JP3073921B2 - Print control device and data processing method of print control device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print control apparatus and a print control apparatus for storing code information received from a data source, sequentially analyzing the stored code information and transferring a developed bitmap image to a printing unit. The data processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, after code information is input from an external device such as a host computer, the code information is analyzed, developed into bitmap image data, and the bitmap image data is printed on a recording paper as a printing medium. 2. Description of the Related Art A print control device that controls a printer engine so as to obtain an output by attaching toner has been proposed.

[0003] In this case, if the user erroneously transmits incorrect data such as garbled characters from the host, the print control device is sequentially secured irrespective of whether the input (received) data is correct or incorrect. The received data is stored in the reception buffer, the code is analyzed, and bitmap data corresponding to the analysis result is stored in the image memory and output from the printer engine. Is caused by an invalid code, so naturally the print result output from the printer engine is an incorrect print result.

[0004]

Therefore, in order to minimize the number of illegally printed sheets output as described above, the following operation is performed on the host side or the print control apparatus side. There is a need.

[Host side] In order to minimize the number of illegally printed sheets output on the host side, it is sufficient to delete the spooled file. Operation) in many cases, in order to actually delete the spool file, the user must be familiar with the system, and there has been a problem that the spool file cannot be easily deleted by a general user.

On the host side in a network environment, once incorrect print data accumulates in the spool queue once, due to network security,
In some cases, only the user having the authority to delete the spool data can delete the spool data, and there is a problem that the deletion cannot be easily performed on any host.

[0007] [Print Control Apparatus] In order to minimize the number of output of illegally printed papers on the print control apparatus side, it is sufficient to delete illegal received data.
(1) Once the input data is stored in the reception buffer,
If a series of operations of (2) shifting to OFFLINE, (3) deleting data accumulated in the reception buffer is required, and furthermore, if the volume of unauthorized data is large,
It is necessary to repeat the series of operations (1) to (3) many times, and there is a problem that the deletion operation becomes very complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to eighth inventions according to the present invention is to complete the transfer of information received from a data source. By controlling data reception so that received information is discarded until the operation is completed, illegal information transferred from a data source with a simple operation instruction is easily deleted.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving buffer for storing information received from a data source, and print data developed by sequentially analyzing the information stored in the receiving buffer and developing the information. An image memory for storing, a transfer unit for transferring the print data stored in the image memory to a printing unit, and a communication state with the data source transited to an offline state during reception of the information from the data source. After that, the transfer of the information being received is completed, and instruction means for giving an instruction to make a transition to a state of waiting for reception of new information, and the communication state with the data source is changed to an online state based on the instruction by the instruction means. After returning to the above, the control means to discard the remaining information of the information continuously received from the data source, and to transition to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source It is intended to.

In a second aspect according to the present invention, the control means is configured to discard remaining information of the information received from the data source, and wait for reception of new information from the data source after a lapse of a predetermined time. The transition is made to

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control means restores the communication state with the data source to an online state based on an instruction from the instruction means, and then continuously from the data source. The remaining information of the received information is discarded.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means restores a communication state with the data source to an online state based on an instruction from the instruction means, and thereafter continuously receives data from the data source. The residual information of the information stored as above is collectively discarded.

In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the control means analyzes the type of the information and detects delimiter data when discarding the remaining information of the information received from the data source. A transition is made to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a designating means for designating switching of a communication state with the data source from an offline state to an online state, and the control means, after discarding the remaining information of the information, The communication state with the data source is returned to the offline state, and the state is shifted to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source based on the designation of switching to the online state by the instruction means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the predetermined time can be variably set.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reception buffer for storing information received from a data source, an image memory for storing print data obtained by sequentially analyzing the information stored in the reception buffer and developing the information. A data transfer method for transferring print data stored in the image memory to a printing unit, wherein the communication state with the data source is changed to an offline state during reception of the information from the data source. After the transfer, the transfer of the information being received is terminated and an instruction step of giving an instruction to transition to a state of waiting for reception of new information, and the communication state with the data source is made online based on the instruction. After returning to the state,
A discarding step of discarding remaining information of the information continuously received from the data source; and a transition step of transitioning to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source.

