JP2006062092A - Printer and printer system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a printer performing print processing even if it is not located in a range capable of wireless communication with a host and a printer system equipped with that printer, in a printer for receiving print data by wireless communication with the host through a communication link and performing printing according to that print data and a printer system equipped with that printer. <P>SOLUTION: The printer 1 comprises a means 11 for establishing a communication link 10 with a host 2 or other printers 3-1 and 3-2 existing in a range capable of wireless communication, and a means 12 for relaying print data using an established communication link 10, and the printer system 100 comprises the host 2 and at least one printer 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer that receives print data by wireless communication via a communication link with a host and performs printing in accordance with the print data, and a printer system including the printer.

  There is an example in which a printer system is used in which each of a plurality of installed printers and a host such as a computer or a portable terminal are wirelessly connected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a conventional printer system in which a printer and a host are wirelessly connected.

  For example, a wireless connection is used for a wireless connection between a printer and a host that outputs print data used for print processing in the printer. The host 2 and each of the printers A to F (reference number 51) are provided with an antenna (not shown) for wireless communication. Although the range in which the host 2 can perform wireless communication is limited, the range in which wireless (ie, wireless) communication is possible is indicated by a one-dot chain line (reference number 50) in the drawing. The host 2 can wirelessly communicate with the printers A, B, C, and D existing within the wireless communication range 50, but can communicate with the printers E and F within the wireless communication range 50. Wireless communication is not possible.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for establishing a communication link in a conventional printer system in which a printer and a host are wirelessly connected.

  When the printer is turned on in step S501, the printer transmits a “link request” that is a command for requesting establishment of a communication link with the host to the surroundings in step S502.

  In step S503, the printer that has transmitted the link request determines whether or not a response to the link request has been received from the host.

  If a reply to the link request is sent to the printer, it means that the host exists within the range where the printer can communicate wirelessly, and a communication link is established between the host and the printer. The Thereafter, the host and the printer can communicate with each other via the established communication link.

  On the other hand, if there is no reply to the link request, it is determined in step S504 whether a timeout has occurred. When the time-out occurs, it means that the host and the printer do not exist within a range in which wireless communication can be performed with each other, and a communication link is not established and communication is impossible.

  The above processing is executed independently for each printer, and the host establishes a communication link for each printer individually.

JP 2004-25590 A

  In a conventional printer system in which a printer and a host are connected wirelessly, a printer that is not located within the wireless communication range of the host does not establish a communication link with the host, so print data from the host is not received. Cannot receive. For this reason, when the printer to be used for the printing process is not located within the range where the host can perform wireless communication, the user has to move the host to a position where wireless communication can be performed with respect to the printer. It was inconvenient.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to enable wireless communication of a host in a printer that receives print data by wireless communication via a communication link with a host and prints according to the print data and a printer system including the printer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer that can execute a printing process even if it is not located within a certain range and a printer system including the printer.

  To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a printer that receives print data by wireless communication via a communication link with a host and prints in accordance with the print data, only the communication link between the host and the printer. In addition, a communication link between the printers is established. If the printer does not exist within the range where wireless communication can be performed with the host and cannot receive print data from the host, the printer selects another printer in the vicinity where the communication link is established. Via the host, print data is received from the host. For this reason, the printer according to the present invention also includes relay means for relaying print data between other printers or between the host and another printer using the established communication link.

  FIG. 1 is a principle view showing a printer and a printer system according to the present invention.

  The printer 1 according to the present invention includes a link establishing means 11 that establishes a communication link 10 between the host 2 or other printers 3-1 and 3-2 that exists within a wireless communication range, and established communication. Relay means 12 for relaying print data using a link 10.

  In the figure, two printers indicated by reference numerals 3-1 and 3-2 as “other printers” different from the printer 1 are shown. However, the number of printers is merely an example, and the present invention is limited. It is not a thing. The other printers 3-1 and 3-2 are each provided with a link establishing unit 11 and a relay unit 12 as in the printer 1.

