JP2002264446A - Composite printer and method for sharing hardware resource in composite printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a composite printer mounting independent controllers interconnected through internal communication lines in which hardware elements used in respective controllers can be utilized efficiently by sharing them efficiently. SOLUTION: The composite printer comprises first and second controllers interconnected through internal communication lines wherein print object data is transferred between the first and second controllers using a first logic channel and control data is transferred using a second logic channel.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a multifunction printer and a method of sharing hardware resources in the multifunction printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, so-called stand-alone printers that can print on printing paper by themselves without the need for connection to a host device such as a personal computer have become widespread.

This stand-alone printer is equipped with a control device for realizing a so-called print job input function in addition to a conventional control device for realizing a printer function in order to ensure independence from a host device. These control devices are system-independently configured,
They are connected to each other by a parallel dedicated line or the like. That is, these control devices include a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM,
Each has a hardware element (resource) such as OM.

In such a stand-alone printer,
First, one control device that implements the printer driver function receives print target data such as JPEG data,
This is appropriately subjected to image correction processing, converted into image data, and developed in its own RAM. Then, the control device starts transferring the image data to the other control device realizing the print function via the parallel dedicated line at a predetermined timing. The control device that has received the image data performs, for example, halftone processing, pulse width modulation, and the like, and supplies it to the print engine, thereby realizing printing on printing paper.

[0005]

A printer equipped with a systemically different control device, such as a stunt-alone printer, is generally called a composite printer. As such a composite printer, a printer with a scanner function and a printer with a copy function are known.

[0006] The internal control device in the multifunction printer is:
Each is completely systematically independent, and each has a hardware element. Therefore, when a change occurs in the control program due to a change in the specification of a certain control device and a problem occurs that the conventional ROM specification cannot be stored in a sufficient capacity, a ROM having a sufficient capacity for the control device is required. While it would be sufficient to change to this, this was a factor in increasing costs.

Accordingly, the present invention makes it possible to efficiently use hardware elements used in respective control devices in a multifunction printer equipped with independent control devices interconnected by an internal communication line. That is the task.

More specifically, the present invention makes it possible to efficiently use hardware elements used in each of such independent control devices by efficiently sharing them, and thereby to use the hardware elements in combination. It is an object to reduce the manufacturing cost of a printer.

[0009]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multifunction printer including a first control device and a second control device interconnected by an internal communication line. Between a first controller and the second controller,
While the data to be printed is transferred on the first logical channel,
The control data is transferred by a second logical channel.

It is preferable that the composite printer transfers predetermined data by packet communication.

Thus, one control device can acquire control data from another system-independent control device, so that it is not necessary for itself to further provide a hardware element such as a memory. Therefore, the hardware elements used in each control device can be used efficiently only by considering the reallocation of resources (data) to the hardware elements.

Further, the multifunction printer transmits the data to be printed on the first control device to the second control device for the first time.
The control data relating to the settings on the second control device is transferred to the first control device in the second logical channel.
Transfer on one of the logical channels.

Further, at the time of the start-up process, the multifunction printer communicates between the second control device and the first control device.
It is preferable to transfer control data relating to settings, and it is preferable to transfer control data relating to a printing status on the second control device to the first control device via the second logical channel.

[0014] Further, the multifunction printer may be configured such that the first control device sends the second control device to the second control device.
It is preferable to transfer the control data relating to the print cancellation through the logical channel.

Further, it is preferable that, when transferring the predetermined data between the first control device and the second control device, the composite printer designates which logical channel to transfer.

Further, the present invention relates to a method of sharing hardware resources in a multifunction printer having a plurality of control devices connected to each other by an internal communication line. To print the data to be printed
Hardware resources in a multifunction printer, wherein control data on the one control device is transferred to the other control device via a second logical channel during startup processing. Is a sharing method. [Detailed description of the invention]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present embodiment is based on the premise that a printer, which is called a so-called composite printer, is equipped with a control device that is systemically different. Examples of such a composite printer include a stand-alone printer, a printer with a scanner function, a printer with a copy function, and the like. Hereinafter, a stand-alone printer as shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal panel 11 and various buttons 12 are provided on the upper surface of the main body of the printer 1 to form a user interface. In other words, a predetermined guidance message or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 11, and the user can give the printer 1 a print condition setting, a print execution instruction, and the like by operating the button 12 according to the displayed content. . Further, a card slot 13 as an external interface is provided on the front surface of the main body of the printer 1. Card slot 1
Reference numeral 3 conforms to, for example, the PCMCIA standard, and is configured so that a memory card 14 conforming to such a standard can be attached and detached. The memory card 14 stores, for example, image data captured by a digital camera. Such image data is stored in a general-purpose image format (for example, JPEG).

