JP3951083B2 - Network printer and network printing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printer having an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and a data processing method of the printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional printer stores print job data from a host computer in a reception buffer, sequentially interprets the data stored in the reception buffer, generates image data for print output, and performs printing. Since it is only necessary to sequentially interpret and print in this way, a so-called local printer only needs to have a memory that can temporarily store data for one band, one page, for example, according to the format of the print engine.
[0003]
However, in recent years, with the development of computers, image processing technologies, and the like, the amount of print job data has increased due to progress in colorization of print documents. In the case of a network printing system in which a plurality of host computers share a printer via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), it is necessary to sequentially process print job data from the plurality of host computers. If the memory capacity of the printer is only one page, a host computer that desires to print a document of several hundred pages must continue to send print job data over a long period of time. Many other host computers connected via the network need to withstand a long print waiting time.
[0004]
Therefore, in recent years, a printer has been proposed in which an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD is provided in the printer and received data is stored in the HDD in order to quickly store a large amount of print job data and release the host computer at an early stage. ing.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, since the above-described printer with a built-in auxiliary storage device can store a large amount of data, the host computer can be released at an early stage. However, since the auxiliary storage device reads and writes data by moving the head to a predetermined position on the rotating recording medium, it is slower than accessing a memory such as a RAM. For example, even when the data reception speed from the network is 1 to 2 MB / s and the processing in the image data generation unit is 1 MB / s, the data transfer speed of the HDD is usually as low as about 500 MB / s.
[0006]
Therefore, when print job data is transferred via the auxiliary storage device, it takes time to write to the auxiliary storage device and read time from the auxiliary storage device, and the print processing speed is greatly reduced. If a high-speed interface, DMA transfer, or the like is employed, the data transfer speed of the auxiliary storage device is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases.
[0007]
On the other hand, depending on the print mode, it may be preferable to perform print processing after storing the entire print data in the HDD. For example, in the case of collate printing (collation printing) in which pages are arranged in order, for example, P1-P2-P3, P1-P2-P3 (P indicates a page),. . . As described above, the same page must be repeatedly printed in a predetermined cycle. Therefore, unlike copy printing, which can immediately discard the image data of the pages printed by the number of copies, in collate printing, it is necessary to hold the image data of all pages inside the printer.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the various problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to select whether or not an auxiliary storage device mounted on a printer can be used and to improve usability. To provide a printer and a network printing system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a network printer and a network printing system that can achieve both an early release of a host computer and an improvement in printing processing speed by using an auxiliary storage device according to the data processing state in the printer. Is to provide.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, in the printer according to the present invention, the first transfer mode for storing the print data in the auxiliary storage device and the second transfer for dynamically controlling the use of the auxiliary storage device according to the data processing state. Mode.
[0010]
Main departure Ming received through the network Print job In a network printer capable of storing data in an auxiliary storage device, communication processing means for receiving data and a transfer mode selection command via the network, and whether the transfer mode selection command is in the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode Mode setting means for determining whether or not to select, and the received Print job Image data generating means for interpreting data to generate image data, print processing means for performing printing based on the generated image data, and the received Print job Detecting means for detecting a processing state of data, and when the first transfer mode is set, the received All of the print jobs When the data is transferred in the auxiliary storage device mode in which data is input to the image data generation means via the auxiliary storage device, and the second transfer mode is set, the processing of the detected data Based on the state During processing of the print job, Data is transferred by switching between the auxiliary storage device mode and the bypass mode in which the received data is input to the image data generation means without passing through the auxiliary storage device. In addition, both the auxiliary storage mode and the bypass mode are applied to the data transfer of one print job. It is characterized by that.
[0011]
A typical example of the auxiliary storage device is a hard disk drive (HDD), but is not limited to this. The transfer mode selection command may take a command format or may be realized as 1-bit or multi-bit flag information stored in a header.
[0012]
The mode setting means exclusively sets either the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode based on the received transfer mode selection command. When the first transfer mode is set, data transfer is performed in the auxiliary storage device mode. Accordingly, all received print data is temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device and then printed. On the other hand, when the second transfer mode is set, the mode via the auxiliary storage device and the bypass mode are dynamically switched according to the data processing state.
[0013]
In the auxiliary storage device mode, since the data received from the host computer is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the host computer can be released at an early stage. On the other hand, in the bypass mode, since the received data is directly transferred to the image data generating means without going through the auxiliary storage device, the writing time to the auxiliary storage device and the reading time from the auxiliary storage device can be omitted, and the printing process can be omitted. Speed can be improved.
[0014]
Switching between the auxiliary storage device via mode and the bypass mode is performed based on the data processing state detected by the detecting means. As an example of switching based on the data processing state, when data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the mode via the auxiliary storage device is selected, and the data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device. If not, the bypass mode can be selected.
[0015]
If the data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device and the data is transferred to the image data generation means in the bypass mode, the printing order will be confused. For example, depending on the presence or absence of data in the auxiliary storage device Switch modes. Here, “data being processed” means print job data to be printed or being printed.
