JP4334626B2 - Network-compatible printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network-compatible printing apparatus and printing method capable of directly accessing an information resource existing on a network such as the Internet and downloading and printing the information resource.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a network printer connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and shared by a plurality of host computers is conventionally known. Such network printers receive print jobs from a plurality of host computers connected to the network and perform printing. On the other hand, the Internet is known as a worldwide network formed by connecting a large number of networks to each other.
[0003]
A network printer according to the prior art will be described with reference to FIG. The Internet 100 is a worldwide network formed by interconnecting several backbone networks, and a multi-vendor compatible communication protocol such as TCP / IP (for example, TCP / IP) for performing data communication between servers 101 of different models. It employs Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and the like.
[0004]
Here, each server 101 normally stores a plurality of information resources in the spool 102. As information resources, home pages provided by WWW (World Wide Web) servers, files provided by FTP (File Transfer Protocol) servers, net news provided by news servers, and the like are known.
[0005]
A LAN 103 can be connected to the Internet 100. A plurality of host computers 104 serving as clients are connected to the LAN 103. A network printer 105 shared by each host computer 104 is also connected to the LAN 103. The LAN 103 is connected to the Internet 103 via a router 106 or the like.
[0006]
Each host computer 104 can use various information resources held by each server 101 by connecting to the server 101 via the router 106 or the like. Various information resources downloaded from each server 101 are reproduced by software such as browsing software and viewer installed in the host computer 104.
[0007]
Among the downloaded information resources, printable information such as document data and still image files can be printed out on a print recording medium by the network printer 105. In this case, the host computer 104 that performs printing outputs print data including the LAN address, print data, control code, and the like of the network printer 105 on the LAN line. The network printer 105 that has received this print data executes printing.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described prior art, when obtaining information resources stored in a WWW server or the like on the Internet 100 as a printed matter, the user first starts up the host computer 104 to access the desired server 101, and the second The target document data must be downloaded into the host computer 104, and thirdly, the downloaded document data must be printed.
[0009]
Therefore, for example, when acquiring periodically updated information resources such as a home page on a WWW server as printed matter, operations such as starting up the host computer 104 and accessing the server must be performed each time. In other words, there is a drawback that it takes time to obtain the target print recording medium. In recent years, the number of Internet users has increased rapidly, and data with a large load such as moving images and voices tends to circulate in the network. Therefore, in times when usage is concentrated, the line is often congested, and there is a high possibility that a desired server cannot be accessed. In this case, since it is necessary to access again in anticipation of a time with little congestion, the usability is low.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the various problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to print a desired information resource simply by registering in advance the name and address of the desired information resource and the access time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network-compatible printing apparatus and printing method that can be used. More specifically, when the pre-registered access time is reached, the user can actively access the pre-registered information resource without going through the host computer, and can receive and print the information resource. Another object of the present invention is to provide a network-compatible printing apparatus and printing method. It is another object of the present invention to provide a network-compatible printing apparatus and printing method that enable an information resource address to be input accurately and promptly.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the network-compatible printing apparatus according to the present invention, when a pre-registered access time is reached, the desired information resource is actively accessed, and the information resource is not involved with a host computer. Is received and printed.
[0012]
In other words, the invention according to claim 1 is a network-compatible printing apparatus that is connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers and receives and prints information resources stored in each of the servers. Based on the network connection means for connecting, the access management information registration means for registering the identification information and access time necessary for specifying the information resource as access management information, and the registered access management information, It is characterized by comprising print control means for connecting to an information resource registered at the registered access time, receiving the information resource, and printing it.
[0013]
Here, “a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers” refers to a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers, such as the Internet or an intranet. The “information resource” means, for example, a WWW server home page, an FTP server file, or the like. “Identification information” is information necessary to identify each information resource such as a home page or document file. For example, “http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/abc/japanese/seihinn/device” "/device.htm (or html)" means information necessary for specifying a desired information resource from a plurality of information resources of the server. Accordingly, the information for identification includes a server address (IP address), a file name, and the like. The information resource is not limited to the document file described in the html format, but includes various document files described in various languages, still image files, and the like.
[0014]
When the user designates information for specifying a desired information resource and an access time in advance, the information for specifying and the access time are registered as access management information in the access management information registering means. When the registered access time arrives, the print control means voluntarily accesses the information resource registered by the network connection means without going through the host computer, and receives this information resource for printing. As a result, the user can easily obtain the print recording medium that is the final object simply by specifying the information for specifying the information resource and the access time. In addition, since the access time can be designated by selecting a time zone with a low network usage frequency, the access efficiency can be improved.
