JP2008094083A - Output apparatus and setting list output method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable to output a set list output commonly between devices, various types by eliminating designing of the set list for each device, each type in relation to an output apparatus having a function of outputting a list of set contents and a setting list output method which outputs the list of the set contents. <P>SOLUTION: The setting list output method comprises a storing step of storing a print setting item to be changed from a panel 12 or by a printing job in NVRAM 4, a step of forming a set list output based on the print setting item containing a changing item, and a step of outputting the formed set list output by using a printing means. In the step of forming the set list output, an inquiry of inquiring the set contents of the print setting item to the interpreter of a page description language (Q11-Q32), and a reply to the inquiring by the interpreter of the page description language (R11-R32) are conducted. In the printing job, the contents of the set list output of outputting based on the reply are formed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an output device and a setting list output method, and more particularly to an output device having a function for outputting a list of setting contents and a setting list output method for outputting setting contents as a list.

  For example, laser printers and MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) often can output a setting list page called an information list / configuration page in order to check the initial values and settings of the printer. In particular, in PostScript, not only input from the panel but also the user can change the setting by sending it in the print job format, and the changed setting is saved in the non-volatile memory (NVRAM) and can be used for subsequent print jobs. Treated as initial value. The items to be set and the contents output to the setting list differ depending on the output device, and the data for outputting the setting list needs to be designed for each output device and model.

In Patent Document 1, mode setting data is stored in a non-volatile memory (NVRAM), and the current and previous mode setting data are displayed in contrast on the panel when the mode is set. If necessary, all the current and previous mode setting data are displayed. Is printed as a print document, the administrator can easily and accurately check the current and previous mode setting data, and a printing apparatus capable of managing and efficiently using the printing apparatus is disclosed. .
JP 11-291565 A

  However, since the invention disclosed in the cited document 1 is intended to compare and confirm the current and previous mode setting data, the print document that prints the current and previous mode setting data as a print document is also different for each model. There was a problem that it was necessary to design each output device / model according to the model.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. An output device and a setting list output method having a setting list output program that can be used in common between each device and model without the design of the setting list for each device and model. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is characterized by the following measures.

The invention described in claim 1
A first change input means for changing print setting items from the panel;
A second input means for changing print setting items according to a print job;
Storage means for storing the change items of the print setting items in a nonvolatile memory;
Printing means for performing print processing as an initial value for the print setting item stored in the non-volatile memory as an initial value in a subsequent print job;
An output device having setting list output means for outputting a setting list via the printing means as a print job in which the print setting items including the change items are described in a page description language;
The setting list output means includes
Inquiry means for inquiring a setting content of the print setting item to an interpreter of the page description language in a print job described in the page description language;
An answer processing means for providing an answer to the query provided in the interpreter of the page description language; and a setting list output creating means for creating the contents of the setting list output to be output based on the answer from the answer processing means in the print job It is characterized by comprising.

The invention according to claim 2
The output device according to claim 1.
The print setting items include one or more items selected from the items of paper feed tray status, attachment of a duplex printing unit, duplex printing setting, toner save function, and paper discharge tray status. is there.

The invention according to claim 3
The output device according to claim 1 or 2,
The answer processing means is configured to answer the presence / absence of an optional device connected to an output device, the presence / absence of a function, and a set value when the function is present.

The invention according to claim 4
The output device according to claim 3, wherein
The setting list output creation means, when there is an answer from the answer processing means whether there is an optional device connected to the output device, whether there is a function, and a setting value when there is a function, It is included in the contents of the setting list output.

The invention according to claim 5
The output device according to claim 3 or 4,
The setting list output creating means deletes the item itself from the setting list output when the answer contents answered from the answer processing means do not have the optional device or function.

Further, the invention described in claim 6
The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The answer processing means reads the changed print setting item stored in the nonvolatile memory and makes the answer.

The invention according to claim 7
Storing print setting items to be changed from a panel or by a print job in a nonvolatile memory;
Creating a setting list output based on the print setting items including change items;
A setting list output method including a step of outputting the generated setting list output using a printing unit,
In the step of creating the setting list output,
An inquiry for inquiring an interpreter of the page description language about the setting contents of the print setting item in the print job described in the page description language;
Let the page description language interpreter answer the query,
In the print job, contents of the setting list output to be output based on the answer are created.

