JP2001277663A - Network printer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform extra print out from a storage medium connected with a network. SOLUTION: The network printer system comprises printers 3 and N-Memory servers 5 connected with a network wherein the printer 3 comprises an input section 8 receiving data from the network, an interpretation control section 9 for converting the data into a printer intermediate language, a develop control section 12 for developing the printer intermediate language into a bit map being stored in a page memory 11, a controller 6 having an N-Memory I/O section 14 for communicating the printer intermediate language with the N- Memory server 5, an engine 7 having a counter 15 for counting the number of sheets to be discharged, and an operating section 16 for displaying the output conditions of file and outputting the file again. The printer intermediate language is stored in the N-Memory server 5 at the time of print out and a file is selected at the operating section 16 thus outputting the file stored in the N-Memory server 5 additionally to the printer 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a network printer, and more particularly to a network printer system for cooperatively utilizing printer data with another machine via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Normally, a printer understands an output file from a computer device such as a PC in a language (generally, Printer Description L).
The file is converted into bitmap data via a display list file (hereinafter, referred to as a “DL file”), which is a printer intermediate language, by a controller, and output to the engine.

[0003] Conventionally, if it is desired to add another copy after printing and outputting with a printer, it is necessary to start up the PC application again and give an output instruction.

[0004] In the case of a model in which a storage medium such as an HDD is built in a printer, an output file from a PC application is temporarily stored in this storage medium, and the file stored in the storage medium is output at the time of additional output. ing.

[0005]

However, it is necessary to incorporate an HDD or the like into a printer in order to realize the technology. However, in the case of a low-cost printer, an expensive HD is required.
Such a technology cannot be adopted because D is not incorporated.

In the case of such a low-cost printer,
Attempts to achieve the same using a storage medium such as an HDD of a PC via a network cannot be easily realized due to the following various problems.

First, in the case of a network printer, when another part is output from another PC connected to the network at the timing when an additional output is instructed from the operation unit, a conflict occurs and printing cannot be performed. Would.

Second, when a file to be additionally output is selected from the operation unit, it is not known which file to output if a plurality of files have already been output.

Third, since the storage medium of the PC is used via the network, the PC is not always started and operates normally. When the PC is not turned on at the time of use, or the storage medium of the PC cannot be used due to a network trouble.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a network printer capable of performing additional print output from a network-connected storage medium even if the printer does not have an HDD.

[0011]

To solve this problem, a network printer system according to the present invention is a network printer system comprising a network-connected printer and a storage medium, wherein the printer transmits data from a network. An input unit for receiving, an interpretation control unit for converting data into a printer intermediate language, a development control unit for expanding the printer intermediate language into a bitmap and storing it in a page memory, and a printer control unit that converts the printer intermediate language into a storage medium via a network. A controller having a memory data input / output unit for transmitting and receiving data between them, an engine having a discharge counter for counting the number of discharged sheets, and an operation unit for displaying a file output status and performing a file re-output operation, The printer intermediate language is stored in the storage medium when the printer prints out. The files stored in the storage medium by selecting a file in operation unit to read again the printer is obtained by a configuration in which the additional output.

