JP4314937B2 - Control system and control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device such as a controller in an apparatus such as an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine having these functions, to which an electrophotographic method or an inkjet printing method is applied, and the control The present invention relates to a control system and a control program provided with a controlled device such as a printer controlled by the device.

JP 2002-91724 A

  Conventionally, in a device such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine having these functions, to which this type of electrophotographic method or inkjet printing method is applied, a so-called "engine" that performs image formation is used. In general, a controller as a control part for controlling the image output device (IOT) is designed in accordance with an image output device (IOT) called a “part”. Therefore, depending on the characteristics of the image output device (IOT), for example, in the case of a color image forming device, the image output device (IOT) as a so-called “engine part” is a four-cycle method or a tandem method. ) Control method, that is, a set of control commands and a control sequence to be used are changed. For example, the difference in the order of giving priority to paper feed timing or image data output timing affects the sequence, but does not affect the command set or the generated image itself.

  For this reason, every time the specifications of the image output device (IOT) change, the printer does not affect the command set or the generated image itself, but the paper feed timing, the output order of the image data, and the like differ. The control unit and printer driver of the image output apparatus (IOT) such as a multifunction peripheral must be updated, and the design of the control unit and printer driver of the image output apparatus (IOT) becomes complicated, resulting in an increase in design cost. It had the problem that.

  In addition, when the image output device (IOT) is changed, MIB (Management Information Base) information that displays the state of the control unit that controls the image output device (IOT) may be changed.

  In the printer system including the image output device (IOT), as shown in FIG. 21, an inquiry is made about the MIB of an external device such as a finisher connected to the printer system from the outside using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or the like. If you have not prepared information about the external device in advance, you will not be able to answer the inquiry, or if you have prepared information about the external device in the printer in advance, you will be able to respond to it. The For this reason, in the above printer system, it is not possible to automatically acquire information on the external device when the external device is connected, and it is necessary to prepare information on the external device in advance. In addition, it is necessary to update the information inside the printer, and there is a problem that the information updating operation is complicated.

  Therefore, even when the image output device (IOT) is changed, different control commands can be used without changing the control program of the host device that controls the image output device (IOT) or with one type of control program. For example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-91724 has already been proposed as a technique aiming to control a lower-level device having the above.

  The information processing system according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-91724 is an information processing apparatus in which an upper apparatus and a lower apparatus are connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the lower apparatus stores control command information of the lower apparatus Then, the control command information is transmitted to the host device according to an instruction from the host device, and the host device is configured to control the lower device using the control command information.

  As described above, the information processing system according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-91724 uses control command information that defines control command sequences for performing various mode settings and print control in accordance with the purpose of the printer. The control of the lower device is changed.

  However, the conventional technique has the following problems. That is, in the case of the information processing system according to the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-91724, the upper device is configured to control the lower device using the control command information. Even if they are the same, it has a problem that it cannot cope with lower-level devices such as an image output device (IOT) having a different sequence.

  More specifically, in the case of the information processing system according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-91724, the upper device controls the lower device using the control command information transmitted from the lower device. When there are a plurality of lower-level devices and priority is given to paper feeding or image data transmission for each model, there is a problem that it is not possible to cope with different sequences.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to individually design control devices according to a plurality of controlled devices having different sequences and the like. To provide a control system and a control program that can control a plurality of controlled devices having different sequences or the like with one control device and can greatly reduce the design cost of the control device. It is in.

  Further, another object of the present invention is that even when an external controlled device is newly connected to the control device or the specification of the external controlled device is changed, the controlled device Therefore, it is possible to automatically acquire the above information, and it is not necessary to update the information of the controlled device each time, and a control system and a control program excellent in operability are provided.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 includes a control device and a controlled device controlled by the control device, and creates a sequence for controlling the controlled device. In a control system for controlling the controlled device,
Reading means for reading a database for creating a sequence for controlling the controlled device;
Based on the database read by the reading means, in determining the sequence of control commands and creating a sequence, the database is referred to using a specific function based on the control program, and the contents of the referenced database A sequence creating means for creating a sequence by determining the sequence according to :
A control system comprising: control means for controlling the controlled device based on the sequence created by the sequence creating means.

