JPH07325680A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To embody a printing system having no possibility of performing the useless transmission of print data to a printer where any fault on the output of printed matter from a print data transmission source exists. CONSTITUTION:After first to the Nth work stations 221 to 22N as the transmission sources of print data generate print data to be the object of a printing, the stations store the data in their own prescribed storage part. First to the Mth printers 231 to 23M output printing requests to the effect that the printings are to be performed to these work stations 221 to 22N, respectively. When print data exists, these requests are received and the printings are performed. Because the printer where a fault occurs does not perform the printing request, the useless transfer of print data is eliminated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print system provided with a print data source which owns print data and a printer which acquires print data from the print data source and prints the print data, and more particularly to communication of print data. Regarding the printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 16 shows a conventional printing system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-65720. In this system, the first to Nth workstations 12 _{1 to} 12 _N and the first and second print servers 1 are provided on a communication cable 11 which constitutes a network.
3 ₁ and 13 ₂ are connected. Print server 1
Printers 14 ₁ and 14 ₂ are connected to 3 ₁ and 13 ₂ , respectively.

In such a printing system, for example, the first workstation 12 ₁ creates a document and tries to print it. In this case, the first workstation 12 ₁ selects _one of the first or second print servers 13 ₁ and 13 ₂ and transmits the print data. If the first print server 13 ₁ is the destination, the first printer 14 ₁ prints the document.
If the second print server 13 ₂ is the destination, the second printer 14 ₂ prints the document.

By the way, when a plurality of print servers 13 ₁ and 13 ₂ are present in one print system in this way, each of the workstations 12 _{1 to} 12 _N or the document transmission terminal side can arbitrarily select one of them. ,
If there is a failure in the destination and printing is not possible, or if a large amount of print data has already been received and it takes a long time to print, and you need to switch to another destination, print data There is a problem that it has to be sent again to a new destination.

Therefore, in the proposal described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-65720, the print server that has received the print request can transfer the print data to another print server in a predetermined case. This eliminates the need for the workstation 12 to retransmit print data to a new print server.

[0006]

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the print system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-65720, but is also described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-5841 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-5841.
In the print system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58547/1993 or Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-75948, the print data is transmitted from the transmission terminal such as the workstation 12 by designating the print server 13 or the printer 14 as the transmission destination. ing. Therefore, the transmitting terminal transmits the print data and then transmits the print data to the destination print server 1.
3 or the printer 14 becomes aware of some inconvenience.

Therefore, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-65720, in a predetermined case, the print data is transferred from one print server to another print server to reduce the load required for processing on the transmitting terminal side. The proposal to However, in this case, it is necessary to change the function of each print server to communicate with other print servers, and to change the print data into a data format including commands suitable for the print server of the new destination.
Therefore, in particular, the more various print servers are connected to the communication cable, the more the functions required of each print server increase, and the cost increase and the complicated configuration make the system construction practical. There was a problem that it would be difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a print system that eliminates the risk of wasteful transmission of print data to a printer that has some trouble regarding the output of printed matter from a print data transmission source.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a print system which does not perform wasteful transmission of print data and does not perform control for that purpose in such a manner that the load is concentrated on some devices. .

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the invention, (a) a communication cable, (b) print data storage means for storing print data to be printed, and the print data storage means are stored. To one or more print data transmission sources connected to a communication cable, and (c) a print data transmission source. A print system including a print data requesting unit for requesting print data and a printing unit for printing out the print data when the print data is transferred from the print data transferring unit and one or a plurality of printer devices connected to a communication cable. Prepare for.

That is, according to the first aspect of the invention, the print data generated or obtained by the print data transmission source such as a workstation is stored in the print data storage means such as a magnetic disk, and the print data from the printer device side is stored. Keep the request waiting. The printer device requests print data from a desired print data transmission source via a communication cable, and performs printing when the print data is transferred by the print data transfer means. Since the printer device requests the print data only in a printable state, unlike the conventional one-way transfer of print data from the print data transmission source, wasteful transfer can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, (a) the communication cable and (b) the print data to be printed are stored for each storage area that is divided in advance according to the conditions required for the printing. One or a plurality of print data storing means and print data transferring means for designating a storage area of the print data storing means and transferring the print data to the request source when the transfer is requested are connected to the communication cable. A print data transmission source, (c) print data request means for requesting the transfer of print data by designating a desired storage area of the print data storage means to the print data transmission source, and storing the print data from the print data transfer means. And a printing means for printing out the print data of the area when the print data is transferred, and is connected to the communication cable. 1 or is provided with a plurality of printer in the printing system.

