JP2009110470A - Printer and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer and a program, capable of executing a notification operation considering the significance of a notification element. <P>SOLUTION: The printer 3 for performing printing based on print data and having a notification function is provided with a notification element detecting means for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined prescribed notification element 71, a priority attachment table 61 obtained by setting priorities 72 of notification operations corresponding to each notification element 71, and a notifying means 46 for executing a notification operation on the basis of a result of reference by referring to the priority attachment table 61 when the notification element detecting means detects the notification element 71, wherein the notifying means 46 stops a notification operation due to the optional notification element 71 and executes a notification operation based on another notification element 71 when the other notification element 71 with a priority 72 higher than that of the optional notification element 71 is detected during notification operation based on the optional notification element 71. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer having a notification function and a program.

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 system as described above, the execution of the print job or the change in the printer state is notified by, for example, a buzzer sound, and the user grasps the current state (the occurrence of some abnormality during the printing process) by the buzzer sound. To do. However, for example, when another notification factor having an abrupt occurs during a notification operation regarding a predetermined state of the printer (when a notification instruction is issued), after the notification operation currently being executed ends, Since the notification operation by the notification factor is executed, there is a problem that the notification operation is postponed despite the suddenness.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printer and a program that can execute a notification operation in consideration of the importance of a notification factor.

  The printer of the present invention is a printer that performs printing based on print data and has a notification function, and includes notification factor detection means for detecting occurrence of a predetermined notification factor, and notification corresponding to each notification factor. A prioritization table in which the priority of the operation is set, and a notification unit that refers to the prioritization table when a notification factor is detected by the notification factor detection unit, and executes a notification operation based on the reference result. The notification means stops the notification operation by the arbitrary notification factor when another notification factor having a higher priority than the notification factor is detected during the notification operation based on the arbitrary notification factor. A notification operation based on a notification factor is executed.

  According to this configuration, when any notification factor occurs, the prioritization table in which the priority is set for each notification factor is referred to, and the notification operation is executed based on the reference result. Then, when another notification factor (second notification factor) having a high priority is detected during the notification operation based on some notification factor (first notification factor), the notification operation based on the first notification factor is stopped, A notification operation based on the second notification factor is executed. Accordingly, by setting the priority of the notification operation with respect to the notification factor having a suddenness, delay of the notification operation with respect to the notification factor having the suddenness can be prevented, and the notification operation can be executed at an appropriate timing.

  In this case, it is preferable to further include table setting changing means for changing the priority order set in the prioritization table.

  According to this configuration, since the priority order set in the prioritization table can be changed, the priority order can be set according to the user's needs.

  In these cases, the prioritization table is composed of one common prioritization table that can be used in all states of the printer, and one or more individual prioritization tables corresponding to the respective states of the printer. State determining means for determining the current state, and table setting means for setting which of the common prioritization table and the individual prioritization table provided for each state is used for each printer state It is preferable that the notification unit refers to the table set by the table setting unit based on the state determination result by the state determination unit, and executes the notification operation based on the reference result.

  According to this configuration, by using the individual priority table, the notification operation can be performed with the priority order specific to the state. In addition, since it is possible to set which one of a plurality of tables including a common priority table and an individual priority table is used, for example, the same priority may be assigned to almost all states of the printer. It is possible to flexibly respond to user needs such as wanting to give different priorities to some states.

  In these cases, further comprising: a command analysis unit that receives and analyzes a notification control command including a print job ID corresponding to a print job and a notification command; and an internal change detection unit that detects a predetermined internal change of itself, The notification factor detection unit preferably detects that the notification factor has occurred based on either the analysis result of the command analysis unit or the detection result of the internal change detection unit.

  According to this configuration, the notification operation can be controlled based on the priority order in consideration of both the notification factor from the outside and the notification factor due to the change in the internal state of the printer.

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

  According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the status of the printer (that some event has occurred) by ringing with an electronic sound. Thereby, for example, when the printer is a receipt printer used in a supermarket or the like, even if the user is dealing with the customer and the printer cannot be visually recognized, the printer status can be easily grasped.

  The program of the present invention is for causing a computer to function as each unit of the printer described above.

  By using this, it is possible to provide a printer that can execute a notification operation in consideration of the importance of the notification factor.