The printer 1 can directly print image data stored in the memory card 2 without being connected to a host device. That is, upon detecting that a memory card has been inserted and inserted, for example, the printer 1 displays a message prompting a print execution instruction on the liquid crystal panel 11 and waits for the print execution instruction. At this point, the user can operate the button 12 as necessary to set the printing conditions, and give a print execution instruction using the button 12. Upon receiving the user's print execution instruction, the printer 1 reads out the image data stored in the memory card 2 and performs printing on print paper. This allows
The user can directly print image data taken by a digital camera or the like without going through a host device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the printer 1 is equipped with control devices 2A and 2B that are systematically different from each other in order to enable direct printing without the intervention of a host device. The control device 2A provides a so-called print job input function for generating print job data and sending it to the control device 2B, and also provides a user interface function instead of the host device. The control device 2B receives print job data sent from the control device 2A, converts the print job data into image data, and provides a function for printing. These control devices 2A and 2B are connected to each other by an internal communication line 20, and are configured to be communicable by a communication interface described later. In the present embodiment, communication between the control devices 2A and 2B is performed by packet communication, and at least two logical channels of a data channel and a control channel are prepared. Here, the data channel is a channel for transferring data such as print job data, and the control channel is a channel for transferring other control commands. Further, higher-level channels (packet control channels) for controlling these logical channels may be prepared. Note that a logical channel is used to mean that data is distinguished and communicated in a higher communication layer. The identification between the logical channels is performed, for example, as a data if the predetermined field in the header of the packet is "0x00", and a control command if the predetermined field is "0xFF".

First, in the control device 2A, the processor 21a executes various control programs stored in the ROM 23a using the RAM 22a as a main storage memory. That is, various programs are stored in the processor 21.
The printer 1 realizes a predetermined function in cooperation with other hardware. Control device 2
The functions realized by A are mainly a print job input / management function and a user interface function.

The external interface circuit 24 is for enabling access to the mounted memory card 14, reads out image data stored in the memory card 14 under the control of the processor 21a, and performs physical / logical And then sends it to the internal bus. The image data taken into the internal bus is developed in the RAM 22a under the control of the processor 21a.

The user interface circuit 25 controls a user interface realized by the liquid crystal panel 11 and various buttons 12. The user interface circuit 25 sends a predetermined guidance message to the liquid crystal panel 1 under the control of the processor 21a.
1 or an input by operating the button 12 is accepted.

The communication interface 26a performs packet communication with the communication interface 26b in the control device 2B via the internal communication line 20. In other words, the communication interfaces 26a and 26b physically and physically control the data (internal data) on the control devices 2A and 2B.
Perform a logical conversion, transmit using a predetermined communication protocol,
Further, the received data is subjected to physical / logical conversion, and converted into internal data suitable for each.

On the other hand, in the control device 2A, the processor 21b executes various control programs stored in the ROM 23b using the RAM 22b as a main storage memory. That is, various programs are stored in the processor 21.
In this case, the print function is realized in cooperation with other hardware.

That is, the processor 21b converts the print job data received via the communication interface 26b into image data and develops the image data in the image data area on the RAM 22b. Engine controller 2
7 controls R while controlling the operation of the print engine 37.
The image data developed on the AM 22b is read and supplied to the print engine 28. The engine controller 27 is activated by, for example, a print execution command sent from the processor 21b as a trigger when image data of a predetermined bandwidth (for example, one page) is expanded in the image data area on the RAM 22b. The print engine 28 includes, for example, a paper feed mechanism and a print head, and performs printing on a print medium such as paper. As the print engine 28, a printer according to the type of printer such as a laser printer or a serial printer can be used.

The EEPROM 29 is a nonvolatile rewritable memory and stores various data necessary for controlling the printer 1.

As described above, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment has different control devices 2A and 2B in terms of system.
Are connected to each other by an internal communication line 20 so that packet communication can be performed between the communication interfaces 26a and 26b. The exchange of data between the control devices 2A and 2B is performed by logical channels called a data channel, a control channel, and a packet control channel for managing these two channels at a higher level. The control device 2A sends the print job data to the control device 2B as a print job using the data channel.
Inquires about the print status (print status) of the print job sent using the control channel, and requests cancellation of the print job. Further, between the control devices 2A and 2B, the respective hardware elements (resources) can be used via a control channel.

