operation of selecting a printing device in which an error or a warning has occurred, thereby facilitating the user's grasp of the status of each printing device and switching of display.

[0362] According to the twentieth and twenty-fourth aspects of the present invention, the plurality of printing apparatuses are displayed on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to a plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. In a control method of a printing device status display control device for controlling display of a device, a status sound of the plurality of printing devices is acquired, and a warning sound is generated according to the acquired status information of the plurality of printing devices. A warning sound is generated in accordance with the state of any one of the printing apparatuses based on the priority order and the display state on the display screen. Therefore, the states of a plurality of printing apparatuses are simultaneously managed, and the state information is displayed. Even when an event with a high priority or the like occurs in a non-printing device, it can be easily recognized by a warning sound, and the user can easily grasp the status of each printing device.

According to the twenty-first and twenty-fifth aspects of the present invention, the plurality of printing devices are displayed on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to a plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In the control method of the printing device status display control device for controlling the display of the device, the status information of the plurality of printing devices is acquired, and the status information is determined according to the name of each printing device and the acquired status information of each printing device. A list selection menu that arranges the status display contents in an order according to the status information of each printing device, and determines the status of the printing device selected from the list selection menu according to the acquired status. Since the information is displayed in the display frame based on the display content, the statuses of a plurality of printing devices are simultaneously managed, and when the user selects a printing device to be displayed, the printing device not selected at that time is selected. The user can easily select the printing device where an error or warning has occurred while easily confirming the status of the printer in the order according to the priority of the events that have occurred in the list display. This makes it possible to grasp the state of the printing apparatus and switch the display.

[0364] According to the twenty-second and twenty-sixth aspects of the present invention, in the obtaining step, when obtaining the status information of the plurality of printing apparatuses connected to the printing control apparatus, the obtaining step is performed via a predetermined communication medium. The status information of a plurality of other printing devices connected to another printing control device that performs status display control by another printing device status display control device capable of bidirectionally communicating with the other printing device status display control device In response to a status information inquiry request from the other printing device status display control device, a return step of returning status information of a plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device is performed. With this configuration, the status of not only the printing device connected to the printing control device but also a plurality of printing devices including the printing devices connected to other printing control devices is simultaneously managed, and the status information is not displayed. Also a change of state of the printing device, can easily recognize.

Therefore, the statuses of a plurality of printing devices can be simultaneously managed, and a change in the status of a printing device for which status information is not displayed can be easily recognized, so that the user can grasp the status of each printing device. There are effects such as convenience.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing control apparatus to which a printing apparatus status display control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a format of information (printer status information) indicating the status of the printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program is operating in the printing device status display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a message used for displaying the status of a display target printer with respect to printer status information used by a printer status display program in the printer status display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a status display of a non-display target printer. It is a figure showing the database of the character string used.

5 is an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 1 by the printer status display control device (printer status display program on the host computer shown in FIG. 1) shown in the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a connection port pull-down menu of a connection port is opened to mainly select a printer to be displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control system including two print control devices to which a printing device status display control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program is operating in a printing device status display control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a connection port pull-down menu of a connection port is opened on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 10 to mainly select a printer to be displayed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing control apparatus to which a printing apparatus status display control apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program in a printing device status display control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is operating.

FIG. 15 shows a message used for displaying the status of the display target printer with respect to the printer status information used by the printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and the status display of the non-display target printer. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a database of character strings used for (1).

16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 13 by a printer status display program in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program in a printing device status display control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is operating.

FIG. 19 shows a printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing control apparatus to which a printing apparatus status display control apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program in a printing device status display control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is operating.

FIG. 23 illustrates a message used to display the status of a display target printer with respect to printer status information used by a printer status display program in a printer status display control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and a status display of a non-display target printer. It is a figure showing the database of the character string used.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the CRT shown by the printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a connection port pull-down menu of a connection port is opened to mainly select a printer to be displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control system including two print control devices to which a printing device status display control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of printer management information for managing information of a connected printer while a printer status display program in a printing device status display control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is operating.

