JP3706728B2 - Printing apparatus, printing system, status information transmission method, and apparatus to which the status information transmission method is applied - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing system.The stateStatus information transmission method, And devices to which the state information transmission method is appliedAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a printing system in which a host computer and a printing device are connected via a bidirectional interface and the status of the printing device is displayed on the screen of the host computer, information regarding the status of the printing device is actively hosted from the printing device. When transmitting to a computer, a method (broadcast) of transferring similar data to all other devices connected to the network has been adopted.
[0003]
Also, in this type of printing system, when information relating to the state of the printing apparatus is actively transmitted from the printing apparatus to the host computer, the printing apparatus is in response to the notification destination address of the information relating to the state input from the host computer. It was configured to notify about status information.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when information is transmitted by broadcast, information cannot be transmitted to a host computer in a different segment across a router. In addition, when entering the notification destination address of information from the host computer, it is possible to enter the notification address beyond the router, but if the application on the host computer side ends abnormally, the notification address is deleted. Therefore, the contents remain on the printing apparatus side, and as a result, there is a problem that information is transmitted even to a host computer that does not need to be transmitted.
[0005]
  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points, and can eliminate unnecessary data transmission to a host computer.The stateStatus information transmission method, And devices to which the state information transmission method is appliedThe purpose is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Over the network to achieve the above objectivesContactContinuedingInput means for inputting address information for identifying the host device sent from the host device;Input by input meansStorage means for storing address information, detection means for detecting the state of the self apparatus, and information related to the state of the self apparatus detected by the detection means is transmitted to the host apparatus according to the address information stored in the storage means A printing device having a transmission means, wherein the time when the address information sent from the host device is inputtedAddress informationInput time storage means for storing corresponding to the input time, determination means for determining whether or not a difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time, and the determination means When it is determined that the difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time,In order to prevent information related to the state of the own device from being transmitted to the higher-level device by the transmission means,Corresponding to the stored timeRuaDeleting means for deleting dress information from the storage means;When the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means is input by the input means in order to update the time stored in the input time storage means, the time for updating the time corresponding to the address information Update means;It is characterized by providing.
  An input unit for inputting address information for identifying the host computer sent from the host computer connected via the network; a storage unit for storing the address information input by the input unit; Transmission means for transmitting information relating to the state to the host computer in accordance with address information stored in the storage means; time storage means for storing time corresponding to the address information input by the input means; and the input means When address information is input, the time setting means for setting the current time as the time corresponding to the address information, and the difference between the time stored in the time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time The address information corresponding to the time stored in the time storage means is stored in the storage means. If the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means for updating the deleting means to be deleted and the time stored in the time storage means is input by the input means, it corresponds to the address information Time update means for updating the time with the current time.
  Also, the first input means for inputting address information for identifying the host computer sent from the host computer connected via the network, and the address information input by the first input means are stored. A storage unit, a transmission unit that transmits information about its own state to the host computer according to the address information stored in the storage unit, and a host computer connected via a network to update registration of the address information The second input means for inputting the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means, and the same address information after the address information is input by the first input means. If a predetermined time has passed without the address information being input by the second input means, Characterized in that it comprises a deletion means for deleting said address information from said storing means.
[0007]
  furtherThrough the networkContactContinuedingAn input device for inputting address information identifying the other system sent from another system;Input by input deviceA storage device that stores address information, a detection device that detects the state of the self-printing system, and a transmission that transmits information about the state detected by the detection device to the other system according to the address information stored in the storage device A printing system having a device, the time when the address information sent from the other system is inputAddress informationInput time storage means for storing corresponding to the input time, determination means for determining whether or not a difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time, and the determination means When it is determined that the difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time,In order to prevent information about the status of the self-printing system from being sent by the sending device to the other system,Corresponding to the stored timeRuaDeleting means for deleting dress information from the storage device;When the same address information as the address information stored in the storage device is input by the input device in order to update the time stored in the input time storage means, the time for updating the time corresponding to the address information Update means;It is characterized by providing.