More specifically, the control device 2A
RAM 22b, ROM 23b, EEPROM 29 on B
In order to refer to the data stored in the control device 2B, a data transfer request is made to the control device 2B, and in response thereto, the data transferred by the control device 2B can be received. The control device 2A is also provided with a RAM 22 for the control device 2B.
A write request to b may be made. Similarly, the control device 2B includes a RAM 22a and a ROM 23a on the control device 2A.
Can be referred to.

For example, the EEPROM 29 stores not only data referred to by the control device 2B but also data referred to by the control device 2A. Data referred to by the control device 2A includes setting data for the liquid crystal panel 11, print setting data specified when generating print job data, and the like. Data referred to by the control device 2B includes printer identification data (product ID), data indicating the remaining amount of printer ink, and the like. When the power is turned on to the printer 1, the control device 2A
The setting data stored in the PROM 29 is obtained from the control device 2B via the control channel and used for its own control.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts for explaining the packet communication processing between the control devices 2A and 2B according to the present embodiment. In the packet communication process between the control devices 2A and 2B, the control device that wants to transfer data first uses a packet control channel to transfer data (here, the data includes control commands). Therefore, after securing either the data channel or the control channel, the data transfer is started on the secured channel. Channel reservation means that, for example, a session between the control devices 2A and 2B has been established by receiving a permission response to a request to transfer data for how many bytes over the data channel. Hereinafter, the control devices 2A to 2B
Will be described by way of example in which data is transferred to

That is, as shown in the figure, first, the control device 2A, which intends to transfer data, inquires of the control device 2B whether or not data transfer is possible using a packet control channel (STEP 301; (1) in FIG. 4). )). In this case, the transfer source control device 2A sends, for example, a request to transfer data of how many bytes over the data channel to the transfer destination control device 2B. Upon receiving this inquiry, the control device 2B sends a response of permission or non-permission according to the availability of the buffer ((2) in FIG. 4). Control device 2A
Receives a non-permission response (STEP 30).
(No in 2), after waiting for a predetermined time, inquires of the control device 2B again whether or not data transfer is possible. On the other hand, when a response of permission is received (Yes in STEP 302), a packet having a header indicating the specified channel, that is, a data channel is transmitted (STEP 303; FIG. 4).
(3)). After transferring all the data, the control device 2A
When the control device 2B receives the specified data size, the packet communication process in this session between the control devices 2A and 2B ends.

In the above description, the control device on the data sending side initiatively sends data to the control device on the receiving side. Data may be acquired from the control device on the sending side.

The packet communication processing between the control devices 2A and 2B is used during various operations of the printer 1. For example, when the power is turned on, the control device 2A
Are used to acquire various setting data from the EEPROM 29 in the control device 2B. In printing image data, the control device 2A is used to send print job data to the control device 2B. Further, when printing is canceled during printing, the control device 2A is used to send a print cancel command to the control device 2B. Hereinafter, the operation of the printer 1 will be described with respect to these examples.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the printer 1 when the power is turned on. As shown in the figure, when the power is turned on, the control devices 2A, 2B
Performs initialization processing such as hardware inspection (STE
P501). Next, the control device 2B issues a data transfer request via the control channel via the packet control channel to transfer the setting data in the EEPROM 29 to the control device AB (STEP 502). This corresponds to STEPs 301 to 302 in FIG. 3 described above. Control device 2
B receives the permission response from the control device 2A, and transmits the setting data via the control channel (STEP 50).
3). The control device 2A that has received the setting data performs a starting process based on the setting data (STEP 503).

As described above, since the control device 2A can acquire the setting data from the system independent control device 2B, it is not necessary to provide the EEPROM 29 in the control device 2A. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a hardware element such as an EEPROM in all control devices. Therefore, only by considering the reallocation of resources, the hardware elements used in each control device can be reduced. It can be used efficiently. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the hardware elements used in the control device can be efficiently used by efficiently sharing them, and the manufacturing cost of the composite printer can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the printer 1 when a print job is submitted. When the control device 2A receives the print execution instruction by the user operating the button 12, the control device 2A reads the image data stored in the memory card 2 (STEP 60).
1) According to the current print settings, this is converted into print job data (STEP 602). Next, the control device 2A makes a data transfer request via the data channel via the packet control channel in order to send the converted print job data to the control device 2B (STEP 6).
03). Then, upon receiving the permission response from the control device 2B, the control device 2A transmits print job data via the data channel (STEP 503). The control device 2B that has received the print job data converts the print job data into image data, and starts printing by the print engine 28.

