JP2005173689A - Information processor, communication equipment control method, and storage medium with computer-readable program stored therein - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system capable of selecting, in setting of an image forming device which performs a substitutive printing, an image forming device capable of providing a print result in a state close to a setting desired by a user. <P>SOLUTION: Image forming devices which are candidates of the substitutive printing are searched, attribute information for the searched image forming devices is acquired, and the acquired attribute information of the image forming devices is registered in an image forming device list. The substitutive printing is performed on the basis of the list. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing method, an information processing apparatus, and a program that, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus and there is a failure with respect to a print request, that printing is performed by another image forming apparatus And a storage medium.

Conventionally, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus and there is an obstacle to a print request, as a printing system for substituting that image to another image forming apparatus, it is time-consuming to search for the printer that performed the substitution. As a system for saving, there is a technique related to a system for selecting a printer to be printed by a printer server (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-22172 A

  However, in the conventional printing system, it is complicated to register an alternative printer for performing proxy printing, and when the image forming apparatus is added to the network or when the image forming apparatus is removed from the network, the user can perform these images. Addition / deletion processing of the forming apparatus must be performed.

  In addition, it is difficult to use if the user does not know in advance whether or not the setting desired by the user can be registered in the substitute device, and the device that performs substitute printing in accordance with the state change in real time. When selecting, it is inconvenient, and it is difficult to obtain a print result in a state close to the setting desired by the user.

  Furthermore, when searching for a device that performs proxy printing, if there is a device whose power is not activated, the device cannot be selected.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a printing system, a printing method, an information processing apparatus, a program, and a printing system that can select an image forming apparatus that can obtain a print result close to a setting desired by a user when setting an image forming apparatus that performs proxy printing. An object is to provide a storage medium.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing method, an information processing apparatus, a program, and a storage medium even for a printing system in which an image forming apparatus whose power is not activated exists.

  In order to achieve the above object, in a printing system according to the present invention, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus and there is a failure with respect to a print request, the printing is substituted for another image forming apparatus. In the printing system, setting means for setting, in a virtual port, attribute information of an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing in advance in the information processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing among the plurality of image forming apparatuses Search means for searching for, acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the searched image forming apparatus, comparison means comparing the set attribute information based on the acquired attribute information relating to the image forming apparatus, and The image processing apparatus includes a management unit that selects an image forming apparatus that can perform proxy printing from the comparison result and adds the image forming apparatus to a list of image forming apparatuses that perform proxy printing.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus, and when there is a failure with respect to a print request, the information processing apparatus substitutes another image forming apparatus for the printing. Setting means for previously setting attribute information of an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing in a virtual port; search means for searching for an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing from the plurality of image forming apparatuses; Acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the searched image forming apparatus, comparison means for comparing with the set attribute information based on the acquired attribute information relating to the image forming apparatus, and proxy printing from the comparison result Management means for selecting a possible image forming apparatus and adding it to an image forming apparatus list for performing proxy printing is provided.

  According to the present invention, when setting a plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform proxy printing, an image forming apparatus that can obtain a print result close to a setting desired by a user without being aware of the increase or decrease of the image forming apparatuses is selected. it can.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings based on a plurality of examples.

[First Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, some embodiments of claims 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will be described.

  First, the configuration of the printer driver installation system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the serial port is connected regardless of whether it is a single device, a system composed of a plurality of devices, or a parallel port. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a system in which processing is performed through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). . Further, the information processing apparatus described in the first embodiment is a host computer, and the communication device is a printer.

  The printer driver installation system according to the first embodiment includes a host computer 3000 and a printer 1500. The host computer 3000 includes a CPU 1, a RAM 2, a ROM 3, a keyboard controller (KBC) 5, a CRT controller (CRTC) 6, a disk controller (DKC) 7, a printer controller (PRTC) 8, a keyboard (KB) 9, A CRT display (CRT) 10 and an external memory 11 are provided.

  First, the configuration of each part of the host computer 3000 will be described in detail. The CPU 1 is a central processing unit that comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus, and is stored in the program ROM 3b (described later) of the ROM 3 or the external memory 11. Based on the document processing program or the like, document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.), etc. are mixed is executed. Further, the CPU 1 executes an outline font development (rasterization) process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, and displays a WSYIWYG (What You See Is What You Get: CRT display screen on the CRT display 10. The function of printing in the size and shape as it is visible.

