JP4296776B2 - Printer and printing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printer, a client, and a printing system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, some printer models do not have a built-in clock to reduce product costs. In other words, in order to incorporate a clock into the printer, a separate battery must be installed in order to drive the clock even when the printer is turned off. The watch is not built in to avoid it.
[0003]
Such a printer that does not incorporate a clock is provided with a timer function that operates using a clock that drives a CPU or the like. This timer function starts when the printer is turned on, and is a function for knowing how much time has passed since the printer was turned on. According to this timer function, for example, the relative time at which 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 15 seconds have passed after counting up every second after the power is turned on can be known.
[0004]
Further, if the printer has such a timer function, even a printer that does not have a built-in clock can obtain the absolute time from a server or the like if connected to the network. A typical example of a server that can acquire this absolute time is an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server. The printer connected to the network has a built-in clock by acquiring the absolute time once from this NTP server and counting up the acquired absolute time in units of one second based on the timer function. Equivalent usability is provided to users.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when all the printers connected to the network try to acquire the absolute time from the NTP server, there is a problem that the load on the network may increase. That is, the printer that has attempted to acquire the absolute time transmits a packet that requests the NTP server to transmit the absolute time, but the absolute time is not always returned from the NTP server based on this packet. Once the printer that has transmitted the absolute time request packet does not receive a reply even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it again transmits a packet requesting the absolute time. If each printer performs such a retry, the load on the packet transmitted to acquire the absolute time may become large.
[0006]
In addition, since the NTP server is installed outside the printer, it is necessary to set the correct time in the NTP server and to set the network address of the NTP server in the printer.
[0007]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printer that can acquire the absolute time without significantly increasing the load on the network. It is another object of the present invention to provide a client used with such a printer, and a printing system having such a printer and client.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a printer according to the present invention provides:
A timer that starts when the printer is turned on and counts the time since the printer is turned on as a relative time;
Collecting means for collecting information data relating to the printer in association with the relative time;
Before sending the information data collected by the collecting means to the report destination server, the file is sent to the report destination server, and the current absolute time held by the report destination server as a response regarding the sent file A response requesting means for requesting a response including information on,
The absolute time of receiving the response transmitted from the report destination server based on the request of the response request means and acquiring the information related to the current absolute time held by the report destination server included in the response Acquisition means;
The information data associated with the relative time collected by the collection means is corrected based on the current absolute time acquired by the absolute time acquisition means, and the information data associated with the current absolute time is corrected. Replace, replace means,
A report file transmitting means for transmitting the information data replaced by the replacement means as a report file to the report destination server;
It is characterized by providing.
[0009]
In this case, the size of the file transmitted from the response request unit to the report destination server may be zero.
[0010]
The printer may not have a built-in clock driven by a battery even when the printer is turned off.
[0011]
A printing system according to the present invention is a printing system having a printer and a report destination server connected to the printer via a network,
The printer is
A timer that starts when the printer is turned on and counts the time since the printer is turned on as a relative time;
Collecting means for collecting information data relating to the printer in association with the relative time;
Before sending the information data collected by the collecting means to the report destination server, sending a file to the report destination server and requesting a response regarding the sent file; response request means;
With
The report destination server is:
Based on a request from the response request unit of the printer, a response including information on the current absolute time held by the report destination server is transmitted to the printer as a response regarding the file transmitted by the response request unit. , Response sending means,
With
The printer further includes:
A response receiving means for receiving the response sent by the response sending means of the report destination server;
From the response received by the response receiving means, to acquire information on the current absolute time, absolute time acquisition means,
The information data associated with the relative time collected by the collection means is corrected based on the current absolute time acquired by the absolute time acquisition means, and the information data associated with the current absolute time is corrected. Replace, replace means,
A report file transmitting means for transmitting the information data replaced by the replacement means as a report file to the report destination server;
With
The report destination server is:
A report file receiving means for receiving the report file transmitted by the report file transmitting means of the printer;
It is further provided with the feature.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the present embodiment, when the printer receives a print file and receives information about the last update date / time of the file accompanying the print file, the last update date / time is set to the current absolute file. It is assumed that it is time. More details will be described below.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 according to this embodiment includes a client 20, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server 30, and a printer 40 that are alternately connected via a network 50. It is configured.
