JP2004237742A - Print controlling device, print controlling method, and storage medium storing a computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To predict lack of the materials to be consumed by an output-awaiting print job, by calculating the data of the materials to be consumed by a print job which has been stored in a printer and awaiting output process, or by the output data which have been developed based on a print job and awaiting output. <P>SOLUTION: A print data inputted via an input unit is analyzed and converted to an image data so as to perform per-page output by a print unit. Data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs including the analyzed data are stored in RAM 1-6. Then, CPU 1-1 estimates the remaining amount of secondary consumable materials, based on the remaining amount of primary consumable materials which have been detected by a residue detection unit 1-9-A provided in a printer 1000, and the data which are stored in RAM 1-6 and correspond to a plurality print jobs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a mechanism for estimating the remaining amount of consumables used when recording is performed on recording paper in a printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computers have been interconnected by a LAN (local area network), and LAN connection is possible even in various peripheral devices such as a page printer.

  The LAN enables a single user group to share and use computers and peripheral devices and transfer data. The LAN is composed of a group of computers including a file server and a print server. Data and files are provided as functions of a network operating system mounted on each computer. It supports various protocols for transferring, sharing, and sharing printers.

  There are various user applications running on each computer, such as document creation software and spreadsheet software. Data created using these applications is converted into PDL (Printer Description Language) data, which is a printer control language, by printer driver software as a function of the operating system, and then temporarily sent to the print spooler as a print job. It is often configured to be stored and sent to a printer.

  Further, depending on the operating system, a print job may be transferred to the print spooler as a print file converted into a specific data format, and then generated by the printer driver software in the print spooler and stored again in the print spooler. is there.

  In addition, a print job is not only composed of PDL data, but depending on the operating system, it may be possible to generate print data in a raster bitmap format.

  Furthermore, a print job generated by printer driver software may be configured to be transferred to a printer spooler in a print server connected to a network, and then transmitted to a printer.

  When the print job generated in this way is transferred from the print spooler to the printer, the printer sequentially analyzes the received print data by a PDL analysis unit or the like, generates a raster bitmap image to be printed, and performs print processing. It is configured to perform.

  At this time, the print job is generated from one or a plurality of document files, and is a unit constituting one print document, and is separated by a normal job start instruction and a job end instruction. Although information for generating a page in a job is used only in the job, an image may be generated using stored data such as external characters and form overlays registered and stored in the printing apparatus in advance.

  In this case, prior to the transfer of the print job, download utility software is used as application software on the computer, and external characters, form overlays and the like are stored in the printing apparatus, and printer driver software for generating the print job is used. Generate PDL data so that the software can use the registration data.

  For example, in the form overlay function, a raster bitmap image is generated from form data (PDL data) transferred from a host computer, stored in a storage area in a printer, and stored in a storage area in a printer. In some cases, an output image is generated by reading a map image and a form overlay image in a raster bitmap format stored in advance and synthesizing form data and retrofit data on a bitmap memory.

  At this time, a large capacity (8 MB capacity at A3 paper, 600 DPI resolution) storage area is required to store the registered raster bitmap format form image. There is also.

  Communication protocols for remotely managing various devices for constructing a network-connected printer network and devices including computers connected to the network have also been standardized. For example, a simple network management protocol (SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol). In the case of network devices that implement these protocols, various devices can be managed from a remote location on the network by network management software. For example, in the case of a printer, the current printer information (paper, toner, etc.) , Acquisition of remaining consumables information, status monitoring (processing, error status, etc.), initialization control, and the like.

Further, a parallel interface capable of bidirectional transmission / reception may be configured so that current printer information and status information can be exchanged between a computer and a printer using a dedicated protocol.
JP-A-7-329391

  However, in the printing system, the computer is configured to acquire printer information and status information on a computer. However, in order to acquire the current mounting status, that is, the status after executing the output process of recording on the recording paper. However, when output processing of print data to be output stored in a reception buffer or a print spooler of the printer is executed, there is a problem that a state of the acquired printer information changes.

  For this reason, a print job consumable shortage error occurs even though the user transfers the print job after checking the consumables information such as the printing paper and the printing toner using the network management software. May be difficult to use.

  Furthermore, it has not been possible to determine whether a print job to be transferred to a printing apparatus can be printed normally before transferring the print job.

