JP2003154735A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system in which print processing is performed by transmitting print data efficiently to a printer depending on the type of a desired recording medium. SOLUTION: The print system 100 comprises a buffer memory 17 for storing print data temporarily in a host unit 1 and when the print data is transmitted to a printer 2, information indicative of the type of a sheet loaded in the printer 2 is requested. The print data are transmitted to the printer 2 if the sheet loaded in the printer 2 is suitable for the print data, otherwise the print data are stored in the buffer memory 17. When a sheet suitable for the print data stored in the buffer memory 17 are loaded in the printer 2, the print data are transmitted to the corresponding printer 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system in which a host device and a printing device are connected via a network and printing processing is performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of computer and network technologies, LA built in buildings such as companies and schools.
A printing system is known in which a printer (printing device) and a host device are connected to a network via a communication network such as N or WAN to be used. In such a printing system, not only one printer is connected to one host device, but also some printers are used by connecting a plurality of printers and a plurality of host devices via a network. .

In this printing system, the printer is
The print data transmitted from the host device is received, and the print data is printed on the type of paper designated for each print data according to the order of the received print data. Therefore, when the paper feed cassette in which the predetermined paper corresponding to the print data is loaded is not attached to the printer, the printing process of the printer is stopped until the paper feed cassette is attached. If the printing process stops here,
The print data transmitted to the printer thereafter is temporarily stored in the memory of the printer. Then, when a compatible paper cassette is attached and the suspension of the printing process is released,
The print data is read from the memory and printed on a predetermined sheet.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional printing system, since the print data stored in the memory of the printer is processed in the order received by the printer, it is currently loaded. Even if the print data suitable for a certain sheet of paper is recorded in the memory, the print process remains stopped unless the first print data is printed. In addition, the capacity of the memory for storing the print data provided in the printer is small, and once the printing process is stopped, the print data sent later will be filled with the memory immediately. there were.

Therefore, in the invention described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-144780, there is provided a technique of rejecting printing to the host device when a paper feed cassette of a type designated by a command from the host device is not installed. It is disclosed. However, since the host device refused to print stops sending data to the printer, the user who tries to perform printing replenishes the specified type of paper to the paper feed cassette, mounts it in the printer, and then again It was necessary to retransmit the data from the device.

Further, in the invention described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-349163, when a paper feed cassette of a type corresponding to print data is not attached to the printer, the print data is stored in the memory and is currently attached. Printing is performed with priority given to print data suitable for the paper feed cassette. Then, a technique is disclosed in which, when a paper feed cassette is newly installed, the print data stored in the memory is read and the print data is printed on a suitable type of paper. However, if a large amount of print data that does not match the currently loaded paper is sent, the memory will fill up immediately,
There is a problem that the processing speed of the printer decreases. In addition, it is necessary to secure a fixed amount of memory provided in the printer, which causes a problem of increasing the cost of the printer.

[0007] Further, if the paper suitable for the print data is not loaded in the printer, the print data stored in the memory will not be printed forever, so the user must
There is a problem in that the network data and the load on the printer are increased by losing the print data and repeatedly sending the print data to the printer, and the processing speed of the entire printing system is reduced. Further, for example, when the desired paper feed cassette is attached to another printer after transmitting the print data to the printer, the user deletes the print data stored in the memory of the printer that transmitted the print data, Need to send print data to another printer newly, increase data traffic,
There was a problem of being inefficient.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system that efficiently transmits print data to a printing apparatus according to a desired type of recording medium to perform print processing.

[0009]

In order to solve the above problems, an invention according to claim 1 is a host device for transmitting print data, and a printing device for receiving the print data and printing it on a recording medium. In a printing system connected via a communication network, the printing apparatus is capable of loading at least one type of recording medium, and information regarding the type of the recording medium loaded in the loading unit. And a communication unit for transmitting the print data to the host device, wherein the host device temporarily stores the print data, and, according to the information about the type of the recording medium received from the printing device, When a recording medium of a type compatible with print data is loaded in the printing apparatus, the print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and a recording medium of a type compatible with the print data is transmitted. There when not loaded in the printing apparatus is characterized in that the print data and a control means for storing in the temporary storage means.

