JPH07325685A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform a printing processing in order of the printing requests for which early processings are required when the requests are centralized by setting the priority for every printing data. CONSTITUTION:Printing information showing the contents of printing resources and the priority of the printing is attached to printing data transmitted from a document processor. A printer 16A prepares a printing order control table within a volatile storage device 49 and fixes a printing order, and a printing order control part 44 controls the printing order and makes an interurption printing be performed if a top priority printing exists. At this time, information on printing resources, etc., which is being used at present is moved from the volatile storage device 49 to a nonvolatile storage device 46 and the information is preserved. An output tray information collection part 47 collects the information on trays and enables to classify printed matter at the time of the interruption printing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print system in which a page printer is connected to a transmission line such as a communication cable, and more particularly to a print system capable of preferentially processing predetermined print data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are various types of print systems for processing print data created by a document processing device such as a computer or a word processor. The simplest printing system that has existed conventionally has a form in which one printer such as a wire dot printer is connected to one document processing device. In the print system in which the document processing device and the printer are connected in a one-to-one manner as described above, an urgently needed document can be processed immediately after the end of printing currently being processed, and especially when there is a rush. It is also possible to stop the processing of the print data that is currently being printed and to process the urgent document.

A LAN of a relatively large scale is a LAN.
There is a print system in which a plurality of document processing apparatuses share a plurality of printers via a communication cable such as (local area network). In such a printing system, each document processing device or printer is provided with an ID (identification number), and print management is performed using this.

For example, in the print system disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 61-70237, the document processing apparatus can set the priority order at the time of printing for each printer ID. When the printer designated by the document processing apparatus is in an inoperable state, the file is transferred to the printer having the next priority, so that the printer having the priority can print.

The printing system disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 61-70237 is premised on a printer having a relatively slow printing speed or a printer having a relatively low cost, and allows the printing process to be performed without delay. Therefore, relatively many printers are arranged in the system. On the other hand, for example, in a print system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-157927, a high-performance printer with high speed is used. Since such a printer including a laser printer is relatively expensive, a plurality of document processing apparatuses are often connected to one printer by a communication cable.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a print system in which a relatively large number of document processing apparatuses share one printer. L such as Ethernet
First to fourth communication cables 11 _{1 to} 11 constituting the AN
₄ are connected by a router 12 and a line network 13, respectively. In this example, the first and third communication cables 1
Only the workstation 15 as a document processing device is connected to 1 ₁ and 11 ₃ , and a plurality of workstations 15 and one high-performance printer 16 are connected to the second communication cable 11 _2. There is. The fourth communication cable 11 ₄ is connected to a single general-purpose computer 17. This general-purpose computer 17 is a dedicated printer 1
8 is also owns, can also be further by being connected to the communication cable 11 ₄ is possible to communicate with other workstations 15, perform printing to the printer 16.

[0007]

In the printing system as shown in FIG. 20, since the printers 16 arranged for shared use can perform high-speed printing, the number of the document processing devices can be compared. Usually, only a small number is installed. Therefore, when a plurality of document processing devices intensively make print requests in time, even if the processing time of each print data is short, there is a high possibility that printing will conflict in time. Therefore, such a printing system is provided with a relatively large-capacity storage device for storing the print data sent thereto, while prioritizing the respective document processing devices and giving priority to them when print requests conflict with each other. Print data sent from a document processing device having a high rank is printed with the highest priority.

However, in such a conventional print system, the priority order is set in correspondence with the ID of the document processing apparatus. Therefore, even if the priority order can be changed, it can be changed for each document processing apparatus. I decided to do it. Therefore, when a document processing apparatus that normally creates only documents of low priority creates a document of high urgency, the priority of printing the document becomes low, and the printer of high priority If there are conflicting print requests, there is a problem that printing cannot be performed until the processing is completed.

Further, in the case where a plurality of print data conflict with each other, the print data having a high degree of urgency is put after the print data of another document processing apparatus having a high priority and is waiting for printing. Think In such a case, if another document processing apparatus having a higher priority than this document processing apparatus makes a print request before the processing of the print data having a high degree of urgency is started, this print processing is given priority. It will be. Therefore, even if the print data has a high degree of urgency, if the priority order of the printer that sends the print data is low, the print data may not be processed forever, and it may not be possible to immediately respond to an emergency situation. it was high.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of setting a priority for each print data and performing print processing in order from those requiring early processing when print requests are concentrated. To do.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent a print data having a low priority from being queued even if the print data is successively sent to one printer in an amount larger than the processable amount. It is to provide a printing system that can prevent the length from becoming extremely long.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a printing system which can surely take out the prints with the different print data from the tray even when another print is performed during the printing.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there are provided (a) a communication cable, and (b) priority information indicating priority according to urgency at the time of printing and various types of printing. A document processing device for sending print data with print information defining a state to this communication cable,
(C) The print data storage unit that stores the received print data, and the order in which the print data is printed according to the priority order of the print data that has not been subjected to the print processing stored in the print data storage unit. The highest priority print data is received while the print order setting means to be set and one of the print data stored in the print data storage means is being printed according to the print order set by the print order setting means. When the print information of the print data being printed is saved, the print information saving unit saves the print information by the print information saving unit, interrupts the printing, and prints the print data of the highest priority according to the print information. The highest priority print data printing means to be executed and the print information saved in the print information saving means at the time when printing of the highest priority print data is completed To and a resuming print resuming means for printing the interrupted out a printer apparatus having a printing system.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print system in which one or more document processing devices and a printer device are connected to a communication cable, and the document processing device has priority order information indicating a priority order at the time of printing. The print data is transferred to the printer device via the communication cable in a form in which the print information defining the various states relating to printing is added. In the printer device, the print data is sequentially stored in the print data storage means, while the print data that has not been printed is printed using the priority order information according to the order. Then, when the highest priority print data is received in the stage where the print processing of any print data is being performed, the print processing of the print data is interrupted without waiting for the end of the print processing currently being performed. .
At this time, the print information related to the print data currently being printed is temporarily saved in another location, and when the print processing of one page of print data is completed, the print processing of the highest priority print data is performed. Transition. Then, when the print processing of the print data of the highest priority is completed, the saved print information is taken out, and the print processing for the interrupted print data is started using this.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the data sent from the document processing apparatus is distinguished from the original print data and other data such as print information used at the time of printing, and the print information is printed. When the printing process of data is interrupted, it is temporarily saved in a storage unit such as a non-volatile memory to prepare for the start of the printing process after the interruption. Therefore, the process of the highest priority print data can be interrupted. it can. Conventionally, the printer device side has not performed the process of independently extracting the print information or storing the print information separately from the other, so that such an interrupt process is impossible.