  Further, the printing system is configured to sequentially process the print jobs transmitted from the print spooler, so that data (for example, external characters) registered in a slow-reading storage such as a hard disk in the printing apparatus. And when generating an image using a form overlay image), there is a disadvantage that the printing process is reduced.

  For this reason, a large-capacity secondary storage device with a slow read time is often configured to reuse data by using a cache memory or the like with a fast read time, but the first read time is shortened. In the case of data that cannot be stored in the cache memory, it is necessary to access the secondary storage device, in which case the processing speed is reduced as a result.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to analyze print data input via an input unit, and to generate an image so that the print unit outputs a page unit. Data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs including the analyzed data is stored in the storage unit, and the first consumable amount remaining detected by the detection unit provided in the printing apparatus is stored in the storage unit. A print control device and a print control method capable of estimating the second remaining amount of consumables based on data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. .

  The present invention is a print control device that includes an input unit for inputting print data from an external device and processes a print job.The print control device analyzes print data input via the input unit, and prints a page unit by the print unit. Analyzing means for converting the image data into data to be output, a storage means for storing data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs including data analyzed by the analyzing means, and a detecting unit provided in the printing apparatus And estimating means for estimating the second remaining amount of consumables based on the first remaining amount of consumables detected by the method and data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit. .

  The present invention relates to a print control method in a print control device that includes an input unit for inputting print data from an external device and processes a print job, and analyzes print data input via the input unit to perform printing. An analysis step of converting the image data into image data to be output by the unit in a page unit; a storage step of storing data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs including data analyzed by the analysis step in a storage unit; An estimating step of estimating a second remaining amount of consumables based on the first remaining amount of consumables detected by a detection unit provided in the apparatus and data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, a print control device that includes an input unit for inputting print data from an external device and processes a print job analyzes print data input via the input unit, and prints the data in page units by the print unit. Data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs including analyzed data is stored in a storage unit, and the first consumable material remaining amount detected by a detection unit provided in the printing apparatus is converted into imaged data for output. And the data corresponding to the plurality of print jobs stored in the storage means, and the second remaining amount of consumables can be estimated based on the data.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, a case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

  In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), external characters, form data, macro commands, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores the information in the information. Accordingly, a corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged. A printer control unit 1001 controls the entire LBP main body 1000 and performs processing such as analysis of character information and the like supplied from a host computer. Perform output processing.

  The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 according to an input video signal. The laser beam 1004 is oscillated in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1005 and scans and exposes the electrostatic drum 1006.

  As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet. The developing unit 1007 includes a toner remaining amount detecting mechanism for forming an image on recording paper, and the printer control unit 1001 can detect the remaining toner amount.

  A cassette sheet is used as the recording paper to be transferred, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 attached to the LBP main body 1000, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, transport rollers 1010, and transport rollers 1011. Are supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006. The paper cassette 1008 is provided with a paper remaining amount detection mechanism, and the printer control unit 1001 can detect the remaining paper amount.

  The LBP body 1000 has a card slot (not shown) and connects an optional font card, a control card (emulation card) of a different language system (PDL), and a memory card capable of writing and holding form data and font data in addition to a built-in font. It is configured to be able to.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system to which the print control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. If the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is implemented by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by reading the program from the storage medium to a system or an apparatus, the system or the apparatus functions in a specific mode.

  In the figure, reference numeral 2000 denotes a host computer which is connected to the printer control unit 1001 via a predetermined interface 1-10 (for example, a bidirectional interface) and executes communication control processing with the LBP main body 1000.

  In the printer control unit 1001, reference numeral 1-1 denotes a printer CPU, which comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 1-4 based on a control program stored in a program ROM of the ROM 1-2. Then, it outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 1-9 connected via a printing unit interface 1-8. The remaining amount calculation unit 1-10 also prints various kinds of mounting information (paper remaining amount, toner remaining amount, etc.) detected by a consumables remaining amount detection sensor provided in the printing unit 1-9. -8.

  The program ROM of the ROM 1-2 includes a control program of the CPU 1-1 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6, and an image generation program for generating a bitmap image transferred to the printing unit 1-9. And so on.

  The font ROM of the ROM 1-2 stores font data (outline font data or dot font data) used when generating the output image. The CPU 1-1 is configured to be able to perform communication processing with the host computer via the input / output unit 1-5. Reference numeral 1-6 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1-1, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an unillustrated expansion port.