[0008]
  In order to achieve the above purpose,Over the networkContactContinuedingAddress information identifying the host device sent from the host deviceEnter the address informationA status information transmission method for a printing apparatus that stores information in a storage unit, detects a status of the own apparatus, and transmits information on the detected status of the own apparatus to the host apparatus according to address information stored in the storage unit. The time when the address information sent from the host device is inputAddress informationMemorize according toAnd the processDetermine whether the difference between the stored time and the current time exceeds a predetermined timeAnd the process, If it is determined that the difference between the stored time and the current time exceeds a predetermined time,In order to prevent information related to the status of its own device from being transmitted to the host device,Corresponding to the stored timeRuaDelete dress informationAnd when the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means is input to update the stored time, the time corresponding to the address information is updated.DoProcessIt is characterized by that.
  Also, a step of inputting address information for identifying the host computer sent from the host computer connected via the network, a step of storing the input address information in the storage means, and information relating to its own state Transmitting to the host computer according to the address information stored in the storage means, and when address information is input, setting the current time as the time corresponding to the address information, and the set time When the difference between the current time and the current time exceeds a predetermined time, the step of deleting the address information corresponding to the set time from the storage means, and the storage means for updating the set time When the same address information as the address information stored in is input, it corresponds to the address information Characterized in that a and a step of updating the current time.
[0009]
  further,A first input step for inputting address information for identifying the host computer sent from the host computer connected via the network, and storing the address information input in the first input step in the storage means A step of transmitting information about its own state to the host computer according to the address information stored in the storage means, and a host computer connected via a network to update registration of the address information. A second input step of inputting the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means, and the same address as the address information after the address information is input in the first input step When a predetermined time has passed without information being input by the second input step, Characterized by a step of deleting the address information from said storage means.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, a laser beam printer (LBP) (hereinafter referred to as “printer”) will be described as an example of a printing apparatus.
[0012]
In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes a printer main body, which stores print information (character code, etc.), form information, macro commands, etc. supplied from an externally connected host computer, and corresponding character patterns according to the information. And form patterns are formed, and an image is formed on recording paper, which is a recording medium.
[0013]
Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, LED indicators, and the like are arranged. Reference numeral 1001 denotes a printer control unit that controls the entire printer main body 1000 and analyzes character information supplied from a host computer. . The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002.
[0014]
The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003 and controls on / off of the laser light 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in accordance with the video signal input from the printer control unit 1001.
[0015]
The laser beam 1004 is swung in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1005 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1006. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006 and then transferred to a recording sheet.
[0016]
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the printer 1000, taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009 and a transport roller 1010, and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006.
[0017]
Further, the printer main body 1000 includes at least one card slot (not shown), and is configured to be able to connect an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system in addition to a built-in font.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system configured by connecting the printer shown in FIG.
[0019]
In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets), etc. are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 3 program ROM. A possible CPU 1 is provided. The CPU 1 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system device 4.
[0020]
The ROM 3 program ROM stores the CPU 1 control program, the ROM 3 font ROM stores font data used for document processing, and the ROM 3 data ROM performs document processing and the like. Various data used at the time are stored.
[0021]
Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory or work area for the CPU 1.
[0022]
A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown).
[0023]
Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10.
[0024]
A memory controller (MC) 7 controls access to the external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or floppy disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like. .
[0025]
A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1000 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (hereinafter referred to as “interface”) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1000.
[0026]
The CPU 1 executes, for example, an outline font rasterization process on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10.
[0027]
Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.
[0028]
In the printer main body 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, and various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14 and controlled. And an image signal as print output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16.
[0029]
The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores a control program for the CPU 12 to execute flowcharts shown in FIGS. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data used when generating the output information. The data ROM of the ROM 13 stores information used on the host computer 3000 in the case of a printer that does not have the external memory 14 such as a hard disk.
[0030]
The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer.
[0031]
Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, work memory, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).
[0032]
The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.
[0033]
Access to the above-described external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.
[0034]
In addition, the input unit 18 is provided with a switch for operation on the operation panel, an LED display, and the like.
[0035]
In addition to the above-mentioned external memory, at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems are connected. It may be configured to be possible. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided, and printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012 may be stored.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the screen of an application that runs on the host computer 3000 described above.
[0037]
3A, reference numeral 3001 denotes a screen of the CRT display 10 provided in the host computer 3000. On the screen 3001, a list of printers connected to the network is displayed for selecting a target printer.
[0038]
In the screen 3001, areas 3002, 3003, and 3004 display printers currently connected to the network, and areas 3005, 3006, and 3007 display printer names. The printer name is acquired by a printer name acquisition command (not shown).