That is, according to the second aspect of the invention, the print data generated or acquired by the print data transmission source such as a workstation is stored in the print data storage means such as a magnetic disk, and the print data from the printer device side is stored. Keep the request waiting. At this time, in consideration of the function on the printer device side required to print the print data, or the distance condition between the printer device,
In order to be able to select the printer device in advance, the print data is stored in a corresponding one of the storage areas divided by the conditions required for printing in the print data storage means. The printer also requests the print data by designating this storage area for the print data transmission source. As a result, only the print data that matches the conditions required for printing is sent from the print data transmission source to the corresponding printer device and printing is performed, and wasteful transfer of print data can be prevented.

According to a third aspect of the invention, (a) a communication cable, (b) print data receiving means for receiving print data to be printed, and print data storage for temporarily storing the received print data. Means and a print data transfer means for transferring the print data stored in the print data storage means to the request source when there is a transfer request, and a print data storage device connected to the communication cable, and (c) One or a plurality of print data generation devices that are connected to a communication cable and that include print data generation means for generating print data and print data transmission means for transmitting the generated print data to the print data storage means of the print data storage device. And (d) request print data to the print data storage device. A print data requesting unit that, the print data from the print data transfer means is provided in the printing system 1 or a plurality of printing apparatus connected to the communication cable and a printing means for printing out this time which has been transferred.

That is, according to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to a print data generating device such as a workstation for generating print data and a printer device for printing out, the generated print data is temporarily stored and the printer is used. A print data storage device is connected to the communication cable to transfer the print data to the printer device in response to a request from the device. Therefore, a part of the function performed by the print data transmission source in the invention according to claim 1 or 2 is transferred to the print data storage device, and the load on the print data generation device side is reduced. .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, (a) a communication cable, (b) print data receiving means for receiving print data to be printed, and conditions required for printing the received print data. Print data storing means for temporarily storing each of the storage areas divided in advance according to the storage area, and whether transfer of the print data stored in each of the storage areas of the print data storing means is transfer source or source of the print data. The print data to be transferred to the request source only when the transfer of the print data is requested by designating the table described in association with the storage area of the print data storage means and only when the transfer is possible A print data storage device including a transfer means and connected to a communication cable; and (c) a print data storage device for generating print data. One or a plurality of print data generators connected to the communication cable, which are provided with data generation means and print data transmission means for transmitting the generated print data to the print data storage means of the print data storage device by designating its storage area. A device, (d) print data requesting means for requesting transfer of print data by designating a desired storage area of the print data storage means to the print data storage means, and printing of the storage area from the print data transfer means. The printing system is provided with one or a plurality of printer devices which are provided with a printing means for printing out data when it is transferred and which are connected to the communication cable.

That is, according to the invention of claim 4, in addition to a print data generating device such as a workstation for generating print data and a printer device for printing out, the generated print data is temporarily stored and the printer is used. A print data storage device is connected to the communication cable to transfer the print data to the printer device in response to a request from the device. In addition, the print data storage device stores the print data by storing the print data in each storage area divided in advance according to the conditions required for printing, and determines whether the print data stored in each storage area can be transferred or not. The table described in association with the transfer request source is prepared. When there is a request for print data from the printer device, the print data is requested not only on the condition that the print data exists in the storage area of the request destination, but also on the condition that the printer device has the access right to the storage area. It is supposed to be transferred to the original printer device. Therefore, even with confidential print data, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a third party arbitrarily prints out without imposing a special burden on the print data generating device side.

[0018]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples.

First embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.
It shows the main part of the input system. This pudding
System is a local area network such as Ethernet.
Print the data on the communication cable 21 that constitutes the work.
First to Nth workstations 2 as a transmission source of data
Two₁~ 22_NAnd receive print data and print
First to Mth printer devices 23₁~ 23_MContact each
It has a continuous structure. Here, the first to Mth printers
Device 23₁~ 23_MSends and receives print data
Print control unit 24₁~ 24_MAnd these print controls
Part 24₁~ 24 _MConnected to the corresponding
Output unit 25₁~ 25_MIt consists of

FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of the first workstation as a print data transmission source. The functional configurations of the _{second to Nth} workstations 22 _{2 to} 22 _N shown in FIG. 1 are also the same.
Therefore, the configuration of each part of the first workstation 22 ₁ will be specifically described, and the description of the second to Nth workstations 22 _{2 to} 22 _N will be omitted.