  The RAM 1-6 includes a page buffer memory for storing data to be printed as an intermediate code or an intermediate bitmap image, a band memory for generating a bitmap image, an external character stored in the external memory 1-3, a form image, and the like. It is also used as a cache memory for temporarily storing registered data.

  The external memory 1-3 can be connected to a secondary storage device such as a hard disk whose access is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 1-7. The external memory 1-3 is used as a registration memory for storing registration data transferred from an external character file, a form file, or the like on the host computer 2000.

  It is also used as a page buffer memory for storing data to be printed or form data in the form of an intermediate code or an intermediate bitmap image.

  The above-described external memory 1-3 is not limited to one, and includes one or more, and stores an emulation program for interpreting an optional font card and a printer control language of a different language system (PDL) in addition to a built-in font. The configuration may be such that a plurality of external memories can be connected. Further, the external memory is not limited to a hard disk, but may be a flash memory card. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

  On the other hand, an application program (application) 2001 operating on the host computer 2000 stores a spool file in the print spooler 2003 in accordance with a format determined by the operating system for data to be printed. When the storage of the print data in the print spooler 2003 is completed, a printer driver program (printer driver) 2002 is started, the print data is read from the print spooler 2003, and a print job to be transmitted to the printer control unit 1001 is generated.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A print control device that communicates with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium configured as described above and controls printing of a printing unit, and is developed based on output job information received from the information processing device. Storage means (RAM 1-6) for storing output data that is in a standby state for output, a detection means (remaining amount detection unit 1-9-A) for detecting the remaining amount of a predetermined consumable material, and an output to the storage means. Estimating means for estimating the consumption amount of the consumable material consumed by printing of the output data in a standby state (the CPU 1-1 executes a control program stored in the ROM 1-2 to perform an estimating process); Judgment means (CPU1) for judging whether or not a consumable shortage occurs during the printing of the output data, based on the consumption amount of the consumable material predicted by the prediction means and the remaining amount of the consumable material detected by the detection means. -1 is RO And executing the control program stored in the storage unit 1-2). When the determination unit determines that a shortage of consumables occurs during the printing of the output data, each output stored in the storage unit is determined. Since there is a control means for changing the output schedule of the output data of the job information (the CPU 1-1 executes and controls the control program stored in the ROM 1-2), a shortage of consumables occurs during the printing of the output data. If it is determined that the print job is defective, the schedule for the output data of each output job information stored in the storage unit (including, for example, replacement of the output data and cancellation of the transfer of the output job information) is changed. The best output schedule can be automatically set for output data that is waiting for output while predicting that it can occur.

  Further, the control means (the CPU 1-1 executes a control program stored in the ROM 1-2 to perform a warning process (including a warning notification to the host computer 2000 or a warning notification to the operation panel 1012)) When the determination unit determines that the consumables shortage occurs during the printing of the output data, a warning of the consumables shortage state is issued. The user can be warned in advance that consumables shortage will occur.

  A print control device configured to communicate with the information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to control printing of a printing unit, the output job information being received from the information processing device and waiting for analysis; and the output job information. Storage means (RAM 1-6) for storing output data which is developed based on the information and is in an output standby state, a detection means (remaining amount detection section 1-9) for detecting a remaining amount of a predetermined consumable material, and an output standby state First estimating means for estimating a consumption amount of a predetermined consumable consumed by printing of the output data (the CPU 1-1 executes a control program stored in the ROM 1-2 to perform an estimating process); Calculating means for calculating a remaining amount of a predetermined consumable based on the consumption amount predicted by the first predicting unit and a remaining amount of the predetermined consumable detected by the detecting unit; 1-10) and the above description A second estimating means for estimating a consumption amount of a predetermined consumable consumed by the printing unit based on the output job information stored in the means (the CPU 1-1 executes the control program stored in the ROM 1-2); Executing the prediction process) and consuming during the printing of the output job information based on the remaining amount of the predetermined consumable material calculated by the calculation unit and the consumption amount predicted by the second prediction unit. Determination means for determining whether or not a shortage of material occurs (the CPU 1-1 executes the control program stored in the ROM 1-2 to perform the determination processing); and the determination means causes a shortage of consumable material during printing of the job. Control means for changing the output schedule of each output job information stored in the storage means (the CPU 1-1 executes the control program stored in the ROM 1-2). (Determination process), when it is determined that the consumables shortage occurs during the printing of the job, a schedule (for example, replacement of output data, output data) for the output data of each output job information stored in the storage means. (Including canceling the transfer of job information) to automatically set the best output schedule for output job information waiting for output while predicting that a printing failure may occur. .