[0015]
In the invention according to claim 2, the access management information registering unit issues an access request signal when the registered access time is reached, and is registered in association with the access request signal and the access request signal. Resource specifying information is notified to the print control means.
[0016]
The access management information registration unit monitors whether or not the access time has been reached, and when the access time arrives, the access management information registration unit issues an access request signal to reduce the monitoring processing load of the print control unit Can be made.
[0017]
In the invention according to claim 3, the access management information registering means includes candidate information reading means for reading the recorded contents of the candidate information recording medium in which the information for specifying a plurality of information resources is recorded as candidate information; Candidate selection means capable of selecting any one or a plurality of candidate information from among the plurality of candidate information, access time registration means for registering a time for accessing the selected candidate information, and the selected Storage means for storing the candidate information in association with the registered access time, and issuing an access request signal when the registered access time is reached, the access request signal and the access request The information for specifying the information resource registered in association with the signal is notified to the print control means.
[0018]
In order to access and download a desired information resource, a unique address of the information resource must be registered in advance. Here, for example, in order to access the home page of the WWW server via the Internet, specify a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) format such as “http://www.abc.co.jp” and the document below it. In order to do this, it is necessary to register information for identifying information resources in htm format or html format such as “http://www.abc.co.jp/document1/htm”. However, inputting such information for identification is easy to make mistakes and takes time. Therefore, in the invention according to claim 3, a candidate information recording medium in which information for specifying a plurality of information resources is stored in advance as candidate information is used, and the candidate information recorded on the candidate information recording medium is read and selected. This eliminates complicated manual input of identification information and improves usability. Here, as the candidate information recording medium, various recording media such as paper, memory card, FD, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM can be used. Then, by storing the information for specifying the information resource selected using the candidate information recording medium in association with the access time, the user can access the desired information resource at the desired time and easily print and record it. Media is available.
[0019]
In the invention according to claim 4, the print control means controls a document data interpretation unit that interprets document data and generates print data, and a print unit that controls a print unit that performs printing on a print recording medium based on the print data. The network connection means classifies the received information resource into the document data and control data, passes the document data to the document data interpretation unit, and passes the control data to the document data interpretation unit. It is characterized by comprising a data control section handed over to the printing section control section and a protocol control section for controlling a protocol for performing data communication by connecting to the network.
[0020]
By providing the network connection unit with a data interpretation unit that separates document data and control data, the load on the print control unit can be reduced.
[0021]
In the invention according to claim 5, until the access request signal is issued, the mode shifts to a saving mode for saving power supplied to each part of the printer except the access management information registration unit, and the access request signal is issued. In this case, power management means for shifting from the saving mode to the normal power supply mode is provided.
[0022]
Until the registered access time arrives by the power management means, power supply to each unit that consumes power is performed in a saving mode that is less than in normal times. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced until the access time.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 6 is a network-compatible printing method that is connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of servers, receives and prints information resources stored in each of the servers, and specifies the information resources Registering information for specifying and access time necessary for access as access management information, issuing an access request signal when the registered access time is reached, the access request signal and the access request signal A step of notifying the printing control means of information for specifying the information resource registered in association with the information processing, and a step of being activated by receiving the access request signal and connecting to the information resource registered at the registered access time; Receiving the connected information resource; and printing the received information resource. It is characterized in.
[0024]
Accordingly, the desired information resource can be obtained by duplicating it on the print recording medium simply by previously registering the information for specifying the desired information resource and the access time.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same elements as those described in the prior art are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0026]
1. First embodiment
1 to 4 show a network-compatible printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network-compatible printing apparatus according to this embodiment.
[0027]
1-1 Functional configuration
A printer 1 as a network-compatible printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is connected to a host computer 2 and configured to be connectable to the Internet 100. That is, the printer 1 is equivalent to the host computer 2 with respect to the Internet 100 and actively accesses the Internet 100 to download data. The printer 1 can collect information from the Internet 100 and can also be used as a local printer of the host computer 2. Although FIG. 1 shows that only the printer 1 can be connected to the Internet 100, the host computer 2 can also independently access the Internet 100. Further, as in the prior art shown in FIG. 9, the printer 1 may be connected to a LAN or a public line network and connected to the Internet 100 via these.
