JP2009104581A - Printing device, program, and print control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the reliability of printing in a network environment. <P>SOLUTION: A printing device transmits print suppression information indicating suppression of print processing, to another printing device on a downstream side upon reception of the print suppression information from another printing device 31 on an upstream side when the another printing device 31 in the downstream side exists, and the printing device transmits data received from another printing device 31 on the upstream side, to another printing device 31 on the downstream side upon reception of the data when the another printing device 31 in the upstream side exists. Upon reception of page deletion information which another printing device 31 on the upstream side transmits at each time of print processing of one page for a printing medium, the printing device deletes data corresponding to the print-processed page in accordance with page deletion information and, in the case of the existence of another printing device 31 on the downstream side, transmits the received page deletion information to the another printing device 31 to cause the another printing device 31 to delete data corresponding to the print-processed page, which are stored in the another printing device 31, in accordance with page deletion information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus such as a laser printer or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), a program, and a printing control method.

  In recent years, an Internet print system that performs printing via an Internet network has been developed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, as shown in FIG. 19, an extranet in which intranets 200 and 300 of a plurality of companies and offices are interconnected via an Internet network 400 is also being used. According to the extranet as shown in FIG. 19, it is possible to execute print processing on a printer on the other intranet 300 from a host computer such as a server on one intranet 200.

JP 2003-271347 A

  However, in the Internet print system disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the extranet as shown in FIG. 19, the printer cannot be operated in the middle of printing, requiring no operator operation (no paper, paper jam, toner end However, even if printing is stopped due to other failures, the host computer cannot grasp the status on the printer side, and there is a problem that the printer is left in a printing stopped state.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to increase the reliability of print processing in a network environment.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus that executes a printing process on a print medium of data transmitted from a host apparatus, and is upstream of the data transmission direction. Connecting means for network-connecting at least one or more other printing apparatuses on the downstream side or downstream side, and suppression information receiving means for receiving printing suppression information for suppressing printing processing from the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side And when there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, the suppression information transmitting means for transmitting the printing suppression information to the other printing device, and the data from the other printing device located on the upstream side. If there is a data receiving means for receiving the data and the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, the received data is transmitted to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side. The data transmission means and the other printing device located on the upstream side transmit the print processing for the print medium every page, and correspond to the print processed page stored in the other printing device. Delete information receiving means for receiving page deletion information for deleting the data, and deletion means for deleting the data corresponding to a page that has been printed in response to the page deletion information when the page deletion information is received. When there is the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, the apparatus includes a deletion information transmitting unit that transmits the received page deletion information to the other printing apparatus.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 2, in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, when a failure that causes an unprintable state that requires an operator operation occurs in the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side, the fact is notified. Fault occurrence information receiving means for receiving the fault occurrence information to be received from the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side, and print suppression that cancels the suppression of the print processing according to the print suppression information when the fault occurrence information is received When there is a release unit and the other printing device located on the downstream side, and there is a failure that causes an unprintable state that requires operator operation, the suppression of printing processing in the other printing device is released. Suppression release information transmitting means for transmitting the suppression release information to be transmitted to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the request receiving unit receives a request from the host apparatus from the other printing apparatus located upstream in the data transmission direction. When there is the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, there is a request transmission means for transmitting the request to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, and the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side. Response information receiving means for receiving request response information corresponding to the request from the other printing device located on the downstream side, and the other printing device located on the downstream side for request response information corresponding to the request Information merging means for merging with the request response information and merging result transmitting means for transmitting the merged result to the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the third aspect, the request is a state monitoring request for monitoring a state of each of the printing apparatuses, and the request response information is a print in each of the printing apparatuses. It includes a processing state.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the same function as at least one of the other printing apparatuses located on the upstream side or the downstream side is provided. It is characterized by that.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for executing a printing process on a print medium of data transmitted from a host device, wherein at least one or more other devices are provided upstream or downstream in the data transmission direction. A computer that controls the printing device that connects the printing device to the network, and a suppression information receiving unit that receives printing suppression information that suppresses printing processing from the other printing device that is located upstream, and a downstream device When there is the other printing apparatus, suppression information transmitting means for transmitting the printing suppression information to the other printing apparatus, and data receiving means for receiving the data from the other printing apparatus located upstream. When there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, the data transmitter that sends the received data to the other printing device located on the downstream side And the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side transmits the print process for the print medium every time one page is processed, and the data corresponding to the print processed page stored in the other print apparatus Deletion information receiving means for receiving page deletion information for deleting the page, and deletion means for deleting the data corresponding to the page that has been printed according to the page deletion information when receiving the page deletion information; When there is the other printing apparatus located in the area, the received page deletion information is made to function as a deletion information transmitting unit that transmits the page deletion information to the other printing apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 7 shows that in the program according to claim 6, when a failure that causes an unprintable state requiring an operator operation has occurred for the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side. Failure occurrence information receiving means for receiving failure occurrence information from the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side, and print suppression release for releasing the suppression of print processing according to the print suppression information when the failure occurrence information is received And the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, and if there is a failure that disables printing that requires an operator operation, the suppression of the printing process in the other printing apparatus is released. The computer is caused to function as suppression cancellation information transmitting means for transmitting suppression cancellation information to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing control method for executing a printing process on a print medium of data transmitted from a host device, wherein at least one or more devices are arranged upstream or downstream in the data transmission direction. A printing control method in a printing apparatus that connects another printing apparatus to a network, wherein the suppression information receiving unit receives printing suppression information indicating that printing processing is suppressed from the other printing apparatus located upstream. And when there is the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, the step of transmitting the printing suppression information to the other printing apparatus and the data receiving means are located on the upstream side. The step of receiving the data from the other printing device, and the data transmission means, when there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, the received data, A step of transmitting to the other printing device located on the flow side, and a deletion information receiving means sending each time the other printing device located on the upstream side prints one page of the printing medium. A step of receiving page deletion information for deleting the data corresponding to a printed page stored in the other printing device; and when the deletion unit receives the page deletion information, the page deletion information A step of deleting the data corresponding to the page that has been printed according to the information, and if the deletion information transmitting means has the other printing device located downstream, the received page deletion information is And transmitting to the printing apparatus.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the print control method according to the eighth aspect, the failure occurrence information receiving means has a failure that causes the print disabled state that requires an operator operation for the other printing device located upstream. In the case of occurrence, the step of receiving failure occurrence information indicating that fact from the other printing device located on the upstream side, and when the print suppression release means receives the failure occurrence information, it responds to the print suppression information. The step of canceling the suppression of the print processing and the failure occurrence information transmitting means when the other printing device located downstream is present, and a failure has occurred that renders the printing impossible state that requires an operator operation. A step of transmitting suppression release information for releasing the suppression of printing processing in the other printing apparatus to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side. .

