JP2009056614A - Print system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system capable of easily specifying the publisher of a printed matter by an operator. <P>SOLUTION: A host computer 2 is equipped with: a print job transmitting means transmitting a print job; a report pattern setting means setting a report pattern; and a report control command transmitting means transmitting a report control command in a manner asynchronous with the print job transmitting means. A printer 3 is equipped with: a print job receiving means receiving the print job; a printing means 48; a report control command receiving means receiving the report control command; a storage means 53 storing the report control command; a print job situation detecting means detecting the command, etc. of the print job; a first informing decision means distinguishing presence/no presence of the report control command including the print job ID of the print job and information identical with host information by using the detection of the print job situation detecting means as a trigger; and a reporting means 46 performing reporting on the basis of the report pattern of the report control command, when the report control command is present. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print system and a program including a plurality of host computers and a printer that executes printing based on a print job transmitted from the plurality of host computers.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system is known in which a host computer and a printer are connected and print data generated by the host computer is transmitted to the printer to perform print processing. For example, in a POS system used in a supermarket, a retail store, etc., print data is generated from product data based on product information input by an operator (store clerk) by a POS terminal computer, and the print data is printed by a printer (printing device). Send to. The printer prints receipts, coupons, and the like based on the received print data. Then, the printed receipt or coupon is cut to an appropriate length and discharged from the receipt conveyance path (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-222310 A

  By the way, in the POS system as described above, one printer may be shared by a plurality of POS terminal computers (host computers). In this case, there is a problem that the operator cannot determine from which host computer a printed matter (for example, a receipt or a coupon) printed (output) by the printer is printed. For this reason, for example, it is possible that the printed matter printed with respect to the customer A is delivered to the customer B different from the customer A.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a print system and a program that allow an operator to easily specify a print issuer.

  The printing system of the present invention is a printing system comprising a plurality of host computers and a printer connected to the plurality of host computers and performing printing based on print data received from the plurality of host computers and having a notification function. The host computer includes a print job transmitting unit that transmits a print job including print data to the printer, a notification pattern setting unit that sets a notification pattern such as a notification count, a notification time, and a notification interval, and a print job transmission unit. A notification control command transmission unit that operates asynchronously and transmits a notification control command including a notification pattern set by the notification pattern setting unit, a print job ID corresponding to a print job, host information identifying the host computer itself, and a notification pattern setting unit; The printer is equipped with a print job A print job receiving means for receiving the information, a printing means for printing based on the print data included in the received print job, a notice control command receiving means for receiving a notice control command, and a memory for storing the received notice control command The same as the print job ID and host information of the print job in the storage unit, triggered by detection by the means, print job status detection means for detecting predetermined data or commands included in the print job, and detection by the print job status detection means As a result of the determination by the first notification determination unit for determining whether or not there is a notification control command including the print job ID and host information, there is a notification control command including the print job ID and host information. A notification means for reporting on the basis of a notification pattern included in the notification control command. Characterized by comprising a.

  According to this configuration, the host computer transmits a print job including print data together with a print job ID, host information for specifying the host computer, and a notification control command including a notification pattern to the printer. Upon receiving these, the printer stores the notification control command in its own storage area (storage means) and executes a print job. When the printer detects predetermined data or a command (for example, data or command indicating the start time or completion time of the print job) included in the print job, the printer uses this as a trigger to set the print job ID and the print job ID and the command. It is determined whether or not a notification control command including the same print job ID and host information as the host information exists in the storage area. When the notification control command exists in the storage area, the notification means notifies the user. Accordingly, since the operator can grasp the start / completion of the print job, for example, it is possible to recognize the start or completion of a print issue process (print job) such as a receipt or a coupon. In addition, by setting different notification patterns for each host computer by the notification pattern setting means, even when one printer is shared by a plurality of host computers, the operator can obtain a printed matter printed (output) from the printer, It is possible to determine from which host computer the printing was made. That is, since the operator can specify to which customer the printed material is a printed material, troubles such as mistakes in delivery can be prevented. In addition, since the print job and the notification control command can be transmitted asynchronously, for example, when the print job is being processed or for some reason the print job is delayed, Even if it is not possible to transmit the notification control command, the notification control command can be transmitted without being affected by the status of the print job. In addition, on the printer side, by receiving the notification control command asynchronously with the print job and recording it in the storage area, it is possible to execute processing relating to notification immediately before or after the start of the print job. In addition, as an alerting | reporting means, you may alert | report auditorily with a sound, or you may make it lightly alert | report by lighting a lamp | ramp.