  Further, the CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT display 10 and executes various data processing. When printing using the printer 1500, the user can open a window relating to print settings and set the print processing method for the printer driver, including setting of the printer 1500 and selection of a print mode.

  The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 1. The ROM 3 includes a font ROM 3a, a program ROM 3b, and a data ROM 3c. The font ROM 3a or the external memory 11 stores font data used for the document processing. The program ROM 3b or the external memory 11 stores an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program for the CPU 1. The data ROM 3c or the external memory 11 stores various data used when performing the document processing or the like.

  A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key inputs from a keyboard 9 and a pointing device (not shown). A CRT controller (CRTC) 6 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. A disk controller (DKC) 7 controls access to the external memory 11. A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1500 via the bidirectional interface 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. The keyboard 9 includes various keys.

  A CRT display (CRT) 10 displays figures, image characters, tables, and the like. The external memory 11 includes a hard disk (HD), a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), and the like, and includes a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, a printer control command generation program (hereinafter referred to as a printer). Driver) and the like.

  The CPU 1, RAM 2, ROM 3, keyboard controller (KBC) 5, CRT controller (CRTC) 6, disk controller (DKC) 7, and printer controller (PRTC) 8 are arranged on the computer control unit 2000.

  Next, the configuration of each part of the printer 1500 will be described in detail. The CPU 12 is a central processing unit that comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 15, and is stored in a program ROM 13b (described later) of the ROM 13. An image signal as output information is output to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 based on a control program or the like or a control program stored in the external memory 14. The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer 1500 and the like.

  The RAM 19 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM (not shown) connected to the expansion port. The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The ROM 13 includes a font ROM 13a, a program ROM 13b, and a data ROM 13c. The font ROM 13a stores font data used for generating the output information. The program ROM 13b stores a control program for the CPU 12 and the like. The data ROM 13c stores information used on the host computer 3000 when the printer 1500 is not connected to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk.

  The input unit 18 transmits and receives data between the printer 1500 and the host computer 3000 via the bidirectional interface 21. A printing unit interface (I / F) 16 transmits and receives data between the CPU 12 and the printing unit 17. A memory controller (MC) 20 controls access to the external memory 14. The printing unit 17 performs a printing operation based on the control of the CPU 12. The operation unit 1501 includes switches for various operations, display means (for example, an LED display), and the like.

  The external memory 14 includes a hard disk (HD), an IC card, and the like, and is connected to the printer 1500 as an option. The external memory 14 stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like, and access is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The number of external memories 14 is not limited to one, and a plurality of external memories 14 can be provided. In other words, in addition to the built-in font, an option card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems may be connected. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation unit 1501.

  The above-described CPU 12, RAM 19, ROM 13, input unit 18, printing unit interface (I / F) 16, and memory controller (MC) 20 are disposed on the printer control unit 1000.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a typical print processing configuration in a host computer to which printing apparatuses 205 and 206 such as printers are directly connected or connected via a network. 2, the virtual port attribute information setting unit 200, the device search unit 201, the device attribute information acquisition unit 202, the attribute information comparison unit 203, the proxy print management unit 204, and the proxy print information notification unit 205 are the external memory in FIG. 11 is a program module that is loaded as a file stored in the RAM 2 and executed by the module that uses the OS or the module when the program is executed.

  The printing system of the present embodiment is applied to a proxy printing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a substitute printing system and a host computer as a module thereof in the embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 2000 denotes a host computer (terminal) which transmits print information including print data and control codes to input / output devices (printer devices) 205 to 206. The host computer (terminal) 2000 performs bidirectional communication with the printer devices 205 to 206 and acquires printer attribute information from each input / output device.

  The virtual port attribute information setting unit 200 displays characteristic attributes (high-speed printing, color printing, double-sided printing, model name, etc.) desired by the user in advance on a port monitor for communication between the host computer 2000 and the printer device 205. Set up. The device search unit 201 acquires a connection destination address for specifying a printer that exists on a network or the like. The connection destination address includes address information for connecting the printer via an LPR port or a local port. In addition, this information is generally facilitated or automated by the user using a discovery function that uses a search protocol such as LDAP or SLP, or a response to a broadcast address or multicast address. Things are possible. The device attribute information acquisition unit 202 acquires an attribute indicating the capability of the printer. These attributes include high-speed printing, color printing, duplex printing, model name, and the like. The attribute information comparison unit 203 compares the attribute desired by the user set in the virtual port attribute information setting unit 200 with the attribute indicating the capability of the device acquired by the device attribute information acquisition unit 202. When the printer desired by the user is detected on the network from the result of comparison by the attribute information comparison unit 203, the proxy print management unit 204 registers the connection destination address of the printer corresponding to the virtual port.