The first work station 22 ₁ has a print data generating section 31 for generating print data. The print data generated by the print data generation unit 31 is stored in the storage unit 33 as a storage medium via the storage control unit 32. The storage control unit 32 is connected to both the print request receiving unit 34 and the print data transfer unit 35. Print request reception unit 34
Are the first to Mth printer devices 23 ₁ to 2 2 shown in FIG.
So that the accepted print request from what has qualified for printing of 3 _M. When the print request is accepted, the storage control unit 32 determines whether or not there is print data to be printed out, and if it exists, it is sent to the print data transfer unit 35. The print data transfer unit 35 selects one printer device 23 that has made a print request, and then selects the communication cable 2
The print data is sent to the printer via the printer 1.

When the corresponding printer device 23 performs printing based on this, the output result is sent to the output result acquisition unit 36 of the first work station 22 ₁ . The output result acquisition unit 36 is configured to display this result on the screen display unit 37.

FIG. 3 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of the first workstation. The functional configurations of the _{second to} Nth workstations 22 _{2 to} 22 _N are also the same. Therefore, the configuration of each part of the first workstation 22 ₁ will be specifically described, and the description of the second to Nth workstations 22 _{2 to} 22 _N will be omitted.

The first work station 22 ₁ is provided with a CPU 41 which performs the central functions of various controls.
The CPU 41 is connected to each unit in the _first workstation 22 ₁ via a bus 42 such as a data bus. Here, the ROM 43 is composed of a read-only memory, and stores a program for starting up the device and predetermined fixed data. The disk control circuit 44 inputs / outputs data from / to the magnetic disk 45. The magnetic disk 45 stores a program for the _first workstation 22 ₁ to perform its intended function, document data created or input from another device, and the like. The work memory 46 is composed of a random access memory, and stores data temporarily required for various controls.

The input circuit 47 is a circuit for inputting data, and a keyboard 49 to which a mouse 48 as a pointing device is connected is connected to this. The display control circuit 51 is a circuit that controls the output of the data displayed on the CRT 52. The communication control circuit 53 uses the communication cable 2
1 is connected to output print data and input a print request and output result. Although the first workstation 22 ₁ shown in the figure uses the magnetic disk 45 as a storage medium, it may use a floppy disk or both, or may use an optical disk or other storage medium. Good.

FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the first printer device shown in FIG. The functional configurations of the _second to _Mth printer devices 23 ₁ to 23 _M are also the same. Therefore, the configuration of each unit of the first printer device 23 ₁ will be specifically described, and the description of the _second to _Mth printer devices 23 ₂ to 23 _M will be omitted.

The first printer device 23 ₁ has a print data acquisition unit 61 for acquiring print data from a predetermined work station 22. The print data acquisition unit 61 is connected to the storage location setting unit 62, the acquisition interval setting unit 63, and the acquisition order setting unit 64. Here, the storage location setting unit 62 determines the location where the print data to be acquired is stored in the first printer device 23.
It is for setting on the _1st side. This includes 1st to Nth
Of the workstations 22 _{1 to} 22 _N of ( ₁ ) to (2) can be set to a desired one (a plurality of settings can be made), and if one stored in a specific area is desired, that area is set. Two types of settings are included.

Regarding the latter, there are cases where the workstation 22 desires multi-color printing or requests a predetermined function as the function of the printer device 23 side so as to desire a large amount of monochrome printing. Therefore, in such a case, the workstation 22 manages the print data storage area, and the printer device 23 can be selected in accordance with these requests.

The acquisition interval setting part 63 is a part for setting the time interval at which the first printer device 23 ₁ fetches print data. The acquisition order setting unit 64 is a unit that sets the order when print data is to be obtained from a plurality of workstations 22. Considering from the workstation 22 side, when there are a plurality of printer devices 23 having the same function, if the printer device 23 that is close in distance outputs a printed matter, it is convenient to get it. . In this way, if only the distance is taken into consideration without considering other conditions, the printer device 23 sets the acquisition order from the _first to Nth workstations 22 _{1 to} 22 _N that are closer in distance. Will be done.

The print data acquisition unit 61 makes a request for acquisition of print data, and at the same time, the workstation 22
Print data sent from the storage unit 65 is received.
It is designed to be stored in. The print data output control unit 66 outputs the stored print data to the output unit 25.
Send to ₁ to print out. The output unit 25 ₁ is composed of, for example, a laser printer. The print data output control unit 66 monitors the output status of the output unit 25 ₁ and notifies the work station 22 of the transmission destination via the output result notification unit 67. The reception unit 68 receives various settings and the like.

FIG. 5 shows an essential part of the circuit configuration of the first printer device described with reference to FIG. 2nd to Mth
The printer devices 23 ₁ to 23 _{M have} the same circuit configuration. Therefore, the configuration of each unit of the first printer device 23 ₁ will be specifically described, and the description of the _second to _Mth printer devices 23 ₂ to 23 _M will be omitted.