This makes it possible for a printer without an HDD to perform additional print output from a storage medium connected to a network.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a network printer system comprising a network-connected printer and a storage medium, wherein the printer has an input unit for receiving data from the network, Control unit that converts the printer intermediate language into a printer intermediate language, a development control unit that expands the printer intermediate language into a bitmap and stores it in a page memory, and memory data that transmits and receives the printer intermediate language to and from a storage medium via a network A controller having an input / output unit, an engine having a discharge counter for counting the number of discharge sheets, and an operation unit for displaying a file output status and performing a file re-output operation, The intermediate language is stored in the storage medium, and the file is selected with the operation unit, so that the storage medium This is a network printer system in which the stored file is read again by the printer and additional output is performed. Even if the printer does not have an HDD, additional print output can be performed from a storage medium connected to the network. Having.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when a file is additionally output to a printer again by selecting a file on the operation unit, the file is output from another computer device connected to the network. This is a network printer system that waits for an output request as busy in use, and has an effect that it is possible to avoid contention during print output.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the printer intermediate language and the file identification information are stored in a storage medium at the time of printing output of the printer, and the file is re-read from the operation unit. If there is an output request,
This is a network printer system that sends file identification information from a storage medium to a printer and displays a list of the files on an operation unit, so that a desired output file can be easily selected from a plurality of output files. Has an action.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, at the time of print output of the printer and additional output from the storage medium, the printer is preceded by an inquiry to the storage medium. This is a network printer system that inquires whether the storage medium is valid or not, and has an effect that it is possible to know beforehand a network trouble or the like in which the storage medium cannot be used.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network printer system comprising a network-connected printer and a storage medium, wherein the printer comprises: an input unit for receiving data from the network; An interpretation control unit for converting the printer intermediate language into a bitmap and storing it in a page memory, and a memory data input / output unit for transmitting and receiving the printer intermediate language to and from a storage medium via a network. And an engine having a discharge counter for counting the number of discharged sheets, and an operation unit for displaying a file output status and performing a file re-output operation. Printer setting information is stored in a storage medium, and the file is selected by the operation unit. This is a network printer system that reads the stored file and its printer setting information into the printer again and performs additional output of the printer based on the setting information. It is possible to easily output with the same settings as the previous time when additional printing output Has the effect of becoming

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In these drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description is omitted.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a network printer system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the network printer system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams showing the software configuration of the network printer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation unit of the network printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an N-Memory file according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the operation at the time of output in the network printer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the operation at the time of re-output in the network printer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, Embodiment 1 of the present invention
In the network printer system, a printer 3 is communicably connected to an N-Memory server (memory server) 5 as a storage medium on a LAN 1.

An operation control device 2 is connected to the same LAN 1, and a file output instructed by application software or the like on the operation control device 2 is transmitted to a printer 3 via a server (not shown) and Is developed into a DL file (printer intermediate language), and this data is stored in the N-Memory server 5 and printed out.

Here, the printer 3 and the N-Memory
The y server 5 has a configuration as shown in FIG.

That is, the printer 3 has a controller 6 for developing received data from the network into a bitmap, and an engine 7 for outputting the developed bitmap.
And an operation unit 16 for displaying a file output status and performing a file re-output operation. Then, the controller 6 converts the output file from the operation control device 2 into LA.
An input unit 8 for receiving data from an N1 and an interpretation control unit 9 for converting input data into a DL file which is a printer intermediate language
A DL memory 10 for storing the DL file, a development control unit 12 for developing the DL file to a bitmap,
Page memory 1 for storing expanded bitmap data
1, an output control unit 13 for outputting data for one page to the engine 7, and an N-Memory input / output unit (memory data input / output unit) 14 for inputting / outputting a DL file to / from the N-Memory server 5. It consists of Further, the engine 7 is provided with a discharge counter 15 for counting the number of discharged sheets.

Further, the N-Memory server 5 has the LA
A network input / output unit 18 connected to the N1 for inputting / outputting a DL file; an HDD 17 for storing the received DL file; and an N-Memory for managing input / output to / from the HDD 17 and controlling reading / writing of a required DL file. It comprises a control unit 19.

It is desirable that the N-Memory server 5 is realized by a computer such as a PC in terms of cost.

FIG. 3 shows the printer 3 and the N-Memory
3 shows a software configuration of the server 5.

As shown in the figure, the control software of the printer 3 operates on an RTOS 22, which is a real-time OS, and has a Main task 28 at the top for managing various tasks. Then, the DL file is stored in the N-Memory server 5 one level below the Main task 28, and the second copy and subsequent copies are re-output and used to shorten the output time by using this data to manage the so-called Mopy output. Mo to do
There are a py task 26 and tasks 27 for controlling other printer operations. These tasks are respectively performed by the built-in memory 20 built in the printer 3 and the NM via the LAN 1.
It is necessary to be able to use the external memory using the memory server 5 without being aware of it. The memory management function 25 manages these controls.

One lower level of the memory management function, a memory higher level function 23 for handling the built-in memory, and an N-
There is an N-Memory management function 24 for handling an external memory of the Memory server 5, and a Network driver 21 for controlling a network.