[0016]
The mode setting means can determine the transfer mode independently based on not only the transfer mode selection command but also other information. For example, it may be determined which transfer mode is set based on attribute information associated with print data. As attribute information, for example, the number of print pages, the amount of data, and the like can be given in addition to a print mode such as collate printing.
[0017]
That is, when collate printing is designated, it is preferable to store all data in the HDD. In addition, when printing a document with a large number of pages, it may be preferable to prioritize the early release of the host computer over the printing speed. Therefore, the mode setting means can select the transfer mode based on the attribute information regardless of the content of the transfer mode selection command.
[0018]
As in the invention according to claim 5, the first buffer memory is provided on the input side of the auxiliary storage device, and the second buffer memory is provided on the output side of the auxiliary storage device, and data is transmitted via the memory block of each buffer memory. You can transfer. In this case, as the bypass mode, the first bypass mode in which the communication processing means stores the received data in the memory block of the second buffer memory can be adopted. Since the image data generation means receives the data via the memory block of the second buffer memory, if the data is directly stored in the memory block of the second buffer memory, the data is transferred without going through the auxiliary storage device. Can do.
[0019]
Here, the switching conditions for the first bypass mode are as follows: (a1) There is no memory block in which data has been stored in the first buffer memory, and (a2) the data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device. And (a3) that there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory.
[0020]
That is, when there is no data being processed between the first buffer memory and the auxiliary storage device, and there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory, the communication processing means directly receives the received data in the second It can be stored in the memory block of the buffer memory. In this case, since it takes time to consume all blocks of the second buffer memory by setting the second buffer memory to have a larger capacity than the first buffer memory, the first bypass mode is used. The transfer time can be lengthened.
[0021]
As in the invention according to claim 9, separately from the first bypass mode, the contents of the memory block of the first buffer memory are transferred to the memory block of the second buffer memory, thereby bypassing the auxiliary storage device. A bypass mode can also be adopted. Here, there are two methods for moving data between the memory blocks. One is an inter-memory copy in which data stored in the memory block of the first buffer memory is read and stored in an empty memory block of the second buffer memory. The other one is a block for exchanging the memory block itself by exchanging information (memory block address or pointer) specifying the memory block of the first buffer memory and information specifying the memory block of the second buffer memory. It is an exchange.
[0022]
As a switching condition of the second bypass mode, (b1) the data being processed is not stored in the auxiliary storage device, and (b2) there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory, and (B3) The presence of a memory block in which data has already been stored in the first buffer memory.
[0023]
Moreover, you may provide both 1st bypass mode and 2nd bypass mode as bypass mode.
[0024]
On the other hand, in the invention according to claim 14, in a network printer capable of storing data received via a network in an auxiliary storage device, communication processing means for receiving data and a transfer mode selection command via the network, and the transfer mode Mode setting means for determining and setting whether the selection command selects the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode, and writing means for storing the data input from the communication processing means in the auxiliary storage device Reading means for reading data stored in the auxiliary storage device; image data generating means for interpreting input data to generate image data; and printing processing means for performing printing based on the generated image data Detecting means for detecting residual data in the auxiliary storage device; and the communication processing means A first buffer memory provided between the writing means and having a plurality of memory blocks, and a second buffer memory provided between the auxiliary storage device and the reading means and having a plurality of memory blocks are provided. When the first transfer mode is set, the data received by the communication processing means is transferred to the first buffer memory, the writing means, the auxiliary storage device, the reading means, and the second buffer memory in order. When data is transferred in the auxiliary storage device mode that is input to the image data generation means and the second transfer mode is set, the use status of each buffer memory and the remaining data in the auxiliary storage device Based on the amount of data stored in the auxiliary storage device and the data received by the communication processing means without passing through the auxiliary storage device. Is characterized by transferring data by switching a bypass mode in which input to the image data generation means.
[0025]
The present invention can also be understood as a network printing system. That is, according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a host computer that generates print data, and a printer that receives the print data transmitted from the host computer via a network and stores the print data in an auxiliary storage device. In the network printing system provided, a transfer mode selection unit that selects either the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode and generates a transfer mode selection command, a print data generation unit that generates print data, and a network A communication processing means for receiving the print data and the transfer mode selection command via the communication mode, and a mode for determining whether the transfer mode selection command selects the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode. A setting means for interpreting the received print data and generating image data; Image data generating means, print processing means for performing printing based on the generated image data, and detecting means for detecting a processing state of the received print data, wherein the first transfer mode is set In this case, when the received print data is transferred to the image data generating means via the auxiliary storage device and transferred in the auxiliary storage device mode, and the second transfer mode is set. Based on the processing state of the detected data, the mode via the auxiliary storage device and the bypass mode for inputting the received print data to the image data generation means without going through the auxiliary storage device. The print data is transferred by switching.
[0026]
Here, generally, the print data generation means is provided on the host computer side, and the communication processing means, mode setting means, image data generation means, print processing means, and detection means are provided on the printer side. However, the transfer mode selection means may be provided in either the host computer or the printer. For example, it is possible to select the transfer mode from the operation panel of the printer.