The first printer device 23 ₁ has a CPU 71 that performs the central functions of various controls. CPU
Reference numeral 71 is connected to each unit in the first printer device 23 ₁ via a bus 72 such as a data bus. ROM7 here
A read-only memory 3 stores a program for starting the device and predetermined fixed data. The disk control circuit 74 inputs and outputs data to and from the magnetic disk 75.
On the magnetic disk 75, the first printer device 23 ₁
A program for performing the desired function and print data sent from the workstation 22 are stored. The work memory 76 is composed of a random access memory, and stores data temporarily required for various controls.

The input circuit 77 is a circuit for inputting data, and the keyboard 79 is connected thereto. The display control circuit 81 is a circuit that controls the output of data displayed on the liquid crystal display 82. The print control circuit 83 is a circuit that controls the printer mechanism 84 to output the printed matter. The communication control circuit 85 is connected to the communication cable 21, and is adapted to input print data and output a print request and output result.

Although the first printer device 23 ₁ shown in the figure uses the magnetic disk 75 as a storage medium, it may use a floppy disk or both, or it may use an optical disk or other storage medium. It may be. Further, the display control circuit 81 may display on another type of display such as a CRT. Further, the keyboard 79 may be connected to a mouse or other pointing device.

FIG. 6 shows a print system having the above configuration.
System, for example, the first workstation is the live
Process flow of storing the created print data in the device itself
It represents. In this embodiment, the second to Nth work
Custody 22₂~ 22 _NAlso the first work station
22₁The same control is performed.
First workstation 22₁Print data
When it is generated by the device (step S101; Y),
As a condition for printing out, is single color printing
(Step S102) and a print data consisting of a large number of pages.
Data is determined (step S103) and two points are determined.
The storage location of the print data is determined by.

That is, when monochromatic output, that is, output by one black color is performed (step S102; Y),
If it is mass printing (step S103; Y), the storage unit 33 (FIG. 2,
The print data is stored in the first area in FIG. 3) (step S104). In the case of monochromatic output and other print data (step S103; N), the second
This is stored in the storage area of (step S105). Further, print data that is printed out in two or more colors and corresponds to large-volume printing (step S106; Y) is stored in the third storage area (step S107), and other print data is stored in the fourth storage area. (Step S108).

Although the workstations 22 _{1 to} 22 _N are provided with four storage areas in the embodiment, it is possible to divide them into more storage areas.
For example, more areas are prepared by adding judgments as to whether or not printing with a special paper size is necessary, whether or not to reproduce photographs, whether or not high resolution is required, and whether or not double-sided printing is required, and print data can be selected selectively. Can be stored.

FIG. 7 shows the flow of print request acceptance processing of the first workstation. The first workstation 22 ₁ is the first to Mth printer devices 2
It waits for a print request from any of 3 ₁ to 23 _M (step S201). As a result of this,
For example, when a print request is sent from the first printer device 23 ₁ (Y), the storage area name is acquired (step S2).
02). In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the print data is divided and stored in the first to fourth storage areas, so that it is possible to know in which storage area the print request has come. is there.

When the requested storage area name is known, the first
The print data name stored in the storage area of the workstation 22 ₁ is read (step S203). As a result, when there is no print data in the corresponding storage area (step S204; N), the request is issued to the requesting printer device (the first printer device 23 _{1 in} this example). ) Is notified (step S205), it is confirmed that the reception process is completed (step S206; Y), and the process on the _first workstation 22 ₁ side is completed. That is, the first
The print data requested by the printer device 23 ₁ of
The first printing device 23 ₁ sends a similar print request to the work station 22 ₁ having the next acquisition order because it does not exist in the work station 22 ₁ . Also, the first
If the workstation 22 _{1 of No. 1} has the last acquisition order, the print request is again sent to the workstation 22 of the first acquisition order after the time set by the acquisition interval setting unit 63 of FIG.

The description will be continued by returning to step S204.
If the print data exists in the corresponding storage area (Y), the printer device requesting the print data to exist (the first printer device 2 in this example).
3 ₁ ) is notified (step S207). This is the first
This is for notifying that the printer device 23 ₁ does not have to shift to the next control for acquiring print data.
The first workstation 22 ₁ thereafter reads the print data from its storage area (step S
208) and transfers it to the first printer device 23 ₁ (step S209). When the transfer of the print data is completed (step S210; Y), a transfer completion notification is sent to the first printer device 23 ₁ (step S21).
1). After that, it is determined whether or not the reception process is completed (step S206). If not completed (N), the process returns to step S201 and the same process is performed.