Here, the recording medium is a medium for transferring the print data, and the type thereof depends on the size.
For example, it is classified into A4, A3, A2, B5, B4, etc.,
Depending on the type, for example, plain paper, recycled paper, cardboard, OHP
It is classified into a sheet, a label, a CD-R label and the like. Therefore, the information regarding the type of recording medium includes, for example, the above-mentioned information regarding the size and type.

Therefore, when transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus, the type of the recording medium loaded in the printing apparatus is confirmed, and the type of the recording medium loaded in the printing apparatus matches the print data. In this case, since the print data is transmitted to the corresponding printing device, the printing device can always receive the printable print data, and can perform the printing promptly without stopping the printing process. Also,
Since the print data does not stagnate in the printing apparatus, it is possible to reduce the waiting time, reduce the load on the printing apparatus, and improve the processing speed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control means of the host device, when transmitting the print data to the printing device, is the target currently loaded in the loading means. When the communication unit of the printing apparatus receives an instruction requesting information regarding the type of recording medium, the communication unit of the printing apparatus receives information regarding the type of recording medium currently loaded in the loading unit. Is transmitted to the host device.

Therefore, the host device can receive the information regarding the type of the recording medium loaded in the printing device at an appropriate timing, and can quickly and efficiently send the print data to the printing device for printing. Processing can be performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the communication means of the printing device is currently loaded when the type of the recording medium loaded in the loading means is changed. It is characterized in that information regarding the type of the recorded medium that has been recorded is transmitted to the host device.

Therefore, when there is a change in the type of paper loaded in the printing apparatus, information regarding the changed type of recording medium is promptly transmitted to the host apparatus.
The host device can grasp the type of the recording medium loaded in the printing device, and can efficiently perform the printing process according to the status of the printing system.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the communication means of the printing device is currently loaded in the loading means when the printing device is newly connected to the communication network. The information regarding the type of the recording medium is transmitted to the host device.

Therefore, when a new printing device becomes available in the printing system, information regarding the type of the recording medium loaded in the new printing device is transmitted to the host device, so that the host device can be used. It is possible to understand the types of printing apparatuses that can be used and the types of recording media that are loaded in the printing apparatuses, and it is possible to perform print processing efficiently according to the status of the printing system.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first, third or fourth aspects, the control means of the host device is responsive to the information regarding the type of the recording medium received from the printing device. When a recording medium of a type suitable for the print data recorded in the temporary storage means is loaded in the loading means, the print data recorded in the temporary storage means is transmitted to the printing apparatus. It has a feature.

Therefore, when a recording medium of a type suitable for the print data stored in the temporary storage means is loaded in the printing device, the print data is transmitted to the printing device, so that printable print data is always generated. It can be sent to a printing device. Therefore, the output determination process in the printing apparatus can be omitted, and the processing capacity of the printing apparatus can be improved. Further, since flexible print processing such as sending print data to another printing device can be performed according to the status of the print system, the load on the communication network of the print system can be reduced and the processing of the entire print system can be reduced. The speed can be improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the control means of the host device transmits the print data stored in the temporary storage means to the printing device, the print data is added to the print data. Warning information for loading a recording medium of a suitable type into the loading unit is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus receives the warning information by the communication unit and issues a warning based on the warning information. Is further provided with a warning output means for outputting.

Therefore, for example, when the print data stored in the temporary storage means is transmitted to a printing apparatus in which a recording medium of a suitable type is not loaded by a user's output instruction or the like, a warning is given in advance in the printing apparatus. Since it is possible to output and prompt to load a predetermined type of recording medium, the print data stored in the temporary storage means can be printed promptly. As a result, a large amount of print data is not stored in the temporary storage unit, and the processing capacity of the host device is not reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the print data from being accumulated in the temporary storage means for a long time and prevent the print data from being lost.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

First, the structure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 includes a plurality of host apparatuses 1 and a plurality of printers 2a, 2b, 2c.
And are connected via the network N so that data can be transmitted / received and input / output can be performed. The printers 2b and 2c connected to the network N by dotted lines are printers to be connected, and show a situation in which the printer 2b and 2c are temporarily not connected to the network N, for example, the power is turned off. In addition, the host device 1 and the printer 2 installed
(Hereinafter, the printers 2a, 2b, and 2c are collectively referred to as "printer 2").

