JP3711425B2 - Network-compatible printing apparatus, printing method, and network printing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network-compatible printing apparatus, a printing method, and a network printing system that can directly access an information resource existing on a network such as the Internet and can download and print the information resource. The present invention relates to a network-compatible printing apparatus, a printing method, and a network printing system provided with a storage unit capable of storing and storing information resources.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a network printer connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and shared by a plurality of host computers is conventionally known. Such network printers receive print jobs from a plurality of host computers connected to the network and perform printing. On the other hand, the Internet is known as a worldwide network formed by connecting a large number of networks to each other.
[0003]
A network printer according to the prior art will be described with reference to FIG. The Internet 100 is a worldwide network formed by interconnecting several backbone networks, and a multi-vendor compatible communication protocol such as TCP / IP (for example, TCP / IP) for performing data communication between servers 101 of different models. It employs Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and the like.
[0004]
Here, each server 101 normally stores a plurality of information resources in the spool 102. As information resources, home pages provided by WWW (World Wide Web) servers, files provided by FTP (File Transfer Protocol) servers, net news provided by news servers, and the like are known.
[0005]
A LAN 103 can be connected to the Internet 100. A plurality of host computers 104 serving as clients are connected to the LAN 103. A network printer 105 shared by each host computer 104 is also connected to the LAN 103. The LAN 103 is connected to the Internet 103 via a router 106 or the like.
[0006]
Each host computer 104 can use various information resources held by each server 101 by connecting to the server 101 via the router 106 or the like. Various information resources downloaded from each server 101 are reproduced by software such as browsing software and viewer installed in the host computer 104.
[0007]
Among the downloaded information resources, printable information such as document data and still image files can be printed out on a print recording medium by the network printer 105. In this case, the host computer 104 that performs printing outputs print data including the LAN address, print data, control code, and the like of the network printer 105 on the LAN line. The network printer 105 that has received this print data executes printing.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described prior art, when obtaining information resources stored in a WWW server or the like on the Internet 100 as a printed matter, the user first starts up the host computer 104 to access the desired server 101, and the second The target document data must be downloaded into the host computer 104, and thirdly, the downloaded document data must be printed.
[0009]
Therefore, for example, when acquiring periodically updated information resources such as a home page on a WWW server as printed matter, operations such as starting up the host computer 104 and accessing the server must be performed each time. In other words, there is a drawback that it takes time to obtain the target print recording medium.
[0010]
In recent years, the number of Internet users has increased rapidly, and data with a large load such as moving images and voices tends to circulate in the network. Therefore, in times when usage is concentrated, the line is often congested, and there is a high possibility that a desired server cannot be accessed. In this case, since it is necessary to access again in anticipation of a time with little congestion, the usability is low.
[0011]
Further, when the information resource that has been received before is printed again, it must be reconnected to the information resource for reception, which increases the communication path traffic and increases the communication cost.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the various problems as described above. The purpose of the present invention is to register the information for specifying the name and address of the desired information resource and the access time in advance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network-compatible printing apparatus, a printing method, and a network printing system that can print information resources without waste. More specifically, when the pre-registered access time is reached, the pre-registered information resource is accessed without going through the host computer, and if the content of the information resource is updated, it is received and printed. On the other hand, to provide a network-compatible printing apparatus, printing method, and network printing system in which communication resources can be effectively used by reading out and printing from storage means when the contents of information resources are not updated It is in.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the network-compatible printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit capable of storing the received information resource, and intervenes with a host computer when a pre-registered access time is reached. If the content of the information resource is new, the information resource is received and printed. If the content of the information resource is not changed, the storage means is used. Reading and printing are performed.
[0014]
In other words, the invention according to claim 1 is a network-compatible printing apparatus that is connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers and receives and prints information resources stored in each of the servers. Print management means for executing printing by controlling the printing means based on the network, network connection means for connecting to the network, and specifying information and access time necessary for specifying the information resource. Access management information registering means for registering as information, history management means for managing information for identifying information resources connected in the past and information for determining the contents of information resources as history information, and received information Storage means for storing resources, connected to the registered information resources based on the access management information, and based on the history information If the content of the connected information resource does not match the content of the previous print, the information resource is received and printed by the print control means, and the content of the connected information resource is the previous print And a network control unit that reads out the information resource from the storage unit and prints the information resource.