  The printer system 100 according to the present invention includes at least one printer 1, 3-1 and / or 3-2 having a link establishment unit 11 and a relay unit 12, and a host 2. The host 2 outputs print data used for print processing in any of the printers 1, 3-1, or 3-2. The printer 1, 3-1 or 3-2 receives print data from the host 2 by wireless communication via the communication link 10, and executes print processing according to this print data. In the figure, an example of the flow of print data is indicated by dotted arrows.

  According to the present invention, in a printer that receives print data by wireless communication via a communication link with a host and prints according to the print data and a printer system including the printer, the printer does not fall within a range in which the host can perform wireless communication. Also in the printer, print data from the host can be received via a relay function by another printer, so that print processing can be performed. Therefore, even when the printer to be used for the printing process is not located within the range in which the host can perform wireless communication, the user does not move the host to a position where wireless communication can be performed with respect to the printer. A printer can be used.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to provide the printer with a high-power antenna for extending the range in which wireless communication with the host can be performed, it is economical and the printer can be downsized.

  Furthermore, in the conventional example, there is a one-to-one relationship between the host and the printer. However, according to the present invention, the host and the plurality of printers are networked, so that they are highly scalable in terms of functions and usage. .

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing link establishment processing in the printer system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printer system according to this embodiment, when the printer is turned on in step S101, the printer executes “link establishment processing of another printer” in step S102. Link establishment process ”is executed. The above processing is executed independently for each printer according to this embodiment.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing link establishment processing with another printer in the link establishment processing in the embodiment of the present invention. In the link establishing process with another printer executed in the printer according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is another printer within the wireless communication range, and the other printer is within the wireless communication range. If it is determined that it exists, a communication link is established with the other printer.

  First, in step S201, the printer according to this embodiment transmits a “printer link request” that is a command for requesting establishment of a communication link with another printer to the surroundings. The transmitted printer link request arrives within the wireless communication range of the printer that transmitted the printer link request.

  Next, in step S202, it is determined whether or not there is a reply to the printer link request for the printer that has transmitted the printer link request.

  If it is determined in step S202 that there is a reply to the printer link request, this means that there is another printer that is turned on within the range where wireless communication can be performed with the printer. The process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, link information including identification information (ID) unique to the other printer is acquired from the printer that has returned in step S202, that is, the other printer that exists within the wireless communication range. The link information preferably further includes information indicating that the power of the other printer is turned on. Moreover, you may include the group identification information mentioned later. Through the above processing, a communication link is established with the other printer. Thereafter, the other printers can communicate with each other via the established communication link.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that there is no reply to the printer link request, it means that there is no other printer other than itself within the wireless communication range, and a communication link is established. Not.

  The above processes S201 to S203 are executed independently for each printer, and communication links with other printers are individually established in each printer.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the link establishment process with the host among the link establishment processes in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the relay request process in the link establishment process in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the link establishment process with the host executed in the printer according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the host exists within the wireless communication range. If it is determined that the host does not exist within the wireless communication range, a communication link with the host is established via another printer with which a communication link has been established. On the other hand, if it is determined that the host exists within the wireless communicable range, a communication link with the host is directly established.

  First, in step S301 of FIG. 4, the printer according to the present embodiment transmits a “host link request” that is a command for requesting establishment of a communication link with the host to the surroundings. The transmitted host link request reaches within the wireless communication range of the printer that transmitted the host link request.

  Next, in step S302, the printer that has transmitted the host link request determines whether or not there is a reply to the host link request.

  If it is determined in step S302 that there has been a reply to the host link request, this means that the host exists within a range where wireless communication with the printer is possible, and a communication link is established with the host. Establish. Thereafter, the printer and the host can communicate with each other via the established communication link.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that there has been no reply to the host link request, it is determined in step S303 whether or not a timeout has occurred. Does not exist, the communication link with the host is not established, and the process proceeds to the relay request process of FIG.

  In step S401 of FIG. 5, the printer according to the present embodiment communicates with another printer whose communication link has been established with the printer and is turned on based on the link information acquired in step S203 of FIG. A “relay request” command for requesting relay of the link (in other words, relay of print data) is transmitted. Since the communication link with the other printer has been established, the other printer receives the relay request with certainty.

  In step S402, the other printer that has received the relay request transmits a “host link request”, which is a command for requesting establishment of a communication link with the host, to the surroundings. The transmitted host link request reaches a range where wireless communication of the other printer that has received the relay request is possible.