  Hereinafter, a print system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The printer according to the present embodiment is a printer that can execute a notification operation in consideration of the importance of the notification factor when any notification factor occurs. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a printing system to which the printer of the present invention is applied will be described. In addition, a case will be described in which coupons are targeted as printed matter and notification is made by means of 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 is based on a print job and a host computer 2 that transmits a ringing control command (notification control command) corresponding to the print job, and a print job received from the host computer 2. And a printer 3 having a function of sounding based on a sounding control command or its own internal change (no paper, no ink, etc.).

  The host computer 2 is a computer for managing the printer 3 and transmits a print job to the printer 3. When the host computer 2 receives a request for issuing a coupon or the like from a POS application (not shown), the business application 31 (to be described later) generates a print job based on the request and assigns a print job ID to each print job. Then, the print job is managed based on the print job ID, and the print job is transmitted to the printer 3.

  Further, 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. 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.

  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 emits an electronic sound (sound) from the buzzer 46 based on the sounding timing and sounding pattern set in the sounding control command, and notifies the operator of the start / completion of the printing process. Further, when an internal change occurs in the printer 3, the printer 3 sounds a buzzer 46 to notify the changed state (for example, informing that there is no paper or no ink). The operation for causing the buzzer 46 to ring (hereinafter referred to as “ringing operation”) is executed based on the priority order 72 set in the prioritization table 61 described later. In this way, by notifying by an electronic sound, for example, even when the operator is dealing with a customer and the printer 3 cannot be seen, it is easy to determine what the printer 3 is in. I can grasp it.

  In addition, as means for notifying the status of the printer 3, it may be audibly informed by the sound of an electronic sound from the buzzer 46 as described above, or the LED lamp 16 described above may be turned on (flashing), You may make it alert | report visually.

  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.

  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 to the print job. This print job includes a print control command and print data such as a JobStart command indicating the head of the print job, a JobName command describing the print job ID, a JobPrint command for instructing printing of the print data, and a JobEnd command indicating the end of the print job. Formed from. Then, the spooler 32 notifies the business application 31 of the print job ID as a response to the print request, whereby the business application 31 acquires the print job ID. Further, the CPU 21 transmits a print job generated from the spooler 32 via the communication interface 26 to the printer 3.

  The business application 31 determines whether or not the print job ID is a predetermined print job ID (for example, the print job ID for the last coupon issue issued to one customer). When the print job ID is a predetermined print job ID, the business application 31 generates a ringing control command by associating the timing (ringing timing) for ringing the buzzer 46, the ringing pattern, and the print job ID. Then, the CPU 21 transmits the ringing control command to the printer 3 through the communication interface 26 using the API of the business application 31. 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 Can do.

  Further, the CPU 21 generates a sound control command (hereinafter referred to as “immediate sound control command”) for sounding the buzzer 6 in order to notify that some event has occurred. This immediate ringing control command is not generated along with the generation of a print job like the above-described ringing control command (not associated with the print job), and is generated at an arbitrary timing, and is sent to the printer 3. Sent.

  The CPU 21 also assigns a priority change request and a priority assignment for changing the priority order 72 set in the prioritization table 61 (a common prioritization table 62 and an individual prioritization table 63 described later) of the printer 3. A table confirmation request for confirming the contents of the table 61 and a table setting request for setting an association between each state of the printer 3 and the prioritization table 61 are transmitted to the printer 3. The change / confirmation / setting procedure of the prioritization table 61 based on these requests will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, 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.

  The RAM 43 is provided with a job history storage area 51 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 print job that has been started. Is recorded. Further, the RAM 43 is provided with a print job ID storage area 52 for recording a print job ID corresponding to the print job being executed, and a command storage area 53 for recording a ringing control command. The command storage area 53 includes a first command storage area 53a for recording a ringing control command (hereinafter referred to as a “pre-printing ringing control command”) that is set to ring before the start of execution of a print job. This is composed of a second command storage area 53b for recording a ringing control command (hereinafter referred to as “post-printing ringing control command”) set to ring after completion of execution of the print job.

  Further, the flash ROM 42 is provided with a prioritization table 61 in which the priority order 72 of the ringing operation is set. As shown in FIG. 3, the prioritization table 61 is recorded with a ringing factor 71 (notification factor) that causes the buzzer 46 to ring and a priority order 72 (specified by a number) of the ringing operation by the ringing factor 71. Yes. The priority 72 is determined to be higher as the assigned number is smaller, and if the number is the same, it is determined that the priority of the ringing factor 71 generated later is higher. The prioritization table 61 includes one common prioritization table 62 that can be used in all printer 3 states, and one or more individual prioritization tables 63 that are defined corresponding to each state of the printer 3. (63a, 63b, 63c).