  According to the present invention, the setting list output program need not be designed for each output device / model, and can be used in common. In addition, even the same model can absorb the response for each destination. In addition, it is not necessary to design a setting list even when developing a new model.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus as an output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus includes a controller 15 that controls the image forming apparatus, an engine 11 for printing an image on a sheet, and an operation panel on which a user inputs and a display panel that displays a state. The panel device 12 and a disk device 14 (such as a floppy disk device or a hard disk device) for storing data such as font data, programs, and print data are configured. This image forming apparatus is connected to an external host device 13 by a connection cable or wireless. The host device 13 is a personal computer or the like that can send print jobs and print condition settings.

  The controller 15 includes a RAM 1, a font ROM 2, a program ROM 3, an NVRAM 4, an external memory 5, a CPU 6, an engine interface 7, a panel interface 8, a host interface 9, a disk disk interface 10, and the like. The CPU 6 controls the entire image forming apparatus and interprets the print job. The NVRAM 4 is a non-volatile storage device that stores contents when settings are changed by an external memory 5 that supplies font data and various programs from the outside, the panel device 12 and a print job. The program ROM 3 stores a control program for the controller 15. The font ROM 2 stores font data. The RAM 1 is used as a work memory for the CPU 6, an input buffer for input data, a page memory for print data, and the like. The engine interface 7 communicates instructions, statuses, print data, and the like with the engine 11. The disk interface 10 performs communication between the engine interface 7 and the disk device 14.

  FIG. 2 is an example of a functional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus as an output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2, the image forming apparatus includes a first change input unit 110, a second change input unit 120, a storage unit 130, a printing unit 140, and a setting list output unit 150. Furthermore, the setting list output unit 150 includes an inquiry unit 160, an answer processing unit 170, and a setting list output creation unit 180.

  The first change input unit 110 performs input for changing print setting items from the panel device 12. For example, the change of the print setting item made by the user in the panel device 12 is input. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The second change input unit 120 performs an input for changing a print setting item by a print job. For example, a print job for changing settings transmitted from the host device 13 is input. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The storage unit 130 stores (stores) the print setting item changes (items) input by the first change input unit 110 and the second change input unit 120 in the NVRAM 4. The printing unit 140 performs a printing process. For example, print processing is performed using print setting items stored in NVRAM 4 as initial values in the next and subsequent print jobs.

  The setting list output unit 150 outputs a setting list (print setting items including change items). For example, the print setting items stored in NVRAM 4 are output as a list of settings via the printing unit 140 as a print job described in a page description language.

  The inquiry unit 160 inquires of the page description language interpreter about the setting contents of the print setting item in the print job described in the page description language. The answer processing unit 170 answers the inquiry by the inquiry unit 160. It is provided in the page description language interpreter. The setting list output creating means 180 creates the contents of the setting list to be output based on the answer from the answer processing means 170 in the print job.

  With the configuration of the above functions, the image forming apparatus as an output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention eliminates the setting list design for each device / model, and provides a setting list output program that can be used in common between each device / model. Have.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of setting from the panel in the present invention. When the user changes the setting from the panel device 12 (step 21: Yes), the process proceeds to step 22, and the setting content is stored and saved in the NVRAM 4. When the setting has not been changed (step 21: No), the process ends without changing the saved data in NVRAM4. In each flowchart, step is abbreviated as S. Details of the setting contents stored and saved in the NVRAM 4 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for setting by a print job according to the present invention. When the user transmits a print job for changing the setting from the host device 13 (step 31: Yes), the process proceeds to step 32, and the setting content is stored and saved in the NVRAM 4. If the setting has not been changed (step 31: No), the process ends without changing the saved data in NVRAM4. Details of the setting contents stored and saved in the NVRAM 4 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a table showing print setting items which are setting contents related to printing. The setting contents related to printing shown in FIG. 4 are set in the operation shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4, for example.

  In FIG. 5, the print setting items include various items that determine the performance of the image forming apparatus (output device) that performs print output and / or the print conditions for print output. Examples of various items will be individually described below, but the print setting items are not limited to the items shown in FIG.

  PSFirm is version information of firmware incorporated in the image forming apparatus in order to perform basic control of the hardware of the image forming apparatus. PSVersion is version information of a PS interpreter that executes a program while converting software written in the PS (Post Script) language into a format (object code) that can be executed by a computer.

