JP2016068321A - Image recorder and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder capable of operating by a protocol supported by an external device.SOLUTION: An image recorder executes mode notification processing S42 for notifying an external device of mode information showing a first mode according to the reception of a mode information request mode from the external device (S41:Yes), switching processing S44 and S45 for switching an operation mode from the first mode to a second mode according to reception of a switching command from the external device (S43:Yes), and recording processing S48 allowing a recording section to record an image shown by second print data on paper according to the reception of the second print data from the external device S46.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that records an image indicated by print data on a sheet.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a device that communicates with a host in a procedure that conforms to one protocol selected from a plurality of protocols is known. The protocol with which the device conforms may be selected by the user through the interface of the device, or may be selected by the method described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a digital camera that presents a plurality of supported communication modes to a host and operates in the communication mode selected by the host.

JP 2006-227821 A

  However, when there are few resources mounted on the device, it is difficult to realize the method described in Patent Document 1. When the user pre-selects a protocol that the device complies with via the device interface, the host controls the device if the protocol supported by the host differs from the protocol that the device selected by the user should comply with The problem of being unable to do so arises. That is, a device for which one protocol is selected cannot operate normally when connected to a host that does not support that protocol.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus operable with a protocol supported by a connected host among a plurality of protocols.

  (1) An image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first mode for recording an image indicated by first print data conforming to a first protocol on paper, and second print data conforming to a second protocol. It is possible to operate in a second mode in which an image indicated by is recorded on a sheet. The image recording apparatus includes a recording unit that records an image on a sheet, a communication unit that performs peer-to-peer communication with an external device, and a control unit. The control unit receives the mode information indicating the first mode in response to receiving the mode information request command, which is a command requesting mode information indicating the operation mode of the image recording apparatus, through the communication unit. A mode notification process for notifying the external device through the communication unit, and an operation mode of the image recording device in response to receiving a switching command for operating the image recording device in the second mode from the external device through the communication unit. Switching processing from the first mode to the second mode, and receiving the second print data from the external device through the communication unit, the image indicated by the second print data is applied to the sheet. Recording processing to be recorded in the recording unit.

  According to the above configuration, the operation mode can be switched from the first mode to the second mode in response to receiving a switching command from an external device that does not support the first protocol. As a result, even if all operation modes are not presented to the external device, it is possible to operate with a protocol supported by the external device.

  (2) For example, the image recording apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a default mode that is a default operation mode and a current mode that is a current operation mode. The default mode is the first mode. The control unit sets the current mode to the second mode in the switching process, and the mode information indicating the first mode which is the default mode in the mode notification process executed after the switching process. Is transmitted to the external device through the communication unit.

  (3) An image recording apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first mode for recording an image indicated by first print data conforming to the first protocol on a sheet, and a second print conforming to the second protocol. It is possible to operate in a second mode in which an image indicated by data is recorded on a sheet. The image recording apparatus includes a recording unit that records an image on a sheet, a communication unit that performs peer-to-peer communication with an external device, and a control unit. The control unit indicates the first mode in response to receiving a mode information request command, which is a command for requesting mode information indicating an operation mode of the image recording apparatus, through the communication unit. A mode notification process for notifying mode information to the external device through the communication unit, and an operation mode from the first mode to the second mode in response to receiving the second print data from the external device through the communication unit. Switching to the mode and executing a recording process for causing the recording unit to record the image indicated by the second print data on the sheet.

  According to the above configuration, even when connected to an external device that does not support the first protocol, the recording process based on the second print data received from the external device can be executed.

  (4) Preferably, the control unit switches the operation mode from the second mode to the first mode in response to completion of the recording process.

  According to the above configuration, even when the first print data and the second print data are received via the external device, the recording process based on each print data can be executed.

  (5) Preferably, the control unit switches the operation mode from the second mode to the first mode in response to disconnection of the connection with the external device.

  According to the configuration described above, the first mode is restored every time the connection with the external device is interrupted, so that the operation can be performed in accordance with the protocol supported by the connected external device.

  (6) Preferably, the control unit further executes a connection process for establishing a logical communication path with the external device in response to the connection with the external device being detected by the communication unit. In the connection process, the mode notification process is executed, and the second print data is received from the external device through the communication path established in the connection process.

  According to the above configuration, the mode notification process is executed during plug and play.

