JP2002307794A - Printer and method for managing printing job - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable printing even when a specific error of an option is generated in a printer. SOLUTION: A method for managing jobs of the printer is provided with a printing means for receiving and converting PDL or the like printing data to intermediate code data in units of pages and executing a printing process on the basis of the intermediate code data, and a paper supply or delivery means added to the printing means. There are provided a step of storing the intermediate code data to a storing means, a step of managing the stored intermediate code data in units of jobs and sending the data in units of jobs to the printing means, a step of confirming whether or not the generated error is allowed by checking page control data of a succeeding job when the generated error is determined to be the specific error, a step of carrying out an interruption process for the error-generated job when the error is determined to be allowed in the step, a step of carrying out the printing process by sending the succeeding job to the printing means after the step, and a step of making the interrupted job a printing process object after the error is solved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of recording an image on a recording medium based on printing information input from an external device and having improved printing order control and a print job management method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a print job management method for preventing a function of the entire printing apparatus from being stopped by an error caused by an optional apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computers have been used for LAN (Local Ar
ea Network), a LAN connection is possible not only with a printer but also with various peripheral devices such as a multi-function image processing device having a copy and fax function. In such an environment, the image recording device will be shared by users with all needs. For example, even if the image recording device is used in the same office, the number of users, whether different paper sizes are used, whether the printed matter is often taken immediately or left for a long time, etc. , The usage environment varies. Furthermore, since the operation method of the image recording device also changes from time to time,
There is a demand for an image recording apparatus having a function that can respond to each operation method.

As one means for meeting such needs, it has recently become common to use a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk to change the printing order in job units and to provide functions such as interrupt printing. is there. By using these functions, the user can, for example, identify the job in which an error has occurred and cancel the job in error, or change the order of the job in error and the succeeding jobs. Such operations as replacement can be easily performed.

[0004]

However, the following problems have been encountered in an image recording apparatus having a function of changing the printing order on a job basis or performing interrupt printing using a large-capacity storage device.

That is, in an environment in which a plurality of users use one printer at the same time, if an error occurs in a specific job, a user who cannot cancel the job without permission will be unable to cancel the job. There is a problem in that a complicated operation such as waiting for release by the issuing user or changing the order of jobs through manual operation must be performed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide an optional device,
For example, in a printing device that incorporates a paper discharge optional device or a paper feed optional device including a sorter,
Even if an error relating to these optional devices occurs, it affects only the specific job _N , and if the error is irrelevant to other jobs, the job which caused the current error is interrupted and the subsequent job is stopped. By automatically performing the printing process of such a job _{N + 1} , and further simplifying the reception of the user operation for the interrupted job _N when such a process is performed,
It is an object of the present invention to adaptively process a job in accordance with the type of error and to enable job recovery for an error of a type particularly likely to occur in an environment used by a plurality of users.

In particular, when a specific error occurs in an arbitrary job _N , the end of the remaining development process of the job _N and the subsequent job
_An object of the present invention is to make it possible to print the job _{N + 1} before the job _N on the condition that the remaining development of _{N + 1} (analysis and development of an unanalyzed page belonging to the job) ends.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus, comprising: a printing apparatus for receiving print data from an external device; A data converting means for converting the image data into intermediate code data in page units, a printing means for executing a printing process based on the intermediate code data, a plurality of paper feeding means to the printing means or a plurality of printing means from the printing means. A printing apparatus comprising: a paper discharge unit; an image storage unit capable of storing the intermediate code data from the conversion unit for a plurality of pages; and the intermediate code data stored in the image storage unit in job units. It is possible to manage and send the intermediate code data from the storage unit to the printing unit in units of jobs, and to send the intermediate code data in the order of jobs when sending to the printing unit. Data processing means, and an error specifying means for recognizing an error occurring in the optional device and specifying the error, wherein the data processing means is such that the error specifying means is the paper feeding means or the paper discharging means. If it is determined that one of the plurality of means has the error, the page control data of the succeeding job is examined to determine whether the designation of the optional device of the job has selected the means in which the error has occurred. And means for interrupting the job in which the error has occurred and sending the succeeding job to the printing means when the confirming means determines that the succeeding job has not selected the means in which the error has occurred. And performing print processing.

The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
Wherein the data processing unit, when interrupting the job in which the error has occurred, completes the conversion of the interrupted job, and further, the data conversion unit notifies the data conversion unit of the completion of data conversion of the succeeding job. After the detection, the intermediate data of the succeeding job is sent to the printing unit.

[0010] Further, the invention according to claim 3 is based on claim 1.
Or the printing apparatus according to 2, further comprising user interface means for displaying to a user a progress status including an error content of a job managed by the data processing means, and receiving a job instruction from the user. It is characterized by the following.

The invention described in claim 4 is the first invention.
4. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate code data is any one of compressed data for each object, compressed data for each area, compressed data for each page, image data, and raster data. It is characterized by being.

The invention described in claim 5 is the first invention.
5. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the paper discharging means is a paper discharging device having a sorter function or a stapler function.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data conversion means for receiving print data from an external device, converting the print data into intermediate code data in page units, and printing based on the intermediate code data. In a printing apparatus including a printing unit that executes processing, and a plurality of paper feeding units to the printing unit or a plurality of paper discharging units from the printing unit, print data from an external device is managed in job units. A print job management method for printing, comprising: an intermediate code storage step of storing the intermediate code data from the conversion means in an image storage means capable of storing a plurality of pages; and the intermediate code stored in the intermediate code storage step.・
A job transfer step of managing data on a job basis and sending the stored intermediate code data to the printing means on a job basis; and an error identification for recognizing an error occurring in the optional device and identifying the error. And if the error determining step determines that one of the paper feeding means or the paper discharging means has the error, examines page control data of a succeeding job,
A confirmation step for confirming whether the designation of the job to the optional device has selected the means in which the error has occurred, and, in the confirmation step, determining that the succeeding job has not selected the means in which the error has occurred. An interrupting step of interrupting the job in which the error has occurred, and a transfer operation step of operating the job transfer step so as to send a subsequent job to the printing unit after the execution of the interrupting step and to execute a printing process. , Is provided.

The invention described in claim 7 is the same as the claim 6.
4. The print job management method according to claim 1, wherein the suspending step detects a completion of the conversion of the job to be interrupted, and executes a suspending process. After detecting the completion, an operation is performed to send the intermediate data of the succeeding job to the printing unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the same as the claim 6.
Or the print job management method according to 7, wherein the step of displaying to the user the progress status including the error content of the job managed by the job transfer step; The method further comprises the step of receiving an instruction regarding

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 6.
9. The print job management method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the intermediate code data includes compressed data for each object, compressed data for each area, compressed data for each page, image data, and raster data. It is one of the features.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print job management method according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein the paper discharging means is a paper discharging device having a sorter function or a stapler function. It is characterized by the following.

The invention according to claim 11 is provided with an analyzing unit for receiving a job from an external device and analyzing print data of the received job, and performing a printing process based on the data generated by the analyzing process. A printing control device connected to a printing unit that executes the image processing, the image storing unit capable of storing data generated by the analysis process for a plurality of pages, and managing the data stored in the image storing unit in units of jobs. A data processing unit for transmitting data corresponding to each job from the image storage unit to the printing unit, wherein the data processing unit transmits data corresponding to the job from the image total storage unit to the printing unit. If an error occurs while the job is running, determine whether the analysis of the print data of the job in which the error has occurred has been completed, and analyze the print data of the succeeding job. Controlling transmission of data corresponding to a succeeding job, instead of data corresponding to a job in which an error has occurred, from the image storage unit to the printing unit based on a determination as to whether the job has been completed. It is.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the data processing means has completed analysis of print data of a job in which an error has occurred. The transmission of data corresponding to the succeeding job from the image storage unit to the printing unit is permitted in response to the request.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the data processing means is configured to execute a process of analyzing print data of a succeeding job. Accordingly, transmission of data corresponding to a succeeding job from the image storage unit to the printing unit is permitted.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print control apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the data processing means has not completed the analysis of the print data of the job in which the error has occurred. Or the data corresponding to the succeeding job is not sent from the image storage unit to the printing unit in response to the processing of the print job.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, the data processing means stores data corresponding to a job from the image total storage means. While sending to the printing unit,
If an error occurs in the paper feeding unit that performs the paper feeding process to the printing unit, the following job is performed depending on whether the paper feeding unit used in the job in which the error occurred and the paper feeding unit used in the succeeding job are different. Is transmitted from the image storage means to the printing unit.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth aspects, the data processing means stores data corresponding to a job from the image total storage means. While sending to the printing unit,
When an error occurs in the paper output unit that performs the paper discharge process from the printing unit, the following job is performed depending on whether the paper output unit used in the job in which the error occurred and the paper output unit used in the subsequent job are different. Is transmitted from the image storage means to the printing unit.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print control apparatus according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth aspects, wherein the progress status including the error content of the job managed by the data processing means is determined. It further comprises a user interface means for displaying to a user and receiving an instruction regarding the job from the user.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the eleventh to sixteenth aspects, the analysis unit generates intermediate code data and outputs the intermediate code data. Are compressed data for each object, compressed data for each area, compressed data for each page,
It is characterized by being either image data or raster data.

