JP2001047709A - Imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging system in which labor of a user is not wasted by informing progress of print operation to the operator of imaging system. SOLUTION: A host unit 1 comprises a printer control section 11 delivering print data while adding total capacity information thereto and a printer 3 comprises a printer engine 25 for printing an image on a print sheet based on the print data, a controller board 21 for receiving the print data described using a printer description language from the host unit 1, developing the received print data and then delivering the developed data toward the printer engine 25, and a control panel 23 for displaying and outputting the processing content of a printer 3. Based on the print data and total capacity received by the controller board 21, situation of the processed print data for the total capacity is displayed sequentially on the control panel 23.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a host device such as a personal computer or a workstation,
The present invention relates to an image forming system including a printer device and a two-way communication cable connecting the both devices, and in particular, when print data sent from a host device is subjected to a print process in the printer device, sequentially controls the progress of the print process. The present invention relates to an image forming system capable of notifying a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image forming system in which a host device and a printer device are connected by a bidirectional communication cable, once print data is sent from the host device to the printer device, the host device side transmits the print data to the printer device. The printing status of the printer device could not be grasped at all, so to speak, the printer device side was in a black box state from the host device side. Also, since the printer does not know the total capacity of the print data, it is not clear to what percentage of the total capacity of the print data the printing process has been completed. It was possible to know only a limited printing situation for the number of sheets printed by the apparatus.
Therefore, after sending print data from the host device, the operator of the image forming system does not know the progress of the printer device. After a lapse of time that is expected to end, the user goes to the installation location of the printer device and brings back the print result.

[0003]

However, if the operator of the image forming system waits until the printing process is completed in the vicinity of the printer, if the total capacity of the print data is large, the operator will have to wait longer. You will have to wait for time. Also, when the operator goes to the installation location of the printer after the expected end time of the printing process and retrieves the print result, if the end of the actual printing process is earlier than the expected end time, the operator may have the difference time. If the actual printing process ends later than the expected end time, it may be necessary to wait on the spot or return and return to the printer again. Since it is necessary to go to the place where the apparatus is installed to get the print result, the operation efficiency of the operator also decreases in this case. The present invention of claim 1 has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems,
The operator of the image processing system can know the progress of the printing process from the display contents on the printer device, and can know the waiting time from the progress, and efficiency in which the operator's work time is lost It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system capable of preventing the deterioration. Further, even if the image forming system of the first aspect is used, the operator of the image processing system cannot know the progress of the printing process without looking at the control panel of the printer device. It is necessary to move from the installation location of the printer device to the installation location of the printer device.

[0004] The present invention of claim 2 has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an operator of the image processing system can determine the progress of the printing process from the display contents on the host device. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing system which can know the waiting time from the progress and does not waste the man-hour of the operator. In addition, even if the image forming system according to the second aspect is used, the operator of the image processing system cannot know the progress of the printing process without looking at the display contents of the host device. There is a problem that it is not possible to move away from the installation location. The present invention of claim 3 has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and enables the operator of the image processing system to know the progress of the printing process even if the operator is away from the display screen of the host device. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing system which can know the waiting time from the progress and does not waste the man-hour of the operator.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system according to the present invention has a display device and an input device, and a host device for generating print data; Image forming system, comprising: a printer device that prints an image on a print sheet based on a printer; and a bidirectional communication cable that enables communication of print data and control data between the host device and the printer device. The host device includes a printer control unit that converts print data described using a different language depending on the type of software into print data described using a printer description language and sends the print data to a printer device. A printer engine for printing an image on printing paper based on the print data, and developing the received print data. A controller board for sending to the printer engine; and a control panel for displaying and outputting the processing contents of the printer device. The printer control unit of the host device sends the print data by adding the total capacity value information of the print data to the print data. And the printer device includes:
The processing status of the print data corresponding to the total capacity value is displayed on the control panel based on the print data received from the host device and the total capacity value information. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system of the first aspect, the controller board sends a processing status of print data corresponding to a total capacity value to the host device, and the host device transmits the print data of the print data. The processing status is output to the display means. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first or second aspect, the printer notifies the operator of the processing status by sound based on the print data and the total capacity value received by the controller board. It is characterized by having a notifying means for performing.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 5 of the present embodiment
Numeral 0 has a display unit 15 and an input unit 17, which will be described later, and activates an operation system (OS) or arbitrary software such as a word processor or application software such as CAD software to activate characters, codes, etc. A host device 1 such as a personal computer or a workstation capable of generating print data related to an image of the same, a printer device 3 for printing an image on print paper based on print data generated by the host device 1, By electrically connecting the host device 1 and the printer device 3, the host device 1 sends print data to the printer device 3 and control data for printing an image on printing paper based on the print data. At the same time, control data is sent from the printer device 3 to the host device 1. A two-way communication cable 5 to enable communication etc., and a. A printer control unit that converts print data described in a language different depending on the type of application software or the like into print data described in a printer description language (PDL) is provided inside the host device 1. 11 and the host device 1
Printer interface that converts signals (such as print data and control data) transmitted from the printer into signals that can communicate with the printer device 3 and converts signals (such as control data) received from the printer device 3 into signals that can be processed in the host device 1 (I / F) 13 and display as display means including a display device or the like capable of displaying an original image of print data, an image image of print data, print conditions of print data, a processing status of print data, and the like. Part 15
And an input unit 17 that is an input unit including a keyboard or the like that allows an operator to input print conditions or print instructions of print data. The printer control unit 1
1 converts print data into print data described using PDL, calculates the total capacity value (how many bytes of data) of the print data, and stores the total capacity value information in the header of the print data. Add.