  According to the present invention, when printing suppression information indicating that printing processing is suppressed is received from another printing device located upstream in the data transmission direction, if there is another printing device located downstream, the other When the print suppression information is transmitted to the printing device and the data transmitted from the other printing device located on the upstream side is received, if there is another printing device located on the downstream side, the received data is The data is transmitted to another printing apparatus located on the downstream side. Further, when page deletion information transmitted every time one page of printing processing for the printing medium is received by another printing apparatus located on the upstream side, data corresponding to the page that has undergone printing processing is deleted according to the page deletion information. At the same time, when there is another printing apparatus located on the downstream side, the received page deletion information is transmitted to the other printing apparatus, and the other printing apparatus stores the print processing completed according to the page deletion information. Delete the data corresponding to the page. As a result, other printing apparatuses that have received the page deletion information can synchronize the number of printed pages by deleting the printed pages. Even if the printing device stops printing processing, if the suppression of printing processing in the device is canceled, the printing processing for the remaining pages can be continued in the device. Even if the apparatus cancels the printing process, if the suppression of the printing process in the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side is canceled, the printing process for the remaining pages is performed in the other printing apparatus. Even in a network environment in which intranets are interconnected via the Internet, the reliability of print processing is improved. Can Rukoto, an effect that.

  Exemplary embodiments of a printing apparatus, a program, and a printing control method according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is an example in which a laser printer or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) is applied as a printing apparatus.

[1. Overall system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system construction example of a net print system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a net print system 100 according to the present embodiment includes intranets A and B of a plurality of companies and offices, that is, intranets A and B that are in-house networks based on the Internet technology. Assume an extranet interconnected via.

  As shown in FIG. 1, for example, an intranet A in a convenience store head office includes various server computers (hereinafter referred to as servers) 1 and clients 3 such as computers and printers via a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Assume a server client system with multiple units connected. In such an intranet A, a firewall 6 is provided at the boundary between the Internet network 101 and an in-house network 5 excluding a public server 4 such as a WWW (World Wide Web) server. The firewall 6 monitors packets entering and exiting between the in-house network 5 and the Internet network 101, and permits or blocks (discards) passage of the packets in accordance with the determined rules. Ensure security.

  On the other hand, for example, an intranet B in a franchise store is also assumed to be a server client system in which a plurality of clients 3 such as computers and printers are connected to various servers 1 via a network 2 such as a LAN. Also in such an intranet B, a firewall 6 is provided at the boundary between the Internet network 101 and the corporate network 5 excluding the public server 4.

  The network connections of the intranets A and B are not limited to the Internet network 101, and the intranets A and B may be connected using a dedicated communication line. Further, the present invention may be applied to a server and a plurality of printers in the intranet A.

  The network 2 is not limited to wired communication, but may be wireless communication (infrared rays, radio waves, etc.). Further, an optical fiber may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the above-described net print system 100 includes, for example, a print server 11 that is one of the servers 1 included in the intranet A of the convenience store head office, and one of the clients 3 included in the intranet B of the franchise store. It is possible to directly execute a printing process such as sales promotion materials for the printer 31. As shown in FIG. 2, the intranet B includes a plurality of printers 31 having the same function.

[2. Print server configuration]
First, the print server 11 (server 1) provided in the intranet A will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the print server 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the print server 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 that controls the operation of the print server 11. The CPU 41 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42 for storing a program executed when the CPU 41 is activated, necessary data, and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 for configuring a work area of the CPU 41 and the like. They are connected via an internal bus 56.

  Further, a character generator 44, a clock circuit 45, a network transmission control unit 47, a magnetic disk device 48, a CD-ROM device 49, a display control unit 42 and an input control unit 55 are connected to the CPU 41 via an internal bus 56. Data exchange between these elements is mainly performed via the internal bus 56.

  The character generator 44 is for generating graphic character display data. The clock circuit 45 is for outputting current date and time information.

  The network interface circuit 46 is for connecting the print server 11 to the network 2 that is a LAN. The network transmission control unit 47 is connected to other servers 1 and clients 3 via the network 2. This is for executing communication control processing of various predetermined protocol suites for exchanging data. For example, the network interface circuit 46 connects the printer 31 that is one of the clients 3 included in another intranet (in this case, the intranet B) via the network 2 and the Internet network 101, and transmits print data and the like to the printer 31. Or receiving a print processing status or the like from the printer 31.