The invention according to claim 18 is the printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the paper discharge means is a paper discharge device having a sorter function or a stapler function. is there.

[0027] The invention according to claim 19 is provided with an analysis unit for receiving a job from an external device and analyzing print data of the received job, and performing a print process based on the data generated by the analysis process. A print control method in a print control device connected to a printing unit that executes data processing, wherein data stored in an image storage unit capable of storing a plurality of pages of data generated by the analysis process is managed in job units, A data processing step of transmitting data corresponding to a job from the image storage unit to the printing unit, wherein the data processing step includes transmitting data corresponding to the job from the image total storage unit to the printing unit. When an error occurs, it is determined whether or not the print data analysis processing of the job in which the error has occurred has been completed, and the print data of the succeeding job has been analyzed. Controlling transmission of data corresponding to a succeeding job, not data corresponding to a job in which an error has occurred, from the image storage unit to the printing unit based on a determination as to whether or not the analysis processing has been completed. And

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an analysis unit for receiving a job from an external device and analyzing print data of the received job, and performing a print process based on the data generated by the analysis process. A print control program for a print control device connected to a printing unit, the print control program comprising: a print control program that stores data generated by the analysis process in an image storage unit capable of storing a plurality of pages of data; In a job unit, and causes a computer to execute a data processing step of sending data corresponding to each job from the image storage unit to the printing unit. In the data processing step, data corresponding to the job is stored in the image total storage unit. If an error occurs during the transmission from the printer to the printing unit, the analysis of the print data of the job in which the error occurred ends. The data corresponding to the succeeding job, not the data corresponding to the job in which the error occurred, based on the determination of whether or not the data has been processed and whether the analysis of the print data of the subsequent job has been completed. Sending from the means to the printing unit is controlled.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a system configuration including a printer of this embodiment, for example, a laser beam printer. It should be noted that the image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, but may be a printer of another printing method such as an ink jet printer. In the following description and the drawings, an example in which two optional units are connected will be described. However, more optional units can be connected, and even if the main unit shares the functions of the optional units. I do not care.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 102 denotes a laser beam printer (printer) to which various optional devices can be connected, and an external device 1 such as a host computer.
01 and a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.). Print information (control information such as code / data based on a predetermined printer language, for example, PostScript, LIPSII) transferred from the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface
I, LIPSIV, image data, etc.), the laser beam printer 102 records an image.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a video controller which is connected to the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface and receives code data (ESC code, various PDL data, etc.) transferred from the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface. Then, page information including dot data is generated based on the code data, and image data (binary or multi-valued) is transmitted to an engine controller 105 described later via the video interface 80. And an option controller unit 1 to be described later via the general interface 90.
A command for designating paper feed and paper discharge is transmitted to 06.

The engine controller 105 forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum by a well-known electrophotographic process based on the image data transferred from the video controller 103, and transfers and fixes the latent image on a supplied sheet. To print. At this time, the engine controller 105 instructs the option controller unit 106 on the timing of paper supply and discharge.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a panel unit for performing an interface with a user, and is composed of various switches (buttons) for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like. By operating the panel unit 104, the user can instruct the printer 102 to perform a predetermined operation. Various data and the like set by the user are stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown), for example, an NVRAM.
It is stored and managed in an EEPROM or the like.

The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), and the like. The option controller unit 106 is used to specify a sheet supply / discharge operation transferred from the video controller 103, and to supply / discharge instructions from the engine controller 105. The controller is a general controller that controls and controls one or more optional devices (units) based on the various types of optional devices. Controls optional devices in a comprehensive manner.

A shared memory accessible by the video controller 103 (shown in FIG. 7 to be described later) is provided in the RAM of the option controller unit 106. This shared memory has a transport status management area for about 40 pages,
It consists of areas such as a basic status area, a command status management area, a startup processing area, and the like. The video controller 103 performs various designations for each optional device via each area of the shared memory.

The transfer status management area of the shared memory described above is an area where the video controller 103 notifies each optional device of a printing method (paper feed port, paper discharge port, color, stapling, shifting, etc.). And an area for notifying the video controller 103 of each option state (how far the printing has been performed, the discharge has been completed, etc.).

The basic status area is an area for notifying the video controller 103 of an abnormality (JAM, no paper, no staple, etc.) of each optional device.
The command & status management area is an area for exchanging command status with the video controller 103, and the start-up processing area is the video controller 1
Reference numeral 03 denotes an area for designating startup processing of each optional device.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a paper feeding optional device (unit), for example, a paper deck option, which has a paper deck controller (large-capacity paper feeding cassette controller) 107a therein and has an optional controller section. Paper feed control is performed based on the control information transmitted from 106. In addition, the above paper deck
The controller 107a includes a CPU, ROM, and R (not shown).
The CPU controls the paper feed option device 107 based on a program stored in the ROM. Further, the ROM stores extended information of the paper feed option device 107, for example, information on paper sizes that can be stored in the paper deck.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a sheet discharge option device (unit), for example, a sorter option unit having a sorting function, which internally has a sorter controller (large-capacity sheet discharge stacker controller) 108a and an option controller section. The sort operation and the paper discharge operation are performed based on the control information transmitted from the control unit 106. In addition,
The sorter controller 108a includes a CP (not shown)
U, ROM, and RAM, and a CPU stores the ROM in a paper discharge option device 1 based on a program.
08 is controlled. The ROM also has extended information of the paper discharge option device 108, for example, the number of paper discharge bins, the presence or absence of a sort function, the presence or absence of a staple function, the presence or absence of a shift function for shifting the paper discharge in a predetermined direction, the Information on the presence / absence of an inversion function for inverting the face direction is stored.

The paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option device 108 are provided with operation units 107b and 108b having a display unit and various keys, respectively, for displaying a message to the user when each option is used, an operation method, and the like. And execute operation.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a control unit, which controls the printing process of the printer 102, the engine controller 105, controls the entire printer 102, analyzes data from the external device 101 such as a host computer, and analyzes image data. A video controller 103 for converting the video data into a video signal and an optional controller unit 106 for controlling various optional units.

The option controller 106
Is a common optional unit interface 7
0 manages each option unit, and controls the video controller 103 via the general interface 90.
Communicate with The present embodiment is characterized in that the video controller 103 controls each paper supply / discharge option unit via the option controller unit 106.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette which holds the recording paper S and has a mechanism for electrically detecting the size of the recording paper S by a partition plate (not shown). Reference numeral 231 denotes a cassette paper feed clutch, which separates only the topmost recording paper S of the recording paper S placed on the paper cassette 230 and feeds the separated recording paper S by a driving unit (not shown) to a paper feed roller. A cam for transporting the recording paper up to 204, intermittently rotating each time paper is fed, and feeding one sheet of recording paper corresponding to one rotation. A recording paper detection sensor 230S detects the amount of the recording paper S held in the paper cassette 230.

Reference numeral 227 denotes a resist shutter.
The paper is pressed to stop feeding. Paper feed roller 204
Transports the leading end of the recording paper S to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 202 denotes a manual feed tray, and the recording paper S
Is placed. Reference numeral 203 denotes a manual paper feed clutch,
The recording paper S placed on the manual tray 202 is transported to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 233 denotes an optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay conveyance roller) that prints the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option 107 to the printer 102.
Supply into the body.

The manual paper feed roller 203, cassette paper feed clutch 231, optional paper feed roller 233
A pair of registration rollers 205 for synchronously transporting the recording paper S is provided downstream of the printer, and a toner image is formed on the recording paper S by a laser beam emitted from a laser scanner unit 206 downstream of the registration rollers. The image recording unit 207 formed by the electrophotographic process described above is provided.

In the laser scanner unit 206, 2
Reference numeral 15 denotes a laser unit, and a video controller 1
A laser beam is emitted based on an image signal (VDO signal) transmitted from the optical disc 03. The laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is scanned by the polygon mirror 216, and is formed by the imaging lens group 218 and the folding mirror 219.
A latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 220 via the. 217
Is a beam detector, which detects a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 and outputs a main scanning synchronization signal. A light amount sensor 270 detects the light amount of the laser light emitted from the laser unit 215.