According to the second aspect of the invention, (a) a communication cable, (b) waiting time information indicating an allowable waiting time until printing is performed, and printing information defining various states regarding printing are attached. The document processing apparatus for sending the printed data to the communication cable, (c) the print data storing means for storing the received print data, and the print data for which the print processing is not completed stored in the print data storing means Print data that exceeds the waiting time while waiting time check means for determining whether the waiting time exceeds the set range and one of the print data stored in the print data storage means is being printed Is detected, the print information saving means for saving the print information of the print data being printed, and the state in which the print information is saved by the print information saving means It is saved in the waiting time elapsed print data printing means that interrupts the printing and prints the print data whose waiting time has elapsed, and is saved in the print information saving means when the printing of the print data whose waiting time has elapsed is completed. A printing apparatus is provided with a printing apparatus having a printing resuming unit for retrieving print information and resuming interrupted printing.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in a print system in which one or more document processing devices and a printer device are connected to a communication cable, the document processing device represents an allowable waiting time until printing is performed. The print data is transferred to the printer device via the communication cable in a form in which the waiting time information and the print information defining various states regarding printing are added. The printer device determines whether the waiting time exceeds the set range for the print data stored in the print data storage unit that has not been subjected to the print processing while the print processing of any print data is being performed. When the print data that has passed this time appears, the print processing of the print data is interrupted without waiting for the end of the print processing currently being performed. At this time, the print information related to the print data currently undergoing print processing is temporarily saved to another location, and for example, when the print processing for one page of print data is completed, the printing within the allowable waiting time has elapsed. Move to data print processing. Then, when the print processing of this print data is completed, the saved print information is taken out and the print processing for the interrupted print data is started using this.

It should be noted that the term “waiting time allowable range has elapsed” does not only mean that the allowable time actually has elapsed, but also that the allowable time has elapsed by a predetermined time, that is, the allowable time may have elapsed. The case shall be included.

As described above, according to the second aspect of the invention, the data sent from the document processing apparatus is distinguished into the original print data and other data such as print information used at the time of printing, and the print information is printed. When the printing process of data is interrupted, it is temporarily saved in a storage means such as a non-volatile memory to prepare for the start of the printing process after the interruption, so the allowable waiting time until the printing process elapses. It is possible to interrupt the processing of the print data that has been processed. Traditionally,
Since the printing information is not extracted on the printer device side or stored separately from the others, such an interrupt process is impossible.

According to the third aspect of the invention, (a) a communication cable, (b) waiting time information indicating an allowable waiting time until printing is performed, and printing information defining various states regarding printing. The document processing apparatus for sending the printed data to the communication cable, (c) the print data storing means for storing the received print data, and the print data for which the print processing is not completed stored in the print data storing means Waiting time checking means for determining whether the waiting time exceeds the set range, and printing of the print data stored in the print data storage means for which print processing is not completed and for which the waiting time is not set Waiting time measuring means for measuring the waiting time until the job is performed and one of the print data stored in the print data storing means. When print data that exceeds the waiting time is detected while printing is being performed, or when the waiting time measuring means measures the waiting time of a specified time or more for the printing for which waiting time has not been set Print information saving means for saving the print information of, and print data for which a waiting time has elapsed and printing is interrupted while the print information is saved by the print information saving means, or print data for which a waiting time of a predetermined time or more is measured Waiting time elapsed print data printing means for executing the printing of the print data and the print data saved in the print information saving means at the time when printing of the print data for which the wait time has elapsed or the print data for which the wait time of a predetermined time or more is measured A printing apparatus is provided with a printer device having a print restarting means for retrieving information and restarting the interrupted printing. That.

That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in a print system in which one or more document processing devices and a printer device are connected to a communication cable, the document processing device represents an allowable waiting time until printing is performed. The print data is transferred to the printer device via the communication cable in a form in which the waiting time information and the print information defining various states regarding printing are added. However, in the invention described in claim 3, it is assumed that the allowable waiting time is not specified on the document processing device side. The printer device measures the waiting time until printing is performed for the print data stored in the print data storage unit and for which the print processing has not been completed and the waiting time is not set. Then, when print data exceeding the waiting time is detected while any of the printing data stored in the printing data storage means is being printed, or the waiting time measuring means has not set the waiting time. When the waiting time of a predetermined time or more is measured, the print processing of the print data is interrupted without waiting for the end of the print processing currently being performed. At this time, the print information related to the print data currently undergoing the print processing is temporarily saved to another location, and when the print processing of the print data for one page is completed, the print processing of the corresponding print data is performed. To do. Then, when the print processing of this print data is completed, the saved print information is taken out and the print processing for the interrupted print data is started using this.

It should be noted that the term "waiting time allowable range has elapsed" is not limited to the case where the allowable time actually has elapsed, but may also be the time when a predetermined time has elapsed after that, that is, the allowable time has elapsed. The case shall be included.

As described above, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the data sent from the document processing apparatus is distinguished into original print data and other data such as print information used at the time of printing, and the print information is printed. When the printing process of data is interrupted, it is temporarily saved in a storage means such as a non-volatile memory to prepare for the start of the printing process after the interruption, so the allowable waiting time until the printing process elapses. When the time until the processing of the specified print data or print data for which the waiting time is not specified becomes disproportionately long as a result of other print data being processed one after another, the processing of that print data may be interrupted. it can. Conventionally, the printer device side has not performed the process of independently extracting the print information or storing the print information separately from the other, so that such an interrupt process is impossible.

According to another aspect of the present invention, (a) a communication cable, (b) a document processing device for sending print data with print information defining various states regarding printing to the communication cable, and (c). A print data storage unit that stores the received print data, and a print order setting that sets the order in which the print data stored in the print data storage unit is not processed for printing according to a predetermined order. Means and print data for interrupting the processing of print data with high urgency in the state where any of the print data stored in the print data storage means is being printed according to the print order set by the print order setting means. The processing interrupt means, the print data obtained by processing the print data interrupted by the print data processing interrupt means, and the immediately preceding processing. The discharge form changing unit that changes the discharge form of the printed matter so that the obtained prints are discharged separately on the discharge tray, and the changed discharge form is notified to the document processing apparatus that has sent the print data of the corresponding printed matter. A printing apparatus including a notifying unit is provided in the printing system.