[0020]
One or more clients 20 are connected to the network 50. The client 20 is composed of a terminal for creating printing data such as a personal computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). In the present embodiment, in particular, the client 20 creates a print job for the printer 40 based on print data created by the user, and transmits it as a print file to the FTP server 30 by FTP.
[0021]
The FTP server 30 is a file server that manages transmission / reception of files by FTP. In the present embodiment, the FTP server 30 transmits the received print file to the printer 40 by FTP.
[0022]
The printer 40 is a printing device that includes an inkjet printer or a laser printer. In the present embodiment, a print file transmitted from the FTP server 30 is received and printing is performed. In addition, the printer 40 according to the present embodiment does not incorporate a timepiece that is driven by a battery when the printer 40 is turned off.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the internal configuration of the client 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the client 20 according to this embodiment includes a computer main body 60 and a display 62.
[0024]
The computer main body 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 64, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 66, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 68, which are connected to each other via an internal bus 70. A communication interface 72 is connected to the internal bus 70, and the client 20 is connected to the network 50 described above via the communication interface 72.
[0025]
Further, an interface 74 is connected to the internal bus 70, and a hard disk 76 that is a mass storage device is connected to the interface 74. In the present embodiment, the hard disk 76 functions as a rewritable nonvolatile storage device. In addition, an interface 78 is connected to the internal bus 70, and the above-described display 62 is connected via a cable 80 extending from the interface 78.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the internal configuration of the printer 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 40 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 100, a random access memory (RAM) 102, and a read only memory (ROM) 104, which are connected to each other via an internal bus 106. Connected. Further, a communication interface 108 is connected to the internal bus 106, and the printer 40 is connected to the network 50 described above via the communication interface 108. Further, an interface 110 is connected to the internal bus 106, and a print engine 112 is connected to the interface 110.
[0027]
Further, a hard disk 116 is connected to the internal bus 106 via an interface 114. In the present embodiment, the hard disk 116 functions as a rewritable nonvolatile storage device.
[0028]
Next, based on FIG. 4, processing when printing is performed by the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the client 20 generates a print job based on printing data in accordance with an input instruction from the user (step S10). Next, the client 20 transmits the generated print job as a file for printing to the FTP server 30 by FTP via the network 50 (step S12). Specifically, it transmits using the following FTP commands.
STOR filename.prn
[0029]
Next, the client 20 generates information related to the last update date and time of the print file, and transmits the information to the FTP server 30 via the network 50 via the FTP (step S14). Here, the information related to the last update date and time for the print file indicates the date and time when the print job is generated in step S10. Specifically, it transmits using the following FTP commands.
MDTM 20021011121314 filename.prn
[0030]
This example shows that the last update date and time of the print file is October 11, 2002, 12:13:14.
[0031]
Correspondingly, the FTP server 30 receives the file for printing transmitted from the client 20 via the network 50 (step S20), and also receives information related to the last update date and time of the file (step S22). ). At this time, when the FTP server 30 receives the print file, the FTP server 30 temporarily stores the print file in the FTP server. Therefore, the saved time is the last update date and time of the print file. It becomes. That is, the last update date and time of the print file is determined by the clock time of the FTP server 30.
[0032]
Subsequently, the FTP server 30 transfers the received print file via the network 50 to the printer 40 by FTP (step S24), and transfers information related to the last update date / time of the file to the printer 40 by FTP. (Step S26). The last update date and time of this file is a time determined by the clock time of the FTP server 30.