  PrinterName is the product name of the image forming apparatus. VM (Virtual Memory) total is a capacity of a memory area (VM) that is secured by using an OS function that uses a disk device 14 such as a hard disk as a substitute for the main memory. ETType is a type of image forming apparatus for identifying an image forming apparatus in the network (here, for example, a type in a network protocol called EtherTalk). ETZone is a zone when image forming apparatuses in the network are grouped (here, a zone in a network protocol called EtherTalk).

  VMfree is the capacity of an unused area in the VM memory area. HDDtotal is the capacity of the disk device 14. HDDfree is the capacity of an unused area in the disk device 14 that is not used.

  Input is the status of the paper feed tray provided in the image forming apparatus, for example, the number of paper feed paper. InputDetails is detailed information of the paper feed tray provided in the image forming apparatus. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. isColor is data for determining whether the image forming apparatus is color (true) / monochrome compatible (false). isDOM is data for determining whether the destination value of the image forming apparatus is for Japan (true) or overseas (false).

  ProcessColorModel is a color mode setting value such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black), and Gray. TonerSave is a toner save mode setting value (toner save function). JobTimeout is a setting value for the time for which a job times out. WaitTimeout is a set value of the time for which the wait operation times out. Resolution is a resolution setting value. BitsPerPixel is a setting value of gradation (number of bits). Duplex is a duplex printing setting value such as whether or not duplex printing is performed. BlankSuppress is a setting value for determining whether or not to discharge a blank sheet. DataFormat is a setting value for setting the data format. EdgeToEdge is a setting value for setting whether to set the maximum print area. RGBsetting is a setting value for designating a color conversion method (RGB interpretation method). ColorProfile is a setting value for designating a color conversion method (mapping method to CMYK). Dithering is a setting value for designating halftone expression.

  FIG. 6A is an example of a table showing each tray detailed information in the print setting items. For each paper feed tray provided in the image forming apparatus, the setting contents of each paper feed tray such as the paper size, paper type, and paper direction in FIG. 6B are set in association with each other.

  As described above, the print setting items shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are changed by the user by the input from the panel device 12 and the print job for changing the setting from the host device 13, and are stored and saved in the NVRAM 4. The The print setting items are not limited to those shown in FIGS. It is assumed that each item is set according to the performance of the image forming apparatus (output device) that prints out and the printing conditions when printing out.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can collectively manage the above setting contents (setting list). Further, the VM is consumed by the output of the setting contents and the VM free capacity changes sequentially, so the value of the VM free capacity is controlled to hold the value at the time when the setting contents output instruction is given. In other words, it is equivalent to the information on the VM free capacity when the user starts interpreting the print job.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram in response to a print job and a PDL interpreter (synonymous with PS interpreter) in the present invention. The user inquires of the printer status to the PDL interpreter in the print job for printing the setting list, and the PDL interpreter acquires data from the print setting items stored and saved in the NVRAM 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). respond.

  First, check the installation options (peripheral devices). In [Q11], the number of paper feed trays is queried. In [R11], the PDL interpreter responds with the number of paper feed trays in the print setting items stored and saved by NVRAM4. Save the value in variable I.

  Similarly, the number of discharge trays is inquired in [Q12], the number of discharge trays is responded in [R12], and the value is stored in the local variable O in [S12]. Inquire about the presence or absence of duplex printing unit in [Q13], respond in [R13], and save in local variable D in [S13]. In addition, confirmation regarding installation options continues.

  Next, the status of the paper feed tray is checked. Since only the local variable I stored in [S11] has a paper feed tray, the paper size, paper orientation, and paper type set in each paper feed tray are inquired and stored in the local variable D. Next, check the status of various settings. In [Q31], the presence / absence of the duplex printing unit confirmed in [S13] is stored in the local variable D. Therefore, if there is a duplex feeding unit, the PDL interpreter is queried and [R31] Returns the double-sided printing setting (double-sided printing or double-sided binding direction when performing double-sided printing) stored in NVRAM4. Save to the local variable Ds in [S31].

  If the duplex unit is not installed, the PDL interpreter is not queried. Various settings can be changed by a panel or a print job. Since the data is stored in the NVRAM 4, the PDL interpreter obtains the data stored from the NVRAM 4 and responds.

  FIG. 7 shows a flowchart relating to the layout processing of the setting list of the present invention. Queries the PDL interpreter within the print job for all functions in the output device, and prints a setting list based on the returned values. In step 51, model information such as model name, firmware version, and mounting memory is printed. The model information differs depending on the model, but the items are common.