  In the present invention, for example, the specification information of the controlled device for each model is stored in a database, and the control device is configured to be able to access the database. The control device generates a sequence for controlling the controlled device based on the database, and controls the controlled device based on the sequence. In addition, information to be disclosed to the outside as a MIB (Management Information Base) is also generated from the specification information as necessary.

  The database is stored in a nonvolatile memory provided in the controlled device, in an independent file, or both. The control device can access the database by communicating with the controlled device or by directly reading an external file.

  For example, the control device uses a database to provide information to an external network as a MIB (Management Information Base), to obtain information on supported commands, and to create a control sequence.

  The invention described in claim 2 is the control system according to claim 1, wherein the database specifies a sequence itself.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is the control system according to claim 1, wherein the database specifies at least one of sequence replacement, repetition, deletion, and branching.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the control system according to the first aspect, the database is read by reading a file.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 5 is the control system according to claim 1, wherein the sequence determination means determines a control sequence executed by the control device itself.

  The invention described in claim 6 is the control system according to claim 1, wherein the sequence determination unit determines a communication sequence for communicating with the controlled apparatus.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 7 includes a control device and a controlled device controlled by the control device, creates a sequence for controlling the controlled device, and controls the controlled device. In a controlled apparatus used for a control system to be controlled, the controlled apparatus includes a database for determining a sequence, and a transmission unit for transmitting the database to the control apparatus. The controlled device to be used.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the control system according to the first aspect, the control device comprises a controller, and the controlled device comprises a printer.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for controlling the controlled device by creating a sequence for controlling the controlled device in order to control the controlled device by the control device.
A procedure for reading a database for creating a sequence for controlling the controlled device into the computer of the control device;
Based on the database read by the reading means, in determining the sequence of control commands and creating a sequence, the database is referred to using a specific function based on the control program, and the contents of the referenced database A procedure for creating a sequence by determining the sequence according to :
It is a control program for executing a procedure for controlling the controlled device based on the sequence created by the sequence creating means.

  The operation of the present invention is as follows.

  Since the control device creates a sequence for controlling the controlled device based on the database, a sequence for controlling the controlled device is newly created based on the database even when the specification of the controlled device is changed. Each time the specification of the controlled device is changed, it is not necessary to newly manufacture a control device, and a single control device can control a plurality of controlled devices having different sequences. The design cost of the control device can be greatly reduced.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is not necessary to change the software regarding MIB (Management Information Base).

  Furthermore, in the present invention, since the specification of the controlled device is formalized, the interpretation of the specification is constant.

  Further, according to the present invention, the controlled device itself does not select the control device, and the control device connected to the controlled device enables control matched to the controlled device. Furthermore, even if the controlled devices have the same configuration, it is possible to create a plurality of variations only by changing the setting of the database of the controlled device.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to individually design control devices according to a plurality of controlled devices having different sequences and the like, and it is possible to control a plurality of controlled devices having different sequences and the like with one control device. Therefore, it is possible to provide a control system and a control program capable of significantly reducing the design cost of the control device.

  Further, according to the present invention, even when an external controlled device is newly connected to the control device or the specification of the external controlled device is changed, the information of the controlled device is automatically Therefore, it is not necessary to update the information on the controlled device each time, and a control system and a control program excellent in operability can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a printer as an image forming apparatus to which a control system and a control program according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 according to this embodiment includes a controller 2 as a control device and an image output device 3 as a controlled device. The printer 2 and the image output device 3 are The communication lines 4 are communicably connected to each other. The image output device 3 is controlled by the controller 2 and executes a print operation based on image data sent via a personal computer, a LAN, a telephone line, or the like (not shown). Here, the controller 2 may be independently manufactured as the controller of the printer 1, or a personal computer or the like may be used as the controller as it is.