[0039]
By selecting the area 3002, 3003 or 3004 by input from a pointing device (not shown) or the keyboard 9, the operator can select either the printer A, B or C. When a target printer is selected, a screen 3009 is displayed on the CRT display 10. A screen 3009 shown in FIG. 3B is a screen that displays the status of the printer selected on the screen 3001.
[0040]
A screen 3009 includes a message portion 3010 indicating a printer status, a printer image bitmap 3011, and an end button 3012. The message part 3010 and the end button 3012 are displayed according to the status code actively sent from the printer in the form of a notify packet as will be described later.
[0041]
Here, the association between the status code, the message, and the image bitmap is performed based on a status code correspondence table described later. It is assumed that the message character string and the image bitmap corresponding to the status code are stored in advance in the memory (ROM 3 or external memory 11) of the host computer 3000. When the end button 3012 is selected by input from the pointing device or the keyboard 9, the screen 3001 shown in FIG. 3A is displayed again.
[0042]
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the status code table. The status code table indicates the correspondence between the status (state) of the printer and the status code indicating the state in numerical values. This information is stored in advance in the memory (RAM 19, ROM 13 or external memory 14) of the printer 1000. When the status of the printer 1000 changes, the CPU 12 in the printer 1000 detects the change, and outputs a status code described later. The notify packet including the packet is transmitted to the host computer 3000.
[0043]
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the status code correspondence table. The status code correspondence table indicates the correspondence between the status code sent from the printer, the message character string to be displayed, and the image bitmap. This information is stored in advance in the memory of the host computer 3000.
[0044]
When receiving the notify packet from the printer 1000, the host computer 3000 reads the status code stored in the notify packet, refers to the status code, and sends a message character string and an image bitmap corresponding to the status code. A number is determined, and a display corresponding to the determined message character string and image bitmap number is displayed on the display unit 10. There are a plurality of image bitmaps, each of which is pre-numbered.
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of a notify packet transmitted from the printer 1000 to the host computer 3000.
[0046]
As shown in the figure, the notify packet is composed of an area 6001 indicating the type of information (Type), an area 6002 indicating the length of the data part (Size), and an area 6003 indicating the data (Data). ing. In the present embodiment, the area 6001 stores a value STATUS indicating transmission of a status code due to a change in printer status. An area 6003 stores a status code indicating the status of the printer to be transmitted from the printer 1000 to the host computer 3000. In the area 6002, 4 (bytes) is stored as the length of the status code.
[0047]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the host computer 3000. An application program for executing this flowchart is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3. For example, when a predetermined icon is selected by a pointing device on the screen of the host computer 3000 or a predetermined command is input from the keyboard. In some cases, the process is started. However, the process may be started in conjunction with an operation performed by the operator for printing.
[0048]
When the application program is activated, first, the screen shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the display 10 (step S1). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown) (step S2). If there is no input, the procedure of step S2 is repeated until it is determined that there is an input.
[0049]
If it is determined in step S2 that there is an input from the pointing device or the keyboard 9, it is determined whether or not the input is due to the end button 3008 being pressed (step S3), and the end button 3008 is pressed. If it is an input due to an error, the display screen is cleared (step S13), and this application is immediately terminated.
[0050]
If it is determined in step S3 that the end button 3008 has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not the input detected in step S2 is an input for selecting a printer (step S4). The printer is selected by selecting the printer A, B, or C on the screen 3001 shown in FIG. 3A by selecting an area 3002, 3003, or 3004 for displaying the printer name with a pointing device or the like. Is called.
[0051]
If it is determined in step S4 that the input content is not a printer selection input, the procedure in step S2 is repeated.
[0052]
If it is determined in step S4 that the input is a printer selection, the selected printer is specified based on the input content (step S5), and an address registration command is transmitted to the specified printer (step S6). When sending an address, the address of the host computer on which this application is running is sent. As a result, when a change in state occurs in the specified printer, the status of the printer is transmitted to the host computer 3000 in the form of a notify packet.
[0053]
Then, the screen 3009 shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the display 10 of the host computer 3000 (step S7).
[0054]
Here, it is determined whether or not the end button 3012 has been pressed (step S8), and if it has been pressed, an address deletion command is transmitted to the target printer (step S12), and the process of step S1 described above is performed. Will return. If the end button 3012 has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not a notify packet has been input from the printer 1000 (step S9).