[0017]

In the first invention, after the control means returns the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction from the instruction means, the remaining of the information continuously received from the data source is maintained. Discarding information, transitioning to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source, automatically discarding until transfer of unauthorized information received from the data source is completed, and receiving new information Is possible.

In the second invention, the control means includes:
The remaining information of the information received from the data source is discarded, and after a predetermined time elapses, a transition is made to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source, so that transfer of unauthorized information received from the data source is ensured. Until the process is completed, the information is automatically discarded, and new information can be received.

In a third aspect, the control means includes:
After returning the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction by the instruction means, discard the remaining information of the information sequentially received from the data source sequentially, and receive the information from the data source. Unnecessary information is automatically and sequentially discarded until the transfer is completed, and new information can be received.

In a fourth aspect, the control means includes:
After returning the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction by the instruction means, collectively discarding the remaining information of the information stored and received continuously from the data source, In the state where the transfer of the illegal information received from the data source has been completed, all information can be efficiently discarded, and new information can be received.

In a fifth aspect, the control means includes:
When discarding the remaining information of the information received from the data source, if the type of the information is analyzed and the delimiter data is detected, a transition is made to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source, and a new It is possible to make a transition to a state where reception of important information can be started.

In a sixth aspect, the control means includes:
After discarding the remaining information of the information, the communication state with the data source is returned to the off-line state, and a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source based on the designation of switching to the on-line state by the instruction means is set. It is possible to make a transition to a state in which reception of new information can be started after waiting for an online instruction operation from the user.

According to the seventh aspect, the illegal information received from the data source is automatically discarded until the transfer is completed, and new information is received after a predetermined time variably set. It is possible to appropriately set the timing for starting reception of important information.

[0024] In the eighth invention, after the communication state with the data source is changed to an offline state during reception of the information from the data source, the transfer of the information being received ends and a new state is established. An instruction to transition to a state of waiting for reception of important information is performed, and after returning the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction, the remaining information of the information continuously received from the data source is returned. Once destroyed,
A transition is made to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source, and the illegal information received from the data source is automatically discarded until the transfer is completed, so that new information can be received.

[0025]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view for explaining the configuration of a printing apparatus to which a printing control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
For example, this corresponds to a laser printer having a laser beam printer engine.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a laser beam printer (LBP) main body, which inputs and stores code information and image information supplied from an externally connected host computer, and according to the information, a corresponding character pattern. , A graphic pattern, and an image pattern, and finally developed as bitmap image data on a paper size image memory, and then an image is formed on a recording paper as a recording medium.

Reference numeral 101 denotes an operation panel, which is a switch for operation, an LED display, and an LCD display (or V display).
FD display) and the like. A printer control unit 102 controls the entire LBP main body 100 and analyzes character information supplied from a host computer. The printer control unit 102 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 103.

The laser driver 103 is a circuit that drives the semiconductor laser 104 and switches on / off a laser beam 105 emitted from the semiconductor laser 104 in accordance with an input video signal. Reference numeral 106 denotes a rotating polygon mirror which scans and exposes the laser beam 105 on the electrostatic drum 107 while being swung in the left-right direction. The electrostatic drum 107 includes a rotating polygon mirror 106.
Form an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern by the laser beam 105 that has been scanned and exposed.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a developing unit,
After developing the latent image on the electrostatic drum 107, the latent image is transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used for this recording paper. 109 is a paper cassette, and LBP100
The cut sheet recording paper is stored. A paper feed roller 110 feeds the cut sheet recording paper stored in the paper cassette 109 toward the transport roller 111. The transport roller 111 transports the cut sheet recording paper fed by the feed roller 110 to the registration roller position, temporarily stops the cut sheet recording paper, and re-starts the cut sheet recording paper in the direction of the electrostatic drum 107 at a timing with the image leading end of the electrostatic drum 107. Feed paper.

The LBP body 100 has at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) of a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts. . Also, attach an external memory, etc.,
It is also configured to function as a spooler for storing downloaded font data and output information transferred from the host.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of a printing control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the same elements as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes a host computer which transmits various information to the image forming apparatus 100.

