JP3200363B2 - Print control device, data processing method of print control device, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention corresponds to processing print information by communicating with the information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium
The present invention relates to a print control device, a print control method, and a storage medium that output print data to a printing unit that performs printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a system of this type, for example, in a computer system connected to a local area network (LAN), a plurality of printers are
It is configured to be usable by connecting to an AN.

[0003]

However, the user using the host computer grasps what kind of functional specification each printer has, or what state it is currently in, and Select a printer that meets the user's print request specifications, and select the selected printer
It was necessary to perform printing by designating D and transmitting data such as character codes and control codes.

That is, whether the printer is a color printer or a monochrome printer, the corresponding paper size is double-sided printing possible,
Information on the function specifications of each printer, such as whether enlarged printing is possible / two-page printing is possible / emulation is supported, and whether the printer is powered on / printing / toner and ink There is a problem in that it is necessary to grasp information on the current state, such as whether the paper is out of paper, what is the size of the paper sheet set, whether there is a problem such as paper out, paper jam, or the like.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to ninth inventions according to the present invention is to communicate with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. the print control apparatus for outputting print data to the printing section corresponding to process the print information and, may be held from the corresponding printing unit to obtain the first print specification information is input from the information processing apparatus The second print specification information is acquired by analyzing the attributes of the print information to be printed, and when it is determined that the held first print specification information satisfies the acquired second print specification information, the printing unit is identified. The printable information to which the identification information is added is transferred to another print control device connected to the communication medium, and the printable information transferred from the other print control device is held. Print based on priority of printable information By switching the state of the control apparatus main body to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus, a print request is issued in a system environment in which a plurality of specification functions and the like can select different printing apparatuses. A print control device and a print control device capable of automatically selecting and transferring desired print data to an optimal printing device satisfying a print specification required by an information processing device by a simple operation of instructing transfer to one of the print control devices. A method and a storage medium are provided.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method for communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, processing print information, and outputting print data to a corresponding printing unit. In the control device, the first printing is performed from the corresponding printing unit.
First holding means for acquiring and holding the printing specification information of
An acquisition unit that analyzes attributes of print information input from the information processing apparatus to acquire second print specification information, and acquires the first print specification information held in the first holding unit. Determining means for determining whether or not the acquired second print specification information is satisfied; and, when the determining means determines that the obtained print specification information is satisfied, the printable information to which identification information for identifying the corresponding printing unit is added is described. Transfer means for transferring to another print control device connected to the communication medium, second holding means for holding each printable information transferred from the other print control device, and Control means for switching the state of the printing control apparatus main body to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus based on the priority order of the held printable information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the control means receives print data from the information processing apparatus, the control means notifies the information processing apparatus of identification information for identifying a printing unit to which printing is to be performed. Is what you do.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a determining means for determining whether any of the printable information is stored in the second storing means, and the determining means storing the printable information. And notifying means for notifying the information processing apparatus that the print request cannot be made when it is determined that there is no print request.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a print information is processed by communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium.
The print control method in a print control apparatus for outputting print data to the printing unit corresponding to a first holding step of holding the memory resources to obtain the first print specification information from the the corresponding printing unit, the information An acquisition step of acquiring the second print specification information by analyzing an attribute of the print information input from the processing device; and acquiring the second print specification information acquired by the first print specification information held in the memory resource. A judging step of judging whether or not the print job is satisfied, and, if the judging step is judged to be satisfied, the printable information to which identification information for identifying the corresponding print unit is added is printed by another printing apparatus connected to the communication medium. A transfer step of transferring to the control device, a second holding step of holding each printable information transferred from another print control device in a memory resource, and each printable information held in the memory resource Those having a switching step of switching the state of the print control apparatus main body based on the priority to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the switching step, when print data is received from the information processing apparatus, identification information for identifying a corresponding printing unit as a print execution destination is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. Is to be notified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a determining step of determining whether any of the printable information of the memory resources is held, and the determining step determines that the printable information is not held. And a notifying step of notifying the information processing apparatus that the print request cannot be made.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for processing print information by communicating with an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium.
The print control apparatus for outputting print data to the printing unit corresponding to a first holding step of holding the memory resources to obtain the first print specification information from the corresponding printing unit is input from the information processing apparatus Acquiring the second print specification information by analyzing the attributes of the print information, and determining whether the first print specification information held in the memory resource satisfies the acquired second print specification information And, if it is determined that the determination step is satisfied, transferring the printable information to which the identification information for identifying the corresponding print unit is added to another print control device connected to the communication medium. A transfer step; a second holding step of holding each printable information transferred from another print control apparatus in a memory resource; and a print control apparatus based on the priority of each printable information held in the memory resource. Book Is the state that the computer in the recording medium on which a program for executing a switching process for switching to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus was recorded readably.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the switching step, when print data is received from the information processing apparatus, the switching information includes identification information for identifying a corresponding printing unit as a print execution destination. Is to be notified.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a determining step of determining whether any of the printable information of the memory resources is held, and determining that the printable information is not held in the determining step And a notifying step of notifying the information processing apparatus that the print request cannot be made.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a printing control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The host computers 7 and 8 for transmitting the print request specification data, the print data group and various command control signals, and the printing unit main units 1 to 3 are connected to the print control devices 4 to
6 and connected via transceivers 10 to 14 and a network cable 16. P1 to P3
Indicates a printer. Reference numerals 9 and 15 denote terminators of the network cable 16.