  For example, in the prioritization table 61 (common prioritization table 62) of FIG. 3, the highest priority is “1” for the ringing operation having the ringing control command (immediate ringing control command) with the status “immediate” as the ringing factor 71. Is set to priority “2”. The ringing operation with the ringing control command (post-printing ringing control command) having the status “after printing” as the ringing factor 71 is set to “2”. For this reason, when a request for a ringing operation using the ringing control command 71 as an immediate ringing control command is detected during the ringing operation by the post-printing ringing control command (notification factor detecting means), the ringing operation by the post-printing ringing control command is stopped. Then, the ringing operation by the immediate ringing control command is started.

  Further, during the ringing operation by the post-printing ringing control command, a ringing operation request having the ringing control command (ringing control command before printing) having the status “before printing” set as the same priority 72 as the ringing factor 71 is detected. If it is performed (notification factor detecting means), the ringing operation by the post-printing ringing control command is stopped and the ringing operation by the pre-printing ringing control command is started. The reverse pattern is the same, and when a request for a ringing operation using the post-printing ringing control command as the ringing factor 71 is detected during the ringing operation by the pre-printing ringing control command (notification factor detecting means), the ringing control before printing is performed. The ringing operation by the command is stopped, and the ringing operation by the ringing control command after printing is started.

  Further, for each state of the printer 3, it is possible to set which of the common prioritization table 62 and the individual prioritization table 63 is used. For example, when the status of the printer 3 is “printing” and “cleaning”, the common prioritization table 62 is applied, and the priority order 72 of the ringing operation is determined based on this table. By applying the individual prioritization table 63b in which the priority order 72 is set exclusively for the exchange, it becomes possible to determine the priority order 72 of the ringing operation. In addition, each of the prioritization tables 62 and 63 can change the set priority order 72 (details will be described later).

  Here, the operation of the printer 3 when receiving the ring control command from the host computer 2 will be described. The CPU 41 receives a ring control command from the host computer 2 via the communication interface 44. In this case, the CPU 41 analyzes the ring control command (command analysis means) and determines whether or not the ring control command is an immediate ring control command. In the case of an immediate ringing control command, the CPU 41 determines the current state (IDLE state, cleaning, printing, etc.) of itself (printer 3) (state determination unit), and prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state (common) Refer to the prioritization table 62 or the individual prioritization table 63). Then, if the priority 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is higher than the priority 72 of the ringing operation by the immediate ringing control command, the ringing operation by the immediate ringing control command is started after the ringing operation currently being executed. On the other hand, if the priority 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is lower than the priority 72 of the ringing operation by the immediate ringing control command (including the same priority 72), the ringing operation currently being executed is stopped and the immediate ringing control is performed. Starts ringing by command. If there is no ringing operation currently being executed, the ringing operation is started immediately.

  When a ring control command other than the immediate ring control command is received, the print job ID included in the ring control command matches the print job ID of the print job currently being printed recorded in the print job ID storage area 52. It is determined whether or not to do so. If the print job ID matches the print job ID of the currently started print job, the CPU 41 controls the buzzer 46 to ring based on the ring timing and ring pattern included in the ring control command.

  Specifically, when the ringing timing is set before the start of execution of the print job (pre-printing ringing control command), the CPU 41 determines the current state of itself (printer 3) as described above. Then, referring to the prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state, the ringing operation is started based on the priority order 72 set in the prioritization table 61. When the ringing timing is set after execution of the print job is completed (post-printing ringing control command), the CPU 41 records the post-printing ringing control command in the second command storage area 53b. In this case, since it is not yet determined whether or not the ringing operation is possible, processing such as referring to the prioritization table 61 is not performed.

  On the other hand, if the print job ID does not match the print job ID of the currently started print job (including the case where no print job is currently started), the CPU 41 stores the print job ID included in the ring control command in the job history. It is determined whether or not it is recorded in the area 51, and the sounding of the buzzer 46 is controlled based on the determination result. Specifically, when the print job ID job is not recorded in the 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 control command is a pre-printing ringing control command, it is recorded in the first command storage area 53a, and if it is a post-printing ringing control command, it 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 having been completed, the CPU 41 determines the current state of itself (printer 3) and responds to the state as described above. Referring to the prioritization table 61, the ringing operation is started based on the priority order 72 set in the prioritization table 61.