[0033]
The printer 40 receives the file for printing transmitted from the FTP server 30 via the network 50 (step S30) and also receives information about the last update date (step S32). Subsequently, the printer 40 executes printing based on the received file (step S34).
[0034]
Next, an absolute time determination process executed by the printer 40 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of the absolute time determination process according to the present embodiment. This absolute time determination process is a process realized by the CPU 100 reading and executing an absolute time determination program stored in the ROM 104 or the hard disk 116 of the printer 40. The absolute time determination process is a process that is automatically activated when the printer 40 is turned on.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 40 first starts a timer (step S40). That is, since the printer 40 according to this embodiment does not have a built-in clock, a timer that operates based on the clock used by the CPU 100 is started. The value of the timer at the time of starting the timer is zero. Each time 1 second elapses, this timer is counted up.
[0036]
Next, the printer 40 determines whether information relating to the last update date has been received accompanying the file for printing (step S42). If a print file has not been received, or if a print file has been received but information on the last update date / time has not been received (step S42: No), the process of step S42 is repeated to wait. . That is, in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the FTP server 30 does not always transmit information regarding the last update date and time of the file accompanying the file for printing. For this reason, the printer 40 needs to wait until the last update date / time is transmitted along with the file for printing.
[0037]
On the other hand, when the information about the last update date / time is received accompanying the file for printing (step S42: Yes), the printer 40 acquires the current timer value (step S44). Then, the printer 40 sets the received last update date and time as the current time (step S46). Specifically, the printer 40 resets the timer value to zero and restarts, and stores and holds the acquired absolute time. Thereafter, by adding the timer value to the stored absolute time, the printer 40 can keep the correct time.
[0038]
Next, the printer 40 replaces the timer value with absolute time for the data collected so far based on the timer value (step S48). For example, if the last update date and time received is 12:13:14 on October 11, 2002 and the timer value at that time is 3 hours 13 minutes 14 seconds, the time value of the timer is 3 hours The data acquired in step 1 is data having an absolute time of October 11, 2002, 12:00:00.
[0039]
Thereby, the absolute time determination process in this embodiment is complete | finished.
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the remaining amount of toner when the printer 40 collects data related to toner consumption every hour. As shown in FIG. 6, when the printer 40 is turned on, a timer is started. Each time the timer elapses, the printer 40 records the remaining amount of toner as data together with the timer time. This data is stored in the hard disk 116 of the printer 40, for example.
[0041]
In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the last update date and time of 12:13:14 on October 11, 2002 was received when the timer passed 3 hours 13 minutes 14 seconds. Thereby, it is determined that the absolute time at this time is 12:13:14 on October 11, 2002. Therefore, when the timer time is 3 hours and 00 minutes and 00 seconds, the remaining amount of toner can be calculated back to be data at the time of 12:00 on October 11, 2002 in absolute time. Similarly, when the timer time is 2 hours, 00 minutes and 00 seconds, the remaining toner amount can be calculated back to the absolute time as data at the time of 11:00, 11:00 on October 11, 2002, and the timer time is 1 hour. The remaining amount of toner at the time of 00:00 can be calculated back to be the data at the time of 10:00:00 on October 10, 2002 in absolute time. Then, the time when the power of the printer 40 is turned on can be calculated back as an absolute time of October 11, 2002, 9:00:00.
[0042]
As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the printer 40 determines the absolute time based on the last update date and time of the file transmitted together with the file for printing. The absolute time can be specified without sending a new packet requesting the absolute time from the printer 40 to the network 50. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the possibility that the printer 40 significantly increases the traffic of the network 50 in order to specify the absolute time. That is, the FTP server 30 immediately transmits this file to the printer 40 when it receives the file for printing. For this reason, the last update date and time of the file for printing may be regarded as approximately indicating the absolute time at that time for the printer 40.