  The magnetic disk device 48 is for storing various data such as an OS (Operating System), various application programs running on the OS, work data, file data, and image information data. In the present embodiment, a print data transmission program or the like is stored as an application program. The CD-ROM device 49 is for reading data (various data such as various application programs, work data, file data, and image information data) stored in the CD-ROM 50 that is an exchangeable recording medium. is there.

  In such a print server 11, when the user turns on the power, the CPU 41 activates a program called a loader in the ROM 42, reads the OS from the magnetic disk device 48 into the RAM 43, and activates the OS. Such an OS activates an application program, reads information, or stores information in accordance with a user operation. The recording medium is not limited to the CD-ROM 50 and may be any computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD, or a semiconductor memory. In this case, it goes without saying that the CD-ROM device 49 is changed to one that can read data in the storage medium. In addition, the application program is not limited to one that operates on a predetermined OS, but may be one that causes the OS to execute some of the various processes described below, or constitutes predetermined application software, an OS, or the like. It may be included as part of a group of program files.

  In general, an application program installed in the magnetic disk device 48 of the print server 11 is recorded on a storage medium such as the CD-ROM 50, and the application program recorded on the storage medium is installed in the magnetic disk device 48. Is done. Therefore, a portable storage medium such as the CD-ROM 50 can also be a storage medium for storing application programs. Further, the application program may be fetched from the outside via the network interface circuit 46 and installed in the magnetic disk device 48, for example.

  A display device 51 such as a CRT is for displaying a screen for operating the print server 11, and a display control unit 52 is for controlling display contents of the display device 51.

  The keyboard device 53 is for causing various instructions to the print server 11 to be performed by various key operations, and the screen instruction device 54 is for performing an operation such as instructing an arbitrary point on the display device 51. (For example, a pointing device such as a mouse), and the input control unit 55 is for capturing input information of the keyboard device 53 and the screen pointing device 54.

  In addition, the print document information is created by the print server 11 with an appropriate application program and stored in the magnetic disk device 58 or stored in the CD-ROM 50. 49 and read into the print server 11, or reconstructed from information received by e-mail or the like via the network 2 and the Internet network 101 and taken into the print server 11. Saved in.

[3. Printer configuration]
Next, the printer 31 (client 3), which is a printing device provided in the intranet B, will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the printer 31. As shown in FIG. 4, the printer 31 includes a printer controller (motherboard) 61 that performs various control processes such as a control process of each part of the printer 31 and an image forming process. An operation panel 62, a printer engine 63, and a magnetic disk device 64 are connected to the printer controller 61.

  The printer controller 61 controls the various servers 1 of the intranets A and B (for example, the intranet) according to the control mode set at that time and the control codes from the various servers 1 of the intranets A and B (for example, the print server 11 of the intranet A). A generic name of the control mechanism that converts the print data from the print server A) into drawing data and outputs it to the printer engine 63, and includes the following modules. The printer controller 61 includes a CPU 81 and a RAM 82 as main control elements, a ROM 83 for storing various kinds of information unique to the printer 31, and an NV− that is a non-volatile memory that can hold data regardless of power ON / OFF. RAM 84, Font ROM 85 which is a memory holding several types of fonts used for printing, Engine I / F 86, Panel I / F 87 for connecting operation panel 62, and Disk I / F 88 for connecting magnetic disk device 64 Network I / F 89 and the like.

  The RAM 82 is used as a work area for the CPU 81, data reception buffers from the various servers 1 of the intranets A and B, and an image development area after processing.

  The engine I / F 86 is an I / F that transmits and receives control signals to the printer controller 61 and the printer engine 63 and status signals from the printer engine 63 to the printer controller 61.

  The network I / F 89 functions as a connection unit. The network I / F 89 receives control signals and data from the various servers 1 (for example, the print server 11) of each intranet A and B via the network 2 to the printer 31, and from the printer 31. For transmitting / receiving the status signal.

  The operation panel 62 is a switch unit that can change the status display, mode, and printing conditions of the printer 31.

  The printer engine 63 is for forming an image by an electrophotographic process method and recording it on a recording sheet as an example of a printing medium. The print medium is not limited to recording paper, but can also be applied to an OHP sheet or the like. More specifically, based on drawing data and control information from the printer controller 61, an electrostatic image is formed on the photosensitive member, and a transfer sheet is fed from a sheet feeding unit to form an image.

  The magnetic disk device 64 is for storing various types of print document information and storing other appropriate information files. In addition, the magnetic disk device 64 stores an OS (Operating System) and various application programs that run on the OS. In the present embodiment, a print processing program or the like is stored as an application program.

  The printer 31 having such a configuration reads the OS from the magnetic disk device 64 to the RAM 82 and activates the OS when the user turns on the power, like the server 1 and the like. The OS activated in this way activates an application program, reads information, and stores information in response to a user operation. In addition, the application program is not limited to one that runs on a predetermined OS, but may be one that causes the OS to execute a part of various processes described later, or constitutes a predetermined application program or OS. It may be included as part of a group of program files.

  Generally, the application program 72 installed in the magnetic disk device 64 of the printer 31 is recorded on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM (not shown), and the application program 72 recorded on the storage medium is stored in the storage medium. It is installed in the magnetic disk device 64. For this reason, a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM can also be a storage medium for storing the application program 72. Furthermore, the application program 72 may be imported from the outside via, for example, the network I / F 89 and installed in the magnetic disk device 64.