[0028]
As will be described later, the printer 1 includes a network connection unit 3, a host interface (hereinafter “interface” is referred to as “I / F”) 4, a buffer 5, a PDL interpretation execution unit 6, and a print engine 7. A printer controller unit 8, a panel unit 9, a registration unit 10, a timer 11, and a power management unit 12.
[0029]
The network connection unit 3 is for connecting to the Internet 100 via a communication line. As shown in FIG. 2, the network connection unit 3 includes a data control unit 3A, a protocol control unit 3B, and a hardware unit 3C. The data control unit 3A separates information downloaded from the Internet 100 into print data as “document data” and “control data” expressed as control codes. Then, the data control unit 3A outputs the print data to the PDL interpretation execution unit 6 and outputs the control data to the printer controller unit 8. The protocol control unit 3B is in charge of control of protocol groups such as TCP / IP and HTTP for transmitting / receiving data on the Internet 100 and control of the hardware unit 3C, and performs data communication. The hardware unit 3C is hardware necessary for connecting to the Internet 100, and for example, Ethernet (Ethernet), a public line, and the like are known. The specific configuration of the hardware unit 3C is determined depending on whether the user's available environment can use Ethernet or a public line.
[0030]
The host I / F 4 is used for communication between the host computer 2 and the printer 1. The buffer 5 receives and temporarily stores the print data output from the network connection unit 3 or the print data input from the host computer 2 via the host I / F 4.
[0031]
The “document data interpretation unit” is expressed here as a PDL interpretation execution unit 6, and interprets print data described in PDL from the Internet 100 or the host computer 2 to generate print data. However, since the print data is not limited to PDL, the PDL interpretation execution unit 6 can also be expressed as “print data interpretation execution unit 6”.
[0032]
The print engine 7 realizes electronic information resources on a tangible print recording medium by driving a print head, a paper feed mechanism, and the like according to print data from the PDL interpretation execution unit 6. Specifically, various engines such as a page printer that prints in units of pages such as a laser printer, a serial printer that prints in units of one character such as an ink jet printer or a thermal transfer printer, and a line printer that prints in units of lines are used. Can do.
[0033]
The printer controller unit 8 as a “printing unit controller” controls the operation of the print engine 7 and the like. In other words, the printer controller unit 8 interprets the control code and controls the operation of each mechanism. Further, as will be described later, the printer controller unit 8 has a function of downloading a predetermined information resource via the network connection unit 3 when a predetermined access time arrives. The printer controller unit 8 and the PDL interpretation unit execution unit 6 constitute a “print control unit”.
[0034]
The panel unit 9 is a user interface provided on the housing surface of the printer 1. The panel unit 9 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display, and an input device such as a push button switch. The display function and the input function may be integrally configured using a touch panel or the like.
[0035]
The registration unit 10 serving as the “access management information registration unit” includes information for specifying information resources specified in advance (that is, information necessary for specifying a certain information resource, such as a server address or a file name). And the access time at which the information resource is to be accessed are stored in association with each other. In the figure, the identification information is displayed as “address”. The specifying information and the access time can be designated via the host computer 2. Further, the specification information and the access time may be designated via the panel unit 9. The registration unit 10 monitors the timing information of the timer 11 and, when a predetermined access time arrives, issues an access request signal to the printer controller unit 8 to notify the information for specifying the information resource to be accessed. It is like that.
[0036]
The power management unit 12 as “power management means” includes switch means provided between a power supply circuit (not shown) and each power consumption unit such as the print engine 7. The power management unit 12 supplies normal power scheduled for each unit in the normal mode, supplies power only to a predetermined part set in advance in the saving mode, and supplies power to other parts. Cut or reduce. For example, when the print job does not occur for a predetermined time or more, or when the host computer 2 or the printer controller unit 8 or the like is instructed to shift to the saving mode, the power management unit 12 shifts from the normal mode to the saving mode. As will be described later, when an access request signal is generated or when a local print job is generated from the host computer 2, the power management unit 12 shifts from the saving mode to the normal mode.
[0037]
1-2 Process flow
Next, the effect | action of this Embodiment is demonstrated, referring FIG.3 and FIG.4. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process for registering information for specifying information resources and access time in the printer 1.
[0038]
First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1, identification information for a desired information resource is input, and the input identification information is temporarily stored in S2. Next, in S3, it is determined whether or not a cancellation input has been made. When the cancel input is made, it is a case where the user desires to cancel due to an input error of the specifying information, etc., so “YES” is determined and the process proceeds to S4. In S4, the identification information temporarily stored in S2 is reset, and the process returns to S1.