  (7) Preferably, the image recording apparatus further includes an operation unit that receives a user operation, and a storage unit that stores a default mode that is a default operation mode and a current mode that is a current operation mode. Then, the control unit changes the default mode to the second mode in response to receiving a user operation for changing the default mode from the first mode to the second mode through the operation unit. Further executing the change process, and when the default mode change process is executed in a state where the communication path is established with the external device, the communication path is discarded and the connection process is executed again. To do.

  According to the said structure, the change of default mode can be received from a user through an operation part.

  (8) For example, the communication unit is connected to the external device with a USB cable.

  (9) A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is indicated by a first mode in which an image indicated by first print data conforming to the first protocol is recorded on a sheet, and by second print data conforming to the second protocol. It can be executed by a computer including a communication unit that performs peer-to-peer communication with an image recording apparatus that can operate in a second mode for recording an image to be recorded on a sheet. The program responds to a mode information request command that is a command for requesting information including mode information indicating an operation mode of the image recording apparatus in response to detection of connection with the image recording apparatus by the communication unit. In response to the mode information receiving process for receiving the information from the image recording device through the communication unit and the mode information received from the image recording device through the communication unit indicating the first mode. The computer is caused to execute a switching instruction process for transmitting a switching command for switching to the second mode to the image recording apparatus through the communication unit.

  According to the above configuration, the image recording apparatus can be operated in the second mode. As a result, it is possible to cause the image recording apparatus to execute recording processing based on the second print data generated by the computer.

  (10) For example, the program should be executed when the first definition file in which processing to be executed when the mode information indicates the first mode is defined, and when the mode information indicates the second mode And a second definition file in which processing is defined. Further, the first definition file defines the switching instruction process and an installation process that allows the computer to execute a device driver for generating the second print data. Further, the installation process is defined in the second definition file. The program causes the computer to execute the process defined in the first definition file in response to the mode information received from the image recording device via the communication unit indicating the first mode, In response to the mode information received from the image recording apparatus via the communication unit indicating the second mode, the computer is caused to execute the process defined in the second definition file.

  (11) A program according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first mode in which an image indicated by first print data conforming to the first protocol is recorded on paper, and second print data conforming to the second protocol. The image can be executed by a computer including a communication unit that performs peer-to-peer communication with an image recording apparatus that can operate in a second mode for recording the displayed image on paper. The program responds to a mode information request command that is a command for requesting information including mode information indicating an operation mode of the image recording apparatus in response to detection of connection with the image recording apparatus by the communication unit. Regardless of the mode information receiving process for receiving the information from the image recording device through the communication unit and the operation mode indicated by the mode information received from the image recording device through the communication unit, the second print data And causing the computer to execute an installation process that enables the computer to execute a device driver for generating the device.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to cause the image recording apparatus to execute a recording process based on the second print data generated by the computer without causing the computer to execute a special process.

  (12) For example, the communication unit is connected to the image recording apparatus with a USB cable.

  According to the present invention, the operation mode can be switched from the first mode to the second mode in response to receiving a switching command from an external device that does not support the first protocol. Even if it is not presented to the device, it can operate with a protocol supported by the external device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an example of information stored in the storage units 32 and 62. (A) shows the program storage area 32A, (B) shows the data storage area 32B, and (C) shows the program storage area 62A. . FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of activation of the multifunction machine 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the multifunction machine 10 when a user operation for switching the operation mode is received. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the information processing apparatus 50 when the USB cable is connected. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a protocol stack of a program installed in the information processing apparatus 50. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating processing of the multifunction machine 10 based on the control signal acquired from the USB interface 25. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of image recording processing according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. A printing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a multifunction machine 10 and an information processing apparatus 50. The multifunction device 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 are connected to each other by, for example, a USB (abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus) cable. The print system 100 is a system in which the information processing apparatus 50 generates print data, and the multifunction peripheral 10 records an image indicated by the print data on a sheet. In the first embodiment, the multifunction machine 10 operates as a USB device, and the information processing apparatus 50 functions as a USB host.

[Multifunction machine 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 includes a printing mechanism 11, a scanning mechanism 12, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a USB interface (indicated as “USB I / F” in FIG. 1). 25, a CPU (abbreviation of Central Processing Unit) 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication bus 33. Each component constituting the multi-function device 10 is connected to each other via a communication bus 33. The multifunction machine 10 is an example of an image recording apparatus.