  In this case, it is preferable that the notification control command further includes information defining the notification timing by the notification unit.

  According to this configuration, for example, notification timing such as before the start of execution of a print job or after completion of execution of a print job can be designated. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the start and completion of execution of a print job, that is, the start and end of issuance of a printed matter such as a coupon at a timing according to the needs of each user.

  In these cases, the printer has a job history storage unit that stores a print job execution history and a print job ID and host that are the same as the print job ID and host information included in the notification control command when the notification control command is received. A second notification determination unit that determines whether or not the information is recorded in the job history storage unit, and the notification unit determines that the print job ID and the host information exist by the second notification determination unit. Sometimes it is preferable to notify immediately.

  According to this configuration, when the notification control command is received, it is determined whether or not the print job ID and the host information included in the notification control command are recorded in the execution history. Notification is immediately made based on the control command. Thereby, for example, even when the notification control command is delayed for some reason, it is possible to reliably notify the operator of the start or completion of the print job. That is, it can be notified that the printed matter has been issued or is being issued.

  In these cases, the host computer further includes a print job determination unit that determines a print job that satisfies a predetermined condition, and the notification control command transmission unit transmits only the notification control command corresponding to the predetermined print job to the printer. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to notify only the start / completion of a predetermined print job. For example, when a plurality of printed materials are issued to one customer, the operator is issued before the notification of the last printed material by notifying the start / completion of the print job only for the issuance of the last printed material. It can be surely recognized that all printed materials are for one customer. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the customer from forgetting to deliver the printed matter. In addition, for example, by notifying only at the start / completion of a print job for issuing a special printed matter such as a winning coupon, the operator can easily recognize that the special printed matter is issued.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the notification means performs notification by generating an electronic sound.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the operator of the start or completion of a print job by ringing with an electronic sound. Thereby, for example, even when the operator is dealing with the customer and cannot see the printer, it is possible to easily grasp the start and completion of the print job, that is, the issue of the printed matter.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as each means of a host computer or a printer in the printing system described above.

  By using this, it is possible to provide a printing system that allows the operator to easily specify the issuer of the printed matter.

  Hereinafter, a print system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The print system according to the present embodiment is a system that allows an operator to easily specify a print issuer. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a case will be described in which coupons are targeted as printed matter, and notification is made by ringing with an electronic sound as notification means.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a device configuration of a print system 1 according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the print system 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of host computers 2 (three in FIG. 1) that transmit a print job and a ringing control command (notification control command) corresponding to the print job, and a plurality of And a printer 3 having a function of performing printing based on a print job received from the host computer 2 and ringing based on a ringing control command. The plurality of host computers 2 and the printer 3 may be connected to a network, or each host computer 2 may be connected to the printer 3 independently.

  The host computer 2 is a computer for managing the printer 3, and each host computer 2 transmits a print job to the printer 3 (outputs a print instruction). Upon receiving a coupon issuance request from a POS application (not shown), the host computer 2 generates a print job based on the request by the business application 31 described later, and specifies the print job ID and itself for each print job. Host information for assigning Then, the print job is managed based on the print job ID, and the print job is transmitted to the printer 3.