FIG. 2 shows the print control devices 4 to 6 shown in FIG.
3 is a control block diagram showing the configuration of the print control device 4. Hereinafter, since the print control devices 4 to 6 have the same configuration, the print control device 4 will be described as an example.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 17 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) in the form of a microprocessor, which is constituted in the form of a sequential circuit having, for example, a clock pulse generating circuit, a delay circuit, a gate circuit, and other logic circuits. Circuits and the like are also included.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an input / output interface (IF1)
The network cable 16 and transceiver 10
It receives print request specification data, print data groups, and various command control signals sent from the host computers 7 and 8 through .about.14, and sends various control signals to each device on the network. Reference numeral 19 denotes an input / output interface (IF2) which is connected to the printing unit main body 1 shown in FIG. 1 to transmit print data and to receive various information from the printing unit main body.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a read-only memory (ROM) which stores a group of micro-instructions necessary for sequentially informing the CPU 17 of the control signal when the CPU 17 supplies the control signal to each section. Reference numeral 21 denotes a readable / writable random access memory (RAM), which has an area for storing an operation state of each device and a storage area for storing input print data. When power is turned on, RAM2
The contents of 1 are all "0".

Reference numeral 22 denotes a bus line for electrically connecting the CPU 17 to the interfaces 18 and 19 and the ROM 20 and the RAM 21 to transfer memory addresses and data. Although each print control device has the above-described configuration, the print control device 4 and the printing unit main body 1 of the embodiment,
The print control device 5 and the printing unit main body 2 and the print control device 6 and the printing unit main body 3 are housed in respective housings and function as one printing device.

FIG. 3 shows each of the printing unit main bodies 1 to 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the configuration of FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 740 denotes an apparatus main body (LBP)
In addition to inputting and storing character information (character code), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, a corresponding character pattern, form pattern, and the like are stored in accordance with the information. It is created and an image is formed on a recording paper as a recording medium.

An operation panel 700 is provided with switches for operation, an LCD display, and the like. 701 is L
A printer control unit that analyzes character information and the like supplied from the control device and the host computer to the entire BP 740, and corresponds to the print control devices 4 to 6.

The control unit 701 mainly converts a character pattern corresponding to character information into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 702. The laser driver 702 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 703, and switches on and off a laser beam 704 emitted from the semiconductor laser 703 according to an input video signal. The laser light 704 scans the electrostatic drum 706 which is swung in the left and right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 705.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image such as a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 706. This latent image is developed on a developing unit 707 around the electrostatic drum 706 and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 708 mounted on the LBP 740,
Then, it is taken into the apparatus by the delivery rollers 710 and 711 and supplied to the electrostatic drum 706. Then, the toner image adhered on the electrostatic drum 706 by the developing unit 707 is transferred to the conveyed recording paper. Thereafter, the recording paper is conveyed in the direction of the fixing device 712, where the toner is fixed, and finally discharged to the outside by the rollers 713.

FIG. 4 shows the print control devices 4 to 4 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a format of communication data between the host computer 6 and each of the host computers 7 and 8.

As shown in this figure, the format of the communication data between each of the print control devices 4 to 6 and each of the host computers 7 and 8 shown in FIG. 1 is a destination address, a transmission source address, an attribute, a print data sequential. It consists of numbers, lengths, and data.