  The proxy print information notification unit 205 notifies the user of the change when the virtual port address managed by the proxy print management unit 204 is changed. In addition, since it is difficult for the user to know the output destination of the printed matter with only the connection destination address registered in the virtual port monitor, a device map that displays the device location of the printer management software running on the host computer or printer is displayed. Display or display the location information of Simple Network Managment Protocol (SNMP).

  The operation of the proxy printing system having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the printing system. In an environment where the connection between the host computer 2000 and an input / output device (for example, the printer device 206) is set, the printer function desired by the user is registered as attribute information in the virtual port. (Step S301) Typical attributes include paper size, duplex printing, color printing, and staple printing. FIG. 4 is an example of attribute information set for a virtual port. A virtual port name 401 and a virtual port attribute 402 are set for the virtual port created by the user.

  In accordance with an instruction from the user, a resident service program (search thread) is started on the background of the host computer 1 (step S302). The search can be performed by the device search unit 201 triggered by polling, a printing event, or an event driven by an event from the printer.

  Further, the following operations can be performed in the same manner even when the service is not a resident service program such as a user instruction.

  LDAP and broadcast responses are used to search for printers.

  If the printer is found as a result of the search (step S303), the device attribute information acquisition unit 202 acquires printer attribute information from the printer (step S304). To acquire attributes from the printer, information is acquired by using a protocol such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).

  Based on the acquired attribute, the attribute information comparison unit 203 compares the printer attribute information with the virtual port attribute information (step S305). If the printer is a proxy proxy candidate printer, the printer already registered in the virtual port Are compared (step S306), and the connection destination address of the printer is registered in the virtual port (step S307).

  FIG. 5 shows the registered address of the printer address 502 registered in the virtual port 501 and the printer attributes 503 and 504 from the search result.

  When a printer is added to the virtual port, the port monitor notifies the user that a new printer has been added (step S308), so that the number of printers that can be substituted by the user has increased. I can know things.

  In addition, by displaying the position information acquired from the printer, the device map function of the printer management software, etc. in the printer addition notification information by the proxy printing information notification unit 205, the user can easily locate the location of the added printer. Can know.

  When searching again by polling or the like (step S309), by repeating the above steps S302 to S309, if a printer is added on the network, it can be searched quickly and a port can be added. .

  The virtual port registered by the above steps enables the user to perform proxy printing without knowing information such as the connection destination address of the printer.

  The proxy printing management unit 204 can perform proxy printing by printing from the addresses of a plurality of printers registered in the virtual port.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, some embodiments of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the case where a printer is connected to the network and a new printer is registered in the virtual port has been described. In the present embodiment, a case where the printer is removed from the network will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the printing system according to the present embodiment.

  A description of the same processing as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In step S302, the printer search result is compared with the virtual port address list managed by the proxy print management unit 204. If an address already registered in the virtual port does not exist in the search result, the user is notified that there is a printer that has been deleted from the network and can no longer be used by removing it from the connection destination address for proxy printing (step S602). Is possible.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, some embodiments of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the case where a printer is connected to the network and a new printer is registered in the virtual port has been described. In the present embodiment, a case where the printer is removed from the network will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the printing system according to the present embodiment.

  A description of the same processing as in the second embodiment will be omitted.

  In step S307, after registering the printer address in the virtual port managed by the proxy print management unit 204, the priority order of the printer that performs proxy printing in the virtual port is set in advance. By using this priority when the proxy printing management unit 204 performs proxy printing, the printers can be used in the order desired by the user.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a typical printing system of a host computer to which a printer is connected. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of registration of the attribute of the virtual port which is one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of registration of the address list of a virtual port which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows two Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows three Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of registration of the address list of a 3rd Example of this invention, and a virtual port.