[0055]
In step S9, when a notify packet is input from the target printer, the status code in the notify packet is read, and the corresponding message character string is determined by the status code correspondence table shown in FIG. The message is displayed on the screen (step S10). Then, the status code in the notify packet is read, the corresponding image bitmap is determined based on the status code correspondence table shown in FIG. 5, and the determined image bitmap is displayed (step S11). . When the message and the image bitmap are displayed, the process returns to the above-described step S8 and the processing is continued.
[0056]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the address registration table of the printer 1000, and FIG. 8A shows the configuration of the entire address registration table. By registering the address issued from the host computer in this address registration table, a notify packet can be transmitted to the registered address.
[0057]
In this embodiment, the address registration table 8000 can register N pieces of address information, that is, address information of N host computers connected to the printer 1000. In the present embodiment, the protocol type is TCP / IP.
[0058]
Each address information is configured as shown in FIG. That is, each address information includes an area 8002 in which a flag UsedFlag that is turned on when the host computer 3000 corresponding to the address is using the printer 1000, that is, when this entry is used, and the present address. An area 8003 for storing a value AccessTime indicating the time when information is registered in the address registration table, an area 8004 for storing a ProtocolType indicating the type of network protocol, an area 8005 indicating an IP address (IPAddress), and a port number An area 8006 indicating a port number and a reserve area (NULL) 8007 are included.
[0059]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of each configuration of an address registration command, an address deletion command, and a time update command issued from the host computer 3000 to the printer 1000.
[0060]
FIG. 9A shows an address registration command 9000. The address registration command 9000 includes a command part 9001 and parameter parts 9002 to 9005. The parameter parts 9002 to 9005 include an area 9002 indicating a protocol type (ProtocolType), an area 9004 indicating an IP address (IPAddress) as address data, an area 9005 indicating a port number PortNumber, and IPAddress and PortNumber as address data. And an area 9003 indicating the size DataSize.
[0061]
FIG. 9B shows an address deletion command 9006. The address deletion command 9006 includes a command part 9006 and parameter parts 9007 to 9011. The parameter parts 9007 to 9011 include an area 9007 indicating a protocol type (ProtocolType), an area 9010 indicating an IP address (IPAddress) as address data, an area 9011 indicating a port number PortNumber, and IPAddress and PortNumber as address data. And an area 9009 indicating the size DataSize.
[0062]
FIG. 9C shows a time update command 9012. The time update command 9012 includes a command part 9013 and parameter parts 9014 to 9017. The parameter parts 9014 to 9017 include an area 9014 indicating a protocol type (ProtocolType), an area 9016 indicating an IP address (IPAddress) as address data, an area 9017 indicating a port number PortNumber, and IPAddress and PortNumber as address data. And a region 9015 indicating the size DataSize. The time update command is added to the print data and transferred when the host computer 3000 transfers the print data to the printer 1000.
[0063]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the printer operation by the CPU 12 of the printer 1000. A program for executing this flowchart is activated when the printer 1000 is turned on.
[0064]
First, it is determined whether or not there is data input (step S21). If there is no data input, the procedure of step S21 is repeated until it is determined that there is an input.
[0065]
When the data is input, the data input process is performed (step S22), and the input data analysis process is performed (step S23).
[0066]
Here, as a result of the data analysis in step S23, it is determined whether or not the input data is an address information registration command (step S24). If it is an address information registration command, an address information registration process is performed (step S24). S33). When the address information registration process is completed, the process of step S21 described above is performed again.
[0067]
If it is determined in step S24 that the input data is not an address information registration command, it is determined whether the data is an address information deletion command (step S25). If the data is an address information deletion command, an address information deletion process is performed (step S32), and then the process of step S21 is performed again.
[0068]
If the data is not an address information deletion command, it is determined whether or not the data is a time information update command (step S26). If the data is a time information update command, a time information update process is performed (step S26). S31) If it is not a time information update command, it is determined whether the data is a paper discharge command (step S27). If it is determined that the command is a paper discharge command, the printing process (step S29) and the paper discharge process (step S30) are performed, and then the process of step S21 is performed again.
[0069]
If it is determined in step S27 that the command is not a paper discharge command, a drawing process is performed in accordance with a drawing command included in the data (step S28), and then the process returns to step S21 described above.