Here, the N-Memory server 5 is a PC
Etc., and in this case, De
The N-Memory server application 31 runs on the sktopOS 30 and has the built-in memory 29 and the HDD 1
7 to exchange a DL file with the printer 3 via the network driver 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 1 of the printer 3
Reference numeral 6 includes a display means 32 using a liquid crystal screen together with numeric keys and an execution key.

The display means 32 displays a list of DL files of images which are output once by the printer 3 and stored in the N-Memory server 5. Note that a file that is not stored in the N-Memory server 5 for convenience is displayed in gray (the Aproval.prn file in the figure corresponds to the file. In FIG. 4, the file is represented by white blanks).

FIG. 5 shows an N-Memory file 33 exchanged between the printer 3 and the N-Memory server 5.
Is shown.

As shown, the N-Memory file 33 includes a file header 34 and a DL file 35.

The file header 34 includes an identification code indicating the file header, a header length indicating the length of the file header 34, a file ID for identifying the file, a file ID length indicating the length, and the printer From the printer length indicating the MAC address of the printer and its length, the output file name and the file name length indicating its length, and the output date, output time, the size of the output file and the file size length indicating its length Has become.

The DL file 35 is a printer intermediate language for printer output, and is output to the N-Memory server 5 at the same time as output.

In the network printer system configured as described above, the operation in the output instruction operation from the client and the operation in the re-output operation from the operation unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9.

First, the user instructs the operation control device 2 to output data of an application or the like to the printer 3 and performs file transfer (step S1). As a result, the output file is sent to the printer 3 via a server (not shown), and the printer 3 first sets the page counter of the DL to 0, and then the interpretation control unit 9 sequentially converts the received file into a DL file and outputs the DL page. DL of counter number
Expand the file in the DL memory 10 (step S
2).

When one page has been developed, the printer 3
An inquiry is made as to whether the Memory server 5 is valid (step S3). Upon receiving this inquiry, the N-Memory server 5 returns Ack as valid (step S4). Here, if the N-Memory server 5 is down or if no Ack is returned for a certain period of time due to a trouble on the network, the printer 3 determines that the N-Memory server 5 is not valid. I do.

The printer 3 is an N-Memory server 5
Is determined to be valid (step S5). If invalid, the output file information is added to the unregistered list assuming that the current output DL file cannot be stored in the N-Memory server 5 (step S6). Thereafter, an output instruction of the engine is issued for normal output (step S7).

On the other hand, in step S5, N-Memo
If the ry server 5 is valid, the size of all DL files is calculated (step S8), and the file header 34 described with reference to FIG. 5 is created (step S9). After creation, the file header 34 is transferred to the N-Memory server 5 (step S10). The N-Memory server 5 stores the received file header 34 in the HDD 17 (step S11). After storing, an OK Ack is returned to the printer 3 (step S12).

After confirming the Ack, the printer 3 transfers the DL file of the first page to the N-Memory server 5 (step S13).

Upon receiving the DL file, the N-Memory server 5 stores the file corresponding to the file ID in H
It is stored in the DD (step S14). After storage, OK A
ck is returned to the printer 3 (step S15).

After confirming the Ack, the printer 3 instructs the engine to output the expanded DL file of the first page to the engine (step S16). Then, the DL page counter is incremented by 1 (step S17).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the DL file is the last page (step S18). If it is not the last page, the process returns to step S13, and the processing for the second and subsequent pages is similarly performed.

On the other hand, in the case of the last page, the printer 3
-Issue an end notification to the Memory server 5 (step S19). As a result, the N-Memory server 5 confirms that all DL files corresponding to the file ID have been normally received, and closes the file (Step S20). After that, OK Ack for Printer 3
Is returned (step S21). Then, the printer 3 confirms the OK Ack, and terminates (step S2).
2).

Next, the process of re-outputting the image of the N-Memory server 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The re-output function is selected on the operation unit 16 of the printer 3 (step S30). Thereby, the printer 3
Makes an inquiry to the N-Memory server 5 as to whether or not it is valid (step S31). Upon receiving this inquiry, the N-Memory server 5 returns Ack as valid (step S32). Where N-Mem
If the ory server 5 is down or a trouble occurs on the network, the Ack
Is not returned, the printer 3 determines that the N-Memory server 5 is not valid.