FIG. 29 shows a printer status display program in the printing device status display control device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer status display screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

30 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a connection port pull-down menu of a connection port is opened to mainly select a printer to be displayed on the printer status display screen shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sixth printing device status display processing procedure in the printing device status display control device of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1001 Host computer 1002 CPU 1003 RAM 1004 Hard disk 1005 Hard disk controller 1006 ROM 1007 Keyboard controller 1008 CRT controller 1009 Keyboard 1010 CRT 1011 Sound controller 1012 Speaker 1013 Data input / output controller 1014 Data input / output controller 1015 Data input / output controller 1016 Printer 1017 Printer 1018 Printer 1023 mouse controller 1024 mouse

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ04 AQ05 AQ06 HH03 HJ10 HK11 HN05 HN15 HQ01 HQ12 HQ13 HV09 HV13 HV14 HV19 HV26 HV34 HV35 5B021 AA01 BB10 EE02 NN16 CA03 FA08 A09 FA04 A09 FA08 FA32 FA46 FB45 FB46

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus status display control for displaying and controlling the states of the plurality of printing apparatuses on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. An acquisition unit for acquiring status information of the plurality of printing devices, and a name of each of the printing devices and an acquisition unit for acquiring the status information of the plurality of printing devices. First selection means for displaying a list of status display contents according to the status information of each printing device in a display frame provided on the display screen, and selecting a printing device whose status is to be mainly displayed from the list; A first display unit that displays the state of the printing apparatus selected by the first selection unit in the display frame based on the state display content determined according to the state acquired by the acquisition unit;
State display means, and the state of a printing apparatus other than the printing apparatus selected by the first selection means is displayed in the display frame based on the state display content determined according to the state acquired by the acquisition means. And a second status display means for displaying the status in a simplified manner. 2. When a change occurs in the status information of each printing device obtained by the obtaining device, a list display by the first selecting device and each status display by the first and second status displaying devices are performed. 2. The printing device status display control device according to claim 1, further comprising a first control unit that controls the printing device to update. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second status display unit is configured to output the status information of each printing device other than the printing device selected by the first selection unit based on the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquisition unit. Selecting any one of the printing apparatuses, and simplifying the state of the selected one of the printing apparatuses in the display frame based on the state display content determined according to the state acquired by the acquiring unit. The printing device status display control device according to claim 1, wherein the status is displayed. 4. The printing device status display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display content of said second status display means includes a character string. 5. The printing device status display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display content of the second status display means includes an icon image. 6. A printing device status display control for displaying and controlling the statuses of the plurality of printing devices on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to a plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. An acquisition unit configured to acquire status information of the plurality of printing devices; a priority order of generation of an alarm sound determined according to the status information of the plurality of printing devices acquired by the acquisition unit; Generating means for generating a warning sound according to the state of any one of the printing apparatuses based on the display state. 7. A second selection unit for selecting a printing device whose status is to be mainly displayed from the plurality of printing devices, and a status of the printing device selected by the second selection unit is obtained by the obtaining unit. Third to display in the display frame based on the state display content determined according to the state
7. A state display means according to claim 6, wherein
2. The printing device status display control device according to claim 1. 8. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second control unit that controls the generation unit to generate a warning sound when a change occurs in the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquisition unit. The printing device status display control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein 9. The printing apparatus status according to claim 6, wherein the warning sound includes a name of one of the printing apparatuses and a warning voice message indicating a state of the printing apparatus. Display control device. 10. A printing device status display control for displaying and controlling the statuses of a plurality of printing devices on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to a plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In the apparatus, acquisition means for acquiring the status information of the plurality of printing devices, when performing a selection operation to select a printing device that mainly displays the status, in a display frame provided on the display screen, A status display content determined according to the name of each printing device and the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquiring unit,
A third selection unit that displays a list in an order according to the status information of each printing device acquired by the acquisition unit, and selects a printing device to mainly display the status from the list; and a selection unit that is selected by the third selection unit. And displaying the state of the printing apparatus in the display frame based on the state display contents determined according to the state acquired by the acquiring unit.
And a status display means. 11. When a change occurs in the status information of each printing device obtained by the obtaining unit, the list display order by the third selection unit and the status display by the fourth status display unit are updated. 11. The printing device status display control device according to claim 10, further comprising a third control unit for controlling the printing device status. 12. A status of a printing device other than the printing device selected by the third selection means is simplified in the display frame based on status display contents determined according to the status obtained by the obtaining means. 12. The printing device status display control device according to claim 10, further comprising: a fifth status display unit configured to display the status. 13. The printing device status display control device according to claim 12, wherein the display content of said fifth status display means includes a character string. 14. The printing device status display control device according to claim 12, wherein the display content of said fifth status display means includes an icon image. 15. The printing device status display control device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of printing devices include a printing device directly connected to the printing control device. 16. The printing device status display control according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of printing devices include a printing device connected via a printing device directly connected to the printing control device. apparatus. 17. The printing device status display control device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of printing devices include a printing device connected to the printing control device via a network. . 