The host device 1 is provided inside the printer device 3.
A printer engine 25 that prints an image on print paper based on print data received from a printer, and print data described using a printer description language from the host device 1, and the print data is processed by the printer engine 25. A controller board 21 that expands the data as possible and sends the expanded print data to a printer engine 25.
And processing contents of a printing process executed by the printer device 3 together with a touch panel or a keyboard as input means of an operator for performing an input operation for setting processing contents such as mode switching or font change of the printer device 3. A control panel 23 having a display means (LCD or the like) for displaying and outputting a warning sound such as a beep sound can be generated in an arbitrary length and pattern by an instruction command from the controller board 21 or the like. A buzzer 27, which is a notification unit that can notify the operator of the progress of the printing process or the end of the printing process by sound. In the case of an electrophotographic printer mechanism, the printer engine 25 includes, for example, the controller board 21.
When the print data and the control signal developed from the printer are received, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photoconductor based on the print data, and the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner to form a toner image. An image is formed on the transfer paper by feeding a transfer paper from the printer, transferring a toner image to the transfer paper, and fixing the toner image. Inside the controller board 21, signals (print data, control data, etc.) received from the host device 1 are converted into signals that can be processed in the printer device 3, and signals sent from the printer device 3 (status signals, various information, etc.) ) Into a signal that can communicate with the host device 1, a host interface (I / F) 31,
A program ROM 33 for storing a main program for controlling data in the controller board 21 or controlling peripheral modules (such as a printer engine) of the controller board 21; and fonts for characters used in print processing or characters displayed on a control panel or the like ROM 35 for storing various setting information and various operation signals input from a keyboard or the like of the control panel 23 into signals that can be processed in the controller board 21, and a signal to be displayed and output on the LCD or the like of the control panel 23. Panel interface (I / F) 37 for converting to a signal that can be displayed on a computer, and a program ROM
Printer device 3 based on the program stored in
A microprocessor that controls the overall operation and controls communication with the host device 1 via the host I / F 31 and executes processing for expanding received print data so that it can be processed by the printer engine 25, and the like. A work memory for processing the program by the CPU 39, a buffer memory for temporarily storing print data received from the host 1 in page units, and printing the received print data into an actual print pattern. A bit map memory for temporarily storing data (video data), a RAM 41 that functions as a memory for temporarily storing control data and the like, and a signal that can be processed by the printer engine 25 for the expanded print data and control signals. Conversion and output, and printer engine 25
Status signals received from the controller board 2
An engine interface (I / F) 43 that converts the signal into a signal that can be processed in the printer 1 and a drive power for the buzzer 27 so that the frequency of the sound (beep sound) generated from the buzzer 27 varies depending on the progress of the printing process. Buzzer driver 45, host I / F 31, program ROM 3
3. Font ROM 35, Panel I / F 37, CPU3
9, an internal bus 47 for electrically connecting each of the RAM 41, the engine I / F 43, and the buzzer driver 45 to enable transmission and reception of signals between them, and a controller between the controller board 21 and the control panel 23. An internal wiring 49 for electrically connecting between the board 21 and the printer engine 25 and between the controller board 21 and the buzzer 27 to enable transmission and reception of signals between each;
It has. When developing the print data, the controller board 21 develops the print data according to a control mode set by a keyboard or the like of the control panel 23.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The buzzer 27 that sounds in accordance with the ratio of the print data for which the printing process has been completed to the total capacity value.
The operator can select any tone (for example, 20%, 50%
%, 90%, etc.) are set in advance. In the present embodiment, for example, the first tone (one-second beep) is generated three times intermittently when the printing process is completed at 50%, and the second tone (when the progress is 90%). 2 seconds beep) intermittently
The third tone (continuous beep sound) is generated for 5 seconds when the 100% progress status, that is, the printing process is completed, is set by the operator in advance. In step S1, the printer control unit 11 of the host device 1
The print data generated by any application software is converted into print data described in a printer description language (PDL). In step S2, the printer control unit 11 controls a microprocessor (CPU) (not shown).
, Etc., to calculate the total capacity value of the print data of the PDL to be transmitted. In step S3, the printer control unit 11 adds the information of the total capacity value to the header portion of the print data of the PDL to be transmitted. In step S4, the printer control unit 11 transmits the print data to which the total capacity value information has been added to the printer I / F 13 and the bidirectional communication cable 5.
To the printer device 3 via the. Step S
In 5, the CPU 39 in the controller board 21 of the printer device 3 receives the print data, expands the print data for print processing, and stores the total capacity value information received together with the print data in the RAM 41. In step S6, the CPU 39 in the controller board 21 sequentially calculates the ratio (for example, 50%, 90%, etc.) of the print data for which the printing process has been completed by the printer engine 25 to the total capacity value, and outputs the calculation result to the control panel. 23 and the host device 1 via the bidirectional communication cable 5 or the like.
Notify. In the host device 1, the calculation result is displayed on the display unit 15.
To be displayed. In step S7, the controller board 2
The CPU 39 within 1 determines whether or not the calculation result of step S6 matches the preset ratio. If the calculation result matches the preset ratio (step S7: Yes), the process proceeds to step S8, and if the calculation result does not match the preset ratio (step S7: No), Then, the process returns to step S6. In step S8, the CPU 39 in the controller board 21
By controlling the buzzer driver 45, a beep sound corresponding to a preset ratio is generated from the buzzer 27. In step S9, the CPU 39 in the controller board 21
Determines whether the calculation result of step S6 matches the total capacity value notified from the host device. If the calculation result matches the total capacity value (step S9: Yes),
When the processing ends and the calculation result does not match the total capacity value (step S9: No), the process returns to step S6.