  When the determining means determines that the consumables shortage occurs during the printing of the job, the control means warns the user of the consumables shortage state in advance. Before executing the analysis of the output job information waiting to be output, the output processing is performed before the execution of the analysis (including a warning notification to the host computer 2000 or a warning notification to the operation panel 1012) by executing the program. The user can be warned in advance that a shortage of consumables will occur with the printing of job information.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a print control device that communicates with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium to control printing of a printing unit, and includes first and second storage units (external memories 1-3, 3) having different access speeds. RAM 1-6) and control means for registering predetermined registration data used for print information received from the information processing apparatus in the first storage means (CPU 1-1 executes a control program stored in ROM 1-2). Detecting means for analyzing the print information and detecting whether or not designation has been made to use any of the registered data stored in the first storage means (the CPU 1-1 has the ROM 1). -2 executes the control program stored in the control program), and the control unit detects that the use of the registered data is specified by the detection unit. The registration data specified from the first storage unit is read out before the analysis of the print information and registered in the second storage unit having an access speed faster than that of the first storage unit. Even when the access speed of the storage medium to be stored is different, the processing time of the print information using the registered data can be reduced.

  Further, since the external memory 1-3 stores the predetermined registration data in a non-volatile manner, it is only necessary to download, from an information processing apparatus or the like, fixed-form data, font data, and the like, which are frequently printed, so that print information using the registration data can be obtained. Can significantly reduce the amount of data.

  Further, the CPU 1-1 reads out the registered data designated from the external memory 1-3 prior to the analysis of the print information and registers it as cache data in the RAM 1-6, so that printing using the registered data can be efficiently performed. It can be carried out.

  Further, since the RAM 1-6 is constituted by an expandable random access memory, it is possible to freely cope with an increase in the number of registered data according to the use environment. A print control device (including hardware and / or software provided on the host computer 2000) that communicates with a printing device (the LBP main body 1000) via a predetermined communication medium to transfer and control output job information. A storage unit (print spooler 2003) for storing a plurality of output jobs to be transferred to the printing apparatus, and a predetermined calculation which is predicted and calculated by the printing apparatus after transferring any one of the output jobs stored in the storage unit. Acquiring means (according to the function of the printer driver 2002) for acquiring the remaining consumable amount information, and analyzing the predetermined consumable amount information acquired by the acquiring means and storing each output job stored in the storage means. Control means (by the function of the printer driver 2002) for changing the transfer schedule of the printer. The output job information spooled at the data transfer source that may cause printing failure by capturing the remaining amount of the print job is transferred to another printing device capable of printing or the output job information printable is preceded. It is possible to optimize a print schedule that has been set, for example, for transfer.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the flow of print resource information of the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the figure, a CRT 2004 displays input data or printer information in real time by writing data in a VRAM or the like by a CPU 2005 of a host computer 2000. Note that arrows shown by solid lines in the figure correspond to data and information actually measured, and arrows shown by broken lines correspond to a flow of predicted value information.

  Hereinafter, a case where job information 1 to 5 are processed will be described as an example.

  The printer control unit 1001 already has the job information 1 to 3 corresponding to the processing or waiting state, the job information 1 is being held in the page buffer memory of the RAM 1-6 and being output, and the actually measured number of output pages Is 25 pages, and the job information 2 is also held in the page buffer memory of the RAM 1-6 and corresponds to the output waiting state. In this state, the engine control unit PEC decrements one page every time the engine (printing unit 1-9) outputs, updates the detected number of remaining sheets, and holds the value in the memory. Accordingly, if the remaining consumption prediction value based on the job information 1 being output is held in the memory as “75” pages, and the actually measured page information of the job information 2 waiting to be output is “25” pages, the PDL analysis is performed. The current remaining consumption prediction value is stored in the memory as “50” sheets.

  If the job information 3 is spooled with the predicted page information added to a reception buffer constituted by a hard disk or the like, for example, the job information is sent to the printer driver 2002 of the host computer 2000 or a print utility (not shown). When it is assumed that 3 has been output, it is notified that the remaining number information of the recording medium is “25”. This notification may be transferred in response to a request for obtaining the remaining number of recording media from the printer driver 2002.