  Depending on the model, the image output device 3 gives priority to either the paper feed timing or the image data output timing, or after stopping the operation when a jam occurs, exchanges commands from the beginning. There are various specifications such as whether to restart from the minimum necessary command, for example, a page where a jam has occurred. Further, even if the image output apparatus 3 is the same model, specifications such as which of paper feed timing and image data output timing have priority may be changed when a model change or the like is performed. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the specifications of the image output device 3 are summarized as a specification 5 when designing the image output device 3 or changing models, and as a database based on the specification 5 The specification database 6 is created. The specification database 6 is used to create a sequence for controlling the operation of the image output apparatus 3, and is stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 7 of the image output apparatus 3 as stored data. The format file 8 is distributed while being stored in a CD-ROM or the like, or is stored in one of them. Further, the specification database 6 may be configured so that the latest one is stored in a server or the like as needed, and can be downloaded to the hard disk of the image output apparatus 3 through the Internet or the like.

  The controller 2 can access the database stored in the non-volatile memory 7 or the format file 8 by reading the information stored in the non-volatile memory 7 of the image output device 3 or directly reading the format file 8. It can be done.

  Then, the controller 2 creates a sequence for controlling the image output apparatus 3 based on the information in the database, obtains information on commands to be supported, and controls the image output apparatus 3 according to the sequence. Further, the controller 2 creates information to be disclosed to the outside as an MIB (Management Information Base) as needed based on the information in the database.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 2 includes a CPU 10 that controls the image output device 3 of the printer 1, a ROM 11 that stores instructions such as a control program executed by the CPU 10, and a CPU 10 that executes the program. A RAM 12 used as a work area, an external storage device 14 composed of a hard disk, a non-volatile memory or the like in which a database file 13 is stored, and an image output interface 15 for outputting image data to the image output device 3 of the printer 1 A communication device 16 for communicating with the image output device 3 of the printer 1 via the communication line 4 and a data bus 17 for connecting the CPU 10, ROM 11, and the like are provided. Note that a frame buffer used for developing and holding image data to be output to the image output device 3 of the printer 1 is usually provided in the RAM 12.

  2, the controller 1 is configured to include an external storage device 14 in which a database file 13 is stored. As shown in FIG. 1, the database file is an image output device of the printer 1. Of course, it may be configured to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 7 provided in FIG.

  The CPU 10 basically repeats the following operation based on the control program stored in the ROM 11. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 10 receives print data described in a language such as PDL (Page Description Language) sent from a personal computer (not shown) via the communication device 16 (step 101). ) Interprets the print data described in the PDL (step 102), and generates an output image on the frame buffer in the RAM 12 (step 103). Thereafter, the CPU 10 controls the image output device 3 of the printer 1 via the communication device 16 and the communication line 4 and outputs the image data on the frame buffer to the image output device 3 of the printer 1 via the image output interface 15. The operation is performed (step 104).

  The communication device 16 receives print data from an external device including a host device such as a personal computer connected to the printer 1 and controls the image output device 3 of the printer 1. It communicates with. The communication device 16 is usually configured by a LAN, a parallel or serial interface, or both.

  Further, the external storage device 14 is connected to the CPU 10 via the data bus 17, and the database file 13 used in the present embodiment is stored in the external storage device 14. Then, the CPU 10 reads the database file 13 from the external storage device 14, creates a sequence for controlling the operation of the image output device 3 based on the information included in the database, and efficiently stores the image output device 3. Control is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration example showing the database file 13 stored in the external storage device 14.