In the image recording unit 207, reference numeral 2
Reference numeral 22 denotes a primary charger for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 220. Reference numeral 223 denotes a developing device, which is a primary charger 222.
And develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 by laser exposure with a laser scanner unit. Reference numeral 224 denotes a transfer charger, which transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum by the developing device 223 to a recording sheet S fed by a registration roller 205. Reference numeral 225 denotes a cleaner that removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. Reference numeral 221 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that removes light from the photosensitive drum 220.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a fixing unit, and the image recording unit 2
07, the toner image formed on the recording paper S
Heat-fixed. Reference numeral 210 denotes a conveyance roller that discharges and conveys the recording paper S. Reference numeral 209 denotes a paper ejection sensor,
The discharge state of the recording sheet S is detected. Reference numeral 211 denotes a flapper, which switches the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S on which recording has been completed to the discharge tray 213 side or the discharge option 108 side. Reference numerals 214 and 212 denote paper discharge rollers, which discharge the recording paper S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 to the stacking tray 213. Reference numeral 213S denotes a discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor, which detects the stacking amount of recording paper stacked on the stacking tray 213.

Also, the engine
The controller 105 includes a laser scanner unit 206,
The control of the electrophotographic process by the image recording unit 207 and the fixing unit 208 and the conveyance control of the recording paper in the laser printer 102 main body are performed.

Further, the video controller 103
A general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232) with an external device 101 such as a personal computer.
C), and expands the image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data, and sends the bit data as a VDO signal to the engine controller 105 via the video interface 80.

Next, various optional units detachably connected to the main body of the printer 102 will be described.

The option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the main unit shown in FIG. 2, and uses the same protocol between the various option units via the option unit interface 70 serving as a common bus. It is configured to be able to communicate. The option controller unit 106 is connected to the video controller 103 via the general interface 90.

In the paper feeding option 107 such as a paper deck option unit, a reference numeral 241 denotes a paper deck, on which a large amount of recording paper S is stacked on a deck that moves up and down. Reference numeral 242 denotes a paper deck paper feed roller which feeds the recording paper S stacked on the paper deck 241. Reference numeral 244 denotes a conveyance roller, which is a recording sheet S fed from a paper deck feeding roller 242.
In the direction of the optional paper feed roller 233. Sign 2
Reference numeral 43 denotes a paper feed relay roller, which feeds paper from another paper feed system optional unit that can be detachably connected to a lower portion of the paper deck option (recording paper of a different size or the same size can be fed). Relayed recording paper. Reference numeral 241 denotes a recording paper storage amount detection sensor which detects the amount of the recording paper S placed on the paper deck 241.

The paper deck option 10
7 is controlled by the paper deck controller 107a.

In the discharge options 108 such as a sorter option unit, reference numerals 251 to 257 denote first to seventh discharge bins for performing face-down discharge, and sort the recorded recording paper S. It is loaded. Reference numeral 258 denotes an eighth discharge bin for directly passing the paper conveyed to the sorter option and performing face-up discharge. Reference numeral 280 denotes a flapper, which switches conveyance of the recording paper S sorted by the flapper 211 of the printer 102 and sent to the sorter option unit 108 so as to perform face switching of the paper based on an instruction from the video controller 103. I do. Reference numerals 261S to 268S denote paper empty detection sensors, which detect the presence / absence of stacked recording paper discharged to the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258.

Further, the discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor 271S-
Reference numeral 278S denotes a full load detection sensor, and the first discharge bin 25
The height of the recording paper stacked in the first to eighth discharge bins 258 is a predetermined height, for example, 18 mm (corresponding to about 120 sheets),
Is reached (detected), the sorter controller 108a is fully loaded, and the option controller unit 10
6 to the video controller 103.

The first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 are capable of stacking about 120 sheets for each bin, that is, about 960 sheets of eight bins.
The first to seventh discharge bins 257 can perform sorted discharge.

When the face-up is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned on to perform sorting, and the sorted recording paper S is discharged as it is by the rollers 290. Sent to the mouth. When face down is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face up flapper 280 is turned off and sorting is performed, and the sorted recording paper S is temporarily recorded by the roller 291. The rear end is face-up flapper 280
, And then the rollers 291 are reversed and fed into the vertical path from the rear end of the recording paper S, and the bin flappers 281 to 286 are driven at a predetermined timing in accordance with the designated discharge bin. Then, sorting is performed to each face-down discharge port, and the discharge is completed in the face-down state.
When the discharge bin is the seventh discharge bin 257, the discharge is performed without driving the bin flapper, so that the face
Complete the down discharge.

Further, there is also a case where the recording paper discharged by a stapler (not shown) is stapled. In this case, the recording paper S is stored in a staple tray (not shown) by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, and the recording paper is recorded. After arranging S, the stapler executes stapling and discharges the sheet to any one of the first to eighth discharge bins 251 to 258. Further, when the shift is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the sheets are stored in a staple tray (not shown), the recording sheets S are aligned, and After the trays are shifted, that is, the placement area (tray) of the recording paper S to be discharged is shifted, the recording paper S is discharged to any of the first to eighth discharge bins 251 to 258. The staple also has a staple remaining amount detection sensor (not shown), and detects a staple remaining amount stored in the staple.

The sorter option unit 10
8 is controlled by a sorter controller 108a.

The option controller 10
6. The paper deck controller 107 and the sorter controller 108 are connected by connectors, respectively, and perform serial communication through the option unit interface 70. They are connected in series by the same connector. Therefore, the paper deck option unit 107 and the sorter option unit 108 can be connected in a different order.

In addition, downstream of the manual paper feed roller 203, the cassette paper feed clutch 231, and the paper deck paper feed roller 242,
Roller pair 205, paper feed roller 204, transport roller 244
The image recording unit 207 that forms a toner image on the recording paper S by laser light emitted from the laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the pair of registration rollers 205. Further, the fixing unit 208 for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording paper S is provided downstream of the image recording unit 207, and the conveyance state of the paper discharge unit is detected downstream of the fixing unit 208. Discharge sensor 209, transport roller 210 for transporting recording paper, flapper 2 for switching the transport direction of recording paper S on which recording is completed
11 and the like are provided.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 91 denotes a serial communication interface,
Commands such as designation of paper feeding to the option unit 107 and designation of a discharge bin to the sorter option unit 108 are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the option controller unit 106, and the paper of the paper deck option unit 107 is transmitted. Statuses such as the presence / absence state, the stacking state of each output bin of the sorter / option unit 108, and the presence / absence state of staples are sent back from the option controller to the video controller. The option controller unit 106 and the video controller 103 can be directly connected by a CPU bus instead of a serial line.

Reference numeral 92 denotes an OPTRDY signal, which functions as an option designated by the video controller 103, for example, a signal indicating whether or not a staple can be used.
6 to the video controller 103. Reference numeral 93 denotes a POUTT signal, which functions as a timing signal for the printer 102 to discharge recording paper. Code 9
Reference numeral 4 denotes a PFEDT signal, which functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the printer 102 receives recording paper from the optional unit. Reference numeral 95 denotes a PCNG signal, which functions as a signal for lowering the speed of the recording sheet S conveyed at a high speed in the option unit and matching the speed with the conveyance speed of the printer 102 main body.

Reference numeral 81 denotes a communication interface.
Commands such as designation of paper supply to the paper cassette of the printer 102, designation of paper discharge to the discharge tray 231 of the printer 102, and printing are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the engine controller 105.
The status such as the paper presence / absence state and paper jam of the cassette 230 of the main body 02 is transmitted from the engine controller 105 to the video controller 103. Reference numeral 82 is VD
This is an O signal, which indicates bit data transmitted from the video controller 103.

FIG. 4 shows an engine / engine other than that shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between a controller 105 and a video controller 103. The engine controller 105 exchanges data with the video controller 103, including the signals shown in FIG. 4, and executes each process. As shown in FIG.
RDY, / PPRDY, / RDY, / PRNT, / VS
REQ, / VSYNC, / BD, / SCLK, / CM
D, / CBSY, / STS, / SBSY, / CCRT
(Condition Change Report).

When the method of using the / CCRT signal among the signals shown in FIG. 4 is shown, the processing is as in the following procedure 1 and procedure 2.

(Procedure 1) Video controller 103
Is usually the signal from the engine controller, / RD
The Y signal and the / CCRT signal are checked, and when there is a change in these signals, status information is read. At this time, when the / CCRT signal is “FALSE” and the / RDY signal is “FALSE”,
First, misprint, wait, sleep, operator
Check the status of each content such as calls. According to the result, the details are confirmed by referring to the lower-level status corresponding to each status.

(Procedure 2) On the other hand, when the / CCRT signal is "TR
UE ", the status of contents such as paper size change, paper presence / absence change, paper feed function change, and warning content change is read, and the type of the changed status is recognized. Regarding the reset procedure of the / CCRT signal, the engine controller 105 changes the status at the end, that is, changes the paper size, changes the presence / absence of paper, and changes the paper feed function. Changes and changes in the warning state are constantly checked. If there is a change, the higher-level state change status is set to "1", and the / CCRT signal, which is a hard signal, is set to "TRUE".
After receiving a status request command from the video controller 103 and reading the status change status into the video controller 103, the / CC
The RT signal is set to “FALSE”.