  Further, the CPU 41 receives a print job from the host computer 2 via the communication interface 44. 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 (command analysis means). In this JobName command, the print job ID of the print job is set as a parameter, whereby the CPU 41 acquires the print job ID of the print job. The CPU 41 detects the start of the print job in accordance with the analysis of the JobName command, and records the print job ID in the print job ID storage area 52 and the job history storage area 51 in a print execution start status. . Using this detection as a trigger, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a ringing control command (pre-printing ringing control command) including the same print job ID as the print job ID of the print job exists in the first command storage area 53a. . When there is a corresponding pre-printing ringing control command, the CPU 41 determines the current state of itself (printer 3), refers to the prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state, and stores the prioritization table 61 in the prioritization table 61. The ringing operation is started based on the set priority order 72. After the ringing operation is completed, the CPU 41 clears the pre-printing ringing control command stored in the first command storage area 53a. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding pre-printing ringing control command, the CPU 41 starts the printing process shown below without performing the ringing operation.

  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.

  Using this detection result as a trigger, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a ringing control command (post-printing ringing control command) including the same print job ID as the print job ID of the print job exists in the second command storage area 53b. To do. If there is a corresponding post-printing ringing control command, the CPU 41 determines the current state of itself (printer 3) and refers to the prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state, in the prioritization table 61. The ringing operation is started based on the set priority order 72, and the job history storage area 51 is updated to make the status of the print job complete printing. Further, after the ringing operation is finished, the CPU 41 clears the post-printing ringing control command stored in the command storage area 53. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding post-printing ringing control command, the job history storage area 51 is updated, and the status of the print job is set to print completion.

  Further, when the CPU 41 detects a predetermined internal change of itself (the printer 3) (internal change detecting means), the CPU 41 executes a ringing operation using this as a ringing factor 71. In this case as well, the current state of the printer 3 is determined, and the prioritization table 61 (common prioritization table 62 or individual prioritization table 63) corresponding to the determined state is referred to. Then, the ringing operation is started based on the priority order 72 set in the prioritization table 61.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 4, a method of changing the priority order 72 set in the prioritization table 61 (the common prioritization table 62 and the individual prioritization table 63) will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, first, the host computer 2 transmits a table confirmation request for confirming the current contents of the prioritization table 61 to be changed to the printer 3 (S001). The printer 3 receives the table confirmation request (S002), and transmits the current setting contents of the requested priority assignment table 61 to the host computer 2 (S003). Then, the host computer 2 receives the current prioritization table 61 to be changed (S004, see D1 in FIG. 4B). In D1, the number associated with the head of the ringing factor 71 is the priority order 72, and the number in parentheses is the identification number 73 of the ringing factor 71.

  Next, the host computer 2 transmits a priority order change request for changing the priority order 72 set in the target priority assignment table 61 to the printer 3 (S005). In this case, the host computer 2 determines the target prioritization table 61, the identification number 73 (“No. 1” here) indicating the ringing factor 71 to be changed, and the priority order 72 after change (here “3”). )) And send a priority change request. The printer 3 receives the priority order change request (S006), and changes the priority order 72 of the target ringing factor 71 ("immediate (No. 1)") in accordance with the request (S007, table setting change means). . Then, the printer 3 transmits a change completion notification to the host computer 2 (S008), and the host computer 2 receives this, thereby determining that the priority order 72 has been changed normally (S009).

  Next, the host computer 2 transmits a table confirmation request to the printer 3 in order to confirm the changed prioritization table 61 (S010). The printer 3 receives the table confirmation request (S011), and transmits the current setting contents (changed setting contents) of the requested priority assignment table 61 to the host computer 2 (S012). Then, the host computer 2 receives the target (after change) prioritization table 61 (S013, see D2 in FIG. 4B). As a result, the prioritization table 61 is changed from D1 to D2 (the “immediate” priority order 72 of the ringing factor 71 is changed from “1” to “3”). Thus, since the priority order 72 set in the prioritization table 61 can be changed, the priority order 72 according to the user's needs can be set.