  Further, after generating the print job, the host computer 2 generates a sound control command for sounding the buzzer 46 (notification means, see FIG. 2) of the printer 3 as necessary. The sound control command includes a print job ID for causing the buzzer 46 of the printer 3 to sound, a sounding timing for sounding the buzzer 46 (notification timing, before starting printing / after printing is completed), and a sounding pattern (notification pattern, details are And host information for specifying the host computer 2 itself are defined. The ringing pattern is set to a different pattern for each host computer 2. Then, the host computer 2 transmits the sounding control command to the printer 3 so that the buzzer 46 can sound at the set timing and a predetermined sounding pattern. Note that the host information described above may be anything that can uniquely identify the host computer 2. For example, a host name or a MAC address (Media Access Control address) may be used.

  On the other hand, the printer 3 is an ink jet printer 3 that uses a plurality of types of color inks as a recording material, performs image recording (multi-color printing) on a recording medium, and issues coupons and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, in the printer 3, a power switch 12, a roll paper cover 13, and a mounting portion opening / closing cover 14 are arranged in this order from the left side on the front surface of a printer case 11 including a front upper panel 11a and a case cover 11b. A paper discharge port 15 for discharging the roll paper faces above the roll paper cover 13. A plurality of LED lamps 16 for notifying the operator (user) of the state of the printer 3 are provided above the power switch 12. The roll paper cover 13 is loaded with roll paper (not shown) in which the paper is wound in a roll shape, and an ink cartridge (not shown) is installed inside one of the mounting portion opening / closing covers 14. Has been.

  When the printer 3 receives a print job from the host computer 2, based on the print job, the printer 3 performs color printing of a desired image such as a character or a pattern on the paper and prints paper (such as a coupon) printed from the paper discharge port 15. Is discharged. Further, the printer 3 receives the ring control command from the host computer 2 and controls the ring of its own buzzer 46 based on the ring control command. The printer 3 generates an electronic sound from the buzzer 46 based on the ringing timing (before or after execution of the print job is started) and the ringing pattern set in the ringing control command including the print job ID and host information of the print job. And the fact that the printing process is started for the operator (or that the printing process is completed), that is, the coupon is discharged from the paper discharge port 15 (or that the coupon has been discharged). ) With a different electronic sound for each host computer 2. By notifying by an electronic sound, for example, even when the operator is dealing with the customer and the printer 3 cannot be visually recognized, from which host computer 2 the print job is started / completed, that is, It is possible to easily grasp to which customer a coupon has been issued or has been issued.

  In addition, as means for notifying the start / completion of the print job (coupon discharge status from the paper discharge port 15), the sound control command is used as described above, and the sound is sounded by the electronic sound from the buzzer 46 as described above. Alternatively, the above-described LED lamp 16 may be turned on (blink) to visually notify the user.

  Next, the host computer 2 and the printer 3 constituting the print system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG.

  The host computer 2 includes a CPU 21 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 22 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 23 (Random Access Memory), an HDD 24 (Hard Disk Drive), an input device 25, and a communication interface 26. Then, the control program stored in the HDD 24 is copied to the RAM 23 at startup, and the data stored in the RAM 23 or the like is processed according to the control program. The HDD 24 stores a business application 31 and a spooler 32.

  The CPU 21 executes the business application 31 and generates a desired ringing pattern based on the input from the input device 25. The ring pattern includes items such as frequency, ring time, mute time, volume, and number of rings. The user can generate a desired ringing pattern by changing parameters for these items (notification pattern setting means). This ringing pattern is set differently for each host computer 2, and the host computer 2 can be specified by the difference in ringing. That is, when one printer 3 is shared by a plurality of host computers 2, the operator determines from which host computer 2 the coupon (printed material) printed (output) from the printer 3 is printed. Can do.

