JP3707218B2 - Printing system, printing method and printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing method, and a printer that can process a plurality of types of information with different priorities, such as print data, according to the priorities.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional printing system, for example, print data is generated on a host computer such as a personal computer, and the print data is transmitted to a printer connected to a network or locally. The printer performs predetermined printing on the print recording medium by interpreting the received print data and driving the print engine.
[0003]
Data other than print data can be transmitted from the host computer to the printer. For example, the host computer can inquire about various printer statuses (paper remaining amount, toner remaining amount, etc.). The host computer can also request the printer to stop printing urgently.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, according to the above-described conventional technology, since one logical channel is assigned to the physical interface between the host computer and the printer, only one type of information can be transmitted at a time. In other words, when data from the host computer is transmitted to the printer, the next data cannot be transmitted until the data transmission is completed. This is because the logical channel is occupied until the first data transmission is completed.
[0005]
Therefore, for example, even if an attempt is made to cancel the printing after transmitting the print data to the printer, the print cancel command cannot be transmitted to the printer until the transmission of the print data is completed. For this reason, the prior art has a problem in that data with high processing priority and high urgency cannot be quickly processed, such as an emergency stop command or interrupt printing data.
[0006]
In addition, the conventional technique has a problem in that it has low usability because there is only one logical channel.
[0007]
Furthermore, when multiple logical channels are formed on a single physical interface, packet data with different priorities are mixed, so depending on the reception status from logical channels with lower priorities, there is an opportunity to receive data with higher priorities. May be lost. That is, for example, when a large amount of low-priority data is transmitted and the reception buffer for receiving the data becomes full, the lower-priority data cannot be received any more, so the reception itself is stopped. It is necessary to wait for a margin in the reception buffer. Accordingly, it is impossible to receive high priority data while waiting for low priority data processing to proceed. For this reason, the opportunity to receive highly urgent information may be reduced, and the processing speed may be reduced.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the various problems as described above. The purpose of the present invention is to increase the opportunity to receive high-priority information and to process a plurality of types of information with different priorities. A printing system, a printing method, and a printer are provided.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the printing system according to the present invention maintains or improves the reception opportunity of information with high priority by observing the reception state of information with low priority.
[0010]
That is, in the invention according to claim 1, an information generation device that generates and transmits a plurality of types of information with different priorities, the information from the information generation device is received via a network, and the information is received. In a printing system including a printer that processes each according to the priority, the network generates a plurality of logical channels having different priorities, and the information generation device is configured to generate the information based on the priority. The printer transmits data to each logical channel, and the printer receives from the high-order logical channel set with a relatively high priority based on the reception status from the low-order logical channel set with a relatively low priority. A reception opportunity prediction means for predicting a reception opportunity; and a low-order logical channel based on the predicted reception opportunity to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel. Receiving speed setting means for setting the receiving speed from the network, and processing means for determining the priority of each piece of information based on each logical channel and processing each according to the priority. Yes.
[0011]
Here, “priority” means the degree of priority in processing. The “plural types of information” can include, for example, print data and an emergency stop command, normal print data, interrupt print data, and the like. The “information generating device” can be realized by, for example, a printer driver on a host computer. “Network” means a network connected by a communication line, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. “Reception opportunity” means an opportunity to receive information and a reception probability. “Reception speed” means the speed at which information is received, and is specifically the amount of information received per unit time.
[0012]
The information generation device generates a plurality of types of information having different priorities. Next, the information generation apparatus transmits each information to each logical channel based on the priority. That is, each logical channel is assigned a priority, and high priority information is transmitted to the printer via a logical channel having a high priority. Therefore, the printer can determine the priority of the received information by identifying the logical channel used for information transmission, and can perform processing according to the priority of the information.
[0013]
Here, since there is a single physical interface, if an information transfer failure occurs in a low-order logical channel, the opportunity to receive information from the high-order logical channel decreases, and processing of high-priority information is delayed. It will be. For example, when the reception buffer connected to the low-order logical channel is full and new information cannot be received, reception itself is stopped. Therefore, even if high priority information is sent to the network, the printer cannot receive this high priority information.