  The printer 31 of the present embodiment is provided with the magnetic disk device 64, but is not limited to this, and the application program 72, the OS 71, and the like are stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. You may do it.

[4. Printer substitution process]
Next, printer substitution processing, which is characteristic processing performed by the net print system 100 of the present embodiment, among various arithmetic processing executed by the CPU 41 of the print server 11 and the CPU 81 of the printer 31 will be described below.

  In the net print system 100, when print data is input to the printer 31 of the intranet B from the print server 11 which is a host device of the intranet A via the Internet network 101, the input print is performed on the printer 31 side of the intranet B. Drawing data for the data is generated based on the control information of the printer controller 61. The generated drawing data is transferred from the printer controller 61 to the printer engine 63, and a printer start command is issued to start printing. Here, in the printer 31 of the intranet B, the printer 31 in which printing processing is being executed despite the middle of printing is in an unprintable state (no paper, paper jam, toner end, or other failure) that requires an operator operation. May occur. Therefore, in the net print system 100 according to the present embodiment, when a printer 31 in which print processing is being performed is in a print disabled state that requires an operator operation, the print processing target is switched to another printer 31. Thus, it is possible to continue the printing, and to execute the printer substitution process of preventing the printing from being stopped in the intranet B.

  The print server 11 stores a print data transmission program in the magnetic disk device 48 as an application program. That is, in the print server 11, when a print data transmission program operating on the OS is activated, the CPU 41 controls each unit according to the print data transmission program and executes a print data transmission process that is a part of the printer substitution process.

  The printer 31 stores a print processing program in the magnetic disk device 64 as an application program. That is, in the printer 31, when a print processing program that runs on the OS is started, the CPU 81 controls each unit according to the print data transmission program and executes a print process that is a part of the printer replacement process.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration relating to the printer substitution process of the printer 31. As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 31 includes a suppression information receiving unit 202, a suppression information transmitting unit 203, a data transmitting unit 204, a deletion information receiving unit 205, a deleting unit 206, a deletion information transmitting unit 207, Suppression release information reception unit 208, suppression release unit 209, suppression release information transmission unit 210, request reception unit 211, request transmission unit 212, response information reception unit 213, information merge unit 214, and merge result transmission Part 215.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration related to printer substitution processing of the print server 11. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the print server 11 includes a host request transmission unit 301, a merge result reception unit 302, a report generation unit 303, and a report transmission unit 304.

  Here, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a functional configuration related to the printer substitution process of the printer 31. As shown in FIG. 7, the printer controller 61 generally executes a paper discharge notification reception process and a command reception process.

  In the paper discharge notification reception process, a print completion notification is received from the printer engine 63. Then, the job management table formed in the NV-RAM 84 is read, the number of printed pages is counted up for each JOB ID, and stored in the NV-RAM 84. In addition, when a failure notification is received from the printer engine 63, the paper discharge notification reception process stores an error code related to the failure notification in the NV-RAM 84.

  The command reception process receives a command (data transmission / status monitoring) transmitted from the print server 11 (server 1) or the upper printer 31 positioned upstream in the data transmission direction, and positions the received command downstream in the data transmission direction. The data is transmitted to the lower printer (sub printer) 31. In the command reception process, when response information corresponding to the status monitoring command is received from the lower-level printer (sub-printer) 31, the job management table formed in the NV-RAM 84 is read, and the page information (printing completion) included in the response information is read. (Including the number of pages). The command reception process is a process for merging fault information when there is an error code in the response information corresponding to the status monitoring command received from the lower-level printer (sub printer) 31 or when the response information includes fault information. I do. Then, the command reception process returns the response information in the job management table to the print server 11 (server 1) or the upper printer 31.

  Next, the printer substitution process will be specifically described for each scene.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure of net print processing including printer substitution processing. In FIG. 8, an intranet B is assumed in which three printers 31 a serving as a “main printer”, a printer 31 b serving as a “sub printer 1”, and a printer 31 c serving as a “sub printer 2” are connected to the network. Yes.

  The “main printer” is uniquely determined by the host device. However, “sub printer 1” and “sub printer 2” may be fixedly determined, and the order thereof changes for each process. It may be a thing. For example, for the order of “sub-printer 1” and “sub-printer 2”, the IP address of the printer to which data will be sent next is stored in the storage unit (ROM 83, NV-RAM 84, magnetic disk device 64, etc.) of the printer. It can be realized by referring to the IP address stored at the time of data transfer.

  First, in the net print process, a device acquisition process is executed.

  (1) When the main printer receives the “apparatus acquisition” command from the print server 11, the main printer performs the occupation process of the printer and transmits the “apparatus acquisition” command to the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8). Here, the function of the request receiving unit by the request receiving unit 211 and the function of the request transmitting unit by the request transmitting unit 212 are executed. At this time, the main printer designates sheet discharge suppression as information. This information is print suppression information that suppresses print processing. Here, the function of the suppression information transmission means by the suppression information transmission part 203 is performed.