The general interface 90 includes a serial communication interface 91 and an OPTRDY signal 9.
2, POUTT signal 93, PFEDT signal 94, PCN
G signal 95 and five hard signals.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining signals 91 to 95 shown in FIG. POUTT signal 93, PFE
The three signals of the DT signal 94 and the PCNG signal 95 are output from the engine controller 105, passed through the video controller 103 via the video interface 80, and input to the option controller unit 106.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG.
Reference numeral 601 denotes a panel interface (I / F) unit, which receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the panel unit 104 by data communication with the panel unit 104. Reference numeral 602 denotes a host interface (I / F).
And an input / output unit for signals with the external device 101 such as a host computer. Reference numeral 606 denotes an engine interface (I / F) unit, which is an input / output unit for signals with the engine controller 105. Via this interface, a data signal is sent from an output buffer register (not shown) and the engine controller 1
05 is controlled.

An image data generator 603 generates bitmap data for actual printing based on control code data sent from the external device 101. An image memory 605 stores image data.
Reference numeral 609 denotes a CPU, which controls the entire video controller 103. Reference numeral 604 denotes a ROM, and a CPU 609.
The control code of is stored. Reference numeral 607 denotes a RAM,
Functions as temporary storage means used by U609. Reference numeral 610 denotes an EEPROM, which is composed of a nonvolatile memory medium.

Reference numeral 608 denotes a DMA control unit.
9 transfers the bitmap data in the image memory to the engine interface unit 606 in accordance with the instruction from 9. Reference numeral 612 denotes an option interface (I
/ F) section, which communicates with the option controller section 106 in response to an instruction from the CPU 609. Also,
POUTT 93, PFEDT 94, and SPCNG 95 are sent from the engine interface unit 606 to the general interface 90 through.

Reference numeral 612 denotes a hard disk, which is used for data from the external device 101 and the video controller 1
03 to store intermediate code data, image data, and the like. In the present embodiment, a hard disk device is used, but it goes without saying that the present invention is effective even with other memory means, for example, a flash ROM, a RAM, or the like.

Reference numeral 611 denotes a system bus having an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface unit 601, host interface unit 606,
Image data generator 603, ROM 606, image memory 6
05, engine interface unit 606, RAM6
07, DMA control unit 608, CPU 609, EEPRO
M610 and optional interface unit 61
2 are connected to the system bus 611, respectively, and can access all the functional units on the system bus 611.

The control code for controlling the CPU 609 is controlled by a system clock (not shown) which controls the OS in a time-division manner on a load module basis called a task.
, And a plurality of load modules (tasks) shown in the figures described later, which operate in units of functions.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the R provided in the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory secured with the video controller 103 in the AM.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure for issuing a command status based on a basic status and acquiring detailed information of each input / output option.

First, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the video controller 103
6, a control method for integrally controlling each optional device will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, the shared memory is divided into respective areas. In each case, (1) a page is specified, a transport status management area for knowing the transport status of the paper, (2) a basic status section for knowing the abnormal status of each option, and (3) a command status exchange. It is classified into a command status unit and (4) a start-up processing unit that specifies start-up processing of an optional device.

The start-up processing section includes a start-up designation portion for designating from the video controller 103, and a completion notification portion for notifying that each option has been processed as a result of the designation. Video controller 10
3 specifies the start-up processing section, thereby performing the start-up processing of each option. When the power is turned on,
In response to the specified start-up, the video controller 103 informs the initialization of the shared memory, the acquisition of configuration information of each option required by the option controller 106, the completion of information acquisition, and the like.
Thereafter, the completion notification portion is monitored for completion of each process, and when all the processes are completed, the start-up process ends.

The conveyance status management area includes a paper feed port, a paper discharge port,
A part that specifies how to print, such as color / monochrome, staple position and execution, and a part that tells you the optional status such as how far the paper has been fed, whether a print signal can be output, and whether the paper has been ejected Consists of The video controller 103 executes the printing while designating the printing method and grasping the status of each option. The above specification can be specified for a maximum of 40 pages, and the specification is performed for each page in order. The area where the discharge is completed is regarded as a free area, and the area is initialized so that it can be specified again and used as a ring buffer. .

The basic status section is an area for notifying an abnormal state of each apparatus, and obtains information such as no paper, paper jam, door open, full load, and the like from this area. More detailed information is obtained from the contents of the basic status by the command status.

The command / status section is an area for obtaining detailed information of each option and controlling the operation of the option. The command / status section specifies a command as required in this area and obtains information. For example, the information that can be acquired includes the device name, paper feed mounting paper size, paper feed remaining amount, paper jam position, type, access point, paper output stacking amount, and failure details.

FIG. 8 shows that the abnormality of the input device is detected based on the basic status described above, and the details of the abnormality are specified based on the command status. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that the display is performed on a display device on a panel described later.

The video controller 103 issues a command according to each situation and receives a status. Also shift to power saving mode, emergency stop when paper jam,
Control of options such as movement of the discharge bin and execution of reset is also performed using the command / status section.

As described above, the video controller 103
Obtains the above information, executes printing in a state where there is no abnormality, issues a command status specifying the location of the abnormality when the occurrence of abnormality is detected from the basic status, and further identifies the content of the abnormality for that device Then, detailed information collection and control according to the abnormality are performed.

FIG. 9 shows the option controller 106.
Is a flow chart showing a mechanism for accessing a shared memory at the same time, exchanging a command status with each option, and exchanging information.

When obtaining the option information, the command is specified in the command status management area in the memory of the option controller 106, and the information is received. First, an ID for identifying the type of necessary information (S901) and the number of data designated to the option controller 106 by the execution command (S90) are set in the command designation area.
2) and data (S903) representing the specified contents are specified at a predetermined address. Next, the option controller 106 communicates with each of the optional devices, and notifies that a command has been transmitted as a trigger for acquiring information (S904). Upon receiving the trigger in S904, the option controller 106 performs serial communication with necessary optional devices based on the contents specified in steps S901 to S903, and starts an operation of obtaining the specified information. On the other hand, the option controller 106
Activate the timer until video is completely
The controller 103 is an optional controller 106
It is monitored whether or not status information can be acquired from (S905, S906). After a certain time,
If the status does not shift to the status information obtainable state, status information cannot be obtained, so a retry notification is issued to execute the command again (S911), and the process ends.

In S906, when the status shifts to the status information obtainable state, the status ID is acquired and it is confirmed whether or not the status information is for the specified command (S907). Next, when the number of status data is acquired (S908) and the status data corresponding to the number of status data is acquired (S909), the status acquisition completion is notified to the option controller 106 (S910).

Among the contents described above, for example, errors such as no paper or paper size mismatch due to an error in the input device, a full load due to an error in the output device, and no staples relate to a specific job. It is understood that. The paper-out error is when there is no paper specified by the user for the job. In this case also, there is paper specified for another job, and no error may occur for the job. Also, the error indicating that there is no staple is an error that occurs because there is no staple to be stapled when the user specifies stapling for the job. Full loading is also an error that a specific output bin is full of output paper.If there are multiple output bins and there is an output bin that is not full, another It is possible to discharge the output paper.

The present invention has the above-mentioned optional devices, and when an error relating to these optional devices occurs for a specific job, the error occurs due to the specific job. Note that an error may not occur depending on the job. In such a case, when the error that has occurred is unrelated to another succeeding job, the job that caused the error is interrupted, and the subsequent job that does not cause an error is executed.

The following describes the operation of a job in the above-described case in a printing apparatus having an optional apparatus.
The user interface will be described.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the panel unit 104 serving as the above-described user interface.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 301 denotes an LCD, and reference numerals 302 to 306 denote switch keys. Reference numeral 302 denotes a “skip key” used for canceling an error state or notifying the operator's consent, reference numeral 303 denotes a “cancel key” used for interrupting and erasing each job, and reference numeral 304 denotes an LCD. "Display switching key" for switching the display mode of "?", Reference numeral 305 is an "execution key" for notifying the operator's consent, and reference numeral 306 is L.
A “direction key” used for moving a cursor position on a CD.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the display screen of LCD 301 for each mode.

(A) is a normal display mode, and reference numeral 3
Reference numeral 10 denotes a printer status area, and reference numeral 311 denotes a job status area for displaying the status of all running jobs by toggle.

(B) is a list display mode.
Reference numeral 12 denotes a processing order display area indicating the processing order of jobs being executed in the printer. Reference numeral 313 denotes a job ID area, which displays an identification number uniquely determined when a job is generated. Reference numeral 314 denotes a job name area for displaying a job name, and reference numeral 315 denotes a job status area for displaying a job status.
Reference numeral 316 is a selection mark indicating the selected job.

(C) is a detailed display mode.
17 is a selection area indicating a selected job, and 318 is 3
17 is a job detail area for displaying the job status indicated by 17 in detail.