The attribute is divided into "01H" to "05H". The attribute "01H" indicates that the communication data is a print request specification data identification code, and the attribute "02H".
Indicates that the communication data is a print data identification code, the attribute “03H” indicates that the communication data is a print request reception code, and the attribute “04H” indicates that the communication data is a print execution code. And attribute "05H"
Indicates that the communication data is a non-printable code.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing addresses of respective devices of the printing system shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, an address "01H" is assigned to the printer P1, and an address "01H" is assigned to the printer P2.
The address “02H” is assigned to the printer P3, and the address “03H” is assigned to the printer P3.
& P2 & P3 is assigned an address “04H”, and the first host computer 7 is assigned an address “10H”.
H ”is assigned to the second host computer 8.
Address “11H” is assigned. Note that the printers P1 to P3 correspond to those in which the printing unit main body and the print control device shown in FIG. 1 are integrated.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the constituent codes of the print request specification data sent from the host computers 7 to 8 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the print request specification in the present embodiment is a single-sided / double-sided specification. In the case of performing only one-sided printing, a code "10H" is issued. , The code “11H” is issued.
In the paper size, the paper size that can be fed is A
In the case of 4, the code "20H" is issued, and in the case where the sheet size that can be fed is A3, the code "21H" is issued. In one-page / two-page printing, a code “30H” is issued for one-page printing, and a code “31H” is issued for two-page printing.

FIG. 7 shows each of the print control devices 4 to 4 shown in FIG.
6 are obtained from the corresponding printing unit main units 1 to 3 and each RA
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the function specifications and the current state of each of the printing unit main bodies 1 to 3 stored in a buffer PspecMEM secured in M21.

As shown in this figure, the printing unit main body 1 is capable of printing on both sides, has a sheet size of "A4", and has a code "10112030H" indicating that two pages cannot be printed.
Is stored in the printing unit main body 2, the code “102030331H” indicating a state in which one-sided printing is possible, the paper size is “A4” and two pages can be printed, and the printing unit main body 3 is stored.
Indicates that single-sided printing is possible and the paper size is "A4" or "A4".
"3" indicates a code "1" indicating that two pages cannot be printed.
0202130H ”is stored.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of print data transmitted from the host computers 7 and 8 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the print data is composed of a destination address, a source address, an attribute code, a print data sequential number, a length, data and the like.

FIG. 9 shows the print control devices 4 to 6 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a print request reception code stored in a buffer PokBUF secured in the RAM 21 of FIG.

As shown in this figure, the buffer PokBUF of the RAM 21 of each of the first to third print control devices 4 to 6 stores a print request reception code from another print control device. The buffer PokBUF includes its own address and the contents of the buffer PokBUF. In the print control device configured as described above, that is, the print control unit processes the print information by communicating with the information processing devices (host computers 7 and 8) via a predetermined communication medium (network 16), and prints the print data on the print unit. Print control devices (each of the print control devices 4 to 6) that output the first print specification information from the print unit (the print unit main units 1 to 3) and hold the first print specification information; Analyzing the attribute of the print information input from the information processing apparatus,
Acquisition means for acquiring the print specification information of the
And executing the control program stored in M20) to determine whether the first print specification information stored in the first storage unit satisfies the second print specification information obtained by the obtainment unit. Determination means for determining whether or not the CPU 17 executes the control program stored in the ROM 20 to perform determination processing; and, when the determination means determines that the print job is satisfactory, the identification information for identifying the printing unit is added. Transfer means for transferring information to another print control device connected to the communication medium (the CPU 17 executes a control program stored in the ROM 20 to perform transfer processing); and transfer from another print control device. A second holding unit (RAM 21) for holding each printable information; and a state of the print control apparatus main body based on the priority of each printable information held in the second holding unit. (A CPU 17 executes a control program stored in a ROM 20 to perform a switching process) so as to switch to a state of waiting for print data or a next print request from the information processing apparatus. By giving a simple print request to any print control device without being aware of the specifications and status of the printing unit,
Desired print data can be automatically transferred to a print control device that controls a printing unit that satisfies the specifications of the print data.

Further, when receiving the print data from the information processing apparatus, the control means (CPU 17) notifies the information processing apparatus of identification information for identifying a printing unit to which printing is to be performed, and The print destination to which the data has been output can be clearly indicated to the user, and the print result can be promptly collected without error.

Further, the second holding means (RAM2
The determining means (the CPU 17 executes the control program stored in the ROM 20 to perform the determination processing) for determining whether any of the printable information is stored in 1) determines that the printable information is not stored. In this case, the notifying means (the CPU 17 executes the control program stored in the ROM 20 to perform the notification process) notifies the information processing apparatus of the impossibility of the print request, and the printing unit capable of satisfying the specifications required for the print data is provided. It is possible to clearly indicate to the user that there is no print data, recognize that the print data cannot be output, and prompt the user to change the print specifications.