That is, according to the invention described in claim 4, there is provided a print system in which one or more document processing devices and a printer device are connected to a communication cable, wherein the document processing device adds print information defining various states regarding printing. The print data in a form to the printer device via the communication cable. The printer device prints the sent print data in a predetermined order. Even if the print data is being processed by this device, it is possible to interrupt the process of print data with high urgency. You can do it. In this case, if the discharge tray of the printed matter discharged immediately before that and the discharge tray of the printed matter by interruption are exactly the same including the way of discharging, the printed matter is mixed and it is inconvenient to take out.

Therefore, in the invention according to claim 4, the discharge mode of these printed matters is changed. As an example, it is possible to separate the discharge trays, to shift the discharge position of the printed matter when the discharge trays are the same, or to insert a sheet for partitioning. When the discharge form is changed in this way, it means that the discharge tray was changed to the discharge tray B when the printed material was picked up by thinking that the discharge tray was A, for example. Need to be notified. The notification needs to be given to both document processing devices depending on the mode of change of the discharge form, but in some cases only one document processing device is sufficient. In the case of discharging to the same discharge tray, it is often necessary to notify both the document processing devices 15 of the interrupted printed matter and the interrupted printed matter. For example, when sorting is performed and the fact is printed on the sorting sheet, the notification may not be necessary.

[0027]

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

FIG. 1 is a functional diagram showing the configuration of a document processing apparatus in a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system of this embodiment has the same basic system configuration as the conventional printing system shown in FIG. 20, and the document processing device and the printer device described below are provided with structural features. Therefore, in the following description of the present invention, the document processing device 15 in FIG. 20 will be replaced with the document processing device 15A, and the printer 16 will be replaced with the printer device 16A.

The document processing apparatus 15A has a main control section 21 which controls the entire apparatus. The main controller 21 is connected to the display controller 22, the input controller 23, the output controller 24, and the communication controller 25. Of these, the display control unit 22 controls the display of the display device 26 such as a CRT. The input control unit 23 inputs data from the keyboard 27 and the mouse 28 as a pointing device,
Data is read from the non-volatile storage device 29 such as a magnetic disk. The output control unit 24 is a nonvolatile storage device 29.
Control the writing of data to. The communication control unit 25
It communicates with the other document processing apparatus 15A of the present embodiment via the communication cable 11, or the printer apparatus 16A described next.
Print data can be sent to.

As will be described later in detail, the document processing apparatus 15A can set the priority order for each print data. The operator uses the keyboard 27
The mouse 28 is used to input the priority order. At this time, the highest priority is the document processing device 1
If 5A is the device of the supervisor of the print system, it can be freely set. If this document processing device 15A is a device other than the supervisor of the print system, the highest priority order can be set only when the approval is obtained through prior communication with the document processing device 15A _S of the supervisor. It is possible.

The operation contents for setting the priority order are displayed on the display device 26. The output control unit 24 generates a control record (print priority setting control record) for notifying the printer device 16A of the print priority information indicating the set priority, and outputs this before sending the print data. It is adapted to be transmitted from the communication control unit 25. Therefore, the communication control unit 25 performs the transfer processing of the print priority setting control record and the print data to the printer device 16A that causes printing, and notifies the operator of the print information sent from the printer device 16A. Then, processing for transferring this to the main control unit 21 is performed.

The main control section 21 is composed of a CPU (central processing unit) and a memory for storing data and programs, and the circuit configuration of the document processing apparatus 15A is the same as that of a general workstation or computer. Since it is not substantially different, its illustration is omitted.

FIG. 2 functionally shows the configuration of the printer apparatus used in this embodiment. The printer device 16 of this embodiment capable of printing at a relatively high speed
Similarly, A has a main control unit 31 for performing overall control in the apparatus and processing of passing information between respective units,
An input / output control unit 32 that controls various input / outputs, a display control unit 34 that controls display of the display device 33, and an input control unit 36 that inputs data from the touch panel 35 are connected thereto.

The input / output control unit 32 includes a communication cable 11
A communication control unit 37 that is connected to the printer and controls communication, and a hardware information collection unit 38 that collects information about the printing mechanism
And a data input processing unit 39 for processing data input,
A print information temporary saving unit 41 that temporarily saves print information or restores it to the original storage position, an output processing unit 42 that performs print data output processing, and a volatile storage that manages a volatile storage device. The device management unit 43 and the printing order management unit 44 that manages the printing order are connected. Here, the data input processing unit 39, the print information temporary saving unit 41, and the output processing unit 42 are connected to a nonvolatile storage device 46 represented by a magnetic disk. Nonvolatile storage device 4
Reference numeral 6 is used to store print data and to temporarily save print information such as a print format as information necessary for printing. In addition, the non-volatile storage device 46,
Programs for performing various controls of the printer device 16A are also stored.

In addition to the above, the output processing section 42 includes an output tray information collecting section 47 for collecting information on the output tray,
The imaging processing unit 48 for printing and the volatile storage device 49 are connected. The volatile storage device 49 is further connected to the volatile storage device management unit 43 and the print order management unit 44. The volatile storage device 49 represented by a random access memory (RAM) stores a print priority management table for managing the print priority, and
Print resource information specifying print resources, font information, image information, and print form information are stored.

FIG. 3 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of the printer device. The printer device 16A is a CP
Equipped with U51. The CPU 51 is connected to each unit in the device through a bus 52 such as a data bus. Of these, the ROM 52 is a read-only memory that stores programs used for starting the printer 16A and other fixed data. The disk controller 53 controls input / output of the magnetic disk 54. The magnetic disk 54 constitutes a main part of the nonvolatile memory device 46 shown in FIG. The work memory 55 is a random access memory that stores various data and programs temporarily required for various controls of the printer device 16A, and constitutes a main part of the volatile storage device 49 shown in FIG. To do. The display control unit 34, the input control unit 36, and the communication control unit 37 are as described above.