  Next, in step S403, the other printer that has received the relay request determines whether or not there is a reply to the host link request.

  If it is determined in step S403 that there is a reply to the host link request, it means that the host exists within the wireless communication range for the other printer that has received the relay request. A communication link is established between the other printer that has received the request and the host. As a result, a communication link is established between the host and the printer via the relay of another printer. Thereafter, the printer and the host can communicate with each other via the established communication link.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that there has been no reply to the host link request, it is determined in step S404 whether or not a timeout has occurred. Therefore, the communication link with the host is not established at this stage, and the process proceeds to further relay request processing. As the further relay request process, the relay request process of FIG. 5 is executed for another printer with which a link has been established, which is different from the other printer described above.

  Each link establishment process described above is executed for each printer until a communication link with the host is established. In the printer system according to the present embodiment, when a communication link from each printer to the host is established, even if the printer is not located within the range where the host can perform wireless communication, it can be transmitted from the host via a relay function by another printer. Print data can be received, and print processing can be performed.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a printer system according to an embodiment of the invention.

  In this embodiment, a wireless connection is used as a wireless connection between a printer and a host that outputs print data used for print processing in the printer. The host 2 and the printers A to G (reference number 1) are provided with antennas (not shown) for wireless communication. In the figure, the range in which the host 2 can perform wireless communication is indicated by a one-dot chain line indicated by a reference number 50-1, and the range in which the printer C can perform wireless communication is indicated by a one-dot chain line indicated by a reference number 50-2. In addition, the range in which the printer D can perform wireless communication is indicated by a one-dot chain line indicated by reference number 50-3, and the range in which the printer E can perform wireless communication is indicated by a one-dot chain line indicated by reference number 50-4. In addition, the range in which the printer F can perform wireless communication is indicated by a one-dot chain line indicated by reference number 50-5, and the range in which the printer G can perform wireless communication is indicated by a one-dot chain line indicated by reference number 50-6.

  Each of the printers A to G (reference numeral 1) in the present embodiment is a link establishment unit (not shown) that establishes a communication link with the host 2 or another printer 1 that exists within a wireless communicable range. ) And relay means (not shown) for relaying print data using the established communication link. Note that the number of printers 1 in the figure is an example and does not limit the present invention, and a plurality of hosts 2 may be provided.

  When each process described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 is executed for each printer, a communication link indicated by an arrow in the figure is established.

  For example, the printer E establishes a communication link with the printer D existing in the wireless communication range 50-4, and the printer D establishes a communication link with the host 2 existing in the wireless communication range 50-3. Is done. As a result, even if the printer E does not exist within the wireless communication range 50-1 of the host 2, a communication link with the host 2 is established via the relay of the printer D.

  Further, for example, the printer G has a communication link established with the printer F existing in the wireless communication range 50-6, and the printer F has a communication link with the printer C existing in the wireless communication range 50-4. Established. The printer C establishes a communication link with the host 2 existing in the wireless communication range 50-2. As a result, even if the printer G does not exist in the wireless communication range 50-1 of the host 2, a communication link with the host 2 is established via the relay between the printer C and the printer F.

  As described above, each printer 1 includes a relay unit that relays print data by using an established communication link between other printers or between a host and another printer. Therefore, after the communication link is established, when the host 2 outputs print data used for the printing process, any of the printers A to G (reference numeral 1) receives the print data from the host 2 by wireless communication via the communication link. It becomes possible to do.

  Which printer among the printers A to G (reference numeral 1) is to execute the target print processing includes identification information (ID) unique to the printer included in the print data or identification information (ID unique to the printer) ) Is transmitted in advance before print data transmission, and the target printer can be identified. For example, when the printer G is caused to execute the printing process, the print data output from the host 2 is relayed to the printer C and the printer F via the established communication link. It is only necessary to notify each printer that the printing process used is to be executed by the printer G using identification information unique to the printer G.

  The printer that has received the print data may be able to relay another print data for another printer while the print process is being executed according to the print data. As a result, the printing process can be efficiently shared among a plurality of printers. Each printer may be provided with a display means for displaying a sign indicating the printer on which the printing process is executed. Examples of the display means include a lamp, a display, and an acoustic speaker.