Further, a group of print control devices (print control devices 4 to 6) for controlling the printing unit are connected to information processing devices (host computers 7 and 8) or respective print control devices via a predetermined communication medium (network 16). A printing control system that processes print information by communicating with a first storage unit (RAM21) that obtains and stores first print specification information from a printing unit (printing unit main bodies 1 to 3); Acquiring means for analyzing the attribute of the print information input from the apparatus and acquiring the second print specification information
0 to execute the control program stored in the first storage unit) and determine whether the first printing specification information held in the first holding unit satisfies the second printing specification information obtained by the obtaining unit. Judgment means for judging whether or not R
The control program stored in the OM 20 is executed to perform the determination process). When the determination unit determines that the print unit is satisfied, the printable information to which the identification information for identifying the print unit is added is transmitted to another print control device. Transfer means (CP
U17 executes the control program stored in the ROM 20 and performs transfer processing), and a second holding unit (RAM2) for holding each printable information transferred from another print control apparatus.
1) and switching the state of the print control apparatus main body to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus based on the priority of each printable information held in the second holding means. Each print control device has a control means for controlling (the CPU 17 executes a control program stored in the ROM 20 and performs a switching process), so that the user can easily perform the operation without being conscious of the specifications and status of each print unit. A simple print request to one of the print controllers,
Desired print data can be automatically transferred to a print control device that controls a printing unit that satisfies the specifications of the print data.

Further, the control means (CPU 17)
When print data is received from the information processing apparatus, the printing apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus of identification information for identifying a printing unit to which printing is to be performed, and specifies the printing unit to which the print data has been output to the user. The printing result can be promptly collected without error.

Further, the second holding means (RAM 21)
When the determining means (the CPU 17 executes the control program stored in the ROM 20 and performs the determination processing) to determine whether any of the printable information is stored in the Notification means (the CPU 17 executes the control program stored in the ROM 20 to perform the notification processing) notifies the information processing apparatus that the print request cannot be made, and there is no printing unit that can satisfy the specifications required for the print data. Can be clearly indicated to the user, the output of the print data cannot be recognized, and the user can be prompted to change the print specifications.

The printing control operation of the printing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a first printing control procedure of the printing system according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the processing by the host computers 7 and 8 and the printing control devices 4 to 6. FIG. 11 corresponds to the processing of each of the print control devices 4 to 6. (1) to (7) are shown in FIG.
0 indicates each step, and (11) to (21) indicate each step in FIG. 10 and 11 are executed as independent tasks. Further, the procedure (control program) shown in each step corresponds to the ROM shown in FIG.
20 or in a memory resource (not shown),
The control program is read and executed by the CPU 17.

The print control according to the present invention is started when print request specification data from the host computers 7 and 8 is input to the interface IF1 on each of the print control devices 4 to 6 via the LAN.

As shown in the example of print data transmitted from the host computer in FIG. 1, the data “04100101031020” from the first host computer 7
When "30" is transmitted, step (1) shown in FIG.
In step (2), when it is received, it is determined whether or not the corresponding printing unit is currently printing.

In step (3), the attribute of the received data is determined. Since the attribute code "01" of the third byte is the print request specification data as shown in the communication data format of FIG. 4), where the received data (that is, print data) is stored in the RAM shown in FIG.
21 is stored in a storage location called a buffer PspecBUF. These processes are the first in the present embodiment.
To the third print control devices 4 to 6.

On the other hand, in step (11) in FIG. 11, communication is performed between the printing control units 4 to 6 and the printing unit main units 1 to 3 connected to each other, and the function specifications of the connected printing unit main units and the current The status is stored in the buffer PspecM of the RAM 21.
Store in EM.

More specifically, the codes "10112030H" and "10" shown in the rightmost block shown in FIG.
203030H ”and“ 10202130H ”are the buffers Pspe on the RAM 21 of each of the print control devices 4 to 6.
Each is stored in a storage location called cMEM.

Then, the process proceeds to a step (12), where the RAM 2
It is checked whether or not data is stored in the buffer PspecBUF on No. 1 as described above. In step (4) shown in FIG.
02030 "is stored, and the flow advances to step (13).

Here, the print required specification data is compared with the specification of the connected printing unit main body and the current state. That is,
The codes “10”, “20”, and “30” are stored in RAM 2
It is checked whether the print request is included in the first buffer PspecMEM. For example, when the control procedure of the first print control device 4 is described, the print request specification codes “10”, “20”, and “30” correspond to the buffer PspecMEM.
, The process proceeds to step (14), where a print request reception code is transmitted to another print control device.

That is, “0” is sent to the second printer P2.
“20100300021001” and “03010300021001” to the third printer P3. At this time, “1001” in the last two-byte data portion is “the first print data sent from the host computer 7”. Is shown.

Accordingly, "the first print request sent from the first host computer 7 is the first printer P1
Is received from the first print control device 4 to the second print control device 5 and the third print control device 6. Similar processing is performed for the second and third print control devices 5 and 6.