18. The printing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the obtaining unit obtains status information of the plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device, the status of another printing device capable of bidirectional communication via a predetermined communication medium. The display control device also obtains status information of a plurality of other printing devices connected to another printing control device that performs status display control by inquiring of the other printing device status display control device, and obtains the other printing device status information. 18. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a return unit configured to return status information of a plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device in response to a status information inquiry request from the printing device status display control device. The printing device status display control device according to any one of the above. 19. A printing apparatus status display control for displaying and controlling the states of the plurality of printing apparatuses on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. In the apparatus control method, an acquisition step of acquiring state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and a list selection menu including a name of each of the printing apparatuses and a state display content determined according to the acquired state information of each of the printing apparatuses. And a first state in which the state of the printing apparatus selected from the list selection menu is displayed in the display frame based on state display contents determined according to the obtained state. A display step, and simplifying the states of the printing apparatuses other than the printing apparatuses selected from the list selection menu in the display frame based on the state display contents determined according to the acquired state. Method for controlling the printing apparatus status display control device characterized by having a Shimesuru second state display step. 20. A printing device status display control for displaying and controlling the statuses of the plurality of printing devices on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In the method for controlling an apparatus, an acquiring step of acquiring state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses; a priority order of generation of an alarm sound determined according to the acquired state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses; Generating a warning sound according to the state of any one of the printing apparatuses based on the display state. 21. A printing device status display control for displaying and controlling the statuses of the plurality of printing devices on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. In the apparatus control method, an acquisition step of acquiring status information of the plurality of printing apparatuses, and a status display content determined according to the name of each of the printing apparatuses and the acquired status information of each of the printing apparatuses, And a second generation step of generating a list selection menu arranged in an order according to the state information of the printing apparatus, and changing the state of the printing apparatus selected from the list selection menu to the state display content determined according to the acquired state. A third status display step of displaying in the display frame based on the
A control method for a printing device status display control device, comprising: 22. The printing device according to claim 19, wherein the obtaining includes obtaining the status information of the plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device, the status of another printing device capable of performing bidirectional communication via a predetermined communication medium. The display control device also obtains status information of a plurality of other printing devices connected to another printing control device that performs status display control by inquiring of the other printing device status display control device, and obtains the other printing device status information. 22. A return step of returning status information of a plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device in response to a status information inquiry request from the printing device status display control device. The control method of the printing device status display control device according to any one of the above. 23. A printing device status display control for displaying and controlling the statuses of the plurality of printing devices on a display screen of a printing control device which is communicably connected to the plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. An acquisition step of acquiring state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses in a storage medium storing a program readable by a computer that controls the apparatus, and according to the name of each of the printing apparatuses and the acquired state information of each of the printing apparatuses. A first generation step of generating a list selection menu including the determined status display content, and a status of the printing apparatus selected from the list selection menu based on the status display content determined according to the acquired status. A first status display step of displaying in the display frame; and a status of a printing device other than the printing device selected from the list selection menu according to the obtained status. Storage medium from which a computer stores readable program characterized by having a second state display step of displaying is simplified into the display frame based on the state display contents constant, the. 24. A printing device status display control for displaying and controlling the statuses of the plurality of printing devices on a display screen of a printing control device connected bidirectionally with a plurality of printing devices via a predetermined communication medium. An acquisition step of acquiring state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses in a storage medium storing a program readable by a computer that controls the apparatus; and a warning determined according to the acquired state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses. Generating a warning sound according to a state of any one of the printing apparatuses based on a priority order of sound generation and a display state on the display screen. Storage medium in which is stored. 25. A printing apparatus status display control for displaying and controlling the states of the plurality of printing apparatuses on a display screen of a printing control apparatus which is communicably connected to a plurality of printing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium. An acquisition step of acquiring state information of the plurality of printing apparatuses in a storage medium storing a program readable by a computer that controls the apparatus, and according to the name of each of the printing apparatuses and the acquired state information of each of the printing apparatuses. A second generation step of generating a list selection menu for arranging the determined status display contents in an order according to the status information of each of the printing devices; and acquiring the status of the printing device selected from the list selection menu. A third state display step of displaying in the display frame based on the state display content determined according to the state. Storage medium storing the possible program. 26. The printing device according to claim 26, wherein, when obtaining the status information of the plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device, a status of another printing device communicable bidirectionally via a predetermined communication medium. The display control device also obtains status information of a plurality of other printing devices connected to another printing control device that performs status display control by inquiring of the other printing device status display control device, and obtains the other printing device status information. 26. A return step for returning status information of a plurality of printing devices connected to the printing control device in response to a status information inquiry request from the printing device status display control device. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to any one of the above.