[0015]
Here, “a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers” refers to a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers, such as the Internet or an intranet, and includes a LAN. The “information resource” means, for example, a WWW server home page, an FTP server file, or the like. “Identification information” is information necessary to identify each information resource such as a homepage or document file. For example, “http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/abc/japanese/seihinn/ Information such as “device / device.htm” that is necessary for specifying a desired information resource from a plurality of information resources of the server. Accordingly, the information for identification includes a server address (IP address), a file name, and the like. The information resource is not limited to a document file described in the html format, but includes various document files described in various languages, still image files, and the like. “Content determination information” means whether or not the contents of the information resource match at the previous connection and the current connection, that is, the information resource has been updated and has new information different from the previous connection. It is information for determining whether or not it is. As the content determination information, for example, creation time data in which a document file such as “'97 / 01/23” is created, or error detection data extracted from an information resource such as a checksum is used. be able to.
[0016]
When the user designates information for specifying a desired information resource and an access time in advance, the information for specifying and the access time are registered as access management information in the access management information registering means. When the registered access time arrives, the network control means actively connects to the registered information resource via the network connection means without going through the host computer. Then, the network control means determines whether or not the content of the information resource is different from the previous time based on the history information, that is, whether or not the content of the information resource has been updated. Receives information resources and prints. On the other hand, if the current content matches the previous content, the information resource stored in the storage means is read and printed.
[0017]
As a result, the user can easily obtain the print recording medium as the final object while reducing the amount of data communication with the server only by specifying the information for specifying the information resource and the access time. Can do. In addition, since the access time can be specified by selecting a time zone with a low network usage frequency, the access efficiency can be improved.
[0018]
In the invention according to claim 2, the network control unit prints in the past a reception history determination unit that determines whether or not the connected information resource has been printed in the past based on the history information. In the case of a certain information resource, it comprises content determination means for determining whether or not the content of the information resource matches the content of the previous printing based on the history information, and the content determination means If the information resource is received, the information is received and printed by the print control unit, and if the content determination unit determines a match, the information resource is read from the storage unit and printed. It is a feature.
[0019]
If new information resources that have never been connected / printed in the past are registered by determining the reception history of the information resources based on the history information, there is no need to determine whether the contents of the information resources match or not. Can be printed. Then, when the reception history remains, it is determined whether or not the contents of the information resource are updated.
[0020]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network-compatible printing method that is connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers, receives and prints information resources stored in each of the servers, and specifies the information resources. History information including a step for registering information for specifying and access time necessary for access as access management information, information for specifying information resources connected in the past, and information for determining contents of the information resources Managing the connection information resource based on the access management information, storing the received information resource in a storage means, and connecting the connected information resource based on the history information. In the case of an information resource that has been printed in the past and an information resource that has been printed in the past, it is based on the history information. A content determination step for determining whether or not the content of the information resource matches the content at the time of the previous printing, and when the mismatch determination is made by the content determination step, the information resource is received and the print A step of printing by the control unit; a step of reading the information resource from the storage unit and printing when the match determination is made by the content determination step; and a step of updating the history information. It is characterized by.
[0021]
Thereby, the same effect as that of the invention according to claim 1 and claim 2 can be obtained.
[0022]
Further, in the invention according to claim 8, a host computer that specifies identification information necessary for specifying the information resource stored in the server on the network is connected to the information resource instructed from the host computer, A network printing system comprising: a printer device that receives and prints the information resource, wherein the printer device controls printing based on received data to perform printing, and the network Network connection means for connecting to the network, access management information registration means for registering the information resource specifying information and access time instructed from the host computer as access management information, and information resource specifying in the past Information and content determination information for determining the content of the information resource are managed as history information. A history management means for storing, a storage means for storing the received information resource, a connection to the registered information resource based on the access management information, and a content of the connected information resource based on the history information printed last time If the contents of the connected information resource match the contents of the previous print, the information resource is received and printed by the print control means. Network control means for reading out the information from the storage means and causing the print control means to print, and the host computer includes instruction means for instructing the printer device to specify information for specifying the information resource. It is characterized by the construction.
[0023]
Thus, the printer device is connected to the information resource at a predetermined access time only by designating a desired information resource from the host computer to the printer device, and the contents of the information resource are updated. While receiving and printing, if there is no change in content, it can be read out from the storage means and printed, and printed matter can be easily obtained while reducing the amount of data communication with the server. Note that as the information for content determination, data at the time of creation of the information resource or error detection data extracted from the information resource can be used.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same elements as those described in the prior art are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0025]
1. First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 4 show a network-compatible printing apparatus and a network printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network printing system according to this embodiment.
[0026]
1-1 Printer-side Functional Configuration A printer 1 as a network-compatible printing apparatus or “printer apparatus” according to this embodiment is connected to a host computer 2 and is configured to be connectable to the Internet 100. That is, the printer 1 is equivalent to the host computer 2 with respect to the Internet 100 and actively accesses the Internet 100 to download data.
[0027]
As will be described later, the printer 1 includes a network connection unit (abbreviated as “network I / F” in the figure) 3, a memory 4, a print control unit 5, a print engine 6, a network control unit 7, and a registration. Unit 8, timer 9, history management table 10, power management unit 11, and storage device 12.
[0028]
The network connection unit 3 as a “network connection unit” includes, for example, a LAN driver for connecting to the LAN 103, various protocol groups such as TCP / IP and HTTP, and various hardware such as Ethernet. Yes. The printer 1 can be connected to the host computer 2 and the Internet 100 via the network connection unit 3 or the like.
[0029]
The memory 4 stores data such as an HTML document as an example of information resources downloaded from each server 101, data input from the host computer 2, and the like, and is managed by the memory management unit 4A.
[0030]
The print control unit 5 as “print control means” interprets data input from the server 101 or the host computer 2 to generate final print data, and based on control data such as line feed and page break and print data. Then, printing is executed by controlling the print engine 6.
[0031]
The print engine 6 includes, for example, a paper feed mechanism, a print head, and the like, and performs printing on a print recording medium such as paper. As the print engine 6, various engines such as a page printer that prints in units of pages such as a laser printer, a serial printer that prints in units of one character such as an inkjet printer and a thermal transfer printer, and a line printer that prints in units of lines are used. be able to.
[0032]
The network control unit 7 as a “network control unit” controls access to the Internet 100 via the network connection unit 3. The network control unit 7 monitors whether or not the access time has been reached based on the timing information of the timer 9. When the access time has been reached, the network control unit 7 sends the server 101 having a predetermined address stored in the registration unit 8. It accesses and downloads desired information resources. Further, as an internal function of the network control unit 7, the history determination unit 7A as a “reception history determination unit” that determines the reception history of the information resource, and “content determination” A content determination unit 7B as “means”.
[0033]
The registration unit 8 serving as “access management information registration means” includes information for specifying information resources (server address and file name) designated by the user via the host computer 2, access time to be connected to the information resources, A forced print request command for executing printing even when the content of the information resource has not been updated is stored. In the figure, the identification information is expressed as “address”.
[0034]
The history management table 10 as “history management means” for managing history information is formed in the memory 4, for example, and includes information for specifying information resources connected in the past and data at the time of creation of the information resources. They are managed in association with each other. That is, as shown in the configuration explanatory diagram of FIG. 2, the history management table 10 stores the identification information ADR of each information resource and the creation time data TI indicating the date and time when each information resource was created in association with each other. are doing.
[0035]
Then, the history determination unit 7A of the network control unit 7 searches the history management table 10 to determine whether or not the information for identifying the information resource registered in the registration unit 8 is recorded in the history management table 10. Is received or printed in the past. When a new information resource that has not been received / printed in the past is registered in the registration unit 8, the information for specifying the new information resource is added to the history management table 10. When the capacity of the history management table 10 is full, for example, it is possible to delete information resources that are less frequently used and store the reception history of new information resources.
[0036]
The content determination unit 7B of the network control unit 7 reads the content determination information of the connected information resource, that is, the creation time data from the history management table 10, and the creation time data obtained at the previous reception and the creation time obtained by this connection When the creation data obtained by this connection is newer than the previous creation data, it is determined that the content of the information resource has been updated.
[0037]
Here, the creation time data is data (for example, time stamp) indicating the date and time when the information resource is created or updated. The time unit to be managed may be “year / month / day”, “hour / minute / second”, or both. For example, when the contents of a document file as an information resource are updated, the creation data is changed at the time of update and stored in the server 101 or the like. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the contents of the information resources match by comparing the creation data of the target information resource with the creation data stored in the history management table 10. More specifically, for example, in the HTTP protocol, a command for extracting only various data attributes such as the date, data format, and data size that the server recognizes that the information resource was last updated is prepared. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an update by requesting the server 101 only to transfer the creation data.
[0038]
The power management unit 11 that can be expressed as “power management means” includes switch means provided between a power supply unit (not shown) and each power consumption unit such as the print engine 6. The power management unit 11 supplies normal power scheduled for each power consumption unit in the normal mode, supplies power only to a predetermined part set in advance in the saving mode, and powers for other parts. Cut or reduce the supply. For example, when the print job does not occur for a predetermined time or more, and when the host computer 2 or the network control unit 7 is instructed to shift to the saving mode, the power management unit 11 shifts from the normal mode to the saving mode. To do. On the other hand, when a print job occurs, the power management unit 11 returns from the saving mode to the normal mode.
[0039]
The storage device 12 as “storage means” is configured as a large-capacity auxiliary storage device such as a flash ROM, a hard disk device, a CD-R device, a magneto-optical disk device, a DVD-RAM device, or a magnetic tape device. . The storage device 12 stores and saves information resources received via the network.
[0040]
1-2 Functional Configuration on the Host Computer Side As will be described later, the host computer 2 includes a network connection unit (abbreviated as “network I / F” in the figure) 21 and a printer driver 22 as components related to printing. It is out.
[0041]
The network connection unit 21 is for connecting to the LAN 103, and can perform bidirectional data communication with the printer 1 via the network connection unit 21 and the LAN 103. The host computer 2 can also be connected to the Internet 100 via the network connection unit 21, the LAN 103, the router 106, and the like.
[0042]
The printer driver 22 interprets a source code input from an application program 23 (abbreviated as “application” in the drawing) 23 such as word processing software or drawing software, for example, by referring to a font memory or the like. Print data based on the print command system is generated. As an internal function of the printer driver 22, it interprets the source code from the designation unit 22 </ b> A as an “instruction means” and an application program 23 for instructing the printer 1 to specify information resources such as URL (Uniform Resource Locator). And a command generation unit 22C that generates print data according to a predetermined print command system based on the interpretation result of the interpretation unit 22B.
[0043]
1-3 Process Flow Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a registration process for registering information for specifying information resources and access time instructed from the host computer 2 to the printer apparatus 1.
[0044]
In step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1, specifying information such as a server address and a file name necessary for specifying information resources to be accessed to the printer 1 is instructed by the designation unit 22 </ b> A of the host computer 2. Specifically, the user inputs identification information such as the name and address of the desired information resource via the input device (mouse, keyboard, etc.) of the host computer 2. The identification information such as the address instructed in S1 is temporarily stored in S2. Next, in S3, it is determined whether or not a cancellation input has been made. Since the cancellation input is made when the user requests cancellation due to an input error or the like, the data input in S4 is reset, and the process returns to S1.
[0045]
On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in S3, it is determined in S5 whether or not the input of specifying information is completed. When the input of the information for specifying the information resource desired to be printed is completed, the process proceeds to S6, where the designated information resource is accessed and the printing time and the forced print request command are designated. Here, the forced printing request command is for instructing whether or not to execute printing even when there is no change in the contents of the information resource. When the forced print request command is set to “on”, printing is performed regardless of changes in the content of the information resource, and when the forced print request command is set to “off”, the content of the information resource. Printed only when there is a change.
[0046]
The information resource specifying information, the access time, and the forced print request command input in this manner are associated with each other and stored in the registration unit 8 of the printer 1 as shown in FIG. 3 (S7). .
[0047]
Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an access process in which the printer 1 receives and prints the designated information resource. First, in S11, it is monitored whether or not the access time designated based on the timing information of the timer 9 has arrived. When the access time has arrived, S11 is determined as “YES”, and in S12, a wakeup signal is sent to the power management unit 11 to set the normal mode. Thereby, normal power is supplied to each power consuming unit such as the print engine 6. Note that the timing for transmitting the wake-up signal to the power management unit 11 varies depending on the specifications of the printer 1 and the like. For example, in the case of a laser printer equipped with a fixing device having a long setup time, it is preferable to shift to the normal mode as soon as possible. Further, for example, in the case of an on-demand type ink jet printer, since the rise time is relatively short, it is possible to delay the transition timing to the normal mode to the reception start point of information resources.
[0048]
Next, in S13, the designated information resource is connected to the server 101 storing the information via the network connection unit 3, and in S14, it is determined whether or not the connected information resource has been received before. To do. That is, it is determined whether or not the information resource specified this time has been received in the past by searching whether or not the information for specifying the information resource specified this time is stored in the history management table 10. To do.
[0049]
When it is determined “NO” in S14, the designated information resource is a new information resource. Therefore, in S21, the information for specifying the new information resource and the creation time data are added to the history management table 10. Then, the entire new information resource is received (S23) and printed by the print engine 6 (S24). After printing, the creation data is stored (S25), and the received data is stored in the storage device 12 (S26).
[0050]
Here, the storage device 12 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a plurality of information resources. For example, when the remaining capacity of the storage capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined value, an information resource with a low usage frequency is deleted. Thus, processing such as increasing the free space or requesting replacement of the storage medium can be performed.
[0051]
After the data is transferred from the memory 4 to the storage device 12, the data in the memory 4 is discarded. By discarding the received data in the memory 4 each time printing is performed, a large number of information resources can be printed with relatively small memory resources. However, when a sufficiently large memory resource is mounted in the printer 1, the communication time can be shortened by printing all information resources after completing reception. Furthermore, since the large-capacity storage device 12 is provided in the present embodiment, the data in the storage device 12 can be read and printed together after the reception of all information resources is completed.
[0052]
On the other hand, if it is found from the history management table 10 that the information resource designated this time has been received and printed in the past, the information resource already obtained as a paper medium is printed in duplicate. Since there is a possibility, in the following processing, it is determined whether or not duplicate printing is performed.
[0053]
Therefore, in S15, a part of the information resource is received. Here, “part of the information resource” in the present embodiment means creation time data (for example, time stamp) when the information resource is created, and means that data attribute (creation time data) of the information resource is received. It is. In S16, the data at the time of creation of the information resource is compared with the data at the time of previous reception / printing stored in the history management table 10, and whether or not the data at the time of creation is new, that is, the data at the time of creation is updated. It is determined whether or not it has been done. In general, when the contents of various document files and data files such as part specifications and business reports are corrected, the date and time of creation are updated by the corrector. Further, when the information resource is updated, the time stamp is updated by the file management program on the server 101.
[0054]
Therefore, if the data at the time of creation of the information resource is updated, that is, if the data at the time of creation of this time is newer than the data at the time of creation of the previous reception, the contents of the information resource are modified. It is a case that can be considered. Therefore, if the creation data has been updated, S16 is determined as “YES”. As a result, the entire information resource is received and printed (S23, S24). Then, after the creation data of the history management table 10 is updated (S25), the information resource whose contents are updated is stored in the storage device 12 (S26).
[0055]
On the other hand, if the information resource has not been updated as a result of comparing the creation data, S16 determines “NO” and ends the connection with the network (S17). Next, in S18, it is determined whether or not a forced printing request command is set. When the forced print request command is set (ON), the user wants to print again regardless of whether or not the contents of the information resource are updated. Therefore, the information resource stored in the storage device 12 is read (S20), and printing is executed (S21).
[0056]
When the forced print request command is not set (when it is off), the user does not desire duplicate printing. Accordingly, in S19, a print cancellation process such as setting a flag indicating that the connected information resource has been canceled to the registration unit 8 or notifying the host computer 2 of a message indicating that the information has not been printed because the content has not been changed. Execute.
[0057]
The processes in S11 to S26 are repeated until it is determined in S27 that printing of all designated information resources has been completed. Note that the information resource for which the print cancellation flag is set is determined to be a job end. When printing of all designated information resources is completed, the data temporarily stored in the memory 4 is deleted, and the connection with the server 101 or the like is terminated.
[0058]
According to this embodiment configured as described above, the user simply accesses the printer 1 via the host computer 2 to specify the information for specifying the desired information resource, and accesses and receives the designated information resource. Is executed by the printer 1, the information resources on the network can be easily obtained as printed matter without the intervention of the host computer 2. In addition, after instructing the information resource specifying information from the host computer 2, the host computer 2 is released from the flow of printing processing of the information resource, so the host computer 2 can execute another application program. , Improve usability.
[0059]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the creation data of the information resource is compared with the creation data at the previous reception recorded in the history management table 10, and if the creation data is updated, the information resource If the data at the time of creation is not updated, the amount of data communication with the server 101 on the network is reduced because the information resource is read from the storage device 12 and printed. Can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain a desired printed matter while preventing an increase in traffic.
[0060]
In addition, it is determined based on the creation data that the information resource has been created whether or not the content of the information resource matches the previous reception / printing time, that is, whether or not the content of the information resource has been updated. Because of the configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the contents are updated by simply receiving the creation data first, and the communication time can be reduced.
[0061]
Further, it is determined whether or not the specified information resource has been printed in the past by searching whether or not the information for specifying the specified information resource is stored in the history management table 10. When a new information resource that has never been printed is designated, a desired printed matter can be obtained promptly because the printing is performed without comparing the creation data.
[0062]
Further, in the present embodiment, the power management unit 11 sets the standby power to the saving mode and shifts to the normal mode after the access time arrives, so that power consumption can be reduced.
[0063]
2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The feature of this embodiment is that it is determined based on the elapsed time on the printer 1 side, rather than determining whether or not contents are updated based on the creation time data of the information resource.
[0064]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the history management table 31 used in the network-compatible printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the history management table 31, the information for identification and the relative creation data are stored in association with each information resource.
[0065]
Here, the relative creation time data RTI means the elapsed time measured with reference to the printer 1 side. That is, for each information resource, the time on the printer 1 side at the previous reception / printing (the time based on the timing information from the timer 9) is stored as a reference time, and based on the elapsed time from the reference time, This is for determining whether to perform reception / printing.
[0066]
Also in the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the elapsed time based on the time on the printer 1 side is used as the relative creation time data RTI, the printer 1 side can be used even when there is an error in the update time of the information resource. Whether the content is new or old can be determined based on the elapsed time at.
[0067]
3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The feature of this embodiment is that error detection data extracted from information resources is used as content determination information.
[0068]
Based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the access processing according to the present embodiment will be described. As in the above embodiment, first, it is monitored whether or not the access time has arrived (S31), and when the access time has arrived, a transition is made to a normal mode in which normal power is supplied (S32). Then, a predetermined information resource is accessed based on the registered identification information (S33). Then, by searching whether or not the information for specifying the connected information resource is stored in the history management table 41, it is determined whether or not the information resource has been received in the past (S34).
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the history management table 41 according to the present embodiment, the data size and checksum of the information resource are stored in association with each other for specifying information of each information resource. Here, in the present embodiment, for example, the data size and checksum are extracted for a part of the information resource such as the top data of the information resource (the top part in the data transfer).
[0070]
For example, as indicated by a two-dot chain line on the lower side in FIG. 7, when the character code “ABC <FF>” is stored in a specific area of the information resource (target area for content matching determination) Since there are four data “A”, “B”, “C”, and “<FF>”, the data size DSZ is “4”. “<FF>” is a control command indicating a page break. Further, since each data is converted into a decimal number, it becomes “65”, “66”, “67”, “12”, and therefore the checksum CSM becomes “210”. Therefore, by comparing the data size DSZ and the checksum CSM between the previous reception / printing and the current reception / printing, whether or not the contents of the information resources match, that is, the contents are updated. It can be determined whether or not it has been done. The above is an example for convenience of description.
[0071]
If the identification information does not remain in the history management table 41, the identification information is added to the history management table 41 (S42), and the entire information resource is received and printed (S43, S44). Then, the data size and checksum extracted from the information resource are stored in the history management table 41 (S45), and the received information resource is stored in the storage device 12 (S46).
[0072]
On the other hand, if the identifying information remains in the history management table 41, for example, a part of the predetermined information resource such as the data of the head part is received (S35), and a part of this information resource is received. It is determined whether or not the data size and checksum extracted from the data match the previous data size and checksum stored in the history management table 41 (S36). When the data size and the checksum do not match the previous reception / printing, the information resource contents have changed. Accordingly, the entire information resource is received and printed (S43, S44), the data size and the checksum are updated (S45), and the information resource is stored in the storage device 12 (S46).
[0073]
When the data size and the checksum extracted from a part of the information resource coincide with the data size and the checksum at the previous reception / printing, it is a case where it can be considered that there is no change in the contents of the information resource. Therefore, after the connection with the network is terminated (S37), it is determined whether or not a forced print request command is set for this information resource (S38). If the forced print request command is not set, Print cancel processing is performed (S39). If the forced print request command is set, the information resource stored in the storage device 12 is read (S40) and printed (S41).
[0074]
The processes in S31 to S46 are repeated until it is determined in S47 that printing of all designated information resources has been completed. On the other hand, when printing of all the designated information resources is finished, the connection to the network is finished and the process is finished (S48).
[0075]
Also in the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the data size and checksum extracted from a part of the information resource are used as the content determination information, it is more accurately determined whether or not the content of the information resource has been updated. It can be determined, and wasteful printing can be prevented. In this embodiment, a case has been described in which a part of the information resource is received to determine whether the checksum matches or does not match. Instead, a command for extracting only the checksum of the entire information resource is prepared. In such a case, it is possible to determine whether the contents match or not by receiving only the checksum of the entire information resource.
[0076]
In addition, in this embodiment, the data size is used as information for content determination in addition to the checksum, so that the checksum value coincides by chance. Even in this case, it is possible to determine whether the contents match or do not match.
[0077]
4). Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The feature of this embodiment is that the printer 1 provided with the storage device 12 can be used as an HTTP proxy server.
[0078]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the present embodiment, and the printer 1 is interposed between the host computer 2 and the server 101. In the drawing, only the parts that are particularly important with respect to the present embodiment among the constituent parts of the printer 1 are shown.
[0079]
The network control unit 7 of the printer 1 is provided with a proxy unit 51 that implements a proxy function. The proxy unit 51 interprets a request message from the host computer 2 and determines whether data (information resource) requested by the host computer 2 is stored in the storage device 12. When the data requested by the host computer 2 is stored in the storage device 12, the proxy unit 51 performs the request on behalf of the server 101 without transmitting the request message from the host computer 2 to the server 101. Are transferred to the host computer 2.
[0080]
On the other hand, when the data requested by the host computer 2 is not stored in the storage device 12, the proxy unit 51 accesses the predetermined server 101 to download the information resource requested by the host computer 2, and stores this data. The data is stored in the storage device 12 and transferred to the host computer 2.
[0081]
In the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments described above can be obtained. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the proxy unit 51 and the storage device 12 are provided in the printer 1, when the host computer 2 requests transfer of the same data as the data stored in the storage device 12. Can transfer data stored in the storage device 12 to the host computer 2, and can go to the server 101 only for data not stored in the storage device 12. That is, since the printer 1 functions as an HTTP proxy server, response time can be shortened and traffic can be reduced.
[0082]
This embodiment can be expressed as follows, for example. “The network control unit determines whether or not the information resource requested to be transferred is stored in the storage unit. If the information resource is stored, the network control unit reads the information resource from the storage unit and transfers it to the transfer request source. 5. A network-compatible printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising proxy means for requesting a predetermined server to transfer the information resource when it is not stored. Here, the “transfer request source” refers to a request for transfer of information resources, and specifically corresponds to, for example, the host computer 2. The “predetermined server” means a server having the information resource requested to be transferred. Note that the fourth embodiment can be expressed as a network-compatible printing method or a network printing system based on the above expression example.
[0083]
A person skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in each embodiment. For example, in place of the checksum, other error detection data such as a parity check can be used, or the comparison of the data size can be abolished and the content match or mismatch can be determined only by the checksum. it can. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which checks whether both the data at the time of creation and the data for error detection check whether the content of the information resource has changed.
[0084]
In each of the above embodiments, the reception history of the specified information resource is confirmed after the network connection. On the contrary, the network connection is made after confirming the reception history of the specified information resource. But you can.
[0085]
Furthermore, the printer 1 is not limited to a printer-dedicated machine, and may be a multifunction machine having functions such as a copying machine and a facsimile machine.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the network-compatible printing apparatus, printing method, and network printing system according to the present invention, the specified information resource is received and printed simply by registering the information for specifying the desired information resource in advance. can do. Further, since the storage means for storing the received information resource is provided, the content stored in the storage means can be printed when there is no change in the content, and the communication resource can be used effectively.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a network printing system and the like according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a history management table.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a registration process for registering information resources.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an access process for accessing a specified information resource and performing printing.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a history management table used in a network printing system or the like according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing access processing in a network printing system or the like according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a history management table according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a network printing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional network printer that passively processes print data input from a host computer.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Host computer 3 Network connection part 5 Print control part 6 Print engine 7 Network control part 7A History determination part 7B-7B2 Content determination part 8 Registration part 9 Timer 10, 31, 41 History management table 12 Storage device 51 Proxy part 100 Internet 101 server 106 router

Claims (8)

A network-compatible printing apparatus that is connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers and receives and prints information resources stored in each of the servers,
Printing control means for executing printing by controlling the printing means based on the received data;
Network connection means for connecting to the network;
Access management information registration means for registering information for identification and access time necessary for specifying the information resource as access management information;
History management means for managing information for identifying information resources connected in the past and content determination information for determining the contents of the information resources as history information;
Storage means for storing received information resources;
Connect to the registered information resource based on the access management information, and if the content of the connected information resource does not match the content of the previous print based on the history information, receive the information resource Network control means for printing by the print control means, and when the content of the connected information resource matches the content of the previous print, the information resource is read from the storage means and printed;
A network-compatible printing apparatus comprising: The network control means includes
A reception history determination means for determining whether or not the connected information resource has been printed in the past based on the history information;
In the case of an information resource that has been printed in the past, it comprises content determination means for determining whether or not the content of the information resource matches the content of the previous print based on the history information,
When the content determination unit makes a mismatch determination, the information resource is received and printed by the print control unit, and when the content determination unit makes a match determination, the information resource is stored in the storage unit. The network-compatible printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the network-compatible printing apparatus reads the data from the printer and prints it. The network-compatible printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein creation-time data in which the information resource is created is used as content determination information for the history information. The network-compatible printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein error detection data extracted from the information resource is used as content determination information for the history information. A network-compatible printing method that is connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers and receives and prints information resources stored in each of the servers,
Registering identification information and access time necessary for identifying the information resource as access management information;
Managing history information as information for specifying information resources connected in the past and information for determining contents of the information resources;
Connecting to the registered information resource based on the access management information;
Storing the received information resource in a storage means;
Determining whether the connected information resource has been printed in the past based on the history information;
In the case of an information resource that has been printed in the past, a content determination step for determining whether or not the content of the information resource matches the content of the previous print based on the history information;
If there is a mismatch determination in the content determination step, the information resource is received and printed by the print control means;
If the content determination step makes a match determination, the information resource is read from the storage means and printed;
Updating the history information;
A network-compatible printing method characterized by comprising: 6. The network-compatible printing method according to claim 5, wherein creation-time data in which the information resource is created is used as content determination information for the history information. 6. The network-compatible printing method according to claim 5, wherein the error detection data extracted from the information resource is used as the content determination information of the history information. A host computer that specifies information for identification required to specify information resources stored in a server on the network, and a printer that connects to the information resources specified by the host computer, receives the information resources, and prints A network printing system comprising a device,
The printer device includes:
Printing control means for executing printing by controlling the printing means based on the received data;
Network connection means for connecting to the network;
Access management information registration means for registering information for specifying the information resource and access time instructed from the host computer as access management information;
History management means for managing information for identifying information resources connected in the past and content determination information for determining the contents of the information resources as history information;
Storage means for storing received information resources;
Connect to the registered information resource based on the access management information, and if the content of the connected information resource does not match the content of the previous print based on the history information, receive the information resource Network control means for printing by the print control means, and when the content of the connected information resource matches the content of the previous print, the information resource is read from the storage means and printed by the print control means And comprising
The host computer
A network-compatible printing system comprising an instruction means for instructing the printer device to specify information for specifying the information resource.

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