Since any of the first to third print control devices 4 to 6 satisfies the required print specifications, in step (5) of FIG.
The buffer PokBUF of the RAM 21 stores a print request reception code (print request specification O) from another print control device.
K data) is stored.

Then, the control shifts from step (14) to step (15), where the source address of the print request reception code stored in the buffer PokBUF is compared with its own address, and a larger address is obtained. It is determined whether or not there is a print request reception code having the following. If it is determined that there is a print request reception code, the process proceeds to step (12) without performing printing, and the next print request specification data is stored in the buffer PspecBUF. Wait for.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (15) that there is no print request reception code having a larger address, the process proceeds to step (16) and print data corresponding to the print request reception code is received. Wait until.

In this embodiment, only the control in the third print control device 6 having the largest address is performed in step (1).
Go to 6).

In the present embodiment, N shown in FIG.
o. 2 is sent from the first host computer 7 and received by the third print control device 6. In step (6) of FIG. 10, the received print data and the ID of the print request reception code are Determine whether they match. More specifically, since the print request host address of the print request reception code and the sequential number match those of the received print data, the process proceeds to step (7) and the received print data is stored in the area P on the RAM 21.
Store it in dataBUF.

Therefore, the control of the third print control device 6 waiting in step (16) of FIG.
7), the third printer P3 transmits to the first host computer 7 a code “1003040100” indicating that the third printer P3 has received and executed a print request from the first host computer 7, and then prints the print data. Is transferred to the printing apparatus main body 3 to execute printing.

Next, in FIG. As shown in 3,
When the print data “0411010103112130” is transmitted from the second host computer 8, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 and the processing in steps (11) and (12) of the flowchart of FIG. Processing similar to the processing for one data is performed. Then, in step (13), it is determined whether or not printing can be performed by the connected printer. In any printer, the print request specification from the second host computer 8 is “A3 double-sided printing” (“1121
30 ”) cannot be satisfied, so that the flow proceeds to step (19).

Here, the print request reception code buffer Po
It is determined whether or not there is a corresponding print request reception code in the kBUF. In the case of the present embodiment, it is determined that there is no corresponding print request reception code in any of the printers, so the process proceeds to step (20).

Here, the address assigned to the other printer and the address assigned to its own printer are compared. If the address is smaller, the process proceeds to step (21). In the case of this embodiment, the address is assigned to printer P1. Since the assigned address is the smallest, the process proceeds to step (21) only when the present control program is executed on the first print control device 4.

Then, a non-printable code meaning "the print request of the sequential number 1 transmitted from the second host computer 8 is not accepted" is given here.
The code is transmitted from the printer P1 to the second host computer 8 together with the function specification of the constituent printer and the code indicating the current state stored in the buffer PspecMEM. That is, “110105010C1011203”
01020303110202130 "is transmitted. The flow advances to step (12) to wait for reception of the next print request specification data identification code.

In the print control method of the print control device configured as described above, that is, the print information is processed by communicating with the information processing device via a predetermined communication medium (network 16), and the print data is sent to the print unit. In the print control method of each of the print control devices 4 to 6 for outputting the print data, the first print specification information is acquired from the print unit, and the memory resources (the RAM 2
A first holding step (step (4) in FIG. 10) held in 1) and an obtaining step of obtaining the second print specification information by analyzing the attribute of the print information input from the information processing apparatus (FIG. 11 (11)) and a judging step of judging whether the first printing specification information held in the memory resource satisfies the acquired second printing specification information (FIG. 11).
Steps (12) and (13)), and when it is determined that the determination step is satisfied, the printable information to which the identification information for identifying the printing unit is added is output to another print control device connected to the communication medium. (Step (14) in FIG. 11), and a second holding step (step (5) in FIG. 10) for holding each printable information transferred from another print control device in a memory resource. And a switching step of switching the state of the print control apparatus main body to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus based on the priority of each printable information held in the memory resources (FIG. 11 (steps from step (15) to step (16) and steps from step (15) to step (12) in FIG. By executing a RAM, the user controls a printing unit that satisfies the specifications of the printing data simply by giving a simple printing request to any one of the printing control devices without being conscious of the specifications and status of each printing unit. Desired print data can be automatically transferred to the print control device.