In the printer control unit (print control device main body) 102, an input data control unit 202 receives various information (such as code information) from the host computer 201. A ROM 203 stores character image information (font information) such as a character pattern and a control program (including control of a thinning process).

Reference numeral 204 denotes a RAM, which is a host computer 2
01 is used as a work memory necessary to execute the program stored in the ROM 203, and temporarily stores various information input from the input data control unit 202. Also functions as a receive buffer.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM)
The operation panel unit 101 or the host computer 20
Print setting information (font, interface, transfer speed, paper feed destination, paper size, etc.) set from 1 is stored. Reference numeral 206 denotes a CPU, which performs determination and processing in a flowchart described later according to a control program stored in the ROM 203, and controls the entire apparatus as a whole. 207
Denotes a panel control unit, which connects the operation panel unit 101 and the printer control unit 102 to each other.
It is used when changing the set value of. The operation panel section 101 is provided with a display and keys, and is configured to be able to display an online / offline state, a data reception state, and an error state. Panel control unit 20 in response to a key of 101 or an instruction from CPU 206.
7 is configured to be switchable.

An image memory 208 stores at least one page of various bitmap image data created based on a code input from the host computer 201. In addition, the image memory 208 is configured to be divided into band development areas according to a predetermined resolution and to perform band drawing processing.

Reference numeral 209 denotes a printing mechanism control unit, which is an image memory 2
08 generates a video signal corresponding to the bit map information stored in the storage unit 08 and prints out image information based on the video signal.
The interface control is executed with reference numerals 103 to 108).

As described above, the printer control unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 inputs the data including the code information and the image information transmitted from the host computer 201 which is the source of the print information, and outputs the text information in page units. And so on.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to seventh inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving buffer (secured in the RAM 204) for storing information received from a data source (host computer 201), and a printing method in which the information stored in the receiving buffer is sequentially analyzed and developed. An image memory 208 for storing data, and the image memory 208
A transfer unit (printing mechanism control unit 209) for transferring the print data stored in the printer unit to a printing unit, and after changing the communication state with the data source to the offline state while receiving the information from the data source, When the transfer of the information being received is completed, new information (for example, code information for each job or page) (a predetermined page description language (PostScript,
Instruction means (operation panel unit 101) for instructing a transition to a state of waiting for reception of LIPS, CaPSL, etc. (including a product name)), and communication with the data source based on an instruction from the instruction means. After returning the communication state to the online state, control means (C) for continuously discarding the remaining information of the information received from the data source and transitioning to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source (C
PU 206 executes a control program stored in the ROM 203 or a control program loaded on the RAM 204 from another recording medium (not shown) to control the CPU 206 based on an instruction from the operation panel unit 101.
06 returns the communication state with the host computer 201 to the online state, then discards the remaining information of the information continuously received from the host computer 201, and transitions to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source. Then, it is automatically discarded until the transfer of the illegal information received from the data source is completed, so that new information can be received.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control means (CPU 20
6) discards the remaining information of the information received from the data source (host computer 201), and after a predetermined time elapses, transitions to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source; Unauthorized information received from step 201) is automatically discarded until it is completely transferred, and new information can be received.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control means (CPU 20
6) after restoring the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction from the instruction means, discarding the remaining information of the information successively received from the data source continuously, Until the transfer of the illegal information received from is completed, the information is automatically and sequentially discarded, and new information can be received.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means (CPU 20
6) returning the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction from the instruction means, and then continuously collecting the remaining information of the information received and stored from the data source. In the state where the transfer of the illegitimate information received from the data source is completed, all the information is efficiently discarded, and new information can be received.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control means (CPU 20
6) When discarding the remaining information of the information received from the data source, analyzing the type of the information and detecting delimiter data (for example, a job end code and a job start code as described later) It is possible to make a transition to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source, and to make a transition to a state where reception of new information can be started immediately.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a designating means for designating switching of a communication state with the data source (host computer 201) from an offline state to an online state is provided in the operation panel unit 101 or the like, and the control means (CPU 206)
Recovers the communication state with the data source to the offline state after discarding the remaining information of the information, and waits for reception of new information from the data source based on the designation of switching to the online state by the instruction means. The state can be changed to a state in which reception of new information can be started after waiting for an online instruction operation from the user.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the illegal information received from the data source (host computer 201) is automatically discarded until the transfer is completed, and new information is received after a predetermined time variably set. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately set the timing to start receiving new information.