  At this time, if the job information 4 being transferred and the job information 5 waiting to be transferred are spooled in the print spooler 2003, the printer driver 2002 sets the acquired latest recording medium remaining number “25” and the predicted job information If the predicted number of pages that will be consumed by the number 3 is “20”, it can be recognized at this point, that is, the remaining number is “5”. Furthermore, if the number of remaining pages recognized is “5” and the predicted number of pages waiting for transfer is “25”, the shortage of the recording medium serving as a consumable material is “20” at this point. It is expected that there is. Here, the CPU should notify the shortage of the paper by displaying it on the CRT 2004, determine the operation status of other printer resources via the network, cancel the job information 5, and transfer the job information 5 to a new printer. It is also possible to control the transfer of the spooled job information to another printer instead of the designated printer candidate, such as creating and spooling the job information. At the time of the distribution, a message inquiring the user may be displayed on the CRT 2004, and the job information 5 may be transferred to another printer candidate at the instruction of the user. It is also possible to prepare a printer candidate switching mode when such a situation occurs, and to switch automatically or by user designation.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a paper remaining amount warning processing procedure of the printing system. In addition, (1) to (11) indicate each step.

  When the application program 2001 of the host computer 2000 is instructed to print by the user, the generated document file is stored in the print spooler 2003 in a format determined by the operating system of the host computer 2000 (1).

  Next, the data investigation unit 2002A of the printer driver 2002 reads the spool data stored in the print spooler 2003, counts the number of pages of the print data, and calculates a predicted value of the recording paper to be consumed (2). At this time, not the logical page information of the print data, but the recording paper information actually consumed by the recording by the LBP main body 1000 is checked.

  For example, when a plurality of pages are allocated to one sheet and output, or when a double-sided printing instruction is given, even if there are a plurality of pages, it is calculated that one recording sheet is consumed.

  Conversely, it is calculated that even if it is one page, if the copy print instruction is given, the recording paper is consumed for the number of copies.

  The recording paper consumption information calculated in this way is notified to the data conversion unit 2002B in the printer driver 2002 (3). The data conversion unit 2002B converts the notified consumption information into PDL data, transmits the PDL data to the printer control unit 1001 via the input / output unit 1-5, reads out the spool data in the print spooler 2003, and prints the print job. After generating (PDL format), it is transmitted similarly (4).

  Next, the printer control unit 1001 receives the consumption information data transferred from the printer driver 2002 via the input / output unit 1-5 (5), and stores the consumption information of the subsequently input print job in the RAM 1-6. Is read out on the work.

  Next, the remaining amount calculation unit 1-10 acquires the remaining amount of the currently loaded paper from a remaining paper amount detection unit (not shown) in the printing unit 1-9 via the printing unit I / F 1-8. Then, by reading and subtracting the output waiting page information (to be described later) of the print job that has already been received and is currently waiting for output, the information is recorded on the recording paper in the printing unit 1-9 for the newly input print job. The remaining amount prediction value at the output time to be calculated is calculated (6).

  Then, by comparing the consumption information of the new print job held in the RAM 1-6 with the estimated remaining amount, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the recording paper is insufficient (7). If so, the process proceeds to step (9) and thereafter, and if it is determined that there is a shortage, a warning of insufficient paper remaining is transmitted to the host computer 2000 via the input / output unit 1-5 (8).

  Next, print data (a control code or a character code indicating a print position, etc.) is read, a corresponding PDL analysis process is executed, the data is classified into band units corresponding to the print position specified by the control code, and the data is stored in the RAM 1-6. The intermediate data is generated and stored in the page buffer (9). In the storage process, the print data is stored as intermediate data of the same page until a page end control code such as a page break command is detected.

  Next, if the intermediate data for one page can be stored, the output bit map is used to sequentially develop the intermediate code stored in the page buffer in the RAM 1-6 into the bit map memory in the RAM 1-6 in bit units in band units. Image generation processing is performed (10). The bitmap image thus generated is transferred to the printing unit 1-9 via the printing unit I / F 1-8, and the process is repeated until the bitmap image for one page is transferred to the printing unit (11). ). When the printing of one page is completed, the page buffer memory storing the intermediate code is released.