Since one print data is read from the corresponding storage area in step S208, when a plurality of print data are stored in the storage area, the first print data is stored every time a print request is received. Print data is read out in sequence. However, it is possible to set priorities for the print data stored in the respective storage areas so that the order in which they are sent to the printer device 23 is flexible.

FIG. 8 shows the flow of control in which the first printer device issues a print request and receives print data. In this embodiment, the second to Mth printer devices 2
3 ₂ to 23 _M also perform the same control as that of the first printer device 23 _1, and a description of these controls will be omitted. The first printer device 23 ₁ monitors the progress of the printing process and the occurrence of a failure, and if new print data can be received (step S301;
Y), the number of print data to be acquired for printing and the order of acquisition are set (step S302). Then, the storage location described above is set for each of these print data (step S303).

For example, assuming that the first printer device 23 ₁ is a high-speed monochrome printer, the print data may be always accessed to the second storage area as described with reference to FIG. In some cases, one of the print data stored in the first storage area may be processed. In such cases,
The storage location is set to one of the three print data in the first storage area instead of the second storage area.

After this, the first printer device 23 ₁ checks whether or not the current number of print data received is "0" (step S304). If it is not "0", in order to send the print request, information about the workstation 22 of the sending destination is set (step S30).
5) Next, the storage location of the print data is set (step S306). Then, the print request is transmitted to the corresponding workstation 22 according to these setting contents (step S307). In response to this print request, the corresponding workstation 22 notifies the presence / absence of print data as described in FIG. 7 (steps S205, S205).
207). When this notification is received (step S30
8; Y), if it indicates the presence of print data (step S309; Y), the print data is received (step S310).

When print data reception is completed (step S311; Y), the number of print data for which a print request is issued is decremented by "1" (step S312). Then, if the end of the processing is not requested at this point (step S313; N), the process returns to step S304 again,
If the number of print data for which a print request is issued is not "0", the above-described control is repeated to issue the next print request (steps S305 to S313).

On the other hand, if print data does not exist in the storage area requested by the _first printer device 23 ₁ in step S309 (N), the workstation 2
It is determined whether or not 2 is the lowest in the acquisition order (step S314). If not the lowest (N),
Workstation 2 in the next acquisition order in step S305
2 is set. Then, the print request for acquiring the print data in the storage area is transmitted to the workstation 22 that is the setting destination. Step S314
If the acquisition order is the lowest (Y), step S
The process returns to step S304 via 312, and control for acquisition of other print data is performed.

FIG. 9 shows how the first work station is controlled after the print data is transferred to the corresponding printer device. When the first workstation 22 ₁ receives the output result from the corresponding printer device 23 (step S401; Y), it determines whether the output result is normal (step S402). If the output result is normal (Y), the CRT 52 It is displayed in (FIG. 3) that the printing is normally completed (step S403). At this time, which print data was output from which printer device 23 is also displayed.

When the output is not normally performed (step S402; N), this is displayed on the CRT 52 together with the abnormally ended printer device 23 (step S404). In the print system of this embodiment, the printer device 23 fetches print data. Therefore, since only the normal printer device 23 accesses the _first work station 22 ₁ at the stage before the printing, there is little possibility that the printing is abnormally terminated. When an abnormal end occurs, the operator knows this and at the first workstation 22 ₁ side, the same print data is stored again in a predetermined storage area to prepare for a print request from another printer device 23. become.

Second embodiment

FIG. 10 shows the purine according to the second embodiment.
It shows an outline of the configuration of the operating system. This program
The lint system is a local area network such as Ethernet.
On the communication cable 91 that composes the network
First to Nth workstations as data transmission sources
92₁~ 92_NTo receive print data and print
First to Mth printer devices 93 to perform₁~ 93_MAnd pre
The first to Lth print data that temporarily store the input data.
Data storage device 94₁~ 94_LWith each connected
Has become. Here, the first to Mth printer devices 23₁~
23_MIs a print control that sends and receives print data
Part 95₁~ 95_MAnd these print control units 95₁~ 9
5_MConnected to the corresponding one of the
Force section 96 ₁~ 96_MIt consists of

FIG. 11 shows the functional construction of the first workstation as the print data transmission source in the second embodiment. The functional configurations of the _{second to Nth} workstations 922 to 92N shown in FIG. 10 are also the same. Therefore, for the first work station 92 ₁ specifically illustrating the configuration of each part, description of the second to N workstation 92 ₂ to 92 _N is omitted. Further, the same reference numerals are given to the portions functionally the same as the respective portions shown in FIG. 2, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

The first workstation 92 ₁ is shown in FIG.
A storage device selection unit 101 is provided in addition to the units shown in FIG. The storage device selection unit 101 includes a print data generation unit 3
1 to 1st to Lth print data storage devices 94 ₁
It is arranged to instruct which of the .about.94 _L to be selected as the print data storage location. The print data transfer unit 102 transfers the print data to the selected print data storage device 94. The print request accepting unit 34 accepts print requests from the _first to _Mth printer devices 23 ₁ to 23 _M , as in the first embodiment. The output result acquisition unit 36 also receives the output result from the corresponding printer device 23. The first
The circuit configuration of the workstation 92 ₁ is the same configuration as FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted.