[Printing mechanism 11, scanning mechanism 12]
The printing mechanism 11 executes a recording process for recording an image indicated by the image data on a sheet. Although the recording method of the printing mechanism 11 is not particularly limited, for example, a known method such as an ink jet method or an electrophotographic method can be adopted. The scanning mechanism 12 performs a scanning process of generating an image data by reading an image recorded on a sheet with an image sensor such as a CIS (abbreviation of Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (abbreviation of Charge Coupled Device). The multifunction machine 10 may further execute a FAX process for transmitting / receiving a FAX, a copying process for reading an image recorded on a sheet and recording it on another sheet.

[Display unit 23]
The display unit 23 includes a display screen that displays various types of information. Although the specific configuration of the display unit 23 is not particularly limited, for example, a liquid crystal display (abbreviation of Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (abbreviation of Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), or the like can be employed.

[Operation unit 24]
The operation unit 24 receives a user operation for selecting an object displayed on the display screen of the display unit 23. Specifically, the operation unit 24 includes, for example, a push button, and outputs various operation signals associated with the pushed push button to the CPU 31. Further, the operation unit 24 may include a film-like touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the display unit 23. That is, the display unit 23 may be configured as a touch panel display. For the touch sensor, a known method such as a capacitance method or a resistance film method can be adopted.

  The “object” refers to an image that can be selected by the user operating the operation unit 24. As an example, the object is a character string displayed on the display unit 23. One of the objects is highlighted when the direction key of the operation unit 24 is pressed, and the object is highlighted by pressing the enter button of the operation unit 24. A light-displayed object may be selected. As another example, an object when the operation unit 24 is a touch panel is an icon, a button, a link, or the like displayed on the display unit 23, and the object displayed at the touch position may be selected.

[USB interface 25]
The USB interface 25 is an interface to which a USB cable is connected. The firmware installed in the USB interface 25 outputs a control signal corresponding to an electric signal input from the USB cable to various programs described later, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the control signal input from the various programs to the USB cable. To do. In the printing system 100 according to the first embodiment, one end of the USB cable is connected to the USB interface 25 of the multifunction device 10, and the other end of the USB cable is connected to the USB interface 55 of the information processing apparatus 50. And the information processing apparatus 50 can communicate with each other. The USB interface 25 is an example of a communication unit.

  The connection between the MFP 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment is not limited to the USB cable as long as peer-to-peer communication is possible. Further, the physical topology of the multifunction device 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 may be a star type or a tree type as long as they are logically peer-to-peer connected. That is, the multifunction machine 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 may be connected via a USB hub or the like. Furthermore, the multifunction peripheral 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 are not limited to wired connection, and may be wirelessly connected.

[CPU 31]
The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the multifunction machine 10. Based on the operation signal output from the operation unit 24 and the control signal output from the USB interface 25, the CPU 31 acquires various programs described later from the storage unit 32 and executes them. That is, the CPU 31 and the storage unit 32 constitute an example of a control unit.

[Storage unit 32]
The storage unit 32 includes a program storage area 32A and a data storage area 32B. In the program storage area 32A, an OS (abbreviation of Operating System) 34 and a control program 35 are stored. The control program 35 may be a single program or an aggregate of a plurality of programs. Data or information necessary for execution of the control program 35 is stored in the data storage area 32B.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, the program storage area 32A stores a first interpreter and a second interpreter. The first interpreter is a program that causes the printing mechanism 11 to execute a recording process based on the first page description language used in the case of communication conforming to the first protocol. The second interpreter is a program that causes the printing mechanism 11 to execute recording processing based on the second page description language used in the case of communication conforming to the second protocol. The first interpreter and the second interpreter are selectively or exclusively executed by the control unit.

  The first protocol in this embodiment is assumed to be IPP over USB. The first page description language is assumed to be a page description language specified by the IPP over USB standard, such as a PWG raster. Further, the second protocol in the present embodiment assumes a RAW protocol that allows data to flow raw. The second page description language is assumed to be PCL (abbreviation of Printer Control Language, registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company) or PS (abbreviation of Post Script, registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated).

  Further, the data storage area 32B stores the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 as shown in FIG. The operation mode includes a default mode indicating the default operation mode of the multifunction device 10 and a current mode indicating the current operation mode of the multifunction device 10. In the default mode and the current mode, either a first mode indicating a state in which the first interpreter can operate or a second mode indicating a state in which the second interpreter can operate is set. The default mode indicates an interpreter that is started up when the MFP 10 is activated. The current mode indicates an interpreter that is currently activated in the multifunction machine 10. The current mode before being connected to the information processing apparatus 50 with the USB cable is set to the same mode as the default mode.