The network N is a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN constructed in a building such as a company or a school.
(Wide Area Network) and other information communication networks. Here, the line form is illustrated as a ring form but is arbitrary. Further, the connection between each terminal device may be wired or wireless. However, from the viewpoint of the reliability of information management, it is desirable that the network has a security that can be accessed only by specific users. Further, the network N includes, for example, a relay device such as a router for analyzing transmitted / received data, setting a transmission path, and transferring, and a concentrator such as a hub having a predetermined number of ports.

Next, each part of the printing system 100 will be described. First, the host device 1 is configured by a personal computer or the like, and converts document data and image data created by application software into a data format printable by the printer 2 by a predetermined page description language, and at the same time, prints the number of copies and records. A script to which control data for designating the type of medium (hereinafter, "paper" is described as an example), the printing form (black and white, color), etc. is transmitted to the printer 2 via the network N as print data.

With reference to FIG. 2, the main configuration of the host device 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the host device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the host device 1 includes a CPU 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, and a communication unit 1.
4, RAM 15, storage unit 16, buffer memory 17, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus 18.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11
Expands a program specified from various programs stored in the storage unit 16 into a work area (not shown) in the RAM 15, and centrally controls each unit according to the program. Further, the processing result is stored in the work memory in the RAM 15, and the display information for displaying the processing result is generated and output to the display unit 13. And RAM
The processing result stored in 15 is saved in a predetermined area of the storage unit 16 or the buffer memory 17. The CPU 11
Has a function as a control unit described in the claims.

Specifically, the CPU 11 reads the print control processing program stored in the storage unit 16 and executes the print control processing (see FIG. 4) described later.

In this print control process, the CPU 11
When the print data is created and the print instruction to the printer 2 is input, the request for the paper type information is made to the designated printer 2. Here, the sheet type information is information relating to the type of sheets loaded in the sheet feeding unit 26 of the printer 2, and specifically, information indicating the sizes of A4, A3, A2, B5, B4, and the like, It includes information indicating types such as plain paper, recycled paper, thick paper, OHP sheet, label, and CD-R label.

When the CPU 11 acquires the paper type information from the designated printer 2, it determines whether or not the printer 2 is loaded with the paper conforming to the designated print data. If the designated printer 2 is not loaded with the type of paper suitable for the print data, the CPU 11
Stores print data in the buffer memory 17. On the other hand, when the designated printer 2 is loaded with the type of paper suitable for the print data, the CPU 11 sends the print data to the designated printer 2. Furthermore, CPU
When the print processing is completed, the reference numeral 11 receives the processing result indicating the end of the print processing from the printer 2 which has transmitted the print data, and displays it on the display unit 13.

Further, the CPU 11 reads the print data output processing program stored in the storage unit 16 and executes the print data output processing (FIG. 5) described later.

In this print data extraction process, the CPU
Reference numeral 11 indicates paper type information transmitted from the corresponding printer 2 when a new printer 2 is connected to the network N or when the type of paper loaded in the paper feed unit 26 of the printer 2 is changed. , Through the communication unit 14. Further, the CPU 11 extracts the paper type of the print data stored in the buffer memory 17 and determines whether there is print data matching the paper type information received from the printer 2. Then, if the print data that matches the paper type information is in the buffer memory 17, the print data that matches is acquired from the buffer memory 17, and the print data is transmitted to the corresponding printer 2.

The CPU 11 receives an instruction to output the print data stored in the buffer memory 17 via the input unit 12, fills the capacity of the buffer memory 17, or buffer memory 17. If there is print data that has been stored for a predetermined period of time, the warning information including a message for loading a type of paper suitable for the print data is transmitted to the designated printer 2. Then, when the corresponding printer 2 changes the paper and receives the paper type information suitable for the print data from the printer 2, the CPU 11 transmits the print data to the corresponding printer 2.

The input section 12 includes character keys, numeral keys, and
A keyboard including various function keys is included, and an operation signal corresponding to the operated key is output to the CPU 11. Also,
The input unit 12 may be provided with a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, or other input device, if necessary.

The display unit 13 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tub).
The display screen includes an e), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like, and displays display data transmitted / received via the input unit 12 and the communication unit 14 on the screen according to an instruction of a display signal input from the CPU 11.