  Next, paper feed tray information is printed based on information inquired of the PDL interpreter. Since the number of paper feed trays varies depending on the model, the loop of step 52 is repeated for the number of paper feed trays as a result of the inquiry. In step 53, the contents to be repeated are printed on the paper size, paper orientation, and paper type set in the paper feed tray. In step 54, the paper tray information printing position is moved. Repeat as many times as the number of paper feed trays and exit from the loop in step 55.

  Next, at step 56, the process branches depending on the presence / absence of the duplex printing unit stored in the local variable D. If there is a duplex printing unit, the setting information for duplex printing (duplex printing or duplex binding direction) is printed in step 57, and the position for printing the next information is moved in step 58. If there is no duplex printing unit, the process proceeds to the next step without printing the information regarding duplex printing. Similarly, the toner save function is processed according to the presence or absence of the function and the presence or absence of the function. Similar processing is performed for the other functions, and after all the processing is completed, printing processing is performed in step 62.

  As shown in the above operation, the PDL interpreter is inquired within the print job for all functions in the output device, and the setting list is printed based on the returned value.

  That is, the setting list output program performs output based on the presence / absence of various functions returned from the PDL interpreter in response to an inquiry to the PDL interpreter and the setting values when there are various functions when printing the setting list. . Therefore, such a setting list output program need not be designed for each output device / model, and can be used in common. In addition, it is not necessary to design a setting list in developing a new model of the output device, and efficient new model development is expected. Furthermore, even if a specification change that displays a new item in the setting content occurs, it can be dealt with only by a simple modification of the PS program for printing the setting content.

  FIG. 9 is an example as an example of a setting list for model A. In model A, there are three paper feed trays, a duplex printing unit is installed, the initial value is set to perform long-edge binding, and there is a toner save function, but the initial value is set to not perform toner save. .

  In the PDL job for printing the setting list, in model A, each step will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 7 in order to acquire model information.

  In response to the inquiry about the number of paper trays in Q11, “3” is answered in R11, so it is stored in local variable I in S11. In response to the inquiry about the number of paper discharge trays in Q12, “8” is answered in R12, and is stored in the local variable O in Q12. “Yes” is answered in R13 in response to the inquiry about the presence or absence of the duplex printing unit in Q13, so it is stored in local variable D in Q13.

  In response to the inquiry of the paper size / orientation / paper type of tray 21 of Q21, “A4 / vertical / plain paper” is answered in R21 and stored in local variable I1 in S21. In response to the inquiry of the paper size / orientation / paper type of tray 2 of Q22, “A4 / landscape / thick paper” is answered in R22 and stored in local variable I2 in S221. In response to the inquiry about the paper size / orientation / paper type of tray 3 of Q23, “A3 / vertical / plain paper” is answered in R23, and stored in local variable I3 in S23.

  Since the local variable D of Q31 is “Yes”, “Yes / Long-edge binding” is answered in R31 in response to the double-sided print setting inquiry, and is stored in the local variable Ds in S31. In response to the Q32 toner save setting inquiry, “yes / no” is answered in R32 and saved in the local variable Ss in S32. Thereafter, the presence / absence of an optional device for the output device and the set value are acquired and stored in a local variable.

  Next, a description will be given according to the steps of the flowchart relating to the layout of the setting list output in FIG. In step 51, the model name “XXXXX” and the firmware version “xxx.xx-xx” are printed.

  In step 52, a loop for the paper feed tray (local variable I = 3) is executed. In step 53, the paper size / orientation / paper type of tray 1 is printed. In step 544, after printing each tray information, the next printing position is moved. Similarly, steps 53 and 54 are processed for the tray 2, and steps 53 and 54 are processed for the tray 3.

  In step 56, whether or not there is a duplex unit is obtained from the local variable D, and if "Yes" is set to Yes, the duplex printing setting information stored in the local variable Ds is further printed in step 57. Next, in step 58, the next printing position is moved. In step 59, whether there is a toner save function is acquired from the local variable Ss, and if "Yes" is set to Yes, the toner save setting information stored in the local variable Ss is printed in step 60. In step 61, the next printing position is moved.

  After that, the setting list is printed based on the information stored in the local variable. As a result, the setting list is as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is an embodiment showing a list of settings for model B. In model B, there are two trays, no duplex printing unit is installed, and no toner save function is set. Each step of the model B will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

  Since “2” is answered in R11 in response to the inquiry about the number of paper feed trays in Q11, it is stored in the local variable I in S11. Since “1” is answered in R12 in response to the inquiry about the number of paper discharge trays in Q12, it is stored in the local variable O in Q12. In response to Q13's inquiry about whether there is a duplex unit, R13 returns “No”, so it is stored in local variable D in Q13.