The print control device 57 is the printer device 16.
The printing mechanism 58 as a mechanical unit for printing A is controlled. The printing mechanism 58 uses a laser beam to print at high speed. Various sensors 59 are attached to the printing mechanism 58, and the detection outputs of these are input to the CPU 51 via a sensor input circuit 61 to collect hardware information. Further, a solenoid 62 for changing the sheet discharge position is attached to a discharge tray (not shown) of the printing mechanism 58, and the excitation control is performed by the tray drive circuit 63.

In the printer device 16A having the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the communication control unit 37 performs a process of receiving print data from each document processing device 15A (FIG. 1 or 20) connected to the communication cable 11. At the same time, the print information message is transferred to the document processing apparatus 15A that requested the output of the print data. The data input processing unit 39 stores the print data received from the document processing apparatus 15A in the nonvolatile storage device 46 on a file-by-file basis, and the print priority information set in the print data is stored in the volatile storage device 49. The request is sent to the print order management unit 44 in order to set it in the print priority order management table.

The output processing unit 42 monitors the print data to be subjected to the print processing via the print order management unit 44, and if the print data to be the target exists, the print attribute necessary for printing the print data. The information is set in the volatile storage device 49. After such preparation work is completed, the print data is read from the non-volatile storage device 46, and the imaging processing unit 48 is requested to print. In addition, the output processing unit 42 sequentially requests the print order management unit 44 for the highest priority print data search processing for searching the highest priority print data even during the processing of the print data. Then, when the highest priority print data different from the print data currently being processed is retrieved, the processing of the current print data is ended at the page break, and the processing of the highest priority print data is started.

On the other hand, the hardware information collecting section 38 is shown in FIG.
Information about the printing mechanism 58 such as a paper discharge tray is obtained by using the various sensors 59, and is passed to the output processing unit 42. The print order management unit 44 creates a print priority order management table in the volatile storage device 49 and updates the print priority order management table in order to manage the print priority order of the print data according to the instruction from the input / output control unit 32. In addition, the print priority order is changed according to an operator's instruction, or a search process of print data to be processed is performed in order to give priority to print with a high priority order. The operator's instruction is input from the touch panel 35.

The outline of the printing system has been described above. Next, the operation of each unit will be specifically described.

Flow of processing on the document processing device side

FIG. 4 shows the first half of the control contents of the document processing apparatus when the operator makes a print request. An operator can operate the keyboard 27 or the mouse 28 shown in FIG. 1 to request printing of predetermined print data. When this request is made (step S101; Y), the input control unit 23 shown in FIG. 1 checks whether or not the corresponding print data exists (step S102). When such print data does not exist (step S103; N), the main control unit 21 requests the display control unit 22 for error display processing (step S).
104). When receiving this request, the display control unit 22 displays an error message such as "No corresponding print data exists" on the display device 26 (step S105), and ends the control (END).

On the other hand, when the corresponding print data exists (step S103; Y), the input control section 23 requests the main control section 21 to set the print priority order (step S106). Based on this, the main controller 21 displays the display device 26.
Is displayed as a message (step S107). In the state where the message is displayed, the input control unit 23 waits for the operator to input the print priority information (step S108).

When the print priority information corresponding to the print data is input (Y), the main controller 21 outputs the output controller 2.
4 is requested to generate a print priority order control record, and transfer of the corresponding print data is requested (step S109). The output control unit 24 creates a print priority setting control record based on this (step S110).

FIG. 5 shows the structure of a print priority setting control record. The print priority setting control record 71 includes a print requester network address,
The print requester name information, print data file name, print priority information, and maximum waiting time information are included. Here, the print requester network address is an address in the network of the print data output source.
The print requester name information is the name of the creator or creator of print data. The print priority information is information indicating the priority order regarding printing, and is divided into four stages of low, medium, high, and highest in this embodiment. The highest priority can be determined by the network supervisor, as already explained. If the print priority is not set, it is classified as a non-setting state.

The maximum waiting time information is an allowable time from the sending of print data to the completion of printing, which can be set by the operator. For print data that does not need to be rushed in particular, by setting this for a long time, other print data can be preferentially processed. When the maximum waiting time information is not set, the waiting time of 10 minutes is automatically set in this embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing for a print request after step S110 in FIG. The main control unit 21 gives an instruction to send the completed print priority setting control record to the destination of the print data (step S111). Based on this, the communication control unit 2
5 transmits it to the corresponding printer device 16A (step S112). When the transmission of the print priority setting control record is completed, the main control unit 21 requests the output of print data (step S113). Upon receiving this request, the output control unit 24 reads the print data by a predetermined unit (step S114), sends it to the communication control unit 37, and sends it to the corresponding printer device 16A (step S1).
16). The print data sending process is repeated until the output control unit 24 finishes reading the print data (step S115). When the print data is no longer read (step S115; Y), all the processes for the print request are completed (END).

FIG. 7 shows the flow of the print status message display process on the document processing device side. Here, the print status message display processing is processing for displaying the print status of the printer device 16A based on print data. The communication control unit 25 shown in FIG. 1 performs print data output processing in accordance with an instruction from the output processing unit 24. With this processing, the corresponding printer device 16A sequentially performs message information record input processing. It is like this. When the message information record is input (step S2
01; Y), the communication control unit 25 analyzes whether this is a print message (step S202).

FIG. 8 shows the format of the message information record. Message information record 73
Is composed of a printer device network address, printer device name information, print data file name and print information. Here, the printer device network address is an address on the network of each printer device 16A, and the printer device name information is the name of each printer device 16A. The print data file name is the file name of the print data being processed, and the print information is the information necessary for printing, such as the content of changes related to printing. Examples of such items include output tray information when changing the output tray, offset printing information indicating whether to eject the paper by shifting the position within the same tray, and printing using a separator. There is separator information and the like for partitioning paper.

Returning to FIG. 7, the description will be continued. Message information record 73 sent from the printer device 16A
Indicates the print state (step S203;
Y), the main control unit 21 requests the display control unit 22 to display the message (step S204). The display control unit 22 performs a message information analysis process based on this (step S205). As a result, if it is the tray change message (step S206; Y),
Print priority message display processing indicating that printing has been interrupted due to priority print processing being performed on the display device 26 is performed (step S207). Then, a message regarding the output tray information indicating the output tray for the new print data is subsequently displayed (step S208). This is because even if the operator has specified a desired output tray, another output tray will be used to avoid confusion of printed materials when high-priority print processing is interrupted. , To notify the operator of the new discharge tray.