  (2) The sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8) performs printer occupation processing. In addition, since the information specifies that paper discharge is to be suppressed, the sub-printer performs paper discharge suppression of the printer. Here, the function of the suppression information receiving means by the suppression information receiving unit 202 is executed. If there is a lower-level sub-printer (sub-printer 2 in FIG. 8), the sub-printer transmits the “device acquisition” command received from the upper level (upstream in the data transmission direction). Here, the function of the suppression information transmission means by the suppression information transmission part 203 is performed. If there is no lower-level sub-printer, the sub-printer transmits a “device acquisition response” command to the upper-level printer. Further, the lower-level printer transmits a “device acquisition response” command to the upper-level printer. The device acquisition response includes the IP address of the printer. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper printer sequentially merges and transmits the response information (printer IP address) of the lower printer. Here, the function of the response information receiving unit by the response information receiving unit 213 and the function of the information merging unit by the information merging unit 214 are executed. Then, the main printer waits for a response from the sub printer, and transmits a “device acquisition response” command to the print server 11. Here, the function of the merge result transmission means by the merge result transmission unit 215 is executed.

  As a result, the print server 11 receives information on the result of merging all printer information. Here, the function of the merge result receiving unit by the merge result receiving unit 302 is executed.

  Note that information transmission from the printer to the print server 11 side is performed via the Internet network 101 and the firewall 6, and therefore it is permitted to allow the passage of the information by attaching a rule or attach it to an e-mail. The same applies to information transmission from the printer to the print server 11 in the following.

  On the print server 11 side, printer information obtained by merging information of each sub printer and main printer is managed as a log.

  (3) Upon receiving the “JOB START” command from the print server 11, the main printer performs a job start process and transmits a “JOB START” command to the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8). At this time, the main printer adds the acquired JOB ID to the information.

  (4) The sub-printer (sub-printer 1 in FIG. 8) performs JOB start processing, but does not create a JOB ID. By using the JOB ID notified from the main printer, job management between printers is performed. Synchronize. If there is a lower-level sub-printer (sub-printer 2 in FIG. 8), the sub-printer transmits the “JOB start” command received from the upper level. When there is no lower sub printer, the sub printer transmits a “JOB start response” command to the upper printer. Further, the lower-level printer transmits a “JOB start response” command to the upper-level printer. The main printer waits for a response from the sub printer and transmits a “JOB start response” command to the print server 11.

  As described above, when the device acquisition process in the net print process is completed, the print process is executed. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the printing process (normal process).

[4.1. Print processing (normal processing)]
(11) When receiving the “data transmission” command from the print server 11, the main printer transmits the “data transmission” command to the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8). Here, the data transmission means by the data transmission unit 204 is executed.

  (12) When the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8) has a lower sub printer (sub printer 2 in FIG. 8), the sub printer transmits the "data transmission" command received from the upper level to the lower sub printer. Send. Here, the data transmission means by the data transmission unit 204 is executed. If there is no lower sub printer, the sub printer transmits a “data transmission response” command to the upper printer. Also, the lower printer transmits a “data transmission response” command to the upper printer. Thereafter, the lower-level printer performs print data processing. The main printer waits for a response from the sub-printer, transmits a “data transmission response” command to the print server 11, and then performs general print data processing.

  (13) The main printer transmits a “page delete” command to the sub printer every time the paper is discharged. Here, the function of the deletion information transmission means by the deletion information transmission unit 207 is executed. The sub printer receives the “delete page” command, and if there is a lower sub printer, it transmits the “delete page” command received from the upper level. Here, the function of the deletion information receiving unit by the deletion information receiving unit 205 and the function of the deletion information transmitting unit by the deletion information transmitting unit 207 are executed. The sub-printer that has received the “delete page” command synchronizes the number of pages that have been printed, and deletes the printed page. Here, the function of the deletion means by the deletion unit 206 is executed.

  (14) Upon receiving the “status monitor” command from the print server 11, the main printer transmits the “status monitor” command to the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8). Here, the function of the request receiving unit by the request receiving unit 211 and the function of the request transmitting unit by the request transmitting unit 212 are executed. Further, the function of the host request transmission unit by the host request transmission unit 301 is executed.

  (15) The sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8), if there is a lower sub printer (sub printer 2 in FIG. 8), sends the “status monitor” command received from the upper main printer to the lower sub printer ( It is transmitted to the sub printer 2) of FIG. When there is no lower sub printer, the sub printer transmits a “status monitor response” command to the upper printer. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the upper printer merges the response information from the lower printer, and the higher printer (the main printer which is the highest printer is the print server) Send.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the upper printer, for each JOB ID, prints the number of print completed pages of all responding lower printers, the number of print completed pages obtained by adding the print completed pages of the upper printer, and all responding lower printers. Page information including the total number of the upper printers and the printer information (all responding lower-level printers and the IP addresses, JOB IDs, and print completion page numbers of the upper-level printers) of the response information. Generate as part. Here, the function of the response information receiving unit by the response information receiving unit 213, the function of the information merging unit by the information merging unit 214, and the function of the merge result transmitting unit by the merge result transmitting unit 215 are executed.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, failure information is also generated as part of the response information. Here, the failure refers to a state in which a non-printable state (no paper, paper jam, toner end, or other failure) requiring an operator operation has occurred in the printer. As shown in FIG. 11, for each JOB ID in which an error has occurred, the upper printer has an error code relating to the failure content, the number of printers in error, printer information (all lower printers that have responded to the error, and errors). Fault information including the IP address, error code, and JOB ID that caused the error) for each upper printer in a certain case is generated as part of the response information. FIG. 11 shows a case where there is no failure information in the lower-level printer.

  As described above, the main printer waits for a response from the sub printer, merges the response information, and transmits a “status monitor response” command to the print server 11. If the main printer does not generate an unprintable state (no paper, paper jam, toner end, or other failure) that requires an operator operation, the printing process is completed here.