[0070]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the address information registration procedure executed in step S33 of FIG.
[0071]
When it is determined in step S26 described above that the input data is a time information update command, this flowchart is started. First, the first entry in the address registration table is referred to (step S41). Then, it is determined whether or not the entry is N + 1 (step S42). If the answer is affirmative (YES), this procedure is immediately terminated.
[0072]
If it is determined in step S42 that the entry has not reached N + 1, it is determined whether or not the flag UsedFlag stored in the area 8002 of the address registration table 8000 shown in FIG. 8 is on (step S43). If it is ON, it is determined whether the address to be registered is the same as the address already registered in the entry (step S47). If the address to be registered (the address specified in the parameter part of the address registration command) is the same as the address already registered in the entry, it is not necessary to register, so this procedure is immediately terminated. The
[0073]
If it is determined in step S47 that the address to be registered is not the same as the address already registered in the entry, the next entry is referred to (step S48), and the process in step S42 described above is performed.
[0074]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that the flag UsedFlag is not on, the address information is registered (step S44), the flag UsedFlag is turned on (step S45), and the current time is set to AccessTime (step S44). S46), this procedure is terminated.
[0075]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the address information deletion processing procedure executed in step S32 of FIG.
[0076]
In step S25 described above, when it is determined that the input data is an address information deletion processing command, this flowchart is started. First, the first entry in the address registration table is referred to (step S51). Then, it is determined whether or not the entry is N + 1 (step S52). If the answer is affirmative (YES), this procedure is immediately terminated.
[0077]
If it is determined in step S52 that the number of entries has not reached N + 1, it is determined whether or not the currently referred address is the same as the address to be deleted (step S53). Here, the address to be deleted is an address specified in the parameter part of the address information deletion command.
[0078]
If it is determined in step S53 that the addresses are the same, the address information is deleted (step S55), the flag UsedFlag is turned off (step S56), and this procedure ends.
[0079]
If it is determined in step S53 that the addresses are not the same, the next entry is referred to (step S54), and the process in step S52 is performed again.
[0080]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the time update processing procedure executed in step S31 of FIG.
[0081]
In step S26 described above, when it is determined that the input data is a time information update command, this flowchart is started. First, the first entry in the address registration table is referred to (step S61). Then, it is determined whether or not the entry is N + 1 (step S62). If the answer is affirmative (YES), this procedure is immediately terminated.
[0082]
If it is determined in step S62 that the number of entries has not reached N + 1, it is determined whether or not the flag UsedFlag stored in the area 8002 of the address registration table 8000 shown in FIG. 8 is on (step S63). If it is ON, it is determined whether or not the currently referred address is the same as the address specified as the parameter of the time update command (step S64).
[0083]
If it is determined in step S64 that the addresses are the same, the current time is acquired (step S65), and the current time is set to the designated address (step S66). When the current time setting is completed, this procedure is terminated.
[0084]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that the address to be registered is not the same as the address already registered in the entry, the next entry is referred to (step S67), and the processing in step S62 described above is performed. Is done.
[0085]
If it is determined in step S63 that the flag UsedFlag is not on, the next entry is referred to (step S67), and the above-described processing in step S62 is performed.
[0086]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a timer processing procedure performed in the printer 1000. This procedure is executed by the CPU 12 every predetermined time.
[0087]
First, the current time is acquired from a timer built in the printer 1000 (step S71). Then, the first entry in the address registration table is referred to (step S72), and it is determined whether or not the entry is N + 1 (step S73).
[0088]
If it is determined in step S73 that the entry has not reached N + 1, whether or not the difference between the access time of the entry and the current time acquired in step S71 is greater than time T, that is, from the host computer corresponding to the entry to the printer. It is determined whether or not 1000 has been accessed for time T or more (step S74). Here, the value of the time T is a predetermined value, but may be appropriately changed by the operator.
[0089]
If it is determined in step S74 that there is no access for time T or longer, the address information (ProtocolType, IPAddress, PortNumber) of the entry is deleted (cleared) (step S75), and the flag UsedFlag is turned off (step S76). ). Then, the next entry is referred to (step S77), and the process of step S73 is performed again. If it is determined in step S74 that there is an access within the time T, step S75 and step S76 are skipped, and the process of step S77 is performed.