  In addition, when receiving information (hereinafter referred to as coupon information) for issuing a coupon from a POS application or the like, the CPU 21 executes the business application 31 and generates print data based on the coupon information. Then, the business application 31 sends the print data generated together with the print request to the spooler 32. The spooler 32 generates a print job based on the print data and assigns a print job ID and host information to the print job. This print job includes print control commands such as a JobStart command indicating the head of the print job, a JobName command in which the print job ID and host information are described, a JobPrint command instructing printing of print data, and a JobEnd command indicating the end of the print job. And the print data. Then, the spooler 32 notifies the business application 31 of the print job ID and host information as a response to the print request, whereby the business application 31 acquires the print job ID and host information. Further, the CPU 21 transmits a print job generated from the spooler 32 via the communication interface 26 to the printer 3 (print job transmission unit).

  The business application 31 determines whether or not the print job ID is a predetermined print job ID (for example, a print job ID for the last coupon issued to one customer) (print job determination unit). When the print job ID is a predetermined print job ID, the business application 31 generates a ring control command in association with the ring timing, ring pattern, print job ID, and host information. Then, the CPU 21 transmits the ring control command to the printer 3 via the communication interface 26 using the API of the business application 31 (notification control command transmission means). By transmitting only the ringing control command related to a predetermined print job, notification of only the start / completion of a predetermined print job in the printer 3, which will be described later, that is, only that a predetermined coupon is issued / issued And the host computer 2 from which the coupon is issued (issued) can be notified. For example, when issuing a plurality of coupons to one customer, by notifying the start / completion of the print job for issuing the last coupon, the operator can send the coupon to the customer (corresponding to the customer). It can be determined that it is the last coupon (printed from the host computer 2), and the operator can surely recognize that the last coupon and all coupons issued before notification are for one customer. Forgetting to pass can be prevented.

  Note that the transmission of the print job and the transmission of the ring control command are performed asynchronously, the ring control command is transmitted using UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and the print job uses TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). Then sent. As a result, for example, even when a print job is being processed or when the print job transmission is delayed for some reason, the notification control command can be transmitted without being affected by the status of the print job. It becomes. In addition, since these data (print job, ringing control command) are transmitted by the packet communication method, for example, when a ringing control command is transmitted following the print job, a close process for recognizing the end of the print job data is performed. When the process is completed, an open process for recognizing the start of data of the next ring control command is performed. In other words, due to the time required for these processes, there is a delay between the completion of the print job execution and the actual execution of the ring control command. On the other hand, in this embodiment, by performing asynchronous transmission, it is possible to transmit a ringing control command without being affected by the status of the print job, and packet processing such as the above-described close processing and open processing. Since there is no need to wait for the completion of the print job, it is possible to prevent a delay from the completion of execution of the print job to the start of execution of the ring control command.

  The printer 3 includes a CPU 41, a flash ROM 42, a RAM 43, a communication interface 44, a print control unit 45, a paper transport mechanism 47, a print head 48 (printing means), a buzzer 46 (notification means), and the LED lamp 16. Then, data in the RAM 43 is processed according to the control program stored in the flash ROM 42.

  Further, the RAM 43 is provided with a job history storage area 51 (job history storage means) in which a job history of a print job is recorded. In the job history storage area 51, a print job that has already been printed and a current print job are stored. A print job ID and host information corresponding to a print job for which processing has started are recorded. Further, the RAM 43 is provided with a print job ID storage area 52 for recording a print job ID and host information corresponding to the print job being executed, and a command storage area 53 (storage means) for recording a ring control command. . The command storage area 53 includes a first command storage area 53a that records a ring control command that is set to ring before the start of execution of a print job, and a ring that is set to ring after completion of execution of a print job. It comprises a second command storage area 53b for recording control commands.