Hereinafter, a data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
This corresponds to a process of discarding data received from the host computer 201 when the data is invalid data. In addition, (1)-
(12) shows each step.

If incorrect code information is input from the host computer 201 to the input data control unit 202 of the printer control unit 102, the image forming apparatus 1
No. 00 stores the received data in the reception buffer secured in the RAM 204 in sequence regardless of whether the input (received) data is correct or incorrect, and the CPU 206 analyzes the code and stores the bitmap data corresponding to the analysis result. The image is stored in the image memory 208. Since the output result is due to an illegal code, it is illegally printed.

Here, in step (1), the user operates the operation panel unit 101 to stop illegal printing.
Is operated to shift the print control to OFFLINE (a state in which data from the host computer 201 is not accepted), and in step (2), the user operates the operation panel unit 101 to specify ONLINE skip. , To an ONLINE skip state (a state in which transmission data from the host computer 201 is received, but the received data is discarded).

By these key operations, in step (3), the image forming apparatus 100 first determines whether or not print data remains in the image memory 208.
When the PU 206 determines that print data remains, the CPU 206 discards the print data in the image memory 208 in step (4).

Next, in step (5), the RAM 2
The CPU 206 determines whether or not data from the host computer 201 remains in the reception buffer in the reception buffer 04. If it is determined that data remains in the reception buffer, the process proceeds to step (6). Is discarded by the CPU 206.

Next, in step (7), the ONLI
The input data control unit 202 shifts to an NE state, that is, a state in which data is received from the host computer 201, and in step (8), whether data is transmitted (received) from the host computer 201 is determined. If it is determined that data is sent (received) from the host computer 201, the input data control unit 202 discards the data received from the host computer 201 in step (9), and If it is determined that the data from the host computer 201 has not been sent (there is no reception), in a step (10), a normal ONLINE state (data from the host computer 201 is set in advance in the ROM 203 or the NVRAM 205) It is possible to analyze and expand the received code CPU206 count of the timer counter indicating the time to return to the mode) to be printed upon
Start by the internal timer.

Next, in step (11), it is determined whether or not the timer counter has reached a specified time. If it is determined that the specified time has not been reached, the process returns to step (8) and the specified time is returned. If it is determined that the time has been reached, in step (12), the state automatically shifts to the normal ONLINE state, and the processing ends.

In this embodiment, in step (1), an OFFLINE shift process is performed as a user operation. However, there is no need to insert an OFFLINE operation, and the operation panel unit 101 is used directly from the normal ONLINE state. Then, the state may be shifted to the ONLINE skip state without any problem. In that case, O
Since the state has not shifted to the FFLINE state, the ONLINE shift processing in step (7) may be omitted.

With the above processing, the host computer 2
01 transmits the improper print data to the image forming apparatus 100, the host computer 201 uses only the operation keys of the image forming apparatus 100 without performing complicated operations such as deleting a spool file. Automatically discarding the accumulated unauthorized data, discarding the data transferred thereafter until the end of the unauthorized data transfer from the host computer 201, and automatically returning to the ONLINE state where normal data can be received after the data transfer is completed. Becomes possible.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, while the data from the host computer 201 is checked by the input data control unit 202 and stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 204, the data from the operation panel unit 101 is received. ONLIN
In response to an E skip instruction or the like, the image data stored in the image memory 208 and the code data stored in the reception buffer are discarded, and the invalid data subsequently transferred from the host computer 201 is transmitted to the input data control unit 20.
2 is discarded, and after returning the illegal data from the host computer 201 to the normal ONLINE state, the case where the code data transfer from the host computer 201 is completed is stored in the reception buffer. ONL that can receive normal data from the host computer 201 after sequentially discarding the data
Control may be performed to automatically return to the INE state. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

Hereinafter, a data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
This corresponds to a process of discarding data received from the host computer 201 when the data is invalid data. In addition, (1)-
(11) shows each step.