[0090]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S74 that the entry is N + 1, the processing in steps S74 to S77 is performed for all entries. Here, the status of the printer 1000 is acquired (step S78), and it is determined whether or not the acquired status has changed from the previously acquired status (step S79). The status acquired last time is stored in any of the RAM 19 in the printer 1000, the data ROM in the ROM 13, or the external memory 14.
[0091]
If it is determined in step S78 that the status has not changed, it is not necessary to transmit the status to the connected host computer, so this procedure is immediately terminated.
[0092]
If it is determined in step S78 that the status has changed, the status code is determined based on the status code table shown in FIG. 4 (step S80), and a notify packet including the status code is transmitted. (Step S81). In step S81, the notify packet including the current printer status is not transmitted to the host computer that has not been accessed for the predetermined time T or longer, and has been accessed within the predetermined time T in which the address information is registered. Sent only to the host computer.
[0093]
As described above, according to this embodiment, address information of a host computer that has already been connected is not deleted due to an abnormality of an application that sends address information in the host computer 3000. Even in such a case, since the address information of the host computer 3000 that has not been accessed for the predetermined time T or longer in the printer 1000 is deleted, unnecessary data transmission to the host computer can be eliminated.
[0094]
The printer status acquisition command transmitted from the host computer 3000 to the printer 1000 is not limited to the same logical channel as the print data, and different channels may be used in an interface having a plurality of logical channels.
[0095]
The interface unit of the printer 1000 is not limited to an interface built in the printer, and an interface board that can be attached to and detached from the printer 1000 main body may be used.
[0096]
In the present embodiment, the memory for storing the address registration table is not limited to the RAM 19, the data ROM 13, and the external memory 14 of the printer 1000, and can be configured as another nonvolatile secondary storage device.
[0097]
Further, in the present embodiment, one host computer and one printer are connected and the above processing is performed in the printer. However, if the functions of the present invention are executed, a single unit is used. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a printer system including a plurality of devices.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above,The present inventionAccordingIfAddress information of the higher-level device or other system whose connection has already ended due to an error in the application that sends the dress informationIs leftThe address information of the higher-level device or other system that has not been accessed for a predetermined timeTheDeleteCanEliminate necessary data transmission.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus (printer) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system configured by connecting the printer illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen configuration of an application that runs on the host computer shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a status code table.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a status code correspondence table.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a notify packet.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the host computer.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a printer address registration table.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of each configuration of an address registration command, an address deletion command, and a time update command.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printer control procedure performed in the printer.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an address information registration procedure executed in step S33 of FIG.
12 is a flowchart showing an address information deletion processing procedure executed in step S32 of FIG.
13 is a flowchart showing a time update processing procedure executed in step S31 of FIG.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a timer processing procedure performed in the printer 1000. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 CPU (detection means, discrimination means, deletion means)
13 ROM (storage means, input time storage means)
18 Input unit (input means, transmission means)
19 RAM (storage means, input time storage means)
21 network
1000 Printer (Printing device)
3000 Host computer (host device)

Claims (15)

Input means for inputting the address information for identifying the host device sent from the higher-level device which is connected via a network,
Storage means for storing address information input by the input means ;
Detection means for detecting the state of the self-device;
A printing apparatus and a transmitting means for transmitting information regarding the state of the self apparatus detected by said detection means to said host apparatus in accordance with the stored address information in the storage means,
Input time storage means for storing the time when the address information sent from the host device is input in correspondence with the address information ;
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time;
When it is determined by the determination means that the difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time, information on the state of the own device is transmitted to the host device by the transmission means. in order to avoid sending a deleting means for deleting the luer dress information to correspond to the stored time from said storage means,
When the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means is input by the input means in order to update the time stored in the input time storage means, the time for updating the time corresponding to the address information Update means;
A printing apparatus comprising: The input means inputs address information corresponding to a registration command and address information corresponding to a time update command,
The storage means stores address information corresponding to the registration command according to the registration command,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time update unit updates a time corresponding to the same address information as the address information corresponding to the time update command according to the update command. The input means inputs address information corresponding to a delete command,
The deletion means is configured to obtain address information corresponding to the deletion command from the storage means in accordance with the deletion command even when the difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time does not exceed a predetermined time. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is deleted. 4. The transmission unit according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits information related to the state of the own device to the higher-level device in accordance with address information stored in the storage unit according to a change in the state of the own device. The printing apparatus according to any one of the above. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deleting unit sets the address information in an overwritable state in the storage unit in order to delete the address information from the storage unit. Input means for inputting address information for identifying the host computer sent from the host computer connected via the network;