  Note that “data” and “information” in this specification are common in that they are bits or bit strings that can be handled by a computer. “Data” refers to data that can be handled by the computer without taking into account the meaning of each bit. On the other hand, “information” refers to information that the operation of the computer branches depending on the semantic content indicated by each bit. Furthermore, the “instruction” is a control signal for prompting the destination apparatus to perform the next operation, and may include information or itself has a property as information. There is also.

  In addition, even if the format (for example, text format, binary format, flag format, etc.) is changed for each computer, “data” and “information” have the same data and information as long as they are recognized as the same meaning content. Are treated as For example, information indicating “two” is stored as text information “0x32” in ASCII code in one computer, and binary format information “10” in binary notation in another computer. May be.

  However, the distinction between the above “data” and “information” is not strict, and exceptional handling is allowed. For example, data may be temporarily treated as information, or information may be temporarily treated as data. Also, what is handled as data in a certain device may be handled as information in another device. Furthermore, information may be extracted from the data, or data may be extracted from the information.

  The storage unit 32 includes, for example, RAM (abbreviation of Random Access Memory), ROM (abbreviation of Read Only Memory), EEPROM (abbreviation of Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (abbreviation of Hard CPU) 31 (HDD). It is configured by a buffer or the like or a combination thereof.

  The storage unit 32 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM in addition to the above examples. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium that is a kind of computer-readable medium, but a non-transitory computer-readable storage. Not included in the media.

  The program stored in the program storage area 32A is executed by the CPU 31. However, in this specification, the operation of each program may be described with the CPU 31 omitted. That is, in the following description, the description that “the program A executes the process A” may indicate that “the CPU 31 executes the process A described in the program A”. The same applies to the information processing apparatus 50 described later.

  The OS 34 provides an API (abbreviation for Application Programming Interface) for controlling the printing mechanism 11, the scan mechanism 12, the display unit 23, the operation unit 24, the USB interface 25, and the like, which are hardware constituting the multifunction device 10. It is a basic program. That is, each of the above programs controls each hardware by calling an API provided by the OS 34. However, in this specification, the operation of each program will be described with the OS 34 omitted. That is, in the following description, the description “the program B controls the hardware C” may refer to “the program B controls the hardware C through the API of the OS 34”. The same applies to the information processing apparatus 50 described later.

[Information processing apparatus 50]
As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 50 mainly includes a display unit 53, an operation unit 54, a USB interface 55, a CPU 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication bus 63. The display unit 53, the operation unit 54, the USB interface 55, the CPU 61, the storage unit 62, and the communication bus 63 included in the information processing apparatus 50 are the display unit 23, the operation unit 24, the USB interface 25, and the CPU 31 included in the multifunction machine 10. Since it is common with the storage unit 32 and the communication bus 33, the description thereof will be omitted. The program storage area 62A stores the OS 64 and various programs shown in FIG. Although the specific example of the information processing apparatus 50 is not specifically limited, For example, it is a portable terminal, such as a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, PC (abbreviation of Personal Computer), etc. The information processing device 50 is an example of an external device or a computer.

The program storage area 62A stores an INF file. In the INF file, processing to be executed by the OS 64 in plug and play processing described later is defined. In the first embodiment, an INF file is also handled as a part of the program. In the extended INF file in the first embodiment, the following information is described in association with each other. The second protocol and the second device driver will be described later.
(1) Vendor ID and product ID of the target MFP 10
(2) Interface number for the printer function of the target MFP 10 (3) Interface number for the scanner function of the target MFP 10 (4) Second device driver information for the printer function of the target MFP 10 (5) Second device driver information for the scanner function of the target MFP 10

  The extended INF file is supplied from an installation CD or the like provided with the multifunction machine 10 and is installed in the information processing apparatus 50 by a user operation. On the other hand, the standard INF file is provided in the OS. This standard INF file is not described for a device having a specific product ID, but is a process for a printer standard function. Further, the vendor ID and the product ID are included in “Device Descriptor” described later.

  The program storage area 62A stores a second device driver and a switching program. The second device driver is a program for generating print data compliant with the second page description language (hereinafter referred to as “second print data”). The switching program is an example of a program for transmitting a switching command to be described later to the multifunction machine 10. Note that the information processing apparatus 50 may acquire each INF file, the second device driver, and the switching program through the Internet when executing the plug and play process.

[Operation of Print System 100]
The operation of the print system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the OS 34 and 64, various programs, and the processing executed by the firmware installed in the USB interfaces 25 and 55 are described separately. However, the division of roles of each program is not limited to this.