  On the other hand, on the print server 11 side that has received the “status monitor response” command from the main printer, it receives response information of the print result obtained by merging all printer information. The status monitoring response includes the print status, whereby the print server 11 can detect the number of printed pages and the print completion. In this case, since printing is performed only by the main printer, only the print completion page number of the main printer is returned to the print server 11. On the print server 11 side, the response information of the print result obtained by merging the response information of all the printers is managed as a log.

  Here, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the page information table T1. As shown in FIG. 12, the page information table T1 formed in the RAM 43 of the print server 11 stores page information that is a part of response information transmitted from the main printer of the intranet B. The page information table T1 includes a basic part a, a printer number b that is the total number of all responding printers, and a detail part c. The basic part a stores a job ID and the number of print completed pages of all printers as a log. Further, in the detail part c, the IP address of each printer, the JOB ID of each printer (all match), and the number of print completion pages of each printer are stored as a log.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a failure information table T2. As shown in FIG. 13, the failure information table T2 formed in the RAM 43 of the print server 11 stores failure information that is a part of response information transmitted from the main printer of the intranet B. The failure information table T2 includes a basic part d, a printer number e that is the total number of all printers in which a failure has occurred, and a detail part f. In the basic part d, an error code related to the failure content and the JOB ID in which the failure has occurred are stored as a log. Further, in the detail part f, the IP address of each printer in which a failure has occurred, the error code of each printer in which a failure has occurred, and the JOB ID (all match) of each printer in which a failure has occurred are stored as a log. .

[4.2. Print processing (processing when a failure occurs)]
Next, a description will be given of an alternative printing function in the case where an unprintable state (paper out, paper jam, toner end, or other failure) requiring an operator operation has occurred in the printer that is performing the printing process. The alternative printing function is a function for performing printing with a printer group configured by chaining a plurality of printers via a LAN. Note that the connection method of a plurality of printers is not limited to the chain type, and various connection methods such as a star type, a bus type, and a ring type can be applied. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of printing processing (processing when a failure occurs).

  (16) When a non-printable state requiring an operator operation (for example, no paper) occurs in the main printer, the main printer transmits a “discharge suppression release” command to the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8). To do. Here, the function of the suppression release information transmission unit by the suppression release information transmission unit 210 is executed. Further, the main printer stops the paper discharge function and does not perform subsequent paper discharge. At this time, the main printer designates discharge suppression as information for the main printer itself. This information is print suppression information that suppresses print processing.

  (17) The sub-printer (sub-printer 1 in FIG. 8) that has received the “discharge suppression cancellation” command performs a discharge suppression cancellation process and starts continuous printing. Here, the function of the suppression cancellation information receiving unit by the suppression cancellation information receiving unit 208 and the function of the suppression cancellation unit by the suppression cancellation unit 209 are executed.

  (18) The sub-printer (sub-printer 1 in FIG. 8) transmits a “page delete” command to the main printer every time the paper is discharged. If there is a lower sub printer (sub printer 2 in FIG. 8), the sub printer transmits a “page delete” command to the lower sub printer. The main printer and the lower-level printer that have received the “delete page” command synchronize the number of pages that have been printed, and delete the printed page.

  (19) Upon receiving the “status monitor” command from the print server 11, the main printer transmits the “status monitor” command to the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8).

  (20) When there is a lower-level sub-printer (sub-printer 2 in FIG. 8), the sub-printer (sub-printer 1 in FIG. 8) sends the “status monitor” command received from the upper-level main printer to the lower-level sub-printer ( It is transmitted to the sub printer 2) of FIG. When there is no lower sub printer, the sub printer transmits a “status monitor response” command to the upper printer. The main printer waits for a response from the sub printer and transmits a “status monitor response” command to the print server 11. As a result, the print server 11 receives print result information obtained by merging all printer information. The status monitoring response includes the print status, whereby the print server 11 can detect the number of printed pages and the print completion. The status monitoring response includes the print status, whereby the print server 11 can detect the number of printed pages and the print completion. In this case, since printing is performed by the main printer and the sub printer 1, the number of print completed pages of the main printer and the sub printer 1 is merged and returned.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, when a failure in a non-printable state (for example, no paper) requiring an operator operation occurs in the main printer, no failure is returned to the print server 11. The sub printer 1 continues printing. Further, when a failure in a print disabled state (for example, no paper) requiring an operator operation occurs in the sub printer 1, since the sub printer 2 is further prepared, the failure is not responded to the print server 11. Then, the sub printer 2 continues printing.

  Further, since a failure has occurred in the main printer, as described above, the failure information is set as a part of the response information. However, since the sub printer 1 is in operation, the failure information as a printer is not set, but the failure information of the main printer is set as a breakdown. This is because the alternative printing function views the printing destination as a printer “group”.

  Here, FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of alternative printing. FIG. 16 shows a case in which 10 print data are used. After 5 sheets have been printed by the main printer, the printing process proceeds to the sub printer 1 and 3 sheets are printed by the sub printer 1. A paper jam occurred later. Thereafter, the printing process shifts to the sub printer 2, and two sheets are printed by the sub printer 2. As shown in FIG. 16, when a failure occurs, the failure information is added as part of the response information.

  On the other hand, on the print server 11 side that has received the “status monitor response” command from the main printer, it receives response information of the print result obtained by merging all printer information. The status monitoring response includes the print status, whereby the print server 11 can detect the number of printed pages and the print completion. In this case, since printing is performed by the main printer, the sub printer 1, and the sub printer 2, the number of print completed pages of the main printer, the sub printer 1, and the sub printer 2 is returned to the print server 11. On the print server 11 side, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the response information of the print result obtained by merging the response information of all the printers is managed as a log.