Further, a first holding step (step (4) in FIG. 10) for acquiring the first printing specification information from the printing unit and holding the first printing specification information in the memory resource (RAM 21) is performed. Acquisition step of analyzing information attributes and acquiring second print specification information (step (11) in FIG. 11)
And a judging step of judging whether the first printing specification information held in the memory resource satisfies the acquired second printing specification information (steps (12) and (13) in FIG. 10).
A transfer step of transferring printable information to which identification information for identifying a print unit is added to another print control apparatus connected to the communication medium when it is determined that the determination step is satisfied (see FIG. 11). Step (14)), a second holding step (step (5) in FIG. 10) for holding each printable information transferred from another print control device in a memory resource, and A switching step (step (15) to step (16) in FIG. 11) of switching the state of the printing control apparatus main body to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus based on the priority of the printable information. To step (1) in FIG.
A program readable by a computer, including a step (5) to a step (12)), is stored in a storage medium. That is, an embodiment in which the program code corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource to be described later, and the CPU 21 reads out and executes the program code from the storage medium storing the program code is also provided by the present invention. This is included in the embodiment.

Further, in a data processing method of a print control system in which a plurality of print control devices 4 to 6 for controlling a printing unit to which a predetermined address is allocated can communicate with an information processing device via a predetermined communication medium. A first holding process (step (4) in FIG. 10) for obtaining the first print specification information from the copy unit and holding the first print specification information in the memory resource (RAM 21), and analyzing attributes of the print information input from the information processing apparatus An acquisition step (step (11) in FIG. 11) of acquiring the second print specification information by using the second print specification information acquired by the first print specification information held in the memory resource (RAM 21) A determination step (steps (12) and (13) in FIG. 11) for determining whether or not the second print specification is obtained from the first print specification information held in the memory resource in the determination step; A transfer step (step (14) in FIG. 11) of transferring printable information to which the identification information for identifying the printing unit is added to another print control device when it is determined that the information is satisfied; A second holding step (step (5) in FIG. 10) for holding each printable information transferred from the print control device in the memory resource, and a priority order of each printable information held in the memory resource. A switching step of switching the state of the printing control apparatus main body to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus (steps from step (15) to step (16) in FIG. 11; Step (1)
5) from step (12) to step (12)
1 executes a control program stored in the ROM 20 and sends a simple print request to any one of the print control devices without the user being conscious of the specifications and status of each print unit. The desired print data can be automatically transferred to a print control device that controls a printing unit that satisfies the following conditions.

A first holding step (step (4) in FIG. 10) for acquiring the first printing specification information from the printing unit and holding the first printing specification information in a memory resource, and an attribute of the printing information input from the information processing apparatus. (Step (11) in FIG. 11) for analyzing the first print specification information stored in the memory resource (RAM 21) and acquiring the second print specification information. Judgment step of judging whether information is satisfied (steps (12) and (13) in FIG. 11)
When it is determined in the determining step that the first print specification information held in the memory resource satisfies the acquired second print specification information, the identification information for identifying the printing unit is added. A transfer step (step (14) in FIG. 11) for transferring the possible information to another print control apparatus;
A second holding step (step (5) in FIG. 10) of holding each printable information transferred from another print control device in the memory resource, and a priority order of each printable information held in the memory resource A switching process for switching the state of the print control apparatus main body to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus (steps from step (15) to step (16) in FIG. 11; 1
(A step (15) to a step (12)) of a computer-readable program stored in a storage medium. That is, an external storage medium or an internal storage resource to be described later is stored in FIG.
Storing a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG.
From the storage medium storing the program code, the CPU 21
Is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

Thus, the user can execute printing without grasping the status of each printer on the network, and when printing is performed, information specifying the printer that is executing the printing issues a print request. It is sent to the host computer. Also, if printing was not performed,
Since the non-printable code is sent to the host computer which has issued the print request together with the function specification of each printer and a code indicating the current state, various measures can be taken efficiently.

Although the embodiment of the present invention described above has been described with reference to an example of a bus type network, it is also applicable to a token ring type or hub type network.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the execution of printing is controlled using the size of its own address as a priority determination criterion has been described.
A table for determining another priority order may be prepared, and a printer candidate to be selected may be determined with reference to the table (a table considering the distance between the host and the printing apparatus and the throughput). . [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the case where the address of the print execution printer and the non-executable code and the like are transmitted to the host computer in steps (17) and (21) of FIG. It is also possible to perform control so that a printer in the printing system is automatically selected from printer candidates satisfying specifications required by the host computer and printed. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a second print control procedure of the print system according to the present invention.
This corresponds to the processing of each of the print control devices 4 to 6. Note that (2
1) to (27) show each step in FIG. 10 and 12 are executed as independent tasks. Further, the procedure (control program) shown in each step is stored in the ROM 20 shown in FIG. 2 or a memory resource (not shown), and the control program is read and executed by the CPU 17.

In the print execution processing in this embodiment, the print request specification data from the host computers 7 and 8 is
The process is started by being input to the interface IF1 on the print control device via N.