On the other hand, when the separator output message is sent (step S209; Y), the display control unit 22 indicates that the printing is interrupted because the display device 26 is preferentially printed. The displayed print interruption message display process is performed (step S210). And
It is displayed that a separator page made of colored paper or the like has been output to separate the new print data (step S211). This is for distinguishing the discharge of the printed matter having a high priority from the separator page and the normal discharge in the case where there is only one type of discharge tray.

Further, unlike the above, when an offset output message is sent (step S21)
2; Y), the display control unit 22 performs the print interruption message display processing indicating that the printing is interrupted because the print processing is preferentially performed on the display device 26 (step S).
213). Then, it is displayed that the position where the paper is accumulated is shifted from the new print data (step S2).
14). This is because, when there is only one type of discharge tray, the position where the sheets are accumulated is shifted by a predetermined distance by the excitation of the solenoid 63 shown in FIG. 3, and the high priority printed matter discharge and the normal discharge are performed. This is to distinguish

Process flow on the printer device side

FIG. 9 shows the first half of the processing flow of the main control unit when the printer apparatus performs the printing process.
Prior to the start of the printing process, the main control unit 31 of FIG. 2 instructs the volatile storage device management unit 43 to initialize the volatile storage device 49 (step S301). The volatile storage device management unit 43 initializes the volatile storage device 49 based on this (step S302). After the initialization of the volatile storage device 49 is completed, the main control unit 31 activates each control unit in the device (step S303). Specifically, the input / output control unit 3
2. The display control unit 34 and the input control unit 36 are activated.

After these control units are normally activated, the input control unit 36 shifts to a standby state for receiving an input of the waiting time by the operator (step S30).
4). The display control unit 34 also displays the menu screen information on the display device 33 (step S305).

FIG. 10 shows a menu screen displayed on the display device. The display device 16A displays, as an initial screen, options for three requests of "stop printer device", "display print information", and "change print information". After that, the input control unit 36 waits for the operator's input (step S306).
Then, when there is an input, the analysis is performed (step S30).
7). As a result, if the input is another input different from the request (step S308; N), the input is ignored, the process returns to step S306, and the state of waiting for the operator's input is held.

FIG. 11 shows the latter half of the processing flow of the main control section as the processing after step S308 in FIG. The handling when the operator selects any of the three requests on the menu screen shown in FIG. 10 is shown here. That is, when the operator's input is a stop request (step S309), the main control unit 31 performs stop processing of each control unit to stop the printer device 16A (step S310). As a result, the control of the printer device 16A ends (end).

On the other hand, when the display of the print information is requested (step S311; Y), the main control unit 31 reads the print priority management table in the volatile storage device 49 for reading. The request is received from the input control unit 36, and the input / output control unit 32 is requested (step S312). The input / output control unit 32 processes this request and sends it to the print order management unit 44 (step S31).
3) The print order management unit 44 reads the print priority management table (step S314). The input / output control unit 32 transfers the read print priority management table information to the main control unit 31 (step S315). The main controller 31 further transfers this information to the display controller 34 (step S316). As a result, the display control unit 3
Reference numeral 4 is a CRT (not shown) showing print priority management table information.
Alternatively, it is displayed on a display screen such as a liquid crystal display (step S317).

FIG. 12 shows how the information obtained from the print priority management table is displayed on the display device. The display device 33 displays information for each print file in a tabular format. To end this display, select the end button 81 on the touch panel 35 (FIG. 2), and if the table spans other pages, press the next button 82 to display the contents of the next page. You can see.

If the request input by the operator is a print information change request different from the above (step S318;
Y), processing for changing the order of printing is started. As a premise, it is necessary to confirm the current ranking. Therefore, in the next step S319, the current information is displayed on the display device 33 in the same manner as when the print information display request is made.
To display. In this state, the input / output control unit 32 waits for acceptance of change information (step S320). When the operator inputs the change information (Y), the input / output control unit 32
Notifies the main controller 31 of this, and the main controller 31 requests the input / output controller 32 to change the order of printing (step S321).

Based on this, the input / output control unit 32 requests the print order management unit 44 to change the relevant information in the print priority management table (step S322). The print order management unit 44 changes the print priority management table (step S323). Then, in order to confirm the changed table contents, the changed information is displayed on the display device 33 in the same manner as when the print information display request is made (step S324). To return this display state to the original display state of the menu screen, the end button 81 shown in FIG. 12 may be pressed. As a result, control is performed in step S3.
Returning to 06, the input control unit 36 is in a state of waiting for an input.

FIG. 13 shows the flow of the first half of the print data input process in the printer device. Here, the print data input process means that the print data is temporarily stored in a non-volatile storage device 46 such as a magnetic disk in order to print the print data sent from the document processing device 15A (FIG. 1) according to the print priority information. And a process of creating or updating a print priority management table in the volatile storage device 49 for managing the print priority of the print data stored in the non-volatile storage device 46. Say.

The input / output control unit 32, when activated by the main control unit 31, activates the print order management unit 44 (step S401). Then, the initialization processing of the print priority management table created in the volatile storage device 49 is requested, and the waiting time setting processing is performed (step S40).
2). The print order management unit 44 initializes the print priority management table based on the request for the initialization process (step S403). With this initialization processing, the print order management unit 44
When print data already exists in the non-volatile storage device 46, creates a print priority management table in which information of these print data is reflected. If print data does not exist in the nonvolatile storage device 46,
Clear the table information.

After the initialization process of the print priority management table is completed in this way, the input / output control unit 32 activates the output processing unit 42 to perform the print process of the print data (step S404). For this, refer to the data output process later. The input / output control unit 32 further performs a startup process for each unit (step S405). That is, the communication control unit 37, the data input processing unit 39, and the print information temporary saving unit 41 are activated to prepare for input of print data. After that, the communication control unit 37 is in a state of waiting for data reception (step S406). However, when the stop request is input from the main control unit 31 before the data is received (step S407; Y), the input / output control unit 32 performs the stop process of each control unit, and the main control unit 31 Is notified that the processing has stopped (step S408), and the data input processing is ended (END).

FIG. 14 shows the flow of processing when data is received in step S406 of FIG. When the communication control unit 37 receives the data, the main control unit 31 requests the data input for each record, and transfers the input data to the data input processing unit 39 (step S409). The data input processing unit 39 analyzes the data (step S410), and if it is print information as control data accompanying the print data (step S411; Y), temporarily stores it in the internal buffer. Yes (step S412). And
It returns to step S406 of FIG. 13 again and waits for reception of the next data.