If incorrect code information is input from the host computer 201 to the input data control unit 202 of the printer control unit 102, the image forming apparatus 1
No. 00 stores the received data in the reception buffer secured in the RAM 204 in sequence regardless of whether the input (received) data is correct or incorrect, and the CPU 206 analyzes the code and stores the bitmap data corresponding to the analysis result. The image is stored in the image memory 208. Since the output result is due to an illegal code, it is illegally printed.

Here, in step (1), the user operates the operation panel unit 101 to stop illegal printing output.
Is used to shift the print control to OFFLINE (a state in which data from the host computer 201 is not accepted), and in step (2), the user uses the operation panel unit 101 to execute an ONLINE skip state (a state from the host computer 201). (Transmission data is received, but the received data is discarded).

With these operations, in step (3), the image forming apparatus 100 first determines whether or not print data remains in the image memory 208 by the CPU.
If it is determined at 206 that the print data remains, at step (4), the image memory 20 is stored.
The CPU 206 discards the print data in 8.

Next, in step (5), the ONLI
The state shifts to the NE state, that is, the state in which data from the host computer 201 is received, and in step (6), data from the host computer 201 is received.
1 and sequentially stores the data in the RAM 204 having a reception buffer. In step (7), the CPU 206 determines whether or not there is data from the host computer 201 in the reception buffer in the RAM 204. If it is determined that there is data in the buffer, in step (8), the CPU 206 discards the data in the reception buffer, and returns to the data receiving process in step (6).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that there is no data in the reception buffer, in step (9), the ROM 203 or NVRAM
The normal ONLINE state set in 205 (data from the host computer 201 can be accepted,
The count of the timer counter indicating the time required to return to the mode in which the received code is analyzed, expanded, and actually printed)
The internal timer of U206 starts.

Next, in step (10), it is determined whether or not the timer counter has reached a specified time. If it is determined that the specified time has not been reached, the data reception process of step (6) is performed. Returning, when it is determined that the specified time has been reached, in step (11), the state automatically shifts to the normal ONLINE state, and the processing ends.

In this embodiment, in step (1), an OFFLINE shift process is performed as a user operation. However, there is no need to insert an OFFLINE operation, and the operation panel unit 101 is used directly from the normal ONLINE state. Then, the state may be shifted to the ONLINE skip state without any problem. In that case, OF
Since the state has not shifted to the FLINE state, step (5)
In this case, the ONLINE transfer process of the above may be omitted.

With the above processing, the host computer 2
01 transmits the improper print data to the image forming apparatus 100, the host computer 201 performs only key operations on the image forming apparatus 100 without performing complicated operations such as deleting a spool file. ONLINE that can automatically discard illegal data stored in the receive buffer and receive normal data after data transfer is completed.
It is possible to automatically return to the state.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment, after the data transfer from the host computer 201 is completed after the instruction of the ONLINE skip designation by the key of the operation panel unit 101, the state returns to the normal ONLINE state. As described above, after the ONLINE skip specification is specified, if the data transferred from the host computer 201 includes a job end or a job start code, control may be performed so as to immediately return to the normal ONLINE state. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

Hereinafter, the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
This corresponds to a process of discarding data received from the host computer 201 when the data is invalid data. In addition, (1)-
(13) shows each step.

If incorrect code information is input from the host computer 201 to the input data control unit 202 of the printer control unit 102, the image forming apparatus 1
No. 00 stores the received data in the reception buffer secured in the RAM 204 in sequence regardless of whether the input (received) data is correct or incorrect, and the CPU 206 analyzes the code and stores the bitmap data corresponding to the analysis result. The image is stored in the image memory 208. Since the output result is due to an illegal code, it is illegally printed.