  In consideration of the possibility that the wireless communication range may change, for example, when the host is a portable mobile terminal, the above link establishment processes are periodically executed, and the latest communication link is always used. It is preferably updated. Even when wireless communication between the host and the printer becomes impossible due to periodic updates of the communication link, it is possible to easily switch to another printer. Note that the communication link update cycle may be set as appropriate depending on the use of the printer system, the usage environment, and the like, but is, for example, several hundred milliseconds to one second.

  In addition, the communication link may be updated while the printer that has received the print data is executing print processing according to the print data. In this case, it is preferable to provide two antennas for communication link establishment processing and an antenna for transmitting / receiving print data.

  Further, according to this embodiment, when an error such as a paper jam or out of ink occurs in one of a plurality of printers and the printing process cannot be continued, the printer in which the error has occurred The print data received by the printer is relayed to the other printer using the established communication link, so that the other printer can execute the printing process on behalf of the printer in which the error has occurred. It becomes possible. At this time, the fact that the printer for executing the printing process has been switched may be displayed by the display means described above.

  As a modification of the present invention, each printer may be given group identification information unique to the group to which the printer belongs, and the communication link may be established only for printers having the same group identification information. . Alternatively, after the communication link is established, only printers having group identification information designated by the host among printers that have received print data may be able to execute print processing according to the received print data. In either case, the group identification information is included in the link information. Examples of grouping include the floor or department where the printer is installed, or the information to be printed out.

  As a further modification of the present invention, each printer may be provided with means for performing error correction on the received print data and sending it to another printer.

  You may implement | achieve the combination of the above-mentioned Example and each modification suitably. In the embodiment, wireless communication is used as wireless communication. However, wireless communication may be realized by Bluetooth, infrared communication, optical communication, or the like.

  According to the present invention, in a printer that receives print data by wireless communication via a communication link with a host and performs printing according to the print data and a printer system including the printer, the printer that is to be used for print processing is the host wireless Even if it is not located within the communicable range, the user can easily use the printer without moving the host to a position where wireless communication with the printer is possible.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to provide the printer with a high-power antenna for extending the range in which wireless communication with the host can be performed, it is economical and the printer can be downsized.

  In the conventional example, the host and the printer have a one-to-one relationship. However, in the present invention, since the host and the plurality of printers are networked, the expandability is high in terms of functions and usage.

  The present invention is most suitable for a printer system used in a wide campus such as a factory or a warehouse. For example, in a food processing factory, various information such as the expiration date, content, price, and place of production is entered using a wireless portable terminal (handy terminal) for meat, fruits and vegetables, and a display label is displayed on a printer installed in the factory. Printed. In this case, if the present invention is applied, various utilization methods can be realized, such as causing only the target printer to execute the printing process or causing the printer installed far away to execute the printing process.

1 is a principle diagram showing a printer and a printer system according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating link establishment processing in the printer system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the link establishment process with another printer among the link establishment processes in the Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a link establishment process with a host among the link establishment processes in the Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a relay request process among the link establishment processes in the Example of this invention. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a printer system according to an embodiment of the invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional printer system in which a printer and a host are wirelessly connected. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for establishing a communication link in a conventional printer system in which a printer and a host are wirelessly connected.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Host 3-1 Printer 3-2 Printer 10 Communication link 11 Link establishment means 12 Relay means 100 Printer system

Claims (26)