  In response to the inquiry of the paper size / orientation / paper type of tray 21 of Q21, “A4 / vertical / plain paper” is answered in R21 and stored in local variable I1 in S21. In response to the inquiry about the paper size / orientation / paper type of tray 2 of Q22, “A4 / landscape / recycled paper” is answered in R22 and stored in local variable I2 in S221. Since the local variable D is “none”, the query of Q31 is not performed.

  In response to the Q32 toner save setting inquiry, “None” is answered in R32 and saved in the local variable Ss in S32. Thereafter, the presence / absence of an optional device for the output device and the set value are acquired and stored in a local variable.

  Next, a description will be given according to the steps of the flowchart relating to the layout of the setting list output in FIG. In step 51, the model name “XXXXX” and the firmware version “xxx.xx-xx” are printed.

  In step 52, a loop for the paper feed tray (local variable I = 2) is executed. In step 53, the paper size / orientation / paper type of tray 1 is printed. In step 54, after printing each tray information, the next printing position is moved. Similarly, step 53.54 is processed for tray 2, and in step 56, whether there is a duplex unit is obtained from local variable D, and No is “No”. In step 59, whether there is a toner save function is obtained from the local variable Ss, and No is set to No.

  After that, the setting list is printed based on the information stored in the local variable. As a result, the setting list is as shown in FIG.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus as an output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an example of a functional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus as an output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart in the setting from the panel in this invention. 6 is a flowchart of setting by a print job in the present invention. It is an example of the table | surface which shows the setting content which concerns on printing. It is an example of the table | surface which shows each tray detailed information in the setting content which concerns on printing. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram in a response between a print job and a PDL interpreter according to the present invention. It is a flowchart regarding the layout process of the setting list of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting list for model A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting list in a model B. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 RAM
2 Font ROM
3 Program ROM
4 MVRAM
5 External memory 6 CPU
7 Engine interface 8 Panel interface 9 Host interface 10 Disk interface 11 Engine 12 Panel device 13 Host device 14 Disk device 15 Controller 110 First change input means 120 Second change input means 130 Storage means 140 Printing means 150 Setting list output means 160 Inquiry means 170 Answer processing means 180 Setting list output creation means

Claims (7)

A first change input means for changing print setting items from the panel;
A second input means for changing print setting items according to a print job;
Storage means for storing the change items of the print setting items in a nonvolatile memory;
Printing means for performing print processing as an initial value for the print setting item stored in the non-volatile memory as an initial value in a subsequent print job;
An output device having setting list output means for outputting a setting list via the printing means as a print job in which the print setting items including the change items are described in a page description language;
The setting list output means includes
Inquiry means for inquiring a setting content of the print setting item to an interpreter of the page description language in a print job described in the page description language;
Provided in the interpreter of the page description language, an answer processing means for answering the query;
In the print job, setting list output creating means for creating the contents of the setting list output to be output based on the answer from the answer processing means;
An output device comprising:   The print setting item includes one or more items selected from items of a paper feed tray status, attachment of a duplex printing unit, duplex printing setting, a toner save function, and a discharge tray status. The output device according to 1.   3. The answer processing unit is configured to answer the presence / absence of an optional device connected to an output device, the presence / absence of a function, and a set value when the function is present. Output device.   The setting list output creation means, when there is an answer from the answer processing means whether there is an optional device connected to the output device, whether there is a function, and a setting value when there is a function, 4. The output apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the output apparatus includes the setting list output.   5. The setting list output creation means, when the answer content answered from the answer processing means does not have the optional device or function, deletes the item itself from the setting list output. The output device as described.   6. The output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the answer processing unit reads the changed print setting item stored in the nonvolatile memory and makes the answer. Storing print setting items to be changed from a panel or by a print job in a nonvolatile memory;
Creating a setting list output based on the print setting items including change items;
A setting list output method including a step of outputting the generated setting list output using a printing unit,
In the step of creating the setting list output,
An inquiry for inquiring an interpreter of the page description language about the setting contents of the print setting item in the print job described in the page description language;
Let the page description language interpreter answer the query,
A setting list output method for generating the setting list output contents to be output based on the answer in the print job.

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