The image forming system according to the present embodiment can not only display the processing status of the print data with respect to the total capacity value on the control panel 23 of the printer device 3 but also operate the host device 1 by configuring and operating as described above. To be displayed. Therefore, the operator of the image forming system according to the present embodiment operates the control panel 23 of the printer device 3 or the display unit 15 of the host device 1.
By looking at the contents displayed in (1), the processing status of the print data in the printer device can be confirmed. As a result, the operator can predict when to go to the printer device to retrieve the print result, so that even if the total amount of print data is large, there is no need to wait for a long time in the vicinity of the printer device. Can be scheduled and the work can be performed in accordance with the schedule, so that there is no loss in the work time of the operator and the efficiency is not reduced.
Further, the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the calculation result for calculating the ratio of the processing status of the print data to the total capacity value matches the ratio set in advance, the tone beep corresponding to each set ratio. Since the buzzer 27 is sounded by using a sound, even when the operator is working at a place away from the printer device 3 or the host device 1, the operator can recognize the timbre and print data in the printer device. Can be checked. As a result, the operator can predict when it is time to get the print result to the printer device, and can schedule the work in the future and work according to the schedule. And the efficiency is not reduced.

[0010]

As described above, according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the processing status of print data with respect to the total capacity of image data to be printed can be displayed on the control panel of the printer device or on the host device. The operator can check the processing status of the print data in the printer device, and does not need to wait for a long time near the printer device even if the total amount of print data is large. Further, the operator can work by incorporating the time required to obtain a print result in the printer device into a future work schedule. Therefore,
According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system that does not cause a loss in the operation time of the operator and reduce the efficiency. Further, the present invention of claim 3 provides:
If the calculation result of calculating the ratio of the processing status of the print data to the total capacity value matches the ratio set in advance,
Since the buzzer is sounded by using the beep sound of the tone corresponding to each set ratio, in addition to the effect of the present invention of claim 1 or 2, the operator can work at a place remote from the printer device or the host device. Even in this case, the operator can confirm the processing status of the print data in the printer by recognizing the tone.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart of the image forming system of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... host device, 3 ... printer device, 5 ...
Bidirectional communication cable, 11 ... printer control unit, 13
... Printer interface, 15 ... Display unit,
17 ... input unit, 21 ... controller board, 2
3 Control panel, 25 Printer engine, 27 Buzzer, 31 Host interface, 33 Program ROM, 35 Font ROM, 37 Panel interface, 39
... CPU, 41 ... RAM, 43 ... Engine interface, 45 ... Buzzer driver, 47
..Internal bus, 49 ... internal wiring, 50 ... image processing system

Claims (3)

[Claims] A host device that has a display unit and an input unit and generates print data; a printer device that prints an image on print paper based on the print data; and a host device and the printer device. And a bidirectional communication cable that enables communication of print data and control data between the host device and the host device. A printer control unit that converts data into print data described using a printer description language and sends the print data to a printer device, wherein the printer device prints an image on print paper based on the print data; and Displays the controller board that expands the received print data and sends it to the printer engine, and the processing contents of the printer device A printer control unit of the host device, the printer controller of the host device adds the total capacity value information of the print data to the print data and sends the print data, and the printer device transmits the total capacity value information of the print data to the print data received from the host device. An image forming system, wherein a processing status of print data corresponding to a total capacity value is displayed on the control panel based on the capacity value information. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controller board sends a processing status of the print data corresponding to a total capacity value to the host device, and the host device outputs a processing status of the print data to the display unit. The image forming system according to claim 1. 3. The printer device, based on the print data and the total capacity value received by the controller board,
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify an operator of the processing status by sound.