  In this database, one key is expressed as <KEY> VALUE </ KEY>, where KEY is the primary key when referring to the database and VALUE is the value referenced by the index. At this time, the space (space or line feed) between <KEY> and VALUE and between VALUE and </ KEY> is ignored. Also, <! ..> Is a comment part, and has no influence on the database.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the database includes data <WaitStation> Exist </ WaitStation>, data <FeedImageOdder> FeedFirst </ FeedImageOdder>, <RcoveryMethod> RecMedM <ReMidB <M <M> M> It is composed of data called Jam </ MediaMisbehavior>.

  This database is an example, and according to the operation of the image output device 3, a predetermined number is appropriately stored in the external storage device 14 or stored in the CD-ROM as the format file 8, and distributed. A desired one is appropriately selected and used. In addition, when the specification of the image output device 3 is changed by appropriately selecting a predetermined one from the plurality of databases, a sequence for controlling the operation of the image output device 3 according to the specification is changed. It can be easily changed.

  Moreover, as a function used in order to refer the said database, what is shown in FIG. 5 is mentioned, for example.

  In FIG. 5, a getData function is a function for returning a data value corresponding to a key when a key specified as an argument is given. For example, when the FeedDataOrder is passed as a parameter, the getData function is configured to refer to the database shown in FIG. 4 and substitute a FeedFirst that is a value corresponding to the FeedImageOrder.

  As the values of the database, as shown in FIG. 6A, in addition to FeedFirst, Exist, ImageFirst, Restruct, Restart, Stop, Jam, Continue, and the like can be given.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, setSelectSequence () is a function for changing a part of the exchangeable sequence of the base sequence, and passes a sequence generation object derived from PartsSequence as an argument. .

  As PartsSequence, as shown in FIG. 6C, Restruct, Restart, Stop Behavior, and SystemDepend Behavior are listed.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, setSelectType () is a function that informs which part of the base sequence the object corresponds to. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, Restruct and Restart return RecoveryMethodSeq, and StopBehavior and SystemDependBehavior return MediaMissMatchS, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows a control program according to the present embodiment for generating a sequence for controlling the image output apparatus 3 by referring to the database using the function shown in FIG. This control program is stored in advance in the ROM 11, for example.

  In this control program, first, as shown in FIG. 7, the getData function is used, WaitStation is set to KEY, the database is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the data in the database is Exist (program 101). Then, if WaitStation is set to KEY and the data referring to the database is Exist, the base sequence of the new sequence is determined to be a WaitStation sequence (program 102).

  In this control program, if WaitStation is set to KEY and the data referring to the database is other than Exist, the getData function is used, FeedImageOrder is set to KEY, the database is referred to, and the data referring to the database is ImageFirst. Is determined (program 103). If the data referring to the database is ImageFirst, the base sequence of the new sequence is determined to be the ImageFirst sequence (program 104). If the data is other than ImageFirst, the base sequence of the new sequence is General Sequence, that is, It is determined that the sequence is a general-purpose sequence (program 105).

  Next, in this control program, RecoveryMethod is set to KEY, and it is determined whether or not the data referring to the database is Reconstruct (program 106). Then, if RecoveryMethod is KEY and the data referring to the database is Restruct, a part of the exchangeable sequence of the base sequence is set in Reconstruct using the setSelectSequence () function (program 107).

  If RecoveryMethod is KEY and the data referring to the database is other than Restruct, a part of the exchangeable sequence of the base sequence is set in Restart using the setSelectSequence () function (program 108). .

  Next, in this control program, MediaMismatchBehavior is set to KEY, and it is determined whether or not the data referring to the database is a Stop (program 109). If MediaMismatchBehavior is KEY and the data referring to the database is Stop, a part of the exchangeable sequence of the base sequence is set in StopBehavior using the setSelectSequence () function (program 110).

  Also, if MediaMismatchBehavior is KEY and the data referring to the database is Continue (program 111), a part of the exchangeable sequence of the base sequence is set in SystemDependBehavior using the setSelectSequence () function ( Program 112).