Here, in step (1), the user operates the operation panel unit 101 to stop illegal printing.
Is operated to shift the print control to OFFLINE (a state in which data from the host computer 201 is not accepted). In step (2), when the user operates the operation panel unit 101 to specify ONLINE skip, A transition is made to an ONLINE skip state (a state in which transmission data from the host computer 201 is received, but the received data is discarded).

By these key operations, in step (3), the image forming apparatus 100 first determines whether or not print data remains in the image memory 208.
When the PU 206 determines that print data remains, the CPU 206 discards the print data in the image memory 208 in step (4).

Next, in step (5), the RAM 2
The CPU 206 determines whether or not data from the host computer 201 remains in the reception buffer in the reception buffer 04. If it is determined that data remains in the reception buffer, the process proceeds to step (6). Is discarded by the CPU 206.

Next, in step (7), the ONLI
The input data control unit 202 shifts to an NE state, that is, a state in which data is received from the host computer 201, and in step (8), whether data is transmitted (received) from the host computer 201 is determined. If it is determined that data is sent (received) from the host computer 201, the CPU 206 determines in step (9) whether the received data is a JOB end code or a JOB start code. The received data is not a JOB end code and J
If it is determined that it is not the OB start code, in step (10), the CPU 206 discards the data received from the host computer 201, and returns to the processing of step (8).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (9) that the received data is a JOB end code or a JOB start code, in step (13),
The state automatically shifts to the normal ONLINE state, and the processing ends. In this manner, when returning to the normal ONLINE state due to the detection of the JOB start code, normal print processing is restarted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (8) that no data is sent from the host computer 201, then in step (11), R
The count of the timer counter indicating the time required to return to the normal ONLINE state (a mode in which data from the host computer 201 can be received, the received code is analyzed, expanded, and actually printed) set in the OM 203 or the NVRAM 205 is set. The internal timer of the CPU 206 starts.

Next, in step (12), the CPU 206 determines whether or not the timer counter has reached a specified time. If it is determined that the specified time has not been reached, the process proceeds to step (8). Returning, if it is determined that the specified time has been reached, in step (13), the state automatically shifts to the normal ONLINE state, and the processing ends.

In this embodiment, in step (1), an OFFLINE shift process is performed as a user operation. However, there is no need to insert an OFFLINE operation, and the operation panel unit 101 is used directly from the normal ONLINE state. Then, the state may be shifted to the ONLINE skip state without any problem. In that case, OF
Since the state has not shifted to the FLINE state, step (7)
In this case, the ONLINE transfer process of the above may be omitted.

By the above processing, the host computer 2
01 transmits the improper print data to the image forming apparatus 100, the host computer 201 performs only key operations on the image forming apparatus 100 without performing complicated operations such as deleting a spool file. Automatically discarding the accumulated unauthorized data, discarding the data transferred thereafter until the end of the unauthorized data transfer from the host computer 201, and automatically returning to the ONLINE state where normal data can be received after the data transfer is completed. When the data transferred from the host computer 201 includes a job end code or a job start code, it is possible to immediately return to the normal ONLINE state.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, after the reception data from the host is completed, the normal ONLIN
The case of automatically returning to the E state has been described. After the reception data from the host has been completed, the mode automatically shifts to OFFLINE, and thereafter, a key on the operation panel unit 101 is operated to wait for an ONLINE instruction from the user. Thus, control may be performed so as to return to normal ONLINE. Hereinafter, an embodiment thereof will be described.

Hereinafter, the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
This corresponds to a process of discarding data received from the host computer 201 when the data is invalid data. In addition, (1)-
(11) shows each step.

If incorrect code information is input from the host computer 201 to the input data control unit 202 of the printer control unit 102, the image forming apparatus 1
No. 00 stores the received data in the reception buffer secured in the RAM 204 in sequence regardless of whether the input (received) data is correct or incorrect, and the CPU 206 analyzes the code and stores the bitmap data corresponding to the analysis result. The image is stored in the image memory 208. Since the output result is due to an illegal code, it is illegally printed.