[0027]
Further, when the transfer mode selection means is provided on the host computer side, the transfer mode can be automatically selected based on attribute information associated with the print data (such as collate printing or a predetermined number of pages or more). When the transfer mode selection means selects a transfer mode different from the user's designation, the user can be notified of the selection result.
[0028]
The present invention can also be understood as a host computer invention. Further, it can be realized by causing a computer of a printer to read and execute a recording medium on which a predetermined program is recorded. As the “recording medium”, for example, various recording media such as a hard disk (HD), a floppy disk (FD), a compact disk (CD-ROM, CD-RAM, etc.), a memory, and an IC card can be used. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, and a communication medium such as downloading a program via a network can also be used.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0030]
1. First embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of a network printer according to the present embodiment. The printer includes interfaces (hereinafter abbreviated as “I / F”) 1 and 2, a CPU 3, a RAM 4 and a ROM 5, an engine control unit 8 and a print engine 9, and an HDD 10.
[0031]
The I / F 1, CPU 3, RAM 4, ROM 5, and HDD 10 are connected to each other via a bus 6, and the engine control unit 8 is connected to the CPU 3 and the like via I / Fs 2 and 7. The CPU 3 performs data communication with the network N such as a LAN via the I / F 1 and performs data communication with the engine control unit 8 via the I / F 2.
[0032]
The CPU 3 can be configured to execute the communication task 11, the HD write task 12, the HD read task 13, the image generation task 14, and the print task 15. Switching of the tasks 11 to 15, that is, management of the CPU execution right is performed by a scheduler 16 that can be expressed as a switching control unit, for example. The scheduler 16 assigns a CPU execution right to each of the tasks 11 to 15 based on a preset priority. Here, for example, each of the communication task 11 and the print task 15 can be processed by a dedicated CPU.
[0033]
When a packet arrives from the network N, the communication task 11 as “communication processing means” is activated with the CPU execution right. The communication task 11 removes excess data such as an IP address from the received packet, extracts print data, and stores this print data until the memory block is full. As will be described later, the memory block storing the data is delivered to either the HD writing task 12 (auxiliary storage mode) or the image generation task 14 (first bypass mode).
[0034]
The HD writing task 12 as “writing means” writes data input from the communication task 11 through the memory block to the HDD 10 (mode via auxiliary storage device) or transfers it to the image generation task 14 as described later. (Second bypass mode). The HD reading task 13 as “reading means” reads data stored in the HDD 10, stores it in a memory block, and transfers it to the image generation task 14.
[0035]
The image generation task 14 as “image data generation means” is activated when a memory block in which data is stored is passed. The image generation task 14 reads out the print data in the memory block, generates a print image (print request), and passes the generated print request to the print task 15.
[0036]
The print task 15 as “print processing means” is activated when a print request is input from the image generation task 14, and drives the engine control unit 8 in response to the print request. As a result, the engine control unit 8 drives the print engine 9 to perform page unit printing. The engine control unit 8 and the print engine 9 can also be expressed as a printing unit or a printing unit.
[0037]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the network printing system. The thick arrow in FIG. 2 indicates the flow of data transfer in the auxiliary storage device mode, the alternate long and short dash arrow indicates the flow of data transfer in the first bypass mode, and the dashed arrow indicates the flow of data transfer in the second bypass mode. Each is shown.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 2, data transfer between the communication task 11 and the HD write task 12 is performed via the first buffer memory 21, and data transfer between the HD read task 13 and the image generation task 14 is performed. This is performed via the second buffer memory 22. More precisely, in the data transfer between the communication task 11 and the image generation task 14 (first bypass mode) and the data transfer between the HD write task 12 and the image generation task 14 (second bypass mode), A second buffer memory 22 is used.
[0039]
In the HDD 10, there are three types of files: a file in the middle of which data is being written by the HD write task 12, a file that is already stored and waiting for processing, and a file from which data is being read by the HD read task 13. A file may be generated. All of these three types of files correspond to “data being processed” or “remaining data”. Further, as shown in the HD write task 12 in FIG. 3 and the HD read task 13 in FIG. 4, when data exists in each task, it corresponds to “data being processed” or “remaining data”. To do. The number of files waiting to be read is detected by the remaining file detection unit 23 and notified to the communication task 11, the HD write task 12, and the HD read task 13, respectively.
[0040]
Here, the second buffer memory 22 is set to have a larger memory capacity than the first buffer memory 21. As a result, the time until data is stored in all memory blocks of the second buffer memory becomes longer. Accordingly, it is possible to lengthen the transfer time in the first bypass mode and shorten the print processing time.
[0041]
The transfer mode setting unit 24 as “mode setting means” exclusively sets either the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode based on a transfer mode selection command transmitted from the host computer 100 described later. The communication task 11 and the HD write task 12 are each notified.
[0042]
As shown in the upper side of FIG. 2, a host computer 100 that transmits print data to a network printer is realized as a personal computer, a workstation, a digital camera, a portable information terminal, or the like. The host computer 100 includes a transfer mode selection unit 101, a print data generation unit 102, and a transmission unit 103.