  The control program 35 of the multifunction device 10 executes the processing shown in FIG. 3 when the multifunction device 10 is activated. First, the control program 35 starts monitoring an operation signal output from the operation unit 24 (S11). Processing when an operation signal is output from the operation unit 24 will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the control program 35 starts monitoring the control signal output from the USB interface 25 (S12). Processing when a control signal is output from the USB interface 25 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in response to the default mode being the first mode (S13: first mode), the control program 35 starts up the first interpreter and sets the first mode to the current mode (S14, S15). . On the other hand, in response to the fact that the default mode is the second mode (S13: second mode), the control program 35 starts up the second interpreter and sets the second mode as the current mode (S16, S17). In the present specification, the following processing will be described assuming that the processing in steps S14 and S15 has been executed.

  Further, the control program 35 executes a default mode change process shown in FIG. 4 in response to the operation unit 24 receiving a user operation for changing the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10. In response to receiving a user operation for selecting a desired operation mode in a state where an operation mode change screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 23, the operation unit 24 indicates that the operation has been performed. Notify The control program 35 executes the process shown in FIG. 4 in response to receiving the notification.

  First, when the operation mode selected by the user operation is the first mode (S21: first mode), the control program 35 ends the second interpreter and starts the first interpreter (S22). The control program 35 sets the first mode as the default mode and the current mode (S23). On the other hand, when the selected operation mode is the second mode (S21: second mode), the control program 35 ends the first interpreter and starts the second interpreter (S24). Further, the control program 35 sets the second mode as the default mode and the current mode (S25).

  Next, when the multifunction machine 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 are connected with a USB cable during the execution of steps S21 to S25 (S26: Yes), the control program 35 logically disconnects the connection and Reconnect (S27). On the other hand, the control program 35 skips the process of step S27 when the multifunction device 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 are not connected by the USB cable during the execution of steps S21 to S25 (S26: No).

  In step S27, the control program 35 causes the firmware of the USB interface 25 to continuously output a Low level signal to the DATA + terminal of the USB cable for a predetermined time. Thereby, the connection between the multifunction machine 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 is logically disconnected. As a result, the pipe established between the multifunction machine 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 is discarded. Further, the control program 35 causes the firmware of the USB interface 25 to continuously output a high level signal to the DATA + terminal of the USB cable for a predetermined time. Thereby, the multifunction peripheral 10 and the information processing apparatus 50 are logically reconnected.

  The information processing apparatus 50 executes the processing shown in FIG. 5 in response to the connection with the multifunction machine 10 using the USB cable being detected by the USB interface 55. Specifically, the firmware of the USB interface 55 detects the connection with the multifunction device 10 via the USB cable in response to a High level signal being input from the DATA + terminal continuously for a predetermined time. The connection here is not limited to the physical connection in which the USB cable is attached to the port of the USB interface 55, and includes the logical connection described above.

  The process shown in FIG. 5 is executed in the process in which USB standard plug-and-play processing (ie, attach, reset, configuration, etc.) is executed between the multifunction device 10 and the information processing apparatus 50. The plug and play process is a process for establishing a pipe between the multifunction machine 10 and the information processing apparatus 50. A pipe is an example of a logical communication path, and plug and play processing is an example of connection processing. Hereinafter, detailed description of general processing of plug and play processing will be omitted, and processing unique to the present invention will be mainly described.

  First, when the OS 64 detects the connection with the device via the USB cable, the OS 64 transmits a “Get_Descriptor” command to the USB device (that is, the multifunction machine 10) connected through the USB interface 55 (S31). This “Get_Descriptor” command is an example of a mode information request command for requesting a descriptor including mode information indicating the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10. The process of step S31 is an example of a mode information request process.

  Next, the OS 64 reads the INF file corresponding to the mode information from the program storage area 62A in response to receiving the mode information from the multifunction machine 10 through the USB interface 55 (S32: Yes) (S33). Step S33 is realized by the following two processes, for example. First, the OS 64 searches (1) an INF file having a matching vendor ID and product ID from all the INF files stored in the program storage area 62A. If there is no matching INF file, the OS 64 (2) searches for an INF file with matching mode information.

  The mode information is information indicating the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 (the default mode in the present embodiment). The mode information is represented by, for example, an interface class, an interface subclass, and a protocol number included in “Interface Descriptor” in the plug and play process. These are defined by the USB Implementation Forum (http://www.usb.org/home). According to the forum, the interface class, interface subclass, and protocol number of the first protocol (IPP over USB in this embodiment) are 7-1-4, and the interface class of the second protocol (RAW protocol in this embodiment). The interface subclass and the protocol number are 7-1-3.