[0014]
Therefore, the reception opportunity predicting means predicts a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel based on the reception state from the low-order logical channel. The reception speed setting means sets the reception speed from the low-order logical channel based on the predicted reception opportunity in order to secure the reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel. For example, if it is predicted that the reception opportunity of high priority information will be lost due to the reception stop, the reception speed of the low priority information may be reduced so that the reception stop does not occur. As a result, a high-priority information reception opportunity is secured, and highly urgent information can be quickly processed.
[0015]
As in the invention according to claim 2, the plurality of logical channels can be generated at least in the transport layer or more.
[0016]
Here, the “transport layer” is a transport layer in an OSI (Open System Interconnection) reference model, which is an architecture for mutual communication between systems established by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). Means. By generating a plurality of logical channels above the transport layer, a plurality of logical channels can be obtained without adding hardware resources or setting a plurality of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.
[0017]
As in the invention according to claim 3, the reception opportunity predicting means is configured to receive from the high-order logical channel based on at least one of a margin of a reception buffer connected to the low-order logical channel and a decrease rate of the margin. Can be received.
[0018]
Here, the “margin” means a capacity at which the reception buffer can receive new information, that is, an amount of free memory. If the reception buffer has a small margin, it can be estimated that the probability of occurrence of reception stop due to the reception buffer being full is high. In addition, when the rate at which the melted amount of the reception buffer decreases is high, in other words, even when the information accumulation rate of the reception buffer is high, there is a possibility that the reception buffer becomes full after a short period of time, leading to reception suspension. It can be estimated to be high. Accordingly, by monitoring at least one of the margin of the reception buffer connected to the low-order logical channel and the rate of decrease of the margin, the reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel can be easily predicted.
[0019]
As in the invention according to claim 4, when the predicted reception opportunity is lower than a predetermined value, the reception speed setting means uses the low-order logical channel to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel. The receiving speed can be reduced.
[0020]
Here, in the case where “the predicted reception opportunity is lower than a predetermined value”, in addition to the case where the predicted reception opportunity is lower than a predetermined value, an area in which the predicted reception opportunity is set in advance Including the case of belonging to. That is, for example, if a plurality of areas are set according to the reception buffer margin and the predicted value falls within an area where the reception opportunity decreases, the reception speed from the low-order logical channel may be decreased. it can. By reducing the reception speed from the low-order logical channel, the opportunity to receive high priority information can be relatively increased.
[0021]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing method for generating and transmitting a plurality of types of information having different priorities, and processing each information received via the network according to the priorities, the network includes A plurality of logical channels are generated at least above the transport layer, each channel is assigned a different priority, each information is transmitted to each logical channel based on the priority, and the priority is relative Based on at least one of the margin of the reception buffer connected to the low-order logical channel set to a low level and the rate of decrease of the margin, the priority from the high-order logical channel set to a relatively high priority In order to predict a reception opportunity and to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel, the low-order logical channel is based on the predicted reception opportunity. Set the reception speed from Le, said determining the priority of each information based on the logical channel, it is characterized by treating each according to the priority.
[0022]
Thus, the same effect as that attained by the 3rd aspect can be attained.
[0023]
In the invention according to claim 6, in a printer that receives a plurality of types of information with different priorities via a network and processes each information according to the priorities, a plurality of logical channels generated in the network are transmitted to the plurality of logical channels. Predicting reception opportunities from higher-order logical channels with relatively high priorities based on the receive buffers assigned to them and the reception status from lower-order logical channels with relatively low priorities Receiving opportunity predicting means, receiving speed setting means for setting a receiving speed from the low-order logical channel based on the predicted receiving opportunity, in order to secure a receiving opportunity from the high-order logical channel, A discriminating unit for discriminating the priority of the information received in the reception buffer, and executing the requested processing according to the discriminated priority of the information. Is characterized by comprising a processing unit that, the.