  When the printing process in the net print process is completed as described above, the apparatus release process as shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

  (5) When the main printer receives the “JOB END” command from the print server 11, the main printer performs JOB end processing and transmits the “JOB END” command to the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8).

  (6) The sub-printer (sub-printer 1 in FIG. 8) that has received the “JOB END” command from the main printer performs JOB end processing. Further, when there is a lower-level sub-printer (sub-printer 2 in FIG. 8), the sub-printer (sub-printer 1 in FIG. 8) sends the “Job End” command received from the upper-level main printer to the lower-level sub-printer (FIG. 8). 8 sub-printers 2). If there is no lower-level sub-printer, the sub-printer transmits a “JOB end response” command to the upper-level printer. The main printer waits for a response from the sub printer and transmits a “JOB end response” command to the print server 11.

  (7) Upon receiving the “device release” command from the print server 11, the main printer performs printer release processing and transmits the “device release” command to the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8).

  (8) The sub-printer (sub-printer 1 in FIG. 8) that has received the “device release” command from the main printer performs printer release processing. Further, when there is a lower sub printer (sub printer 2 in FIG. 8), the sub printer (sub printer 1 in FIG. 8) sends the “device release” command received from the upper main printer to the lower sub printer (FIG. 8). 8 sub-printers 2). If there is no lower-level sub-printer, the sub-printer transmits a “device release” command to the upper-level printer. The main printer waits for a response from the sub printer, and transmits a “device release response” command to the print server 11.

[5. Print result report print processing]
Next, a print result report print process will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the print server 11 prints a print result report based on printer information managed as a log by the print server 11 and information on print results obtained by merging all printer information (see FIGS. 12 and 13). Output data is generated and sent to the main printer. Here, the function of the report generation unit by the report generation unit 303 and the function of the report transmission unit by the report transmission unit 304 are executed.

  The print result report is printed by the printer that finally executed the print process in accordance with the print process described above.

  FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating an example of a print result report. In the print result report shown in FIG. 18, printer information (IP address), start page, end page, and number of print pages for each printer are printed together with the JOB ID, document name, and total print completion page number. In addition, the contents of the printer in which the failure has occurred are also printed. Both the sending side and the receiving side can confirm that the substitute printing has been performed by checking the print result report. Can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, print suppression information for suppressing print processing is transmitted to another printing apparatus located downstream in the data transmission direction, and data transmitted from the host apparatus is transmitted downstream. To other printing devices located on the side. In addition, every time the printing process for the print medium is performed for one page, the page deletion information is transmitted to another printing apparatus located on the downstream side, and the printing process stored in the other printing apparatus according to the page deletion information is completed. Delete the data corresponding to the page. As a result, other printing apparatuses that have received the page deletion information can synchronize the number of pages that have undergone printing processing by deleting the pages that have undergone printing processing. Even when the apparatus cancels the printing process, if the suppression of the printing process in the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side is released, the printing process for the remaining pages is continued in the other printing apparatus. Thus, even in a network environment in which intranets are interconnected via the Internet, the reliability of printing processing can be improved.

  In addition, even if an unprintable state (no paper, paper jam, toner end, or other failure) that requires operator operation has occurred on the printer that is printing, the alternative printer continues to take over printing, Since printing does not stop even if a failure occurs, printing can be performed reliably and printing reliability can be improved.

  Further, by merging the information of the lower printer and the information of the upper printer and responding to the higher printer (or host device), various information can be reliably grasped in the host device. . For example, by merging information including the print processing status (output destination, number of output pages, etc.) in each printing apparatus and responding to a higher-level printer (or print server), the transmission side (print server) can reliably The printing result in each printing apparatus can be grasped.

  Furthermore, since report printing is performed based on information including the print processing status (output destination, number of output pages, etc.) in each printing device obtained by the host device, centrally managed data can be printed as a print result report. Both the sending side and the receiving side can check the print result report to confirm that the substitute printing has been performed, and forgetting to remove or mistakenly take the printed paper based on the history of the printer that has made the substitute printing. Can be prevented.

  Furthermore, since the group of printers connected to the network is composed of a plurality of printers having the same function, the same print result can be obtained even when the printers are switched.

  Also, on the print server side, an alternative printing function has been implemented on the printer side to eliminate printing suspension due to the occurrence of a failure, thus reducing the development man-hours for recovery processing when a failure occurs in the printer. Can do.

  Furthermore, on the printer side, the printer can be provided at low cost by configuring the main printer and the sub printer with a common application.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a system construction example of a net print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the system construction example of a net print system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a print server. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printer. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the function structure concerning the printer alternative process of a printer. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration related to printer substitution processing of a print server. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration related to printer substitution processing. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of net print processing including printer substitution processing. It is a schematic diagram which shows the system which merges response information in order and transmits. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence of a printing process (normal time process). It is a schematic diagram which shows the merge process of response information. It is a schematic diagram which shows a page information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows a failure information table. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of printing processing (processing when a failure occurs). It is a schematic diagram which shows an alternative printing function. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of alternative printing. It is a schematic diagram which shows printing of a printing result report. It is a top view which shows an example of a printing result report. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the system construction of the conventional extranet.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Host apparatus 31 Printing apparatus 100 Printing system 202 Suppression information receiving part 203 Suppression information transmission part 204 Data transmission part 205 Deletion information reception part 206 Deletion part 207 Deletion information transmission part 208 Suppression release information reception part 209 Suppression release part 210 Suppression release information Transmission unit 211 Request reception unit 212 Request transmission unit 213 Response information reception unit 214 Information merge unit 215 Merge result transmission unit 301 Host request transmission unit 302 Merge result reception unit 303 Report generation unit 304 Report transmission unit