  The CPU 41 receives a ring control command from the host computer 2 via the communication interface 44 (notification control command receiving means). In this case, the CPU 41 determines whether the print job ID and host information included in the ring control command match the print job ID and host information of the print job currently being printed recorded in the print job ID storage area 52. It is discriminate | determined (2nd alerting | reporting discrimination means). If the print job ID and host information of the currently started print job match, the CPU 41 controls the ringing of the buzzer 46 based on the ringing timing and ringing pattern included in the ringing control command. Specifically, when the sounding timing is set before the start of execution of the print job, the CPU 41 immediately sounds the buzzer 46 based on the sounding pattern. On the other hand, when the ringing timing is set after the execution of the print job is completed, the CPU 41 records the ringing control command in the second command storage area 53b.

  On the other hand, if it does not match the print job ID and host information of the currently started print job (including the case where there is no currently started print job), the CPU 41 determines the print job ID and the print job ID included in this ringing control command. It is determined whether or not the host information is recorded in the job history storage area 51 (second notification determination unit), and the ringing of the buzzer 46 is controlled based on the determination result. Specifically, when the print job ID and host information are not recorded in the job history storage area 51, the CPU 41 stores the ring control command based on the ring timing included in the ring control command. That is, if the ringing timing is set before the execution of the print job, the ringing control command is recorded in the first command storage area 53a. If the ringing timing is set after the execution of the print job is completed, the ringing control command is recorded. Is recorded in the second command storage area 53b.

  On the other hand, when the print job ID is recorded in the job history storage area 51 as the completion of the printing process, the CPU 41 immediately sounds the buzzer 46 based on the sound pattern included in the sound control command. Upon reception of the ring control command, it is determined whether or not the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information of the ring control command are present. Compared with the case where the job history storage area 51 in which a plurality of print job IDs and host information are recorded is searched for and discriminated by first determining the print job ID storage area 52 in which only information is recorded. Can be quickly identified. That is, it is possible to quickly execute processing related to ringing. As a result, for example, even when the notification control command is delayed for some reason, the fact that the print job has been started / completed, that is, a coupon or the like (printed matter) has been issued or is being issued to the operator. I can tell you there is.

  On the other hand, the CPU 41 receives a print job from the host computer 2 via the communication interface 44 (print job receiving means). The CPU 41 executes processing based on the print control command of the received print job. Specifically, first, the CPU 41 starts processing the print job by analyzing the JobStart command, and then analyzes the JobName command. In the JobName command, the print job ID and host information of the print job are set as parameters, and the CPU 41 acquires the print job ID and host information of the print job. The CPU 41 detects the start of the print job in accordance with the analysis of the JobName command (print job status detection means), and prints the print job ID and host information in the print job ID storage area 52 and the job history storage area. 51 is recorded with the status of print execution start. Using this detection as a trigger, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a ringing control command including the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information of the print job exists in the first command storage area 53a ( First notification determination means). If there is a corresponding sounding control command, the CPU 41 controls the buzzer 46 to sound based on the sounding pattern included in the sounding control command. Further, after the ringing of the buzzer 46, the CPU 41 clears the ringing control command stored in the first command storage area 53a. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding sounding control command, the CPU 41 starts the following printing process without sounding by the buzzer 46.

  Next, the CPU 41 analyzes the JobPrint command and starts printing the print data. In this case, the CPU 41 issues a print instruction based on the print data to the print control unit 45. Upon receiving the print instruction, the print control unit 45 drives the print head 48 to execute printing on the roll paper while transporting the roll paper via the paper transport mechanism 47 based on the print data, and discharges the paper. A coupon is issued from the exit 15. Thereafter, the CPU 41 analyzes (processes) the JobEnd command included in the print job (print control command), and detects that all the processes related to the print job are completed by completing the analysis of the command (printing). Job status detection means).

  Using this detection result as a trigger, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a ringing control command including the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information of the print job exists in the second command storage area 53b. (First notification determination means). If there is a corresponding ring control command, the CPU 41 controls the buzzer 46 based on the ring pattern included in the ring control command to make a ring and update the job history storage area 51 to print the status of the print job. Complete. Further, after the buzzer 46 has finished ringing, the CPU 41 clears the ringing control command stored in the command storage area 53. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding ringing control command, the job history storage area 51 is updated, and the status of the print job is set to print completion.