The printer 3 determines whether the N-Memory server 5 is valid (step S33). If the N-Memory server 5 is invalid, the printer 3 displays "No additional output is possible" on the display means 34 of the operation unit 16 (step S34). Also, N-Mem
When the ory server 5 is valid, a request is made to the N-Memory server 5 for a re-outputtable list (step S35). The N-Memory server 5 is a printer 3
Then, the corresponding output list of the printer 3 is selected from the MAC address and transmitted (step S36).

The printer 3 displays a list of file names on the display unit 34 of the operation unit 16 together with the received output list and the output refusal list created in step S6 (step S37). This state is shown in FIG.
In the figure, the files that cannot be output are displayed in gray.

The user operates the "↑" and "↓" keys shown in FIG. 4 to select a file to be re-output (step S3).
8). At this time, an output-disabled file cannot be selected.

The printer 3 sets Busy on the network (step S39). Thus, an output request from a server (not shown) or another operation control device 2 is queued.

The printer 3 is an N-Memory server 5
The file ID to be output, which has been selected by the user, is transmitted to the user (step S40). The N-Memory server 5 transmits the first page of the DL file corresponding to the requested file ID (Step S41).

The printer 3 sets the discharge counter 15 to 0 (step S42) and stores the received first page DL file in the DL memory 10 (step S43). Then, when this is developed for one page, the engine output is started (step S44).

Next, the discharge counter 15 is monitored and counted up, and then the DL page counter value is compared with the discharge counter value (step S45). If the discharge counter value is smaller, the process returns to step S43, and the DL file of the second page is continuously loaded into the DL memory.

On the other hand, if the output of the last page is completed in step S45 and the DL page counter value becomes equal to the discharge counter value, the printer 3 sets the N-Memory.
The normal output is notified to the server 5 (step S4).
6). As a result, the N-Memory server 5 performs a DL file output termination process (step S47), and returns an OK Ack to the printer 3 (step S4).
8).

The printer 3 releases the busy state from the network (step S49) and ends (step S50).

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
Copy DL file to N-Memory when output from printer 3
By storing the file in the server 5 and selecting the file with the operation unit 16, the file stored in the N-Memory server 5 is read into the printer 3 again for additional output. , It is possible to add a re-output function.

When a file stored by selecting a file on the operation unit 16 of the printer 3 is read into the printer 3 again for additional output, an output request from another computer device such as a PC connected to the network is issued. By setting the status to “in use”, another output request can be made to wait while re-outputting from the N-Memory server 5.

Further, the DL file and the file identification information are stored in the N-Memory server 5 at the time of output from the printer 3, and when a file re-output request is made from the operation unit 16 of the printer 3, the file identification is transmitted from the N-Memory server 5. Send information to printer 3 and list file
Is displayed on the operation unit 16, it is possible to select a desired file without mistake even if a plurality of files have already been output.

Then, at the time of output from the printer 3 and N-Mem
printer 3 at the time of additional output from the
Is inquiring whether the N-Memory server 5 is valid before inquiring the N-Memory server 5 from the server, the network trouble or the like or the N-Memory
It is possible to easily know the case where the server cannot be used due to an error of the y server 5 or the like, and to inform the user whether or not the re-output function is available.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a network printer system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the network printer system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 12 and FIG. 12 are explanatory diagrams showing an operation unit of the network printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an N-Memory file according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an output operation in the network printer system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of re-output in the network printer system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the network printer system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the printer 3 and the finisher 4 can communicate with each other on the LAN 1 with an N-Memory server (memory server) 5 as a storage medium. Are connected.

Then, as in the first embodiment, a file whose output is instructed by application software or the like on the operation control device 2 connected to the LAN 1 is transmitted to the printer 3 via a server (not shown) and Is expanded into a DL file (printer intermediate language), and this data is printed out while being stored in the N-Memory server 5.

Here, the printer 3, the finisher 4, and the N-Memory server 5 are configured as shown in FIG.

Printer 3 and N-Memory Server 5
Is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted here. The finisher 4 connected to the printer 3 is provided with a discharge counter 17 for counting the number of discharged sheets, similarly to the printer 3.

FIG. 12 shows the operation unit 16 of the printer 3.