The communication unit 14 is an interface connectable to a transmission medium connected to a network such as LAN, WAN, or the Internet. The communication unit 14 is
For example, various data is transmitted / received and input / output between the printers 2 which are configured by a communication control card such as a LAN card and are connected to the network N via a communication line such as a LAN cable.

The RAM (Random Access Memory) 15 is
A work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU 11 and data processed by these various programs is formed.

The storage unit 16 has a recording medium (not shown) in which programs, data, etc. are stored in advance. The recording medium is composed of a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. There is. This recording medium is one that is fixedly provided in the storage unit 16 or one that is detachably mounted, and this recording medium includes a system program, various processing programs corresponding to the system,
And stores data processed by various processing programs. The program is stored in the form of a computer-readable program code, and the CPU 11 sequentially executes operations according to the program code.

Further, some or all of the programs, data and the like stored in the recording medium are received from other devices such as a server and a client from the communication unit 14 via a transmission medium of a network line such as WAN and LAN. The storage medium may be stored as a storage medium, and the storage medium may be a storage medium of a server built on a network. Also,
The program may be transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line and installed in these devices.

The buffer memory 17 is composed of a non-volatile memory or the like, and temporarily stores the print data when the printer 2 is not loaded with a paper suitable for the print data instructed to print. The buffer memory 17 has a function as a temporary storage unit described in the claims.

Next, the printer 2 includes an ink jet printer, a copying machine, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral),
The printer includes a printing machine, a printer information providing terminal (for example, a kiosk terminal), etc., receives print data described in a predetermined page description language from the host device 1 via the network N, and converts it into control data included in the print data. It is a device for printing according to the above.

The main structure of the printer 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printer 2. As shown in FIG.
Is the CPU 21, the input unit 22, the display unit 23, the communication unit 2
4, RAM 25, paper feed unit 26, printing unit 27, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus 28.

The CPU 21 reads out a control program for controlling the operation of the printer 2 from a ROM (not shown), executes various processes, and centrally controls each unit. Further, the processing result according to various processing is stored in a work memory of a RAM (not shown), and display information for displaying the processing result is generated and output to the display unit 23.

Specifically, the CPU 21 reads the print processing program stored in the memory 25 and executes the print processing (see FIG. 6) described later.

In this printing process, the CPU 21 detects that the printer 2 is newly connected to the network N, changes the type of paper loaded in the paper feed unit 26, or the host device. When the request instruction of the sheet type information is received from 1, the type of the sheet currently loaded in the sheet feeding unit 26 is acquired and the sheet type information is generated.

When it is detected that the printer 2 is newly connected to the network N, or when the paper feeding unit 26
When there is a change in the paper loaded in the paper, the paper type information is transmitted to all the host devices 1 connected to the network N. When receiving a request for paper type information from the host device 1, the paper type information is sent to the host device 1 that sent the request instruction.

Further, the CPU 21 receives from the host device 1
When the warning information including the message for changing the loaded paper to a predetermined kind of paper is received, the warning information is displayed on the display unit 23 and the warning sound is output.
Then, when the loaded paper is changed to a paper of a predetermined type, the paper type information is generated and the paper type information is transmitted to the host device 1 which has transmitted the warning information.

Further, when the print data is transmitted from the host device 1, the CPU 21 controls the communication unit 24 to receive the print data, and temporarily stores the print data in the memory 25. Then, the print data is printed on a predetermined paper, and after the printing is completed, the host device 1 that has transmitted the print data is caused to send the processing result of the printing completion.

The input section 22 includes a character key, a numeric key, and
It is provided with keys associated with various functions, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operated key to the CPU 21. In addition, the input unit 22 may include a touch panel provided so as to cover a display unit 23 described later, and detects a coordinate touched by a coordinate reading principle such as an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetostrictive type, or a pressure sensitive type. , CPU21 using the detected coordinates as a position signal
Output to.

The display unit 23 has a display screen such as an LCD, and displays the display information transmitted and received via the input unit 22 and the communication unit 24 on the screen according to the instruction of the display signal input from the CPU 21. Specifically, the display unit 23
Displays warning information that is received from the host device 1 and prompts the user to change the paper. That is, the display unit 23 has a function as a warning output unit described in the claims.

The communication section 24 is an interface connectable to a transmission medium connected to a network such as LAN or WAN. The communication unit 24 is composed of, for example, a communication control card such as a LAN card, and transmits and receives various data to and from the host apparatus 1 connected to the network N via a communication line such as a LAN cable. The communication unit 24 has a function as a communication unit described in the claims.