  Here, a procedure for generating a print job and a ringing control command will be described with reference to FIG. First, when receiving the coupon information, the host computer 2 generates print data based on the coupon information (S01). Next, the host computer 2 generates a print job based on the generated print data (S02) and assigns a print job ID and host information to the print job (S03). Then, the host computer 2 transmits the print job to the printer 3 (S04, print job transmission means). On the other hand, the host computer 2 determines whether the print job ID is a predetermined print job ID (S05, print job determination means). When the print job ID is a predetermined print job ID (S06; Yes), the host computer 2 generates a ring control command that sets the print job ID, its own host information, the ring timing of the buzzer 46, and the ring pattern. (S07). In this case, the sounding timing is set to sound the buzzer 46 before starting execution of the corresponding print job or to sound the buzzer 46 after starting execution. Then, the host computer 2 transmits this ringing control command to the printer 3 asynchronously with the transmission of the above-described print job (S08, notification control command transmission means), and completes a series of processing (S09). On the other hand, if the print job ID is not a predetermined print job ID (S06; No), the host computer 2 completes the process without generating a ring control command (S09).

  Next, an operation procedure when the printer 3 receives a print job will be described with reference to FIG. First, the printer 3 receives a print job transmitted from the host computer 2 (S11, print job receiving means). Then, the printer 3 starts print processing based on the print job. In this case, the printer 3 detects the start of the print job by receiving (analyzing) the JobName command (or JobStart command) included in the print job (S12, print job status detecting means). At this time, the printer 3 acquires the print job ID and host information included in the print job, and records the print job ID and host information in the job history storage area 51 and the print job ID storage area 52 in a print processing start status. (Register) (S13). At the same time, it is determined whether or not a ringing control command including the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information of the print job exists in the first command storage area 53a (S14, first notification). Discrimination means). When the target sounding control command exists in the first command storage area 53a (S15; Yes), the printer 3 sounds the buzzer 46 based on the sounding pattern of the sounding control command (S16). After the buzzer 46 has finished ringing, the printer 3 clears the ringing control command recorded in the first command storage area 53a (S17). Then, the printer 3 continues the printing process, and after the series of printing processes based on the print job is completed, the status for the print job ID in the job history storage area 51 is updated to the completion of the printing process (S18).

  On the other hand, when the target ring control command does not exist in the first command storage area 53a (S15; No), the printer 3 continues the printing process and confirms that a series of printing processes based on the print job has been completed. Detect (S19, print job status detection means). Using this detection as a trigger, it is determined whether or not a ringing control command including the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information of the print job exists in the second command storage area 53b (S20, First notification determination means). When the target sounding control command exists in the second command storage area 53b (S21; Yes), the printer 3 sounds the buzzer 46 based on the sounding pattern of the sounding control command (S22). After the buzzer 46 has finished sounding, the printer 3 clears the sounding control command recorded in the second command storage area 53b (S23). Then, the printer 3 updates the status for the print job ID in the job history storage area 51 to the completion of the printing process (S18). On the other hand, when the target ring control command does not exist in the second command storage area 53b (S21; No), the printer 3 updates the status for the print job ID in the job history storage area 51 to the completion of the printing process (S18). ).

  Next, an operation procedure when the printer 3 receives a ringing control command will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the printer 3 receives the ring control command transmitted from the host computer 2 (S31, notification control command receiving means). Next, the printer 3 determines whether the ringing timing of the ringing control command is set before the start of execution of the print job or after the completion of execution of the print job, and performs processing based on the determination result. Execute (S32). If the ringing timing is set before the start of execution of the print job (S33), the printer 3 prints the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information included in the received ringing control command. It is determined whether or not it is recorded in the job ID storage area 52 (S34, second notification determining means). That is, it is determined whether or not the print job to which the print job ID and the host information included in the ringing control command are assigned is being printed.