The operation unit 16 has a display means 32 using a liquid crystal screen, in addition to numeric keys and an execution key.

After selecting a file to be output, the display means 32 displays the output conditions of the file. In the case shown in the figure, the conditions at the time of the previous output are displayed first, and the selection items are determined using the “↑” and “↓” arrows.
The re-output condition is set by changing the candidate with the “→” and “←” arrows.

FIG. 13 shows the printer 3 and the N-Memory
N-Memory file 3 exchanged with server 5
3 shows the configuration of FIG.

The N-Memory file 33 includes a file header 34, an output condition header 36, and a DL file 35.
It consists of Since the file header 34 and the DL file 35 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, the description is omitted here.

The output condition header 36 includes an output condition information area indicating the output condition header, an output condition length indicating the length of the output condition header 36, the number of copies indicating the number of output copies, and whether printing is performed on both sides or only one side. Short side binding / long side binding indicating whether to be able to see when bound on the short side or when bound on the long side, depending on the printing direction of the back side, When the item is single-sided, "0" indicating invalid is entered because it is unnecessary. Nin1 for printing a plurality of pages on one sheet by reduction (2 for 2 pages, 4 for 4 pages, 9 for 9 pages) ), Group / sort indicating whether to sort in page order or output as it is when there are multiple output copies, automatically change the page order in multiple page output, output two pages as one sheet, and output both sides It's a weekly magazine Punch showing saddle edge indicating whether or not to be output to stapling in the middle, staple indicating whether or not to perform stapling, whether puncturing or as binding the output paper file or the like,
When the finisher bin is full, when the sort output is to be separated, a shift indicating whether or not the shift output is to be performed left and right in output units is made.

Next, in the network printer system configured as described above, the operation in the output instruction operation from the client and the operation in the re-output operation from the operation unit are shown in FIG.
4, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG.

First, the user instructs the operation control device 2 to output data of an application or the like to the printer 3 and performs file transfer (step S60). As a result, the output file is sent to the printer 3 via a server (not shown), and the printer 3 first sets the page counter of the DL to 0, and then the interpretation control unit 9 sequentially converts the received file into a DL file and outputs the DL page. DL of counter number
The file is developed in the DL memory 10 (step S6)
1).

When one page has been developed, the printer 3
An inquiry is made as to whether the Memory server 5 is valid (step S62). Upon receiving this inquiry, the N-Memory server 5 returns Ack as valid (step S63). Here, if the N-Memory server 5 is down, or if an Ack does not return for a certain period of time, such as when a trouble has occurred on the network,
The printer 3 determines that the N-Memory server 5 is not valid.

The printer 3 is an N-Memory server 5
Is determined to be valid (step S64). If invalid, the output file information is added to the unregistered list assuming that the current output DL file cannot be stored in the N-Memory server 5 (step S65). Thereafter, an output instruction of the engine is issued for normal output (step 66).

On the other hand, in step S64, N-Mem
If the ory server 5 is valid, the size of all DL files is calculated (step S67), and the file header 34 described with reference to FIG. 5 is created (step S68). After that, the output condition is arranged and the output condition header 3 described in FIG.
6 is created (step S69). After creation, the file header 34 and the output condition header 36 are changed to N-Memory.
Transfer to the y server 5 (step S70). N-Mem
The ory server 5 stores the received file header 34 and output condition header 36 in the HDD 17 (step S71). After storage, an Ack of OK is returned to the printer 3 (step S72).

After confirming the Ack, the printer 3 transfers the DL file of the first page to the N-Memory server 5 (step S73).

When the N-Memory server 5 receives the DL file, it stores the file corresponding to the file ID in H
It is stored in the DD (step S74). After storage, OK A
ck is returned to the printer 3 (step S75).

After confirming the Ack, the printer 3 instructs the engine to output the expanded DL file of the first page to the engine (step S76). Then, the DL page counter is incremented by 1 (step S77).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the DL file is the last page (step S78), and if it is not the last page, the process returns to step S73, and the processing for the second and subsequent pages is similarly performed.

On the other hand, in the case of the last page, the printer 3
-Issue an end notification to the Memory server 5 (step S79). Thereby, the N-Memory server 5 confirms that all the DL files corresponding to the file ID have been received normally and closes the file (step S80). After that, OK Ack for Printer 3
Is returned (step S81). Then, the printer 3 confirms the OK Ack and ends (step S8).
2).