[0039]
On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in S3, it is monitored in S5 whether or not the input of the identification information is completed. When the completion of specifying information input is instructed, S5 determines “YES”, and the process proceeds to S6. In S6, an access time for accessing the information resource of the input identification information is input, and in S7, the identification information of the information resource and the access time are associated and recorded in the registration unit 10. Note that the flowchart of the registration process is not limited to the one described above. The access time may be input every time specifying information is input.
[0040]
Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of access processing. First, in S11, it is monitored whether or not a pre-registered access time has arrived. When the access time is reached, S11 is determined as “YES”, and an access request signal is issued to the printer controller unit 8 in S12. The printer controller unit 8 is activated by this access request signal.
[0041]
Since the access request signal is used as a wake-up signal, in S13, the power management unit 12 cancels the saving mode, and power is supplied in the normal mode. By canceling the saving mode when the access request signal is generated, even when the print engine 7 has a part having a long setup time such as a fixing device, it should be started up before the printing process described later is executed. Can do. For example, when the print engine 7 having a short rise time such as an ink jet print engine is used, the mode may be shifted to the normal mode after a predetermined time elapses after the access request signal is generated in S12, or the PDL interpretation is performed. It is also possible to delay the return timing to the normal mode, such as shifting to the normal mode after the print data is generated by the execution unit 6.
[0042]
In S14, the connection to the Internet 100 is made via the network connection unit 3. In S15, it is determined whether or not the connection to the Internet 100 is completed, for example, whether a line is established. When the connection to the Internet 100 is made, the information for specifying the information resource registered in the registration unit 10 is called and referred to in S16. In S17, access is made to the registered information resource for specifying information. Next, in S18, the access server 101 is requested to download a desired information resource, and an information resource such as a home page is downloaded.
[0043]
The downloaded information resource data is temporarily stored in the buffer 5 in S19, and the stored information resource data is printed in S20. Here, for example, of the downloaded information resource data, the print data is delivered to the PDL interpretation execution unit 6, and a control code such as a page break is delivered to the printer controller unit 8. As a result, information resources such as a homepage published as intangible electronic information are copied to a tangible print recording medium. After the printing is completed, the data temporarily stored in S19 is deleted.
[0044]
In S21, it is determined whether or not all accesses have been completed, that is, whether or not all identification information registered in association with the current access time has been accessed. When a plurality of pieces of identification information are registered for one access time, the information resource is repeatedly accessed until all the identification information is accessed and printing is performed.
[0045]
In addition, when the communication time becomes longer than a predetermined time due to line congestion or the like, when disclosure of registered information resources is prohibited, an account (ID) or password is requested from the server 101. Is not specified in advance, or when the server itself cannot be accessed due to maintenance of the server 101, etc., the process of interrupting access to the information resource and accessing the registered specific information next, etc. It can be performed. The user must specify in advance the account and password required to access the information resource (these can be expressed as “authorized user confirmation information” or “personal authentication information”) together with information for identifying the information resource. can do.
[0046]
If all the registered information resources have been printed, the line to the Internet 100 is disconnected in S22 and the connection process is terminated. When a predetermined time elapses after the connection process is completed, the mode is shifted to the saving mode to reduce power consumption. If another access time is set, the processes from S11 to S22 are executed again.
[0047]
According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the printer 1 includes the network connection unit 3, the registration unit 10, the PDL interpretation execution unit 6, the print engine 7, and the printer controller unit 8. When the registered access time arrives, printing is performed by accessing a pre-registered information resource, so that it is not necessary to start the host computer 2 and connect to the Internet 100, and the printer 1 can directly and actively A desired information resource can be printed by accessing the Internet 100. As a result, the user can easily obtain printed materials of information resources.
[0048]
In addition, since the access time can be registered in advance in anticipation of a time zone with less traffic, information resources can be downloaded in a short time, and communication costs can be reduced.
[0049]
Furthermore, since the registration unit 10 monitors the arrival of the access time and notifies the printer controller unit 8 of the access request signal and identification information when the access time is reached, the control load on the printer controller unit 8 is reduced. can do.
[0050]
In addition, the power management unit 12 that supplies power in the saving mode until the access request signal is issued and supplies power in the normal mode when the access request signal is issued is provided, thereby reducing power consumption. can do.
[0051]
Since the downloaded information resource is printed, the download data is erased, so that a large amount of information resource can be printed with a relatively small amount of memory. However, if the memory capacity of the buffer 5 is increased, all information resources registered in advance can be circulated, and printing can be performed collectively.