[0043]
If the clock time of the FTP server 30 is set correctly, the correct time can be notified to the printer 40 even if the clock times of the plurality of clients 20 are not set. Even if the clock time of the FTP server 30 is slightly deviated, the time of each printer can be managed uniformly even if there are a plurality of printers that receive print files from the printer 30.
[0044]
In addition, since the printer 40 according to the present embodiment has a timer function, the relative time based on the timer function is initially specified for the data collected after the power is turned on, and the absolute time is determined. At the time, the data based on the relative time so far can be replaced with the absolute time. For this reason, even a printer 40 that does not have a built-in clock can collect data based on absolute time.
[0045]
In this embodiment, the case where a file for printing is pushed from the FTP server 30 to the printer 40 has been described as an example, but conversely, the case where the printer 40 pulls a file for printing is also described. The invention can be applied. In this case, the command flow is as follows.
[0046]
First, the FTP server 30 that has acquired the file for printing transmits a print request of “filename.prn” to the printer 40 by specifying the storage location of “filename.prn”. Then, “RETR filename.prn”, which is a command for acquiring a file, is transmitted from the printer 40 to the FTP server 30. Subsequently, “MDTM filename.prn”, which is a command for obtaining the last update date and time, is transmitted from the printer 40 to the FTP server 30. In response to this, the absolute time information “213 20021011121314” is transmitted from the FTP server 30 to the printer 40. Here, the head 213 means reply OK.
[0047]
[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment of the present invention is a modification of the first embodiment described above, in which each printer 40 has a built-in server function. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 40 includes a server function 42. For this reason, in this printing system 10, the FTP server 30 is not necessarily required.
[0048]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating processing when printing is performed in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the client 20 generates a print job based on the print data in accordance with an input instruction from the user (step S10). Next, the client 20 transmits the generated print job as a file for printing to the printer 40 via the network 50 by FTP (step S12). Specifically, it transmits using the following FTP commands.
STOR filename.prn
[0049]
Next, the client 20 generates information related to the last update date and time of the print file, and transmits the information to the printer 40 via the network 50 by FTP (step S14). Here, the information related to the last update date and time for the print file indicates the date and time when the print job is generated in step S10. Specifically, it transmits using the following FTP commands.
MDTM 20021011121314 filename.prn
[0050]
This example shows that the last update date and time of the print file is October 11, 2002, 12:13:14.
[0051]
The printer 40 receives the file for printing transmitted from the client 20 via the network 50 (step S30) and also receives information about the last update date (step S32). Subsequently, the printer 40 executes printing based on the received file (step S34).
[0052]
As can be seen from this processing, in the present embodiment, the printer 40 receives information regarding the last update date directly from the client 20 without going through the FTP server 30. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment described above.
[0053]
As described above, also in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the printer 40 determines the absolute time based on the last update date and time of the file transmitted together with the file for printing. The absolute time can be specified without sending a new packet requesting the absolute time from the network 40 to the network 50. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the possibility that the printer 40 significantly increases the traffic of the network 50 in order to specify the absolute time. In other words, the client 20 immediately transmits this file to the printer 40 when the file for printing is generated. For this reason, the last update date and time of the file for printing may be regarded as approximately indicating the absolute time at that time for the printer 40.
[0054]
Note that, in the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment described above, the present invention can be applied not only when a print file is pushed, but also when a print file is pulled. In this case, the command flow is as follows.
[0055]
First, the client 20 that has generated the print file transmits a print request for “filename.prn” to the printer 40 by specifying the storage location of “filename.prn”. Then, “RETR filename.prn”, which is a command for acquiring a file, is transmitted from the printer 40 to the client 20. Subsequently, “MDTM filename.prn”, which is a command for obtaining the last update date and time, is transmitted from the printer 40 to the client 20. In response to this, the absolute time information “213 20021011121314” is transmitted from the client 20 to the printer 40.
[0056]
[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the time information of the client 20 is transmitted as the last update date and time separately from the print file. However, in the third embodiment, the time information of the client 20 is used for printing. It is added to the file and transmitted as one file.