  Although details are omitted, the processing of steps (9) to (11) is repeatedly executed until all the transferred pages are printed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the remaining amount prediction value is calculated for the newly input print job and the warning process is transmitted has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the process of step (6) in FIG. In the remaining amount prediction value calculating step, the remaining amount calculating unit 1-10 compares the output waiting page information of the intermediate data stored in the page buffer in the RAM 1-6 with the remaining amount of paper acquired from the printing unit 1-9. By doing so, a shortage of consumables may be predicted.

  If it is determined that the consumables shortage occurs, a warning transmission step may be executed in step (8).

  Further, in the step (8) of transmitting the insufficient paper remaining amount warning, if the remaining amount of paper is insufficient, a warning is transmitted to the host computer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a warning display is displayed on the operation panel 1012. May be performed.

  Further, the printer driver 2002 is configured to be able to read out the warning information, and may stop the transfer of the subsequent print job, or request the transfer to another printing device in a network environment having a plurality of printing devices. May be.

  Hereinafter, data processing of the remaining amount calculation unit 1-10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first page count processing procedure performed by the remaining amount calculation unit 1-10 illustrated in FIG. 2, and counts up when an intermediate page is generated by analyzing a print job and generating an intermediate page. Corresponds to processing. (1) to (4) show each step.

  In the intermediate page generation process, first, print data (a control code or a character code indicating a print position, etc.) is read via the input / output unit 1-5 (1), and a corresponding PDL analysis process is executed, and designated by the control code. The print data is classified into band units corresponding to the print positions and stored as intermediate data in a page buffer in the RAM 1-6 (2). At this time, the print data is stored as intermediate data of the same page until a page end control code such as a page break command in the print data is detected.

  Next, if the intermediate data for one page can be stored, the output waiting page information is counted up by one page (3), and it is determined whether or not the input print job is completed (4). If there is subsequent print data, the processing of steps (1) to (3) is repeated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second page count processing procedure performed by the remaining amount calculation unit 1-10 illustrated in FIG. 2, and corresponds to a countdown process associated with bitmap generation. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

  In the output control process, first, the intermediate code stored in the page buffer in the RAM 1-6 is read (1), and the bit map is sequentially developed in the bit map memory in the RAM 1-6 in band units (2). The bitmap image to be output thus generated is transferred to the printing unit 1-9 via the printing unit I / F 1-8 (3). When the output of one page is completed, the output waiting page information is decremented by one page (4).

  Next, it is determined whether or not all the intermediate pages stored in the page buffer have been printed (5). If YES, the process ends. If NO, steps (1) to (4) are repeated.

  In the above embodiment, the remaining amount prediction and the warning operation are described with respect to the recording paper information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is configured to be able to acquire the estimated toner consumption value (calculated from the ON / OFF image ratio of the bitmap image) of the intermediate data stored in the page buffer in step (2) of FIG. Alternatively, output standby toner consumption information may be calculated.

  The counting processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are configured so that they can be performed independently and in parallel.

  Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  A print control method for communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium configured as described above to control printing of a printing unit, or for communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling printing of a printing unit, wherein a detection step (step (6) in FIG. 4) for detecting a remaining amount of a predetermined consumable material; A prediction step of predicting a consumption amount of the consumable material consumed when printing output data that is developed based on the received output job information and stored in an output standby state (step (6) in FIG. 4). Determining whether or not a shortage of consumables occurs during printing of the output data, based on the predicted consumption amount of the consumables and the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the detection unit (FIG. Step 4 7)) and a warning step (step (8) in FIG. 4) for giving advance notice of a consumable shortage state when it is determined that a consumable shortage occurs during printing of the output data. Before starting printing of the output data, the user can be warned in advance that a shortage of consumables will occur due to the printing of the output data.