Next, the process of re-outputting the image of the N-Memory server 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18.

The re-output function is selected on the operation unit 16 of the printer 3 (step S90). Thereby, the printer 3
Makes an inquiry to the N-Memory server 5 as to whether or not it is valid (step S91). Upon receiving this inquiry, the N-Memory server 5 returns Ack as valid (step S92). Where N-Mem
If the ory server 5 is down or a trouble occurs on the network, the Ack
Is not returned, the printer 3 determines that the N-Memory server 5 is not valid.

The printer 3 determines whether or not the N-Memory server 5 is valid (step S93). If the N-Memory server 5 is invalid, the printer 3 displays "No additional output is possible" on the display means 34 of the operation unit 16 (step S94). Also, N-Mem
If the ory server 5 is valid, the re-output list is requested to the N-Memory server 5 (step S95). The N-Memory server 5 is a printer 3
Then, the corresponding output list of the printer 3 is selected from the MAC address and transmitted (step S96).

The printer 3 displays the file name list on the display unit 34 of the operation unit 16 by combining the received output list with the output refusal list created in step S65 (step S97). This state is shown in FIG.
In the figure, the files that cannot be output are displayed in gray.

The user operates the "↑" and "↓" keys shown in FIG. 4 to select a file to be re-output (step S9).
8). At this time, an output-disabled file cannot be selected.

The printer 3 sends the N-Memory server 5 an output condition request for the file ID to be output, which has been selected by the user (step S99). N-Mem
The ory server 5 transmits the output condition of the file corresponding to the requested file ID (Step S100).
Accordingly, the printer 3 displays the received output condition on the display unit 34 of the operation unit 16 (Step S101).

Next, the user inputs “↑” and “↓” shown in FIG.
Operate the “←” and “→” keys to set the file re-output condition. As a result, the printer 3 sets the set conditions as output conditions (step S102).

The printer 3 sets Busy on the network (step S103). Thus, an output request from a server (not shown) or another operation control device 2 is queued.

The printer 3 sets the discharge counter 15 to 0 (step S104), and transmits the file ID to be output to the N-Memory server 5 (step S1).
05). The N-Memory server 5 transmits the first page of the DL file corresponding to the requested file ID (Step S106).

The printer 3 inserts the received first page DL file into the DL memory 10 (step S10).
7). Then, when this is developed for one page, the engine output is started based on the output condition changed by the user (step S108).

Next, after the discharge counter 15 is monitored and counted up, the DL page counter value is compared with the discharge counter value (step S109). If the discharge counter value is smaller, the process returns to step S106, and the DL file for the second page is continuously loaded into the DL memory.

On the other hand, in step S109, when the output of the last page is completed and the DL page counter value becomes equal to the discharge counter value, the printer 3 sets the N-Memor.
The normal output is notified to the y server 5 (step S1).
10). As a result, the N-Memory server 5 has the DL
A file output end process is performed (step S111).
An OK Ack is returned to the printer 3 (step S1).
12).

The printer 3 releases the busy state from the network (step S113) and ends (step S114).

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
The printer setting information is stored in the N-Memory server 5 together with the DL file at the time of output from the printer 3, and the file and the printer setting information stored by selecting the file on the operation unit 16 of the printer 3 are read into the printer 3 again and the setting is performed. Since additional output is performed based on the information, it is possible to easily output with the same settings as the previous time at the time of additional output.

In the second embodiment, the example in which the finisher 4 is connected has been described. However, there is no problem in operation even if the finisher 4 is provided. However, when the finisher 4 is not connected, it is necessary to use the discharge counter 17 of the engine 7.

In the second embodiment, in the case of a printer having a double-sided printing unit as the output condition, double-sided conditions can be set and double-sided output can be performed when re-outputting.

Further, in the present embodiment, the data is output after being expanded for one page using the page memory. However, it is possible to have a memory having a bandwidth and output the data from the N-Memory server synchronously. In this case, there is no need to provide the page memory in the printer, so that a more inexpensive printer can be configured.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the N-Memory server 5, which is a storage medium, is mainly described by a computer device such as a PC. However, the N-Memory server 5 may be a general-purpose computer, a workstation, or a computer. It may be realized by another printer having a built-in memory or HDD.