FIG. 12 is a state transition table showing the relationship between the display state of panel section 104 and key operations. A panel control task described later controls panel display according to the state transition table.

When the display switching key is operated in the normal display mode, the mode shifts to the list display mode. When the display switching key is operated in the list display mode,
Move to the normal display mode state.

The direction key 30 in the list display mode state
When the selection mark 316 is moved by step 6, a job which is currently outside the display area is also displayed. When the job indicated by the selection mark is selected and determined by the execution key 305, the mode shifts to the detailed display mode.

In the normal display mode, the skip key 302 and the cancel key 303 are effective for the job with the lowest processing order (current job). In the list display state, the skip key 302 and the cancel key 303 are effective for the job indicated by the selection mark 316.

In the detailed display mode, the skip key 302 and the cancel key 303 are effective for the job indicated by the selection area 317.

In the panels shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, for example, if a job that is currently executing a printing process results in an error because there is no staple, and a job subsequent to the job has a stapling error. If not specified, the current job is skipped, as will be described later, the processing of the next succeeding job is executed, and display data to that effect is prepared. In this case, in the list display,
For a skipped job, a message indicating that the job was skipped due to an error, and the processing content of a job subsequent to the job are displayed. In such a case, if a succeeding job is printable, successive jobs are executed and processed one after another.

FIG. 13 is a data flow in the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing a data flow from an external device to the option controller section and the engine controller section.

The control code for controlling the CPU 609 is composed of an OS that performs time-division control on a load module basis called a task by a system clock (not shown) and a plurality of load modules (tasks) that operate on a function basis. Shall be performed. The panel control system (panel control task 1301), job generation system (job generation task 1302), job control system (job control task 1303), translator processing system (analysis development task 1304), scheduling system (page operation) in FIG. Task 1305), Engine I
/ F system (engine I / F task 1306), option I / F system (option I / F task 130)
7) is a task which is an entity of the CPU 609 as described above, and is assumed to operate logically in parallel.

Reference numeral 613a denotes a hard disk 613.
613b is a print data storage area allocated for storing print data (control code, PDL, etc.).
Is the image data (compressed data,
(Including intermediate code data).

The job table 1311 is a table for storing control information for each job, and the page table 1312 is a table for storing control information for each page. The job queue 1313 stores the number of jobs being processed.
The page queue 1314 is a table for registering and referencing a table. The page queue 1314 is a table for registering and referencing a page table being processed.

FIG. 14 shows the structure of a page table for storing page information in FIG.

The page table 1312 is stored in the CPU 60
9 is a table for logically recognizing each page, and the entity exists as a continuous area in a control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 607. Acquisition and release of this area are managed by a page management function unit (not shown). “Page number” in FIG. 13 is an ID for uniquely identifying a page. The “raster pointer” is a head pointer of an area for one page in the image memory 605, and the CPU 609 divides a corresponding area (not shown) in the image memory 605 into pages at the time of power-on initialization. Link here.

The “status flag” is an area for storing a flag indicating the status of the page. As shown in FIG. 14, the “development end flag”, the “page designation end flag”, the “print start flag”, and the “discharge end” There are a "paper end flag", a "release flag", and the like, and it is possible to determine what state the created page information is in based on the state flag.

The "feed mode" indicates a method of determining the feed means, and includes "automatic feed" (not shown), "cassette 1 (cassette 230) feed", and "paper deck (cassette 107)". ) Paper feed "and" MP tray paper feed ". The “automatic paper feed” is a mode in which the paper size is matched and the paper is searched and determined according to a predetermined priority order from the paper feeding means on which the paper is placed.

[0116] The "requested paper size" stores a numerical representation of a paper size for which the engine controller requests paper feeding. The “job table pointer” stores the pointer of the job table to which the page belongs. The “paper ejection mode” is a “job table” described later.
Has the same meaning as the area of the same name that

FIG. 15 shows the structure of the engine status table in the RAM 607. The engine state table is a state of the engine controller 105 ascertained by the video controller 103, and is not the same as the actual state of the engine controller 105. The contents are updated to reflect the status. For example, “/ RDY state” is a flag reflecting the state of the / RDY signal, and the engine I / F task is set to /
While detecting “FALSE” of the RDY signal, “TRU
E ”.

The "/ CCRT state" is the "/ CCRT state".
This flag reflects the state of the signal, and the actual state of the / CCRT signal is reflected by the engine I / F task. The engine I / F task uses the "TRU"
By detecting "E" and acquiring the state of the engine controller 105 through a predetermined serial communication, the / CCRT signal becomes "FALSE" as described above.

The "number of paper feed stages" is the number of paper feed stages that can be selected by reflecting the mounting of the optional cassette unit and the like.

“Presence / absence of one sheet of cassette” is the presence / absence of a sheet in the cassette 230. "Cassette 1 paper size" is Cassette 2
This is the paper size set by the dial 30 (not shown), and is recognized as the paper size of the cassette 230 on the assumption that the operator has loaded the same paper as the dial value.

[Paper / Deck Paper Presence] is for cassette 1.
07 is the presence or absence of paper. "Paper deck paper size"
Is the paper size set by a partition plate (not shown) of the paper feed option cassette 107, and the operator assumes that the same paper as the value of the partition plate is placed on the paper feed option cassette 107. It is recognized as a paper size. Although the contents of these tables are not shown in FIG. 13, the analysis development task, the page operation task, the engine I
/ F task and optional I / F task.

FIG. 16 shows the structure of the job table for storing the job information shown in FIG.

The job table is a table for logically recognizing each page in the CPU 609. The job table exists in the control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 607 as a continuous area. Acquisition and release of this area are managed by a page management function unit (not shown). “Job ID” in FIG. 16 is an ID for uniquely identifying a job.

The "job status" is an area for storing a flag indicating the processing status of the job, and includes "generation start flag and" generation end flag "," analysis instruction flag "and" analysis end flag ", and" print instruction ". Flag, Print end flag, Release instruction flag, Release end flag, Error flag, Cancel instruction flag, Cancel execution flag, etc. It is possible to determine what state the information is in.

[0125] The "interruption designation" stores information on whether or not the job is an interruption designation. The “discharge mode” designates a method of determining the discharge means, and is not illustrated in the “discharge mode of bin 1 to bin 7 (first discharge bin 2).
51-seventh discharge bin 257), "body FD (stacking tray 213) discharge mode", "sort discharge mode", "stack discharge mode", and the like.

The “sort discharge mode” is the same as described in the conventional example. The discharge mode is the same as the mechanical sort mode, and the “stack discharge mode” is the same as that described in the conventional example. This is the same discharge mode as the large capacity stack function. The “number of copies of sort” stores the number of sorts in the above-described sort discharge mode. “Number of pages already ejected” is the printing of the job,
This is an area for storing the number of sheets that have been discharged. The “interrupt permission time” is a time to wait for the end of the present job when an interrupt job execution request is issued while the present job is being printed.

Hereinafter, the data flow of FIG. 13 will be described.

The print data (control code, PDL, etc.) input from the external device 101 is stored in the host interface unit 602 in a predetermined block unit.

When the job generation task 1302 detects data in the host interface unit 602, it acquires a job table, registers the job table 1311 in the job queue 1313, and sets an "analysis instruction flag".
To TRUE. Then, the data stored in the host interface unit 602 in a predetermined block unit is read and analyzed in the above-described one block unit, and the job control information (discharge mode and the like) for the printer in the job unit is stored in the above-described job table 1311. While being stored, the page-based control data (such as designation of the number of copies of the PDL) and image formation information (such as a PDL graphic drawing command and character code) are stored in the hard disk unit 412 in block units. If the above job control information is not included in the data,
The same item during operation mode designation from the panel unit 104 described later is set.

When the job control task 1302 confirms in the job queue 1313 that there is a job whose “analysis instruction flag” is TRUE, the analysis development task 1302
4 is notified of the job to be printed and activated.

Upon receiving the instruction from the job control task 1303, the analysis and development task 1304 acquires the page table 1312. The data is analyzed in units of one block as described above, and image forming information (a PDL graphic drawing command,
With respect to the character code, etc., the image is developed using the image data generation unit 603 (not shown in FIG. 13) or by the CPU 609 itself, and is stored in the area of the page table 1311 indicated by the “raster pointer”. Also, page unit control information (number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) for the printer is stored in the page table 1312. After analyzing and developing one page of data,
The “end of expansion” is set to TRUE, and the queue is enqueued in the page queue of the FIFO structure.

The page operation task 1305 is a “state flag” for all pages in the page queue 1314 described above.
Is monitored, and the conveyance procedure is changed according to the state to realize printing. At the time of printing, if the “discharge mode” is different from that immediately before, all bins (first discharge bin 2
A display (a paper removal call) requesting removal of the paper stacked in the 51st to the seventh discharge bins 257) is displayed on the panel unit 10.
4 is performed.