In the conventional print system, the data sent from the document processing apparatus 15A is uniformly processed as print data, and the print information arranged at the head portion of the data is supplied to the supply tray (see FIG. 3) of the printing mechanism (see FIG. 3). (Not shown) and various other settings for printing are performed. Therefore, even if the print data currently being printed is temporarily saved and printing of the print data with a high priority is started, the print information is not stored in the predetermined area. It is impossible to set the supply tray as described above.

When it is determined in step S411 that the print information is not received, that is, when the print data is determined to be received (N), the data input processing unit 39 performs the print data input process (step S41). S413). Since the print data does not end with one record, until a record indicating the end of the data is detected (step S41
4) The process returns to step S406, and the reception of print data is repeated record by record.

When the reception of the print data is completed (step S414; Y), the input / output control unit 32 requests the update processing of the print priority order management table (step S415), and the print order management unit 44 which received this request. The print priority management table is updated (step S416). After this, the communication control unit 37 similarly waits for the reception of data until the main control unit 31 makes a stop request (step S406).

FIG. 15 shows the first half of the print data output process of the printer. Here, the print data output process is a process of reading out and printing out the print data stored in the non-volatile storage device 46 in accordance with the print priority management table created in the volatile storage device 49, and the highest priority. When print data is input, it means that the processing of the print data currently being printed is temporarily interrupted and the print data of the highest priority is processed.

It is activated by print data input processing (see FIG. 1).
The output processing unit 42, which has performed 3 steps S404), requests the print order management unit 44 to issue a print data confirmation request as to whether or not print data exists (step S501). The print order management unit 44 receives this request and searches the print priority management table (step S502). As a result,
If the print data does not exist (step S50)
3; N), the process returns to step S501 again, and the output processing unit 42 outputs the print data confirmation request at a predetermined timing.

When the presence of print data is confirmed by the search (step S503; Y), the print order management unit 44 obtains information on the print data to be processed (step S504). At this time, according to the priority order shown below, the print data files registered in the print priority order management table are searched, and the output processing unit 42 is informed of the information about the print data so that the print processing is performed in the order of higher priority. To notify.

Retrieval of file of highest priority print data: Whether or not there is a file of print data for which "print priority information" of the control record 71 for setting print priority order shown in FIG. It is a search.

Retrieval of print data files exceeding the maximum waiting time: Looking at the "maximum waiting time information" of the print priority setting control record 71 shown in FIG. 5, the print data files exceeding the maximum waiting time Is a search for the existence of. If both the highest priority print data and the print data exceeding the maximum waiting time exist, in the present embodiment, the output processing unit 42 is requested to output the print data so as to alternately print and output them. I am trying to do it.

Search for a file of print data for which "print priority information" is not set: If the print priority information is not set, it is not incorporated in the priority order, so if other print data exists. The printing order doesn't come up even after what time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, such a print data file is also searched, and a file that has passed a certain time or more is treated as pseudo top priority print data on condition that there is no other top priority print data. I have decided.

The output processing unit 42 is required to select print data to be processed based on the print data information retrieved by the print order management unit 44, and to print the print data from the non-volatile storage device 46. The printing resource information such as various fonts is acquired (step S505). The input / output control unit 32 requests the volatile storage device management unit 43 to store this print resource information in the volatile storage device 49 (step S506), and the volatile storage device management unit 43 executes this ( Step S507).

When the preparation of the printing resources is completed in this way, the printing process by reading the printing data is started. First, the output processing unit 42 reads out the print data and checks it (step S508). If this is not a control code indicating the end of processing of one print file (step S509; Y), it is shown in FIG. The process is started. That is, the output processing unit 42 reads the print data for one page, and the imaging processing unit 4
8 is requested to perform this print processing (step S510). The imaging processing unit 48 uses the printing resources stored in the volatile storage device 49 to perform the printing process for this one page (step S511).

Thereafter, the print order management unit 44 searches for the highest priority data in order to check whether or not the highest priority data is present subsequently (step S512). If the highest priority data does not exist (step S513; N), the process returns to step S508 in FIG. 15 to read the print data and check it. In this way, the printing process of the print data currently being printed is continued unless the print data of the highest priority appears. Then, when the end of the file is detected (step S509;
Y), it is checked whether or not a print processing stop request is received (step S514). If there is no stop request (step S515; N), the process returns to step S501 to start processing for the next print. To be done. If there is a stop request (step S515; Y), the output processing unit 42 performs print stop processing (step S516),
The printing process described above is ended (END).

If it is determined in step S513 in FIG. 16 that the highest priority data exists when the printing process for one page is completed (Y), whether to immediately switch to the highest priority print data process is determined. To determine
The output processing unit 42 checks the print state (step S517). Then, in the double-sided printing mode (step S5
18; Y), and if the front side data as the first side is being printed (step S519; Y), other printing cannot be performed unless the back side data as the second side is printed.

Therefore, in this case, the output processing unit 42
The print data for one page on the back side is read, and the printing is requested of the imaging processing unit 48 (step S520). Based on this, the imaging processing unit 48 prints the back side data on the paper on which the front side data is printed (step S521). And
Thereafter, the output processing unit 42 processes the print data with the highest priority (step S522). When the processing of the highest priority print data is completed, the process returns to step S508 in FIG. If it is not in the double-sided printing mode (step S518; N) or if the processing for one page on the back side has been completed even in the double-sided printing mode (step S519; N), the process immediately proceeds to step S522 and the highest priority printing The data will be processed.

FIG. 17 shows a modification of the process for the highest priority print data described with reference to FIG. 1
When it is determined that the highest priority print data exists at the time when the printing of the page is completed, it is checked whether or not the highest priority print data is data for double-sided printing (step S601). As a result, if it is determined that the data is for double-sided printing (Y), printing is continued until double-sided printing is performed as described above (step S602).
Double-sided printing is executed for the highest priority print data (step S603). Then, the original printing state is restored (step S604).