[0052]
2. Second embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. A feature of the present embodiment is that a complicated operation for inputting information for specifying is simplified by using a candidate information recording medium in which addresses of a plurality of information resources are stored in advance.
[0053]
FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration of the printer 21 as a network-compatible printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a reading unit 22 as “candidate information reading means” is connected to the registration unit 10.
[0054]
FIG. 6 shows a specific mode of the reading unit 22. A scanner 22 </ b> A or a barcode reader 22 </ b> B that reads print information on the recording paper 23 </ b> A on which candidate information is printed and converts it into electronic data can be used as the reading unit 22. In addition, an electromagnetic reading unit 22C that reads information recorded on an electromagnetic recording medium 23B such as a memory card, CD-ROM, or FD can be used.
[0055]
Here, in the recording paper 23A and the electromagnetic recording medium 23B as “candidate information recording media”, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, a series of entry numbers, names of information resources such as homepage names, and information Resource content introductions and addresses such as URLs are recorded respectively. Each piece of candidate information such as content introduction is read by the reading unit 22 and temporarily registered in the registration unit 10. Each candidate information is displayed as a list on the monitor screen of the host computer 2 or the panel unit 9. Note that it is not necessary to display all the candidate information recorded on the recording paper 23A or the like as a list, and it is only necessary that the list can be displayed by a scroll operation or the like. Then, the user operates the input unit of the host computer 2 such as a mouse or the input unit 9A of the panel unit 9 to select a desired information resource from among a plurality of displayed candidates. The selected information resource is preferably subjected to a selected display such as a black triangle mark or a highlight display in FIG. Then, the information for specifying the information resource whose selection is confirmed is registered in the registration unit 10.
[0056]
In addition, the above is an illustration and this invention is not limited to this. For example, the entry number may be omitted and the content introduction may be omitted. For example, it is possible to introduce the contents of information resources in the text of books, magazines, etc., and at the time of registration, the recording paper 23A as a candidate information sheet is cut out and read by the scanner 22A. The candidate information recording medium is not limited to a tangible recording medium such as the recording paper 23A and the electromagnetic recording medium 23B. For example, a candidate information server can be provided, and a candidate information menu can be downloaded from the candidate information server via a network. Furthermore, a plurality of access times may be recorded as candidate information in advance, and a desired access time may be selected and registered from the access times prepared in advance.
[0057]
Next, registration processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in S31, the recording paper 23A or the like on which the candidate information is recorded is read through the scanner 22A or the like, and all the information for specifying the plurality of information resources listed as candidates is input. Each specification information is temporarily stored in S32. Next, in S33, it is determined whether or not the user wishes to cancel. If cancellation is instructed, the information for specifying each information resource is reset in S34. On the other hand, if cancellation is not instructed, an information resource desired to be registered is selected from a plurality of displayed information resources in S35. Although illustration is omitted in FIG. 8, it is easier and more preferable to provide a process for determining selection reset.
[0058]
In S36, it is determined whether or not the information resource specifying information input operation has been completed by the end of the selection operation. When registering another information resource with another recording sheet 23A, it is determined as “NO” in S36, and the process returns to S31. When the input of the specification information is completed, an access time for accessing the input specification information is input in S37. In S38, the access time is recorded in association with the information for specifying the registered information resource.
[0059]
The access process is the same as that in FIG.
[0060]
According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, in the present embodiment, the information resource specifying information is registered using the recording paper 23A or the electromagnetic recording medium 23B in which the information for specifying a plurality of information resources is recorded as candidate information. Therefore, it is possible to input complicated specific information accurately and promptly, and usability is improved.
[0061]
Therefore, even a user unfamiliar with computer operation can easily register desired information resources, and can receive and print information resources without going through the host computer 2, so that it can be used for a wide range of users. Information can be distributed via the network.
[0062]
A person skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in each embodiment. For example, information resource specifying information that has been registered in the past can be stored as history information, and the information resource can be registered by referring to the history information. Further, the printer 1 is not limited to a printer-dedicated machine, but may be a multifunction machine having functions such as a copying machine and a facsimile machine.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the network-compatible printing apparatus and printing method according to the present invention, active access is performed at a predetermined time simply by registering information for specifying a desired information resource and access time in advance. Therefore, a printed matter obtained by printing information resources can be easily obtained, and usability is improved.