  If the target print job ID and host information exist in the print job ID storage area 52 (S35; Yes), the printer 3 immediately sounds the buzzer 46 based on the sound pattern of the sound control command (S40). . On the other hand, when the target print job ID and host information do not exist in the print job ID storage area 52 (S35; No), the printer 3 searches the job history storage area 51, and sets the target print job ID and host information. Is recorded in the job history storage area 51 (S36, second notification determination means). If the target print job ID and host information do not exist in the job history storage area 51 (S37; No), the printer 3 records the ring control command in the first command storage area 53a (S39). On the other hand, when the target print job ID and host information exist in the job history storage area 51 (S37; Yes), the printer 3 has the status of the print job ID and host information recorded in the job history storage area 51. It is determined whether or not “print processing has been completed”. When the status of the target print job ID and host information is other than “print processing completed” (S38; No), the ring control command is recorded in the first command storage area 53a (S39). On the other hand, when the status of the target print job ID is “print processing completed” (S38; Yes), the printer 3 immediately sounds the buzzer 46 based on the sound pattern of the sound control command (S40).

  On the other hand, if the ringing timing is set after execution of the print job is completed (S41), the printer 3 has the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information included in the received ringing control command. Then, it is determined whether or not it is recorded in the print job ID storage area 52 (S42). That is, it is determined whether or not the print job to which the print job ID and the host information included in the ringing control command are assigned is being printed. If the target print job ID and host information exist in the print job ID storage area 52 (S43; Yes), the printer 3 records the ring control command in the second command storage area 53b (S44). On the other hand, when the target print job ID and host information do not exist in the print job ID storage area 52 (S43; No), the printer 3 searches the job history storage area 51, and sets the target print job ID and host information. Is recorded in the job history storage area 51 (S45, second notification determining means). If the target print job ID and host information do not exist in the job history storage area 51 (S46; No), the printer 3 records the ring control command in the second command storage area 53b (S44). On the other hand, when the target print job ID and host information exist in the job history storage area 51 (S46; Yes), the printer 3 has the status of the print job ID and host information recorded in the job history storage area 51. It is determined whether or not “print processing has been completed”. When the status of the target print job ID and host information is other than “print processing completed” (S47; No), the ring control command is recorded in the second command storage area 53b (S44). On the other hand, when the status of the target print job ID and host information is “print processing complete” (S47; Yes), the printer 3 immediately sounds the buzzer 46 based on the sound pattern of the sound control command ( S48).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the host computer 2 transmits to the printer 3 the print job ID, the host information for specifying the host computer 2 and the ring pattern, together with the print job. Upon receiving these, the printer 3 stores the ring control command in its own storage area (command storage area 53) and executes a print job. When the printer 3 detects the start / completion of the print job, a trigger control command including the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information of the print job is detected in the storage area. It is determined whether or not to do so. When the sounding control command exists in the storage area, the buzzer 46 notifies the user. Accordingly, since the operator can grasp the start / completion of the print job, for example, it is possible to recognize that the issuing process (print job) of a printed matter such as a receipt or a coupon has been started or completed. In addition, by setting different ring patterns for each host computer 2, even when one printer 3 is shared by a plurality of host computers 2, the operator can determine which printed matter is printed (output) from the printer 3. It can be discriminated whether it is printed from the host computer 2 or not. That is, since the operator can specify to which customer the printed material is a printed material, troubles such as mistakes in delivery can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, a ringing pattern is generated on the host computer 2 side, and the ringing pattern is transmitted to the printer 3 to realize the ringing of the buzzer 46. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of ringing patterns may be stored in advance, and only the information specifying the ringing pattern may be transmitted from the host computer 2 to the printer 3 to ring the buzzer 46. Thereby, transmission of the ringing pattern itself becomes unnecessary, and traffic related to transmission of the ringing pattern can be reduced. In this case, the storage means (notification pattern storage means) for recording the ringing pattern corresponds to the flash ROM 42 shown in FIG.