  FIG. 8 is a table summarizing the sequences selected by the data in the database.

  In the above configuration, in the printer according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to individually design a control device according to a plurality of controlled devices having different sequences as described below, and the sequence can be performed by one control device. A plurality of different controlled devices can be controlled, and the design cost of the control device can be greatly reduced.

  That is, in this embodiment, a sequence for controlling the image output apparatus 3 is determined by the controller 2 with reference to the database file 13 stored in advance in the external storage device 14 as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 2 detects that the image output device 3 of the connected printer 1 has been changed, or when the controller 2 and / or the image output device 3 is turned on. When there is a possibility that one image output device 3 has been changed, a sequence is created based on the database file 13 by referring to the database file 13 stored in the external storage device 14. Control. If the image output device 3 has not been changed, the created sequence is stored in a RAM or the like, and the image output device 3 is controlled based on the sequence stored in the RAM or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, after the controller 2 receives the PDL and generates the output image data, the controller 2 controls the image output device 3 of the printer 1 and the controller 2 itself based on the created sequence.

  The sequence of the image output device 3 is determined using a program as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the operation of this program is replaced with an activity diagram.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 10 determines a base sequence according to the program shown in FIG. The CPU 10 uses the getData function to read the database file 13 stored in the external storage device 14 using “WaitStation” and “FeedImageOrder” as keys, and determines a base sequence.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the base sequence that is finally selected by accessing the database by “WaitStation” and “FeedImageOrder” is one of three types of SequenceForWaitStation, SequenceForImageFirst, and GeneralSequence. It is.

  In this embodiment, when the CPU 10 of the controller 1 reads the database using the getData function with reference to the database 13 stored in the external storage device 14, as shown in FIG. Data Exist is read. Then, the base sequence is SequenceForWaitStation as shown in FIG.

  If the read function data is other than Exist, the CPU 10 needs to make a further determination, and therefore calls the function getData () with FeedImageOrder as the key. If the extracted data is ImageFirst, the base sequence is SequenceForImageFirst as shown in FIG. When the extracted data is other than that (FeedFirst), the base sequence is General Sequence as shown in FIG.

  Through the processing so far, the sequence that is the base of the sequence to be created is determined. In any case, the CPU 10 generates an object after determining the base sequence.

  Subsequently, the CPU 10 performs customization based on the base sequence and determines a final sequence. Specifically, the CPU 10 generates an object to be mounted on the base sequence using a new command.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 10 uses the function getData () as in the case of determining the base sequence, and this time refers to the database using the RecoveryMethod as the key, and extracts data. As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 10 determines whether the retrieved data is “Restruct” or not (step 106), and selects an appropriate sequence.

  As shown in FIG. 4, if the retrieved data is “Restruct”, the CPU 10 selects a sequence for requesting output of paper that has not been output again after an error. That is, if the retrieved data is “Restruct”, the CPU 10 generates an object that implements the selected sequence with new, and sets the base sequence object to the base sequence using the function setSelectSequence (). .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the extracted data is other than “Restruct”, the CPU 10 selects a sequence that does nothing for the paper that has not been output after the error.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 10 uses the function getData (), and this time obtains data using “MediaMismatchBehavior” as a key. If the acquired data is Stop, a StopBehavior that is an object that implements a sequence for performing control for stopping the printer engine is generated.

  Further, if the acquired data is “Continue”, it is the controller side that determines the operation after MediaMismatch, which is determined by the system specification.

  Now, the CPU 10 uses the function getData () and acquires “Stop” as data using “MediaMismatchBehavior” as a key. Subsequently, the CPU 10 uses the function setSelectSequence () to replace from the object passed as an argument. And type the object in the corresponding subsequence.

  In other words, as shown in FIG. 13, the operation of the function setSelectSequence () obtains PartsType using the function setSelectType () and arranges the object in the corresponding storage location of the PartsType type data.