Claims (17)

In a printing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus and there is a failure with respect to a print request, the printing is performed on behalf of another image forming apparatus.
Setting means for setting attribute information of an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing in advance in the information processing apparatus in a virtual port;
Search means for searching for an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Obtaining means for obtaining attribute information relating to the searched image forming apparatus;
Comparison means for comparing with the set attribute information based on the acquired attribute information on the image forming apparatus;
A printing system comprising management means for selecting an image forming apparatus capable of proxy printing from the comparison result and adding it to a list of image forming apparatuses that perform proxy printing. When there is an image forming apparatus list on which proxy printing is performed in the information processing apparatus,
Comparison means for searching for these image forming apparatuses and comparing with the search results;
A printing system comprising: a management unit that deletes an image forming apparatus that does not exist from a list of image forming apparatuses that perform proxy printing based on the comparison result.   The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a substitute priority order management unit that assigns priorities to the image forming apparatuses that perform substitute printing.   4. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying the change contents of the list when there is a change in the image forming apparatus list for performing proxy printing.   5. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying an installation location of an image forming apparatus that performs proxy printing.   6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a printer.   The attribute information of the image forming apparatus includes document size, output paper size, maximum number of copies, document orientation, output method, page layout, toner density, ink drying time, staple mode, punch mode, reverse order printing mode, output magnification, Stamp, save destination, interrupt printing mode, duplex printing, bookbinding printing, binding direction, paper output method, paper output destination, copy printing mode, print processing options, paper feed method, paper type, printing purpose, resolution, billing management code 2. A user account, a department code, a password, a PIN number, an overlay file, an overlay form, a FAX destination telephone number, a destination name, a transmission time, and an e-mail address. 7. The printing system according to 6. In a printing method in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus and there is a failure with respect to a print request, the printing is performed on behalf of another image forming apparatus.
Setting means for setting attribute information of an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing in advance in the information processing apparatus in a virtual port;
Search means for searching for an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Obtaining means for obtaining attribute information relating to the searched image forming apparatus;
Comparison means for comparing with the set attribute information based on the acquired attribute information on the image forming apparatus;
A printing method comprising: a management unit that selects an image forming apparatus that can perform proxy printing from the comparison result and adds the image forming apparatus to a list of image forming apparatuses that perform proxy printing. When there is an image forming apparatus list on which proxy printing is performed in the information processing apparatus,
Comparison means for searching for these image forming apparatuses and comparing with the search results;
A printing method comprising: a management unit that deletes an image forming apparatus that does not exist from a list of image forming apparatuses that perform proxy printing based on the comparison result.   10. The printing method according to claim 8, further comprising: a substitute priority order management unit that assigns priorities of image forming apparatuses that perform substitute printing.   11. The printing method according to claim 8, further comprising notification means for notifying the change contents of the list when there is a change in the image forming apparatus list for performing proxy printing.   12. The printing method according to claim 8, further comprising notifying means for notifying an installation location of an image forming apparatus that performs proxy printing.   13. The printing method according to claim 8, wherein the communication device is a printer.   The attribute information of the image forming apparatus includes document size, output paper size, maximum number of copies, document orientation, output method, page layout, toner density, ink drying time, staple mode, punch mode, reverse order printing mode, output magnification, Stamp, save destination, interrupt printing mode, duplex printing, bookbinding printing, binding direction, paper output method, paper output destination, copy printing mode, print processing options, paper feed method, paper type, printing purpose, resolution, billing management code 9. A user account, a department code, a password, a PIN number, an overlay file, an overlay form, a FAX destination telephone number, a destination name, a transmission time, and an e-mail address. 14. The printing method according to 13. In an information processing apparatus in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus and there is a failure with respect to a print request, the information processing apparatus substitutes another image forming apparatus for the printing.
Setting means for setting attribute information of an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing in advance in the information processing apparatus in a virtual port;
Search means for searching for an image forming apparatus that is a candidate for proxy printing from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Obtaining means for obtaining attribute information relating to the searched image forming apparatus;
Comparison means for comparing with the set attribute information based on the acquired attribute information on the image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising management means for selecting an image forming apparatus that can perform proxy printing from the comparison result and adding the selected image forming apparatus to a list of image forming apparatuses that perform proxy printing.   15. A storage medium that stores a program code for realizing the printing method according to claim 8. The program which has a program code for implement | achieving the printing method in any one of Claims 8 thru | or 14.

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