As described above, the control device 2A can send print job data to the control device 2B which is system independent. In particular, in the present embodiment, since print job data is transmitted via the data channel, other data can be transmitted via the control channel even during the transmission. Therefore, as described below, for example, when canceling a print job, a control command can be sent before the transfer of all print job data is completed. Can be suppressed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the printer 1 when a print job is canceled. In this example, it is assumed that the control device 2A starts sending print job data and that printing has already started from the data at the head of the print job data. In this state, when the user inputs a print cancel instruction by operating the button 12, the control device 2A
Sends a data transfer request via the control channel via the packet control channel to send a print cancel command to the control device 2B (STEP 701). And
Upon receiving the permission response from the control device 2B, the control device 2A transmits a print cancel command via the control channel (STEP 702). It is assumed that the control device 2A is also transmitting print job data during this time. When receiving the print cancel command, the control device 2B that has received the control command performs a process for canceling the print (STEP 703). In the process for canceling printing, for example, the supply of image data to the print engine 28 is stopped, and the packet received via the data channel is discarded. Also,
The image data area of the RAM 22b is reset.

As described above, the control device 2A can send a control command to the system independent control device 2B via a channel different from the print job data. As a result, the printing can be canceled before the transfer of all the print job data is completed, and the time lag from the cancel instruction to the completion of the cancel processing can be suppressed. Therefore, conventionally, even after the user gives a print cancel instruction, the print job data is continuously sent, and the waste of the printing paper due to the cancellation being performed in a state where the printing is considerably advanced can be reduced. .

Incidentally, the packet communication processing between the control devices 2A and 2B can be used even during the above-mentioned operation. For example, even when the print status (print status) is displayed on the user interface, the control device 2B may use the control device 2B to acquire the print status from the control device 2A via the control channel.

The above embodiment is an exemplification for explaining the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention only to this embodiment. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. In the above embodiment, the operation of the printer has been described sequentially, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. Therefore, as long as no inconsistency occurs in the operation, the order of processing may be changed or the operation may be performed in parallel.

[0043]

According to the present invention, in a multifunction printer equipped with independent control devices interconnected by an internal communication line, hardware elements used in each control device are efficiently shared. As a result, the printer can be used efficiently, and the production cost of the composite printer can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an external configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a packet communication process between control devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a packet communication process between control devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the printer 1 when power is turned on.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the printer 1 when a print job is input.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for describing processing of the printer 1 when a print job is canceled.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer 2A, 2B ... Control device 20 ... Internal communication line 21 ... Processor 22 ... RAM 23 ... ROM 24 ... External interface circuit 25 ... User interface circuit 26 ... Communication interface circuit 27 ... Engine controller 28 ... Print engine 29 ... EEPROM

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 AP07 HJ10 HN05 HQ06 5B021 AA02 BB01 BB04 CC05 GG05 5K034 AA11 BB06 FF19 HH06

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A first system interconnected by an internal communication line.
A multi-function printer comprising the control device and the second control device, wherein the print data is transferred between the first control device and the second control device via a first logical channel, while the control data In a second logical channel. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction printer transfers predetermined data by packet communication. 3. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein the multi-function printer transfers the data to be printed on the first control device to the second control device via a first logical channel. Printer. 4. The multifunction printer according to claim 1, wherein the control data relating to the setting on the second control device is transferred to the first control device via one of a second logical channel. 3. The composite printer according to 3. 5. The multifunction printer according to claim 1, wherein at the time of start-up processing, control data relating to settings is transferred between said second control device and said first control device. Composite printer. 6. The multifunction printer according to claim 1, wherein the control data relating to the printing status on the second control device is transferred to the first control device through the second logical channel. A composite printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The multifunction printer according to claim 1, wherein the first control device transfers control data relating to print cancellation via the second logical channel to the second control device. 6. The composite printer according to 6. 8. The multifunction printer according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined data is transferred between the first control device and the second control device, which logical channel is to be used for the transfer. The composite printer according to claim 1. 9. A method of sharing hardware resources in a multifunction printer having a plurality of control devices interconnected by an internal communication line, comprising the steps of: A first logical channel for transferring the control data on the one control device to the other control device via a second logical channel during a start-up process; How to share wear resources.