  Further, as a method for setting the ringing pattern of each host computer 2 to be different, the ringing pattern used by each host computer 2 at that time is registered (recorded) on the printer 3 side, and an arbitrary host computer is set. 2 may transmit a command to the printer 3 to obtain a response to the ringing pattern registered in the printer 3. As a result, the user can easily set a ringing pattern different from that of the other host computers 2 in the host computer 2.

  Also, the host 3 is registered (recorded) in association with the printer 3 in association with the host information and the ringing pattern that differs for each host information, and the printer 3 determines the host computer 2 based on the host information transmitted from the host computer 2, You may make it ring with the ringing pattern linked | related. The ringing timing may also be registered in the printer 3 in association with the host information and ringing pattern.

  In this embodiment, when a predetermined print job is started, the buzzer 46 is sounded to notify the start / completion, but the present invention is not limited to this. The start / completion of the print job may be notified.

  Further, in this embodiment, it is described that the buzzer 46 sounds at any time before the start of execution of the print job or after the completion of the execution. However, this is only an example. The buzzer 46 may be sounded at both time points after the completion of execution, or the buzzer 46 may be sounded between before the execution is started and after the execution is completed.

  In the present embodiment, the coupon is described as an example of the printed matter to be a target, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  It is also possible to provide the functions of the host computer 2 and the printer 3 shown in the above example as programs. It is also possible to provide the program stored in a storage medium (not shown). As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  Further, regardless of the above-described embodiments, the apparatus configuration, processing steps, and the like of the printing system 1 can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a print system according to the present embodiment. It is a control block diagram of a host computer and a printer. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for generating a print job and a ringing control command. 6 is a flowchart for describing an operation procedure when the printer receives a print job. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement procedure when a printer receives a ringing control command. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement procedure when a printer receives a ringing control command.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Print system 2 ... Host computer 3 ... Printer 42 ... Flash ROM 46 ... Buzzer 48 ... Print head 51 ... Job history storage area 53 ... Command storage area

Claims (6)

Multiple host computers,
A printer system connected to the plurality of host computers and configured to perform printing based on print data received from the plurality of host computers and having a notification function;
The host computer
Print job transmission means for transmitting a print job including the print data to the printer;
Notification pattern setting means for setting a notification pattern such as the number of notifications, notification time, notification interval, and the like;
A notification that operates asynchronously with the print job transmission unit, and that includes a print job ID corresponding to the print job, host information for identifying the host computer itself, and the notification pattern set by the notification pattern setting unit. A notification control command transmitting means for transmitting a control command,
The printer is
Print job receiving means for receiving the print job;
Printing means for performing printing based on the print data included in the received print job;
Notification control command receiving means for receiving the notification control command;
Storage means for storing the received notification control command;
Print job status detection means for detecting predetermined data or commands included in the print job;
Using the detection by the print job status detection unit as a trigger, it is determined whether or not the notification control command including the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information of the print job exists in the storage unit First notification determination means for performing,
As a result of determination by the first notification determination unit, when there is the notification control command including the print job ID and the host information, notification unit that notifies based on the notification pattern included in the notification control command; A printing system characterized by comprising. The notification control command is:
The print system according to claim 1, further comprising information defining a notification timing by the notification unit. The printer is
Job history storage means for storing an execution history of the print job;
When the notification control command is received, a second determination is made as to whether or not the same print job ID and host information as the print job ID and host information included in the notification control command are recorded in the job history storage means. A notification determination unit;
3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit immediately notifies when the second notification determination unit determines that the print job ID and the host information exist. 4. The host computer
A print job determining means for determining the print job that satisfies a predetermined condition;
4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the notification control command transmission unit transmits only the notification control command corresponding to the predetermined print job to the printer. 5.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit performs notification by generating an electronic sound.   A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the host computer or the printer in the print system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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