On the other hand, when the highest priority print data is the data for single-sided printing (step S601;
N) Regardless of whether the currently printed print data is in the double-sided print mode, the mode is immediately changed to the mode in which the print data with the highest priority is printed. Then, the print processing of the print data having the highest priority is performed on one side of the new paper (step S60).
5). This means that even if the print data that was printed before that was related to double-sided printing and only the first side was printed, such printed paper is ready for printing on the second side. This is because it is usually stored in a special tray, so even if the printing of the print data of the highest priority is started, it can be distinguished from this. Step S60
When the processing of step 5 is completed, in this case as well, the process proceeds to step S604 to return to the original printing operation.

FIG. 18 shows a process of saving print information such as print resources when the process of the print data currently printed by the print system of this embodiment is interrupted and the process of the print data of the highest priority is performed. It shows a flow of an acquisition process of information about the printing mechanism thereafter. First,
The input / output control unit 32 requests the volatile storage device management unit 43 for print information regarding the print data currently being processed (hereinafter referred to as the previous print data) (step S70).
1). The volatile storage device management unit 43 acquires it from the volatile storage device 49 (step S702). The input / output control unit 32 requests this temporary saving (step S70
3), the print information temporary saving unit 41 performs a process of saving the print information in the nonvolatile storage device 46 (step S70).
4).

Thereafter, the input / output control unit 32 requests acquisition of information regarding the discharge tray of the printing mechanism 58 shown in FIG. 3 (step S705). Hardware information collection unit 38
Collects hardware information such as the number and type of output trays using the output tray information collection unit 47 (step S7).
06). This is because the printout by the previous print data is interrupted and the highest priority print data is processed.
This is so that the operator can definitely take out these two types of paper from the discharge tray.

That is, if the discharge tray used for processing the preceding print data and the discharge tray used for processing the highest priority print data can be set separately (step S).
707; Y), and the output processing unit 42 performs a tray information changing process (step S708). That is, if the discharge tray designated for the highest priority print data happens to be the same as the discharge tray used for processing the first print data, the discharge tray for the highest priority print data is changed. Change one to another. The output processing unit 42 requests the transmission of the tray information change message in order to notify the destination of the print data of the highest priority about the changed contents (step S).
709). The communication control unit 37 transmits this tray information change message to the destination of the print data having the highest priority (step S710).

On the other hand, when it is impossible to change the discharge tray as described above, it is determined whether or not an offset can be used as a method for shifting the discharge position of the paper (step S711). If this is possible (Y), the output processing unit 42 performs offset print setting processing as processing for shifting the paper discharge position (step S712). Specifically, as described above, the tray drive circuit 6 shown in FIG.
3 will be controlled. After performing the offset print setting process, the output processing unit 42 requests the transmission of the offset information change message in order to notify the destination of all the print data for discharging the paper to the discharge tray of this changed content (step S713). The communication control unit 37 sends this offset information change message to the destination of the corresponding print data (step S714).

It may be mechanically impossible to set the discharge tray as a valve or perform offset printing at the stage where the printing mechanism 58 side shown in FIG. 3 processes the print data of the highest priority. In such a case (step S711;
N) A separator / page print setting process is performed to sort the printed matter according to the preceding print data process and the subsequent highest priority print data process (step S71).
5). This is a process of inserting a separator page for sorting these prints. Specifically, if there is a supply tray that stores colored paper, the colored paper may be sent out from this as a separator page. If such a supply tray does not exist, after printing out the previous print data,
Before the printout of the next highest priority print data is performed, a separator page on which a pattern that is easily distinguishable from other patterns is printed may be discharged to the same discharge tray.

In the present embodiment, the latter case of ejecting the separator page is shown, and the imaging processing section 48 carries out the printing process of the separator page and ejects it to the ejection tray (step S716). After that, the output processing unit 42 requests the transmission of the separator information change message in order to notify the destination of all the print data that discharges the paper to the discharge tray that the separator page has been discharged (step S717). The communication control unit 37 sends this separator information change message to the destination of the corresponding print data (step S714).

FIG. 19 shows the flow of the print processing after the tray side preparation for processing the print data of the highest priority is completed. When the discharge tray is changed, the offset process is performed, or the separator page is discharged, the output processing unit 42 reads the print data of the highest priority for one page (step S719). The imaging processing unit 48 prints the data for one page (step S720). The output processing unit 42 checks whether or not the print data with the highest priority is completed (step S721), and if it is not completed (step S722;
N) Then, the process returns to the station 720 again to process the next one page. In this way, the print processing up to the final page is performed for the highest priority print data.

When the end of the processing of the highest priority print data is determined in this way (step S722; Y), the input / output control unit 32 requests the restoration of the print information in order to restart the printing of the previous print data. Yes (step S723). The print information temporary saving unit 41 stores the print information for the previous print data stored in the nonvolatile storage device 46 in the volatile storage device 49.
The print information restoration process is performed by moving to (step S7).
24). After that, in order to start the processing of the previous print data which has been interrupted, the hardware information reset processing is performed (step S725). For example, if the output tray has been switched to process the print data with the highest priority, this is restored. If the offset process has been performed, the paper discharge position is returned to the original position. When the separator page has been discharged, only one more separator page is discharged in the state where the processing of the print data of the highest priority has been completed, and the printed matter based on the previous print data is discharged on this. It will be.

[0091]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the document processing apparatus adds the priority information indicating the priority to the print data and sends it to the printer. Therefore, the printing process according to the priority order becomes possible. Also, when the highest priority print data is received, the print order of the print data currently being processed is interrupted so that the print process is performed instead of simply advancing the print order. Even if the amount of data is enormous, the printed matter can be immediately obtained. Further, since the print information of the interrupted print data is temporarily saved, it is possible to start the interrupted print data process without trouble when the print process of the highest priority print data is completed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the document processing device side adds the waiting time information indicating the allowable waiting time until the printing is performed to the print data and sends it to the printer device. . Therefore, it becomes possible to preferentially process the print data that has passed or may pass the waiting time. Also, when the waiting time has passed, the print order of the currently processed print data is interrupted and the printing is performed instead of simply advancing the print order. Even if the amount is enormous, the printed matter can be immediately obtained. Further, since the print information of the interrupted print data is temporarily saved, when the print processing of the print data for which the waiting time has elapsed is completed, the interrupted print data processing can be started without any trouble. .