[0024]
Here, “processing means” means means for processing input information. Specifically, means for performing printing based on print data, means for operating in accordance with a control command, and the like. included. By monitoring the reception status of the low-order logical channel, predicting the reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel, and setting the reception speed from the low-order logical channel to ensure the reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel, It is possible to prevent a failure such as a memory shortage when receiving from a low-order logical channel, and to process highly urgent information promptly.
[0025]
As in the invention according to claim 7, the plurality of logical channels can be generated at least in the transport layer or more.
[0026]
Thereby, the same effect as that of the invention according to claim 1 can be obtained.
[0027]
In the invention according to claim 8, the reception opportunity prediction means receives from the high-order logical channel based on at least one of the margin of the reception buffer connected to the low-order logical channel and the rate of decrease of the margin. Predict opportunities.
[0028]
Thus, the same effect as that attained by the 3rd aspect can be attained.
[0029]
As in the invention according to claim 9, when the predicted reception opportunity is lower than the predetermined value, the reception rate setting means is configured to receive from the low-order logical channel in order to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel. The reception speed can also be reduced.
[0030]
Thus, the same effect as that attained by the 4th aspect can be attained.
[0031]
In the invention according to claim 10, in the program recording medium recording the computer program for controlling the printer, the function for determining the priority of the plurality of logical channels formed in the network and the priority set relatively low A reception opportunity prediction function for predicting a reception opportunity from a high-order logical channel whose priority is set relatively high based on a reception state from the received low-order logical channel, and a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel The computer can read and understand a program for causing the computer to realize a reception speed setting function for setting a reception speed from the low-order logical channel based on the predicted reception opportunity. Recorded in form.
[0032]
Here, for the “program recording medium”, various recording media such as a floppy disk (FD), a compact disk (CD-ROM, CD-R), a hard disk (HD), and a flash memory can be employed. . The present invention is not limited to this, and a communication medium can also be used, for example, such as remotely downloading a program via a communication line.
[0033]
By causing the computer to read the recording medium on which the predetermined program is recorded, it is possible to process according to the priority of the information without missing the highly urgent information.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0035]
1. First embodiment
1-1 Configuration
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The host computer 1 can be realized as, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, a portable information terminal, or the like, and is configured as a computer system including various memories such as a data memory and an image memory and an arithmetic processor. The host computer 1 is provided with an application program 2 and a printer driver 3.
[0036]
The printer driver 3 as the “information generation device” generates and issues print data and control commands as “plural types of information”. The printer driver 3 includes, for example, a print data generation unit 4 that can be expressed as a print data generation unit, and a priority table 5. The printer driver 3 can preferably use computer resources of the host computer 1. The source code generated by the application program 2 such as document creation software is converted into print data by the print data generation unit 4. The generated print data is sent to the communication line 100 via the interface (hereinafter abbreviated as “I / F”) 6 and input to the printer 11 via the communication line 100.
[0037]
The printer driver 3 can also issue various control commands such as a print job cancel request and a print stop request as necessary. Various methods can be employed for generating print data. For example, the print data may be generated by converting the input source code into a predetermined print language by the printer driver 3, or the print data is generated by converting the input source code into bit image data. May be.
[0038]
For example, the priority table 5 that can be expressed as priority management means is for managing the priority of various types of information generated by the printer driver 3 and the priority of logical channels to be described later. As shown in FIG. 2A, the priority table 5 stores information types, priorities, and logical channel types in association with each other. For example, information 1 in FIG. 2A is a highly urgent control command such as print stop, information 2 is another control command such as a status information request, information 3 is interrupt print data, and information 4 is normal. Print data can be used.
[0039]
Therefore, by referring to the priority table 5, information can be transmitted from a predetermined logical channel according to the priority. The priority table 5 may be provided outside the printer driver 3.
[0040]
The printer 11 includes a control unit 12, an interpretation unit 13, a print engine 14, a priority table 15, a reception speed setting unit 22, and the like.
[0041]
Information such as print data transmitted from the host computer 1 is input to the I / F 16 via the communication line 100. Information input to the I / F 16 is distributed to the ports 17A and 17B corresponding to each logical channel. Specifically, in the I / F 16, the destination port number of the input information (packet data) is inspected, and the information is distributed to each port corresponding to the destination port number with the header portion removed. Receiving buffers 18A and 18B are connected to the ports 17A and 17B, respectively.