The present invention can adopt various embodiments as long as the gist of the present invention is not impaired.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention, the printer intermediate language is stored in the storage medium at the time of output from the printer, and the file stored in the storage medium is read into the printer again by selecting the file with the operation unit. Since the additional output is performed, an effective effect that an additional print output can be performed even with a printer having no HDD can be obtained.

Further, when a file stored by selecting a file on the operation unit is read into the printer again and added and output is performed, it is determined that the file is being used in response to an output request from another computer device connected to the network. By doing so, an effective effect of avoiding contention at the time of output can be obtained.

When the printer outputs, the printer intermediate language and the file identification information are stored in the storage medium, and when a file re-output request is made from the operation unit, the file identification information is sent from the storage medium to the printer and the file list is sent to the operation unit. , An effective effect that a desired output file can be easily selected from a plurality of output files can be obtained.

Further, if the printer is inquired whether the storage medium is valid before the printer inquires the storage medium at the time of output from the printer and at the time of additional output from the storage medium, a network trouble or the like in which the storage medium cannot be used is prevented beforehand. An effective effect of being able to know is obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, the printer setting information is stored in the storage medium together with the printer intermediate language at the time of output of the printer, and the file and the printer setting information stored by selecting the file on the operation unit are transferred to the printer again. Since the additional output is performed based on the read setting information, an effective effect that the output can be easily performed with the same settings as the previous time at the time of the additional output is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a network printer system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the network printer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of the network printer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation unit of the network printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an N-Memor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Explanatory diagram showing the structure of the y file

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an output operation in the network printer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart following FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of re-output in the network printer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart following FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a network printer system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a network printer system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation unit of the network printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows N-Memo according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Explanatory diagram showing the structure of the ry file

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an output operation in the network printer system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart following FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of re-output in the network printer system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart following FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart following FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

3 Printer 5 N-Memory server (storage medium) 6 Controller 7 Engine 8 Input unit 9 Interpretation control unit 11 Page memory 12 Expansion control unit 14 N-Memory input / output unit (memory data input / output unit) 15 Discharge counter 16 Operation unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A network printer system comprising a network-connected printer and a storage medium, the printer comprising: an input unit for receiving data from the network; an interpretation control unit for converting the data into a printer intermediate language; A controller having a development control unit that develops the printer intermediate language into a bitmap and stores it in a page memory; and a memory data input / output unit that transmits and receives the printer intermediate language to and from the storage medium via the network. An engine having a discharge counter for counting the number of discharged sheets, and an operation unit for displaying a file output status and performing a file re-output operation, wherein the printer intermediate language is stored at the time of printing output of the printer. Store it on a medium and select the file with the operation unit. Network printer system which is characterized in that the additional output was read again the printer the file stored in the storage medium in. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the file is additionally output to the printer again by selecting the file on the operation unit, an output request from another computer device connected to the network is awaited as busy. The network printer system according to claim 1, wherein 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the printer intermediate language and file identification information are stored in the storage medium at the time of print output of the printer, and a file re-output request is received from the operation unit.
3. The network printer system according to claim 1, wherein the file identification information is sent from the storage medium to the printer, and a list of the files is displayed on the operation unit. 4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein at the time of print output of said printer and at the time of additional output from said storage medium, an inquiry is made as to whether said storage medium is valid prior to inquiry of said storage medium from said printer. , 2 or 3
A network printer system as described. 5. A network printer system comprising a network-connected printer and a storage medium, the printer comprising: an input unit for receiving data from the network; an interpretation control unit for converting the data into a printer intermediate language; A controller having a development control unit that develops the printer intermediate language into a bitmap and stores it in a page memory; and a memory data input / output unit that transmits and receives the printer intermediate language to and from the storage medium via the network. An engine having a discharge counter for counting the number of discharged paper sheets; and an operation unit for displaying a file output status and performing a file re-output operation. Setting information is stored in the storage medium, and Network printer system, characterized in that Airu by loading again the printer the stored the file and the printer setting information by selecting to add the output of the printer based on the setting information.