  In this embodiment, the PartsType is set so that Restruct and Restart return RecoveryMethodSeq, and StopBehavior and SystemDependBehavior return MediaMatchmatchSeq.

  By the way, in this embodiment, since it is StopBehavior, MediaMismatchSeq is selected, and a sequence for performing control for stopping the printer engine is implemented.

  On the other hand, if the acquired data is Continue, it is the controller side that determines the operation after MediaMismatch, which is determined by the system specifications. An object that implements this system-dependent sequence is generated, and the sequence is set using the function setSelectSequence ().

  If the acquired data is Jam, the printer engine stops when it detects MediaMismatch. For this reason, since the exchange of commands is the same processing as when stopped due to a normal paper jam, the sequence is not changed.

  With the above operation, the determination of the sequence for controlling the image output apparatus 3 by the CPU 10 is completed, and a new sequence is generated. The newly generated sequence is stored in the RAM 12 or the like and used for controlling the image output apparatus 3.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a basic station for WaitStation is selected.

  FIG. 10 shows that a paper feed request can be issued first for the image output device 3 of the printer 1 that can wait until a WaitStation, that is, until a paper image is output. For this reason, since it takes time from the start of paper feeding until printing is actually possible, if the paper can be fed first, it contributes to the improvement of productivity. The image output device 3 of the printer 1 waits while stopping the paper at a position immediately after printing until the output image is output.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence in the case where the controller requests print processing again after the error is resolved. That is, when an error such as a jam occurs, the operation is stopped, and after that, a command is exchanged from the beginning such as a paper feed request for recovery, and when the error is resolved, an image is not formed normally. For paper that has not been ejected, processing is newly performed from the beginning of the paper feed request. That is, the process is repeated again from the paper feed request. On the other hand, in the sequence shown in FIG. 16, which will be described later, after the operation is stopped when a jam occurs, a minimum command, for example, a command for instructing to start again from the page where the jam has occurred is transmitted. In this configuration, the feeding of the page is started immediately.

  FIG. 15 shows a sequence when the printer engine is stopped when a media mismatch is detected. In this sequence, the paper is discharged as it is.

  In addition, when Image First is selected as the base sequence, the operation is performed as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence for outputting an image prior to paper output. The image is temporarily formed in the printer engine. Normally, the final image is created with toner or the like on what is called an intermediate transfer member, but it may be a process that is simply developed on the RAM. Thereafter, paper feeding, printing, and discharging are performed.

  Further, when General Sequence is selected as the base sequence, the operation is performed as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows a general-purpose sequence. Since the timing of outputting the output image after being fed is completely left to the printer engine, the output image is generated first. If the print is successful and output, the output image is no longer needed and the controller discards it.

  FIG. 16 shows a sequence in the case of a printer engine that can be executed as it is after error elimination. The process is interrupted due to an error, but when the error is resolved, the interrupted print processing is executed as it is.

  FIG. 17 is a sequence in the case where the system definition is the operation when the media mismatch is detected. This sequence is an example in a case where the system (controller) selects to end printing as usual.

  Note that the database does not necessarily exist in the external storage device, and may be acquired by accessing a server through a network, or may be supplied in the form of an extended ROM.

  In addition, the database itself is taken as an example in order to facilitate the explanation as an example, but it may of course be a binary format.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 18 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those of the above-described embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control device and the control device are described. And a controlled device that automatically updates information related to the controlled device, reading means for reading information related to the controlled device, and information read by the reading means An information changing unit that updates or partially changes information related to the controlled device, and a control unit that notifies the information of the controlled device to the outside based on the information changed by the information changing unit. Has been.

  In FIG. 18, a printer system 20 is a normal network printer system, and corresponds to the controller 2 and the printer engine 3 in the first embodiment.

  A finisher 21 is connected to the printer system 20 as an external device. The finisher 21 is a post-processing device that performs punching and stapling on the output paper. The finisher 21 has information regarding various operation specifications according to the types of post-processing such as punching and stapling to be executed.