[0042]
Here, the priority of the logical channel corresponding to the port 17A is set higher than the priority of the logical channel corresponding to the port 17B. The logical channel to which port 17A corresponds is a high-order logical channel, and the logical channel to which port 17B corresponds is a low-order logical channel. In the present embodiment, a control command is input to the reception buffer 18A as high priority information, and print data is input to the reception buffer 18B as low priority information. The size (memory capacity) of the reception buffer 18A to which a control command is input is set smaller than that of the reception buffer 18B to which print data is input. Further, the reception buffer 18A always secures a memory capacity of a certain amount or more in order to receive the control command reliably. In other words, even when a large amount of print data is received, the reception buffer 18B cannot consume all the memory, and the use of the memory is limited by the reception buffer 18A. Note that the memory capacity of each of the reception buffers 18A and 18B may be fixed, but may be changed dynamically according to the usage status of each logical channel, the transmission frequency, and the like.
[0043]
The control unit 13 monitors the input of information to the reception buffers 18A and 18B, and controls the processing state based on the priority of the input information. For example, when a print job cancel request command is input to the reception buffer 18A, the control unit 13 refers to the priority table 15 to determine the processing priority of the cancel request command, and interprets the interpreter 13. Etc. to cancel the print job. Further, the control unit 13 can permit processing of low priority information, that is, print data, until high priority information is input.
[0044]
The print data input to the reception buffer 18B is interpreted by the interpretation unit 13 and developed in the output buffer 19. The bit image data developed in the output buffer 19 is transferred to the print engine 14 and printed on the print recording medium by the print engine 14. As the print engine 14, various types such as an ink jet type, a thermal transfer type, and a laser type can be adopted.
[0045]
For example, in the priority table 15 on the printer 11 side that can be expressed as a priority management means, as shown in FIG. 2B, a priority is associated with each logical channel and stored. Note that the priority table 5 on the host computer 1 side may be expressed as first priority management means, and the priority table 15 on the printer 11 side may be expressed as second priority management means.
[0046]
The reception state of the reception buffer 18B that receives print data with low priority is monitored by the margin amount detection unit 20 and the decrease rate detection unit 21. The margin amount detection unit 20 detects the amount of free memory in the reception buffer 18B. The decrease speed detector 21 detects the speed at which the margin of the reception buffer 18B decreases. Here, each detection unit 21 may be configured to simply detect the margin and the decrease rate, or may be configured to output a detection signal when a change of a predetermined value or more occurs. For example, the margin amount detection unit 20 can be configured to output a detection signal when the margin amount of the reception buffer 18B reaches a predetermined value or less. Similarly, the decrease rate detector 21 can be configured to output a detection signal when the margin reduction rate of the reception buffer 18B reaches a predetermined value or more.
[0047]
The reception speed setting unit 22 sets the reception speed from the low-order logical channel based on the margin amount from the margin amount detection unit 20 and the decrease rate from the decrease rate detection unit 21. The reception speed setting unit 22 can set the reception speed of print data by referring to a reception speed table 23 described later with reference to FIG.
[0048]
Here, for example, three types of methods can be employed for setting the reception speed. The first method is to change the number of packets received within a unit time. When the packet data length is fixed, the amount of data received within a unit time can be controlled by changing the number of packets. The second method is to change the data length of the packet. When a packet has a variable structure, the amount of received data per unit time can be controlled by changing the data length. In the third method, the number of packets and the packet data length are appropriately changed. In the present embodiment, a case where the first method is adopted is exemplified.
[0049]
Next, a logical channel construction method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a simplified OSI reference model. The application layer in FIG. 3 includes a presentation layer and a session layer.
[0050]
For example, when generating a plurality of channels in the data link layer / physical layer, Ethernet may be used on the one hand and serial transmission may be used on the other hand. In this case, for example, information input via Ethernet can be processed as low-priority print data, and serially transmitted information can be processed as a high-priority control command.