The memory 25 is composed of RAM, ROM, etc., and forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU 21 and data concerning these various programs. Specifically, the memory 25
Stores the print data received from the host device 1 temporarily.

The paper feed unit 26 is detachably provided with a paper feed cassette (not shown) according to the type of paper, and the paper loaded in the paper feed cassette is loaded in response to a control signal input from the CPU 21. Feed it to the printing section. The user replaces the paper loaded in the paper cassette according to the purpose, or
By changing the paper feed cassette according to the type of paper, the type of paper loaded in the paper feed unit 26 can be changed. Further, the sheet feeding unit 26, when the instruction of the CPU 21 or the type of the loaded sheet is changed, outputs the information regarding the type of the currently loaded sheet to the CPU 21.
Output to. The sheet feeding unit 26 has a function as a loading unit described in the claims.

The printing unit 27 prints the print data input from the host device 1 through the network N on the above-mentioned paper by an electrophotographic method using infrared laser light or projection light from an LED (Light-Emitting Diode). Print data is transferred and output for paper output.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. A program for realizing each function described in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6 described below is stored in the storage unit 16 of the host device 1 or the memory 25 of the printer 2 in the form of a readable program code. It is stored, and the CPU 11 or the CPU 21 sequentially executes the operation according to this program code. Further, it is also possible to execute the operation peculiar to this embodiment by utilizing a program / data externally supplied from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM control unit or the like (not shown). Below, printer 2
The case where a is a printer that is connected to the network N in advance and the printers 2b and 2c are printers that are newly connected to the network N will be described as an example.
Further, the printer 2 is a general term for the printers 2a, 2b, and 2c.

First, the print control process executed by the CPU 11 of the host device 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a print control process executed by the CPU 11 of the host device 1. As shown in FIG.
When a print instruction for printing the generated print data in the printer 2a is input via the input unit 12 (step S1; YES), 11 transmits an instruction to request the paper type information to the designated printer 2a. (Step S2). Next, the CPU 11 receives the sheet type information from the printer 2a (step S3), and determines whether the type of the sheet currently loaded in the printer 2a matches the print data (step S4).

If the type of paper loaded in the printer 2a matches the print data (step S4; YES), the CPU 11 sends the print data to the designated printer 2a (step S5). ). And
In the printer 2a, it is judged whether or not the processing result transmitted when the printing processing is completed is received (step S
6) When the processing result is received (step S6; YE
S), the processing result is displayed on the display unit 13 to notify that the printing process is completed (step S7).

On the other hand, returning to step S4, the printer 2
If the type of paper loaded in a does not match the print data (step S4; NO), the CPU 11
The print data is stored in the buffer memory 17 (step S8), and the print control process is terminated.

Next, the print data output process executed by the CPU 11 of the host device 1 will be described. Figure 5
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of print data output processing executed by the CPU 11. As shown in FIG.
The PU 11 determines whether or not the paper type information transmitted when the printer 2b / printer 2c is newly connected to the network N or when the paper loaded in the printer 2a is changed is received. (Step S1
1).

Here, when the paper type information is received (step S11; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether print data is stored in the buffer memory 17 (step S12). When print data is stored in the buffer memory 17 (step S12; YE
S), the CPU 11 extracts the paper type of the print data stored in the buffer memory 17 (step S1).
3) It is determined whether or not there is print data that matches the received paper type information (step S14).

When print data matching the received paper type information is stored in the buffer memory 17 (step S14; YES), the CPU 11 acquires the corresponding print data from the buffer memory 17 and responds. The print data is transmitted to the printer 2, that is, the printer 2 that has transmitted the paper type information (step S1).
5). Further, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the printer 2 has received the processing result transmitted when the printing process is completed (step S16), and when the processing result is received (step S16; YES), the processing result. Display part 1
No. 3 is displayed to notify that the printing process is completed (step S17).

When print data is not stored in the buffer memory 17 (step S12; NO), CP
U11 finishes this print data output process, and print data matching the received paper type information is stored in the buffer memory 17
If not (step S14; NO), step S18
Move to.