The first to the first embodiments shown in FIG.
Configuration of the printer 23 ₁ ~ 23 _M of the M is substantially the same as the printer device 93 ₁ to 93 _M of the first to M of the second embodiment. However, the print data acquisition unit 61 transfers the print data to the first to Nth workstations 92 ₁
˜92 _N , the print data is not directly acquired from ˜92 _N , but is acquired from the print data storage destination among the _first to Lth print data storage devices 94 _{1 to} 94 _L. Therefore,
The storage location setting unit 62 sets the first to Lth print data storage devices 94 _{1 to} 94 _L as storage targets.

Of course, the first to Mth printer devices 93
_1-93 in situations _M are arranged in a dispersed, in relation to the distance and the like of the first to work station 92 ₁ to 92 _N of the N, print data storage device of the first to L 9
When the range to be shared by 4 _{1 to} 94 _L is determined, the first to Lth print data storage devices 94 _{1 to} 94
Devices within a range determined as a share of _L are to be stored.

FIG. 12 shows the first embodiment of the second embodiment.
2 shows a functional configuration of the print data storage device of FIG. Second to Lth print data storage device 94 ₂
The functional configuration of ~ 94 _L is also the same. Therefore,
The configuration of each for the first print data storage device 94 ₁ specifically described, the description of the second to L print data storage unit 94 ₂ to 94 _L will be omitted. The first print data storage device 94 ₁ includes a print data input unit 111 for inputting the print data transferred from the print data transfer unit 102 shown in FIG. The transferred print data is stored in the storage unit 112. The print data print request is accepted by the print data accepting section 113, and the storage area request source identifying section 114 looks at the access right setting table 115 to determine whether the access to the print data is appropriate or not. When the access is proper, the corresponding print data is read from the storage unit 112 and sent from the print data receiving unit 113 to the requesting printer device 93 via the communication cable 91.

Such a first print data storage device 94 ₁ can be realized as a circuit configuration almost the same as that of the first work station 22 ₁ shown in FIG. 3, for example. However, it is needless to say that various modifications can be made such that a simple operation panel is prepared instead of the keyboard 49 and the mouse 48, and a liquid crystal display is arranged instead of the CRT 52.

FIG. 13 shows the flow of processing the data generated by the first work station in the second embodiment. Storage location information for storing it is added to the generated data. The first workstation 92 ₁ acquires this storage destination information (step S5).
01), it is determined whether or not it indicates the inside of the own device (step S502). When the device is the storage destination (Y), the address information indicating the storage destination and the data to be stored are passed to the storage control unit 32 (FIG. 11) (step S503). The storage control unit 32 stores this at the address of the storage unit 33 (step S504). Such data is data that is not yet to be output to the printer device 93, such as data being edited.

On the other hand, for any of the first to M-th printer devices 93 _{1 to} 93 _M , which are scheduled to output the printed matter, the storage destination information is other than that of the _first workstation 92 ₁ . (Step S502;
N). Therefore, in this case, the address designating any desired one of the print data storage device 94 and the information indicating the storage area of the print data storage device 94 of the designation destination are used as the address information in the storage control unit 32 (see FIG. 1
1) (step S505). Here, the storage areas of the designated print data storage device 94 refer to a plurality of storage areas prepared for selecting these according to the function of the printer device 93 as described in the first embodiment.

In the storage controller 32, this address information and the data to be transferred are transferred to the print data transfer unit 10.
2 and causes the print data storage device 94 of the transfer destination to transfer the print data (step S50).
6).

FIG. 14 shows a state of input / output control of print data in the printer data storage device. When data is input to the first print data storage device 94 ₁ (step S601; Y), it is determined whether or not it is print data (step S).
602). If it is print data (Y), it is received and stored in the area designated by the address information in the storage unit 112 (FIG. 12) (step S603).

If the print data is not received in step S602 (N), it is determined whether or not the print data is inquired (step S604). If the data is other than the inquiry about the presence or absence of print data (N), the work corresponding to the data is executed (step S605). Since this is not directly related to the present invention, its explanation is omitted.