  In step S33, the OS 64 indicates the MFP 10 whose vendor ID and product ID are targets in the present embodiment, and the interface class, interface subclass, and protocol number (an example of mode information) are 7-1−. If it is 4, the extended INF file is read from the program storage area 62A. On the other hand, the OS 64 reads the standard INF file from the program storage area 62A when the interface class, interface subclass, and protocol number (an example of mode information) are 7-1-3.

  Next, the OS 64 executes the processes of steps S35 and S36 in response to reading the extended INF file (S34: Yes). That is, the process of steps S35 and S36 is defined in the extended INF file. On the other hand, the OS 64 executes the process of step S37 in response to the reading of the standard INF file (S34: No). That is, the process of step S37 is defined in the standard INF file.

  In step S35, the OS 64 reads the switching program from the program storage area 62A and executes it. The switching program executed by the OS 64 transmits a switching command to the multifunction machine 10 through the USB interface 55. The switching command is a command for operating the multifunction machine 10 in the second mode. In other words, the switching command is a command for switching the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 from the first mode to the second mode. The process of step S35 is an example of a switching instruction process.

  Next, the OS 64 enables the information processing apparatus 50 to execute the second device driver stored in the program storage area 62A in steps S36 and S37. The processing in steps S36 and S37 is an example of installation processing. If the second device driver has already been installed, the OS 64 skips steps S36 and S37.

  The specific contents of the installation process vary depending on the type of the OS 64 and the like. For example, the second device driver is stored in a predetermined location, and the second device driver is registered in the registry. The second device driver corresponds to an upper protocol in the protocol stack shown in FIG. 6, for example. On the other hand, the USB controller driver, the USB driver, and the printer class driver shown in FIG. 6 may be installed before step S36. Also, different printer class drivers may be installed in steps S36 and S37.

  As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the software for executing recording processing on the MFP 10 connected through the USB cable constitutes a protocol stack including a USB controller driver, a USB driver, a printer class driver, and a higher-level protocol. doing. The USB controller driver executes I / O processing, interrupt processing, scheduling processing, and the like. The USB driver executes a logical communication control process. The printer class driver executes endpoint management, communication protocol processing, and the like. The upper protocol generates print data from data acquired from the application.

  In response to receiving the “Get_Descriptor” command from the information processing apparatus 50 through the USB interface 25 (S41: Yes), the control program 35 of the multifunction machine 10 receives the descriptor including mode information indicating the default mode through the USB interface 25. The data is transmitted to the processing device 50 (S42). The process of step S42 is an example of a mode notification process. In step S42, the value set in the default mode is notified regardless of the value set in the current mode.

  The control program 35 terminates the first interpreter and starts the second interpreter (S44) in response to receiving the switching command from the information processing apparatus 50 through the USB interface 25 (S43: Yes). Further, the control program 35 sets the second mode as the current mode (S45). The processes in steps S44 and S45 are an example of a switching process.

  In response to receiving print data from the information processing apparatus 50 through the USB interface 25 (S46: Yes), the control program 35 causes the currently started interpreter to analyze the received print data (S47). Then, the control program 35 causes the printing mechanism 11 to execute a recording process based on the image data obtained by analyzing the print data (S48).

  Further, the control program 35 determines whether the default mode is different from the current mode (that is, the default mode is the first mode) when the connection with the information processing apparatus 50 through the USB cable is cut off (S49: Yes). And whether the current mode is the second mode) (S50). When the default mode and the current mode are different (S50: Yes), the control program 35 ends the second interpreter, starts the first interpreter, and sets the first mode as the current mode (S51). . On the other hand, when the default mode and the current mode are the same (that is, both are the first mode or both are the second mode) (S50: No), the control program 35 ends the USB interface process. The disconnection here is not limited to the physical disconnection in which the USB cable is removed from the port of the USB interface 55, and includes the logical disconnection described above.

[Effects of Embodiment 1]
According to the MFP 10 according to the first embodiment, the operation mode can be switched from the first mode to the second mode in response to receiving a switching command from the information processing apparatus 50 that does not support the first protocol. . As a result, even if all the operation modes are not presented to the information processing apparatus 50, it is possible to operate with a protocol supported by the information processing apparatus 50. Further, according to the information processing apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment, since the multifunction device 10 can be operated in the second mode, the multifunction device 10 can execute the recording process even if the first protocol is not supported. be able to.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the above-described processes are executed at the timing of the plug and play process. That is, various commands, various types of information, and various types of data can be transmitted and received through a pipe established between the multifunction machine 10 and the information processing apparatus 50. The transfer method of various commands, various information, and various data is not particularly limited. For example, the mode information request command, the switching command, and the mode information may be controlled and the print data may be bulk transferred.