[0057]
The overall configuration of the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. However, a transmission file as shown in FIG. 9 is transmitted from the client 20 to the FTP server 30. As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, in addition to the print file 310, information regarding the time of the client 20 is incorporated as client time information 300 in the transmission file. Then, this transmission file is transmitted from the client 20 to the FTP server 30.
[0058]
Next, based on FIG. 10, processing when printing is performed by the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the client 20 generates a print job based on print data in accordance with an input instruction from the user (step S310). Next, the client 20 sets the generated print job as a file 310 for printing, and adds the time information of the client 20 as client time information 300 to the file for printing to generate a transmission file (step). S312).
[0059]
Next, the client 20 transmits this transmission file to the FTP server 30 by FTP via the network 50 (step S314). Specifically, it transmits using the following FTP commands.
STOR filename.prn
[0060]
In response to this, the FTP server 30 receives the transmission file transmitted from the client 20 via the network 50 (step S320). Subsequently, the FTP server 30 transfers the received transmission file to the printer 40 by FTP via the network 50 (step S322).
[0061]
The printer 40 receives the transmission file transmitted from the FTP server 30 via the network 50 (step S330). Subsequently, the printer 40 extracts and acquires the client time information 300 from the received transmission file (step S332). Subsequently, the printer 40 extracts and obtains a print file from the received transmission file, and executes printing based on the print file (step S334).
[0062]
Next, an absolute time determination process executed by the printer 40 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the content of the absolute time determination process according to the present embodiment. This absolute time determination process is a process realized by the CPU 100 reading and executing an absolute time determination program stored in the ROM 104 or the hard disk 116 of the printer 40. The absolute time determination process is a process that is automatically activated when the printer 40 is turned on.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 11, the printer 40 first starts a timer (step S340). That is, since the printer 40 according to this embodiment does not have a built-in clock, a timer that operates based on the clock used by the CPU 100 is started. The value of the timer at the time of starting the timer is zero. Each time 1 second elapses, this timer is counted up.
[0064]
Next, the printer 40 determines whether or not the client time information 300 is included in the received transmission file (step S342). When the transmission file is not received or when the transmission file is received but the client time information 300 is not included (step S342: No), the processing of step S342 is repeated and waits. In other words, in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the client 20 does not always transmit the client time information 300 accompanying the print file. For this reason, the printer 40 needs to wait until the client time information 300 is transmitted along with the print file.
[0065]
On the other hand, when the client time information 300 is included in the received transmission file (step S342: Yes), the printer 40 acquires the current timer value (step S344). Then, the printer 40 sets the time of the acquired client time information 300 as the current absolute time (step S346). Specifically, the printer 40 resets the timer value to zero and restarts, and stores and holds the acquired absolute time. Thereafter, by adding the timer value to the stored absolute time, the printer 40 can keep the correct time.
[0066]
Next, the printer 40 replaces the timer value with the absolute time for the data collected so far based on the timer value (step S348). For example, if the last update date and time received is 12:13:14 on October 11, 2002 and the timer value at that time is 3 hours 13 minutes 14 seconds, the time value of the timer is 3 hours The data acquired in step 1 is data having an absolute time of October 11, 2002, 12:00:00.
[0067]
Thereby, the absolute time determination process in this embodiment is complete | finished.
[0068]
As described above, also in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the printer 40 determines the absolute time based on the client time information 300 transmitted together with the printing file 310. Therefore, the printer 40 Thus, the absolute time can be specified without sending a new packet requesting the absolute time to the network 50. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the possibility that the printer 40 significantly increases the traffic of the network 50 in order to specify the absolute time. That is, when the FTP server 30 receives the transmission file from the client 20, the FTP server 30 immediately transfers the transmission file to the printer 40. For this reason, the client time information 300 of the transmission file may be regarded as approximately indicating the absolute time at that time for the printer 40.