[0043]
The transfer mode selection unit 101 as “transfer mode selection means” selects, for example, either the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode in accordance with an instruction from the user. When the first transfer mode is selected, data transfer is performed in the printer via the auxiliary storage device mode in which the entire print data is stored in the HDD 10. When the second transfer mode is selected, the mode via the auxiliary storage device and the bypass mode are dynamically switched according to the data processing state. The bypass mode includes a first bypass mode and a second bypass mode, and data transfer bypassing the HDD 10 is performed. A print data generation unit 102 as “print data generation means” converts input document data into print data that can be interpreted by a printer. The print data is transmitted from the transmission unit 103 to the printer via the network N. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the print data 110 transmitted from the host computer 100 includes a transfer mode selection command and print job data.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow of data transfer from the communication task 11 to the HDD 10. The communication task 11 removes extra data such as header information from the received packet and stores the data until the empty memory block of the first buffer memory 21 is full. When the HD write task 12 receives a full memory block, the HD write task 12 extracts data from the memory block and writes the data to a file opened in the HDD 10. The memory block from which the data has been extracted is returned to the first buffer memory 21. Data reading from the memory block is sequentially processed by FIFO (first-in first-out).
[0045]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow of data transfer from the HDD 10 to the image generation task 14. The HD read task 13 reads data from a file in the HDD 10, takes one free memory block from the second buffer memory 22, and stores the data until it is full. This process is repeated as long as there is an empty memory block. When the image generation task 14 receives a full memory block, it extracts data from the memory block, generates a print request for one page, and inputs this print request to the print task 15. The memory block that has become empty after the data is extracted is returned to the second buffer memory 22.
[0046]
Next, the effect | action of this Embodiment is demonstrated based on FIGS. In the following description, step is abbreviated as “S”. For convenience of explanation, the buffer memory is abbreviated as “buffer”, the memory block as “block”, and “HDD” as “HD” in the figure.
[0047]
FIG. 5 shows processing on the host computer 100 side. First, the user selects a transfer mode through a print setting screen or the like (S1). For example, a user who wants to release the host computer 100 at an early stage can select the first transfer mode, and a user who wants to increase the printing speed can select the second transfer mode. Next, when the print data generation unit 102 generates print data (S2), a transfer mode selection command and print data are transmitted (S3, S4).
[0048]
Next, FIG. 6 shows processing by the communication task 11. The communication task 11 is activated when packet data arrives from the network N (S1: YES), and then determines which transfer mode is set, for example, whether the first transfer mode is set. (S12). If the first transfer mode is set (S12: YES), the process proceeds to S16 to perform data transfer in the auxiliary storage device mode. If the first transfer mode is not set (S12: NO), the process proceeds to S13 to perform data transfer in the second transfer mode.
[0049]
Under the second transfer mode, a switching condition for determining whether to transfer data in the auxiliary storage device via mode or the bypass mode is determined. That is, whether there is a non-empty memory block storing data in the first buffer memory 21 (S13), whether there is a remaining file in the HDD 10 (S14), and the second buffer memory 22 is empty. It is determined whether or not there is a memory block (S15).
[0050]
When there is a block in which data is stored in the first buffer memory 21 (S13: YES), when a remaining file exists in the HDD 10 (S14: YES), or when there is no empty memory block in the second buffer memory 22 (S15: If NO, it is checked whether there is an empty memory block in the first buffer memory 21 in order to perform data transfer in the auxiliary storage device via mode (S16). If there is an empty memory block (S16: YES), one empty memory block is taken out from the first buffer memory 21, and data is stored until the memory block is full (S17). If there is no free memory block in the first buffer memory 21 (S16: NO), the process returns to S12 because data cannot be stored.
[0051]
On the other hand, there is no memory block in which data is stored in the first buffer memory 21 (S13: NO), there is no remaining file in the HDD 10 (S14: NO), and there is an empty block in the second buffer memory 22. If it exists (S15: YES), data transfer can be performed in the first bypass mode. Therefore, in the first bypass mode, one vacant memory block is taken out from the second buffer memory 22, and data is stored until the memory block is full (S18).
[0052]
That is, since there is no data being processed in the path from the first buffer memory 21 to the HDD 10, there is no problem such as printing being disturbed even if the data is transferred to the image generation task 14 by bypassing the HDD 10. . Of course, if there is no empty memory block in the second buffer memory 22, bypass transfer cannot be performed. Therefore, in S 15, the state of the second buffer memory 22 is inspected. In the initial state immediately after the power is turned on, there is no file being processed in the HDD 10 and the memory blocks of the buffer memories 21 and 22 are vacant. Therefore, in the second transfer mode, the first bypass mode is used. Data is transferred. Here, when the memory is allocated to each of the buffer memories 21 and 22, if the capacity of the second buffer memory 22 is set to be larger than the capacity of the first buffer memory, the transfer time in the first bypass mode is lengthened. And overall processing time can be reduced. Specifically, the total number of memory blocks can be obtained by dividing the total amount of memory that can be used as the buffer memory by the size of one memory block. About 20% of all the memory blocks can be used as the first buffer memory 21 and the remaining 80% can be used as the second buffer memory 22.