Subsequently, returning to step S11, when the host device 1 has not received the paper type information (step S11; NO), the CPU 11 causes the input unit 12 to perform
It is determined whether or not a print data output instruction has been input (step S18). When the print data output instruction is input (step S18; YES), the CPU 11
Is a paper feed unit 26 that applies paper suitable for the specified print data.
Warning information to be loaded into the printer is generated, and the warning information is transmitted to the designated printer 2 (step S19).

Next, the CPU 11 judges whether or not the sheet type information suitable for the print data is received from the printer 2 (step S20), and when the sheet type information suitable for the print data is received (step S20; Yes),
The designated print data is acquired from the buffer memory 17 and transmitted to the corresponding printer 2 (step S21).
Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

Then, the process returns to step S18, and when the print data output instruction is not input (step S1)
8; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the capacity of the buffer memory 17 is full (step S20). Here, when the capacity of the buffer memory 17 is full (step S20), the CPU 11 acquires the print data in the order in which the print data stored in the buffer memory 17 is stored, that is, in the old order (step S21). .

Then, the CPU 11 generates warning information for loading the paper suitable for the acquired print data into the paper feed section 26, and transmits the warning information to the previously designated printer 2a (step S24). . Then CPU1
1 is the printer 2 which provides the paper type information suitable for the print data.
It is determined whether the print data is received from the printer 2a (step S25), and when the paper type information suitable for the print data is received (step S25; YES), the acquired print data is transmitted to the printer 2a (step S26). Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

Then, returning to step S22, if the capacity of the buffer memory 17 is not full (step S22;
If NO, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is print data that has been stored in the buffer memory 17 for a predetermined time (step S27). Here, the buffer memory 17
If there is print data that has passed a predetermined time since it was stored in (step S27; YES), the CPU 11 acquires the corresponding print data from the buffer memory 17 (step S28).

Then, the CPU 11 generates warning information for loading the paper suitable for the acquired print data into the paper feeding unit 26, and causes the printer 2a designated previously to transmit the warning information (step S229). . Then the CPU
11 determines whether or not the paper type information suitable for the print data is received from the printer 2 (step S30),
When the paper type information suitable for the print data is received (step S30; YES), the acquired print data is transmitted to the printer 2a (step S30). Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

If there is no print data stored in the buffer memory 17 for a predetermined time (step S
27; NO), the CPU 11 ends the print data output process.

Next, the print processing executed by the CPU 21 of the printer 2 will be described. FIG. 6 shows the CPU of the printer 2.
21 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the printer 21. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 21 determines whether the printer 2 is newly connected to the network N (step S41). Here, when the printer 2 is newly connected to the network (step S41; YE
S), the process proceeds to step S44, and when the printer 2 is not newly connected to the network (step S41;
No), it is determined whether or not the sheets loaded in the sheet feeding unit 26 have been changed (step S42).

If there is a change in the paper loaded in the paper feed unit 26 of the printer 2 (step S42; Y).
ES), the process proceeds to step S44, and when the paper is not changed (step S42; NO), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the request instruction of the paper type information is received from the host device 1 (step S43). Here, the host device 1
If the paper type information request instruction is not received from (step S43; NO), the process proceeds to step S46, and the paper type information request instruction is received (step S43; YE).
S), and the process proceeds to step S44. And the CPU 21
In step S44, the paper feed unit 26 of the printer 2
The type of the paper currently loaded in is acquired and the paper type information is generated (step S44).

Next, the CPU 21 sends the generated paper type information to the host device 1 (step S45). Here, when the printer 2 is newly connected or when the type of the paper loaded in the paper feed unit 26 of the printer 2 is changed, the CPU 21 sends the generated paper type information to the network N. When the request is sent to all the connected host apparatuses 1 and the request instruction for the sheet type information is received from the host apparatus 1, the generated sheet type information is sent only to the host apparatus 1 that sent the request instruction.

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the warning information for loading a predetermined sheet has been received from the host device 1 (step S46). Here, when the warning information is not received from the host device 1 (step S46; N
O), the process proceeds to step S50, and when the warning information is received (step S46; YES), the CPU 21 displays the warning information on the display unit 23 and outputs a warning sound (step S47).

Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the loaded paper has been changed to the predetermined paper specified by the warning information (step S48), and when the paper has been changed to the predetermined paper (step S48). ; YES), the paper type information is generated, and the paper type information is transmitted to the corresponding host device 1 (step S49). If the paper is not changed to the predetermined paper (step S48; NO), the CPU2
1 continues to output the warning.