  Next, a procedure for setting which of the common prioritization table 62 and the individual prioritization table 63 is applied to each state of the printer 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, first, the host computer 2 issues a status setting confirmation request in order to confirm how the correspondence between each status of the printer 3 and the prioritization table 61 is set. The data is transmitted to the printer 3 (S021). The printer 3 receives the status setting confirmation request (S022), and transmits the current setting contents to the host computer 2 (S023). Then, the host computer 2 receives the transmitted setting contents (S024, see D3 in FIG. 5B). In D3, the number in parentheses is an identification number 74 for identifying the state of the printer 3, and the ON / OFF symbol determines which priority setting table 61 (62, 63) is set. When the flag 75 is ON, the individual prioritization table 63 corresponding to the state is set. When the flag 75 is OFF, the common prioritization table 62 is set.

  Next, the host computer 2 transmits a table setting request for changing the prioritization table 61 for the state of the printer 3 to the printer 3 (S025). In this case, the host computer 2 displays the identification number 74 (in this case, “No. 1”) indicating the status of the printer 3 to be changed, and either the common prioritization table 62 or the individual prioritization table 63. A flag 75 to be set (here, “ON (individual priority assignment table 63)”) is transmitted. The printer 3 receives the table setting request (S026), and refers to the individual prioritization table 63 when the target printer 3 is in the state (in the “IDLE (No. 1)” state) according to the request. (S027, table setting means). Then, the printer 3 transmits a setting completion notification to the host computer 2 (S028), and the host computer 2 receives the notification to change the setting of the prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state of the printer 3. It is determined that the operation has been performed normally (S029).

  Next, the host computer 2 transmits a status setting confirmation request to the printer 3 in order to confirm the changed setting content (S030). The printer 3 receives the status setting confirmation request (S031), and transmits the changed setting contents to the host computer 2 (S032). Then, the host computer 2 receives the changed setting contents (see S033, D4 in FIG. 5B). As a result, the correspondence between the status of the printer 3 and the prioritization table 61 is changed from D3 to D4 (the table used in the “IDLE” state is changed from the common prioritization table 62 to the individual prioritization table 63. To be changed). In this way, by using the individual prioritization table 63, it is possible to perform the ringing operation with the priority order 72 specialized for the state. Further, for each state of the printer 3, which of the common prioritization table 62 and the individual prioritization table 63 provided corresponding to each state can be set, for example, most of the printers 3 The same prioritization may be applied to the states, and it is possible to flexibly cope with the user's needs such as wanting to assign different priorities to some other states.

  Next, an operation procedure when the printer 3 receives a print job will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the printer 3 receives a print job transmitted from the host computer 2 (S041). 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 (S042, command analysis means). At this time, the printer 3 acquires the print job ID included in the print job, and records (registers) the print job ID and host information in the job history storage area 51 and the print job ID storage area 52 as the print processing start status. (S043). At the same time, it is determined whether or not a ringing control command including the same print job ID as the print job ID of the print job exists in the first command storage area 53a (S044).

  If the target ring control command exists in the first command storage area 53a (S045; Yes), the printer 3 determines its current state (S046, state determination unit), and the priority corresponding to the state. The attached table 61 is referred to (S047). When the priority order 72 of the currently executing sounding operation is higher than the priority order 72 of the target action (S048), the process waits until the currently executing sounding action ends, and after the currently executing sounding action ends, The ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the control command (S049). On the other hand, when the priority order 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is the same as or lower than the priority order 72 of the target action (S050), the ringing operation currently being executed is stopped and the ringing is performed based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command. The operation is started (S051). If there is no ringing operation currently being executed (S052), the ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command (S053).

  After the sounding operation of the buzzer 46 is completed, the printer 3 clears the sounding control command recorded in the first command storage area 53a (S054). Then, the printer 3 continues the printing process, and after a 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 (S055).

  On the other hand, if the target ring control command does not exist in the first command storage area 53a (S045; No), the printer 3 continues the printing process and indicates that a series of printing processes based on the print job has been completed. It is detected (S056). Using this detection as a trigger, it is determined whether or not a ringing control command including the same print job ID as the print job ID of the print job exists in the second command storage area 53b (S057).

  When the target ring control command exists in the second command storage area 53b (S058; Yes), the printer 3 determines its current state (S059), and stores the prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state. Reference is made (S060). If the priority 72 of the currently executing ringing operation is higher than the priority 72 of the target operation (S061), the process waits until the currently executing ringing operation ends, and after the currently executing ringing operation ends, the ringing The ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the control command (S062). On the other hand, when the priority order 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is the same as or lower than the priority order 72 of the target action (S063), the ringing operation currently being executed is stopped and the ringing is performed based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command. The operation is started (S064). If there is no ringing operation currently being executed (S065), the ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command (S066).