[0051]
When a plurality of logical channels are generated in the network layer, a plurality of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses may be set as illustrated as ADR1 and ADR2. In this case, for example, one IP address ADR1 can be used to accept print data, and the other IP address ADR2 can be used to accept a control command. Alternatively, a plurality of logical channels can be formed by using two types of protocols, ie, IP protocol and IPX (Internetwork Packet eXchange) protocol. In this case, for example, the IP protocol can be used to accept print data, and the IPX protocol can be used to accept control commands.
[0052]
Further, when a plurality of logical channels are generated in the transport layer, for example, a protocol such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), Telnet (Telecommunication network), or Lpr (Lineprinter protocol) can be used properly. That's fine. Here, since each protocol has a predetermined port number, for example, information input by specifying the port number 161 is processed as information in accordance with SNMP, and input by specifying the port number 21. The processed information is processed as information according to FTP. The port number 23 corresponds to Telnet, and the port number 515 corresponds to Lpr.
[0053]
When a plurality of logical channels are generated in the application layer, a plurality of print queues may be properly used as illustrated as Q1 and Q2. In this case, one print queue Q1 can be used for receiving print data, and the other print queue Q2 can be used for receiving control commands.
[0054]
In this manner, a plurality of logical channels can be formed by properly using the protocols and print queues in each network layer. Here, when a plurality of channels are generated in the data link layer / physical layer, hardware is required, which causes an increase in cost and a complicated structure. In addition, when a plurality of channels are generated in the network layer by using a plurality of IP addresses, a plurality of IP addresses must be set in advance for one printer 11, so that the setup work becomes complicated and the usability is reduced. To do. Therefore, in this embodiment, a plurality of logical channels are formed above the transport layer.
[0055]
Note that CH1 to CH4 in FIG. 3 indicate logical channels. In the present embodiment, two types of logical channels are used: a high-order logical channel for transmitting control commands and a low-order logical channel for transmitting print data. Therefore, for example, in this embodiment, CH1 and CH3 are used.
[0056]
1-2 Action
Next, the effect | action of this Embodiment is demonstrated based on FIGS. First, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing on the host computer 1 side.
[0057]
In step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1, for example, information input from the application program 2 or the like is analyzed. That is, the type of information such as print data and control commands is inspected. Next, the priority table 5 is referenced based on the inspected information type (S2), and the priority of the input information is determined (S3). Further, the logical channel used for transmission is also determined by determining the priority.
[0058]
And transmission data is produced | generated by performing the process of adding a required header part to information (S4). This transmission data is transmitted to the printer 11 via a predetermined logical channel (S5). Next, it waits until a reception notification is received from the printer 11 (S6). The printer 11 issues a data reception notification in units of packets or in units of groups in which several packets are grouped. Upon receiving the reception notification from the printer 11, the host computer 1 determines whether or not the data transmission is completed (S7). If there is remaining data, the host computer 1 returns to S5 and sends the next data to the printer 11. Send.
[0059]
Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the receiving process on the printer 11 side. First, in S11, the maximum reception speed Vmax is set. Next, it is determined whether or not the margin of the reception buffer 18B connected to the low-order logical channel is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (S12). When the margin of the reception buffer 18B is insufficient, the reception speed is adjusted by S14 and S15 described later. On the other hand, if the margin of the reception buffer 18B is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is further determined whether or not the margin decrease rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (S13). When the reduction rate of the margin amount is larger than the predetermined value, the reception speed is adjusted by S14 and S15. When the decrease rate is small, S14 and S15 are skipped, and the print data is received at the maximum reception rate Vmax.
[0060]
That is, the case where the margin of the reception buffer 18B is small and the case where the reduction rate is fast even though the margin is sufficient are cases where there is a high possibility that the reception buffer 18B is full and new print data cannot be received. is there. Stopping reception of print data due to insufficient capacity of the reception buffer 18B indicates that data transfer between the I / Fs 6 and 16 is stopped. Therefore, even when a control command with a high priority is transmitted on the communication line 100, this means that the control command with high urgency cannot be received. S12 and S13 correspond to “reception opportunity prediction means”.