Claims (9)

In a printing apparatus that executes a printing process on a print medium of data transmitted from a host device,
Connection means for network-connecting at least one or more other printing apparatuses upstream or downstream in the data transmission direction;
Suppression information receiving means for receiving printing suppression information indicating that the printing process is suppressed from the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side;
When there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, suppression information transmitting means for transmitting the printing suppression information to the other printing device;
Data receiving means for receiving the data from the other printing device located upstream;
If there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, data transmission means for sending the received data to the other printing device located on the downstream side;
The other printing device located on the upstream side transmits the print processing for the print medium every time one page is deleted, and the data corresponding to the printed page stored in the other printing device is deleted. Deletion information receiving means for receiving page deletion information to be
When the page deletion information is received, a deletion unit that deletes the data corresponding to the page that has been printed according to the page deletion information;
When there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, the received page deletion information, a deletion information transmission means for transmitting to the other printing device;
A printing apparatus comprising: When a failure that causes an unprintable state requiring an operator operation has occurred for the other printing device located on the upstream side, a failure for receiving failure occurrence information indicating that fact from the other printing device located on the upstream side Occurrence information receiving means;
When the failure occurrence information is received, a print suppression release unit that cancels the suppression of the printing process according to the print suppression information;
In the case where there is the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, and there is a failure that causes an unprintable state that requires an operator operation, suppression release information for releasing the suppression of the printing process in the other printing apparatus Suppression release information transmitting means for transmitting to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Request receiving means for receiving a request from the host device from the other printing device located upstream in the data transmission direction;
When there is the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, request transmission means for transmitting the request to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side;
When there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, response information receiving means for receiving request response information corresponding to the request from the other printing device located on the downstream side;
Information merging means for merging request response information corresponding to the request with request response information of the other printing apparatus located downstream;
Merge result transmission means for transmitting the merged result to the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The request is a status monitoring request for monitoring the status of each printing apparatus,
The request response information includes a print processing state in each of the printing apparatuses.
The printing apparatus according to claim 3. It has the same function as at least one of the other printing devices located on the upstream side or the downstream side,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. A printing apparatus that executes a printing process on a print medium of data transmitted from a host apparatus, and controls at least one other printing apparatus connected to the network upstream or downstream in the data transmission direction. Computer
Suppression information receiving means for receiving printing suppression information indicating that the printing process is suppressed from the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side;
When there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, suppression information transmitting means for transmitting the printing suppression information to the other printing device;
Data receiving means for receiving the data from the other printing device located upstream;
If there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, data transmission means for sending the received data to the other printing device located on the downstream side;
The other printing device located on the upstream side transmits the print processing for the print medium every time one page is deleted, and the data corresponding to the printed page stored in the other printing device is deleted. Deletion information receiving means for receiving page deletion information to be
When the page deletion information is received, a deletion unit that deletes the data corresponding to the page that has been printed according to the page deletion information;
When there is the other printing device located on the downstream side, the received page deletion information, a deletion information transmission means for transmitting to the other printing device;
A program characterized by functioning as When a failure that causes an unprintable state requiring an operator operation has occurred for the other printing device located on the upstream side, a failure for receiving failure occurrence information indicating that fact from the other printing device located on the upstream side Occurrence information receiving means;
When the failure occurrence information is received, a print suppression release unit that cancels the suppression of the printing process according to the print suppression information;
In the case where there is the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, and there is a failure that causes an unprintable state that requires an operator operation, suppression release information for releasing the suppression of the printing process in the other printing apparatus Suppression release information transmitting means for transmitting to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side,
The program according to claim 6, wherein the computer is caused to function as: Print control in a printing apparatus that executes a printing process of data transmitted from a host apparatus on a print medium, wherein at least one or more other printing apparatuses are network-connected upstream or downstream in the data transmission direction A method,
A step of receiving suppression information indicating that the suppression information receiving means suppresses printing processing from the other printing apparatus located on the upstream side;
When there is the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, the suppression information transmitting unit transmits the print suppression information to the other printing apparatus;
Data receiving means receiving the data from the other printing device located upstream;
A step of transmitting the received data to the other printing device located on the downstream side when the data transmitting means has the other printing device located on the downstream side;
The deletion information receiving means transmits the print processing for the print medium one page by the other printing device located on the upstream side, and the print processing page stored in the other printing device Receiving page deletion information for deleting the corresponding data;
A deletion unit, when receiving the page deletion information, deleting the data corresponding to the printed page according to the page deletion information;
A deletion information transmitting unit, when there is the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side, transmitting the received page deletion information to the other printing apparatus;
A printing control method comprising: When the failure occurrence information receiving means has caused a failure that causes an unprintable state requiring an operator operation for the other printing device located on the upstream side, the failure occurrence information indicating that fact is located on the upstream side. Receiving from the printing device;
A step of canceling the suppression of the printing process according to the print suppression information when the print suppression cancellation means receives the failure occurrence information;
When the failure occurrence information transmitting means has the other printing device located on the downstream side and there is a failure that causes a print disabled state that requires an operator operation, the print processing of the other printing device is performed. Transmitting suppression cancellation information for canceling suppression to the other printing apparatus located on the downstream side;
The print control method according to claim 8, further comprising:

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