[0053]
Next, FIG. 7 shows the processing of the HD write task 12. First, it is determined whether or not the first transfer mode is set (S21). If the first transfer mode is set (S21: YES), S22 to be described later is skipped and the process proceeds to S23 to perform data transfer in the auxiliary storage device mode. When the first transfer mode is not set (S21: NO), the process proceeds to the second transfer mode, and the switching condition between the auxiliary storage device mode and the second bypass mode is determined.
[0054]
Under the second transfer mode, first, it is checked whether or not there is a remaining file in the HDD 10 (S22). When there is a remaining file on the HDD 10 (S22: YES), it is a case where data cannot be transferred by bypassing the HDD 10, that is, data should be transferred in the mode via the auxiliary storage device. Therefore, it is checked whether there is an empty memory block in the first buffer memory 21 (S23) and whether the communication task 11 has received the next print job and needs an empty memory block (S24). . If there is no empty memory block in the first buffer memory 21 (S23: NO) and the communication task 11 requests a new empty memory block (S24: YES), data is stored to generate an empty memory block. Data is extracted from the non-empty memory block and the file is written to the HDD 10 (S25). The memory block from which the data has been extracted is returned to the first buffer memory 21 (S26). Thereby, the communication task 11 can store the newly received packet data in the memory block.
[0055]
If there is no remaining file in the HDD 10 (S22: NO), it is checked whether there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory 22 (S27). This is because the HDD 10 cannot be bypassed if there is no empty memory block in the second buffer memory 22. Next, it is checked whether or not there is a memory block in which data is stored in the first buffer memory 21, and it is determined whether there is data that can be transferred from the first buffer memory to the second buffer memory (S28).
[0056]
If “YES” is determined in both S27 and S28, the contents (data) of the memory block storing the data in the first buffer memory 21 are transferred to the empty memory block in the second buffer memory (S29). . Here, the data may be read from the memory block in which the data is stored, and the read data may be copied to an empty memory block, or the blocks may be exchanged by exchanging pointers of both memory blocks with each other. May be. The memory block that has become empty after the data transfer is returned to the first buffer memory 21 (S30).
[0057]
More specifically, in S25, it is determined whether or not the data to be written is the first data of a new print job. If the data is a new print job data, a new file is stored on the HDD 10. Create and write data to the file. On the other hand, it is determined whether the data to be written is the last data of the print job. If the data is the last data, the file related to the print job is closed.
[0058]
Next, FIG. 8 shows processing of the HD read task 13. First, it is checked whether there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory 22 (S41). Next, it is inspected whether there is a remaining file in the HDD 10 (S42). If there is no empty memory block in the second buffer memory 22 (S41: NO), or if there is no file to be read in the HDD 10 (S42: NO), data transfer cannot be performed, so the process returns to S41 and waits. On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in both S41 and S42, the data is read from the file of the HDD 10 and stored until the empty memory block of the second buffer memory 22 is full (S43).
[0059]
Then, it is determined whether or not all data in the file from which data has been read in S43 has been read (S44). If all data has been read (S44: YES), it is determined whether or not the file can be deleted. (S45). The condition whether or not deletion is possible is, for example, whether all print data has been read when the number of copies is 1, or all print data of the final copy has been read when collate printing is designated, It is. This is because, during collate printing, the print data cannot be deleted until printing for several minutes is completed. If there is no reason to save the print data (S45: YES), the file is deleted (S46).
[0060]
Next, FIG. 9 shows processing of the image generation task 14. First, it is determined whether there is a non-empty memory block in which data is stored in the second buffer memory 22 (S51). If there is a memory block in which data is stored in the second buffer memory 22 (S51: YES), one memory block is taken out from the second buffer memory 22 and the data is read out to generate a print request (S52). Then, the empty memory block from which the data has been extracted is returned to the second buffer memory (S53). Since the print task is not the gist of the present invention, the description of the processing is omitted.
[0061]
According to the present embodiment configured as described above, data can be transferred in a transfer mode corresponding to the data processing state, as shown in FIGS.
[0062]
That is, in the first transfer mode in which only the data transfer by the auxiliary storage device mode is performed, all the print data is temporarily stored in the HDD 10 and then image generation processing is performed, so that the host computer 100 is released early. be able to. Further, in the second transfer mode, the printing time can be shortened because the mode via the auxiliary storage device and the first and second bypass modes are dynamically switched according to the data processing state.
[0063]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the auxiliary storage device mode, received data is stored in the HDD 10 via the communication task 11, the first buffer memory 21, and the HD write task 12, and stored in the HDD 10. Data can be input to the image generation task 14 via the HD read task 13 and the second buffer memory 22. Therefore, the host computer can be released early by selecting the first transfer mode. In the first bypass mode shown in FIG. 11, the received data is directly stored in the memory block of the second buffer memory, so the processing of the HD write task 12 and the HD read task 13 is omitted, and the data is quickly imaged. It can be input to the generation task 14. Furthermore, in the second bypass mode shown in FIG. 12, the HD write task 12 stores data in the memory block of the second buffer memory 22 instead of writing data in the HDD 10. Can be transferred to.