  A printing control method for communicating with an information processing device (host computer 2000) via a predetermined communication medium to control printing of the printing unit 1-9, or a method for communicating with the information processing device via a predetermined communication medium. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for communicating and controlling the printing of a printing unit, wherein a detection step (step (6) in FIG. 4) for detecting a remaining amount of a predetermined consumable material; A first output job information which is received from the processing device and is to be analyzed, and a first consumption amount which is developed based on the output job information and which predicts a consumption amount of a predetermined consumable consumed when printing the output data which is waiting for output; Based on the prediction step (step (6) in FIG. 3) and the consumption amount predicted in the first prediction step and the detected remaining amount of the predetermined consumable material, the remaining amount of the predetermined consumable material is determined. Calculate A calculating step (step (6) in FIG. 3) and a second predicting step (FIG. 3) for predicting a consumption amount of a predetermined consumable consumed by the printing unit based on the stored output job information. Step (6)) determining whether a shortage of consumables occurs during printing of the output job information based on the calculated remaining amount of the predetermined consumables and the consumption amount predicted by the second prediction step. A judgment step (step (7) in FIG. 4) and a warning step (FIG. 4) for giving advance warning of a consumable shortage state when the consumable shortage occurs during the printing of the job. Since step (8)) is included, the user can be warned in advance that the shortage of consumables will occur due to the printing of the output job information before the start of the execution of the analysis of the output job information waiting for output.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to a registration data caching procedure in the printing system illustrated in FIG. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step. Prior to this processing, the external character information and form information stored in the external memory 1-3 in the LBP main body 1000 are transmitted to the printer 200 via the input / output unit 1-5. It is assumed that the configuration is such that stored information can be read from the control unit 1001. Further, steps (1) to (5) correspond to processing on the printer driver 2002 side, and steps (6) to (11) correspond to processing on the printer control unit 1001 side.

  When the application program 2001 of the host computer 2000 is instructed to print by the user, the generated document file is stored in the print spooler 2003 in a format determined by the operating system of the host computer 2000 (1). The data checking unit 2002A of the printer driver 2002 reads the spool data stored in the print spooler 2003, and uses the external character data, form data, and the like stored in the external memory 1-3 in the printer control unit 1001. Investigation is performed to determine whether or not the detection has been performed (2), and the detection information is notified to the data conversion unit 2002B (3).

  The data conversion unit 2002B converts the notified information on the use of the data in the external memory 1-3 into PDL data (preceding cache instruction command) and transmits the PDL data to the printer control unit 1001 via the input / output unit 1-5 ( 4). Further, the spool data in the print spooler 2003 is read, a print job (PDL format) is generated, and the print job is transmitted in the same manner (5).

  Thereafter, the process is performed on the printer control unit 1001 side, and the transferred consumption information data is received via the input / output unit 1-5 (6), and it is determined whether or not there is a preceding cache instruction command (7), NO If so, the process proceeds to step (9). If YES, only the instructed data is read from the registered data stored in the external memory 1-3 to the cache memory 1-6-C in the RAM 1-6. (8).

  Next, the subsequent print data (such as a control code or a character code indicating the print position) is read, and the corresponding PDL analysis process is executed to classify the intermediate data into band units corresponding to the print position specified by the control code. Then, the generated intermediate data is stored in the page buffer 1-6-B in the RAM 1-6 (9).

  At this time, when the PDL analysis processing unit detects a form overlay execution command or a character code printing command in the print job, the PDL analysis processing unit reads the character data and form data read in the cache memory 1-6-C in the RAM 1-6. Is stored in the intermediate page buffer (page buffer) memory 1-6-B in the RAM 1-6 as intermediate data. In this process, the print data is stored as intermediate data of the same page until a page end control code such as a page break instruction in the print data is detected.

  If the intermediate data for one page can be stored, the intermediate codes stored in the page buffer 1-6-B in the RAM 1-6 are sequentially bit-mapped to the bit map memory in the RAM 1-6 in band units. (10). The bitmap image generated in this way is transferred to the printing unit 1-9 via the printing unit I / F 1-8 and is subjected to print processing (11).

  The case where the registered data stored in the external memory 1-3 is read to the cache memory 1-6-C in the RAM 1-6 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any configuration may be used as long as it is stored in the cache memory.

  The data to be read into the cache memory 1-6-C is not limited to external characters and form registration data, but may be font data or the like built into the apparatus.

  Further, a case has been described where the data investigation unit 2002A of the printer driver 2002 investigates print data stored in the print spooler 2003. However, information provided from the spool system, such as a job name, a user name, and a host A configuration may be made so that a command to instruct pre-reading of stored data specified by a name or the like can be transmitted.

  Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  A printing control method for communicating with the information processing apparatus (host computer 2000) via the predetermined communication medium configured as described above to control printing of the printing unit 1-9, or via a predetermined communication medium. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-readable program that communicates with an information processing apparatus and controls printing of a printing unit, analyzes print information, and stores the analyzed information in a first storage unit (external memory 1-3). (Step (7) in FIG. 7) for detecting whether or not any of the registered data is designated to be used, and detecting that the use of the registered data is designated by the detecting step. In this case, the registered data designated from the external memory 1-3 is read out prior to the analysis of the print information, and the RAM can be accessed faster than the first storage means. -6, the registration process (step (8) in FIG. 7), so that even if the access speed of the storage medium storing the registration data is different, the processing time of the print information using the registration data can be reduced. Can be.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the print control device according to the present invention.

  Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons and the like may also be stored.

  Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 in the present embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

  As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code thus obtained.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. Can be used.

  When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system to which a print control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a flow of print resource information of the print control device according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first page count processing procedure by a remaining amount calculation unit illustrated in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second page count processing procedure by a remaining amount calculation unit illustrated in FIG. 2. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the print control apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the print control device according to the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

1-1 CPU
1-2 ROM
1-9 Printing Unit 1-9-A Remaining Amount Detecting Unit 1-10 Remaining Amount Calculating Unit 1000 LBP Body 2000 Host Computer 2002 Printer Driver 2002A Data Investigation Unit 2002B Data Conversion Unit

Claims (17)

A print control device including an input unit for inputting print data from an external device and processing a print job,
Analyzing means for analyzing the print data input via the input unit and converting the print data into imaged data to be output by the printing unit in page units;
Storage means for storing data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs including data analyzed by the analysis means,
Estimating means for estimating a second consumable amount based on a first consumable amount remaining detected by a detecting unit provided in the printing apparatus and data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit. When,
A print control device comprising:   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data corresponding to the plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit includes data before being analyzed by the analysis unit.   The input unit inputs a consumption prediction result of the consumable material calculated when the printer driver of the external device generates print data based on the application data, and the estimating unit inputs the consumption prediction result of the consumable material. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit estimates the remaining amount of the second consumable material based on the data and the imaged data.   The print data input through the input unit is analyzed by the analysis unit, and in response to generating the analyzed data, the analyzed data is counted up, and a print output based on the analyzed data is generated. And updating means for counting down the remaining amount of consumables in response to the step (b), wherein the estimating means estimates the second remaining amount of consumables based on an update result of the updating means. 4. The print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning output unit that outputs a warning based on the estimation by the estimation unit.   6. The data according to claim 2, wherein the data before being analyzed is print data in a page description language, and the imaged data is intermediate data or bitmap data obtained by analyzing the print data. A print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the external device includes a change unit that changes an output schedule of a print job for which a consumables shortage occurs.   8. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumable amount is the number of remaining pages of the sheet. A print control method in a print control device that includes an input unit that inputs print data from an external device and processes a print job,
Analyzing the print data input via the input unit, and converting the print data into image data to be output by the print unit in units of pages;
A storage step of storing data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs including data analyzed by the analysis step in a storage unit;
An estimating step of estimating the second remaining amount of consumables based on the first remaining amount of consumables detected by the detection unit provided in the printing apparatus and data corresponding to a plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit. When,
A print control method comprising:   The print control method according to claim 9, wherein the data corresponding to the plurality of print jobs stored in the storage unit includes data before being analyzed by the analysis step.   The input unit inputs a consumable consumption estimation result calculated when generating print data based on application data with a printer driver of the external device, and the estimation step includes the input consumable consumption estimation result. The print control method according to claim 9, wherein the second remaining amount of the consumable material is estimated based on the image data.   The print data input via the input unit is analyzed by the analysis step, and in response to generating the analyzed data, the analyzed data is counted up, and a print output based on the analyzed data is output. 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising an updating step of counting down the remaining amount of the consumable material in response to the execution of the step, wherein the estimating step estimates the second remaining amount of the consumable material based on an update result of the updating unit. 12. The print control method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.   13. The print control method according to claim 9, further comprising a warning output step of outputting a warning based on the estimation in the estimation step.   14. The data according to claim 10, wherein the data before being analyzed is print data in a page description language, and the imaged data is intermediate data or bitmap data obtained by analyzing the print data. The printing control method according to any one of the above.   The print control method according to claim 9, wherein the external device includes a change unit that changes an output schedule of a print job for which a consumables shortage occurs.   16. The print control method according to claim 9, wherein the consumable amount is the number of remaining pages of a sheet.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 9.

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