  After the sounding operation of the buzzer 46 is completed, the printer 3 clears the sounding control command recorded in the second command storage area 53b (S067). 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 (S055). On the other hand, when the target ring control command does not exist in the second command storage area 53b (S058; 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 (S055). ).

  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 (S071). Next, the printer 3 determines whether the ringing timing of the ringing control command is set immediately, before the start of execution of the print job, or after completion of execution of the print job. Processing is executed based on the determination result (S072). If the ringing timing is set immediately (S073), the printer 3 determines its current state (S074), and refers to the prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state (S075). When the priority order 72 of the currently executing sounding operation is higher than the priority order 72 of the target action (S076), the process waits until the currently executing sounding action ends, and after the current sounding action ends, The ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the control command (S077). On the other hand, if the priority order 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is the same as or lower than the priority order 72 of the target action (S078), the ringing operation currently being executed is stopped and the ringing is performed based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command. The operation is started (S079). If there is no ringing operation currently being executed (S080), the ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command (S081).

  If the ringing timing is set before the start of execution of the print job (S082), the printer 3 has the same print job ID as the print job ID included in the received ringing control command in the print job ID storage area 52. It is determined whether or not it is recorded (S083). That is, it is determined whether or not the print job to which the print job ID included in the ringing control command is assigned is being printed.

  When the target print job ID exists in the print job ID storage area 52 (S084; Yes), the printer 3 determines its current state (S074), and the prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state is displayed. Reference is made (S075). When the priority order 72 of the currently executing sounding operation is higher than the priority order 72 of the target action (S076), the process waits until the currently executing sounding action ends, and after the current sounding action ends, The ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the control command (S077). On the other hand, if the priority order 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is the same as or lower than the priority order 72 of the target action (S078), the ringing operation currently being executed is stopped and the ringing is performed based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command. The operation is started (S079). If there is no ringing operation currently being executed (S080), the ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command (S081).

  On the other hand, when the target print job ID does not exist in the print job ID storage area 52 (S084; No), the printer 3 searches the job history storage area 51, and the target print job ID is the job history storage area. It is determined whether or not it is recorded in 51 (S085). If the target print job ID does not exist in the job history storage area 51 (S086; No), the printer 3 records the ring control command in the first command storage area 53a (S087).

  On the other hand, if the target print job ID is present in the job history storage area 51 (S086; Yes), the printer 3 has the status of the print job ID recorded in the job history storage area 51 “print processing completed”. It is determined whether or not. When the status of the target print job ID and host information is other than “print processing completed” (S088; No), the ring control command is recorded in the first command storage area 53a (S087). On the other hand, when the status of the target print job ID is “print processing completed” (S088; Yes), the printer 3 determines its current state (S074), and the prioritization table corresponding to the state. 61 is referred to (S075). When the priority order 72 of the currently executing sounding operation is higher than the priority order 72 of the target action (S076), the process waits until the currently executing sounding action ends, and after the current sounding action ends, The ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the control command (S077). On the other hand, if the priority order 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is the same as or lower than the priority order 72 of the target action (S078), the ringing operation currently being executed is stopped and the ringing is performed based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command. The operation is started (S079). If there is no ringing operation currently being executed (S080), the ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command (S081).

  If the ringing timing is set after the execution of the print job is completed (S089), the printer 3 has the same print job ID as the print job ID included in the received ringing control command. Is recorded (S090). That is, it is determined whether or not the print job to which the print job ID included in the ringing control command is assigned is being printed. If the target print job ID exists in the print job ID storage area 52 (S091; Yes), the printer 3 records the ring control command in the second command storage area 53b (S092). On the other hand, when the target print job ID does not exist in the print job ID storage area 52 (S091; No), the printer 3 searches the job history storage area 51, and the target print job ID is the job history storage area. It is determined whether or not it is recorded in 51 (S093).

  When the target print job ID does not exist in the job history storage area 51 (S094; No), the printer 3 records the ring control command in the second command storage area 53b (S092). On the other hand, when the target print job ID exists in the job history storage area 51 (S094; Yes), the printer 3 has the status of the print job ID recorded in the job history storage area 51 “print processing completed”. It is determined whether or not. When the status of the target print job ID is other than “print processing completed” (S095; No), the ring control command is recorded in the second command storage area 53b (S092). On the other hand, when the status of the target print job ID is “print processing completed” (S095; Yes), the printer 3 determines its current state (S096), and the prioritization table corresponding to the state. 61 is referred to (S097). If the priority 72 of the currently executing ringing operation is higher than the priority 72 of the target operation (S098), the process waits until the currently executing ringing operation ends, and after the currently executing ringing operation ends, the ringing The ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the control command (S099). On the other hand, if the priority order 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is the same as or lower than the priority order 72 of the target action (S100), the ringing operation currently being executed is stopped and the ringing is performed based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command. The operation is started (S101). If there is no ringing operation currently being executed (S102), the ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command (S103).