[0069]
In the present embodiment, the configuration of a printing system as shown in FIG. 7 in which the printer 40 includes the server function 42 can be applied as it is.
[0070]
[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the absolute time of the FTP server 30 is actively acquired from the printer 40, and based on this absolute time, the data collected up to that time with the timer value is replaced with the absolute time. In the above, it is transmitted to the FTP server 30 as a report file.
[0071]
The overall configuration of the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1 described above, the configuration of the client 20 is the same as that of FIG. 2 described above, and the configuration of the printer 40 is the same as that of FIG.
[0072]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of the absolute time acquisition process executed by the printer 40 according to this embodiment. This absolute time acquisition process is realized by the CPU 100 reading and executing an absolute time acquisition program stored in the ROM 104 or the hard disk 116 of the printer 40.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 12, the printer 40, which is an FTP client, first creates a new file of size 0 on the hard disk 116 on the printer 40 (step S400). Subsequently, the printer 40 connects to the FTP server 30 (step S402).
[0074]
Next, the printer 40 transmits the file of size 0 created on the hard disk 116 to the FTP server 30 (step S404). Subsequently, the printer 40 transmits the LIST command or the MDTM command of the file transmitted in step S404 to the FTP server 30, and receives the response from the FTP server 30 (step S406).
[0075]
Next, the printer 40 acquires the absolute time included in the response from the received response (step S408). Subsequently, the printer 40 corrects and replaces the data collected so far based on the timer value of the printer 40 based on the acquired absolute time (step S410).
[0076]
Next, the printer 40 creates a file of the data replaced with the absolute time on the hard disk 116 with the same name as the file generated in step S400 (step S412). Subsequently, the printer 40 transmits the created file to the FTP server 30 which is the data report destination server (step S414). Subsequently, the printer 40 disconnects from the FTP server (step S416).
[0077]
As described above, according to the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the absolute time of the FTP server 30 can be obtained from the printer 40 which is an FTP client machine. Further, when the printer 40 collects data on information related to the status of the printer 40, consumables, etc., and holds the collected time as the timer value of the printer 40, the printer 40 reports this data. Prior to transmission to the FTP server 30 that is the destination server, the absolute time can be acquired from the FTP server 30 and the timer value indicated in the data can be replaced with the absolute time before being transmitted to the FTP server 30. In other words, the information about the absolute time is received from the FTP server 30 accompanying the transmission of the data file to the FTP server 30 as the report destination server, so that the content of the data is replaced from the relative time to the absolute time. In addition, transmission to the FTP server 30 becomes possible.
[0078]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, after transmitting a file of size 0 to the FTP server 30 in step S404, the data file is transmitted in step S414 while maintaining the connection with the FTP server 30. To do. However, the connection with the FTP server 30 may be temporarily disconnected. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, after transmitting a file of size 0 in step S404, the connection with the FTP server 30 is disconnected (step S450), and before transmitting the data file in step S414, the FTP server 30 May be connected again (step S460).
[0079]
In order to reduce network traffic, the method of FIG. 12 is effective. However, when it takes time to replace the data based on the past timer value with the absolute time (step S410), the method shown in FIG. It is valid.
[0080]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, after the printer 40 transmits a file for printing, the information regarding the last update date and time of the file is transmitted. However, this order may be reversed. That is, information relating to the last update date / time of the file may be transmitted along with the file for printing.
[0081]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the FTP server 30 is exemplified as the server that transfers the print file transmitted from the client 20 and information related to the last update date and time. However, the server that transfers these is limited to the FTP server. Instead, it may be a file server that transfers them using another protocol.
[0082]
For each process described in the above-described embodiment, a program for executing each process is recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a ROM, or a memory card. Thus, it can be distributed in the form of a recording medium. In this case, the above-described embodiment can be realized by causing the client 20, the FTP server 30, and / or the printer 40 to read and execute the recording medium on which the program is recorded.