When there is a print data inquiry (step S604; Y), the above-mentioned address information indicating the printer device 93 requesting the print data and the area to be accessed is received (step S60).
6). Then, the access right setting table 115 is searched and the printer device 9 which is the request source for the designated area is searched.
It is determined whether or not 3 has the access right (step S607). If it is determined that there is no access right (step S608; Y), the requesting printer device 93 is notified that there is no access right (step S609).

FIG. 15 shows an example of setting contents of the access right setting table. The access right setting table 115 includes the first to the first storage areas of the storage unit 112 shown in FIG.
Each of the nth areas and the first to Mth printer devices 93 _{1 to} 93
_The access right is set for each combination of _M. For example, regarding the first printer device 93 ₁ ,
There is no access right to the first and second areas of the storage unit 112. The second printer device 93 ₂ has the access right to these areas. Needless to say, the contents of these access rights can be changed by rewriting the access right setting table 115.

Returning to FIG. 14, the description will be continued. Step S
When it is determined in 608 that the printer device 93 has the access right (Y), it is checked whether print data exists in the corresponding area of the storage unit 112 (step S610). If it does not exist (N), a notification that the print data does not exist is sent to the requesting printer device 93 (step S611), and the process ends (END). If print data exists in the area (step S610; Y), the requesting printer device 93 is notified first (step S612), and then the print data is transferred to it. (Step S613).

In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the workstation is assumed to generate print data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all document processing devices connected to a communication cable by wire or wirelessly are used. Be the target. A typical example is a word processor or a personal computer as a print data transmission source or a print data generation device. Further, although the description has been made assuming that the printer device is an integrated type device connected to the communication cable, the present invention is also applied to the printer device separated into the print server and the printer as described in the related art. be able to. In this case, a plurality of printers can be connected to one print server. When the functions of the respective printers are different, a print request is made by designating the storage areas of the functions corresponding to these.

Further, in the second embodiment, the print data storage device has been described as being independent of the work station and the printer device, but this function can be shared by a part of the printer device and the work station side.
In this case, the device has a relatively large capacity memory (storage unit) and also temporarily stores print data generated on the other workstation side.

[0068]

As described above, the first to fourth aspects of the invention are described.
According to the invention described in the above, since the printer device requests the print data, the printer device is in a state in which the printout cannot be performed, or the printer which has the print data so that it takes a considerable time before new printing. A device such as a device that is not suitable for taking in new print data does not make a request for print data, so that waste associated with transfer of print data does not occur. Further, in order to prevent such waste, it is not necessary to check the status of each printer device one by one in advance of the transfer of print data, which has an advantage of simplifying management required for printing. Further, since the printer side requests the print data, even the printer newly connected to the communication cable can equally request the print data and execute the print processing, thus improving the efficiency of the entire print system. Can be realized.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the print data is stored in the corresponding one of the storage areas divided by the conditions required for printing in the print data storage means. Therefore, only the print data that matches the conditions required for printing is sent from the print data transmission source to the corresponding printer device and printing is performed, and it is possible to prevent wasteful transfer of print data due to inconsistent print functions. In addition to the above, it is possible to solve the problem that the print data is discharged from the printer device far from the print data transmission source. In addition, even if the printer device connected to the communication cable is newly installed or its function is changed, the print data transmission source does not recognize any of these details and simply stores the storage area according to the requested function. There is also an effect that it is possible to cause a desired printer device to output a printed matter simply by storing the print data in.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to a print data generating device such as a workstation for generating print data and a printer device for printing out, the generated print data is temporarily stored and the printer is used. The print data storage device for transferring the print data to the printer according to the request of the device is connected to the communication cable. As a result, the print data generation device can concentrate on the generation of print data, and the load can be greatly reduced. Further, since the print data storage device centrally manages the print data, not only the control is simplified when the print data is sent to a plurality of printer devices in a broadcast manner, but also the print data is not available for some reason. Even when the print data is retransmitted, the print data generating device is not burdened. Further, if a relatively large-capacity storage means is prepared in the print data storage device, there is an advantage that each print data generation device can sufficiently perform its function with a relatively small memory capacity.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the print data storage device prepares a plurality of storage areas, sorts the print data according to the conditions required for printing, and stores the print data in the storage areas, and stores them in the storage areas separately. It has been decided to prepare a table for determining whether or not the transfer of the selected print data is associated with the transfer request source of the print data. Therefore, the print data generating device side can select a printer device having a desired function and print it out without remembering the function of each printer device individually. That is, even when new printer devices are added to the communication cable one after another or when the printer devices are replaced, the printed matter can always be output to an appropriate printer device.