  Next, an operation procedure when the printer 3 detects its own internal change will be described with reference to FIG. The internal change refers to a change due to the occurrence of an internal error, for example, the printer 3 becomes “no paper” or “no ink”. First, when a predetermined internal change occurs, the printer 3 detects this (S104, internal change detection means), and detects that the ringing factor 71 has occurred (S105, notification factor detection means). Then, the printer 3 determines its current state (S106), and refers to the prioritization table 61 corresponding to the state (S107). When the priority order 72 of the currently executing sounding operation is higher than the priority order 72 of the target action (S108), the process waits until the currently executing sounding action ends, and after the current sounding action ends, The ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the control command (S109). On the other hand, when the priority order 72 of the ringing operation currently being executed is the same as or lower than the priority order 72 of the target action (S110), the ringing operation currently being executed is stopped and the ringing is performed based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command. The operation is started (S111). If there is no ringing operation currently being executed (S112), the ringing operation is started based on the ringing pattern of the ringing control command (S113).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when any ringing factor 71 occurs, the prioritization table 61 in which the priority order 72 is set for each ringing factor 71 is referred to, and the ringing operation is performed based on the reference result. Execute. When another ringing factor 71 (second ringing factor) having a higher priority 72 is detected during the ringing operation based on some ringing factor 71 (first ringing factor), the ringing operation based on the first ringing factor is performed. Stop and execute a ringing operation based on the second ringing factor. Thus, by setting a high priority 72 for the ringing action 71 for the sudden ringing factor 71, a delay in the ringing action for the sudden ringing factor 71 can be prevented, and the ringing operation can be executed at an appropriate timing. it can. Further, it is possible to control the ringing operation based on the priority order 72 that takes into consideration both the ringing factor 71 from the outside and the ringing factor 71 due to a change in the internal state of the printer 3.

  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 for recording this ringing pattern corresponds to the flash ROM 42 shown in FIG.

  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. It is a figure explaining a prioritization table. It is a flowchart explaining the change method of the priority set to the prioritization table. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for setting which prioritization table is applied for each printer state. 6 is a flowchart for describing an operation procedure when the printer receives a print job. 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. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure when a printer detects an internal change of the printer.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Print system 2 ... Host computer 3 ... Printer 46 ... Buzzer 61 ... Prioritization table 62 ... Common prioritization table 63 ... Individual prioritization table 71 ... Notification factor 72 ... Priority order

Claims (6)

A printer that performs printing based on print data and has a notification function,
Notification factor detection means for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined notification factor;
A prioritization table in which priority of notification operation corresponding to each notification factor is set;
In the case where the notification factor is detected by the notification factor detection unit, the priority factor table is referred to, and a notification unit that performs a notification operation based on the reference result is provided,
The notification means includes
When another notification factor having a higher priority than the notification factor is detected during the notification operation based on the arbitrary notification factor, the notification operation based on the arbitrary notification factor is stopped, and the notification based on the other notification factor is performed. A printer that performs an operation.   2. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising table setting changing means for changing a priority set in the prioritization table. The prioritization table includes one common prioritization table that can be used in all states of the printer, and one or more individual prioritization tables corresponding to each state of the printer,
State determining means for determining the current state of the printer;
Table setting means for setting which of the common prioritization table and the individual prioritization table provided corresponding to each state to be used for each state of the printer;
The notification means includes
3. The notification operation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the table set by the table setting unit is referred to based on a state determination result by the state determination unit, and the notification operation is executed based on the reference result. Printer. Command analysis means for receiving and analyzing a notification control command including a print job ID corresponding to a print job and a notification command;
An internal change detecting means for detecting its own predetermined internal change,
4. The notification factor detection unit detects that the notification factor has occurred based on either an analysis result of the command analysis unit or a detection result of an internal change detection unit. The printer according to any one of the above.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit performs a notification operation by generating an electronic sound.   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the printer of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5.

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