[0064]
Further, since the information resource specifying information is registered using the candidate information recording medium in which the information information specifying information of a plurality of information resources is recorded, the information resource specifying information can be easily input. Will improve.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a network-compatible printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a network connection unit.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a registration process for registering information for specifying information resources and access time.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an access process for accessing an information resource registered at a registered time.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a network-compatible printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a candidate information recording medium and a reading unit.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of recorded contents of a candidate information recording medium.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a registration process for registering information for specifying information resources and access time.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional network printer that passively processes print data input from a host computer.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Printer
2 Host computer
3 Network connection
6 PDL interpretation execution part
7 Print engine
8 Printer controller
10 Registration Department
11 Timer
12 Power Management Department
21 Printer
22 Reading unit
22A scanner
22B Barcode reader
22C Electromagnetic reader
23A recording paper
23B Electromagnetic recording medium
100 Internet
101 server

Claims (3)

Connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of WWW servers, and receives and prints a document file described in HTML format (hereinafter referred to as “HTML document file”) stored in each WWW server. A printing device,
The network-compatible printing apparatus includes:
Network connection means for connecting to the network;
Access management information registration means for registering information for specifying and access time necessary for specifying the HTML document file as access management information;
Power management means for supplying power in a saving mode or a normal power supply mode for saving power supplied to each part of the network-compatible printing apparatus excluding the access management information registration means;
Print control for executing access to the HTML document file specified by the specifying information registered at the registered access time based on the registered access management information, and receiving and printing the HTML document file Means, and
The print control means interprets document data as a text document to generate print data, and based on the print data and the interpretation result of control data described by tags in the HTML document file. A printing unit control unit that controls a printing unit that performs printing on a print recording medium,
When the network connection means temporarily stores the received HTML document file in a buffer and performs printing, the HTML document file stored in the buffer is document data as a text document and control data described by a tag A data control unit that delivers the document data to the document data interpretation unit and delivers the control data to the printing unit control unit, and a protocol that controls a protocol for performing data communication by connecting to the network And a control unit.
The access management information registering unit issues an access request signal when a registered access time is reached, and specifies the access request signal and information for specifying an HTML document file registered in association with the access time. Notify the print control means,
The power management means supplies power in the saving mode until the access request signal is issued, and cancels the saving mode when the access request signal is issued to release the normal power Supply power in supply mode,
When the saving mode is canceled, the print control unit connects to the network via the network connection unit, determines whether or not the connection to the network is completed, and performs connection to the network. A network for calling and referring to the specifying information registered in the access management information registering means and accessing an HTML document file specified by the specifying information Compatible printing device. The access management information registration means includes:
Candidate information reading means for reading the recorded content of the candidate information recording medium in which the information for specifying a plurality of HTML document files is recorded as candidate information;
Candidate selection means capable of selecting any one or a plurality of candidate information among the plurality of read candidate information;
An access time registration means for registering a time for accessing the selected candidate information;
Storage means for storing the selected candidate information in association with the registered access time,
An access request signal is issued when the registered access time is reached, and the print control means is notified of the access request signal and information for specifying the HTML document file registered in association with the access time. The network-compatible printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Is connected to a network formed by connecting a plurality of WWW servers, each WWW server to the stored written document file in HTML format (hereinafter, referred to as "HTML document file.") Network compatible for receiving and printing A network-compatible printing method using a printing apparatus ,
The network-compatible printing apparatus includes a network connection unit, an access management information registration unit, a power management unit, and a print control unit,
Registering, with the access management information registration means, identification information and access time necessary for identifying the HTML document file as access management information;
The access management information registration means issuing an access request signal when the registered access time is reached;
A step wherein the access management information registration means, for notifying the specific information of the access request signal and HTML document file registered in association with the access time to the print control means,
Until the access request signal is issued , the power management means supplies power in a saving mode that saves power supplied to each part of the network-compatible printing apparatus excluding the access management information registration means, and the access a step of supplying power when a request signal is issued, the normal power supply mode by releasing the saving mode,
When the saving mode is canceled , the print control unit connects to the network via the network connection unit, determines whether the connection to the network is completed, and connects to the network. The access management information registering means, when the information is registered, calling and referring to the identification information, and executing access to the HTML document file identified by the identification information;
The print control means receiving the accessed HTML document file;
The print control means temporarily storing the received HTML document file in a buffer;
When the print control means prints the HTML document file stored in the buffer, the HTML document file is classified into document data as a text document and control data described by a tag, and the document data and control Printing based on the data;
A network-compatible printing method characterized by comprising:

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