Storage means for storing address information input by the input means;
Transmitting means for transmitting information relating to its own state to the host computer according to address information stored in the storage means;
Time storage means for storing time corresponding to the address information input by the input means;
When address information is input by the input means, time setting means for setting the current time as the time corresponding to the address information;
Deleting means for deleting address information corresponding to the time stored in the time storage means from the storage means when the difference between the time stored in the time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time; ,
In order to update the time stored in the time storage means, an application stored in the storage means is used. When the same address information as the dress information is input by the input means, time update means for updating the time corresponding to the address information with the current time;
A device characterized by comprising: The input means inputs address information corresponding to a registration command and address information corresponding to a time update command,
The storage means stores address information corresponding to the registration command according to the registration command,
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the time updating unit updates the time corresponding to the same address information as the address information corresponding to the update command in accordance with the update command. The device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the deleting means sets the address information in a state in which the address information can be overwritten in the storage means in order to delete the address information from the storage means. First input means for inputting address information for identifying the host computer sent from the host computer connected via the network;
Storage means for storing address information input by the first input means;
Transmitting means for transmitting information relating to its own state to the host computer according to address information stored in the storage means;
Second input means for inputting the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means, sent from a host computer connected via a network to update the registration of the address information;
After address information is input by the first input means, if the same address information as the address information is not input by the second input means and a predetermined time has elapsed, the address information is deleted from the storage means Delete means to
A device characterized by comprising: The first input means inputs address information corresponding to a registration command,
The device according to claim 9, wherein the second input means inputs address information corresponding to a time update command. The device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the deleting means sets the address information in a state in which the address information can be overwritten in the storage means in order to delete the address information from the storage means. An input device for inputting address information for identifying the other systems coming from other systems that are connected via a network,
A storage device for storing address information input by the input device ;
A detection device for detecting the status of the self-printing system;
A printing system comprising: a transmission device that transmits information related to the state detected by the detection device to the other system according to address information stored in the storage device;
Input time storage means for storing the time at which the address information sent from the other system is input in correspondence with the address information ;
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time;
When it is determined by the determination means that the difference between the time stored in the input time storage means and the current time exceeds a predetermined time, information on the state of the self-printing system is transmitted by the transmission device to the other in order not sent to the system, and deleting means for deleting luer dress information to correspond to the stored time from said storage device,
When the same address information as the address information stored in the storage device is input by the input device in order to update the time stored in the input time storage means, the time for updating the time corresponding to the address information Update means;
A printing system comprising: Enter the address information for identifying the host device sent from the higher-level device which is connected via a network, stores address information entered in the storage means, to detect the state of the self apparatus, the detection A status information transmission method for a printing apparatus that transmits information related to the status of the self-apparatus to the host apparatus according to address information stored in the storage means,
A step of storing the time at which the address information sent from the host device is input in correspondence to the address information,
A step difference between the stored time and the current time to determine whether it exceeds a predetermined time,
When it is determined that the difference between the stored time and the current time exceeds a predetermined time, the stored time is used to prevent information related to the state of the own device from being transmitted to the host device. and a step to remove the luer dress information to respond to,
A step of updating the time corresponding to the address information when the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means is input to update the stored time. Information transmission method. Inputting address information identifying the host computer sent from the host computer connected via the network;
Storing the input address information in a storage means;
Sending information about its own state to the host computer according to address information stored in the storage means;
When the address information is input, a step of setting the current time as the time corresponding to the address information;
A step of deleting address information corresponding to the set time from the storage means when a difference between the set time and the current time exceeds a predetermined time;
A step of updating the time corresponding to the address information with the current time when the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means is input to update the set time. A characteristic state information transmission method. A first input step of inputting address information specifying the host computer sent from the host computer connected via the network;
Storing the address information input in the first input step in a storage means;
Sending information about its own state to the host computer according to address information stored in the storage means;
A second input step for inputting the same address information as the address information stored in the storage means sent from a host computer connected via a network in order to update the registration of the address information;
After the address information is input by the first input step, if the same address information as the address information is not input by the second input step and the predetermined time has elapsed, the address information is deleted from the storage unit And a state information transmitting method.

Images