[0083]
In addition, the client 20, the FTP server 30, and / or the printer 40 may be provided with other programs such as an operating system and another application program. In this case, the client 20, the FTP server 30, and / or another program included in the printer 40 is utilized, and the recording medium includes a program included in the client 20, the FTP server 30, and / or the printer 40. You may make it record the instruction | command which calls the program which implement | achieves the process equivalent to embodiment mentioned above.
[0084]
Furthermore, such a program can be distributed not as a recording medium but as a carrier wave through a network. The program transmitted in the form of a carrier wave on the network is taken into the client 20, the FTP server 30, and / or the printer 40, and the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing this program.
[0085]
Also, when a program is recorded on a recording medium or transmitted as a carrier wave on a network, the program may be encrypted or compressed. In this case, the client 20, the FTP server 30, and / or the printer 40 that read the program from the recording medium or the carrier wave need to execute the program after decrypting or expanding the program.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer that can acquire the absolute time without significantly increasing the load on the network. Further, it is possible to provide a client used with such a printer, and a printing system having such a printer and client.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a client according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the printer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when a file for printing is transmitted from a client to a printer via an FTP server in the printing system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating details of an absolute time determination process executed by the printer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing a change in the remaining amount of toner collected by the printer according to the first embodiment based on a timer as time elapses.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when a printing file is transmitted from a client to a printer in the printing system according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a format of a transmission file transmitted from a client to a printer in the printing system according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when a printing file is transmitted from a client to a printer via an FTP server in the printing system according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating details of an absolute time determination process executed by a printer according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating details of an absolute time acquisition process executed by a printer according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a view showing a flowchart of a modification of the fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Printing system
20 clients
30 FTP server
40 Printer
50 network

Claims (4)

A timer that starts when the printer is turned on and counts the time since the printer is turned on as a relative time;
Collecting means for collecting information data relating to the printer in association with the relative time;
Before sending the information data collected by the collecting means to the report destination server, the file is sent to the report destination server, and the current absolute time held by the report destination server as a response regarding the sent file A response requesting means for requesting a response including information on ,
The absolute time of receiving the response transmitted from the report destination server based on the request of the response request means and acquiring the information related to the current absolute time held by the report destination server included in the response Acquisition means;
The information data associated with the relative time collected by the collection means is corrected based on the current absolute time acquired by the absolute time acquisition means, and the information data associated with the current absolute time is corrected. Replace, replace means,
A report file transmitting means for transmitting the information data replaced by the replacement means as a report file to the report destination server;
A printer comprising:   The printer according to claim 1, wherein a size of the file transmitted from the response request unit to the report destination server is zero.   3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein a clock driven by a battery is not incorporated even when the printer is turned off. A printing system comprising: a printer; and a report destination server connected to the printer via a network,
The printer is
A timer that starts when the printer is turned on and counts the time since the printer is turned on as a relative time;
Collecting means for collecting information data relating to the printer in association with the relative time;
Before sending the information data collected by the collecting means to the report destination server, sending a file to the report destination server and requesting a response regarding the sent file; response request means;
With
The report destination server is:
Based on a request from the response request unit of the printer, a response including information on the current absolute time held by the report destination server is transmitted to the printer as a response regarding the file transmitted by the response request unit. , Response sending means,
With
The printer further includes:
A response receiving means for receiving the response sent by the response sending means of the report destination server;
From the response received by the response receiving means, to acquire information on the current absolute time, absolute time acquisition means,
The information data associated with the relative time collected by the collection means is corrected based on the current absolute time acquired by the absolute time acquisition means, and the information data associated with the current absolute time is corrected. Replace, replace means,
A report file transmitting means for transmitting the information data replaced by the replacement means as a report file to the report destination server;
With
The report destination server is:
A report file receiving means for receiving the report file transmitted by the report file transmitting means of the printer;
In addition,
A printing system characterized by that.

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