A printer that receives print data by wireless communication via a communication link with a host and prints according to the print data,
Link establishment means for establishing a communication link with a host or other printer that exists within a wireless communication range;
Relay means for relaying the print data using the established communication link;
A printer comprising:   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the relay unit relays the print data between the other printers or between the host and the other printer.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the establishment of the communication link by the link establishment unit is periodically executed.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the relay by the relay unit is also executed during a printing process.   The printer according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the establishment of the communication link by the link establishing means is also executed during a printing process. The link establishment means
First determination means for determining whether or not another printer exists within the wireless communicable range, and second determination for determining whether or not the host exists within the wireless communicable range Means,
If it is determined by the first determination means that the other printer exists within the wireless communicable range, a communication link with the other printer is established;
If the second determination means determines that the host does not exist within the wireless communicable range, a communication link with the host via the other printer for which a communication link has been established, The printer of claim 1 to be established.   The printer according to claim 6, wherein a communication link with the host is established when the second determination unit determines that the host exists within the wireless communicable range. The first determination unit and the second determination unit periodically perform the determination,
8. The link establishing unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the link establishing unit periodically executes the establishment of the communication link using a determination result periodically obtained by the first determining unit and the second determining unit. Printer. The first determination means includes
Transmission means for transmitting an inquiry command for inquiring whether or not there is another printer within the wireless communicable range;
The printer according to claim 6, wherein when a response command to the inquiry command is received, it is determined that the other printer that has transmitted the response command exists within the wireless communication range.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the link establishment unit includes an acquisition unit that acquires link information including identification information unique to the other printer from the other printer that exists within the wireless communication range. The second determination means includes
Transmission means for transmitting a link request for requesting establishment of a communication link with a host within the wireless communication range;
The printer according to claim 6 or 7, wherein when a response command to the link request is received, it is determined that the host exists within the wireless communication range. A printer that receives print data by wireless communication via a communication link with a host and prints according to the print data,
First determination means for determining whether or not another printer exists within a wireless communication range of the printer;
A first link establishing means for establishing a communication link with the other printer when the first determining means determines that the other printer exists within the wireless communicable range;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the host exists within the wireless communicable range;
If the second determination means determines that the host does not exist within the wireless communicable range, a communication link with the host via the other printer with which a communication link has been established, A second link establishment means to establish;
A printer comprising:   The said 2nd link establishment means establishes a communication link between the said hosts, when it determines with the said host existing in the range in which the said wireless communication is possible in the said 2nd determination means. Printer.   14. The printer according to claim 12, further comprising a relay unit that relays the print data between the other printers or between the host and the other printer using the established communication link.   The printer according to claim 14, wherein the relay by the relay unit is also executed during a printing process. The first determination unit and the second determination unit periodically perform the determination,
The first link establishing means and the second link establishing means periodically establish the communication link using a determination result periodically obtained by the first determining means and the second determining means. The printer according to claim 12 or 13, which is executed on an automatic basis. The first determination unit and the second determination unit execute the determination during the printing process,
The said 1st link establishment means and the said 2nd link establishment means perform establishment of the said communication link using the determination result obtained by the said 1st determination means and the said 2nd determination means. The printer according to 12 or 13. The first determination means includes
Transmission means for transmitting an inquiry command for inquiring whether or not there is another printer within the wireless communicable range;
13. The printer according to claim 12, wherein when a response command to the inquiry command is received, it is determined that the other printer that has transmitted the response command exists within the wireless communication range.   The first link establishment unit includes an acquisition unit that acquires link information including identification information unique to the other printer from the other printer that exists within the wireless communication range. Printer. The second determination means includes
Transmission means for transmitting a link request for requesting establishment of a communication link with a host within the wireless communication range;
14. The printer according to claim 12, wherein when a response command to the link request is received, it is determined that the host exists within the wireless communication range.   21. A printer system comprising a plurality of printers according to any one of claims 1 to 20 and a host for outputting print data used for printing processing in any of the printers.   When one of the plurality of printers generates an error during printing processing and cannot continue the printing processing, the printer in which the error has occurred uses the established communication for the print data received by the printer. The printer system according to claim 21, wherein the printer is relayed to another printer using a link, whereby the other printer executes a printing process.   The printer system according to claim 21, wherein each of the printers includes a display unit that displays an indicator indicating a printer on which a printing process is performed. Each of the printers has group identification information unique to the group to which it belongs,
The printer system according to claim 21, wherein a communication link is established only for the printers having the same group identification information. Each of the printers has group identification information unique to the group to which it belongs,
The printer system according to claim 21, wherein only the printer having the group identification information designated by the host among the printers that have received the print data executes print processing according to the received print data. A printer that receives print data by wireless communication via a communication link with a host and prints according to the print data,
A printer comprising link establishing means for establishing a communication link with another printer existing within a wireless communicable range.

Images