  The finisher 21 is connected by a communication line 22 in the same manner as the controller 2 and the printer engine 3. From the printer system 20, the finisher 21 can be accessed through the communication line 22 to the database 23.

  The finisher 21 has a database 23 as shown in FIG. 19 stored in the ROM. When data is requested from the printer system 20 via the communication line 22, the version information is read from the database 23 and returned to the controller 2. It has become.

  For this reason, even if the finisher 21 is changed, the printer system 20 can correctly answer inquiries from others.

  More specifically, when there is an inquiry about the version of the finisher 21 from the outside, the printer system 20 makes an inquiry to the finisher 21 using the communication line 22. The inquiry is made using a message as shown in FIG. The printer system 20 sends to the finisher 21 a key of data to be accessed together with the message, that is, a key for reading the version of the finisher 21.

  Then, the finisher 21 reads 1.2.2, which is data corresponding to the key, from the database 23 described in FIG. The read data is returned to the printer system 20 using a response Data message. The printer system 20 transmits 1.2.2, which is the content of the response Data message message, to the outside, and ends.

  Therefore, according to the second embodiment, even when an external finnisher 21 is newly connected to the printer system 20 or the specifications of the external finnisher 21 are changed, Version information and the like can be automatically acquired, and the work of updating the version information and the like of the finisher 21 each time is not necessary, and a control system and a control program with excellent operability can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a printer as an image forming apparatus to which a control system and a control program according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a controller of a printer as an image forming apparatus to which the control system and control program according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are applied. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the controller. FIG. 4 shows a database file. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing functions used. FIG. 6 is a class diagram showing classes used in the control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a control program according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a chart showing a sequence selected by the database. FIG. 9 is an activity diagram for explaining the operation of the control program according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a sequence. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a sequence. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a sequence. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the function. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a sequence. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a sequence. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a sequence. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a sequence. FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing a printer system as an image forming apparatus to which a control system and a control program according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention are applied. FIG. 19 shows a database. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a message format for accessing the database. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a conventional printer system.

Explanation of symbols

  1: printer, 2: controller, 3: image output device, 4: communication line, 6: specification database.

Claims (9)

In a control system comprising a control device and a controlled device controlled by the control device, creating a sequence for controlling the controlled device, and controlling the controlled device,
Reading means for reading a database for creating a sequence for controlling the controlled device;
Based on the database read by the reading means, in determining the sequence of control commands and creating a sequence, the database is referred to using a specific function based on the control program, and the contents of the referenced database A sequence creating means for creating a sequence by determining the sequence according to :
A control system comprising: control means for controlling the controlled device based on the sequence created by the sequence creation means. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the database specifies a sequence itself. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the database specifies at least one of sequence replacement, repetition, deletion, and branching. 2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the database is read by reading a file. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the sequence determination unit determines a control sequence executed by the control device itself. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the sequence determination unit determines a communication sequence for communicating with a controlled apparatus. In a controlled device used for a control system comprising a control device and a controlled device controlled by the control device, creating a sequence for controlling the controlled device, and controlling the controlled device, A controlled apparatus for use in a control system, characterized in that the controlled apparatus includes a database for determining a sequence and a transmission unit for transmitting the database to the control apparatus. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device includes a controller, and the controlled device includes a printer. In order to control the controlled device by the control device, a sequence for controlling the controlled device is created, and in the control program for controlling the controlled device,
A procedure for reading a database for creating a sequence for controlling the controlled device into the computer of the control device;
Based on the database read by the reading means, in determining the sequence of control commands and creating a sequence, the database is referred to using a specific function based on the control program, and the contents of the referenced database A procedure for creating a sequence by determining the sequence according to :
A control program for executing a procedure for controlling the controlled device based on the sequence created by the sequence creating means.

Images