[0064]
Here, consideration will be given to switching between the mode via the auxiliary storage device and the first and second bypass modes under the second transfer mode. Under the second transfer mode, as shown in FIG. 13A, transfer is performed in the first bypass mode at the initial reception of the print job. Eventually, when the communication task 11 uses up the memory block of the second buffer memory 22, the received data is stored in the memory block of the first buffer memory 21. While the communication task 11 is using the first buffer memory 21, the image generation task 14 receives a full memory block from the second buffer memory 22 and generates a print request. As described above, when a full memory block is generated in the first buffer memory 21 in a situation where there are no remaining files in the HDD 10, the mode is switched to the second bypass mode by the HD write task 12. In the second bypass mode, the HD write task 12 stores data in the memory block of the second buffer memory 22. When there is no empty memory block in the second buffer memory 22 due to the shift to the second bypass mode, the mode is switched to the auxiliary storage device mode, and the data is input to the image generation task 14 via the HDD 10. Therefore, high-speed data transfer is performed in the first and second bypass modes immediately after reception of the print job, and the mode shifts to the auxiliary storage device mode near the middle of the print job.
[0065]
At the end of the print job, since all files in the HDD 10 are read, the mode is switched from the auxiliary storage device mode to the second bypass mode. Soon, the second bypass mode is shifted to the first bypass mode.
[0066]
Note that, in the second transfer mode, mode switching as shown in FIG. 13A is not performed for all print jobs. The mode switching situation changes depending on changes in various parameters such as the packet reception speed, the amount of print job data, and the processing speed of the image generation task 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the operation of the communication task 11 is overwhelmingly faster than the operation of the image generation task 14, and there is no empty memory block in the second buffer memory 22. If the memory block of the first buffer memory 21 is used up before the first free memory block is created, it may be considered to shift from the first bypass mode to the auxiliary storage device mode. If the data amount of the print job is small, as shown in FIG. 13C, data processing may be performed only in the first bypass mode without shifting to the auxiliary storage device mode.
[0067]
In addition, the first bypass mode → the second bypass mode → the auxiliary storage device mode → the first bypass mode (the printing is performed by shifting from the auxiliary storage device mode to the first bypass mode without passing through the second bypass mode). The process may be performed in the order of (end). In some cases, the processing is performed in the order of the first bypass mode → the auxiliary storage device passing mode → the second bypass mode → the first bypass mode.
[0068]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a case where one print job is received alone is illustrated, but actually, a plurality of print jobs are received continuously, or a gap is formed between other print jobs. In some cases, an isolated print job may be received. As described above, when a plurality of print jobs are received, transition can be made between any of the first bypass mode, the second bypass mode, and the auxiliary storage device passing mode. However, after completing the initial state and the processing of all print jobs, the transfer is first performed in the first bypass mode.
[0069]
According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0070]
First, the user can select either the first transfer mode for transferring data only in the mode via the auxiliary storage device for storing the print data in the HDD 10 or the second transfer mode for transferring data by appropriately bypassing the HDD 10. Therefore, the first and second transfer modes can be selected according to the user's request, and the usability is improved. For example, a user who gives priority to early release of the host computer 100 selects the first transfer mode, and a user who gives priority to shortening the printing time selects the second transfer mode, thereby realizing each request. it can.
[0071]
Secondly, under the second transfer mode, the entire print job is stored in the HDD 10 in order to switch between the auxiliary storage device passing mode via the HDD 10 and the bypass mode bypassing the HDD 10 based on the data processing state. As a result, the processing time can be greatly reduced. As a result, it is possible to achieve both the early release of the host computer in the auxiliary storage device mode and the high-speed processing in the bypass mode, improving usability.
[0072]
Third, in the second transfer mode, whether to use the HDD 10 is dynamically changed according to the data processing state, so that the overall processing speed can be reduced without using a high-speed interface or DMA transfer. Can be improved.
[0073]
Fourth, when there is a remaining file in the HDD 10, the bypass mode is not selected and the data transfer is performed in the auxiliary storage device mode, so that the processing speed is increased while preventing the printing order from being disturbed. be able to.
[0074]
Fifth, since not only the first bypass mode from the communication task 11 to the image generation task 14 but also the second bypass mode from the HD writing task 12 to the image generation task 14 is provided, high-speed data transfer The period can be lengthened and the overall processing time can be shortened.
[0075]
Sixth, in a multi-task type printer that reads and writes to the HDD 10 by a single CPU 3, the processing time becomes longer by the amount of data operation to the HDD 10, but according to the present invention, the mode via the auxiliary storage device and the bypass are bypassed. Since the mode can be switched, it is particularly effective in a multitask printer.
[0076]
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 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. A feature of the present embodiment is that a preferred transfer mode is automatically selected according to attribute information of print data.
[0077]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing on the host computer side. First, it is determined whether or not the user has selected either the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode via the print instruction screen or the like (S61). If the user has selected the transfer mode (S61: YES), the user's selection value is stored (S62). If the user has not selected the transfer mode (S61: NO), a preset initial value is read (S63).