At the time of the printing schedule, based on the information of the job table 1311 and the page table 1312, the option I / F unit 412 designates the printing of the paper feeding means, the paper discharging means, the printing mode, etc. The I / F unit 606 actually sets the paper feed unit and the like to the engine controller 105. The page table 1312 in which the “discharge end flag” is set to TRUE is dequeued from the page queue 1313 and returned to the page management function unit.

Further, “the number of discharged sheets” in the job table 1311 to which the page belongs is updated.

The engine I / F task 1306 and the option I / F task 1307 are respectively
Communication is performed at predetermined intervals with the engine controller 105 and the option controller 106 via the / F unit 606 and the option I / F unit 612, and when a factor that changes the state of the page occurs, the “status flag” described above is set. Update. Also, monitor the change of the / RDY signal and
→ Regarding a change in FALSE, the printer status is set to an error, and the release of the error is monitored. Also, it monitors the change of the state such as the / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal, executes the above-mentioned “procedure 1” and “procedure 2”, and updates the “engine state table”.

The operation mode designation (number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) from the panel unit 104 is temporarily stored in the panel I / F unit 601. The panel control task 1301 patrols the panel I / F unit 601 at appropriate intervals, stores data in the EEPROM 410 if data exists,
The control information is stored in a control information storage area (not shown) in the RAM 607 as control information. By storing the data in the EEPROM 410, it is possible to operate the printer in a mode desired by the user even after the power of the printer is once turned off.

The panel control task 1301 sets the status of the job table, such as canceling or error skipping, for each job specified from the panel.

FIG. 17, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19 are diagrams for explaining the specific processing procedure of the present embodiment from the user interface.

FIG. 17A shows the normal display mode in which only one job ₅ is normally processed. (2) of FIG. 17 shows the list display mode in the same state. From this state, an error occurs in the job ₅ (for example, “a state in which the sheet cannot be discharged to the first discharge bin 1”). ), The normal display mode becomes as shown in (3) of FIG. Even in this state, the process of analyzing and developing the subsequent page of the job ₅ is continued.

[0140] When the job ₇ is received in this state, waiting for all the pages of the job ₅ is expanded analysis, job ₇
The analysis and development of will start. The list display mode in this state is as shown in (4) of FIG.

When the analysis processing of all pages of the job ₇ is completed, the processing order of the job ₅ and the job ₇ is changed, and the display in the normal display mode is as shown in FIG. 18 (5). At this time, the printer status area displays the status of job ₇ , and the job status area displays the status of job ₇ and job ₅ alternately. Figure 1 shows this state in list display mode.
As shown in (6) of FIG.

Even if the job ₇ is being printed, when the job ₅ is selected from the screen (6) in FIG. 18 and the mode is shifted to the detailed display mode, the display shown in (7) in FIG. 18 is displayed. When the press of the skip key 302 is detected in the state of (7) or (8) in FIG. 18, the error state of the job ₅ is released according to a predetermined specification, and the detailed display shown in (9) of FIG. The mode is displayed. The list display at this time is as shown in (10) of FIG.

Thereafter, printing is performed in the order of job ₇ and job ₅ , and when printing of job ₇ is completed, the normal display mode is (11) in FIG. 19 and the list display mode is (12) in FIG. It becomes as shown in.

As described above, when there is a job in which an error has occurred, the subsequent job waiting to be processed is processed first, thereby improving the printing efficiency especially in a shared environment of a plurality of users such as a network environment. it can.

FIG. 20 is a control flowchart of the job generation task.

The job generation task 1302 is started when the power is turned on (S1), and then repeats the step of inquiring the host interface unit 302 about the presence or absence of data reception at a predetermined cycle (S2). If the received data exists, the process proceeds to step S3, where the data of a predetermined block is transferred from the host interface unit 302 to the RAM.
The data is read into the work area for the CPU 309 in 307.

Next, in step S4, the existence of the job table 1311 that has already been created is confirmed. If the job table 1311 does not exist, the flow advances to step S5 to acquire a new job table. Flag "is set to TRUE. If the processing data is job control information (S7), the process proceeds to step S9, and the presence of the job end control code is confirmed. If the information is a job end control code, the process proceeds to step S11,
The “generation end flag” is set to TRUE to complete the job table 1311. In step S9,
If not, the flow advances to step S10 to set information in the job table 1311.

If the processing data is not the job control information in step S7, the flow advances to step S8 to store the value in the hard disk unit 613.

In step S12, upon recognizing the end of the processing of one block, the processing returns to step S2.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are control flowcharts of the job control task.

When the job control task is woken up when the power is turned on (S20), first, the job queue is searched for a job queue, and a job in which “interruption instruction” = TRUE (hereinafter, “Job queue”)
It is checked whether there is an “interrupt job” (S21). At that time, if an interrupt job is detected,
In step S22, it is determined whether interruption is possible or impossible. The result is confirmed in step S23. If the interruption is permitted, the currently executing job is interrupted in step S24, and the above-described interrupt job is replaced with the head of the job queue in step S25. Here, the interruption of the running job in step S24 (S24) is performed by issuing an execution stop instruction to the analysis development task and the page operation task.
This is the process of waiting for the end.

After the above processing, the job queue is further searched to recognize a job whose "analysis start instruction flag" is TRUE (S26), and an analysis development task is started (S27).

Further, by searching a management table (not shown) in the image storage area 613b of the hard disk unit,
When a page not registered in the page queue is recognized (S28), a page table is acquired, data is copied, and registered in the page queue (S29).

Next, it is determined whether the job is to be replaced (S
30) If the replacement is permitted (S31), the job is replaced (S32).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the job exchange determination (S30) process of FIG.

The job exchange determination (S90) is a step
Job in step S91_NCheck for errors on
You. If there is no error, proceed to step S96 and replace
The process is terminated after disabling the flag. Job here_NBut d
If it is determined that the job is
_NChecks whether the analysis end flag of TRUE is TRUE
Is done. Where the job_NAnalysis end flag is TRUE
If not, the exchange is not permitted (S96).
Then, the process ends (S97). Analysis in step S92
If the end flag is TRUE, the process proceeds to step S93.
B_NSubsequent jobs for_{N + 1}Check if exists
Is done. Job here_NSubsequent jobs for _{N + 1}exist
Then, in step S94, the job_{N + 1}Analysis end file
If it is confirmed that the lag is TRUE, the process proceeds to step S95.
And allow the replacement to end. job_NThe following
Job_{N + 1}Exists, but in step S94 the job
_{N + 1}If the analysis end flag is not TRUE,
Step S96 is executed, and the process ends.

Regarding the error to be checked in step S91, if the job has been replaced before that, whether the new job _N can tolerate the error content that has occurred, that is, It is checked whether it is irrelevant. Therefore, if the error content that is currently occurring for each of the succeeding jobs is unacceptable, no replacement is performed.
On the other hand, if the error that is currently occurring in the succeeding job is acceptable, the acceptable job will be processed before the non-acceptable job.

FIG. 23 is a control flowchart of the analysis and development task in step 27 of FIG.

When the analysis and development task (S50) is woken up by the job control task, it inquires of the job control task at predetermined intervals whether or not there is an interruption instruction. Step S
If it is detected at 51 that there is an interruption instruction, the process proceeds to step S52 to perform an interruption process, and then proceeds to step S53. In this interruption processing, the page information and the image information of the page being generated are deleted, and the page table is opened. If no interruption instruction is detected, the process proceeds to step S53.

In step S53, an inquiry is made to the hard disk unit 613 as to whether data exists. As a result of this inquiry, when it is confirmed that there is no data, the process returns to the beginning. However, if data exists in the hard disk unit 613 and the data is recognized as a designated job from the job control task, in step S54, a predetermined block of data is transferred from the hard disk unit 613 to the RAM.
The data is read into the work area for the CPU 309 in 307.

Next, in step S55, the existence of the temporary page table being generated is confirmed. If there is no temporary page table being generated, a new temporary page table is acquired in step S56, and the process proceeds to step S57. If there is a provisional page table being generated,
Proceed to step S57.

The structure of this provisional page table is shown in FIG.
4 is the same as the page table shown in FIG.
Assigned anywhere. At this time, the same items as those in the job table are initialized by the values in the job table. When the “interruption designation” of the job table is ON, the “discharge mode” is forcibly set to the “main body FD discharge mode”. Further, the “print start flag” of the job table is set to TRUE.

In step S57, the control code and data in one block described above are sequentially determined, and if the processing data is page control information, the flow advances to step S60. If the information is a page discharge control code, the page
The table completion processing is performed (S62), and the information of the above-described provisional page table and the data of the area indicated by the “raster pointer” of the provisional page table are stored in the image storage area 613b. The “number of generated pages” of the job table indicated by the “job table pointer” is incremented (S63). In step S60, if the page control information is other than the page ejection code, if it is other, the information is set in the page table in step S61.