As shown in the example of the print data transmitted from the host computer, as shown in FIG. The first host computer 7 sends data “041” as the first print data (see FIG. 8).
When 0010103102030 ″ is transmitted, FIG.
When the print data is received in step (1) of
Proceeding to step (2), it is determined whether or not printing is currently being performed.
Since printing is not being performed, the process proceeds to step (3). In step (3), the attribute of the received data is determined. However, as shown in the communication data format of FIG. 4, the attribute code “01” of the third byte is the print request specification data.
Proceeding to step (4), the received data is stored in a storage location called a buffer PspecBUF on the RAM 21 shown in FIG. These processes are performed by each of the print control devices 4 to 6 in the present embodiment.

On the other hand, in step (21) of FIG. 12, the printing unit main body 1 connected to the printing control devices 4 to 6
3 and stores the functional specifications and the current state of the connected printing unit main body. Specifically, code “10”
1120213031H "," 102030H "," 1
0203031H "is the first to third print control devices 4 to 6
Is stored in a storage location called a buffer PspecMEM on each of the RAMs 21. Then, the process proceeds to step (22), where the buffer PspecBU on the RAM 21 is stored.
It is checked whether print data is stored in F. As described above, in step (4) of FIG.
410010103102030 "is stored, and the flow advances to step (23).

Here, the print request specification data is compared with the specification of the connected printing unit main body and the current state. That is,
It is checked whether the codes “10”, “20”, and “30” are included in the buffer PspecMEM.
For example, the control procedure of the first print control device 4 will be described. Since the print request specification codes “10”, “20”, and “30” are included in the buffer PspecMEM, the process proceeds to step (24). Sends a print request reception code to another print control device.

That is, "0" is sent to the second printer P2.
“20100300021001” and “03010300021001” to the third printer P3. At this time, “1001” of the last two-byte data portion is “first print data sent from the first host computer 7”. It is shown that.

Therefore, “the first print request sent from the first host computer 7 is the first printer P1
Is received from the first print control device 4 to the second print control device 5 and the third print control device 6. Similar processing is performed by the second print control device 5 and the third print control device 6
Is also performed. Since any one of the first {third print control devices 4 # 6} satisfies the required print specifications, the first {third print control device 4 # 6} as shown in FIG.
In each buffer PokBUF of the RAM 21 on the RAM 6, a print request reception code from another print control device is stored. Then, control is performed from step (24) to step (2).
The process proceeds to 5), where the source address of the print request reception code stored in the buffer PokBUF is compared with its own address, and it is determined whether there is a print request reception code having a larger address. If it is determined that there is, printing is not executed and step (22) is executed.
And waits for the next print request specification data to be stored in the buffer PspecBUF.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (25) that there is no print request reception code having a larger address, the process proceeds to step (26) until the print data corresponding to the print request reception code is received. stand by. In the present embodiment, only the control in the third print control device 6 having the largest address shifts to step (27).

In the present embodiment, N shown in FIG.
o. 10 is transmitted from the first host computer 7 and received by the third print control device 6.
In step (6), it is determined whether the received print data matches the ID of the print request reception code.

More specifically, since the print request host address of the print request reception code and the sequential number match those of the received print data and match, the flow advances to step (7) to store the received print data in the buffer PdataBUF on the RAM 21. Store.

Therefore, the control of the third print control device 6 waiting at step (26) in FIG.
The process shifts to 7) and the print data is transferred to the third print control device 6 to execute printing.

Thus, the user can execute printing without grasping the status of each printer on the network.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory map shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 1 in this embodiment.
The function shown in FIG. 2 may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment 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 the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and 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 composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one 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.

[0095]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to to the ninth aspect, in the print control apparatus for outputting print data to the printing section corresponding to process the print information by communicating with the information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, the the corresponding printing unit The first print specification information is acquired and held, and the attribute of the print information input from the information processing apparatus is analyzed to acquire the second print specification information.
When it is determined that the print specification information of the second print specification information satisfies the acquired second print specification information, the printable information to which the identification information for identifying the print unit is added is transmitted to another print control device connected to the communication medium. Holding the printable information transferred from another print control device, and changing the state of the print control device main body based on the priority order of the held printable information by the print data from the information processing device. Alternatively, by switching to a state of waiting for the next print request, a simple operation of instructing the transfer of a print request to one of the print control devices in a system environment in which a plurality of printing devices having different specification functions can be selected. Thus, desired print data can be automatically selected and transferred to an optimal printing device that satisfies the printing specifications required by the information processing device.