[0061]
Therefore, in order to secure a reception opportunity of the control command from the high-order logical channel, the reception speed table is referred based on the margin of the reception buffer 18B (S14), and the reception speed is reduced below the maximum reception speed Vmax (S15). . As shown in FIG. 6, in the reception speed table 23 that can be expressed as reception speed management means, the reception speed is set stepwise for each margin of the reception buffer 18B. Therefore, the reception speed can be read from V1 to Vmin according to the margin of the reception buffer 18B. In addition, as shown with a dashed-two dotted line in FIG. 6, you may set to linear form.
[0062]
After setting the reception opportunity as described above, print data is received from the host computer 1 (S16), and the host computer 1 is notified that the print data has been received (S17). Then, it is determined whether or not all the print data has been received (S18), and the processes of S11 to S17 are repeated until the reception is completed. As a result, the print data is initially received at the maximum reception speed Vmax. However, if the margin of the reception buffer 18B decreases due to the stagnation of the printing process in the printer 11, the print data reception speed is gradually lowered. . Specifically, for example, the reception speed can be reduced by delaying the reception notification to the host computer 1.
[0063]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a change in the transmission state of print data flowing through the communication line 100. In the figure, the time T is divided into 10 packets. White squares indicate print data packets, and hatched squares indicate control command packets. As shown in FIG. 7 (A) → (B) → (C), as the margin of the reception buffer 18B decreases, the speed at which the print data packet is received decreases, and control is relatively performed. Opportunities to receive commands will increase.
[0064]
Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing on the printer 11 side. First, in S21, it is monitored whether information such as print data or a control command is input from the host computer 1. When information is input from the host computer 1, this information is stored in a predetermined reception buffer. The priority of the received information is determined by checking which reception buffer stores the information and referring to the priority table 15 (S22).
[0065]
Next, it is determined whether or not there is a job currently being processed (S23). If no other preceding job exists, “NO” is determined in S23, and the received information is processed (S24). That is, for example, when the received information is print data, the print data is interpreted and printing is executed. When the received information is a control command, various operations are performed according to the contents of the control command.
[0066]
On the other hand, for example, if another print job is being processed, “YES” is determined in S23, and then the priority of the job currently being processed is compared with the priority of the latest information received in S21. (S25). If the priority of the preceding job is higher than the priority of the received information, the received information is placed in a standby state (S26).
[0067]
Conversely, if the priority of the received information is higher than the priority of the preceding job, processing of the preceding job is interrupted (S27), and processing of the received information is executed first (S28). .
[0068]
It should be noted that various methods can be employed for interrupting the preceding job in S27. For example, it may be determined whether or not to permit processing of high-priority information according to the time until the preceding job is completed. For example, when the preceding job is completed by printing several more sheets, high priority information may be processed after the preceding job is completed. In addition, the reference time for determining whether to wait for the completion of the preceding job can be variably set according to the difference in priority.
[0069]
According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0070]
First, by monitoring the reception state of the reception buffer 18B that receives low-priority print data, the control command reception opportunity of the high-priority control command is predicted, and the print command of the print data is ensured. In order to adjust the reception speed, even when a large amount of print data is transmitted, a highly urgent control command can be promptly received and processed. That is, even when a large amount of low-priority information is transmitted and the margin of the reception buffer 18B becomes small, it is possible to increase the reception opportunity of high-priority information and receive it reliably, improving usability and the like. .
[0071]
Secondly, since a plurality of logical channels are formed between the host computer 1 and the printer 11 and processing is performed based on the priority of information, for example, highly urgent information such as a print emergency stop command is promptly transmitted. Can be processed. In addition, since information with high priority is quickly processed, wasteful consumption of printing resources can be prevented and usability is improved.
[0072]
Third, since a plurality of logical channels are generated in the transport layer or higher, a plurality of logical channels can be obtained easily and easily. That is, it is not necessary to add hardware resources such as a communication circuit or to set a plurality of IP addresses, so that a plurality of logical channels can be easily generated. For example, when a large number of logical channels are generated in the application layer by increasing the types of print queues, the information transmitted from the host computer 1 to the printer 11 becomes longer, and the information transmission efficiency and processing efficiency are increased accordingly. descend. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to “generate a plurality of logical channels by combining a protocol in the transport layer and a print queue in the application layer”.
[0073]
Fourth, since priority is determined in advance for each logical channel, information transmission efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where priority is embedded in the header portion of information.
[0074]
2. Second embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The feature of this embodiment is that the reception speed is set based on the margin amount and the decrease speed of the reception buffer 18B.
[0075]
2-1 Configuration
As shown in FIG. 9, the printing system according to this embodiment also includes a host computer 1 for generating print data and a printer 31 for performing print processing and the like. The printer 31 has a reception opportunity prediction table 32 in addition to the configuration of the printer 11 in the embodiment.
[0076]
As shown in FIG. 10, the reception opportunity prediction table 32 is divided into a plurality of areas according to the margin amount and the decrease rate of the margin amount, and the reception opportunity of the control command is set in each area. Yes. Note that the percentage display of the reception opportunity shown in FIG. 10 schematically shows a change tendency, and the numerical value has no special meaning. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the reception buffer 18B has a large margin and the decrease rate is slow, the control command reception opportunity is set to be high, and as the margin decreases. Alternatively, the reception opportunity is set to decrease as the decrease rate increases. Then, the reception speed setting unit 22 predicts the reception opportunity by referring to the reception opportunity prediction table 32, and sets the print data reception speed in order to secure the reception opportunity of the control command.
[0077]
2-2 Action
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. Since the host-side process and the printer-side process are the same as those in the first embodiment, the reception process characteristic of this embodiment will be described.
[0078]
As shown in the reception processing flowchart of FIG. 11, first, in S31, the maximum reception speed Vmax is set. Next, the margin of the reception buffer 18B and the decrease rate of the margin are detected (S32, S33). The reception opportunity of the control command is predicted by referring to the reception opportunity prediction table 32 based on the margin amount and the decrease rate (S34). Then, it is determined whether or not the predicted reception opportunity (abbreviated as “predicted value” in the drawing) is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S35). If the predicted reception opportunity is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the reception speed table 23 is referred to (S36), and the reception speed is set (S37). On the other hand, when the predicted reception opportunity exceeds a predetermined value, the reception speed need not be adjusted, and thus S36 and S37 are skipped.
[0079]
Then, as in the above embodiment, the print data is received from the host computer 1 (S38), and a reception notification is sent to the host computer 1 (S39). The processes of S31 to S39 are repeated until it is determined in S40 that all the print data has been received.
[0080]
In the present embodiment configured as described above, the same operation as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In addition, in the present embodiment, the reception opportunity of the control command can be predicted in detail by the reception opportunity prediction table 32. In this case, the reception speed table 23 may be configured with the predicted reception opportunity on the horizontal axis instead of the margin of the reception buffer 18B.
[0081]
A person skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the above embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention can also be realized by storing a predetermined program in a recording medium MM and loading the program into the printer 11. Examples of the recording medium include various tangible storage media such as a ROM, an FD, a CD-ROM, and a memory card, and a communication medium that is downloaded via a communication network.
[0082]
In each of the above embodiments, the control command is given as the high priority information, and the print data is given as the low priority information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, interrupt print data (high priority). Degree) and normal print data (low priority), and can also be applied to other information.
[0083]
In the first embodiment, the reception opportunity is predicted on and off, and in the second embodiment, the reception opportunity prediction table 32 is used for prediction in multiple stages. The reception opportunity may be calculated using a predetermined arithmetic expression.