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether print data has been received from the host device 1 (step S5).
0). When print data is received (step S
50; YES), the CPU 21 prints the print data on a predetermined paper (step S51), and after the printing is completed, sends the processing result to the host device 1 which sent the print data (step S52). If print data is not received in step S36 (step S50; NO), C
The PU 21 ends this printing process.

As described above, according to the printing system 100 of the present embodiment, the host device 1 is provided with the buffer memory 17 for temporarily storing the print data, and when the print data is transmitted to the printer 2, the printer When the paper type information indicating the type of the paper loaded in 2 is requested and the paper loaded in the printer 2 matches the print data,
The print data is transmitted to the printer 2. Also, the printer 2
If the paper loaded in the sheet does not match the print data, the print data is stored in the buffer memory 17. Then, when the printer 2 is loaded with a sheet suitable for the print data stored in the buffer memory 17, the print data is transmitted to the corresponding printer 2. Further, when a print instruction is input again, when the capacity of the buffer memory 17 is full, or when a predetermined time has passed after being stored in the buffer memory 17, a predetermined paper suitable for the print data is loaded. Warning information for sending the print data to the printer 2, and when the paper suitable for the print data is changed, the host device 1 sends the print data to the printer 2.

Therefore, when it is desired to print on a predetermined paper, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined paper is loaded in the paper feed unit 26 of the printer 2 before sending the print data to the printer 2. Since print data is transmitted and printing is performed only when a predetermined sheet is loaded, printable print data can always be transmitted to the printer 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the print processing from being stopped in the printer 2 and perform the print processing efficiently.
Further, since the memory 25 of the printer 2 does not store more print data than necessary, the processing speed of the printer is not reduced. Further, since the capacity of the memory 25 provided in the printer 2 can be suppressed to be small, the cost of the printer 2 can be kept low.

Further, when the new printer 2 is connected to the network N or when the paper loaded in the printer 2 is changed, the paper type information is transmitted to the host device 1. Then, in the host device 1, the type of paper of the print data stored in the buffer memory 17,
If the received paper type information matches, the print data is sent to the corresponding printer 2 and printing is performed. For example, in the conventional printing system, after the print instruction is input, the printer 2 previously specified is input. If a paper that fits the different printer 2 is loaded, the printer 2
There is no need to delete the print data sent to the printer 2 and send the print data to another printer 2 again. Therefore,
Since the traffic of the network N is not increased, the printing process can be efficiently performed without reducing the processing speed of the entire printing system.

When the print data in which the paper suitable for the printer 2 is not loaded is transmitted from the buffer memory 17, the warning information including the message for loading the predetermined paper is transmitted to the predetermined printer 2, and the printer 2 Since print data is transmitted and printing is performed after it is confirmed that a predetermined paper is loaded in the printer 2, printable print data is always transmitted to the printer 2. This makes it possible to omit the output determination process at the time of printing by the printer and improve the processing capability of the printer. Further, a large amount of print data is not stored in the buffer memory 17 of the host device 1, and the processing capacity of the host device 1 is not reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the print data from being stored in the buffer memory 17 for a long time and prevent the print data from being lost.

The description contents in this embodiment are as follows.
This is a preferred example of the printing system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the notation examples of the recording medium loaded in the printing apparatus are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. Further, when the print data stored in the buffer memory 17 is output, in the present embodiment, the print data is output according to the output instruction, the buffer memory capacity, the storage time, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, all the print data stored in the buffer memory 17 may be forcibly output every predetermined time.

Further, the printer 2 may be provided with a buffer memory. This gives, for example,
When the paper loaded in the paper feed unit 26 is not changed even if the warning information is displayed on the printer 2 for a predetermined time or more, the print data is transmitted from the host device 1 and the received print data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory. can do. As a result, the load on the host device 1 can be reduced without stopping the printing process of the printer 2.