If it is determined in step S57 that the processing data is not page control information, then in step S58,
Request to the image data generation unit 603 or the CPU 6
09, the image is developed and stored in a predetermined area of the image memory 605.

Regardless of the determination in step S57, when it is recognized in step S64 that the page end processing of the last page in the same job has been completed, the "analysis end flag" of the job table is set to TRUE in step S65. In step S64, it is not recognized that the page end processing of the last page in the same job has been completed, and the process proceeds to step S5.
In the case where the end of processing of one block is not detected even in 9.
Returning to step S57, the above is repeated.

When the end of the processing for one block is recognized (S59), the processing returns to S51.

In summary, the data is read from the print data (control code, PDL, etc.) storage area 613b,
A page table shown in FIG. 14 is generated for each job.

FIG. 24 shows a page operation task (1305).
It is a control flowchart of.

When the page operation task is woken up by the analysis / expansion task, it inquires of the job control task at a predetermined cycle whether or not there is an interruption instruction. Step S71
To determine the result of the inquiry. Here, when the presence of the interruption instruction is detected, the process proceeds to step S73, at which point the interruption order control (S73) is performed, and otherwise the normal order control is performed (S72).

The interruption order control is a control for preferentially processing the discharge of all the papers being conveyed into the printer 102. When the paper conveyed in the machine finally runs out, the page number is controlled.
Forcibly release pages in the queue.

In the next step S74, the page key
Query the status of all pages in the_NBut
If it is determined that printing is possible (S74), the page is cleared in step S75.
Page _NContinue the printing process for, and proceed to step S76.
If not, the process proceeds directly to step S76.

In step S76, the completion of discharge of page _N is confirmed by the "discharge end flag" in the page table. Here, when the completion of the paper discharge is recognized, step S7 is performed.
In step 7, the "existing number of sheets discharged" area of the job table is incremented, and in step S78, it is confirmed whether the discharge of the last page in the same job has been completed. If it can be confirmed here, the “print end flag” of the job table is set to TRUE in step S79.

Step S76 or step S78
If the paper ejection is not completed or the last page of the job, the process returns to the beginning. Ultimately, the end of the job described above is confirmed.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining what has been described above, that is, the gist of the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner in terms of error processing.

In FIG. 25, first, an error occurrence check is performed in step S101. If an error is detected in this check, the content of the error is specified in step S102. Next, in step S103,
The contents of the current job and the contents of the error are displayed on a user interface, in the embodiment, a panel unit. Next, it is checked whether there is a job following the current job. Here, if there is no succeeding job, and if it is determined that the error occurred in step S110 has not been resolved, the check for the presence or absence of the succeeding job is repeated. At this stage, if the error that has occurred has been dealt with and resolved by the user, step S111
Proceed to. However, there are no suspended jobs at this stage,
The process returns to the first step S101 without doing anything.

If a subsequent job is received in step S104, it is checked in step S105 whether the conversion of the subsequent job into intermediate code data has been completed. Here, if the completion confirmation is not obtained, the completion is waited while confirming whether or not the error has been resolved in step S110.

When the completion of the conversion of the succeeding job is confirmed in step S105, the current job is interrupted in step S106, and the process proceeds to step S10.
In step S7, the succeeding job is set as the current job. Next, in step S108, the page control data of the current job after the completion of the conversion process is checked to determine whether or not the printing mode does not use the error part that has occurred. . That is, it is checked whether the current error is allowed. If it is determined that the job is permitted, the process proceeds to step S109, and control is performed to execute the printing process of the preceding succeeding job set for the current job. Thereafter, it is checked in step S110 whether the error has been resolved as described above.

In step 105. If it is determined that the error is not permitted, the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the error has not been resolved, the process proceeds to step S110.
At 104, the above-described processing is executed for the succeeding job.

Step S1 via step S106
If it is determined in step 10 that the error has been resolved, in step S111, the previously interrupted job is added to the print processing target, and the process returns to step S101.

When an error has occurred in a certain job and subsequent jobs are sent one after another without removing the cause of the error, the process proceeds from step S110 to step S104, and from step S104 to step S104.
Is repeated. Therefore, in such a case, of the succeeding jobs, jobs that allow the occurring error are printed one after another. Subsequent jobs that do not tolerate the error that has occurred
It is stored on the hard disk as a suspended job. If the user notices under such a condition and executes the error cancellation, the process proceeds from step S110 to step S110.
The process advances to step S111, where the interrupted job that has been interrupted is added to the print processing target, and the process returns to step S101. Thereafter, if an error occurs during execution of printing as a medium print processing target, the above-described processing is executed again.

By performing the above control, when a specific error occurs in an arbitrary job _N , the end of the remaining development process of the job _{N and} the remaining development of the succeeding job _{N + 1} (the unanalyzed page belonging to the job). The job _{N + 1} can be printed before the job _N on the condition that the (analysis and development) process is completed.

Further, by using the list display mode and the detailed display mode, error skipping and cancellation of the job _N can be performed at an arbitrary timing.

[0183] As a result, the user's job _N, after performing the process of error at hand, it becomes possible to start printing the stress-free job _N using the control panel, specific to the job _N Even if there is an error, the user of the job _{N + 1} does not print his or her job or does not print until the error of the job _N is released, so that the printing operation of the printing apparatus is not interrupted.

The paper ejection device 108 shown in FIG. 2 is a completely optional device. Even if this device is not provided or does not function, the print output is normally transferred to the stacking tray 2.
13 can be discharged. Also, the paper feeding device 10
Reference numeral 7 denotes a similar optional device. Even if the optional device does not exist or does not function, when the paper size in the paper cassette 230 is used, the printing process can be completed without error. Conversely, even in the case of an error due to the absence of paper in the paper cassette 230, in the case of a job using paper in the paper feeding device 107, the job can be completed without error. The same applies to the case where a sheet feeding device is further added below the sheet feeding device 107.

As described above, the present invention has been described using the present embodiment, but it is easy to change to the following form without departing from the gist of the present invention.

In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation in units of jobs is performed by the panel unit 104 provided on the printing apparatus. However, the operation from an external device such as a host computer is performed via a network or a direct connection. It is needless to say that the same effect can be obtained by the above.

[0187]

According to the present invention as described above invention, according to the present invention, when an error occurs in any job _N, job _{N + 1} processing one after another automatically subsequent to the job _N in accordance with the error contents So also run interrupted jobs
_{Since N} is added to the print processing target when the error is resolved, the job of each user can be executed without being affected by the error of the specific job in an environment used by a plurality of users.

In particular, when a specific error occurs in any job _N , the end of the remaining development process of job _N and the subsequent job
_The job _{N + 1} can be printed before the job _N on condition that the remaining development of _{N + 1} (analysis and development of an unanalyzed page belonging to the job) is completed.

Further, when there is a job interrupted due to the occurrence of an error, the status of each job is
It is displayed to the user through the interface, and it becomes possible to simplify the reception of a user operation relating to the interruption and deletion of each waiting job.

According to the present invention, an error in a job of an arbitrary user does not affect other users, and the recovery after the error is eliminated can be made automatic.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration in signal processing of an image recording apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 shows an image recording apparatus according to the present invention and its options.
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a mechanical configuration of an image recording system using units.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an interface of each controller in the image recording apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a table illustrating the contents and directions of signals exchanged between the video controller 103 and the engine controller 105.

FIG. 5 shows an option controller unit 106, a video
Controller 103 and engine controller 10
5 is a table illustrating the contents and directions of serial communication and signals performed by the fifth embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a video controller 103.

FIG. 7 is an option controller unit 10 shown in FIG.
Video controller 103 secured in the RAM in 6
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with the server.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure for issuing a command status based on a basic status and acquiring detailed information of each input / output option.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for accessing a shared memory in the option controller unit 106, exchanging command status with each option, and acquiring option information.

FIG. 10 shows a panel section 104 according to the present invention shown in FIG.
It is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of.

11 is a diagram for describing a display screen of the LCD 301 shown in FIG. 10 for each mode.

FIG. 12 is a state transition table showing the relationship between the display state of the panel unit 104 and key operations.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data flow in the embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a data flow from an external device to an option controller unit and an engine controller unit.