[0078]
Next, the attribute information of the print data is analyzed (S64), and it is determined whether or not the print data is to be stored in the HDD 10, that is, whether or not the print data is to select the first transfer mode (S64). S65). For example, by referring to the mode selection table T1 in which various attribute information of print data is associated with a preferable transfer mode, a transfer mode corresponding to the attribute of the print data can be selected.
[0079]
Specifically, for example, when collate printing is specified in which the same page is printed in the same paper discharge bin in a predetermined cycle and discharged, it is preferable to use the HDD 10. In the case of copy printing in which the printed image data can be immediately discarded, the user is free to select either the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode. It depends on whether the user gives priority to early release of the host computer or printing speed. Furthermore, when printing a document with a relatively large amount of data such as n pages (for example, several tens to several hundred pages, or several MB to several tens of MB of print data), From the viewpoint of shortening the printing waiting time of other host computers, it is preferable to use the HDD 10. Conversely, when the amount of data is small, the user is free to select any transfer mode.
[0080]
If it is determined by reference to the mode selection table T1 that the print data is more preferable to use the HDD 10 (S65: YES), the first transfer mode is selected (S66). Next, it is determined whether or not the transfer mode selected by the user is the first transfer mode (S67). If both are different, that is, if the user selects the second transfer mode and the user selects the transfer mode. If the second transfer mode is set as an initial value without selection (S67: NO), the user is notified via the display screen or the audio output device that the first transfer mode has been changed ( S68). On the other hand, when it is determined that the use of the HDD 10 is optional (S65: NO), the transfer mode indicated by the user selection value or the initial value is selected (S69).
[0081]
Then, print data is generated (S70), and the transfer mode selection command and the print data are transmitted to the printer (S71, S72).
[0082]
Note that the setting content of the mode selection table T1 described above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other parameters such as the presence / absence of a color image, the type of printing language, the printing resolution, the remaining capacity of the HDD 10, and the number of jobs waiting to be printed can be considered. Further, for example, when a command that gives the highest priority to shortening the printing time is designated, such as a priority print command or an emergency print command, the second transfer mode can be selected. Further, when the current time can be referred to by a built-in timer or the like, the transfer mode can be automatically selected in consideration of the current time. For example, if the print data is received a predetermined time before the closing time, and if it is predicted that the scheduled printing end time of the print data will be later than the closing time, the first transfer mode is set with priority given to the early release of the host computer. It is also possible to select. Further, the contents of the mode selection table T1 need not be fixed. For example, the contents of the table T1 can be changed by learning based on user settings, print history, and the like.
[0083]
In the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition to this, the present embodiment further provides the following effects.
[0084]
First, since the transfer mode is selected based on the attribute information of the print data, it is possible to select a transfer mode suitable for the print data, which improves usability. In the case of collate printing, since the first transfer mode is selected, it is possible to prevent collate printing from failing in the middle.
[0085]
Second, since the user is notified when the transfer mode is changed, the user is prevented from being confused and the usability is improved.
[0086]
3. Third embodiment
Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing of the communication task 11 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0087]
The feature of the present embodiment is to check whether or not the print data is to be stored in the HDD 10 based on the attribute information of the print data when it is determined in S12 that the first transfer mode is selected. (S81) In the case where the print data is to be stored in the HDD 10, even if the second transfer mode is selected by the transfer mode selection command, the print data is changed to the first transfer mode. The transfer mode change based on the print attribute can be realized by referring to the mode selection table T1 as in the second embodiment.
[0088]
Also in this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.
[0089]
A person skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the above embodiments. For example, the present invention can be realized by causing a computer of a printer to read a predetermined program recorded on a recording medium.
[0090]
Also, the size of the memory block, which is the unit of use for each buffer memory, can be changed according to the data processing state. For example, the size of both memory blocks can be a fixed value of about 100 KB, or the block size can be changed according to the data processing speed in the printer. The size of the memory block of each buffer memory does not have to be the same, and may be different. However, if the block size is the same, it is convenient for data transfer and the like.