In addition, a detailed configuration of each terminal or a constituent part of the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment,
Also, the detailed operation can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0083]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, the type of the recording medium loaded in the printing apparatus is confirmed, and the printing medium loaded in the printing apparatus is checked. When the type of the recording medium matches the print data, the print data is transmitted to the corresponding printing device, so that the printing device can always receive printable print data.
It is possible to print quickly without stopping the printing process. Further, since the print data does not stagnate in the printing apparatus, the waiting time can be shortened, the load on the printing apparatus can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, the host device receives information about the type of the recording medium loaded in the printing device at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to quickly and efficiently send the print data to a predetermined printing device and perform the printing process.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, when the type of paper loaded in the printing device is changed, the changed type of the recording medium is related. Since information is sent to the host device promptly,
The host device can grasp the type of the recording medium loaded in the printing device, and can efficiently perform the printing process according to the status of the printing system.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, when a new printing device becomes available in the printing system, the objects loaded in the new printing device are loaded. Since the information about the type of recording medium is promptly transmitted to the host device, the host device can know the available printing device and the type of the recording medium loaded in the printing device. The print processing can be efficiently performed according to the situation.

According to the invention of claim 5, claim 1,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in 3 or 4, when a recording medium of a type suitable for the print data stored in the temporary storage means is loaded in the printing device, the print data is stored in the printing device. Since the print data is transmitted, print data that can always be printed can be transmitted to the printing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to omit the output determination in the printing apparatus and improve the processing capacity of the printing apparatus. Further, since flexible print processing such as sending print data to another printing device can be performed according to the status of the print system, the load on the communication network of the print system can be reduced and the processing of the entire print system can be reduced. The speed can be improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, the print data stored in the temporary storage means can be printed in a suitable type by the user's output instruction or the like. When sending to a printing device that is not loaded with a recording medium, the printing device may output a warning in advance and prompt the user to load a recording medium of a predetermined type. Can be printed promptly. As a result, a large amount of print data is not stored in the temporary storage unit, and the processing capacity of the host device is not reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the print data from being accumulated in the temporary storage means for a long time, and to prevent the print data from being lost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a printing system 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
It is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration of 00.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a host device 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a printer 2 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a print control process executed by the CPU 11 of FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a print data output process executed by the CPU 11 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the CPU 21 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Host device 11 CPU 12 Input section 13 Display 14 Communications department 15 RAM 16 Memory 17 buffer memory 2a, 2b, 2c printer 21 CPU 22 Input section 23 Display 24 Communication Department 25 memory 26 Paper Feed Section 27 Printing Department 100 printing system N network

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AS02 AS08 AS13 HK19                       HN27 HP08 HQ14 HV12 HV32                 5B021 AA01 AA02 BB10 DD12 KK03

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A printing system in which a host device for transmitting print data and a printing device for receiving the print data and printing it on a recording medium are connected via a communication network, wherein the printing device is at least The host device includes: a loading unit that can load one or more types of recording media; and a communication unit that transmits information regarding the type of the recording medium loaded in the loading unit to the host device. In the case where a recording medium of a type suitable for the print data is loaded in the printing device according to the temporary storage unit for temporarily storing the print data and the information regarding the type of the recording medium received from the printing device. , The print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and when the recording medium of a type suitable for the print data is not loaded in the printing apparatus, the print data is set to the above-mentioned one. Printing system characterized by and a control means for storing in the memory means. 2. The control device of the host device, when transmitting the print data to the printing device, issues an instruction to request information regarding the type of a recording medium currently loaded in the loading device. The communication means of the printing device, when receiving the instruction, transmits information regarding the type of the recording medium currently loaded in the loading means to the host device. The printing system according to 1. 3. The communication means of the printing device, when the type of the recording medium loaded in the loading means is changed, provides the host device with information regarding the type of the recording medium currently loaded. The information is transmitted to
The printing system described. 4. The communication means of the printing device, when the printing device is newly connected to the communication network, provides the host device with information on the type of the recording medium currently loaded in the loading means. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system transmits. 5. The control means of the host device, in accordance with the information on the type of recording medium received from the printing device, determines that the type of recording medium suitable for the print data recorded in the temporary storage means The printing system according to claim 1, wherein when loaded in the loading unit, the print data recorded in the temporary storage unit is transmitted to the printing apparatus. 6. The control means of the host device, when transmitting the print data stored in the temporary storage means to the printing device, loads a recording medium of a type suitable for the print data into the loading means. Warning information for transmitting the warning information to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus further comprising a warning output unit that receives the warning information by the communication unit and outputs a warning based on the warning information. The printing system according to claim 1.