14 is a diagram showing a structure of a page table storing page information in FIG. 13 and explaining a structure of a status flag.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a structure of an engine state table in a RAM 607.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a map relating to a job table in a RAM 607.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a specific processing procedure of the embodiment from a user interface.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a specific processing procedure of the embodiment from a user interface.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing a specific processing procedure of the embodiment from a user interface.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a job generation task.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a job control task.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a job control task.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a process of an analysis development task.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a page operation task.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an error process.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 70 option unit interface 81 communication interface 90 general interface 91 serial communication interface 101 external device such as personal computer 102 printing device (laser beam printer) 103 video controller 104 panel 105 engine controller 106 option controller 107 Paper feed optional device (paper deck option) 107a Paper deck controller 108 Paper discharge optional device (sorter option
Unit) 108a Sorter controller 109 Control unit 213 Stacking tray 213s Discharge stacking amount detection sensor 212, 214 Discharge roller 230 Paper cassette 230S Recording paper detection sensor 231 Cassette paper feed clutch 233 Optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay roller 241) Paper deck 241s Recording paper storage amount detection sensor 242 Paper deck paper feed roller 243 Paper feed relay transport roller 244 Transport roller 251 to 257 First to seventh discharge bins for face down discharge 258 Face up Eighth paper discharge bin 261S to 268S for paper discharge Paper discharge empty detection sensor 270 Light intensity sensor 271S to 278S Paper discharge load amount detection sensor S Recording paper 601 Panel interface unit 602 Host interface unit 61 1 Data bus 613 Hard disk (data storage device)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ05 AQ06 AS02 HV01 HV31 2C087 AA03 AA09 AA15 AB06 AC07 AC08 BA01 BA03 BA05 BA07 BC05 BC07 BD40 BD46 DA11 2C187 AC07 AC08 AD03 AE06 HA27 5B021 AA01

Claims (21)

[Claims] A data conversion means for receiving print data from an external device and converting the print data into intermediate code data in page units; a printing means for executing a printing process based on the intermediate code data; A printing apparatus comprising: a plurality of paper feeding units to a printing unit or a plurality of paper discharging units from the printing unit; an image storage unit capable of storing the intermediate code data from the conversion unit for a plurality of pages; It is possible to manage the intermediate code data stored in the image storage unit on a job basis, and to send the intermediate code data from the storage unit to the printing unit on a job basis. A data processing means for enabling transmission in a different unit, and an error for recognizing an error occurring in the optional device and identifying the error. Error specifying means, and the data processing means, when the error specifying means determines that one of the plurality of means of the paper feeding means or the paper discharging means has the error, a page of a succeeding job The control data is further checked by checking whether the designation of the optional device of the job has selected the means in which the error has occurred, and the checking means selects the means in which the error has occurred in the subsequent job. When it is determined that the job has not been executed, the job in which the error has occurred is interrupted, a subsequent job is sent to the printing unit, and a printing process is executed. 2. The data processing unit, when interrupting the job in which the error has occurred, after the conversion of the interrupted job is completed, and after the data conversion unit detects the completion of data conversion of the succeeding job, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein intermediate data of the subsequent job is sent to the printing unit. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface unit for displaying a progress status including error contents of the job managed by said data processing unit to a user, and receiving a job instruction from the user. 3. The printing device according to 1 or 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate code data is any one of compressed data for each object, compressed data for each area, compressed data for one page, image data, and raster data. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sheet discharging means is a sheet discharging device having a sorter function or a stapler function. 6. A data conversion means for receiving print data from an external device and converting the print data into intermediate code data in page units, a printing means for executing a printing process based on the intermediate code data, A print job management method for managing and printing print data from an external device in units of jobs in a printing apparatus including a plurality of paper feeding units to a printing unit or a plurality of paper discharging units from the printing unit. An intermediate code storage step of storing the intermediate code data from the conversion means in an image storage unit capable of storing a plurality of pages, and managing the intermediate code data stored in the intermediate code storage step in job units; A job transfer step of sending the stored intermediate code data to the printing unit on a job-by-job basis; An error specifying step of recognizing the error to be performed and specifying the error; and determining in the error specifying step that one of the sheet feeding unit or the sheet discharging unit includes the error.
A checking step of checking page control data of a succeeding job to determine whether designation of the optional device of the job has selected the unit in which the error has occurred; and When it is determined that a job to be performed is not selected, a suspending step of suspending the job in which the error has occurred, and after executing the suspending step, a subsequent job is sent to the printing unit to execute a printing process. A transfer operation step of operating the job transfer step. 7. The interruption step detects the completion of the conversion of the job to be interrupted and executes an interruption process. The transfer operation step includes the step of: after the data conversion unit detects the completion of the data conversion of the succeeding job. 7. The print job management method according to claim 6, wherein an operation is performed to send intermediate data of the succeeding job to the printing unit. 8. The job transfer step further includes a step of displaying to the user a progress status including an error content of the job managed by the job transfer step, and a step of receiving an instruction on the job from the user regarding the content displayed in the display step. 8. The print job management method according to claim 6, wherein: 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate code data is any one of compressed data for each object, compressed data for each area, compressed data for one page, image data, and raster data. A print job management method according to any one of claims 6 to 8. 10. The print job management method according to claim 6, wherein the paper discharge unit is a paper discharge device having a sorter function or a stapler function. 11. An analysis unit for receiving a job from an external device and analyzing print data of the received job,
A print control device connected to a printing unit that executes a print process based on data generated by the analysis process, wherein the image storage unit is capable of storing data generated by the analysis process for a plurality of pages; Data processing means for managing data stored in the means for each job, and sending data corresponding to each job from the image storage means to the printing means, wherein the data processing means stores data corresponding to the job. If an error occurs during the transmission from the image total storage unit to the printing unit, it is determined whether or not the analysis of the print data of the job in which the error has occurred has been completed, and the analysis of the print data of the subsequent job Based on the determination as to whether or not the processing has been completed, the data corresponding to the succeeding job, not the data corresponding to the job in which the error has occurred, is stored in the image storage device. Print control apparatus and controls the sending to the printing unit from. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data processing unit sends data corresponding to a succeeding job from the image storage unit to the printing unit in response to the completion of analysis of print data of the job in which the error has occurred. 12. The print control apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the print control apparatus permits the print job. 13. The data processing means permits the data corresponding to the succeeding job to be sent from the image storage means to the printing unit in response to the completion of the analysis of the print data of the succeeding job. 13. The printing control device according to claim 11, wherein 14. The data processing means according to whether the analysis of the print data of the job in which the error has occurred has not been completed or the analysis of the print data of the succeeding job has not been completed. The print control apparatus according to claim 11, wherein data corresponding to a succeeding job is not sent from the image storage unit to the printing unit. 15. An error occurred in a paper supply unit for performing a paper supply process to the printing unit while the data processing unit is transmitting data corresponding to a job from the total image storage unit to the printing unit. In this case, according to the difference between the sheet feeding unit used in the job in which the error has occurred and the sheet feeding unit used in the succeeding job, the data corresponding to the succeeding job is sent from the image storage unit to the printing unit. 15. The print control device according to claim 11, wherein the print control device is permitted. 16. An error occurs in a paper discharge unit that performs a paper discharge process from the printing unit while data corresponding to a job is sent from the total image storage unit to the printing unit. In this case, according to the difference between the paper discharge unit used in the job in which the error has occurred and the paper discharge unit used in the succeeding job, data corresponding to the succeeding job is sent from the image storage unit to the printing unit. 16. The print control apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the print control is permitted. 17. A progress status including an error content of a job managed by the data processing means is displayed to a user,
The user who receives instructions about the job from the user
16. The print control device according to claim 11, further comprising an interface unit. 18. The analysis unit generates intermediate code data, wherein the intermediate code data is compressed data for each object, compressed data for each area, compressed data for one page, image data, raster data. 17. The print control device according to claim 11, wherein the print control device is any one of data. 19. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the paper discharging means is a paper discharging device having a sorter function or a stapler function. 20. An analyzing unit for receiving a job from an external device and analyzing print data of the received job,
A print control method in a print control device connected to a printing unit that executes a print process based on data generated by the analysis process, wherein the data generated by the analysis process is stored in an image storage unit capable of storing a plurality of pages. A data processing step of managing the stored data on a job-by-job basis and sending data corresponding to each job from the image storage means to the printing means; and If an error occurs while the data is being sent from the storage unit to the printing unit, it is determined whether the analysis of the print data of the job in which the error has occurred has been completed and the analysis of the print data of the subsequent job has been completed. The data corresponding to the succeeding job, instead of the data corresponding to the job in which the error occurred, Print control method and controlling from the storage means sending to said printing unit. 21. An analyzing unit for receiving a job from an external device and analyzing print data of the received job,
A print control program for a print control device connected to a printing unit that executes a print process based on data generated by the analysis process, wherein the print control program stores the data generated by the analysis process in a plurality of pages. The computer manages the data stored in the image storage unit capable of separately storing the data for each job, and sends a data corresponding to each job from the image storage unit to the printing unit. If an error occurs while data corresponding to a job is being sent from the image total storage unit to the printing unit, a determination is made as to whether or not the print data analysis processing of the job in which the error has occurred has been completed, and Based on the determination as to whether or not the analysis of the print data of the succeeding job has been completed, Print control program for the data corresponding to the succeeding job rather than data from said image storage means and controls the sending to the printing unit.