Here, in step (1), the user operates the operation panel unit 101 to stop illegal printing.
Is operated to shift the print control to OFFLINE (a state in which data from the host computer 201 is not accepted). In step (2), when the user operates the operation panel unit 101 to specify ONLINE skip, A transition is made to an ONLINE skip state (a state in which transmission data from the host computer 201 is received, but the received data is discarded).

By these key operations, in step (3), the image forming apparatus 100 first determines whether or not print data remains in the image memory 208.
When the PU 206 determines that print data remains, the CPU 206 discards the print data in the image memory 208 in step (4).

Next, in step (5), the RAM 2
The CPU 206 determines whether or not data from the host computer 201 remains in the reception buffer in the reception buffer 04. If it is determined that data remains in the reception buffer, the process proceeds to step (6). Is discarded by the CPU 206.

Next, in step (7), the ONLI
The input data control unit 202 shifts to an NE state, that is, a state in which data is received from the host computer 201, and in step (8), whether data is transmitted (received) from the host computer 201 is determined. If it is determined that data is sent (received) from the host computer 201, the input data control unit 202 discards the data received from the host in step (9), and If it is determined that data has not been sent (there is no reception), in step (10), OFFLI
Then, in step (11), a key on the operation panel unit 101 is operated to wait for an ONLINE instruction from the user, and then the normal ONLINE state is entered, and the process is terminated. Note that the processing in step (11) can be left in the ONLINE skip state using the operation panel unit 101 instead of the normal ONLINE state.

Further, in this embodiment, the OFFLINE shift processing is inserted as a user operation in step (1). However, there is no need to insert an OFFLINE operation, and the operation panel unit 101 is used directly from the normal ONLINE state. Then, the state may be shifted to the ONLINE skip state without any problem. In that case, OF
Since the state has not shifted to the FLINE state, step (7)
In this case, the ONLINE transfer process of the above may be omitted.

Further, the processing of steps (1) to (10) of the present embodiment is performed, for example, in steps (1) to (10) of the second embodiment, and steps (1) to (12) of the third embodiment. ) May be replaced by the processing flow of (1).

With the above processing, after the illegal data is discarded, the system automatically shifts to the offline state once, and then returns to the normal ONLINE state by operating the panel of the user. The user recognizes that such processing has been performed, and can resume data processing.

Further, the specified time in the first to third embodiments may be set, for example, to be inputtable from the operation panel unit 101 and set as a variable time.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between the first to fourth embodiments and the respective steps of the eighth invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving buffer (secured in the RAM 204) for storing information received from a data source (host computer 201), and a printing method in which the information stored in the receiving buffer is sequentially analyzed and developed. An image memory 208 for storing data, and the image memory 208
And a transfer unit (print mechanism control unit 209) for transferring the print data stored in the print unit to the printing unit, wherein the communication with the data source is performed during the reception of the information from the data source. After changing the state to the offline state, an instruction step (step (1) in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6) for giving an instruction to complete the transfer of the information being received and to shift to a state of waiting for reception of new information. (2)) and
After the communication state with the data source is returned to the online state based on the instruction, the discarding step of continuously discarding the remaining information of the information received from the data source (steps (3) to (3) in FIG. 3) 9), steps (3) to 4 in FIG.
(8), steps (3) to (10) in FIG. 5, steps (3) to (9) in FIG. 6, and a transition step for transitioning to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source (FIG. 3). (12), step (11) in FIG. 4, step (13) in FIG. 5, and step (11) in FIG.
Unauthorized information received from the data source is automatically discarded until the transfer is completed, and new information can be received.

Further, the present invention is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to, for example, an ink jet printer having a printing function.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and E
An EPROM or the like can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0103]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, after the control unit returns the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction from the instruction unit, the remaining information of the information continuously received from the data source is discarded. Since the state is shifted to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source, the illegal information received from the data source is automatically discarded until the transfer is completed, and new information can be received.

According to the second invention, the control means discards the remaining information of the information received from the data source,
After a lapse of a predetermined time, a transition is made to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source, so that the illegal information received from the data source is automatically discarded until the transfer of the information is securely terminated, and the new information is deleted. Can be received.