Further, when the control means receives the print data from the information processing apparatus, the control means notifies the information processing apparatus of identification information for identifying a printing unit to be a print execution destination. The printed copy destination can be clearly indicated to the user, and the print result can be promptly collected without error.

Further, when the determining means determines that any of the printable information is not held in the second holding means, the notifying means notifies the information processing apparatus that the print request cannot be made. It is possible to clearly indicate to the user that there is no printing unit that satisfies the required specifications, to recognize that the print data cannot be output, and to prompt the user to change the print specifications.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a print control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a configuration of the print control device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the configuration of each printing unit main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a format of communication data between each print control device and each host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing addresses of respective devices of the printing system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration code of print request specification data transmitted from the host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a buffer Ps that is acquired from the corresponding printing unit by each print control apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and secured in each RAM;
FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing the function specifications and the current state of each printing unit main body stored in pedMEM.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data transmitted from the host computer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a print request reception code stored in a buffer secured in a RAM of the print control device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first printing control procedure of the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first print control procedure of the print system according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second print control procedure of the print system according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing part main body 2 Printing part main body 3 Printing part main body 4 1st printing control apparatus 5 2nd printing control apparatus 6 3rd printing control apparatus 7 1st host computer 8 2nd host computer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 29/38 G06F 3/12 B41J 5/30

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A predetermined print control apparatus for outputting print data via the communication medium to the printing unit corresponding to process the print information by communicating with the information processing apparatus, the first printing from the corresponding print unit A first holding unit that obtains and holds specification information; an obtaining unit that obtains second printing specification information by analyzing an attribute of print information input from the information processing apparatus; and a first holding unit. A determination unit that determines whether the first print specification information held in the storage unit satisfies the second print specification information acquired by the acquisition unit ;
Transfer means for transferring printable information, to which identification information for identifying a printing unit to be added, to another print control device connected to the communication medium, and printable information transferred from the other print control devices And a state of the print control apparatus main body based on the priority of each piece of printable information held in the second holding means, the print data from the information processing apparatus or the next print request. And a control unit that controls to switch to a standby state. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when print data is received from the information processing apparatus, the control unit notifies the information processing apparatus of identification information for identifying a printing unit to which printing is performed. 2. The print control device according to claim 1. A determining unit for determining whether any of the printable information is stored in the second storing unit; and determining whether the printable information is not stored in the second storing unit. 2. A notifying means for notifying a printing request to an information processing apparatus.
The printing control device according to the above. 4. An information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium.
Communicates, processes print information, and prints data to the corresponding print
Print control method in a print control device that outputs data
Te acquires first print specification information from the corresponding print unit
A first holding step of holding in a memory resource, and analyzing an attribute of print information input from the information processing apparatus
Obtaining the second print specification information by performing the first print specification information retained in the memory resource.
To determine whether the second print specification information has been satisfied
A determining step and, when determining that the determining step is satisfied,
Printable information to which identification information that identifies the printing unit
To other print control devices connected to the communication medium.
Write down the transfer process to be transferred and the printable information transferred from other print control devices.
And a priority order of each printable information held in the memory resource.
And a switching step of switching the state of the printing control apparatus main body to a state of waiting for print data or the next print request from the information processing apparatus based on the above . 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the switching step includes a step of :
When print data is received, the corresponding
Notify the information processing device of identification information for identifying the printing unit to be used.
The print control method according to claim 4, wherein 6. The printable information of any one of the memory resources.
Determining whether information is held , and the determining step determines that printable information is not held
Notify the information processing apparatus that the print request cannot be made.
5. The printing control method according to claim 4, further comprising:
Law. 7. An information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium.
Communicates, processes print information, and prints data to the corresponding print
The print control apparatus for outputting data, and obtains the first print specification information from the corresponding print unit
Analyzing a first holding step of holding in a memory resource, and an attribute of print information input from the information processing apparatus;
An obtaining step of obtaining second print specification information, and obtaining the first print specification information held in the memory resource
To determine whether the second print specification information has been satisfied
A determining step and, when determining that the determining step is satisfied,
Printable information to which identification information that identifies the printing unit
To another print control device connected to the communication medium
The transfer process to be performed and the printable information transferred from other print control
And a priority order of each printable information held in the memory resource.
The state of the printing control device main body based on the information processing device
Waiting for print data or the next print request from
Program for executing a switching process for switching
A computer-readable storage medium on which is recorded. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the switching step includes :
When print data is received, the corresponding
Notify the information processing device of identification information for identifying the printing unit to be used.
The storage medium according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The printable information of any of the memory resources.
Determining whether information is held , and the determining step determines that printable information is not held
Notify the information processing apparatus that the print request cannot be made.
8. The storage medium according to claim 7, further comprising a notification step .