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, the document processing apparatus adds the waiting time information indicating the allowable waiting time until the printing is performed to the print data and sends it to the printer apparatus. Therefore, it becomes possible to preferentially process the print data that has passed or may pass the waiting time. Also, because the waiting time measuring means for measuring the waiting time until printing is performed for those for which the waiting time is not set is provided, print data that does not have the waiting time set Also, if the waiting time seems to be long,
This can be processed preferentially or interrupted by the print processing of other print data. When such an interruption is performed, there is an effect that a printed matter can be immediately obtained even if the amount of print data currently being processed is huge. Further, since the print information of the interrupted print data is temporarily saved, when the print processing of the print data for which the waiting time has elapsed is completed, the interrupted print data processing can be started without any trouble. .

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in the case where printing interruption is performed on the printer side,
Made it possible to change the output form of printed materials. Therefore, the printed matters do not mix with each other, and it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of accidentally taking out the printed matters of another person. Further, when the discharge form of the printed matter is changed in this way, it is decided to notify the relevant document processing device, so that the printed matter can be taken out without fail, and the printed matter is interrupted. The facts can be known, and there is no inconvenience of mistakenly assuming that the processing of the printed matter is completely completed before the end of the interruption, and ending the takeout of the printed matter.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of a document processing apparatus in a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of a printer device used in this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a circuit configuration of the printer device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the first half of the control contents of the document processing apparatus when there is a print request from an operator in this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a print priority setting control record according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for a print request after step S110 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of print status message display processing on the document processing apparatus side in this embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a message information record according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the first half of the processing flow of the main control unit when the printer device performs a printing process.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a menu screen displayed on the display device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the processing flow of the main control unit as the processing after step S308 in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing how the information obtained from the print priority management table in this embodiment is displayed on the display device.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the first half of the print data input processing of the printer device in this embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when data is received in step S406 of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the first half of the print data output process of the printer device and the process after printing is completed in this embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process when the print data output process is not completed in step S509 of the print data output process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process for the highest-priority print data described in FIG.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flow of a print information saving process and a print mechanism information acquiring process when the process of the print data currently being printed is interrupted and the process of the highest priority print data is performed in the present embodiment. It is a flow chart.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of print processing after the tray preparation for the processing of print data with the highest priority has been completed as a continuation of the processing of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a print system in which a relatively large number of document processing apparatuses share one printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Communication cable, 15A ... Document processing device, 16A ...
Printer device, 21, 31 ... Main control unit, 22, 34 ... Display control unit, 23, 36 ... Input control unit, 24, 42 ... Output control unit, 25, 37 ... Communication control unit, 26, 33 ... Display device, 27 ... Keyboard, 28 ... Mouse, 29, 46 ... Non-volatile storage device, 32 ... Input / output control section, 35 ... Touch panel, 38 ... Hardware information collecting section, 39 ... Data input processing section, 41 ... Print information temporary saving section , 43 ... Volatile storage device management unit, 44 ... Printing order management unit, 47 ... Output tray information collection unit, 48 ... Imaging processing unit, 49 ... Volatile storage device, 51 ... CPU, 54 ... Magnetic disk, 55
... working memory, 58 ... printing mechanism, 59 ... sensor, 62
... Solenoid, 71 ... Control record for setting print priority, 73 ... Record for message information

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A communication cable, and print data attached with priority information indicating priority according to urgency when printing is performed and print information defining various states regarding printing are sent to the communication cable. And a print data storage unit that stores the received print data,
The print order setting means sets the order of print processing of the print data stored in the print data storage means according to the priority order of the print data that has not been subjected to the print processing, and the print order setting means sets the order. When the print data with the highest priority is received while any of the print data stored in the print data storage means is being printed according to the print order, the print information save for saving the print information of the print data being printed Means, a highest priority print data printing means for interrupting the printing in a state where the printing information is saved by the printing information saving means, and executing printing of the highest priority printing data according to the printing information; And a print resuming means for resuming the interrupted printing by taking out the print information saved in the print information saving means when the printing is completed. Printing system characterized by comprising a printer device. 2. A document processing for sending to a communication cable, print data with waiting time information indicating an allowable waiting time until printing and print information defining various states regarding printing are sent to the communication cable. A device and print data storage means for storing the received print data,
The print data storage means stores the print data stored in the print data storage means, and the wait time check means for determining whether the wait time exceeds the set range. A print information saving unit for saving the print information of the print data being printed when the print data exceeding the waiting time is detected while printing any print data, and the print information saving unit Waiting time elapsed print data printing means for interrupting the printing in a state where the waiting time is saved and printing the print data for which the waiting time has elapsed, and saving the printing information at the time when the printing of the print data for which the waiting time has elapsed is completed And a printer device having a print resuming means for resuming the interrupted printing by taking out the print information saved in the means. Print system and butterflies. 3. A document processing for sending to a communication cable, print data with waiting time information indicating an allowable waiting time until printing and print information defining various states concerning printing are sent to the communication cable. A device and print data storage means for storing the received print data,
The waiting time checking means for judging whether or not the waiting time exceeds the set range for the print data stored in the printing data storage means and for which the printing process is not completed; The print data is not stored in the print data storage unit and a wait time measuring unit that measures a wait time until printing is performed for print data for which print processing has not been completed. When print data exceeding the waiting time is detected while any of the printing data is being printed, or the waiting time measuring means measures the waiting time of a predetermined time or more for the case where the waiting time is not set. The print information saving means for saving the print information of the print data being printed and the print information saving means. Waiting time elapsed print data printing means for executing printing of print data whose waiting time has elapsed and printing data for which a waiting time has been measured for a predetermined time or more, and the waiting time has elapsed A printer having a print resuming means for retrieving the interrupted printing by taking out the print information saved in the print information saving means at the time when the printing of the print data or the print data for which the waiting time of a predetermined time or more is measured is completed A printing system comprising: a device. 4. A communication cable, a document processing device for sending print data with print information defining various states regarding printing to the communication cable, and print data storage means for storing the received print data.
Print order setting means for setting the order in which the print data stored in the print data storage means is not subjected to the print processing according to a predetermined order, and the print order set by the print order setting means. And a print data processing interrupting means for interrupting the processing of print data having a high degree of urgency while any of the print data stored in the print data storing means is being printed, and the print data processing interrupting means. And a print form obtained by processing the print data interrupted by the print form and a print product obtained by the process immediately before the print data are discharged separately on the discharge tray. A printer device having a notifying unit for notifying the document processing device that has sent the print data of the printed matter of the discharge form. Printing system, characterized in that.