According to the third aspect, the control means returns the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction from the instruction means, and then sequentially receives the data from the data source sequentially. Since the remaining information of the information is discarded, it is possible to automatically discard the incorrect information received from the data source until the transfer is completed, thereby receiving new information.

According to the fourth aspect, the control means returns the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction from the instruction means, and then continuously receives the data from the data source. Since the stored remaining information of the information is collectively discarded, all the information can be efficiently discarded in a state where the transfer of the illegal information received from the data source is completed, and new information can be received. it can.

According to the fifth aspect, the control means, when discarding the remaining information of the information received from the data source, analyzes the type of the information and detects the delimiter data. Since the state is shifted to a state of waiting for reception of new information, the state can be immediately shifted to a state in which reception of new information can be started.

According to the sixth aspect, the control means, after discarding the remaining information of the information, returns the communication state with the data source to the offline state, and designates the switching to the online state by the instruction means. In this case, a transition is made to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source on the basis of the above, so that it is possible to transition to a state in which reception of new information can be started after waiting for an online instruction operation from the user.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the illegal information received from the data source is automatically discarded until the transfer is completed, and new information is received after a predetermined time variably set. The timing to start receiving new information can be set as appropriate.

According to the eighth aspect, during the reception of the information from the data source, after the communication state with the data source is changed to the offline state, the transfer of the information being received is terminated. An instruction to transition to a state of waiting for reception of new information is issued, and after restoring the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction, remaining information of the information continuously received from the data source When the data source is discarded, a transition is made to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source, so that it is automatically discarded until the transfer of unauthorized information received from the data source is completed, and new information is received. Can be.

Therefore, it is possible to easily delete illegal information transferred from the data source with a simple operation instruction.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus to which a printing control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the data processing method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) 101 Operation panel unit 102 Printer control unit (printer controller unit) 203 ROM 204 RAM 205 NVRAM 206 CPU 207 Panel control unit 208 Image memory 209 Printing mechanism control unit

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A receiving buffer for storing information received from a data source, an image memory for storing print data obtained by sequentially analyzing and developing the information stored in the receiving buffer, and a printing memory for storing the image data in the image memory. Transfer means for transferring data to a printing unit, during reception of the information from the data source, after transitioning a communication state with the data source to an offline state, transfer of the information being received is terminated Instructing means for instructing a transition to a state of waiting for reception of new information, and after returning the communication state with the data source to the online state based on the instruction by the instructing means, continuously receiving from the data source. Control means for discarding the remaining information of the information to be transferred and transitioning to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit discards remaining information of the information received from the data source, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, transitions to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source. The print control device according to claim 1. 3. The control means returns a communication state with the data source to an on-line state based on an instruction from the instruction means, and then continuously outputs remaining information of the information sequentially received from the data source. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control apparatus discards the print control. 4. The control means returns a communication state with the data source to an online state based on an instruction from the instruction means, and then continuously receives and stores the information stored from the data source. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining information is collectively discarded. 5. When discarding residual information of the information received from the data source, the control unit analyzes a type of the information and detects delimiter data, and receives new information from the data source. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control apparatus makes a transition to a standby state. 6. A designating means for designating switching of a communication state with the data source from an offline state to an online state, and the control means, after discarding remaining information of the information, changing a communication state with the data source. 2. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control apparatus is returned to an offline state, and transitions to a state of waiting for reception of new information from the data source based on designation of switching to the online state by the instruction unit. 7. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined time can be variably set. 8. A receiving buffer for storing information received from a data source, an image memory for storing print data obtained by sequentially analyzing and expanding the information stored in the receiving buffer, and a printing method for storing the printing data in the image memory. In a data processing method of a print control device having transfer means for transferring data to a printing unit, during reception of the information from the data source,
After changing the communication state with the data source to the offline state, an instruction step of giving an instruction to end the transfer of the information being received and to shift to a state of waiting for receiving new information, based on the instruction, After restoring the communication state with the data source to the online state, and continuously discarding the remaining information of the information received from the data source, and waiting for reception of new information from the data source. A data processing method for the print control apparatus, comprising: