JP3809202B2 - Image output apparatus and image output system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an image output device such as a printer connected to an external device such as a host computer. , And image output system provided with the image output device It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image output system in which an image output device such as a printer is connected to a host computer via a bidirectional interface, the user can know the number of prints stored in a non-volatile memory of the image output device. I had to look at the page counter. This page counter is a counter that counts up by “1” every time one sheet is output with the factory shipment set to “0”, and indicates the cumulative number of output sheets.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the page counter function in the conventional image output system described above cannot sufficiently meet the following requirements.
[0004]
(1) In an image output apparatus in which the toner consumption amount cannot be detected, in order to know the replacement timing of the toner cartridge, etc., it is necessary to visually check image degradation on the output paper, etc. Couldn't know the lifetime of If the user wants to know the life of the toner cartridge objectively, the user himself / herself stores the accumulated output number when the toner is replaced in advance, and the user himself / herself outputs the toner cartridge based on the accumulated output number. There was no choice but to calculate and manage the number.
[0006]
In view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides an image output apparatus capable of easily managing the apparatus. And image output system The purpose is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image output apparatus according to the present invention includes an image output means for forming an image on a recording medium based on image information and outputting the image, and a cumulative output number of the image output from the time of shipment. Count , The count value cannot be manipulated by the user In an image output device comprising a first page counter, To count the cumulative number of output images Separate from the first page counter The counter value can be manipulated by the user. A second page counter; A count value of the first page counter and a count value of the second page counter; Storage means for storing the notification number value for the second page counter for notifying the user in the external device that the second page counter has reached the notification number value; and stored in the storage means The count value of the second page counter or Change means for changing the notified number of sheets value to a desired value in response to a request from the external device, and processing for determining whether or not the second page counter has reached the notified number of sheets value in the external device. To be executed, stored in the storage means A count value of the first page counter; and Count value of the second page counter When Number of notifications When And transmitting means for transmitting to the external device.
The image output system of the present invention is an image output system comprising a host computer and an image output apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium based on image information supplied from the host computer and outputs the image. The image output device counts the cumulative output number of the image output from the time of shipment. , The count value cannot be manipulated by the user A first page counter; To count the cumulative number of output images Separate from the first page counter The counter value can be manipulated by the user. A second page counter and a count value of the first page counter as well as Count value of the second page counter When, The host computer notifies the user that the second page counter has reached the notification number value. Second The notification number for the page counter When Storage means for storing, the host computer communicates with the image output device, and the storage means from the storage means First Count value of page counter And the count value of the second page counter; Number of notifications When Reading means, and the count value of the first page counter based on the reading operation of the reading means And the count value of the second page counter; Number of notifications When Display means for displaying a notification number setting screen for the user to change the notification number value , Processing means for processing a notification output number setting, and when the notification number value is changed by a user, the processing means indicates that the notification number value changed by the user is First Page counter Below count value And the notification number value changed by the user is the value Second More than the count value of the page counter Value It is characterized by judging.
[0019]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image output system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0021]
This image output system is configured by connecting a host computer 50 and an image output device 60 such as a laser beam printer via a bidirectional interface 70.
[0022]
The host computer 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls the host computer main body. The control unit 51 includes a CPU 1, a RAM 2, a ROM 3, a timer 4, a keyboard controller (KBC) 5, a CRT controller (CRTC) 6, a disk controller (DKC) 7, and a printer controller (PRTC) 8.
[0023]
The CPU 1 executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on, for example, a document program stored in the program ROM 3a of the ROM 3, and is connected to the system bus 9. The devices are controlled in a comprehensive manner.
[0024]
A program ROM 3a of the ROM 3 stores a page counter setting program using a window as shown in FIG. 6 to be described later, a monthly output number display program, a date management program using a timer 4, and the like. Font data used in the setting / display / management processing is stored, and the data ROM 3c stores various data used in the setting / display / management processing, output number display, and the like.
[0025]
The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 1. The keyboard controller 5 controls key input from the keyboard 10 or a pointing device (not shown). The CRT controller 6 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 11. The disk controller 7 is a hard disk (HD) that can store a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, the number of output files of the printer, a program equivalent to the program stored in the ROM 3, and a floppy disk. Controls access to the external memory 12 such as a disk (FD) or flash PROM.
[0026]
The printer controller 8 is connected to the printer 60 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (hereinafter simply referred to as an interface) 70 and executes communication control processing with the printer 60. The CPU 1 executes, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 11. The CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 11 and executes various data processing.
[0027]
On the other hand, the printer 60 includes a printer control unit 61. The printer control unit 61 has a function of controlling the entire printer body and analyzing character information supplied from the host computer 50, and includes a CPU 21, RAM 22, ROM 23, NVRAM 24, input unit 25, printing unit I / F 26, The panel control unit 27 and a disk controller (DKC) 28 are included.
[0028]
The printer CPU 21 comprehensively controls access to the various devices connected to the system bus 29 based on a control program stored in the program ROM 23a of the ROM 23 or a control program stored in the external memory 32. Then, an image signal as output information is output to a printing unit (printer engine) 30 connected via the printing unit interface 26.
[0029]
The program ROM 23a accepts a key interrupt from a switch via a panel control unit 27 having a driver for controlling a switch, an LED display, an LCD as a message display device, etc. arranged on an operation panel described later. Stores a program for controlling lighting, extinguishing, and blinking of LEDs, and for displaying and changing display message character strings on the LCD.
[0030]
The font ROM 23b of the ROM 23 stores font data used when generating the output information, and the data ROM 23c of the ROM 23 is on the host computer 50 in the case of a printer not provided with the external memory 32 such as a hard disk. The information etc. used in is stored.
[0031]
The CPU 21 can communicate with the host computer 50 via the input unit 25 and can notify the host computer 50 of information in the printer 60. The RAM 22 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 21 and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 22 is used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, and the like. The NVRAM 24 stores a page counter and other environmental data.
[0032]
Access to the above-described external memory 32 such as a hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by the disk controller 28. The external memory 32 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.
[0033]
The external memory 32 is not limited to one, and includes at least one external memory 32. In addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages having different language systems can be connected. It may be configured as follows.
[0034]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the printer 60 shown in FIG.
[0035]
The printer 60 of the present embodiment is assumed to be constituted by a laser beam printer (LBP), for example. Needless to say, the printer to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and may be an image output apparatus such as a printer of another printer type or a facsimile.
[0036]
The printer main body 60 shown in FIG. 2 inputs and stores print information (character code, etc.), form information, macro instructions, etc. supplied from the host computer 50 connected to the outside, and responds according to the information. A character pattern, a form pattern, and the like are created, and an image is formed on a recording paper or the like that is a recording medium.
[0037]
Reference numeral 101 in the figure denotes an operation panel. The operation panel 101 includes an operation switch and an LED display, setting items for notifying the user of the LBP status, setting the LBP printing environment, and the like. An LCD or the like for displaying the set value is arranged. Reference numeral 61 denotes the printer control unit described with reference to FIG. The printer control unit 61 mainly converts character information into a video signal having a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 103.
[0038]
The laser driver 103 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 104, and switches on / off the laser beam 105 emitted from the semiconductor laser 104 in accordance with the input video signal. The laser beam 105 is shaken in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 106 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 107. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 107.
[0039]
This latent image is developed by a developing unit 108 disposed around the electrostatic drum 107 and then transferred to a recording sheet. A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 109 mounted on the LBP 60 and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 110 and a transport roller 111 and supplied to the electrostatic drum 105. Is done. Further, the LBP main body 60 is provided with at least one card slot (not shown) so that an option card and a control card (emulation card) different from the language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font.
[0040]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page counter stored in the NVRAM 24 on the printer control unit 61.
[0041]
The page counter (1) in the figure is set to “0” at the time of shipment from the factory, and thereafter is incremented by 1 every time one page is output, and stores a cumulative output number that cannot be operated by the user. It is. The page counter (2) is a page counter whose setting value can be changed by processing to be described later, and is incremented by 1 every time one page is output as in the page counter (1).
[0042]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image output apparatus (printer) according to the present exemplary embodiment.
[0043]
In the case of outputting a page on the printer 60 side using the page counter, if the print data is now transferred from the host computer 50, the printer 60 receives the data (step S401) and is included in the data. Various data (font, figure, image, etc.) are analyzed and developed (step S402). Then, the data for one page is output and discharged to the printing unit 30 via the printing unit I / F 26 (step S403).
[0044]
At that time, if the paper discharge is completed, the page counter (1) and the page counter (2) shown in FIG. 3 are respectively counted up (step S404). In step S405, it is determined whether the paper discharge processing for all input pages has been completed. If not, data input and data analysis / development are continued.
[0045]
Based on the above processing of the printer 60, the change processing for the page counter (2) on the host computer 50 side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0046]
A program for changing the page counter is stored in advance in the program of the ROM 3 or the external memory 12 in the host computer 50. When this program is executed, it is first determined whether bidirectional communication is possible via the bidirectional interface 70. Check the identification information stored in the RAM 2 or the external memory 12 on the host computer 50 side by checking whether it is inquired to the printer 60 side or whether it is connected bidirectionally in advance when the power is turned on. A determination is made (step S501).
[0047]
If bidirectional communication is not possible, an error message is displayed on the host computer 50 side and a message to that effect is sent to the user (step S502). If bidirectional communication is possible, it is determined whether the printer 60 has a page counter via the bidirectional communication interface 70 (step S503).
[0048]
At this time, if the page counter does not exist, an error message is displayed in step S502 and the process is terminated. If the page counter exists, the value of the page counter (step S504) from the printer 60 side is displayed. The maximum value (step S505) is read into the RAM 2 on the host computer 50 side or the external memory 12. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 showing an example of the page counter setting screen, a page counter change screen is displayed on the CRT 11 of the host computer 50 (step S506).
[0049]
On the page counter change screen, the cumulative output number (indicated by 201 in the figure) shown in the page counter (1) of FIG. 3 read in step S504 and the user-changeable output number (in the figure) shown in the page counter (2) are displayed. , An area for inputting the number of sheets for the user to change the page counter (2) (shown in 203 in the figure), and a switch for confirming that the user has set the page counter (in the figure) However, the present invention is not limited to this screen. For example, the maximum value of the page counter read in step S505 may be displayed, or the setting value of the user is cleared to “0”. There is no problem even if a switch is provided.
[0050]
In step S507, when the user inputs the number of pages on the page counter change screen and selects confirm, the host computer 50 checks whether the value (number of sheets) input by the user matches the value (number of sheets) before the change. If there is no change, the process is terminated. If there is a change, the user input value (number of sheets) is not less than “0” and not more than the maximum value of the page counter read in step S505. Is determined (step S509).
[0051]
If it is determined that the user input value is not within the allowable range, an error message is displayed (step S510), and the process returns to step S506. If it is within the allowable range, the user input value is written to the page counter (2) in FIG. 3 on the printer 60 side (step S511).
[0052]
next, About a reference example showing an application technique on the printer side of the first embodiment. explain.
[0053]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
[0054]
In the first embodiment, the host computer 50 side performs the user input value (number of sheets) range check process and the error notification process when the value is outside the allowable range, but this process is performed on the printer 60 side. May be. The processing flow on the host computer 50 side in this case is omitted because steps S505, S509, and S510 in FIG. 5 are deleted, and the flow only on the printer 60 side will be described with reference to FIG.
[0055]
FIG. Reference example showing application technology on the printer side of the first embodiment It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image output device concerning.
[0056]
In FIG. 7, when the printer 60 receives the page counter value (number of sheets) input on the host computer 50 side via the bidirectional interface 70 (step S701), the program stored in the program ROM 23a of the printer 60 is stored in advance in the printer. The maximum value of the page counter stored in the 60-side data ROM 23c, RAM 22, external memory 32, or NVRAM 24 is compared with the page counter value (number of sheets) transmitted from the host computer 50 (step S702). If the page counter value exists within the allowable range, the page counter (2) of the NVRAM 24 is updated with the input page counter value (step S703). If the page counter value is out of the allowable range, the process proceeds to step S704 and the user uses a buzzer or LED. To inform In addition to discard the page counter information out of the permissible range.
[0057]
Next 2 Examples will be described.
[0058]
First 2 In the embodiment, an example will be described in which when the image output for the number of sheets set in advance by the user is completed, an end notification is notified to the user. In this example, as shown in FIG. 8, in addition to page counter information (1) and (2), output number notification information (1) and output number notification information (2) corresponding to each page counter are stored in the NVRAM 24 of the printer 60. ) And are secured.
[0059]
FIG. 9 shows the image output system of the present invention. 2 It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the output notification number setting in the host computer which concerns on an Example.
[0060]
The program ROM 3a of the ROM 3 in the host computer 50 or the external memory 12 stores a program for setting the number of notifications in advance. When this program is executed, it is first determined whether bidirectional communication is possible. The printer 60 side is inquired via the printer, or it is checked in advance whether the connection is bidirectional or not, and the identification information stored in the RAM 2 of the host computer 50 or the external memory 12 is checked to enable bidirectional communication. Is determined (step S801).
[0061]
If bidirectional communication is not possible, an error message is displayed on the host computer 50 side, and notification to that effect is given to the user (step S802). If bidirectional communication is possible, the printer is connected via the bidirectional communication interface 70. It is determined whether the page counter and the output number notification information are stored in the memory 60 (step S803). At this time, if there is no page counter and output number notification information, an error message is displayed in step S802 and the process ends.
[0062]
If the page counter and the output number notification information are included, the page counter value, the output number notification information value (step S804), and the maximum value (step S805) of the page counter area from the printer 60 are stored on the host computer 50 side. The information is read into the RAM 2 or the external memory 12, and a notification number setting screen shown as an example in FIG. 10 is displayed on the CRT 11 of the host computer 50 (step S806).
[0063]
10 displays the page counter (1) of FIG. 8 read in step S804, that is, the cumulative output number and the output number of the page counter (2) that can be changed by the user. There are two number input areas for the user to change the notification number, that is, output number notification information (1) corresponding to the page counter (1) and output number notification information (2) corresponding to the page counter (2). Are displayed, and a switch 303 for confirming that the user has set alphanumeric characters in the input area is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this screen. For example, the maximum value of the page counter read in step S805 may be displayed, or the setting value of the user is turned OFF (notification is prohibited). It does not matter at all be provided with a switch mode) for order.
[0064]
When the user inputs the number of notifications on the notification number setting screen in step S807 and selects the confirmation, the host computer 50 checks whether the value input by the user matches the value before the change (step S808). If there is no change, the process ends. If there is a change, it is further determined whether the user input value is equal to or greater than “0” and is equal to or less than the maximum value of the page counter read in step S805 (step S809). Further, it is determined whether the input value is larger than the corresponding page count value (step S810).
[0065]
As a result of the determination, if the user input value is not within the allowable range, or is within the permissible range, but is smaller than the corresponding page count value, that is, an invalid value, an error message is displayed (step S811). Then, the process returns to step S806. If it is within the allowable range and larger than the corresponding page count value, the user input value is written in the output number notification information area shown in FIG. 8 on the printer 60 side (step S812).
[0066]
Next, the process when the notification is actually performed after setting the number of notifications in the above flow will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows the image output system of the present invention. 2 It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the output notification message display in the host computer which concerns on an Example.
[0067]
When the print data is transferred from the application software or the like on the host computer 50 side, output number notification information on the printer 60 side is first obtained via the bidirectional communication interface 70 (step S1001), and then the print data is sent to the printer 60. Is started (step S1002). At this time, the printer 60 analyzes and develops the received data, and notifies the host computer 50 of the print status. On the other hand, in response to the status from the printer 60, the host computer 50 sequentially checks whether or not the discharge of one page has been completed. If the host computer 50 recognizes that the discharge of one page has ended, the page counter value at that time is set. Obtained from the printer 60 (step S1003).
[0068]
In step S1004, the output number notification information acquired in step S1001 is compared with the page count value acquired in step S1003. When they match, for example, a notification message as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the CRT 11 on the host computer 50 side. Inform the user (step S1005). If they do not match, the process of step S1005 is skipped, and it is checked whether the discharge process for all pages has been completed (step S1006). If all the pages have not been discharged, the process returns to step S1003. The paper discharge status from the printer 60 is checked again.
[0069]
With the above processing, the user can easily know that when the desired number of pages have been printed.
[0070]
next, About a reference example showing an application technique on the printer side of the second embodiment explain.
[0071]
Above 2 The determination process in step S1004 of FIG. 11 which is the flow of the embodiment may be performed on the printer 60 side. In that case, on the printer 60 side, a new notification identification flag is provided in the NVRAM 24, the external memory 32, or the RAM 22 of the printer 60 for determining whether or not the page counter matches the output sheet number notification information. If this flag is ON (for example, 1), it represents a match, and if it is OFF (for example, 0), it is determined that there is a mismatch. Accordingly, in the processing flow on the host computer 50 side when this flag is used, step S1001 in FIG. 11 is deleted, the above-mentioned notification identification flag is acquired instead of the acquisition of the page counter value in step S1003, and further step S1004. If it is replaced with the determination condition whether the acquired notification identification flag is ON, there is no difference from the flow of FIG. 11, and the description here is omitted.
[0072]
FIG. An image output system according to a reference example showing an application technique on the printer side of the second embodiment FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of the printer 60 using the notification identification flag.
[0073]
In step S1201, print data from the host computer 50 is received, and a desired font, figure, or image is analyzed and developed in units of one page from the print data (step S1202). If one page of data is created, printing and discharging are performed. Paper is performed (step S1203).
[0074]
When the paper discharge is completed, the page counter value is incremented by “1” (step S1204), and the counted page counter value is compared with the value of the output number notification information (step S1205). If not, the notification identification flag is turned on (step S1206), and if not, the notification identification flag is turned off (step S1207). That is, the host computer 50 side displays a notification to the user based only on the state of the notification identification flag.
[0075]
In step S1208, it is monitored whether all printing has been completed (step S1208), and if not completed, the process returns to the beginning.
[0076]
next, About reference examples related to output number management for a certain period explain.
[0077]
A method for managing the number of output sheets for a certain period of the printer 60, which is implemented using the timer 4 of the host computer 50, will be described.
[0078]
FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example of the output sheet count information used in this embodiment. The output count total information includes a product identifier indicating which printer is connected and period identification information indicating which unit (monthly, weekly, etc.) is counted, and a date corresponding to the period identification information. Are stored in the external memory 12 or RAM 2 of the host computer 50.
[0079]
FIG. 15 shows an image output system according to the present invention. Reference example It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of total management information setting concerning.
[0080]
First, in step S1401, an output sheet count program stored in the program ROM 3a of the host computer 50 or the external memory 12 is executed. This program first checks whether the output sheet count information shown in FIG. 14A already exists in the external memory 12 or RAM 2 of the host computer 50 (step S1402). If it does not exist, the flag for managing the total information reserved in the external memory 12 or RAM 2 of the host computer 50 in advance is set to ON (for example, 1) (step S1403).
[0081]
This flag is used to determine whether or not the output sheet count information exists. Here, it indicates that there is no output sheet count information when it is ON, and when it is OFF (for example, 0), the output sheet count information is already present. It means that it exists. However, this value is not limited to ON and OFF.
[0082]
In step S1404, when the output sheet count information already exists in the external memory 12 or the RAM 2, the product identifier stored in the output sheet count information matches the product identifier of the actually connected printer. It is judged whether it is. If they match, the total information management flag is turned off (step S1405). If they do not match, the total information management flag is turned on because there is no output number total information for the connected printer 60. (Step S1403).
[0083]
In step S1406, for example, the output number tabulation management screen shown in FIG. 16 is opened. The screen in FIG. 16 is an example, but in addition to a period setting process and a count start date setting process from a pointing device or keyboard 10 (not shown), a selection process using a count result display switch, a set value confirmation switch, and the like Can do.
[0084]
In the example of FIG. 16, when the period is set to month and the start date of aggregation is set to January 1994, the value of the output sheet count information at this time is as shown in FIG. . Note that the current date in this example is April 1994. The printer identifier is for specifying a product and may be a string or a numerical value. Furthermore, in the period identification information in FIG. 14B, “0” is set for the hour in the month and “1” is set in the week, but the value is not particularly limited to this example.
[0085]
Now, when the user takes some action in the input area of the screen of FIG. 16 and selects the confirmation switch (step S1407), the program sets the total information management flag to ON (no output number total information) or OFF ( (When there is output sheet count information) (step S1408). When ON, it is determined whether the display switch is selected (step S1409). If the display switch is selected, there is no corresponding output sheet count information. Is notified to the user as an error message (step S1410), and the process returns to step S1407. If the display switch is not selected and the period is set (step S1411), the output number total information corresponding to the corresponding period is newly generated. (Step S1412).
[0086]
In FIG. 14A, an example of monthly tabulation is shown, but the format is not particularly limited to this format. For example, when a weekly period is selected, it may be as shown in FIG. It is possible to set the totaling end date on the user setting screen of FIG. 16 to make the output number totaling information of a fixed length, or to semi-permanently aggregate it in a variable length format having a chain structure.
[0087]
In step S1413, it is determined whether the end switch has been selected. If it has not been selected, the process returns to step S1407, and if it has been selected, the process is terminated, and the number of output sheets as shown in FIG. 16 is an example. Close the management screen.
[0088]
On the other hand, in the determination of step S1408, when the total information management flag is OFF, it is determined that the output switch total information already exists. First, it is determined whether the display switch has been selected (step S1414). If so, a summary list as shown in FIG. 18 showing an example of the output number list screen is displayed. Needless to say, the display content of FIG. 18 corresponds to the output sheet count information of FIG. 14B and the setting shown in FIG.
[0089]
If the display switch is not selected, it is determined whether or not a period is set (step S1416). If there is an action related to the period setting, it is determined whether or not a period changing process has been performed ( Step S1417). If there is no change from the previously set period, the process returns to step S1407, and if it is different from the previous setting, the previous output count total information is discarded or saved (step S1418), and is newly set in the same manner as in step S1412. The total number of output sheets corresponding to the specified period is generated (step S1419), and the process returns to step S1407.
[0090]
If the period is not set in step S1416, it is determined whether end coincidence has been selected (step S1420). If not selected, the process returns to step S1407. If it has been selected, the number of output sheets shown in an example in FIG. Close the tabulation management screen and end the process.
[0091]
FIG. 19 shows an image processing system according to the present invention. Reference example FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the output sheet count processing according to FIG. 14 and is a process flow for operating the page counter on the host computer 50 side using the output sheet count information shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b).
[0092]
In step S1701, transfer of print data from application software or the like to the printer 60 is started. When the printer 60 receives print data from the host computer 50, the printer 60 starts analyzing and expanding the data, and sequentially notifies the status on the printer 60 side to the host computer 50 via the bidirectional interface 70.
[0093]
When it is determined in step S1702 that the discharge of one page has been completed based on the status from the printer 60, it is checked whether there is output sheet count information in the external memory 12 or RAM 2 of the host computer 50 (step S1703). If the total number information does not exist, the process proceeds to step S1710. If the total number information exists, it is determined whether the product information of the output number total information matches the product information of the currently connected printer (step S1704). If they match, the current date is obtained using the date management function of the timer 4 of the host computer 50 (step S1705). Based on the date acquired in step S1705, the date information of the output sheet count information is searched (step S1706), and whether there is a date corresponding to the page counter (output sheet count area of the output sheet count information) area to be counted up. If it does not exist, an error message is displayed (step S1708), the user is notified and the process proceeds to step S1710. If it exists, the output number area of the corresponding date is counted up by 1 (step S1709). .
[0094]
In step S1710, it is determined whether all pages have been output. If not, the process returns to step S1702.
[0095]
Through the above processing, the output number management of the connected image output apparatus can be realized. Needless to say, with the above configuration, the number of output sheets can be managed even when there is no page counter on the image output apparatus side.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As explained in detail above, the present invention According to this, it becomes possible to easily manage the image output apparatus. For example, it is possible to manage the number of sheets starting from the time when an action is performed on the image output device (when a toner cartridge is replaced or when a paper is newly set in a paper cassette or tray). It becomes possible to manage consumables easily.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image output system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the printer 60 illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page counter.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a change process for a page counter (2) in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a page counter setting screen in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing in the second embodiment of the image output system of the present invention.
[Fig. 8] Reference example of the first embodiment It is a figure which shows the other example of the page counter in.
FIG. 9 shows an image output system according to the present invention. 2 It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the output notification number setting in an Example.
FIG. 10 2 It is a figure which shows an example of the notification number setting screen in an Example.
FIG. 11 2 It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the output notification message display of the host computer in an Example.
FIG. 12 2 It is a figure which shows an example of the notification message screen of an Example.
FIG. 13 The image output system according to the reference example of the second embodiment It is a flowchart which shows a process.
FIG. 14 shows the present invention. Reference example It is a figure which shows an example of the output number tabulation information used by.
FIG. 15 shows an image output system according to the present invention. According to reference examples It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of total management information setting.
FIG. 16 shows the present invention. Reference example It is a figure which shows an example of the output number total management screen which concerns on.
FIG. 17 shows the present invention. Reference example It is a figure which shows an example of the output number total management screen which concerns on.
FIG. 18 shows the present invention. Reference example It is a figure which shows an example of the output number list screen which concerns on.
FIG. 19 shows an image processing system according to the present invention. According to reference examples It is a flowchart which shows an output sheet totaling process.

Claims (6)

An image output means for outputting an image by forming an image on a recording medium based on image information, counts the cumulative number of output sheets of the image output from the factory, the operation of the count value from the user is not possible 1 In an image output device provided with a page counter of
Wherein provided the cumulative number of output sheets of the image output to separate from the first page counter for counting a second page counter of the operations of the count value from the user,
The count value of the first page counter and the count value of the second page counter, and the second page for informing the user in the external device that the second page counter has reached the notification number value Storage means for storing the notification number value for the counter;
Changing means for changing the count value of the second page counter or the notified number of sheets stored in the storage means to a desired value in response to a request from the external device;
The count value of the first page counter stored in the storage means and the second value are stored in the external device so as to execute processing for determining whether or not the second page counter has reached the notification number value. an image output apparatus characterized by the count value of the page counter and the said notification number value to the provision of a transmitting means for transmitting to the external apparatus. The changing means can change the setting of the count value of the second page counter to a value equal to or less than the count value of the first page counter, and the notification number value is equal to or less than the count value of the first page counter and The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output apparatus can be changed to a value equal to or larger than a count value of the second page counter. In an image output system comprising a host computer and an image output device for forming an image on a recording medium based on image information supplied from the host computer and outputting the image,
The image output device includes:
A first page counter that counts the cumulative number of output image outputs from the time of shipment, the count value cannot be manipulated by a user;
A second page counter provided separately from the first page counter for counting the cumulative number of output images, and capable of operating a count value from a user;
The count and number of the first page counter count value and the second page counter of the second page counter is notified that reached the number value for notifying the user at the host computer and the second a storage means for storing said notification number value for the page counter,
The host computer
Said communicating with the image output apparatus, and reading means from said storage means reads the counted value with the notification number value of the count value and the second page counter of the first page counter,
Notification setting the number the display to the count value with the notification number value of the count value and the second page counter of the first page counter based on the reading operation of the reading means, the user changes the notification number value Display means for displaying a screen ;
Processing means for processing the notification output number setting,
When the notification number value is changed by the user, the processing means is changed by the user whether or not the notification number value changed by the user is a value equal to or smaller than a count value of the first page counter. An image output system for determining whether or not a notification sheet number value is a value equal to or greater than a count value of the second page counter. When it is determined by the processing means that the notification number value changed by the user is a value larger than the count value of the first page counter or a value smaller than the count value of the second page counter , The image output system according to claim 3, wherein the display unit displays an error message. When it is determined by the processing means that the notification number value changed by the user is equal to or less than the count value of the first page counter and equal to or greater than the count value of the second page counter, the processing means 5. The image output system according to claim 4, wherein the notification number value changed by the user is written in a storage unit of the image output apparatus. 6. The image output system according to claim 4, wherein the count value of the second page counter can be set and changed from the host computer to a value equal to or smaller than the count value of the first page counter. .

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