Moreover, since a table for determining whether or not the print data can be transferred is prepared, there is an effect that a third party cannot print out the printed matter with high confidentiality. . Furthermore, if a relatively large-capacity storage means is prepared in the print data storage device, each print data generation device has the advantage that it can sufficiently perform its function with a relatively small memory capacity.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a main part of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a first workstation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a circuit configuration of a first workstation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the first printer device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main part of a circuit configuration of the first printer device described in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in which the first workstation stores the print data generated by the first workstation in its own apparatus in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of print request acceptance processing of the first workstation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of control in which the first printer device issues a print request and receives print data in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control state of the first workstation after transferring print data in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a print system in a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a first workstation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a first print data storage device in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of data generated by the first workstation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a state of input / output control of print data in the printer data storage device in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting contents of an access right setting table in the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a system configuration diagram showing a conventional printing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

21, 91 ... Communication cable, 22 _{1 to} 22 _N , 92 ₁ to
92 _N ... 1st to Nth workstations, 23 ₁ to 2
3 _M , 93 _{1 to} 93 _M ... First to Mth printer devices, 2
4, 95 ... Print control unit, 25, 96 ... Output unit, 31
... print data generation unit, 32 ... storage control unit, 33, 6
5, 112 ... Storage unit, 34 ... Print request receiving unit, 35, 1
02 ... Print data transfer unit, 36 ... Output result acquisition unit,
37 ... Screen display section, 41, 71 ... CPU, 43, 73 ...
ROM, 45, 75 ... Magnetic disk, 46, 76 ... Working memory, 48 ... Mouse, 49, 79 ... Keyboard, 5
2 ... CRT, 53, 85 ... Communication control section, 61 ... Print data acquisition section, 62 ... Storage location setting section, 63 ... Acquisition interval setting section, 64 ... Acquisition order setting section, 66 ... Print data output control section, 67 ... output result notifying unit, 82 ... liquid crystal display, 84 ... printer mechanism, 94 ₁ to 94 _L ... print data storage device of the first to L, 101 ... storage device selection unit, 111 ... print data input unit, 113 ... print data Reception unit, 114 ... Request source identification unit for each storage area, 11
5 ... Access right setting table

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A communication cable, a print data storage means for storing print data to be printed, and a print for transferring the print data stored in the print data storage means to a request source when the transfer is requested. One or a plurality of print data transmission sources, which are provided with data transfer means and are connected to the communication cable; print data request means for requesting print data to the print data transmission sources; and print data from the print data transfer means. A printing system comprising: a printing unit that prints out the transferred data; and one or a plurality of printer devices connected to the communication cable. 2. A communication cable, print data storage means for storing print data to be printed in storage areas divided in advance in accordance with conditions required for printing, and storage of the print data storage means. Print data transfer means for transferring the print data to the request source when transfer of the print data is requested by designating an area, and one or a plurality of print data transmission sources connected to the communication cable; On the other hand, print data requesting means for designating a desired storage area of the print data storing means and requesting transfer of the print data, and printing the print data in the storage area when the print data is transferred from the print data transferring means. One or a plurality of printer devices provided with printing means for printing out and connected to the communication cable Printing system characterized by comprising a. 3. A communication cable, print data receiving means for receiving print data to be printed, print data storing means for temporarily storing the received print data, and print data storing means stored in the print data storing means. A print data transfer unit for transferring a print data transfer request to a request source when the transfer request is made; a print data storage device connected to the communication cable; and a print data generation unit for generating print data,
One or a plurality of print data generating devices connected to the communication cable, the print data transmitting device having print data transmitting means for transmitting the generated print data to the print data storing device of the print data storing device; A print data requesting unit for requesting data; and a printing unit for printing out print data when the print data is transferred from the print data transfer unit, and one or a plurality of printer devices connected to the communication cable. A printing system characterized by: 4. A communication cable, print data receiving means for receiving print data to be printed, and temporarily storing the received print data for each storage area preliminarily divided according to the conditions required for the printing. For storing the print data, a table in which the transfer availability of the print data stored in each of the storage areas of the print data storage means is associated with the transfer request source of the print data, and the print data storage When a transfer of print data is requested by designating a storage area of the means, a print data transfer means for searching this table and transferring this to the request source only when transfer is possible is provided and is connected to the communication cable. A print data storage device, print data generating means for generating print data,
One or a plurality of print data generating devices connected to the communication cable, comprising print data transmitting means for transmitting the generated print data to the print data storing means of the print data storing device by designating its storage area; Print data requesting means for requesting the transfer of print data by designating a desired storage area of the print data storage means to the data storage device, and print data in the storage area has been transferred from the print data transfer means. A printing system comprising: a printing unit that prints out the print data; and one or a plurality of printer devices connected to the communication cable.