[0091]
Furthermore, the printer is not limited to a printer-dedicated machine, and may be a multifunction machine having other functions such as a copying machine and a facsimile machine.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the network printer and the network printing system according to the present invention, it is possible to select either the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode according to the user's desire or the attribute information of the print data. it can. Therefore, when priority is given to early release of the host computer, the first transfer mode may be selected, and when priority is given to shortening the printing time, the second transfer mode may be selected, which improves usability. Further, in the second transfer mode, the auxiliary storage device is appropriately used according to the data processing state, so that both the early release of the host computer and the high speed processing by bypassing the auxiliary storage device can be achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing data transfer from a communication task to an HDD.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing data transfer from an HDD to an image generation task.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing on the host computer side.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of a communication task.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of an HD write task.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of an HD read task.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of an image generation task.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing data transfer in the auxiliary storage device via mode.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing data transfer in a first bypass mode.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing data transfer in a second bypass mode.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a transfer mode transition state;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing on the host computer side according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing on the host computer side according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
3 CPU
10 HDD
11 Communication task
12 HD writing task
13 HD read task
14 Image generation task
21 First buffer memory
22 Second buffer memory
23 Remaining file detector
24 Transfer mode setting section
100 Host computer
101 Transfer mode selector
102 Print data generation unit
103 Transmitter
110 Print data

Claims (14)

In a network printer capable of storing print job data received via a network in an auxiliary storage device,
Communication processing means for receiving data and a transfer mode selection command via a network;
Mode setting means for determining and setting whether the transfer mode selection command selects the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode;
Image data generating means for interpreting the received print job data and generating image data;
Print processing means for performing printing based on the generated image data;
Detecting means for detecting a processing state of data of the received print job ;
When the first transfer mode is set, the data is transferred in the auxiliary storage device mode in which all data of the received print job is input to the image data generation means via the auxiliary storage device. And
When the second transfer mode is set , the auxiliary storage device mode and the received data are transferred to the auxiliary data even during processing of the print job based on the detected processing state of the data. Data is transferred by switching the bypass mode to be input to the image data generation means without going through the storage device, and both the auxiliary storage device via mode and the bypass mode are applied to the data transfer of one print job. A network printer characterized in that it can be.   The network printer according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit further sets one of the transfer modes based on attribute information associated with the data.   The network printer according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit further sets the first transfer mode when collate printing is designated for the data.   When the second transfer mode is set, when the data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the mode via the auxiliary storage device is selected, and the data is being processed in the auxiliary storage device. The network printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bypass mode is selected when data is not stored. A first buffer memory provided between the communication processing means and the auxiliary storage device and having a plurality of memory blocks, and provided between the auxiliary storage device and the image data generation means, and having a plurality of memory blocks. A second buffer memory having
4. When the second transfer mode is set, the auxiliary storage device via mode and the bypass mode are switched based on a processing state of the detected data. The network printer described.   The network printer according to claim 5, wherein the first bypass mode as the bypass mode is realized by the communication processing unit storing the received data in a memory block of the second buffer memory. The first bypass mode is:
(a1) There is no memory block in which data has been stored in the first buffer memory,
(a2) No data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device,
The network printer according to claim 6, wherein (a3) the network printer is switched when there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory.   The printer according to claim 7, wherein the second buffer memory is set to have a larger capacity than the first buffer memory. The second bypass mode as the bypass mode is:
6. The network printer according to claim 5, which is realized by transferring data stored in a memory block of the first buffer memory to a memory block of the second buffer memory.   6. The second bypass mode as the bypass mode is realized by taking out data stored in a memory block of the first buffer memory and transferring it to an empty memory block of the second buffer memory. Network printer.   6. The network printer according to claim 5, wherein the second bypass mode as the bypass mode is realized by exchanging a data storage memory block of the first buffer memory and an empty memory block of the second buffer memory. The second bypass mode is:
(b1) No data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device,
(b2) there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory;
(b3) The network printer according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which is switched when there is a memory block in which data has been stored in the first buffer memory. In the bypass mode, the communication processing means stores the received data in the memory block of the second buffer memory, and the data stored in the memory block of the first buffer memory is stored in the second buffer mode. A second bypass mode for transferring to the memory block of the buffer memory,
The first bypass mode is:
(a1) There is no memory block in which data has been stored in the first buffer memory,
(a2) No data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device,
(a3) when there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory,
The second bypass mode is:
(b1) No data being processed is stored in the auxiliary storage device,
(b2) there is an empty memory block in the second buffer memory;
(b3) The network printer according to claim 5, wherein the network printer is switched when there is a memory block in which data is stored in the first buffer memory. In a network printer capable of storing data received via a network in an auxiliary storage device,
Communication processing means for receiving print job data and a transfer mode selection command via a network;
Mode setting means for determining and setting whether the transfer mode selection command selects the first transfer mode or the second transfer mode;
Writing means for storing data of a print job input from a communication processing unit in the auxiliary storage device;
Reading means for reading out print job data stored in the auxiliary storage device;
Image data generation means for interpreting input print job data and generating image data;
Print processing means for performing printing based on the generated image data;
Detecting means for detecting residual data in the auxiliary storage device;
A first buffer memory provided between the communication processing means and the writing means and having a plurality of memory blocks;
A second buffer memory provided between the auxiliary storage device and the reading means and having a plurality of memory blocks;
Wherein when the first transfer mode is set, the communication processing means received the data of the print job first buffer memory, said writing means, said auxiliary storage device, said reading means, said second buffer memory The data is transferred in the auxiliary storage device mode that is input to the image data generation means through the sequence,
When the second transfer mode is set, the auxiliary storage device passing mode and the communication processing means receive based on the use state of each buffer memory and the remaining data amount in the auxiliary storage device. The print job data is transferred by switching the bypass mode for inputting the print job data to the image data generation means without going through the auxiliary storage device, and the data transfer of one print job is made via the auxiliary storage device. A network printer , wherein both the mode and the bypass mode can be applied .

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