  Further, according to the MFP 10 according to the first embodiment, the default mode is restored every time the connection with the information processing apparatus 50 is interrupted. Therefore, when the default mode is the first protocol, even if an external device that supports the first protocol is connected after the connection with the information processing device 50 that does not support the first protocol is cut off, The recording process can be executed based on the first print data received from the external device. The first print data refers to print data that conforms to the first page description language.

  Further, according to the multifunction machine 10 according to the first embodiment, a change in the default mode can be received from the user through the operation unit 24. When the default mode is changed to the second mode, the control program 35 of the multifunction machine 10 may respond with mode information indicating the second mode in response to the mode information request command.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, the operation of the print system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. A detailed description of the common points with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences. First, the configuration of the printing system 100 and the processing of the multifunction machine 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are common to the first and second embodiments. On the other hand, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a switching command is not transmitted / received. That is, in the second embodiment, the processes of step S35 shown in FIG. 5 and steps S43 to S45 shown in FIG. 7 are omitted.

  Further, the control program 35 of the multifunction machine 10 according to the second embodiment replaces the processes of steps S46 to S48 of FIG. 6 in response to the reception of print data from the information processing apparatus 50 through the USB interface 25, as shown in FIG. The process shown in is executed. First, in response to receiving the first print data (S61: Yes), the control program 35 causes the first interpreter to analyze the received first print data (S62). Then, the control program 35 causes the printing mechanism 11 to execute a recording process based on the image data obtained by analyzing the first print data (S63).

  On the other hand, in response to the reception of the second print data (S61: No), the control program 35 ends the first interpreter, starts up the second interpreter, and sets the second mode as the current mode (S64). . Next, the control program 35 causes the second interpreter to analyze the received second print data (S65). Next, the control program 35 causes the printing mechanism 11 to execute a recording process based on the image data obtained by analyzing the second print data (S66). Then, after executing the recording process, the control program 35 ends the second interpreter, starts up the first interpreter, and sets the second mode to the current mode (S67).

  For example, the following criteria can be used for determining whether the print data is the first print data in step S61. For example, the control program 35 may determine the second print data if there is a PJL at the head of the transmitted data. Further, if there is information (for example, GET / HTTP1.1) used in IPP at the beginning of the transmitted data, the control program 35 may determine that the print data is the first print data.

[Effects of Embodiment 2]
According to the MFP 10 according to the second embodiment, even when the first print data and the second print data are received via the connected information processing apparatus 50, the recording process based on each print data can be executed. it can. The received print data may be generated by the information processing apparatus 50, or may be generated by another apparatus and relayed by the information processing apparatus 50. Further, according to the information processing apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to cause the multi-function peripheral 10 to execute a recording process based on the second print data without executing a special process.

  In the MFP 10 or the information processing apparatus 50 according to each embodiment, various programs stored in the program storage areas 32A and 62A of the storage units 32 and 62 are executed by the CPUs 31 and 61, whereby the control unit of the present invention. An example in which each process executed by is implemented has been described. However, the configuration of the control unit is not limited to this, and part or all of the configuration may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (also referred to as an IC (Integrated Circuit)).

  Furthermore, the present invention may be realized not only as the multifunction machine 10 or the information processing apparatus 50 but also as a program that causes the multifunction machine 10 or the information processing apparatus 50 to execute processing. Then, the program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium may include a storage unit mounted on a server device that can be connected to the multifunction device 10 or the information processing device 50 via a communication network, in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or the like. And the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the server apparatus may be delivered via communication networks, such as the internet, as the information or signal which shows the said program.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Multifunction device 23 ... Display part 24 ... Operation part 25, 55 ... USB interface 31, 61 ... CPU
32, 62 ... Storage unit 50 ... Information processing device

Claims (12)

It is possible to operate in a first mode in which an image indicated by first print data conforming to the first protocol is recorded on a sheet and in a second mode in which an image indicated by second print data conforming to the second protocol is recorded on a sheet. An image recording device,
A recording unit for recording an image on paper,
A communication unit for peer-to-peer communication with an external device;
A control unit, and
The controller is
In response to receiving a mode information request command, which is a command for requesting mode information indicating an operation mode of the image recording apparatus, through the communication unit, the mode information indicating the first mode is transmitted through the communication unit to the external device. Mode notification processing to notify
Switching to switch the operation mode of the image recording device from the first mode to the second mode in response to receiving a switching command for operating the image recording device in the second mode from the external device through the communication unit. Processing,
An image recording for executing recording processing for recording the image indicated by the second print data on the paper in the recording unit in response to receiving the second print data from the external device through the communication unit apparatus. The image recording apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a default mode that is a default operation mode and a current mode that is a current operation mode,
The default mode is the first mode,
The controller is
In the switching process, the current mode is changed to the second mode,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the mode notification process executed after the switching process, the mode information indicating the first mode which is the default mode is transmitted to the external apparatus through the communication unit. It is possible to operate in a first mode in which an image indicated by first print data conforming to the first protocol is recorded on a sheet and in a second mode in which an image indicated by second print data conforming to the second protocol is recorded on a sheet. An image recording device,
A recording unit for recording an image on paper,
A communication unit for peer-to-peer communication with an external device;
A control unit, and
The controller is
In response to receiving a mode information request command, which is a command for requesting mode information indicating an operation mode of the image recording apparatus, through the communication unit, the mode information indicating the first mode is transmitted through the communication unit. A mode notification process for notifying the external device;
In response to receiving the second print data from the external device through the communication unit, the operation mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode, and the image indicated by the second print data is applied to the sheet. An image recording apparatus that executes recording processing to be recorded by the recording unit.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit switches an operation mode from the second mode to the first mode in response to the completion of the recording process.   5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches an operation mode from the second mode to the first mode in response to disconnection of the connection with the external apparatus. 6. The controller is
In response to the connection with the external device being detected by the communication unit, further executing a connection process for establishing a logical communication path with the external device,
In the connection process, the mode notification process is executed,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second print data is received from the external apparatus through the communication path established by the connection process. The image recording apparatus comprises:
An operation unit for accepting user operations;
A storage unit that stores a default mode that is a default operation mode and a current mode that is a current operation mode; and
The controller is
In response to accepting a user operation for changing the default mode from the first mode to the second mode through the operation unit, further executing a default mode changing process for changing the default mode to the second mode,
The method according to claim 6, wherein in response to the execution of the default mode change process in a state where the communication path is established with the external device, the communication path is discarded and the connection process is performed again. Image recording device.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is connected to the external apparatus with a USB cable. It is possible to operate in a first mode in which an image indicated by first print data conforming to the first protocol is recorded on a sheet and in a second mode in which an image indicated by second print data conforming to the second protocol is recorded on a sheet. A program that can be executed by a computer including a communication unit that performs peer-to-peer communication with an image recording apparatus,
As a response to a mode information request command that is a command for requesting information including mode information indicating an operation mode of the image recording apparatus in response to detection of connection with the image recording apparatus by the communication unit, the communication Mode information reception processing for receiving the information from the image recording apparatus through a unit;
In response to the mode information received from the image recording device via the communication unit indicating the first mode, a switching command for switching the operation mode to the second mode is transmitted to the image recording device via the communication unit. A program for causing the computer to execute a switching instruction process. The program defines a first definition file in which a process to be executed when the mode information indicates the first mode, and a process to be executed when the mode information indicates the second mode. A second definition file,
In the first definition file, the switching instruction process and an installation process that allows the computer to execute a device driver for generating the second print data are defined.
The installation process is defined in the second definition file,
The program
In response to the mode information received from the image recording device through the communication unit indicating the first mode, the computer executes the process defined in the first definition file,
The program according to claim 9, wherein the computer executes the process defined in the second definition file in response to the mode information received from the image recording apparatus via the communication unit indicating the second mode. It is possible to operate in a first mode in which an image indicated by first print data conforming to the first protocol is recorded on a sheet and in a second mode in which an image indicated by second print data conforming to the second protocol is recorded on a sheet. A program that can be executed by a computer including a communication unit that performs peer-to-peer communication with an image recording apparatus,
As a response to a mode information request command that is a command for requesting information including mode information indicating an operation mode of the image recording apparatus in response to detection of connection with the image recording apparatus by the communication unit, the communication Mode information reception processing for receiving the information from the image recording apparatus through a unit;
An installation process that allows the computer to execute a device driver for generating the second print data regardless of the operation mode indicated by the mode information received from the image recording apparatus through the communication unit. A program to be executed by a computer.   The program according to claim 9, wherein the communication unit is connected to the image recording apparatus via a USB cable.

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