[0084]
Further, the host computer 1 does not have to be realized as a personal computer or the like. For example, print data or the like may be directly input to the printer 11 from another information generation device such as a digital still camera.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the printing system, the printing method, and the printer according to the present invention, it is possible to secure and promptly receive a high-priority information reception opportunity. Information can be processed according to priority. Therefore, highly urgent information can be processed promptly, improving usability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a priority table.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for generating a plurality of logical channels in each layer of the network.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing for generating information such as print data on the host computer side.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating information reception processing by the printer.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a reception speed table.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the reception speed of high priority information is relatively increased by lowering the reception speed of low priority information.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating received information processing on the printer side.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a reception opportunity prediction table.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a receiving process of the printer.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Host computer
3 Printer driver
5 Priority table
11 Printer
12 Control unit
13 Interpreter
14 Print Engine
15 Priority table
18A Receive buffer
18B receive buffer
20 Margin detection unit
21 Decrease speed detector
22 Reception speed setting section
23 Reception speed table
31 Printer
32 Reception opportunity prediction table

Claims (10)

An information generation device that generates and transmits a plurality of types of information with different priorities, and a printer that receives each information from the information generation device via a network and processes each information according to the priority In a printing system comprising
A plurality of logical channels having different priorities are created in the network;
The information generation device transmits each piece of information to each logical channel based on priority,
The printer is
A reception opportunity prediction means for predicting a reception opportunity from a high-order logical channel set with a relatively high priority based on a reception state from a low-order logical channel set with a relatively low priority;
A reception rate setting means for setting a reception rate from the low-order logical channel based on the predicted reception opportunity in order to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel;
A printing system comprising: a processing unit that determines the priority of each piece of information based on each logical channel and processes the information according to the priority. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of logical channels are generated at least in a transport layer or more. The reception opportunity prediction means predicts a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel based on at least one of a margin amount of a reception buffer connected to the low-order logical channel and a reduction rate of the margin amount. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2. The reception speed setting means reduces the reception speed from the low-order logical channel in order to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel when the predicted reception opportunity is lower than a predetermined value. The printing system according to claim 1. In a printing method for generating and transmitting a plurality of types of information with different priorities, and processing each information received via a network according to the priorities,
In the network, a plurality of logical channels are generated at least above the transport layer,
Each channel is assigned a different priority,
Transmitting each piece of information to each of the logical channels based on the priority,
Based on at least one of the margin of the reception buffer connected to the low-order logical channel whose priority is set relatively low and / or the rate of decrease of the margin, the high priority is set relatively high Predict the receiving opportunity from the logical channel,
Setting a reception rate from the low-order logical channel based on the predicted reception opportunity in order to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel;
A printing method characterized in that the priority of each piece of information is determined based on each logical channel, and processing is performed according to the priority. In a printer that receives a plurality of types of information with different priorities via a network, and processes each information according to the priorities,
Receive buffers respectively assigned to a plurality of logical channels generated in the network;
A reception opportunity prediction means for predicting a reception opportunity from a high-order logical channel set with a relatively high priority based on a reception state from a low-order logical channel set with a relatively low priority;
A reception rate setting means for setting a reception rate from the low-order logical channel based on the predicted reception opportunity in order to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel;
A discriminating means for discriminating the priority of the information received in each receiving buffer;
A printer comprising: processing means for executing each requested process in accordance with the determined priority of information. The printer according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of logical channels are generated at least in a transport layer or higher. The reception opportunity prediction means predicts a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel based on at least one of a margin amount of a reception buffer connected to the low-order logical channel and a reduction rate of the margin amount. The printer according to claim 6 or 7. The reception speed setting means reduces the reception speed from the low-order logical channel in order to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel when the predicted reception opportunity is lower than a predetermined value. Item 9. The printer according to any one of items 6 to 8. In a program recording medium recording a computer program for controlling a printer,
A function for determining the priority of a plurality of logical channels formed in a network;
A reception opportunity prediction function for predicting a reception opportunity from a high-order logical channel set with a relatively high priority based on a reception state from a low-order logical channel set with a relatively low priority;
A program for causing the computer to realize a reception speed setting function for setting a reception speed from the low-order logical channel based on the predicted reception opportunity in order to secure a reception opportunity from the high-order logical channel. A program recording medium on which the computer is recorded in a form that can be read and understood by the computer.

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